Our Mission
A diverse community where students pursue lives of purpose, flourishing emotionally, physically, and intellectually.
Our Vision
STS inspires compassionate, curious, and creative global citizens who lead with courage.
Our Values
Curiosity - as the first step in deep learning and innovative thinking. Creativity - as an authentic and entrepreneurial expression of self in relation to problem-solving.
Respect - for ourselves, others, and the earth as a fundamental commitment to how we live our lives.
Kindness - as the well-spring for our shared sense of belonging. Pluralism - so we are open to, respect, and engage with diversity of thoughts, feelings, and people.
Humility - in order to open ourselves to life-long learning and grow as human beings. Integrity - living every day with honesty and strong moral principles.
Joy - as an inner feeling that celebrates personal success, well-being, and beautiful moments.
Excellence - as the outcome of giving our best every day. Resiliency - through the hard work of learning to endure challenges and become stronger.
OVERVIEW
Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School (STS) has been authorized by Alberta Education to offer a number of summer school courses, outlined below, during the month of July.
COURSE OFFERINGS
Course Instructor
CALM (3 Credits)
CALM (3 Credits)
Math 20-1 (5 Credits)
Physics 20 (5 Credits)
Social 30-1 (5 Credits)
Indigenous Studies 30 (5 Credits)
Tara Law
Lawrence Thenu
Mark Salmon
Cathy Kalynchuk
Grant Hoe
Kristi Kraychy
Instructor email
LawT@sts.ab.ca
ThenuL@sts.ab.ca
SalmonM@sts.ab.ca
KalyncC@sts.ab.ca
HoeG@sts.ab.ca
KraychyK@sts.ab.ca
Students can sign up for one of these courses and expect to spend 125 hours (with teacher and self-directed learning) for 5-credit courses and 75 hours for the 3-credit CALM course (with teacher and self-directed learning).
If registering for the Grade 12 Diploma course, students must confirm their intent to write this exam by July 3. The weighting of diploma exams is 30%.
All classes, except for Indigenous Studies 30, will run for three hours per day and will take place in the morning (9:00 am to 12:00 noon) with an additional three mandatory hours of self-directed learning by the student. Please see the hours of instruction for each course and delivery format in the descriptors later in this handbook. These courses will be open to any senior high students in Alberta and will be taught by highly qualified certified teachers who are experienced in the particular course offering.
The course(s) will be delivered in-class, and instruction will be held on the STS campus except for CALM and Indigenous Studies 30, which are offered through remote learning. Parents are responsible for transporting their child(ren) to and from STS daily and for assuming all risks. Students must check in with their instructor by 8:55 am. All coursework can be completed online, and inperson lessons are meant to add value through learning experiences like interviews, discussions, labs, simulations, etc Due to the accelerated nature of the summer courses, it is imperative the student attend and complete the required tasks every day.
Students are expected to provide their own laptop as there will be no IT support for any devices. Class size will vary depending on the delivery model permitted by Alberta Education.
Please note that if your child is not a resident of Canada, you must provide us with proof of citizenship and pay the additional fees before your child will be allowed to participate.
FEES
The fee for a 5-credit course offering is $595.00 and the fee for the 3-credit CALM offering is $395.00.
REGISTRATION
Registration for all summer school course offerings will close on June 22, 2026. If you would like to be placed on a waitlist after this date, please email Mr. Bennett at (camps@sts.ab.ca).
Immediately after you have registered (submitted your consent) and paid, you will receive an email from STS confirming receipt. Attached to the email is a PDF that contains all the applicable information you are reading now. If you do not receive email confirmation, please check your junk mail and spam folders. 3
The emergency contact person for our Summer School is Mr. Bennett, Summer School Principal, who can be reached by calling 403-604-1809. He will then get in touch with the course instructor or your child. The reasonably foreseeable risks associated with Summer School include but are not limited to a transportation accident.
Please complete the Summer School Medical Form included in the CampBrain registration. Doing so will ensure that instructors always have the most current information during summer school.
To change or cancel your existing registration, please contact Mr. Bennett at 403-604-1809 or camps@sts.ab.ca. Our refund and cancellation policy helps us accommodate your needs while giving us sufficient time to fill open spots. There will be a non-refundable fee of $100 for all cancellations and no refunds 10 (or less) business days before the first day of Summer School.
IMPORTANT SUMMER SCHOOL DATES
Early June: email communication update sent out
June 22: Last day of registration and withdrawal from course
June 30: Textbook pick up (if necessary) and IT set up
July 2: First official day of Summer School
July 3: Diploma Exam Registration Deadline
July 17: Online CALM course ends
July 31: All 5-credit courses end and textbook return
August 4: Final course-based grades posted
August 5: Diploma and non-Diploma School mark submitted to Alberta Education
August 5: Social 30-1 Part A: 9:00 am to 12:00 noon (location STS)
August 10: Social 30-1 Part B: 9:00 am to 11:30 am (location STS)
Emergency Response Plan
In the event of an emergency at summer school, appropriate Hour Zero protocols such as lockdown, hold and secure, or evacuation may be implemented.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
CALM (3 CREDITS) | ONLINE
Career and Life Management (CALM) aims to enable high school students to make wellinformed, considered decisions and choices in all aspects of their lives and to develop behaviours and attitudes that contribute to the well-being and respect of self and others, now and in the future. CALM is the core course for health literacy at the senior high school level in Alberta. There is no prerequisite for this course.
This course will begin on Thursday, July 2 and the final day of the course is Friday, July 17. The course is being offered from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each day. Content delivery with Zoom lessons and teacher availability will be online, including PowerPoint/videos. Students will be expected to meet all course requirements as outlined by the instructor. There is no textbook assigned for this course. Students entering Grade 10 can also take this course.
Instructor: Ms. Tara Law
A high school teacher by trade, Ms. Law currently works with students whose surnames begin with A to L as one of STS’s two post-secondary guidance counsellors. Prior to joining STS in 2023, Ms. Law attained her Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education with Distinction from the University of Alberta and her Master of Education in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of Calgary. She has worked in private schools for over seventeen years as an educator, leader, coach, and program director. Ms. Law loves learning more about each one of her students and advisees and looks forward to her online CALM class in July. Contact: LawT@sts.ab.ca.
Instructor: Lawrence Thenu
Mr. Thenu has been a teacher and therapist for over twenty years. At STS, he has taught Science and Health and is one of the counsellors for MYP and DP. Through his personal and professional experiences, Mr. Thenu brings a unique perspective to CALM and is excited to bring that to the STS CALM course. Fun fact, Mr. Thenu took the pilot CALM course when it was first introduced to the Alberta Learning curriculum Contact: ThenuL@sts.ab.ca
MATH 20-1 (5 CREDITS)
This course sequence is designed to provide students with mathematical understanding and critical- thinking skills. Topics include algebra and number, trigonometry, relations and functions. The prerequisite for this course is Math 10C and we strongly recommend they have achieved over 75% in order to take this accelerated course.
Math 20-1 will begin on Thursday, July 2 and the final day of the course is Friday, July 31. The course hours are from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each day. Students will be expected to meet all course requirements as outlined by the instructor. Content delivery will be in-person. Students will use the Pre-Calculus (McGraw-Hill Ryerson) textbook as well as the iWrite Math Pre-Calculus Mathematics 11 Workbook.
Instructor: Mr. Mark Salmon
Mr. Salmon currently works with West Island College (WIC) in their Math department with 20 years of teaching experience in both the public and private school setting. Mr. Salmon graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Saskatoon and a Bachelor of Education from the University of Regina. Mr. Salmon currently teaches Math 20-1, Math 30-1, Calculus 31 and AP Calculus 35. Contact: SalmonM@sts.ab.ca.
PHYSICS 20 (5 CREDITS)
Physics 20 consistsof four units of study: Kinematics, Dynamics, Circular Motion, Work and Energy and Oscillatory Motion and Mechanical Waves. The prerequisite for this course is Science10.
This course will begin on Thursday, July 2 and the final day of the course is Friday, July 31. The course hours are from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each day. Content delivery will be in person. Students will be expected to meet all course requirements as outlined by the instructor. There will not be a textbook issued but the Edmonton Public Schools Physics 20 Workbook will be used.
Instructor: Mrs. Cathy Kalynchuk
Mrs. Kalynchuk has over 15 years teaching senior high physics with experience in both IB and AP courses. She has both public and private school experience and is currently teaching at STEM Innovation Academy here in Calgary. Mrs. Kalynchuk has summer school and on-line delivery experience and has worked with students outside of the classroom. Her co-curricular experiences include Speech & Debate, basketball, gardening and robotics to name a few. Contact: KalyncC@sts.ab.ca.
SOCIAL 30-1 (5 CREDITS)
Perspectives on Ideology- students will explore the origins and complexities of ideologies and examine multiple perspectives regarding the principles of classical and modern liberalism. An analysis of various political and economic systems will allow students to assess the viability of the principles of liberalism. Understanding the roles and responsibilities associated with citizenship will encourage students to respond to emergent global issues. The prerequisite for this course is Social 20-1.
This course will begin on Thursday, July 2 and the final day of the course is Friday, July 31. The course hours will be from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each morning. Content delivery will be in person. Students will be expected to meet all course requirements as outlined by the instructor. The digital and hard copy version of the textbook Perspectives on Ideology (Harding et al., Oxford) will be made available to students. Students will also be provided with a copy of The Key Social 30-1 Workbook, which can be picked up at the STS campus.
Instructor: Mr. Grant Hoe
Mr. Grant Hoe has 20 years of teaching experience with the Rocky View School Division and is currently with West Island College. He has vast experience with curriculum development and assessment that includes 15 years of experience with Social 30-1 and Social 30-2 Diploma Exam Marking, in addition to Item Building for the Social 30-1 Diploma. Mr. Hoe has a passion for teaching history and has led two school trips to Europe with a focus on Canada’s role in the World Wars. He was active in the volleyball and basketball programs and was a news and sports reporter before entering the field of Education. Contact: HoeG@sts.ab.ca.
INDIGENOUS STUDIES 30 / NIITSITAPI STUDIES – Studies of the People (5 CREDITS)
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Accepted for University Entrance
The title begins with Niitsitapi, the Blackfoot word for “The People,” to honour the Blackfoot language, the land where our schools are located, and the guidance of our Blackfoot Elder in Residence, Saa’Kokoto. We want to express our gratitude for the relationships and support that helped shape this course. This modernized online version of Alberta Education’s Aboriginal Studies 30 program explores the diverse languages, cultures, histories, and worldviews of Indigenous peoples in Alberta, across Canada, and around the world. Alongside the provincial curriculum, students learn from local Indigenous knowledge keepers who help connect traditional teachings, contemporary issues, and community understandings. The course invites personal and thoughtful reflection on identity, culture, and relationships, and culminates in a required capstone project where students demonstrate their learning in creative and meaningful ways There is no diploma exam for this course
This course begins on Thursday, July 2, with the final day of coursework on Friday, July 31. Delivery is fully online and mostly asynchronous, with opportunities for video chat support with your teacher during weekday mornings. This format gives students flexibility to work at their own pace as long as all assignments are submitted by July 31.
Approximately 125 hours of learning time is required to complete this course. Students are encouraged to dedicate a minimum of 30 hours per week to stay on track. There is no final exam. Instead, students complete a meaningful capstone project that allows them to demonstrate their learning creatively and in a way that fits their interests. All course materials will be provided digitally through the online platform.
There is no formal prerequisite for this course and any student in grades 10-12 may register but we strongly recommend that the individual has achieved over 80% in their Senior Social Studies or English 10-1, 20-1, or 30-1 class due to the accelerated and rigorous nature of this course of study.
Instructor: Ms. Kristi Kraychy, B.Mus, B.Ed., M.Ed.
Ms. Kraychy brings over 20 years of teaching and educational leadership experience. She is a principal at Strathcona Tweedsmuir School, where she leads the STAND online school and the STS Flex hybrid program. Her interest in Indigenous education is strengthened through family relationships and community. Her sister-in-law and nephews are Kaska, and her sister-in-law is the Director of Culture and Land Stewardship for the Dena Kayeh Institute and co-chair of the First Nation School Board in the Yukon. Ms.Kraychy lives on Tsuut’ina Nation land and is grateful to also learn from her Tsuut’ina neighbours. Her background includes K-12 classroom teaching, founding and leading two independent schools, and designing innovative and meaningful learning experiences for a wide range of students. Contact: KraychyK@sts.ab.ca.
THE FACILITIES AND CAMPUS MAP/FLOOR PLAN
The campus is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains south of Calgary and just west of Okotoks on 90 hectares. The School’s facilities include a modern science and technology wing – Anderson Hall, a fine arts wing – including the C.A. Smith Arts Centre – a 637 seat theatre, and the W.A. “Sandy” Heard Sports Centre – a modern sports and fitness center which is equipped with a double gymnasium, indoor track, weight room and climbing wall. The Peter B Ditchburn Library provides ample space to accommodate teaching as well as casual users at the same time. The Black Watch Bistro has seating for 330 people and lunch times are staggered to accommodate all students.
There are numerous playing fields and stunning trails for cross-country skiing, walking and running. A natural pond at the south end of the property provides a canoeing instruction area.
Aspen Lodge is our outdoor learning centre located among the beautiful aspen trees just south of the building. Aspen Lodge was created through the generosity of our parent community and will enhance learning in a spectacular outdoor learning environment.
SECURITY
All exterior doors to the building will be locked at 9:00 am each school day except for the Cross Doors and the Elementary School ‘bus loop’ doors. Summer School entrance will be through the Elementary entrance only. All students arriving late or leaving early should communicate this with their instructor and/or Summer School Principal.
Below are links to general directions to the STS campus as well as a floor plan layout of the facility.
Map of STS campus STS Campus via Google Maps
GENERAL INFORMATION AND EXPECTATIONS START-UP
Summer School classes’ first official start day is Thursday, July 2, 2026. Students will have the opportunity to pick-up their textbooks and workbooks (if necessary) and will also have the chance to set up their remote learning platform working with the STS IT department on Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Students will gain access to the LMS platform, check account access for Zoom, and ensure their school-issued email account for students not currently enrolled at STS has been assigned.
SUMMER SCHOOL HOURS
Classes will run from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon each day. Any inquiries should be directed to the course instructor and/or the Summer School Principal Mr. Bennett (camps@sts.ab.ca or 403-604-1809).
ATTENDANCE
Students will be expected to connect with their course instructor each day, whether remotely online or in-person (where applicable). Students are expected to attend all designated Summer School class times. Parents/guardians are asked to contact the course instructor if a student is absent. You may also leave a detailed message, including the spelling of the student’s name and their course, with Mr. Bennett at 403-604-1809 or email camps@sts.ab.ca.
Attendance will continue to be taken daily for in-person learning. If online learning is taking place the following will occur:
Students are expected to attend Zoom sessions for every scheduled class.
Teachers will take attendance and mark students as present online using the code “O”.
If a student is sick and unable to attend, parents must continue to inform the school by emailing their course instructor or camps@sts.ab.ca with a note. Students will be marked excused using the code “EA” in such cases.
A student can receive credits for the classwork if regular online and/or in-person attendance is maintained The Summer School Principal may withhold his/her recommendation if a student’s attendance falls below an acceptable standard.
GUIDELINES FOR RECORDING VIDEO AND TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS
Individuals wishing to record another person should obtain permission from that person(s), except for school events.
TRANSPORTATION
Parents are responsible for providing transportation for their child to and from STS for in-person classes and assume all risks Students must arrive at the STS campus by 8:50 am Alternatively, you may sign your child up to take the bus from convenient Calgary and Heritage Pointe stops STS uses Southland Transportation and an STS bus for our bus services in accordance with the guidelines below. Any Summer School students (ages 14 to 17) can sign up for this service for $80.00 + GST per student per week. Please note that this is a set fee and will not be pro-ratedfor one-way only ridership. We offer this busing option for July 6-10,13-17, and 20-24, which will go to and from STS daily for all summer school classes. We do not offer busing the week of July 2-3 and the week of July 27-31. The bus will arrive at STS for a 9:00 am start time and will depart at 4:00 pm. There is no mid-day busing. Please read the STS Summer Camp Busing Schedule for more information.
STUDENT ATTIRE
Students are expected to dress in appropriate casual attire for classes, be it remote, online or inperson to maintain the high level of respect for self and others that is the norm at STS The course instructor and/or Summer School Principal will address issues about appropriate clothing if warranted.
ACCEPTABLE STUDENT BEHAVIOUR
Summer students are expected to behave similarly to the main school year setting. The STS Summer School will follow our existing school policies.
Please review the following policies:
Mutual Respect Policy
Academic Integrity
Code of Conduct
Privacy Policy
Mobile Device Policy
The attention of parents and students is drawn to the following specific offenses not outlined in the Mutual Respect Policy but are deemed unacceptable student behavior:
The possession or use of alcohol, non-prescription drugs, abuse of prescription drugs, smoking, theft, bullying or harassment, abuse without acceptable reason, lying, cheating, vandalism, inappropriate language, gambling, or behavior within or outside the school community that violates proprietary or adversely affects the reputation of the school, constitutes grounds for major disciplinary action.
Infractions on any School rules may result in, but are not limited to, one or more of the following consequences:
Loss of privileges as relates to online or in-person classes
Probationary status for a period of time as determined by Summer School Principal
Suspension from a particular course
Expulsion from school (if currently enrolled at STS)
The Summer School Principal is empowered to suspend a student; teachers and parents are involved in the procedure. After a suspension has been served, the student is generally placed on probation. In the most serious cases, the student may be dismissed from the Summer School.
HOMEWORK COLLECTION
Students are encouraged to contact their classmates or teachers to ascertain what work has been missed due to absences. This is an accelerated summer course, and staying abreast of homework and limiting absences is important.
LOST OR STOLEN
Property loss shall be reported immediately to the teacher and/or Summer School Principal. Lost items may be recovered from the Lost and Found location near the Cross Doors.
DAMAGE OR BREAKAGE OF PERSONAL OR SCHOOL PROPERTY
If a student damages or breaks either school property or the property of another, they must report this immediately to their instructor and/or Summer School Principal.
Please read our Technology Agreement 2026 here. Please ensure the parent and child review the policy before the start of the course.
DISCIPLINE
Any community must develop a system of rules to allow the members of the society maximum freedom. The school’s rules have been created from consideration for others: respect for one’s teachers, classmates, other students and family. All school members, both as individuals and in groups, should maintain the good manners taught at home and at school. Manners that are emphasized at the school are punctuality, respect for property, orderly behaviour, good sportsmanship and pride in work and appearance.
FIREARMS & WEAPONS
The use or possession of firearms, any missile, slingshot, knife or other cutting instrument, firecrackers, water-bombs or any other device which might endanger the well-being of another is forbidden.
EXPULSION FROM THE SCHOOL
STS reserves the right to expel a student where the continued attendance of that student would not be in the best interests of that student or the school. The school also reserves the right to expel a student whose behaviour seriously jeopardizes its ability to guarantee the dignity and safety of its students or interferes with learning. In these circumstances, the school will make reasonable efforts to assist the family of the expelled student in securing suitable alternative education arrangements. We will refer to the Student Code of Conduct and the Student Misconduct Rules and Procedures as a guiding process when addressing this situation.
ONLINE SCHOOLING EXPECTATIONS
Students must adhere to the Student Code of Conduct during online schooling. Students should be out of bed and set up their computer in a quiet, well-lit home area before logging into Zoom sessions. Parents/Guardians should review the Zoom area and the background shown on the camera to ensure that the study area/background is not inappropriate/distracting and maintains the privacy needs of the family and student. Students must wear school-appropriate clothing when participating in Zoom classes. Students will be expected to have their cameras on (in video mode) and engage productively and actively with their teacher and peers in classes on Zoom. Students are expected to maintain our usual high standards for behaviour during online lessons. Misbehaviour on Zoom (e.g., signing in with inappropriate/ false names, joining a class uninvited or under a false pretext, or misuse of the text feature) will lead to disciplinary consequences
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What courses can I take?
Students may register for any of the four Alberta Education courses offered at STS starting in June. These include CALM (3 Credit), Physics 20 (5 Credit), Math 20-1 (5 Credit), Social 30-1 (5 Credit), and Indigenous Studies 30 (5 Credit).
What skills do I need to take an online course?
The following are some of the skills and student attributes that will improve success in an online summer course:
I enjoy working at the computer. I have the time and I am interested in taking an online course. I have good reading and writing skills.
I can organize my work and can get my assignments in on time. I like working independently and solving problems. I enjoy collaborating online with other students. I like to take responsibility for my work.
Do I need any special hardware or software for my computer?
You will require high-speed Internet and a computer with a speaker, microphone (or headset) and a webcam. Most courses will require you to have access to Microsoft Office or similar software. Additional software is usually public domain that you can download onto your computer, and much of your work will be web-based using the Internet. All courses run on the LMS.
Who do I contact if I have problems with my course or my computer?
The Summer School Principal can assist students with any problems with a course or technology problems. They are in constant contact with the online teacher and the IT Department. You should contact camps@sts.ab.ca as soon as possible if you need help with the course, the teacher, or your computer so they can help in finding a solution.
How many summer school courses can I take?
It is recommended that students take one summer school course, unless there are special circumstances. Students must receive permission from the Summer School Principal.
Do I get an Alberta Education Credit for my summer school course?
Yes, the Summer School courses adhere to the Alberta Education course of studies and appropriate credits will be recognized following successful completion of the program. We will follow the standard policies for assessment and reporting. Your final evaluation will occur at STS on the final day of your summer school schedule.
Do you offer an early-bird discount for early registration?
Yes. We do offer a $50 early-bird discount for early registration between January 15 and March 15.
What if I need to pick up my child early one day?
Email the course instructor and/or the Summer School Principal, Mr. Bennett (camps@sts.ab.ca ) as soon as you know the date and time of the early pick-up.
Do you offer siblings discounts?
No, we do not offer any sibling discounts.
How do I register?
ALL registration is done online and ALL payment is due at time of registration. Please click here to access registration.
