Strathcona Tweedsmuir School - Paidia Yearbook (Okotoks, Alberta Canada)

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CHAIRMAN'S ADDRESS iThis address was given by the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Mr. E. David Dover, at the School Closing Exercises, june 77, 7972.2 We have all, if we were fortunate, been in- spired at one time or another in our childhood or youth, to aspire to excellence. john W. Gardner in a book entitled Excel- lence writes: What we must reach for is a conception of perpetual self-discovery, perpetual reshaping to realize one's best self, to be the person one could be. Why is it that a large number of young people never fulfil their potentialities. The responsibility for failure cannot be laid at the feet of the schools alone. The family, the church, and the neighbourhood must work to- gether to ensure the best possible climate for the development of our young people. The phrase nuclear family , coined by 20th century sociologists, is becoming more and more common. It brings to mind the many pressures that society is exerting on the individual family, pressures which divide its members and in some cases threaten its very existence. The family is the smallest of social institutions, but it holds first rank in importance. We must not let it dissolve, not only because of its national importance or its religious significance, but be- cause by its dissolution every human being would lose some core of himself. We, as parents, are responsible for the leader- ship, inspiration and the well-being of our chil- dren. In the coming year I would urge all of our parents to become more familiar with the opera- tions of the school. I urge you to attend school functions and, where possible, contribute your thoughts and ideas for their betterment. I urge you to become acquainted with your child's teachers and together with them establish a growing and constructive programme for your child's development. Like the prophet of old, could I remind you boys and girls, your parents, your brothers and sisters, grandparents and other family members need you, your affection and concern. Your school needs you and you will only receive from it in proportion as you give to it. Today is the last day of school and summer holidays are ahead. Holidays are meant for having fun, for developing hobbies, making and enrich- ing friendships, and browning under a summer sun. I hope you will all be able to unleash your- selves and have a small roar this summer. The only stipulation could be that you must be a creative participator in this activity rather than a spectator. Your adventure should not be handed to you through a television set or from the re- served seats of a sports stadium. I would not, of course, suggest that you all would enjoy a course in aircraft pylon racing. Your enterprise could be anything from sports, mountain climbing, or working, to bee-keeping, reading, bird watching, or rewarding crafts. Whatever you choose it should give you a personal sense of adventure. The ultimate goal, our final maturity, will perhaps be reached when we can approach all of life with this sense of adventure. It is fitting today to recognize and commend the staff. Our headmaster, Mr. Sandy Heard, deserves a true vote of thanks for the enthusiasm and drive with which he has directed the school in its first year of operation in these new surroundings. We are fortunate to have a group of extremely fine teachers. Their dedication to their students is the very foundation upon which we stand. To them may I say, never be tempted to think that you are taken for granted. I would like to congratulate those students who will win prizes and all of those who have done their best. For those whose efforts have fallen short of their ambitions I can only say, you may have lost a battle but you haven't lost the war. A courageous effort can be as valuable as an easy win. We have seven grade 12 girls graduating this year. The Board of Governors would like to wish them every success and happiness and commend them for the leadership they have displayed. I am sure Mrs. McWilliam will be especially proud of their efforts and, in my opinion, Margaret, their success reflects your extreme dedication and re- sponsibility to the teaching profession. Ladies and gentlemen, girls and boys, let us band together in the adventure of developing Strathcona-Tweedsmuir, a school which is dedi- cated to excellence. For our part, I am sure I speak for all the Board, we will spare no effort Io fulfil our role as administrators for the school. We can succeed, all of us together, in building a great t'anadian school.

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The lieutenant-Governor of Alberta, The Honourable Dr. I. W. Grant MacEwan unveils the commem orative plaque at the Official Opening of the new Strathcona-Tweedsmuir School. 4

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