New mission statement at SHS gives purpose to students’ education

By Becky Turner Strathmore High School

“We Care.”
Here at Strathmore High School (SHS), that is not only our motto, but also the foundation of our community. It is also the perfect basis for a mission statement.
With the recent change in leadership and administration team, Principal Kyle Larson thought it was the perfect time for a new mission statement that supports this idea. A committee of 14 staff members worked for months to share what made each of them proud of our school.
After identifying what values we hold in SHS and allowing students the opportunity to share feedback, we had our mission statement: Empowering a Community of Accomplished and Caring Citizens. Thanks to Kevin Muenchrath at Tri-M Design, we have a mission statement sign in our front entry way as well as a matching Spartan head. As a student at the high school, it’s great to see SHS’s values front and centre in the halls.
The mission statement defines the purpose of our school, reminding staff, students and visitors alike what we are trying to achieve. As Associate Principal Agnieszka Barwacz Riou says, “It provides the clarity and direction for the work that we do. Every decision we make is guided by our mission statement.”
It also ties back to Strathmore High School’s pillars: Accomplished, Caring and Connected. From the pillars in the hallways, to the metal mission statement sign in the entry way, SHS has never felt more united, supportive or inspired.
“Here at SHS, we believe there is something for every student … in both the programming and extracurriculars,” Barwacz Riou adds.
Maintaining diversity in the courses offered here is always a priority, as is expanding the art, drama and band programs. The school continues to challenge students by offering honours and advanced placement classes, and supports the growth and use of technology in many courses. A future goal they have is to encourage student interests and connections to the community. This is best achieved by our clubs and activities occurring beyond school hours. Strathmore High School is like a second home to many students and reinforcing those relationships between students is always important. We believe that Strathmore High School inspires and empowers the student body to be accomplished and caring citizens in their daily lives, and to go on to great things.
Look for our weekly article here in the Strathmore Times as students share how the high school lives its mission statement.
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