Despite these demands, the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board of Education stands out for their steadfast commitment to nurturing the whole child. This district emphasizes a collaborative approach to education, working with families to shape a brighter future for its students. “One of our core principles is that we believe that parents are the primary educators of their children, so we work in partnership with them, hand-in-hand every step of the way,” says Superintendent Dr. Dwayne Zarichny. This accountable philosophy is the cornerstone of Medicine Hat’s district-wide camaraderie regarding the well-being of its students. In fact, community involvement is integral to the board’s mission and intention for its district, which strives to be a hub of connection and inclusivity. Whether through partnerships with local organizations or initiatives to design accessible School facilities, the goal is always to create spaces that benefit not just the students but the entire community. In this way, the board can act as more of a resource and a partner in fostering growth rather than shouldering the task alone. Outside of the classroom, Medicine Hat also partners with mental health professionals who provide counseling to students. “We have a partnership called Community Coming Together, and that’s part of the provincial mental health capacity-building initiative that promotes positive mental health in children and youth and also supports their families, “Zarichny states. Additionally, the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board does a fantastic job of enrolling local businesses and even other educational institutions to help provide its students with a more thorough education. “So we have what’s called dual credit agreements with both Medicine Hat College and Lakeland College… These opportunities range from anything 4 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01
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