The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

January 30, 2025

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

Fortifying the Foundations of Modern Academics

 

Discover a Holistic Approach to Learning and Growth

Over the years, the quality of faith-based education in Southern Alberta has become renowned for its excellence and strong focus on community and spiritual growth.

Out of the many boards contributing to this, the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education stands out as the golden standard of the educational landscape. This is because it prioritizes comprehensive long-term planning that aligns its faith-based values with the needs of a diverse and modern student population.

Advocating for increased funding, fostering collaboration with government and community stakeholders, and strategically investing in infrastructure upgrades to create state-of-the-art learning environments are the status quo.

Medicine Hat strengthens its community engagement and student support systems by expanding opportunities for parent and community involvement.

Additionally, its robust professional development and support for teachers and staff ensures that its educators remain at the forefront of innovative teaching while continuing to embody the faith that is the board’s central essence.

As an institution, it considers every aspect of the student experience, so enhancing mental health and wellness resources and providing personalized learning support for students with unique needs are critical practices.

These actions underscore the Board’s commitment to holistic development—academically, spiritually, and emotionally—and to ensuring that every child thrives in its schools.

As a result of this approach, the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board has become Alberta’s foremost faith-centered educational community, consistently achieving academic excellence while nurturing the spiritual and personal growth of its students.

It creates environments where staff are empowered, families are engaged, and students graduate as confident, compassionate leaders equipped to contribute meaningfully to society.

With the board’s visionary leadership and steadfast dedication to its foundational principles, the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board is poised to secure its legacy of excellence and faith for generations to come.

Credit: Colton McKee

A District Guided by Community and Mutual Accountability

Education is rapidly evolving to meet the demands of technological advancement and societal change. 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 from trades to learning sign language to becoming an interpreter to a nurse’s aid program,” Zarichny explains.

These agreements open doors to a variety of career pathways, and students often receive guidance counseling to help them choose their path. Depending on the program, students can graduate with certifications or significant progress toward their qualifications.

“These programs are game-changers for our students,” Zarichny notes. “They provide tangible skills and a head start in their chosen fields, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.”

This partnership-driven model fosters trust and collaboration, empowering parents and the larger community to actively participate in local education.

It also ensures that the district remains deeply attuned to the needs of its community, creating a supportive environment where every student can excel.

Adapting to Technological Realities With Integrated Solutions

While provincial standards largely govern the district’s curriculum, it is not immune to the seismic shifts brought about by technology.

Advances in artificial intelligence and information management have prompted a gradual shift in educational focus. The academic landscape is moving towards information management rather than traditional learning processes; however, Medicine Hat already has policies in place to keep up.

“We aren’t a one-to-one division. Our average is two-to-one… so for us, technology is definitely a tool that’s relied on by our teachers and educational assistants. It really enhances the work that’s done every day in our classrooms,” Zarichny says.

Although the district operates on a two-to-one student-to-device ratio, technology isn’t the focal point. Rather, educators remain at the heart of the learning process. Fortunately, the more integrated technology has gotten within Medicine Hat’s operations, the more open-minded its policies and curriculum have become.

One standout initiative is the introduction of an Esports Academy at the middle school level.

Beyond teaching students the mechanics of gaming, the program instills vital skills such as digital citizenship and online safety.  This reflects the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board of Education’s intention to prepare students for a digitally connected world while promoting creativity and responsibility.

In the lower grades, Medicine Hat is laser-focused on literacy and foundational STEM education.

Recognizing the learning gaps exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, educators are doubling down on literacy initiatives to ensure every child has the skills they need to succeed.

Each classroom, from kindergarten through grade 12, is equipped with smart technology, providing young learners with daily access to interactive and engaging tools.

However, since this is still early in the students’ education, the integration of technology in the early grades depends more on the individual teachers’ comfort levels with that technology.

Regardless of the level of integration, classrooms are always aligned with the goal of enhancing foundational skills.

Investing in Arts and Sustainable Infrastructure

Capital investment is another area where the district shines.

From curriculum advancements and technological integration to community engagement and infrastructure investment, the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board of Education exemplifies what it means to create an environment where students thrive holistically.

The board has already adapted its schools to environmental demands through infrastructure technology. A recent $2 million partnership with Johnson Controls resulted in a comprehensive energy efficiency upgrade across all district buildings.

“Johnson Controls came in and did an energy audit in all of our buildings, then provided recommendations for improvements that would reduce energy consumption. The idea behind the project was that if we engaged in all of the recommendations they made, they could guarantee the energy savings,” Zarichny says.

This initiative, which included updates to rooftop units, boilers, and lighting systems, has reduced CO2 emissions by 609 metric tons annually—the equivalent of taking 124 cars off the road.

Initially, Johnson Controls predicted approximately $50,000 in annual energy savings. However, the results far surpassed the original goal, with the district cutting utility costs by over $100,000 per year.

“It’s the equivalent of about 289,000 liters of gasoline being saved or 124 cars being taken off the road,” Zarichny says, explaining how the environmental benefits match the board’s financial savings. It’s a win for both Medicine Hat’s budget and the planet!

Finally, Medicine Hat’s commitment to holistic education is evident in its investment in its arts and athletics programs.

Its Performing Arts Academy, which begins at the elementary level, is a cornerstone of the community, and the academy’s upcoming relocation to a new K-9 school will further enhance its offerings.

The new school will have state-of-the-art facilities, including a 400-seat theater, a dedicated dance studio, and a fully equipped band room next to the theater.

“We want this building to be one of the most accessible schools in the province, and we’ve extended that into its playground design… so we’re looking at developing a destination playground that will not only benefit the students but the community as a whole,” Zarichny says.

The new K-9 school, with its campus-style integration with the high school, promises to be a beacon of innovation and collaboration.

As the district charts its course for the next 18 months, priorities include expanding its K-12 French immersion program, strengthening partnerships with law enforcement and wellness organizations, and deepening its commitment to truth and reconciliation efforts.

Medicine Hat is constantly looking for ways to enhance its offerings and support its students. For the board, education is not just about preparing for the future—it’s about creating a present where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.

With its holistic approach and unwavering dedication to excellence, it’s clear the Medicine Hat Catholic School Board of Education should be trusted to shape individuals and communities now and in the future.

AT A GLANCE

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

What: A faith-based public school division in Southern Alberta committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and community engagement.

Where: Medicine Hat, Alberta

Website: www.mhcbe.ab.ca

PREFERRED VENDORS

Wahl Construction Ltd. – www.wahlconstruction.ca

Wahl Construction is a commercial and residential construction company that has been in business in Medicine Hat and surrounding areas for over 65 years.

DIG DIGITAL?

January 2025

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