26 2017 ELECTION PREVIEW 1
The character of Catholic education has come under sharp criticism in recent months from other publicly funded school boards. If Catholic education is eventually excluded from funding for non-Catholic students, how would you as a trustee respond to that challenge?
2 3
What is the right balance, in your opinion, between providing faith-based teaching in schools and meeting the curricula needs of basic, public education?
While the current NDP government has provided some funding for lunch and nutrition programs in schools, if there is a change in provincial governments in your term as trustee, and that funding is cancelled, should the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education absorb the cost and continue these programs in local schools?
TERRY RILEY RE-ELECT 3
MHCBE TRUSTEE CANDIDATE QUESTIONS
Regina Durst
1 Catholic Education has a fundamental right to exist; my challenge as a Trustee is to
ensure that non-Catholic students are fully funded to attend Catholic schools, if they so choose. Through partnerships between school, church and community, we can and must protect our rights as parents to choose which publicly funded education we want for our children. Our distinctiveness is not only the religious dimension that we provide – it also includes the educational climate, the personal development of each student, and the relationship between culture and the Gospels. It would be both senseless and unrealistic for the government to make a change in funding. This begs the question, should the funding be excluded for Catholics who are attending non- Catholic (Public) schools? As a Catholic school system, we will continue to welcome children of all faiths and diversity – striving to teach them acceptance, respect and love of self and others.
2
In my opinion, by providing faith-based teaching in our schools (and at the same time) meeting the curricular (ministerial) needs of public education – we have created the ‘right’ balance. Alberta Education sets out our curriculum. Faith-based teaching is permeated in all subject areas. The right balance is something we provide throughout the school day; from the moment you enter our schools. It is not only in Religion class that we learn important lessons of respect, values, and the teachings of our Lord. The students are also given the opportunity to experience and model the behaviours and attitudes of a faith-based community – like social justice and service to others. Religious Education in our schools not only contributes to the general development of young people, it also heightens respect for the beliefs of others, helping us to continue to foster and build a diverse and cohesive society.
THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR PUBLIC SCHOOLS
A question that we oſten encounter in the introduction (and maintenance) of ancillary programs such as the “lunch and nutrition” program in our schools, is whether or not the funding will be sustainable. We are always challenged to bear in mind the costs, funding, and budgetary impacts of all the varied needs within our schools, before making a decision to absorb costs that aren’t funded by the government. Our common desire as a School Board is to continue, as before, to work in partnerships with parent and community groups to provide this exceptional nutrition program. The fact is, some of our schools had already implemented breakfast programs prior to government funding. However, the new funding is welcomed. It has enabled us to expand and facilitate this program at two of our elementary schools. The objective (and hope) is to expand this program to all of our schools in future, if funding proves available.
For Kids!
Building Better Schools
41312396 • 09/30/17
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