RJC A Historical High School with a Difference
With a history dating back to 1905, RJC High School is recognized as providing an educational experience in which the arts program has not been decimated as in many public schools. The annual concerts and the spring musical are more than just fundraising avenues. As showcases of student talent and hard work, they also promote the school to the community and beyond. This year’s production of the acclaimed “Les Misérables,” showcased the talent and dedication of the student actors, production and technical crew, and staff.
RJC High School is an accredited high school by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education and is a member of the Saskatchewan Association of Historical High Schools. Historical High Schools receive 80 percent per-student funding of the provincial per-student average but provide an important educational niche in the province. Funding is provided annually to these schools to cover a portion of education costs while the remaining portion is typically covered through tuition fees. Provincial funding for Historical High Schools results from long-standing historical arrangements that were continued after legislation for independent schools was enacted in 1989. There are four Historical High Schools in Saskatchewan: Notre Dame High School, Luther College High School in Regina, LCBI High School, and RJC High School.
RJC High School offers a unique educational experience combining traditional classroom learning with innovative out-of-classroom experiences. The Alternative Learning & Service Opportunities (ALSO) program seeks to nurture each student’s understanding of compassion, empathy, and awareness of need in the world. ALSO is implemented as a year-long, cross-curricular program that culminates in a designated ‘ALSO Week.’ During ALSO week, every student travels to an off-campus location to participate in alternative learning and service opportunities to explore and reflect on issues surrounding service, compassion, poverty, and social justice. A key component of this program is the attention given to examining one’s faith and values.
Student growth extends beyond the school day, with ample opportunity to participate in athletic and fine arts pursuits. With a student/staff ratio of 10:1, RJC High School meets the needs of a diverse group of students, encouraging them to imagine and explore a future for themselves within a world where they can thrive and belong. Every student is included and encouraged to explore their gifts. On May 22, RJC High School held a ‘Spend-a-day’ for prospective students currently in Grades 8 – 11. Invited to experience a ‘day in the life' at RJC, they attended classes and chapel, enjoyed lunch in the dining hall and participated in games and activities with assigned ‘buddies” who are current students.
Each year RJC welcomes students from all around the world, creating a context for students to share global perspectives and cultures. A few years ago, facing dropping enrollment, RJC High School embarked on a journey to revitalize the school. The “Turnaround Strategy for Renewal and Growth” included reaching beyond the alumni and churches, engaging with other religious groups and towns, seeking out new markets including homeschoolers and parents seeking alternatives, and reaching out to more international student populations. Another part of the Strategy was to decrease tuition. Through the community’s support, including at the school’s many special events like the gala fundraiser and the annual musical, the school can offer financial assistance to students demonstrating financial need through bursaries. Earlier this month the Rosthern Lions Club donated $10,000 for developing and maintaining the school’s sports fields. RJC High School has two sports fields used throughout the year by the students and the community, and the community’s financial support is vital to the continuance of these opportunities.
Carol Baldwin, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Wakaw Recorder
