Medicine Hat Public School Division
Medicine Hat Public School Division
The Medicine Hat Public School Division in Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada encompasses 18 schools. With a strong commitment to inclusive education and fostering a culture of wellness and leadership, classrooms are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of the students served. The division firmly believes that education should not be a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why a diverse array of programs and opportunities are offered to empower students to learn, grow, and shape a better world.
Within the Medicine Hat Public School Division, students have access to a range of educational offerings that cater to their individual interests and aspirations. French Immersion programs are available starting in Kindergarten and grade 1, along with late-entry immersion in grade 5. For those seeking virtual learning options, the dedicated virtual learning center, The Hub, offers a comprehensive online educational experience. Additionally, the division's distance learning program through Coulee Collegiate allows students to pursue their education remotely. Language programs, career and technology programming, and specialized institutes such as the middle school sports institute and baseball academy are also part of the division's commitment to excellence in education. Students have plenty of options for artistic expression and athletic success thanks to fine arts and athletics programs.The Medicine Hat Public School Division makes it a priority to uphold the essential value of its motto, "Where Kids Count!"
Programs
The goal of fostering an inclusive education system is at the forefront of the Medicine Hat Public School Division's mission. With the dedicated support of the Student Services team, the division ensures that every student, regardless of their ability, disability, language, religion, cultural background, gender, or age, feels a sense of belonging and receives a quality education. Medicine Hat Public School Division places a strong emphasis on educational programs that provide flexibility to meet the diverse needs of students, empowering them to succeed academically and socially. Alternative programs are designed to offer students an educational alternative when the traditional school setting does not fully meet their requirements. By accessing these alternative programs, students gain access to resources that enhance their academic and social success.
One such program at Medicine Hat Public School Division, Pathways, caters to junior and senior high students with complex and diverse behavioral and social-emotional learning needs. Recognized as a collaborative learning community, Pathways embraces diversity, fosters hope, and prioritizes academic achievement and social-emotional wellness for all students through personalized learning. The objectives of the program encompass various aspects of personal and academic growth. These include developing and demonstrating positive social and emotional skills in areas such as self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. Pathways also focuses on continued academic growth, providing students the opportunity to work towards their high school diploma or a knowledge and employability certificate of achievement. Additionally, this program at Medicine Hat Public School Division aims to equip students with employment and independent living skills by fostering connections with various community supports. Finally, Pathways prepares students for success in an inclusive setting and offers a smooth transition back to their community school, should they choose to do so.
In another exciting initiative, starting in September 2023, Dr. Ken Sauer School at Medicine Hat Public School Division proudly introduces an arts-centered learning focus for students in grades K-6. This new approach aligns perfectly with the school's values, as curiosity and creativity lie at the core of visual arts and performance arts. Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the school believes that arts education provides multiple entry points for learning. By incorporating arts into the curriculum, students at Medicine Hat Public School Division are encouraged to engage with all academic outcomes in unique and creative ways. Dr. Ken Sauer School is dedicated to witnessing students' growth in creative expression, exploration of projects, collaboration, sharing, and play, allowing their artistic talents to flourish. Rather than following a specialized stream or academy model, the school embraces arts-centered learning and provides fine arts instruction to all students. The committed staff members at Medicine Hat Public School Division are devoted to fostering an inclusive community where inquiry, creativity, and collaboration thrive. Through these initiatives and programs, the Medicine Hat Public School Division is resolute in its commitment to providing an inclusive education that empowers students to reach their full potential, encourages their creativity, and prepares them for a successful future.
Medicine Hat Public School Division Christian School is a school catering to students from Kindergarten to grade nine. With a mission to develop a Christ-centered community of learners for joyful service, the school is committed to Teaching for Transformation as its guiding vision.
Medicine Hat Public School Division offers early childhood programming that adheres to the Guiding Principles established by Alberta Education. The focus is on creating optimal learning environments and implementing early interventions that contribute to the development of a solid brain architecture. Recognizing that children learn through play, the school encourages building, pretending, getting messy, moving, and exploring together to inspire curiosity. The school offers a range of programs and settings to support early learning for children aged 3 to 5 years by December 31. These programs at Medicine Hat Public School Division provide language-rich play-based environments, where a multidisciplinary team of professionals collaborates to enhance language, social, physical, intellectual, creative, cultural, and emotional development. Educators offer diverse and enriching opportunities, acknowledging that children learn and develop at different rates and in different ways.
For English language learners (ELL) registered from Kindergarten to Grade 12, Medicine Hat Public School Division provides language and cultural support. Students from various backgrounds and home languages benefit from this support, which begins with a language assessment to determine their specific needs. The assessment serves as a guide for tailored programming recommendations, ensuring that ELL students are welcomed into an environment that honors their heritage and assists in their transition into Canadian life and culture.
Medicine Hat Public School Division also offers a French immersion program, allowing children whose first language is not French to study in French. Research shows that the best approach for kids to learn to operate as bilinguals is through French immersion. In Alberta, French immersion delivers the curriculum guidelines using French as the primary language of instruction. Children in the Medicine Hat Public School Division have the option to transfer from another immersion program at any time and can enroll in the program in kindergarten or grade one.Recognizing the importance of bilingualism in today's academic and business world, more parents are opting for French immersion for their children. Studies have shown that children learn second languages more easily than adults, and the benefits extend beyond language skills. Learning two languages enhances thinking and reasoning abilities while also improving English proficiency. Graduates of French immersion programs demonstrate a high level of proficiency in both French and English, along with increased confidence and independence.
Accommodation
Medicine Hat Public School Board warmly welcomes international students from across the globe, providing them with an enriching educational experience in a supportive and inclusive environment. While the division itself does not directly provide housing, there are various accommodation options available to international students.
Many international students opt to rent apartments or houses near their school. The cost of rentals in Medicine Hat varies depending on factors such as location, size, and amenities. On average, monthly rental prices for a one-bedroom apartment range from $800 CAD to $1,200 CAD, while a two-bedroom apartment can cost between $1,000 CAD and $1,500 CAD per month.
Sharing rooms with fellow students is a cost-effective option that promotes companionship and shared experiences. By splitting the rental costs, international students can save on expenses while building lasting friendships. Prices for shared rooms in Medicine Hat can range from $400 to $800 CAD per month, depending on the accommodation type and location.
Future Prospects
Graduates of Medicine Hat Public School Board have the opportunity to apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) upon completing their studies at an institution of post-secondary education. The PGWP allows international students to work in Canada for a specified period, typically ranging from 1 to 3 years, depending on the length of their program. This work experience offers valuable exposure to the Canadian job market, helping graduates refine their skills, gain practical knowledge, and establish connections within their chosen fields.
With a post-graduation work permit, graduates can gain valuable Canadian work experience, which may open doors to further immigration opportunities. The Canadian government offers various pathways for international graduates to obtain permanent resident status. Programs such as the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) provide avenues for graduates to transition from temporary to permanent residency. These programs take into account factors such as work experience, language proficiency, and educational qualifications.
Opting to establish Canada as their permanent residence opens up the potential for individuals to pursue Canadian citizenship — an appealing prospect. Canadian citizenship offers a multitude of advantages, encompassing access to comprehensive healthcare, social services, and the ability to actively engage in all aspects of Canadian society. Moreover, citizenship fosters a profound sense of belonging, empowering individuals to actively contribute to their communities and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Canada.
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