Moose Jaw’s Catholic school division has received a prominent provincial education award that recognizes the organization’s relationship with Moose Jaw Families for Change to support students with post-graduation work.
During the Saskatchewan School Boards Association’s (SSBA) annual general assembly on Nov. 14, Holy Trinity received the 2022 Premier’s Board of Education Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education. The award was for its submission entitled “Post-Graduation Community Transition: Holy Trinity Catholic School Division (and) Moose Jaw Kinsmen Inclusion Centre Partnership.”
In its application for the award, Holy Trinity said the program provides meaningful transitional opportunities after formal graduation at age 18, improves the provision of services and supports for students to be independent, and addresses their social well-being, career training, work experience and life skills.
Moose Jaw Families for Change operates the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre and Kinsmen Café.
“What started as a challenge to provide programming for students after graduation, with their age-appropriate peers, and continuing at school until the age of 22, has turned into something truly exceptional,” said board chair Joann Blazieko.
“The innovation stemmed from the willingness to think outside the box and listen to all stakeholders. The goals were to enhance student learning, ensure smooth transitions from K-12 education to the larger community, enhance future employment opportunities and improve the quality of life for each individual student,” she continued.
“It takes a community to raise a child and this partnership with Moose Jaw Families for Change at the Kinsmen Inclusion Centre, Kinsmen Café, Kinsmen Community Gardens and in the greater community will continue to benefit our students in the years to come.”
The Government of Saskatchewan is pleased to recognize Holy Trinity’s board of education as the recipient of the Premier’s Award for its dedication to innovation, inclusion and student success, Premier Scott Moe said. He thought the post-graduation community transition partnership was a testament to the great things that can be achieved when industries provide the best possible outcomes for Saskatchewan’s youths.
Xerox Canada has sponsored the $3,000 award since its inception in 1999, while a panel of education sector partners recommends the award recipient after reviewing all the submissions.
“Our history at Xerox is one that is defined by continuous innovation,” said Mike Tulk, vice-president. “This is driven by a diverse employee base focused on creating new ideas to solve the business problems of today and into the future.
“It is a great honour to once again be associated with the prestigious Premier’s Award for Innovation and Excellence in Education. Congratulations to Holy Trinity School Division on behalf of Xerox Canada.”
