Manitoba's Top Employers

21 Apply today at sjr.mb.ca "We are very proud to be on Manitoba's Top Employers list for more than a decade," says Head of School Jim Keefe. "It's great news and I think it's a reflection of the commitment that all of our community members make to advance the success of the school." Founded in 1820, SJR is the oldest school in Western Canada and the second oldest independent school in the nation. The co-educational university prep school has students from both the local community as well as boarding students from Canada and around the world. Currently, the Kindergarten to Grade 12 school has a population of 865 day and boarding students. Over the years, 18 Rhodes scholars have emerged from the prestigious school, which is also well known for its students' achievements in public speaking, debating and many other academic competitions. "Virtually 100 per cent of our students go on to university entry," Keefe adds, "and many with significant scholarship offers." In addition to offering an exceptional education to its students, SJR provides an appealing workplace for 160 employees, including more than 140 who work at the school full time. "In our working environment, we offer a full-service cafeteria with different menus as well as coffee, tea and fresh fruit," Keefe says. "We have staff lounges, and our employees have access to our fitness facilities. We also offer yoga classes through a local instructor, and we have faculty who play in our indoor hockey arena." Located on a 23-acre site nestled at the neck of the Red River, the school's grounds offer ample opportunities for staff members to enjoy a stroll in the scenic setting and to relax along the riverside walk. In terms of benefits, SJR offers the security of a defined benefit pension plan while also helping employees prepare for their future through retirement planning assistance. For staff members who are near retirement, the school offers phased-in work options to ease the transition. "We have a great health plan and various other wellness activities," Keefe says. "It's also important to us to recognize our long- standing faculty through our outstanding service and emeritus awards." Adding to the advantages, new administrative employees receive three weeks of paid vacation to start. With a focus on flexibility, they also receive three paid personal days off, as well as a holiday shutdown period between Christmas and New Year. For teachers, they start their employment with 12 weeks of holidays each year. "Colleagues have also said that our maternity leave is very favourable," Keefe says. "We top up mothers to 90 per cent salary for 27 weeks. Then for new fathers and adoptive parents, we top up payments to 90 per cent salary for 10 weeks." In addition, employees have the option of extending their leave into an unpaid leave of absence. As a top educator, SJR recognizes the importance of lifelong learning by encouraging education for employees at all levels. "We offer our faculty and staff professional development opportunities," Keefe says. "Many faculty take advantage of higher education courses by taking master's programs or by attending other professional development programs across North America." St. John's-Ravenscourt School has established a well-earned reputation for excellence throughout Canada and beyond, and it all starts with a dedication to details and relationships built on respect. "We are here to provide an outstanding education for our students and families," Keefe says. "That is only possible because we have a faculty and staff that are committed to excellence while always striving to achieve our mission, vision and values." PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE A HIGH PRIORITY AT ST. JOHN'S- RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL BY JENNIFER MCFEE For the 11th straight year, St. John's- Ravenscourt School (SJR) has earned top marks as one of Manitoba's top employers. St. John's-Ravenscourt employs 160 people including 140 full-time staff and is the second oldest independent school in the country.

• Cover