Manitoba's Top Employers

20 ST. JOHN'S�RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL UPHOLDS A SOLID FOUNDATION BASED ON ITS FOUR PILLARS OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE, CREATIVE EXPRESSION, ACTIVE HEALTHY LIVING AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY. These fundamental features form the basis of an excellent work environment for staff as well as an exceptional learning environment for students at the independent school. As head of school for St. John's-Ravenscourt, Jim Keefe takes pride in the accomplishments of the long-standing educational institution that was established in 1820. "We're very, very proud that this is the eighth consecutive year that we've been found to be one of Manitoba's Top Employers," Keefe says. "I think one of the things that really makes us stand out is that we're a phenomenally close-knit community. The close working relationships between parents and students and faculty is what makes the school a success." The outcomes of that success are evident in a long list of impressive achievements. Last year, all of the school's 79 graduating students were accepted into universities. In addition, they earned approximately $800,000 in scholarship awards, equating to more than $10,000 per graduate. The successes continue with 10 per cent of St. John's- Ravenscourt students recognized as National AP (Advanced Placement) Scholars last year. To achieve this standing, they needed to maintain a grade point average of four or above in five or more subjects. "That's a pretty stellar statistic," Keefe says. While continuing to support the academic endeavours of its kindergarten to Grade 12 students, the university-preparatory school also focuses on continuous learning opportunities for its staff. "For the staff, we give them support in terms of their professional development," Keefe says. "We have staff members doing master's programs, which is supported by the school." Beyond academic and creative development, staff members also have the chance to improve their physical well-being. The school's workforce, made up of 138 full-time and 21 part-time staff members, enjoys the opportunity to exercise on site at the new Riley Fitness Centre, open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. With a focus on health and wellness, the fitness hub features a gymnasium and a full suite of exercise equipment that is also available to all of the school's 840 students. Staff members are further nurtured through free hot and healthy lunches made onsite in a well-stocked cafeteria, with considerations for dietary needs through special menu items. When they're looking for a place to relax, the work lounges provide the perfect place to unwind. Located along the banks of the Red River, the school's 23-acre campus adds to the environmental ambience. As well, the state- of-the-art Richardson Senior School opened its doors in 2014 with 35,000 square feet of renovated space. "We've just gone through a complete renovation of some of the buildings on our campus," Keefe says, "so we've got some very, very nice facilities for people to work in as well." Rounding out the employment experience, staff members are encouraged to become involved in a range of community commitments. "We're very heavily involved in the community. Both our students and our faculty extend out to participate in initiatives within the city," Keefe says. "We also support local, national and international charities, and we assisted over 40 of them last year. As well, we had over 100 hours of time spent on charitable projects by our staff last year." As an education industry leader, St. John's-Ravenscourt School fosters a sense of work-life balance by supporting employees who are new mothers with maternity and parental leave top-up payments up to 90 per cent of their salary for 27 weeks. New mothers have the option to extend their time off with an unpaid leave of absence. For new fathers and adoptive parents, the school provides parental leave top-up to 90 per cent of their salary for 10 weeks. "We're a community-based school," Keefe says. "We're committed to the welfare of all members of our community, whether that be staff or students." Defends an idea today Defends human rights tomorrow WWW.SJR.MB.CA "I think one of the things that really makes us stand out is that we're a phenomenally close-knit community. The close working relationships between parents and students and faculty is what makes the school a success." Staff at St. John's-Ravenscourt. Photo by Darcy Finley ST. JOHN'S�RAVENSCOURT SCHOOL St. John's-Ravenscourt thrives within close-knit community By Jennifer McFee MANITOBA'S TOP EMPLOYERS

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