Manitoba's Top Employers

It's easy to spot a future student When they hold the future in their hands, help them rise to the challenge. Apply today at www.sjr.mb.ca 18 "That's pretty common here," Keefe says. "A lot of it has to do with the strength of community and the quality of relationships that they build up. There's a real connection (to the school and students). I've been here three years now and I feel immensely connected to the school." Keefe says the school has made a concerted effort to attract and retain staff over the years. That might explain why the school has been a fixture on the list of Manitoba's Top Employers. This marks the ninth year in a row St. John's- Ravenscourt has been recognized as one of the province's 25 leading employers for its efforts in creating an exceptional workplace. "It's something we're phenomenally proud of, and it's a testament to the work of our faculty and staff and everything they do here," he says. "It all goes back to the strength of our community and the strength of relationships we have with all our constituents." One of the keys to developing that strength has been the school's support of continuous learning opportunities for its staff. It regularly supports staff who wish to enter a master's program and offers ongoing support for personal development via clear goal-setting for employees. "Like the rest of the world, education is changing at a phenomenal rate and it's important that we provide opportunities for our staff to develop so they can provide the very best 21st century learning environment for our students," Keefe says. In addition to academic growth, St. John's- Ravenscourt staff have an opportunity to focus on physical development. All staff have access to the school's new state-of-the-art Riley Fitness Centre, which is open to students and staff weekdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features a gymnasium and a full selection of exercise equipment. They can also enjoy hot and healthy lunches prepared onsite at the school's well-appointed dining hall. Most faculty and staff are also provided with their own personal laptop computer. St. John's-Ravenscourt has also been extremely supportive when it comes to encouraging staff to get involved in the community at large. For example, two members of staff recently led a group of SJR students as part of a community development project in Ecuador. "It's part of broadening the perspective of our students," Keefe says. "Our faculty and staff do a tremendous amount to engage with the outside community." As part of its efforts to promote work-life balance, the school provides generous maternity and paternity top-up payments for staff who are new parents. New mothers are eligible for parental leave top-up payments of up to 90 per cent of their salary for 27 weeks and have the option to extend their time off with an unpaid leave of absence. New fathers and adoptive parents can receive parental leave top-ups of 90 per cent for 10 weeks. "Like all institutions, we're doing what we can for our faculty and staff and recognize their contribution to our success," Keefe says. "This is just one of the ways of doing that." Attracting quality staff to St. John's-Ravenscourt is made easier by its picturesque location, a gorgeous 23-acre campus on the banks of the Red River. "We're immensely privileged to be where we are," Keefe says. "I don't think that's something we take for granted. Everyone appreciates the facilities we work in and the natural beauty here." ❚ PARTNERSHIP KEY TO SUCCESS OF ST. JOHN'S-RAVENSCOURT By Jim Timlick Over the years, St. John's-Ravenscourt School has been one of the province's most successful educational institutions. It graduates close to 100 students each year, with virtually all those grads being accepted by universities before moving on to successful careers in their chosen fields. H ead of School Jim Keefe says St. John's- Ravenscourt's success in that regard is due largely to a strong partnership between the school's students, parents and staff, all of whom are committed to providing the best possible learning environment for young people. "I think that's a pretty crucial factor. When those three individual units work together, you get a very powerful synergy," Keefe says. "When you look at the engagement of our parents and our students to the school community it's quite incredible. I'm here at work now (at 8 a.m.) and… we've probably already got 250 people on campus, whether it's for a sports practice, an academic club or music rehearsal." While it's an equal partnership, Keefe acknowledges St. John's-Ravenscourt staff play a critical role in helping develop the leaders of tomorrow. The school's workforce is comprised of 136 full-time and 26 part-time employees at its junior, middle and senior schools and includes everyone from teachers to finance, administrative support, maintenance, kitchen and arena staff. Many have been at the kindergarten to Grade 12 school for 25 years or more; a fact that is honoured on a plaque in the St. John's-Ravenscourt dining hall. "Like the rest of the world, education is changing at a phenomenal rate and it's important that we provide opportunities for our staff to develop so they can provide the very best 21st century learning environment for our students."

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