A new Catholic is to be built in this area behind St. Francis Xavier School, seen on the right side. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Numerous benefits to new school, says Catholic superintendent

Sep 26, 2023 | 4:35 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Building a new school will bring numerous benefits to students in the city’s Catholic division, says the superintendent.

The plan, outlined in a letter sent to parents this week, calls for the school to be built behind the current St. Francis Xavier School, which will close along with St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s schools.

“Certainly having access to a theatre is very exciting for all of the schools that will be on that property. In addition, having a new building will have access to newer technology, a new CTS lab will be added and students and parents and staff right now are engaged in sharing with us what they want to see in the new building,” says Dwayne Zarichny.

“So as an example, if we look at St. Francis School, their gymnasium space there is very very small. Where the new school will have a full-size high school gym attached to that facility and the middle school will have their own full-sized gym.”

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It’s anticipated enrolment will be a little more than 800 in the school, which is planned to be for students in Early Learning Programs to Grade 9.

Zarichny says the planned location will allow for the construction of a bus lane to take traffic off the street and decrease congestion.

“One of the things actually that’s a priority for the board as well in the building of this new school is that we want it to be literally the most inclusive and accessible school in the province,” he says. “So we’re working with experts in the area to ensure that the building, not only the building but the playground as well, will be accessible to all students regardless of their mobility issues.”

Construction of the new school is slated to be completed in the fall of 2026.

The board of trustees is expected to formally approve construction at its next meeting on Oct. 10.