10/04/2021
Ken's FaceBook Introduction
After serious contemplation I have decided to seek election as a Catholic trustee for Medicine Hat Catholic School Division. Catholic education has long been a significant part of my family and I now have four beautiful grandchildren who stand to benefit from a well rounded Catholic education. As a family man, Catholic education is indeed very personal for me and I pray that my family will continue to have the wonderful opportunity to benefit from a quality Catholic educational experience.
After serving for 25 years in Catholic education leadership in Saskatchewan, I would like to share my experience, expertise and passion for Catholic education by serving Catholic education in this community. I have always been a “fighter” for Catholic education in Saskatchewan. In my most recent role as Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Catholic School Boards Association I helped to unify the eight Catholic boards in their fight to safeguard Catholic education in the midst of a significant legal challenge issued by the public boards in that province. I spent more than 50 days in a court room in Yorkton, Saskatchewan supporting our legal team in their defence of Catholic education. Fortunately, The Supreme Court of Saskatchewan recognized the legal rights of Catholic education in Saskatchewan and dismissed all claims from the public boards within the province. This action ensured the continuance of a strong, publicly funded Catholic education system in Saskatchewan. Interestingly, this action also solidifies the rights to a publicly funded Catholic education system in Alberta. It was witnessing this legal action that cemented my passion for Catholic education and my resolve to continue to do whatever necessary to safeguard this wonderful gift.
Together we can maintain and even enhance the rich history of Catholic Education in Medicine Hat.
Medicine Hat Catholic Schools have a rich history of providing a quality Catholic education to the students that they serve. This school division is recognized provincially as being one of the highest achieving school divisions in the province. I would like to support the continued provision of an outstanding Catholic educational experience for all students by ensuring that student-centred decision making continues and flourishes within this school division. Although I recognize the outstanding work that has been done in the past, I am of the view that we can always improve as we seek to meet the challenging needs of an ever changing student population. I will be a hard working and dedicated board member who will remain open minded in seeking solutions to the many challenges and issues that will be presented to us in the future.
Board support for staff faith development is crucial to the success of our schools.
As a Catholic School Division we must always focus on the teachings of Christ. Our Catholic teachings must permeate all that we do within our schools and school division. We must continue to support all staff with ongoing faith development, so that they are able to be positive faith role models to the students that they serve. It is the daily witness of dedicated staff members that reinforce the Catholic identity of the school division and I am pleased to recognize that this continues to be a strength of Medicine Hat Catholic schools. From my many years of experience in Catholic education I have come to understand that the expectation we put on staff members in this area is an ongoing challenge for them. Each of us has our own personal faith journey and we must be sensitive and understanding to that fact. I firmly believe that the role of the board of education is to invite people to continue their faith journey by providing many different opportunities to grow in their faith and to support them in that process. This must be an ongoing priority for the board of education and I would do my very best to ensure that faith development of all staff remains a high priority, including ensuring adequate resources are allocated in this crucial area.
We must work to actively engage all partners in Catholic education as one big family in order to meet the needs of our students in this challenging new world.
In Catholic schools we recognize the important partnership of home, school, parish and community. If elected, I would work very hard to ensure that this partnership stays alive and well. I believe it is essential that all the partners are actively involved in the educational process and that the relationship with all the partners must be nurtured and welcomed. In Catholic schools, we are indeed one big family and although there may be times when we do not all see eye to eye, it is very important that we welcome feedback and involvement from all the key players. The board must continue to make informed decisions with the active involvement of all partners and I would strongly support this crucial process.
Our staff members walk the talk as Catholic educators and must receive proper support to be the best that they can be.
In my many years in Catholic education leadership I have come to truly appreciate the outstanding work done by the staff in Catholic schools. We have high expectations of these women and men and they have a very difficult ministry to live up to. I am confident that in Medicine Hat Catholic schools we are truly blessed to have outstanding staff members who do indeed walk the talk on a daily basis. These past 17 months have been particularly challenging for all staff, students and parents and I would like to genuinely thank all staff for the continued outstanding work in going out of their way to meet the needs of their students. The board of education and central office administration must continue to work hard at providing the necessary support, such as adequate professional development to all staff members in this challenging time. I hope all staff members have at least some small idea of how much they are valued and appreciated for all that they do!
Please Vote!
No matter what the result of this election, I feel it is an important opportunity for the Catholic community to continue to play an active role in enhancing Catholic education in Medicine Hat. Through your educated opinions, reflected through your vote and through consultation between candidates and the Catholic community, you will help to determine the future of Catholic education in our city and I am truly blessed to be part of it.
Thank you and God bless.
Please visit my web page for more information regarding my platform @
ELECT KEN LOEHNDORF as Catholic School Board Trustee Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education
