REVIEW OF Rosthern Junior College High School BY parent, Sanne Gillingham

(5) Student Experience

Our daughter transferred from the local high school to RJC High School for her grade 11 and 12 year. We had initially wanted her to make the move earlier and begin her RJC High School experience in grade 10, but she was hesitant to leave behind her friends and the familiarity of her previous school. After her grade 10 year, she felt ready to embrace the new experiences and challenges that comes with starting a new school and her only regret is not moving sooner! RJC High School focuses on the development of whole student. Their programs are well rounded to allow students to explore and thrive in academics, athletics, arts and music, faith, and personal wellbeing. The small class sizes and low teacher to student ratio means that there is excellent academic support. The students are motivated and encouraged to excel in their academics from which our daughter has greatly benefited. In addition to a great athletics program, RJC High School also offers an outstanding music program. This program played an important part in our daughter's decision when choosing her new school as she is very passionate about music. Students at all levels are given the opportunity to learn and grow as a musician. The school also has many travel opportunities integrated into their educational program that focuses on learning and growing outside of the classroom in the form of field trips, service, and volunteering. And because RJC High School is also a school with dorm students, the staff and students are always busy planning events and fun activities that help build friendships and create lasting memories. The greatest aspect of RJC High School is the feeling of positivity and calm when entering the school. The school is a safe space for students to feel comfortable and supported. The small class sizes means that our daughter has gotten to know her classmates really well and it has been easier to make lasting friendships.

(5) School Leadership

The administration at RJC High School is personable and caring. They know each student and always want what is best for them. Diversity is embraced and the administration has created a safe, positive, and supportive environment for students to be themselves. Besides Parent/Teacher/Dean interviews, the administration and teachers also keeps parents and caregivers informed of school activities and events through emails, newsletters, and weekly updates. For families who live in the area or have the ability to visit the school, there are also many events where family and friends, alumni, and community members are invited to attend. The school leadership and teachers are available to discuss the individual student's needs with parents and caregivers. If or when discipline issues arise, they are handled with sensitivity and fairness.

(5) Teaching

Right from the beginning of our daughter's experience at RJC High School, it was obvious that the teachers will go the extra mile to ensure the success of their students. They encourage each student to strive for great academic achievement while also recognizing their efforts. The small classroom sizes ensure more teacher-student attention so every student can get the help they need to succeed. The teachers strive keep the students engaged and interested and strive to build a deep understanding in the subject. The lessons are carefully planned with purpose and the teachers provide good guidance with positive and constructive feedback. Our daughter feels confident and capable in her academics. Their passion and dedication to teaching as well as their students one of the many great things about RJC High School.

(5) Academics

Rosthern Junior College High School has a strong tradition of academic excellence. The academic program at RJC High School has been carefully shaped to ensure the success of the individual student and prepare them for post-secondary education. There are many opportunities for students to learn and grow outside of the classroom as well as inside the school walls. The focus of RJC High School is on the development and growth of whole student to help them meet their educational ambitions as well as their own personal goals. This is achieved through the Imagine (grade 10), Thrive (grade 11), Explore (grade 12), and Belong innovative education programs which are aimed at strong academics in concurrence with relevant and meaningful interconnections with the world around us. The school also offers a variety of excellent arts and athletic programs.

(5) Extracurriculars

RJC High School offers a variety of extracurricular programs to give students the opportunity to develop their skills and grow outside of the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in athletics, music, arts, leadership, and service in the community. The school has an excellent athletic program focusing on teamwork and leadership as well as building confidence while developing their athletic abilities. RJC High School Teams will travel throughout the province of Saskatchewan for tournaments. The music program at RJC High School is stellar with lots of opportunities for performances and travel with the choir. RJC High School is focused on the engagement of each student. There are many opportunities for students to become involved in leadership through the SCC and SRC.

(5) Students

There are approximately 80 students at RJC High school, including both day and dorm students. The student body is small and creates a sociable and friendly campus community. Students are friends across all grades which generates an environment that fosters caring for one another's well being. In my daughter's words: 'Everyone feels like a good friend. You can sit with anyone at lunch and feel comfortable and included'. At the start of the school year, students are invited to participate in after-school events that encourages students to get to know each other and cultivate friendships. Several field trips are planned throughout the year which also strengthens the bond between students. The atmosphere of the school is that of inclusiveness, acceptance, and positivity. Students are respectful and supportive of their peers, which is also modelled and encouraged by the RJC High School teachers and staff.

(5) School Life

The school life at RJC High School can be very busy. There are many opportunities for students to get involved with event planning, choir, athletics, attending fun activities and events, field trips, and volunteering. There is always things to do and friends to do them with, especially for dorm students. During the school day, students are engaged in academics and supported to grow intellectually while also encouraged to develop personally. Many of the programs available at the school centers on the emotional, social, and well-being of the whole student. Our daughter has enjoyed being involved in many of the both curricular and extracurricular activities that RJC High School has to offer. She has grown both academically and personally since starting RJC High School with more confidence in herself and her abilities.

(5) Community

RJC High School encourages the interaction between the school, families, alumni, and the wider community and friends. This connection is fostered through school events, alumni homecoming, timely communication through various channels, and the fact that parents are always welcome to visit the school. Parent involvement is considered important in the student's success in learning and development. The school has many opportunities for parents and caregivers to get involved. There are several well planned fundraising events held throughout the year where family and friends of students are invited to take part in event activities. Parents and alumni are also often involved in the planning of safe grad events. As our daughter is a daytime student and we live in the area of RJC High School, we are able to attend all events in-person. For families of dorm students that may not live in the area, events are live streamed when feasible and weekly newsletters will keep all well informed of what is happening at the school.

(5) School Location

RJC High School is located in the small, friendly town of Rosthern in Saskatchewan. The authentic and quaint farming community adds to the feeling of inclusiveness and belonging for students. The town is safe and offers a few amenities like a bank, grocery store, hardware store, coffee shops and restaurants as well as some convenience stores. Students usually frequent the shops as they are all within walking distance of the school.

(5) Admissions

The administration makes applying for admission to RJC High School simple. RJC High School administrators were there to support the process from the start and provide guidance where needed. Applications are accepted all year and there is often a monetary incentive for early submission in the spring. There are also several entrance awards, bursaries, and scholarships available to all students. We were able to visit the school prior to submitting the application for our daughter and the administration was able to answer our questions. The school reviewed the application and worked with us to ensure that the school was the right fit for our daughter and our family. It is helpful to have a list of questions and concerns ready when visiting or communicating with the school.

(5) University placement and counselling

RJC High School has teachers and administrators ready to help with the process of applying for university. The academic program prepares the students for university and they are strongly encouraged to pursue post-secondary education after high school. Recruitment and admission officers from universities may visit the school and the grade 12 class will participate in university recruitment fairs in early fall. These fairs will have representative from many universities readily available to meet with students and answer questions. The teachers and administration at RJC High School will also assist in attaining information about any post-secondary programs that the student may be interested in pursuing and provide guidance to the student and families as to the next steps in the application process. We felt well supported through the process of choosing the right university for our daughter.