For the 3rd week of September, we continue to highlight the recipients of the grants that have been provided through the Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Relations Endowment Fund.

This week, our focus turns to the Mother Theresa Middle School (MTMS) in Regina.

The Middle School believes that “Every Minute Matters, Every Student Matters, Every Future Matters.” Their academic approach is rooted in today’s best practices that concentrate on student-centred learning, and it is designed to develop passionate, lifelong learners. At this school, student attendance is a critical school benchmark. They work proactively with the students to minimize absences and aim for a 97% attendance rate annually. The school uses an innovative learning experience that prepares students for success in high school, post-secondary and beyond.

Mother Teresa Middle School is guided by the Jesuit ideal of ‘cura personalis,’ which means care for the whole person, including tending to the student’s intellectual, social, physical, spiritual and emotional needs. On the MTMS website (https://mtmschoolregina.com/middle-school), they list and outline the many supports provided to help students succeed, including school clothing and outerwear; daily transportation to and from school; two meals and two snacks daily; student laptops and technology; and family support and cultural programming.

MTMS also provides enriched after-school programming referred to as the Extended Day Model, where students can test their emerging talents in a safe and nurturing environment. The students are also expected to participate in community service events each year, learn about the social issues surrounding the initiatives they serve, and reflect on their experiences. Each student works with partners such as the Regina Food Bank, the Queen City Wellness Pharmacy and the Mother Teresa Engages Community (MTEC) programme, where students, through volunteerism and fundraising, are empowered to take the lead in making a meaningful difference in their community and Inspiring Others Through Generosity.

Students also have the opportunity, over the summer months, to take part in the Land-Based Learning Retreat and Enrichment Programme to connect with the land, participate in traditional cultural activities, enhance self-esteem, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships. After the students graduate, the school also follows these students through their Graduate Support Programme, which offers academic, financial and career support to MTMS alumni as they embark on their journeys into high school, post-secondary and employment. Such a commitment to students after they leave the Middle school is really commendable.

The Sask K of C Charitable Foundation, through the various endowment funds, creates, administers and advocates for programmes and services that help families in need. These endowment funds generate earnings that fund and support education, charitable outreach, parish life and community programmes across Saskatchewan. As we have said previously, it is gratifying for us to see and know that our Endowment Strategy is being used successfully to support community services that focus on helping people help themselves and build positive, constructive relations between Indigenous and Non-Indigenous peoples.