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Dwayne Zarichny will begin his role as the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education's new superintendent on Aug. 1.
jappel@medicinehatnews.com@MHNJeremyAppel
The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education has revealed its new superintendent – Dwayne Zarichny.
Zarichny’s most recent position was deputy superintendent at East Central Alberta Catholic Schools in Wainwright, where he’s worked since 2016.
Prior to that, he served as the associate superintendent of Living Waters Catholic Schools in Whitecourt.
“Catholic education really is one of the gifts that Alberta offers students,” said Zarichny. “Having that choice is really important for students in the province.”
He pointed to the MHCBE’s accountability pillar results from the past few years, where the board ranks “exceptionally high in the area of safe and caring schools.
“I think that’s a testament to, not only the staff in the jurisdiction, but to Catholic education itself,” Zarichny said.
He says he plans to place emphasis on “an equitable education for all” that respects the differences among students while providing them with a well-rounded education.
“Every student is unique in their needs and this does really fit well with the mantra of Catholic education, where we educate the whole child and not just their academic needs,” said Zarichny.
“We also look after their social, emotional and spiritual needs. When all of those needs are met for the student, then we’re able to provide an environment for them to grow, not only as a student, but as a human being as well.”
As a newcomer, he plans on taking “some time to familiarize myself with our schools, the students, the staff and the city itself.”
Afterwards, he looks forward to working with the board on its priorities outlined in its three-year strategic plan.
MHCBE chair Dick Mastel says he’s excited to have Zarichny on board.
“He’s got a history of experience in Catholic boards,” said Mastel. “He’s a very likeable guy, and has a strong faith background and strong faith leadership. Those are things we were looking for.”
The superintendent position opened up after Joe Colistro announced publicly in November that he was retiring at the end of the 2018-19 school year.
Colistro’s final day on the job is July 31.
