Bernie Kinch hopes to bring his 34 years of teaching experience to Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education as a trustee. - SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
Bernie Kinch, a now retired teacher of 34 years, believes his experience as an educator, athletic coach and committee member for various organizations within Medicine Hat has provided him with the skills necessary to be a Catholic school board trustee.
Kinch was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and moved to Medicine Hat when he began attending Medicine Hat College. He moved to Lethbridge to complete his degree in education, then to Taber where he taught for seven years. He eventually returned to Medicine Hat when he became a teacher with the city’s Catholic Board of Education. He also served as President of the Medicine Hat Catholic Teacher’s Local No. 39 of the ATA, chairperson of the professional development committee, and representative for the diversity, education, and human rights committee. He retired two years ago and now hopes to contribute by becoming a trustee.
“I do not have a set agenda or predetermined program, but I will work towards providing the best educational opportunities for the students of MHCBE,” Kinch told the News.
“I believe that a trustee should not have an agenda nor a predetermined personal set of expectations for their terms as a board member, but should instead be open minded and willing to collaborate, communicate and cooperate with all stakeholders in order to direct our district forward into the future in a manner reflecting our Catholic values.”
Kinch’s values include what he calls “the Four Cs” – collaboration, communication, cooperation and Catholicity.
“The first thing I would do if elected as a trustee of MHCBE would be to pray for our students, teachers, administration and support staff,” said Kinch. “Secondly as a trustee, I will make it a point to consider all decisions made by the district to reflect our beliefs and faith in the dogma of the Holy Catholic Church, so that the students of this district can become the best individuals and citizens they can be.”
