MEATH PARK, Sask. – Dusty gravel roads and green farm fields butt up
against the grounds of Meath Park School.
Linda Hryciw has commuted here to work as principal since 1998,
watching the sunrise and sunset light her way and the combines toil
under the harvest moon each fall.
“You couldn’t ask for a better way to start and end the day,” she said.
Hryciw grew up on a Birch Hills, Sask., farm and returned with her
husband to the Prince Albert area after serving as a principal in
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Meath Park School survived the restructuring and amalgamations of rural
schools because of its central location in its school district.
Hryciw’s challenge was to bring students from five rural municipalities
together and form a school community. She accomplished that by working
with the local school board and businesses, by involving the RCMP and
creating ways for families to participate in a range of school
activities.
For her efforts and leadership in the school and community, “Mrs. H,”
as she is known to the 348 kindergarten to Grade 12 students, was
rewarded with the Saskatchewan Association of School Councils’ first
principal appreciation award.
From her nearly empty office on Meath Park’s final day of classes, she
talked about her move to a school in Prince Albert this fall.
She reflected on numerous changes she oversaw at Meath Park while
following her personal motto of “work hard, play hard for kids.”
They include her proudest legacy, the introduction of an anti-bullying
policy that produced a student code of conduct.
“It made a remarkable difference at this school,” she said, citing a
decrease in foul language and more respectful behaviours from students.
“We were all partners in coming up with this plan,” she said of staff,
students and parents who created the discipline plan.
Teachers explain how to recognize bullying, deal with it and prevent it
in and out of school. Students learn the consequences of actions like
swearing, which includes reading and writing out the code and getting
tested on it.
Hryciw said it gave parents peace of mind about a safe school
environment. And there were bonuses with improvements in school morale
and academic performance. This year, 50 percent of the students in
Grades 7-12 had marks 85 percent or higher, and are listed on the
academic honour roll prominently displayed near the front doors.
“The code of conduct drives the school,” she said.
The school also launched Dare, a drug awareness program led by a
Smeaton RCMP officer and a parent advisory council. It re-introduced
fine arts, industrial arts and home economics programs and hands-on
courses like welding, agriculture and entrepreneurship.
Hryciw insisted on closed borders for enrolment to build a strong
community school identity.
Building school spirit was paramount, she said.
The school calendar now includes a meet-the-teacher night that also
features a football game and community barbecue. Its awards night is
standing room only and graduation ceremonies fill the town arena.
An extension office of Cumberland College is located in the school to
provide career and employment services.
The school also saw many redesigns, with two libraries consolidated
into one and the office moved to improve student access.
Hryciw, a mother of three adult children, makes personal contact with
students, and stresses they should strive for excellence.
“All that is expected, not required, is that they work towards their
personal best and they compete with themselves,” Hryciw said.
She taught various grades for 20 years before joining the
administrative ranks. As principal, she saw her opportunity to “make a
difference for children at a different level.”
Of her administrative style, Hryciw said, “I tell it the way it is.”
She sees the school as the centre of a wheel with parents serving as
the spokes.
“You work in partnerships, you work together,” she said, noting that
nothing can change without community involvement.
While Hryciw effused over many changes, she conceded there were
frustrations.
“I want it done overnight and change doesn’t come overnight,” she said.
“Change comes from everybody. I can’t make this difference on my own.”
Wendy Grubbe, chair of the Meath Park local school board, said Hryciw’s
enthusiasm is contagious.
“She makes things happen there,” Grubbe said.
Since Hryciw’s arrival, parents have felt more comfortable in the
school.
“The door is always open,” Grubbe said.
Teacher Joyce Berezowski said the principal also works well with her
staff.
“She is a very supportive, never-gets-in-your-face principal,” she said.
The principal appreciation award was a pat on the back, but Hryciw said
making a difference at school is what counts.
Most important to her are the personal rewards from students, their
many notes and gifts.
Hryciw knew saying goodbye to Meath Park would be among her toughest
tasks.
“I put on a pretty good front while I’m here, but that drive home will
be hard,” she said.
