Our purpose at Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) in Gretna, Man., is to educate young people in an Anabaptist/Christian context, seeking to develop their God-given potential in terms of physical, intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, social and spiritual well-being, and to develop in them an appreciation of our Mennonite heritage.
Our aim is that our students accept Christ as Lord and that they be disciples who express Christian hope by serving others, promoting peace and providing Christlike leadership within the church community and secular world.
This school year is one of transition for MCI. Our student numbers are smaller than usual, but we are strong. The staff and students have decided to really embrace the phrase “One team” for this school year.
We have introduced a new leadership team, and that is part of the reason why this “One team” is so important. Interim principal Cheryl Braun mentions that low enrolment is an important focus in a year of transition, and that we are in a time during which we need our community more than ever.
While MCI is an independent school, we are reminded that we are not in this alone and that we can’t do it alone. We need our churches to invest in order to stay vital; we need our community members in order to thrive. We have felt the support and encouragement of many community members, churches, alumni, friends and others, and for this we are thankful. We see this year as an opportunity to re-invest in MCI in new ways.
The director of student life is a new position introduced to MCI and the leadership team this year. Harold Schlegel is excited to fill this role and to use it as a mentorship program to create a renewed vision for the residence program. He is not only there to provide intentional leadership to the students in residence, but also for the staff within that program at MCI. This will be a vital role during the year, as we work hard with the community to be creative in our work and visioning, and to ensure that we are around for another 125 years.
See also: “Why Mennonite education matters.”
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