St. Vladimir's College in Roblin: educating young men for 51 years (01/06/02)

St. Vladimir's College in Roblin: educating young men for 51 years

ROBLIN, Manitoba - "...this school - St. Vladimir's College in Roblin, Manitoba has to be, and it has to be Ukrainian!"

These were noteworthy words given at a sermon by the Rev. Mitrat Michael Buyachok, the main celebrant this year during the 2001 graduation exercises at St. Vladimir's College in Roblin, Manitoba.

That's the opinion of Steve Rudyk, the father of Nicholas Rudyk, who graduated from the college just this year. Mr. Rudyk said he is very impressed with the results of the college, although he now regrets sending his son for only one year (grade 12): "This school is of great benefit to us (parents) and we regret that we did not discover the secret of this school earlier".

He adds: "The school has a wholesome environment. It is constantly supervised, provides discipline and structure, and is an opportunity (for students) to stay closer to (their) Ukrainian roots and Ukrainian background. My son improved his marks. He became more self-reliant. The interaction with teachers helped him build confidence with adults and he developed important friendships with other students. A lot of the good rubs off from one student to the other."

For Steven Labay, a student who recently graduated from St. Vladimir's College, the school is part of a family tradition. One of his brothers graduated in 1998, two uncles attended, as did numerous cousins.

When asked why he thinks this college stands out, he replied: "It gives a great opportunity to learn a combination of religion and culture and class kinship of friends and a small size of class. It (also) helps (with) the academics." The school "was a good choice," he added.

"The discipline was there and it was justified. ... The religion was just right, a good mix. The teachers were good and (I) got lots of attention. They were always reachable for attention. ... The culture (choral singing and folk dancing) was top notch," Mr. Labay continued. As for sports, "They never turned away from allowing us to play sports," he said.

Mr. Labay also mentioned that parents were allowed to visit the school and that the metropolitan personally visits the college at least three or four times a year. (Metropolitan Michael Bzdel was absent this year because he had to attend to the pope's visit to Ukraine at that time - it was the first time in 25 years that the metropolitan was absent from the college' s graduation ceremonies.)

Principal Lloyd McKinney, says the greatest joy for the teachers and staff was to see the improvement in students at the end of the school year: "Seeing good young men who will accomplish the most that they can with their lives. Seeing respectful young men not only of themselves, but with each other. We do not want to see people shortchange themselves (or their lives)."

So what is the most important thing that teachers try to instill in these students as St. Vladimir's College? "Good values, religious and spiritual values and everyday values. To make good human beings out of them," said Mr. McKinney.

And what can a private school like this offer that a public school cannot? "A one-on-one approach. Kids are not given an opportunity to fall through the cracks. ... Smaller classes, mandatory studying, spiritual guidance, opportunities in various curriculum activities," he said.

And why is a lower teacher-student ratio important? "Students receive more one-on-one help. If problems arise they are noticed and the students don't fall through the cracks. Students can be turned around. Kids get noticed here."

Mr. McKinney also commented on how the staff helps develop spirituality in the students: "We support the Ukrainian Catholic faith. Clergy come in to say the liturgy during the week, for confession and to give classes in religion."

On the topic of extracurricular activities, Mr. McKinney mentioned the use of computers and access to the Internet, various cultural activities, even work in the vegetable garden. There is also an accent on sports: "The students need to vent their energy, get their minds from books and focus on something physical."

At the conclusion of every academic year, the college presents students with diplomas. The graduation class this year comprised: Ryan Baschak (Regina, Saskatchewan), Jean-Paul Beaucher (Sooke, British Columbia), Curtis Kotelko (St. Louis, Saskatchewan), Steven Labay (Mitchell, Manitoba), Nicholas Rudyk (New York) and Markian Wytialowsky (Toronto).

Various academic awards were also presented. Some of the sponsors of these awards were: Metropolitan M. Bzdel, Paul Gulka and Family, the Rev. Gregory Hrynkiw, Mr. and Mrs. John Pidskalny, Gary Kohuch, Roblin Credit Union, David G. and Judge Mary A. Wawrykow, and the Knights of Columbus Council No. 5182 in Yorkton.

St. Vladimir's College is a private Ukrainian Catholic boarding school situated about four hours from Winnipeg on the beautiful Canadian Prairies. It is the sole remaining Ukrainian Catholic boarding high school in North America.

Every year the students conduct a concert tour of religious songs and Ukrainian dance. Mr. Rudyk thinks that the college concert tours are important, as "they give the students a chance to travel from community to community and meet other people, see new faces, see the geography and history of Canada."

For over 51 years, St. Vladimir's College in Roblin has been providing an excellent academic program based on discipline, supervision, guidance, Ukrainian cultural activities and the Ukrainian Catholic rite.

For more information on St. Vladimir's College, visit the website at www.stvlads.ca or call (204) 937-2173.

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