International Viewbook for fall 2023 applicants
Volume I

The Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education would like to acknowledge that we are gathering on the traditional land of the Blackfoot people who have welcomed here for centuries the Cree, the Metis, other First Nations, and non-indigenous people. The land is now recognized as the traditional territory of Treaty 7 to the north, west and south and Treaty 4 to the east. Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education also wishes to thank the First Nations people, past and present, for welcoming us here.
Where exceptional meets memorable.
Monsignor McCoy High School strives to promote academic excellence for our 540+ students. In our school a smaller student body has greater return with smaller class sizes and a family feel. We offer a personal relationship with all students.
The school incorporates an integrated approach to education involving the student, home, community and parish. Our school aspires to improve the intellectual, physical, social and spiritual well-being of all students and staff.
Monsignor McCoy High School recognizes its students as responsible individuals who lead by example and are committed to high moral and ethical standards.
Are you ready to take the leap?
“In the school I love the environment. It is fun going to school every day, you meet new person, new friends and the teach is so understanding for you needs. The school is not huge, but it’s perfect. It is like new and I have a lot of things to do. In Canada, my favorite things is the people and the attention to the sports.”
Washington Guido Gilberti Italian International Student
Academies:
All students in the academy will be referred to as “Student Athletes”. They are a student then a athlete. Academics are the priority of the academy. Students not passing grade level programming will be guided to a more suitable program (learning accomodations, modifed academy programming, and or removal of academy program)
Action:
The academy will benefit students who are self motivated All students are expected to put forth there best effort and demonstrate a high level of respect on a daily basis (facilities, instructors, classroom teachers, and classmates)
Accountability:
All students will be accountable for thier behavior, attitude, and level of effort both individually and within a class.
St. Mary’s School is a grade 7-9 middle school which offers a fee-based Fine Arts Academy (dance, art, drama, choral & band), as well as general regular programming. In addition this academic focused school offers full French immersion if requested. Students registered in the Fine Arts Academy will receive specialized instruction in Art, Dance, Drama, Choral, and Band.
St. Mary’s School highest ranking is in education quality, safe and caring schools, and parent involvement. The rigorous curriculum is based on the Alberta Program of Studies.
An integrated approach to learning is coupled with stand up delivery to make teaching and learning productive.
We inspire our students to be involved in activities St. Mary’s has to offer.
Are you ready to take the leap?
Medicine Hat inherited its name from the native word “Saamis” which is loosely translated as “medicine man’s hat”.
Col. Peppers Paintball
The ultimate paintball experience!
Big Marble Go Centre
Swimming, wave pool, waterslides, rope jump and more!
Hoopla’s Mini Golf
World class mini golf that is fun for adults and kids alike.
Brooks Corn Maze
Get lost at night in the cornfield and enjoy outdoor activities.
Hidden Valley Ski Resort
Ski or snowboard around stunning vistas overlooking the prairies of Medicine Hat.
Elkwater Interprovincial Park
Outdoor Skating, hiking, swimming and more!
Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede
Enjoy various actvities at our annual stampede.
Chuck Wagon Races
The most exhilarating, actionpacked sport to come to Medicine Hat!
Bull Riding and Rodeo
Watch the dirt fly as Cowboys and Cowgirls battle with the best stock in rodeo!
Kick Boxing & Rock Climbing
For all ages and fitness levels!
Enjoy a festive evening of holdiday cheer!
Explore Southern Alberta with trips to:
- Waterton National Park
- Dinosaur Provincial Park
- Calgary
- Banff
- Canmore
- Red Rock Coulee Natural Area
Historic Downtown
Medicine Hat’s Historic Downtown architecture was primarily influenced by the arrival of the Canadian pacific Railway in 1883 and subsequent clay and natural gas discoveries.
Medicine Hat has an amazing food scene, whether you’re looking for classic diner fare, something quick to go with your morning coffee, or a top-notch meal to help mark a special occasion.
Medicine Hat offers world-class facilities, competitive teams and one of the longest golfing seasons in the province making Medicine Hat’s sport and leisure scene a bright one.
With an average of 330 days of sunshine, Medicine Hat’s abundance of parks are well used. To make things better, the city boasts a trail system that spans 155 kilometers throughout the city. Nature lovers will love the city and the ability to float down the South Saskatchewan River during warm months.
Experience Medicine Hat
Read our tourism guide for more info!
Staying with a local family is, for International students, one of the most important arrangements that cements a positive student experience in Southern Alberta. We will be sure to integrate the student in a safe and loving homestay family. Students and families will be carefully matched in order to insure that a great experience is had by all. It is our greatest mission to make sure that both parties benefit from cultural exchange and friendship. It is clearly our hope that a lifetime of memories and friendships are gained through the experience. It is important to remember an open mind and positive attitude will guarantee success while the student stays in Canada.
Although the first few weeks maybe challenging it is important for the student to be patient while he/she acclimatizes to the new environment. Cultural shock and homesickness are very much apart of the process
The International Student’s application is reviewed to determine what their likes/ dislikes are, their allergies, special talents (musical) etc. An effort is then made to find a family that has similar interests and experiences. This is not a science and sometimes the match is not quite right and the student may need to be moved. This is not to be viewed as a criticism of the Homestay Family or the student. Once a suitable match is found, both the host family and the natural parents are contacted for approval. Contact information is then exchanged between the host family and natural parents.
True North Host Family Profile Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education uses a platform called True North to track and manage students and homestays.
Police Information Check (PIC)
A police information check (PIC) including Vulnerable Sector Record Check must be complete by each person residing in the house over the age of 18. Children Services Intervention Record Check (CSIRC)
MHCBE requires a CSIRC by typing in “Intervention Record Check Government of Alberta” in google or by requesting the form by emailing cs.ircsouth@gov.ab.ca.
The Homestay Family will receive a copy of the student’s application to learn about the student’s likes/dislikes, where he/she comes from, and see his/her picture. Some students (primarily students from Europe and South America) like to correspond with the Homestay Family by email or Skype before arriving in Canada. This is encouraged.
Course McCoy St. Mary’s
English Language
Arts
Social Studies
Science General
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
French
Religious Education
Physical Education
Career and Life Management (CALM)
Fitness & Performance
Sports Medicine
Outdoor Education
Course McCoy St. Mary’s
Media/Visual
Communications
Cosmetology
Foods
Mechanics
Fine Arts Academy
Art Design Studies
Drama
Dance
Band
Choral
Construction
Technology /
Industrial Arts
Baseball Academy
Robotics
Documents, fees and a detailed application checklist can be found at www.mhcbe.ab.ca
Necessary Documents:
1. Academic records from the past two years
2. Letter of Recommendation from a current teacher or principal, translated into English
3. A copy of you passport’s picture page
4. A copy of your Birth Certificate
5. Homestay application, if interested in our homestay program
6. Custodianship documents (unless applying for homestay or planning to live with a parent in Medicine Hat)
Fees are due prior to September 1 or February per semester or full year program. Fees are due prior to the commencement of any short-term program (3 months or less).
Your student fees provide you with great benefits.
For breakdown of tuition fees and half term fee structure scan QR code: Tuition Fees
Where Applicable Validation of Marks...................................$150 Extra Homestay Days.........................$25/day Dietary Fees..............................................$200 (vegan, gluten free, vegetarian, celiac) Activity Fee (optional)..............................$500
www.international.mhcbe.ab.ca/programs/ tuition-fees