Despite the sizes of the school being similar, Schultz said there are a few differences with the colonies. There are more extra-curricular activities in Minto, which sometimes mean organizing transportation. In some cases, classes such as industrial arts are held with Boissevain School, which means arranging buses to and from the school. However, these are minor differences that are relatively simple to get used to.

With his background, he is taking on all of the physical education in the school, as well as teaching classes like grades 3-8 math, science and social studies. He said due to the four-day cycle, he would be able to take time for administrative work and class prep while handling that load.

He said the staff, teachers Lisa Bos, Kim Penner, and EA Karen Fraser, have all made him feel at home, and though they do have specific classroom assignments, they also help out wherever needed. In many cases, he only knew them from divisional education days; he said they have been very welcoming and helpful.

This year, Minto’s enrollment is 38 kids in their K-8 classes. Of these, 11 are in kindergarten. The community has been getting attention for its baby boom, which should mean large kindergarten classes, and from that, vibrant classrooms for years to come. This is another welcome sight for the new principal.

“It is very nice. Small schools are a dying breed. This really bodes well for the future.”

Right now, staff are getting the students used to school again, and Schultz said he has seen nothing but positive thus far. He had played rec ball, and that meant visits to Minto, and he had long heard about the special connection between the school and the community. He has already been to a parent’s night, and has already seen how supportive the town is toward their school. His wife Kali attended school in Minto as well, so there is also the family connection.

Schultz said he hopes 2023/24 will be the start of a long time as principal of Minto. He said having a successful first year is all about the students.

“I think you want to set the kids up for success, not failure,” he said. “They’ll learn, they’ll grow, they’ll fail but learn from their mistakes, and grow from them. You have a positive school atmosphere, with the staff you have, with the older kids serving as role models and having their influence rub off on the younger kids.”
“Kids will be successful as a result of this.”

by PAUL RAYNER, Recorder staff