St. Boniface Diocesan High School was established in 1965 to provide Catholic high school education to English-speaking students of the Diocese of St. Boniface.
As a “Diocesan” high school, it is operated under the direct administration of the Archbishop. Responsibility for the education program and the day-to-day administration was delegated to the Principal. In 1978, the Archbishop appointed a Rector to manage the affairs of the school. A School Board operated as an advisory body to the Rector who was accountable to the Archbishop.
St. Boniface Diocesan High School had, throughout its history, Marianist Brothers and Priests on staff. Between the years 1986 and 1989, the school operated as a Marianist school with a Marianist Rector.
In April 1989, the school was incorporated as St. Boniface Diocesan High School Inc. In structure, the corporation assumed an organization typical of religious organizations that operate schools, hospitals, service organizations, and parishes. This structure is two-tiered.
The upper tier is composed of the Archbishop, Vicar General, Financial Administrator of the Diocese, Director, and Chairperson of the Board of Directors. The purpose of this tier is to ensure that the principles of the Church are upheld. It has powers to appoint Directors, approve budgets, and by-laws, and make management decisions. The Board of Directors is responsible for the full management of the affairs of the Corporation. The Director held the position of chief executive officer and administered the business affairs of the school.
In 1994, the position of Director was redefined by the Membership, and a Financial Director was hired by and made accountable to, the Board of Directors for the sole purpose of managing the school’s financial affairs. The Board of Directors assumed the responsibility of the chief executive officer.
The educational program is delegated to the Principal who is hired by, and accountable to, the Board of Directors. The basic educational program is prescribed by Manitoba Education and Youth, however, the school exercises freedom to determine electives, special services, and religious programs. Although the Board holds ultimate decision-making powers relating to school issues, it collaborates with the Principal when making any such decisions.
Although SBDHS currently is not a Marianist school in terms of ownership or operation, it does enjoy a philosophy deeply influenced by members of the Marianist Community. The primary objective of the Marianists is formation and education in faith. Their mission is founded in Jesus and is lived out in the community, under the influence and inspiration of Mary.
In order to meet the increasing demand for Catholic education at the high school level, St. Boniface Diocesan High School now serves a broader community. It welcomes students of all faiths and cultures within the Archdiocese of St. Boniface, the Archdiocese of Winnipeg, and the Ukrainian Archeparchy of Winnipeg.
SBDHS' 1st Student Council - 1965
SBDHS' current Student Council -2024