The kitchen at Monsignor Doyle Catholic Secondary School was filled with the aroma of ambition this week as students from across the Waterloo Region gathered for the Regional Preliminary Skills Competition — a Ministry-funded event that serves as a steppingstone for students eyeing a future in the skilled trades. 

What began as a traditional vocational contest has grown to encompass several sectors, from Culinary Arts and Baking to a wide array of technical and service-oriented fields. In a display of community spirit, the event brought together students from both the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) and the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB), competing side-by-side and showcasing the high level of training available in the region’s secondary schools. 

Adding to the energy of the day, a panel of professional chefs from across the Waterloo Region volunteered their time to evaluate competitors, grading students on technical precision, plating, and flavour profiles. “Having local chefs in the building changes the energy,” said a lead technical chair for the event. “The students aren’t just cooking for a grade; they are auditioning for their future employers.” 

For many students, competitions like these are a first step toward programs like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and a lifelong career in the trades. The pressure was palpable as competitors worked against the clock, all vying for a coveted spot at the Skills Ontario Provincial Competition. The gold medalist from this regional round will represent Waterloo Region at the Provincial level on May 5, 2026, at the Toronto Congress Centre. 

We are grateful to the community chefs who generously volunteered their expertise to judge the contest. Their real-world feedback and encouragement left a lasting impression on our students and reinforced what events like these are all about — building confidence, skill, and a clear path forward. 

BRESLAU — The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is pleased to announce that it has received approval from the Ontario government to issue the tender for a new addition at St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School in Breslau. 

Supported by a $13.1-million provincial investment, this project reflects our commitment to providing quality, inclusive, faith-based education in a growing community.  

“This investment in St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School is a tremendous gift to the families of Breslau and to the future of Catholic education in our growing community,” said Annalisa Varano, Director of Education at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. “At the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, we are committed to ensuring every student has access to welcoming, well-resourced learning environments where they can discover their God-given gifts and prepare for lives of purpose and contribution.” 

WCDSB is grateful to the Ontario government for its continued capital investment in Catholic education and for its partnership in ensuring students across the Waterloo Region have access to modern, welcoming learning environments. 

“The funding for a new addition at St. Boniface Catholic Elementary School in Breslau is great news for our community,” said Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener—Conestoga. “Through this investment, we’re creating opportunities for students to thrive today and well into the future.” 

“Our government is focused on supporting students, teachers and parents while ensuring school boards are equipping our students with the tools they need to succeed,” said Paul Calandra, Minister of Education. “Once completed, this project will offer an inspiring learning environment that helps students prepare for the jobs of tomorrow. Our government will continue to provide the resources students need for ultimate achievement.” 

WCDSB will provide updates to the St. Boniface school community as the project advances through the tendering and construction process. 

Upcoming Agenda:

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, March 23, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-03-23_Board-of-Trustee Agenda

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Board meetings are open to the public. You may attend in person or watch live here: https://www.wcdsb.ca/about-us/meeting-information/board-meeting-live-stream/

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St. Gabriel School welcomed families and community members to St. Mary of the Visitation Parish last night for the opening of its first-ever Stations of the Cross Art Gallery Project. The event marked a meaningful collaboration between the school and the parish during the Lenten season.

The project invited students to reflect on the 14 Stations of the Cross, a traditional devotion that recalls the final moments of Jesus’ journey to the crucifixion. Through guided reflection and classroom discussion, students explored themes of compassion, sacrifice and love, each translating their understanding into original artwork.

More than 100 pieces are now displayed throughout St. Mary of the Visitation Parish, transforming the space into a colourful and thoughtful art gallery. Every class contributed meaningful pieces inspired by one or more of the Stations, resulting in a collection that showcases both artistic talent and expressions of faith.

The initiative was supported by the St. Gabriel Parent Council, which provided funding for classrooms to access special art supplies needed to bring students’ ideas to life.

We would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to all students for their creativity, effort and thoughtful contributions. Thank you to the school staff for guiding and supporting students throughout the project, helping their artistic and spiritual reflections come to life.

The artwork will remain on display at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish for the remainder of Lent, offering parishioners and visitors an opportunity to experience the students’ reflections throughout the season.

Upcoming Agenda:

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, March 9, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-03-09_COW_Agenda

Location:  1st floor Board Room, Catholic Education Centre, 35 Weber Street, Kitchener

(Note: Agenda files can be large. If you are experiencing issues downloading a file, right-click on the link and choose “Save Target As…”.)

Livestreaming of Board Meetings

Board meetings are open to the public. You may attend in person or watch live here: https://www.wcdsb.ca/about-us/meeting-information/board-meeting-live-stream/

General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings

Information About the Board of Trustees