April 2026 - Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meetings: April 13, 2026

Upcoming Agenda:

Special Board of Trustees – Education Development Charge (EDC) Policy Review meeting @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-04-13_Special-Board-of-Trustee_Agenda_EDC_Meeting #1

Special Board of Trustees – Education Development Charge (EDC) Background Study meeting @ 6:15 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-04-13_Special-Board-of-Trustee_Agenda_EDC_Meeting #2

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, April 13, 2026 @ 6:30 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-04-13_COW_Agenda

(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

April 10th, 2026|

2026 Chair’s Award, Community Partner Award and Distinguished Graduate Award Recipients

Chair’s Award: John Murphy, Catholic Education Centre

Presented to a person or persons in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region, or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

This year’s Chair’s Award is presented to John Murphy.

John Murphy is the deserving recipient of this award because he serves as the true personification of servant leadership within the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. Through his dedicated role as the Religion and Family Life Consultant, John consistently puts students first, working diligently to ensure their success while providing invaluable support and resources to educators. His visionary work on the “Gathered to Become” theme and the pray@Home webpage offered vital spiritual guidance to our community during the pandemic, demonstrating a profound understanding of our collective needs. Whether he is stepping in to teach at St. Isidore during a period of growth or representing the WCDSB as a provincial leader at the When Faith Meets Pedagogy conference, John’s commitment is unwavering. By saying “yes” to his calling with a heart for Catholic education, he has become an exemplary ambassador for our board and a source of inspiration for all who work alongside him.

Community Partner Award: Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre/Diocese of Hamilton

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by a community partner or agency to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region.

We are proud to present the Community Partner Award to Mount Mary Immaculate Retreat Centre/Diocese of Hamilton for its extraordinary 50-year legacy as a cornerstone of spiritual formation for our students. Since 1976, this sacred space has served as a vital partner in Catholic education, providing a serene environment where three generations of Grade 8 students have encountered the love of God through creation, prayer, and community. By offering a consistent “shared reference point” that bridges the transition from elementary to secondary school, Mount Mary fosters a deep sense of belonging and spiritual growth that stays with our students long into adulthood. Whether through the early stewardship of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate or its current leadership under the Diocese of Hamilton, the Centre remains a cherished sanctuary where the seeds of faith are nurtured, making it a truly deserving recipient of this award as we celebrate five decades of transformative retreat experiences.

Distinguished Graduate Award: Mark Anthony Fernandes (Monsignor Doyle CSS)

Presented to a graduate of more than 10 years from our school system who has demonstrated outstanding examples of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Awarded at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or other appropriate public venue.

We are thrilled to honour Mark Anthony Fernandes (Monsignor Doyle CSS) for his extraordinary lifelong commitment to faith, service, and the mission of Catholic education. For over 30 years, Mark has been a cornerstone of the St. Ambrose Church community, enriching the liturgy through his musical leadership as choir director and organist while providing responsible stewardship on the parish finance committee. His influence extends far beyond the sanctuary; he is the embodiment of a “shepherd leader” who lives out the Gospel in his professional life as a Mental Health Lead, where he champions human dignity and compassion for the most vulnerable. By instilling these same values in his children—who serve as active members of our school communities at Monsignor Doyle and Holy Spirit, and by mentoring graduates to lead lives of integrity, Mark serves as a profound witness to the Catholic Graduate Expectations. He is a devoted disciple whose hands and heart are truly dedicated to doing God’s work, making him a most deserving recipient of this award.

April 8th, 2026|

WCDSB receives approval to tender for new addition at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School

KITCHENER — The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) has received approval from the Ontario government to issue the tender for a new addition at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School in Kitchener.

The project, supported by a total investment of nearly $13 million, including additional funding of nearly $4.6 million, will deliver 184 new elementary student spaces for local families.

“The approval to tender for the new addition at St. Mark Catholic Elementary School is wonderful news for students and families in Kitchener,” said Annalisa Varano, Director of Education. “This investment reflects our shared commitment to providing welcoming, high-quality Catholic learning environments where every child can discover their gifts and reach their full potential. We are grateful to the Ontario government for this support and look forward to the opportunities this expanded space will create for our community.”

The WCDSB thanks the Ministry of Education and Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener–Conestoga, for their continued investment in Catholic education in the Waterloo Region.

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

April 7th, 2026|

Director’s Easter Message

Dear Families and Caregivers,

On behalf of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, I wish you and your loved ones a joyful and blessed Easter season.

Easter is, at its heart, a story of hope. It reminds us that even in the face of struggle, loss, and uncertainty, there is the possibility of renewal, of rising again into something beautiful and new.

This past year has not been without its challenges. Like all communities, we have navigated difficulty together, and through it all, we have been inspired and renewed by the remarkable children who fill our schools with energy, curiosity, and joy. Ensuring every child feels known, safe, and loved is our greatest privilege, and one we are grateful to share with you.

But as we look toward Easter, we are also filled with hope, because of what we see happening in our schools every day.

We are in the first year of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, a shared vision that puts your children at the centre of everything we do. We are focused on Learning, helping every student reach their full potential. On Serving, being truly present and responsive to the needs of your families. And on Belonging, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors knows they are welcome, cherished, and valued.

This is the promise of Catholic education. It is rooted in faith, animated by love, and renewed every day by the dedicated educators and staff who serve your children with joy.

As you gather with your families this Easter, whether at church, at the table, or simply together, we hope you feel the warmth of this season and the knowledge that our schools walk this journey with you.

From our family to yours: Happy Easter.

With hope and gratitude,

Annalisa Varano
Director of Education
Waterloo Catholic District School Board

April 2nd, 2026|