wcdsbadmin, Author at Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Waterloo Region School Boards Partner with Waterloo Regional Police and #NotInMyCity to Raise Awareness About Human Trafficking

For Immediate Release: March 12, 2026

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) are proud to announce that they have partnered with Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and national facilitative organization #NotInMyCity to identify and put an end to sexual exploitation and human trafficking in Waterloo Region.

Working with #NotInMyCity is one of the many ways WRDSB, WCDSB and WRPS are facilitating awareness and increased education about human trafficking in the Region.

WRDSB and WCDSB have engaged in professional development about human trafficking and sexual exploitation, as part of the Ministry of Education’s Keeping Students Safe Policy (PPM 166). As partners in education and raising awareness in the community, WRDSB and WCDSB collaborate with WRPS on providing information and resources to support students, staff, parents, families and caregivers.

WRDSB and WCDSB have implemented awareness campaigns for students in Grades 7-12 to help them understand the issue, identify potential warning signs, and know where to turn for help.

“We are committed to creating learning environments where every student and staff member in Waterloo Region feels safe, supported, and informed,” said Scott Miller, WRDSB Director of Education. “This partnership enhances our ability to recognize the signs of human trafficking early and empowers school communities to take meaningful action to better protect young people.”

Since 2020, the Region of Waterloo has experienced elevated rates of victimization of human trafficking when compared to provincial and national rates, with this form of Gender Based Violence disproportionately affecting women and girls.

“We are committed to ensuring our staff and students are equipped with the knowledge needed to recognize and prevent human trafficking,” said Annalisa Varano, WCDSB Director of Education. “Creating safe and informed school communities is essential, and this partnership strengthens our collective ability to protect young people.”

In 2024, the rates of victimization of human trafficking in Waterloo Region (3.4 people per 100,000) was approximately 70% greater than the Ontario rate (1.99 people per 100,000) and 178% greater than the National rate (1.22 people per 100,000; Uniform Crime Reporting Survey, Statistics Canada).

“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to protect children and equip young people with the awareness they need to stay safe from exploitation,” says Paul Brandt, Founder, #NotInMyCity. “By partnering with the Waterloo Region School Boards, we are strengthening our shared commitment to preventing human trafficking through education, leadership, and community action.”

“Combatting human trafficking requires more than policing – it requires partnership,” said Mark Crowell, Chief of Police. “Through this campaign, we are joining together to strengthen education, collaboration, and enforcement efforts to ensure those affected by this horrible crime are supported and those who are responsible are brought to justice.”

The Ontario Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services offers resources to help learn about the possible signs that someone is at risk for human trafficking. They also offer resources to support parents, families and caregivers with talking to children about human trafficking. Learn more about #NotInMyCity at notinmycity.ca.

Media Inquiries:
Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB)

Communications Team

Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB)

Lema Salaymeh

Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS)

Cherri Greeno

#NotInMyCity

Communications Team

March 12th, 2026|

St. Gabriel School Unveils First-Ever Stations of the Cross Art Gallery Project at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish

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.

March 11th, 2026|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: March 9, 2026

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

March 9th, 2026|

Congratulations Student Trustees

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce the election of Rashid Abu Ghazaleh of St. David Catholic Secondary School and Brayden Thompson of St. Mary’s High School as Student Trustees for the 2026–27 school year.

Chosen by their fellow students, Rashid and Brayden will bring the student perspective directly to Board governance, ensuring young voices remain at the heart of our decision-making. We look forward to the contributions they will make and offer them our full support as they step into this important role.

Congratulations, Rashid and Brayden!

March 2nd, 2026|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: February 23, 2026

Upcoming Agenda:

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, February 23, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-02-23_Board-of-Trustee 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

February 20th, 2026|

February 18, 2026 – All Buses Cancelled, All Schools Open

Due to the forecasted freezing rain, ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES are cancelled.
All Schools are OPEN.
All Extended Day Childcare Programs are OPEN.
St. Louis online, daytime, and evening classes are open at all locations. Community Use Programs are able to operate.
Please use caution while driving today.

February 18th, 2026|

Statement from the Waterloo Catholic District School Board

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board has been made aware of the arrest of a Vice-Principal by the Waterloo Regional Police Service in connection with an ongoing investigation.

We understand that this news will be concerning to members of our community. WRPS has confirmed that the offences for which this administrator has been charged do not relate to any Waterloo Catholic District School Board students.

As this matter proceeds through the legal system, we will continue to cooperate fully with police and remain focused on supporting our school community. The safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remain our highest priority.

February 13th, 2026|

Praying for Tumbler Ridge

Today, our hearts break with the people of Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as they grieve an unimaginable tragedy that unfolded at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Nine precious lives were taken, and more than 25 people were injured in a senseless act of violence. This includes the individual responsible, whose actions have left a deep wound not only in that community but across the country.

In moments like this, words feel too small. We pray for the families who are grieving, for those tending to the injured, and for everyone whose sense of safety has been shaken. Please know that you are not alone, and your grief is shared by communities across Canada.

Schools should be places of curiosity, care, and connection. They should be spaces where each day begins with possibility and ends with the comfort of returning home to those who care most. Today, we reaffirm that belief and hold close everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.

For members of our WCDSB community who may be struggling with this news, support is available. Students in need of additional support are encouraged to reach out to a teacher, guidance counsellor, or school principal. We are here for you.

We stand with Tumbler Ridge.

February 11th, 2026|

Nominations Are Open: Distinguished Graduate, Community Partner & Chair’s Awards

Nominations are open for the annual WCDSB “Distinguished Graduate Award”, “Community Partner Award” and “Chair’s Award”. Information about the awards is available HERE. If you wish to make a nomination in any of the categories, please complete and submit your application by March 2, 2026.

Forms can be accessed below. If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Alice Figueiredo via email at alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca or 519-578-3660 Ext. 2239.

Chair’s Award

Chair’s Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD003F

The Chair’s Award is presented to a person (or group of people) in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made in serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region and/or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

Community Partner Award

Community Partner/Agency Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD004F

The Community Partner Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools by a community partner or agency serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region.

Distinguished Graduate Award

Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD002F

The Distinguished Graduate Award was established in 2005 under the Board’s “Celebration of Excellence” policy. It is presented annually to a graduate of 10 or more years from Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools who has provided an outstanding example of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in action. The award is presented at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or another appropriate public venue.

February 9th, 2026|

Winter Magic Comes Alive at St. Matthew Catholic School

Laughter and music filled the playground at St. Matthew Catholic School as students stepped into winter with curiosity, creativity, and a whole lot of joy.

Inspired by Québec’s world-famous Carnaval de Québec, Grade 6 students brought their learning beyond the classroom by creating their own Wildcat Carnaval d’hiver. What began as a unit exploring francophone festivals across Canada became a hands-on celebration of French culture, winter traditions, and community spirit.

Students transformed the schoolyard into a carnival of activity, drawing directly from what they had learned about Québec’s winter celebrations. Tobogganing runs echoed with cheers, relay races and carnival-style games blended teamwork with friendly competition, and school-safe dog sled–style and snow car races offered playful nods to iconic northern events. Hockey challenges and ice fishing activities gave students a chance to explore Canadian winter culture while staying active and engaged outdoors.

At the heart of the celebration was Bonhomme, the school’s own carnival ambassador, inspired by Québec’s beloved winter mascot. Representing warmth, kindness, and joie de vivre, Bonhomme welcomed students, danced to traditional French carnival music, and joined in as students selected today’s favourite songs, creating a joyful blend of tradition and modern flair.

Older students in Grades 6, 7, and 8 also took part in snowshoeing and traditional Inuit games, learning about winter travel and northern cultures while building strength, balance, cooperation, and resilience. Throughout the day, creativity shone through snow art displays and student-made ice sculptures, reflecting one of the most recognizable features of Québec’s winter carnival.

The Wildcat Carnaval d’hiver marked the culmination of a cross-curricular learning experience connecting French language studies, social studies, the arts, and physical education. Students explored francophone communities, developed new vocabulary, learned about the history of winter celebrations across Canada, and applied their knowledge by planning activities, creating art, and leading their peers through the experience.

Most importantly, the carnival was entirely student-driven. It celebrated outdoor play, cultural understanding, collaboration, and the joy of being together as a school community during the winter months. Parent volunteers also played an important role, delivering hot chocolate to classes and helping to create a warm and inclusive experience for all.

Joyeux Carnaval! St. Matthew Catholic School is proud to bring a piece of Québec’s winter magic to its own schoolyard and to share the francophone spirit with all of its Wildcats.

February 6th, 2026|

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