Upcoming Agenda:

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, February 9, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-02-09_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

The St. Gabriel Catholic Elementary School community came together this morning to celebrate Winter Walk Day, an annual event held across schools throughout the region that students, families and staff look forward to each year. Despite the chilly winter weather, the school community embraced the opportunity to connect, stay active and start the day on a positive note.

Organized in partnership with Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, Winter Walk Day encourages students and families to choose safe, active ways of travelling to school. By walking instead of driving where possible, families help reduce traffic congestion, support environmental sustainability and improve safety during school arrival times.

Staff and volunteers were stationed along the school’s four main walking routes where they welcomed students with smiles, friendly greetings and music, creating a joyful and energetic start to the day.

Adding to the excitement, CTV joined in the fun as special guests. The St. Gabriel CES community was pleased to welcome the CTV, who interviewed students eager to share their enthusiasm and talk about what makes Winter Walk Day such a fun and meaningful event.

The walk concluded back at the school, where students and families warmed up with hot chocolate before heading inside to begin their day of learning.

Winter Walk Day served as a joyful reminder that even during a Canadian winter, simple choices like walking together can strengthen community connections while supporting healthy, active living.

The Board of Trustees will hold a Special Board Meeting on February 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. This meeting replaces the January 26, 2026, Board of Trustees meeting that was canceled due to inclement weather. An updated agenda will be provided.

Please note, due to the inclement weather conditions and Board office closures, the Board Meeting scheduled for January 26th, 2026 is cancelled. More information will follow. 

Upcoming Agenda:

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, January 26, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-01-26_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

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is pleased to announce a significant investment in the future of Catholic education in Waterloo Region. With $17.8 million in capital funding from the Ministry of Education, St. David Catholic Secondary School will undergo a major expansion to support growing enrolment and evolving student needs.

The project, announced on January 23, 2026, at a special event hosted by Principal Heather Papp, will add 18 new classrooms and create 414 additional student spaces. Construction is expected to begin in September 2026, with the expanded space ready for students by Fall 2028.

WCDSB was honoured to welcome several dignitaries for the announcement, including MPP Mike Harris; Bonita Dua, Executive Assistant to MPP Jess Dixon; City Councillor Mary Lou Roe; Regional Councillor Chantal Huinink; and members of the WCDSB Board of Trustees.

“This $17.8 million expansion at St. David Catholic Secondary School is great news for Waterloo students and families,” said MPP Mike Harris (Kitchener–Conestoga). “It adds hundreds of new spaces and modern classrooms, ensuring local students are learning in environments that prepare them for future careers as our community continues to grow.”

MPP Mike Harris

MPP Jess Dixon (Kitchener South–Hespeler) echoed this sentiment, stating: “I’m grateful to see this investment in our community. Investments like this support strong schools and reflect our ongoing commitment to education infrastructure across the Region.”

“We are deeply grateful to Minister Calandra and the Ministry of Education for this substantial investment in Catholic education in Waterloo Region,” added Director of Education Annalisa Varano. “This addition will ensure our students have access to excellent learning spaces close to home, that support their academic success and faith formation. We look forward to working with the ministry to bring this much-needed project to completion.”

Director of Education Annalisa Varano

The expansion reflects WCDSB’s continued commitment to serving growing communities through modern, faith-filled, and student-centred learning environments.

January 15, 2026

• Due to the current weather conditions ALL SCHOOLS AND SITES ARE CLOSED.
• ALL SCHOOL BUSES, TAXIS AND SPECIAL EDUCATION ROUTES are cancelled.
• All before and after school programs and child care centres co-located in schools are CLOSED.
• All programs and services offered by St. Louis Continuing Education and Adult and Learning Centres are cancelled.
• All Community Use Programs will not operate.

Upcoming Agenda:

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting: Monday, January 12, 2026 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2026-01-12_COW_Agenda

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

General Information About WCDSB Board Meetings

Information About the Board of Trustees

Dear Waterloo Catholic Families and Partners,

As we approach the Christmas season and prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ, I am filled with profound gratitude for the gift of partnership we share in nurturing the faith and learning of the young people in our care.

Walking through all 52 of our schools these past months, I have witnessed the beautiful ways our community comes together to create spaces where children don’t just learn – they belong, they are cherished, and they encounter Christ’s love through the care of dedicated educators, and the support of engaged families like yours.

This fall, you have entrusted us with over 28,000 precious students, and together we have watched them grow in knowledge, faith, and character. Your partnership through volunteering, attending school events, supporting homework, reinforcing our Gospel values at home, and walking alongside your children through both joys and challenges has been essential to creating the vibrant Catholic learning community we cherish.

Thank you for choosing Catholic education for your family. Thank you for your prayers, your patience, your feedback, and your active participation in our schools and parishes. You embody what it means to learn together, serve one another, and create belonging—the very pillars that guide our mission as a community of faith.

As we enter this sacred season, may you find rest, renewal, and joy with your loved ones. May the peace of the Christ Child fill your homes and hearts, and may you feel the warmth of knowing how deeply you are valued as part of the Waterloo Catholic family.

Wishing you and yours a blessed and Merry Christmas and a grace-filled New Year.

With gratitude,
Annalisa Varano
Director of Education