Waterloo Catholic District School Board Welcomes New Superintendents
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board is pleased to welcome new Superintendents Dr. Jennifer Ritsma and Annalisa Varano.
They replace Superintendents Maria Ivankovic and Richard Olson, who are both retiring.
Dr Jennifer Ritsma joins the WCDSB from the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board.
She began her career as an Educational Assistant and has worked her way up through all roles in school life, to now a Supervisory Officer. Most recently, she has served in elementary school administration, in three different schools.
Jennifer completed her Educational Doctorate in trauma informed schools and systems, focusing on equity and inclusion to impact vulnerable student populations, and currently serves as a Director at the Huron Perth Children’s Aid Society.
Her work has focused on faith formation and instructional leadership, moving and responding to challenging communities through cultures of inclusivity and strategic planning.
Annalisa Varano joins the WCDSB from the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic DSB
She has been a teacher, vice-principal and principal in both elementary and secondary schools, where she was noted for a number of innovative practices that served her school community and students well. Most recently, she has served as the principal of the SMCDSB’s Secondary Virtual School (2,000 students) and of Continuing Education / Adult Education.
Annalisa served as Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO) President in 2019-2020, and is currently on the steering committee at the Institute for Educational Leadership and Chair of the Communications Committee.
She has deep roots in mission trips, pastoral care and professional learning communities, and was noted for transformational projects she has undertaken in her leadership roles.
Waterloo Region’s Catholic schools look forward to Jennifer and Annalisa joining the WCDSB leadership team, and wish departing Superintendents Richard Olson and Maria Ivankovic many years of joyful retirement, following their long and successful careers serving Catholic education and the students of WCDSB.
