Waterloo Region District School Board, Waterloo Catholic District School Board and Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) are pleased to announce the appointment of Keith Prudham as the new General Manager of STSWR, effective August 1, 2025.

A valued member of the STSWR team since 2009, Keith began his career as a Transportation Planner. Over the years, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to innovation, team building, and operational excellence—culminating in over a decade on the management team. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing safety and efficiency across the organization, benefitting thousands of students transported to and from school each day.

Keith brings a wealth of experience to the role, shaped by his long-standing tenure at STSWR and his close collaboration with staff. As a proud Kitchener native with deep ties to the region and a family background in education, Keith is well-positioned to serve the Waterloo Region school communities with insight and care.

He holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies and a specialized certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), bringing a data-informed and analytical approach to transportation planning.

We look forward to working with Keith as he transitions into this important role.

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, June 23, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-06-23_Board-of-Trustee Agenda

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

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Special Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, June 16, 2025 @ 6:30 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-06-16_Board-of-Trustee 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

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Last week, St. Mark Catholic Elementary School welcomed a week of meaningful learning as part of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s Indigenous Week of Learning. The experience offered students an opportunity to connect with Indigenous culture, history, and traditions in a hands-on, heartfelt way.

This special initiative was created through the leadership and vision of Superintendent Jenny Ritsma, who oversees the Indigenous Education portfolio, and Jen Staats, Indigenous Consultant K–12. Together, they imagined a week that would bring Indigenous learning to life in every elementary school—moving beyond textbooks and into classrooms, conversations, and community. Inspired by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, the goal is to help students learn from, with, and about First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.

Thanks to a team of dedicated Indigenous educators and Knowledge Keepers, that vision came to life at St. Mark. Classrooms and shared spaces were transformed. The library became an Indigenous Museum, filled with traditional clothing, instruments, furs, and sacred medicines—offering students a chance to see, touch, and learn. Outside, students picked up lacrosse sticks to play Canada’s national sport, first created by Indigenous Peoples.

Each grade experienced something unique.

Katie Croft, Indigenous Special Assignment Teacher, worked with students, guiding them through the Indigenous Peoples Map of Canada and teaching about how Indigenous communities lived off the land, the formation of Canada, and the diverse names and locations of First Nation communities. Additionally, her in class lessons for grade 4-8 students were closely tied to the Social Studies and History curriculum.

Darlene Schaffer, an Inuk Knowledge Keeper, spent time with Kindergarten to Grade 3 students, sharing stories, traditions, and lived experiences from Nunavut. Her additional Inuit presentation for the whole school really brought the Inuit culture to life for students.

Teresa Pitt, a Métis Knowledge Keeper, visited Grade 1 and 2 classrooms with stories and teachings that celebrates Métis identity, language, the arts and community.

Jen Staats offered a canoe presentation, highlighting its cultural and historical importance in Indigenous life—connecting students to traditions of travel, trade, and connection that continue today.

Creating space for Indigenous teachings helps students grow in knowledge and respect—and reminds us that reconciliation begins with listening and learning together.

Please be advised that the Special Board Meeting – Budget Presentation, originally scheduled for June 9, 2025 at 6:00 p.m., has been rescheduled to June 16, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.

Thank you for your attention to this change.

At the May 26, 2025, Board of Trustees meeting, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) approved Option 3 of the Southeast Galt Boundary Review. This decision follows extensive consultation and careful consideration of enrolment trends, school capacities, and community feedback. 

What This Means: 

• Boundaries for Holy Spirit CES, St. Anne (C) CES, and St. Vincent de Paul CES will be adjusted September 2026. 

• A new boundary will be established for the new Southeast Galt Catholic elementary school, opening September 2026. 

• Out of Boundary caps will be implemented starting September 1, 2025, with exceptions for students already enrolled or pre-registered with out of boundary permissions prior to August 31, 2025. 

• Existing Out of Boundary students will be permitted to remain at their current schools, except those directed to attend the new Southeast Galt Catholic school. 

• Legacy exceptions will allow Grade 7 students in 2025–2026 to remain at their current school for Grade 8. 

• An Exceptional Circumstances Appeal process will be communicated in the Winter of 2026. 

• A Transition Planning Committee will be formed to support students and staff affected by the changes. 

We are committed to ensuring a smooth and supportive transition for all students and families. More information is available on the Southeast Galt Boundary Review webpage. 

Thank you for your continued partnership in Catholic education. 

This week marked the final staff Pickleball game of the school year—an initiative that has quickly become a beloved WCDSB tradition. It began in the fall of 2023, sparked by Administrator Pat Runstedler and Consultant Andrea Pfeiffer, who shared a vision of promoting staff wellness through movement, connection, and fun.

What started with just 3 or 4 courts and a dozen participants at St. David soon gained momentum. By February, all 9 courts were in action, with more than 35 staff members taking part each week.

“Staff wellness through movement and connection has always been a priority for Andrea and me,” said Pat. “Healthy, active living—and Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the world—provided the perfect opportunity for both.”

Titles were left at the door. ECEs, teachers, principals, retirees, spouses—and sometimes even children—joined in. The motto was simple: Always room for one more, echoing the inclusive spirit of the PALS (Playground Activity Leaders in Schools) program.

All skill levels were welcome, and the energy on the court reflected a vibrant, supportive community. Even the Communications Team found themselves swept up in the fun, thanks to some encouragement (and lessons) from Pat—who dreams of becoming a Pickleball coach in retirement. He even convinced one hesitant Communications Team member to pick up a paddle and give it a go.

While this final game marked a bittersweet milestone for Pat, he expressed nothing but joy at seeing the initiative flourish. “It’s become more than a game,” he said. “It’s a community built on wellness, laughter, and a little friendly competition.”

Rest assured, while Pat may be retiring from the board, he’s certainly not retiring from the court. He’s already taking enrolment for new “students of Pickle” this September, and the Communications Team is first in line.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) is preparing for the future—and we want to hear from you. 

As we reflect on our current Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) (2022–2025), we’re also beginning the important work of shaping our next plan to guide the years ahead. To support this process of reflection and renewal, we’re inviting staff, families, caregivers and community members to complete a short survey. 

Deadline Extended: You now have until May 30, 2025, to make your voice heard. 

Take the survey here: WCDSB MYSP Feedback Survey 

The survey takes just 10–15 minutes to complete. Your input will:
• Help assess the impact of our current plan
• Identify shared values and emerging priorities
• Shape the next MYSP to reflect the voices of our community 

All responses are anonymous and will be reviewed to identify key themes for the Board of Trustees and senior leadership. 

If you have questions, need support, or would like to request a translated version, please contact research@wcdsb.ca. 

Thank you for being part of this important conversation. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive future for Catholic education in Waterloo Region. 

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, May 26, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-05-26_Board-of-Trustee 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

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