It was a home run of a day at St. Teresa of Avila Elementary School in Elmira as students, staff, and families came together to celebrate Blue Jays Day, a fun-filled event that showcased the strength and generosity of the local community.

The schoolyard was a sea of blue as students proudly wore their Toronto Blue Jays gear, showing both school and team spirit. The celebration featured a special lunch with food generously donated by Foodland Elmira, the community’s local grocery store.

Parents volunteered their time to prepare and serve the meal, creating a true community feast.  Ballpark classics were served, adding to the fun and festive spirit of the day.

Principal Jennifer Drinkwater said that although she has only been part of the St. Teresa community for a short time, she already feels the warmth and spirit that make the school such a special place. “It’s incredible to see how everyone comes together, from local businesses to our amazing families, to support our students and make days like this so meaningful,” she said.

The event captured the best of St. Teresa’s school spirit: a community rooted in kindness, service, and joy.

As we move through another vibrant and joy-filled school year, it’s easy to get swept up in the flurry of activity that fills our classrooms, hallways, and hearts. Thanksgiving gives us a moment to pause – to breathe, to reflect, and to give thanks for all that we have and all that we share as a community. 

On Friday, as a full staff from our schools and offices, we gathered for a Spiritual Development Day- a time to celebrate, connect, and renew our shared commitment to living out our faith through our actions. We were especially blessed to welcome Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, whose reflections on truth and reconciliation invited us to think deeply about the land we are privileged to inhabit and the relationships we are called to nurture. His words reminded us that gratitude and reconciliation go hand in hand: both grounded in respect, understanding, and care for one another. 

I am profoundly grateful to walk this journey of faith alongside you and your families. Through my school visits this fall, I have witnessed the incredible partnership between home and school that makes our Catholic community so strong. Your children arrive each day ready to learn, grow, and live out their faith – a testament to the values you nurture at home and the trust you place in us as educators. 

Thank you for choosing Catholic education and for welcoming us into the sacred work of accompanying your children on their faith journey. It is a privilege we do not take lightly. Whether celebrating milestones, navigating challenges, or simply sharing in the everyday moments of school life, we are honoured to partner with you in creating communities where Christ’s love is made visible and where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. 

On this Thanksgiving weekend, may we take time to listen with open ears, minds, and hearts, just as this year’s Pastoral Plan calls us to do. Let us listen to the stories around us – those of family, friends, and community – and find gratitude in both the joys and the challenges that shape our shared journey of faith. 

From all of us at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, we wish you and your families a restful and grace-filled Thanksgiving. May your weekend be filled with peace, reflection, and the warmth of connection. 

With gratitude and faith,
Annalisa Varano
Director of Education 

Upcoming Agenda:

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-10-06_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

Upcoming Agenda:

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, September 22, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-09-22_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

Upcoming Agenda:

Special Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, September 8, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-09-08_Special-Board-of-Trustee_Agenda

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, September 8, 2025 following Special Board – Agenda: 2025-09-08_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

As a carry-on from our successful Links Fore Learning Golf Event on August 21, we now introduce the related Silent Auction that had been advertised during the event.

The auction is a significant aspect of the fund-raising effort of this event. It is a key contributor to our proceeds, which go directly to our programs that benefit our schools, our parishes and our community partners.

Please visit and follow the Silent Auction at https://www.32auctions.com/LFL2025. A new feature this year is the time window through which it is open for bidding where it extends to September 10. You will ‘register’ if you are a first-time visitor to this service or your profile from past auctions should still give you access. Please check daily as we will continue to add items donated by our sponsors and donors. We will contact successful bidders at the conclusion of the auction.

You may not have been a participant, guest, or volunteer at this year’s golf event, so here is your opportunity to help support the mission of the Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region. We do good things, and you can help take credit by your support!

With gratitude,
Denise Boudreau & Marty Ignor
Links Fore Learning Committee

Catholic Community Foundation of Waterloo Region, Inc.

The first day of school always brings a special kind of energy – fresh, full of promise, and brimming with excitement. But today marked a truly historic moment for the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), as students, families and staff gathered to celebrate the opening of not one, but two brand-new elementary schools in the City of Kitchener: St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School.

Pictured from left: Dave Schnider, Erin Stevens, Annalisa Varano, Berry Vrbanovic, Ayo Owodunni.

The joyful buzz could be felt across the tarmacs and into the bright hallways of both schools, as community members were joined by local dignitaries, including WCDSB Chair Renée Kraft; Trustees Bob Sikora, David Geurin and Kathy Doherty-Masters; Director of Education Annalisa Varano; Regional Chair Karen Redman; and Members of Parliament and Provincial Parliament – including Tim Louis, MP for Kitchener-Conestoga; Jess Dixon, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and MPP for Kitchener South-Hespeler; Mike Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga; and Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre. Also in attendance were City of Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, Regional Councillor Colleen James, and Kitchener City Councillors Ayo Owodunni and Dave Schnider.

Pictured from left: Ayo Owodunni, Rosemary Kavanagh, Annalisa Varano, Berry Vrbanovic.

Together, these two schools reflect WCDSB’s ongoing commitment to building inclusive, faith-based learning environments, and to nurturing meaningful partnerships across the community.

Front row, from left: Front row, from left: Lauryn Vanrooy, The Ventin Group Ltd.; Lema Salaymeh, Senior Manager of Communications; Gerald Foran, Superintendent of Learning; Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre; Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor of Kitchener; Deacon Sean, St. Anthony Daniel Parish; Annalisa Varano, Director of Education; Jennifer Ritsma, Superintendent of Learning; Jess Dixon, Member of Parliament and Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education; Karen Redman, Chair of Region of Waterloo; Kathy Doherty-Masters, Trustee; Erin Stevens, Principal. Back row, from left: Dave Schnider, City of Kitchener Councillor; Jeremy Vandepas, PM Contracting; Ayo Owodunni, City of Kitchener Councillor; Scott Elliot, The Ventin Group Ltd.; Patrick Eby, Superintendent of Learning; Dave Guerin, Trustee.

Holy Trinity: A Shared Vision for School and Community

Located in the growing Rosenberg neighbourhood, Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School is the result of an innovative collaboration between WCDSB and the City of Kitchener. This two-storey, 53,000-square-foot school includes 23 classrooms, a Learning Commons, and a large, dividable gymnasium that will be shared with the adjoining 17,000-square-foot City of Kitchener Community Centre.

Pictured from left: Renée Kraft, Annalisa Varano, Rosemary Kavanagh, Judy Merkel, Lynn Garrioch, Jennifer Ritsma.

Construction on the site began in September 2024 and was completed in less than a year – a remarkable feat, made possible through strong partnership and shared purpose. The project was tendered at $25.5 million, and the school now opens its doors to more than 525 students for the 2025–26 school year.

St. Patrick: Child Care and Classrooms Under One Roof

Meanwhile, across town, St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School is also opening its doors to a new generation of learners. At approximately 60,000 square feet, the school features four kindergarten classrooms with dedicated outdoor play areas, a special education classroom, and a mix of flexible, modern learning spaces to serve more than 540 students.

Deacon Sean, St. Anthony Daniel Parish

A highlight of the St. Patrick site is the purpose-built RisingOaks Early Learning Child Care Centre, which will provide care for up to 88 children, helping to support local families and foster early learning alongside the school community.

The $20-million project was completed within Ministry benchmarks and was made possible in part thanks to a land swap with the City of Kitchener, which allowed for an optimized school layout and the development of a beautiful city-owned playground directly adjacent to school property.

A Joyful Beginning

With the opening of St. Patrick and Holy Trinity, WCDSB joyfully welcomes two new school communities into its growing family. These schools are more than brick and mortar, they are places of belonging, partnership and faith, built to serve the students of today and tomorrow.

The board extends heartfelt thanks to the many hands that made this moment possible: from teachers and early childhood educators to support staff, custodians, construction teams and community partners. Their hard work ensures that every first bell rings with promise, and every student walks into a space designed for their success.

Dear WCDSB Families and Community, 

The start of a new school year always carries a particular kind of energy: fresh, full of promise, and deeply rooted in our shared Catholic faith. On behalf of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, I warmly welcome you back to the 2025-2026 school year. I hope your summer offered a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the people and passions that bring you joy. 

As we embark on this new academic year, we are reminded of our mission as disciples of Christ to educate and nurture hope in all learners to realize their full potential to transform God’s world. Our vision of creating Catholic schools that serve as the heart of the community, ensuring success for each and a place for all, guides everything we do as we partner with you to develop lifelong learners rooted in Gospel values. 

This year feels especially significant as we open the doors to two newly built schools: St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School. These beautiful, purpose-built spaces are a testament to what’s possible when partnerships are nurtured and communities come together. We are proud to collaborate with RisingOaks at St. Patrick and with the City of Kitchener and the Williamsburg Community Association at Holy Trinity, united in our commitment to serving the growing needs of our families. These vibrant, state-of-the-art learning environments stand as living proof of what can be accomplished when we unite in common purpose. 

As we prepare to welcome over 28,000 students across our system, we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us each day. Your partnership in your child’s education is invaluable, and together we work to shape young minds and hearts into the caring, discerning believers envisioned in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Through our collective efforts, we guide our students to become effective communicators, reflective thinkers, and responsible citizens who demonstrate Catholic social teaching that honours the dignity of all people. 

This year marks the launch of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan and new Pastoral Plan—two foundational documents shaped by extensive staff and community engagement. Your voices have ensured our direction reflects the hearts and hopes of those we serve. Together, these plans will guide our path forward as a system committed to faith development, wellbeing, achievement, and belonging. 

As we embark on this school year, we begin the first year of our three-year pastoral journey: Listen, Engage, Serve. This year, we are called to Listen -truly listen- to the voices of our students, our families, our staff, and each other. This theme invites us to approach one another with open hearts and open minds. When we listen with purpose and humility, we create the conditions for compassion to take root and for true understanding to grow. 

As a Catholic school system, our faith is not just our foundation, it is our compass. We know the year ahead will bring both joy and challenges, but we are not daunted. With unity, optimism, and faith as our anchor, we remain committed to our shared vision of nurturing student wellbeing, promoting achievement, and reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. 

As we begin this journey together, may we do so with optimism, courage, and grace. Thank you for choosing Catholic education for your children and for being partners in creating schools where each student is known, seen, and celebrated. May this year be filled with joy, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose as we continue to live out our Catholic mission together. 

With gratitude and blessings,
Annalisa Varano
Director of Education
Waterloo Catholic District School Board 

We are excited to announce the appointment of Patrick Eby as the newest member of the WCDSB senior leadership team, joining us in the role of Superintendent of Learning.

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, system leadership, and student-centred innovation. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, faith-filled learning environments, he will play a key role in advancing our strategic priorities and supporting student success across the board.

A respected and long-serving leader within WCDSB, Patrick began his educational journey with the board in 2002. He taught history, law and social science before stepping into a range of leadership roles, including program area head, student achievement consultant, vice-principal, and most recently, principal of St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo. He is also a proud graduate of our Catholic Leadership Program.

Patrick also brings extensive experience in curriculum writing and development, including a secondment with the Ministry of Education’s e-Learning Ontario branch, and contributions to curriculum and programs for Historica Canada and Student Vote. He has played a key role on numerous WCDSB system-level committees and initiatives – championing innovation, multilingual language learners, safe schools, health and safety, and alternative education. His leadership is rooted in building inclusive cultures where all students are given the opportunity to thrive.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to Patrick Eby as he steps into this important role. We look forward to the passion and perspective he will continue to bring to the WCDSB community.

The Board of Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is pleased to share that Annalisa Varano is the successful candidate for the position of Interim Director of Education and Secretary of the Board. 

Varano brings over 27 years of distinguished experience in Catholic education to this leadership role. A practicing Catholic and active parishioner, she has demonstrated unwavering commitment to faith-centered educational leadership throughout her career—including 23 years of service with the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board prior to joining Waterloo Catholic in 2021. 

Since joining WCDSB as Superintendent of Education, she has been a valued member of the senior team and a trusted leader within the system. In her current portfolio, she oversees K–12 Family of Schools, Student Success programs, Experiential Learning, Online Learning, Leadership Development, and Adult/Continuing Education. 

Her leadership extends beyond the board. Varano served as President of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario, representing 2,100 educational leaders across the province and working closely with the Ministry of Education and provincial partners on matters impacting Catholic education. 

Varano also contributes her leadership to several provincial and local boards and committees including the Business and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region, and multiple advisory committees. 

She will officially assume her new role on Sept. 1, 2025, with a transition period beginning in early August. 

Please join us in congratulating Annalisa Varano on this well-deserved opportunity. We look forward to continuing our work alongside her as she helps lead the board into its next chapter—grounded in a renewed vision for Catholic education and shaped by our upcoming Multi-Year Strategic Plan and Pastoral Plan. 

Renée Kraft
Chair, Waterloo Catholic District School Board