Waterloo Catholic District School Board Logo
Waterloo Catholic District School Board Logo

Welcoming Our New Interim Director of Education, Annalisa Varano

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  

June 30th, 2025|

Wrapping Up the School Year with Gratitude and Hope

As the 2024–25 school year comes to a close, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to our graduates and my gratitude to our families and community partners. 

This year marks the conclusion of our three-year Multi-Year Strategic Plan (MYSP) and our three-year Pastoral Plan, both of which have helped guide our shared academic and spiritual journeys. Through these plans, we’ve nurtured learning, strengthened belonging, and continued to grow as a faith-filled community. 

We are grateful to all who took the time to complete our recent community survey. Your feedback is being carefully reviewed as we collaborate with a consulting firm to shape the next MYSP. Your voices will help guide our direction for years to come. 

There is much to celebrate this year—academic achievements, community milestones, and countless examples of students living out the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. We are filled with pride and hope for what lies ahead. 

To our graduates: May God guide your steps as you move into this next chapter. To our dedicated staff: thank you for walking alongside our students with faith, hope, and love. And to those joining us in the fall: welcome to WCDSB, where faith and learning grow hand in hand. 

Wishing all in our community a safe, joyful, and restorative summer. 

Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education

June 26th, 2025|

Catholic Board Approves $446.2 Million Balanced Budget

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board’s 2025-26 School Year Budget was presented on Monday, June 16, 2025, and was approved on June 23, 2025.

The Budget Book is available via this link: BUDGET BOOK.

Quick Facts

The overall budget is as follows:

  • Total Operating: $418.5M — ($50.9M change from 2024-25)
  • Total Capital: $27.7M — ($1.5M change from 2024-25)
  • Total Operating & Capital: $446.2M — ($49.4 M change from 2024-25)

As always, budget decisions are guided by the key priorities captured in the following plans:

Key funding areas of the operating budget include:

  • Classroom Staffing — $218.9 M
  • Learning Resources — $53.1 M
  • Special Education — $52.6 M
  • School Facilities — $56.7 M
  • Student Transportation — $11.9 M
  • Board Administration — $11.2M
  • Pupil Accommodation — $9.2M
  • Other — $32.6M

The budget contains provisions for:

  • Salary and benefit increases associated with the settlement of collective agreements and increased sick leave costs
  • Increased costs for non-staffing areas such as utilities, portables, student transportation, texts and supplies
  • Continued support for math, mental health, Graduation Coach for Black Students.
  • Continued support for identifying and assisting students with reading difficulties and students with special needs.
  • Outfitting 2 new schools scheduled to open September 2026.
  • Increased capital investment for maintaining school buildings and information technology.

* The proposed budget is informed by the Board’s 2022–2025 Multi-Year Strategic Plan and guided by its three pillars: Awaken to Belong. Strengthen to Become. Ignite to Believe. While a new strategic plan is currently in development, this budget reflects our continued commitment to the core values and priorities that have guided us over the past several years, including faith, equity, student achievement, and wellbeing.

June 23rd, 2025|

Keith Prudham Appointed General Manager of Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region

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.

June 23rd, 2025|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: June 23, 2025

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

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…”.)

June 22nd, 2025|

Extended Day Registration Begins June 16 — Check Your School’s Date

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

This is a reminder that registration for the 2025–2026 Extended Day Program opens at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025. 

To support a smooth process, registration will roll out in phases based on your child’s school. Please review the school-by-school schedule below and mark your calendar for your registration date. 

The Extended Day Program offers safe, inclusive before-and-after school care for students in Kindergarten to Grade 6, led by Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs). With a focus on play-based, faith-filled learning, the program supports social, emotional and spiritual growth in a familiar, school-based setting. 

Key Information: 

Care Options: 

  • Full-time: Monday to Friday 
  • Part-time: Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday
    Schedules must remain consistent each week to support staffing and planning. 

Fees for 2025–2026: 

  • $34/day  
  • $12.59/day for JK/SK students eligible under the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program 
  • $45/day on PA Days and during school breaks 
  • A $30 registration fee per child will be billed in September for families who secure a spot. This fee does not apply to students covered by CWELCC or child care subsidy. 

Start Date: 

  • Programs begin Tuesday, September 3, 2025 
  • Fees will be adjusted during the first week for JK/SK students participating in staggered entry 

 

How to Register: 

  • Registration is first come, first served based on your school’s assigned date 
  • There is no waitlist or priority system 

If your care needs do not meet the care options available, please contact your subsidy worker to discuss, before registering.

Full details, including policies and billing information, can be found in the Parent Handbook. 

School-by-School Registration Schedule: 

Registration Date  Schools 
June 16  St. Agnes, St. Aloysius, St. Anne (C), St. Anne (K), St. Augustine, St. Bernadette, Blessed Sacrament 
June 17  St. Brigid, Canadian Martyrs, St. Clement, St. Daniel, St. Dominic, St. Elizabeth, St. Gabriel 
June 18  Holy Family, Holy Rosary, Holy Spirit, Holy Trinity, Saint John Paul II, John Sweeney, St. Joseph, St. Josephine Bakhita 
June 19  St. Kateri, St. Mark, St. Michael, Monsignor Haller, Our Lady of Fatima, Our Lady of Grace, Our Lady of Lourdes 
June 20  St. Paul, St. Peter, Sir Edgar Bauer, St. Teresa (K), St. Teresa of Avila, St. Teresa of Calcutta, St. Timothy, Vincent de Paul 

Please register on or after your school’s scheduled date. This phased approach helps manage volume and keeps the system running smoothly. 

Thank you for partnering with us in your child’s growth and care. We look forward to another great year! 

June 13th, 2025|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: June 16, 2025

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

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

June 13th, 2025|

St. Mark Welcomes WCDSB’s Indigenous Week of Learning

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Students

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Students

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Students

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Students

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Books

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.

Indigenous Ed Week Students

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

Letter from students

 

June 12th, 2025|

Southeast Galt Boundary Review Decision

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. 

May 28th, 2025|
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