UPDATE: WCDSB Board of Trustees Board Meeting – January 26, 2026 Cancelled
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.
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/
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
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
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
Students and staff at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School are set to dazzle audiences once again as they present Descendants: The Musical in the school’s cafetorium this week.


We had the opportunity to attend the dress rehearsal, where the energy, professionalism and creativity on stage were unmistakable. This latest production marks the sixth full-length musical staged at St. Benedict since 2019, reinforcing the school’s strong commitment to the arts and offering students a vibrant space to showcase their gifts.


The musical opens tonight and runs through Saturday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased through the school’s website. https://stbenedict.wcdsb.ca/descendants/
Rehearsals have been underway since September, with the cast dedicating countless hours to perfecting choreography, character work and musical numbers. The band adds a rich, dynamic soundtrack that elevates each scene, demonstrating remarkable skill and collaboration.


Staff members have also played a pivotal role, lending their expertise, time and enthusiasm to guide students through every stage of the production. From set design to technical direction, their dedication is evident in the quality and spirit of the performance.


Descendants: The Musical stands as a testament to the talent, teamwork and heart within the St. Benedict community, promising an unforgettable experience for all who attend.
The weather outlook is improving. All permits and programs will continue as scheduled this evening and tomorrow. This includes our regular classes, International Language classes, and all events planned for tomorrow.
St. Agnes marked a heart-warming Angel Day yesterday, celebrating with concerts, crafts, and meaningful moments that brought students, families, and staff together in a spirit of joy.

The day began with a lively mini-concert from the Grade 1–3 classes at 9:45 a.m., as students shared music that set a cheerful tone for the celebrations. After the performance, Grade 1 students returned to their classrooms for their craft activity, while Grades 2 and 3 remained in the gym with their families to create beautifully crafted angels.


Later in the morning, the FDK classes welcomed families into their classrooms for intimate mini-concerts and craft activities. Children and parents worked side-by-side, creating angel-themed keepsakes that captured the delight of the season.


In the afternoon, Grade 4–6 students delivered classroom presentations before heading to the gym for their craft session. This was followed by the Grade 7 and 8 classes, who shared their own presentations before joining the school community for the final crafting period of the day.


Throughout the event, the school was filled with music, creativity, and a strong sense of togetherness. Angel Day once again highlighted the vibrant spirit of St. Agnes and offered families a chance to take part in the learning and joy that fill the school each day.
