Kitchener, Ontario — April 28, 2025 — At its meeting on April 28, 2025, the Board of Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board elected Kitchener/Wilmot Trustee Tracey Weiler as Vice-Chair of the Board.

Vice-Chair Weiler brings extensive experience, strong leadership skills and a steadfast commitment to Catholic education. In her new role, she will work collaboratively with her fellow trustees to support the Board’s mission of serving students, families and school communities throughout Waterloo Region.

The Board extends its sincere thanks to outgoing Vice-Chair Linda Cuff for her dedicated leadership and service.

We extend our deepest sympathies following the tragedy that occurred at the Lapu-Lapu Day Block Party in Vancouver this past weekend.

As a Catholic community, we mourn the devastating loss of eleven lives and pray for the many others who were injured while gathered to celebrate Filipino heritage. Our hearts are with all those affected — the victims, their families, first responders, and the broader community who are grieving this unimaginable loss.

We continue to pray for healing, comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.

Community Partner Award: Tiny Home Takeout (Amy Cyr)

Presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made by a community partner or agency to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region. 

We are proud to present the Community Partner Award to Tiny Home Takeout, under the leadership of Chef Amy Cyr. Since its launch in January 2021, Tiny Home Takeout has served as a beacon of hope—feeding more than 120,000 individuals and distributing over 500,000 portions of food, even through the height of the pandemic. 

With the motto, “grab a bite, give if you can,” they embody Catholic social teachings in action. The initiative has recently expanded to two satellite locations to meet growing community needs, offering not only meals but also dignity, solidarity and welcome to all who come to their table. 

Their work is a powerful witness to Gospel values, reflecting the love, compassion and service that lie at the heart of Catholic social justice. For this unwavering commitment to the most vulnerable among us, Tiny Home Takeout is a most deserving recipient of this year’s Community Partner Award. 

Chair’s Award: Gavin Burns, St. Don Bosco

Presented to a person or persons in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to the Catholic school system serving the students, staff, and greater community of Waterloo Region, or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general. 

This year’s Chair’s Award is presented to Gavin Burns of St. Don Bosco, whose dedication to student success has made a lasting impact across the board. 

As a co-operative education teacher, Gavin plays a key role in supporting both current students and those re-engaging with their education. Through strong partnerships with employers and compassionate mentorship, he has helped many students reach graduation—offering not only credits, but confidence and purpose. 

Gavin’s presence is felt throughout the school and the wider community. His deep care for students and commitment to Catholic education make him a truly worthy recipient of the Chair’s Award. 

Distinguished Graduate Award: Robert Joseph Carli (St. Jerome’s Catholic Secondary School)

Presented to a graduate of more than 10 years from our school system who has demonstrated outstanding examples of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Awarded at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or other appropriate public venue. 

We are thrilled to honour Robert Joseph Carli, a graduate of the former St. Jerome’s Catholic Secondary School, with the Distinguished Graduate Award. 

Now an award-winning composer, Robert has left a lasting mark on Canada’s entertainment industry through his work in film and television. Best known for scoring the long-running series Murdoch Mysteries, Robert’s music sets the tone for each episode, enriching the storytelling with depth and emotion. He has also contributed to other acclaimed productions such as SkyMed and Ruby and the Well. 

A musician from his high school days—memorable for his role in My Fair Lady—Robert has since received four Canadian Screen Awards and five Gemini Awards, a testament to both his talent and dedication. 

Robert Carli exemplifies the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in his creative excellence, integrity and enduring contributions to Canadian culture. 

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, April 28, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-04-28_Board-of-Trustee Agenda

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

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Today, the halls of St. Aloysius were buzzing with excitement as kindergarten students and staff gathered for the event of the season—a joyous wedding celebration between the inseparable letters Q and U.

Decked out in their finest attire (including bow ties, veils, and plenty of sparkle), the young learners took their seats as Q and U walked down the aisle, ready to make their long-standing partnership official. The ceremony was both educational and adorable—a fun and memorable way to teach our kindergarteners that in writing (and in life!), Q and U are never far apart.

The celebration came to life with floral arrangements crafted during art time, a whimsically illustrated guest list featuring beloved alphabet friends, and the soft sound of violin music setting the tone as Q and U made their grand entrance.

With thoughtful touches at every turn, the gymnasium was transformed into a wedding venue fit for royalty—complete with aisle runners, balloon arches, and elegant signage, all lovingly created by the students themselves.

While there were a few whispered groans over the absence of Hors d’Oeuvres, the laughter and learning more than made up for it.

It was a QUte event that will be remembered for years to come—and a perfect example of how joyful learning can be.

The Waterloo Catholic District School Board joins Catholics around the world in mourning the passing of our Holy Father, Pope Francis.

As the first Jesuit and the first pope from the Americas, Pope Francis will be remembered for his quiet strength, pastoral heart, and unwavering call for the Church to lead with compassion, accompany the vulnerable, and care for our common home.

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis embodied a spirit of mercy—urging us to choose empathy over judgment and to walk alongside those often left at the margins. With Laudato Si’, he called the world to see environmental care as a moral duty. In every act of leadership, he uplifted the dignity of the poor, the displaced, and the forgotten.

We give thanks for a life poured out in service to God and humanity—a life marked by tenderness, conviction and unwavering hope.

May he rest in peace.

Dear WCDSB community,

We wish to inform you that on April 14, 2025, Linda Cuff stepped down from her role as Vice-Chair of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. She will continue to serve as a Trustee.

The Board of Trustees will elect a new Vice-Chair at the April 28, 2025 Board Meeting, in accordance with the Board’s by-laws.

We thank Ms. Cuff for her leadership and dedicated service.

Sincerely,
Renée Kraft, Chair, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Tyrone Dowling, Director of Education, Waterloo Catholic District School Board

I would like to extend heartfelt Easter greetings to all members of our school communities. 

Easter is the cornerstone of our Catholic faith—a sacred time that celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the enduring promise of hope and renewal. As we witness the early signs of spring, we are reminded of God’s grace at work in the world around us and within each of us. 

Throughout the Lenten season, we journeyed together in prayer, reflection, and sacrifice—grounded in our identity as people of the Paschal Mystery. As an Easter people, we now look forward with joy to the light and renewal that the Resurrection brings. Easter reminds us that even in our most challenging moments, we are never alone. Christ’s victory over death is a promise of new beginnings for each of us. 

This season invites us to reflect on our personal and collective journeys—to find strength in our faith, comfort in our communities, and joy in the simple blessings of each day. Just as Christ’s Resurrection brought light into the world, we are reminded that hope can rise even in the most difficult moments. 

Let us continue to nurture learning environments rooted in dignity, inclusion, and compassion—places where each student feels seen, supported, and empowered to flourish. Guided by our shared values of love, forgiveness, and service, may we work together to build a future filled with purpose and promise. 

May the peace and joy of the Risen Christ fill your hearts and homes this coming Easter. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, blessed, and joy-filled Easter season. 

Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we wish to inform the community that the Board Meeting scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, will be relocated to Resurrection Catholic Secondary School.

As this meeting coincides with the federal election, and given that the Catholic Education Centre is adjacent to a polling station, the relocation has been made in the spirit of being good neighbours and to help ensure unimpeded access for voters.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to welcoming attendees at the alternate location.