Dear Waterloo Catholic Community

We hope that you are well and that you have been enjoying a pleasant start to the spring season, even if spring has not fully informed winter it is time to step aside. Today’s letter is primarily focused on an invitation to invite your feedback, however before I discuss that, I will provide a brief update in relation to the pandemic.

As previously communicated, the province has altered its expectations, in regards to masking and to some of our in-school protocols. While we are all at the point where we would like the pandemic to be done with us, I remind everyone in our community that daily screening is still necessary and anyone not feeling fully well should not be attending school. Further, while masks are optional, they are still highly encouraged in our schools and classrooms.

As a Board we like to continually review and assess how effectively we are meeting our strategic priorities. We have opportunities to do so on a regular basis through our various trustee Board meetings and in other venues, but on occasion we also like to reach out to our full Waterloo Catholic community for your feedback. This has been less frequent – in relation to the strategic plan – over the past 2 years, due to the pandemic. This year we would like to return to that practice.

From Monday April 11th to Thursday April 21st we will have available a community survey on our Multi-Year Strategic Plan. It will be an opportunity to rate and comment upon our progress to stated goals, as well as a key opportunity to help shape the future strategic plan. Depending on your role and place in the WCDSB community, you may wish to reflect upon the goals in relation to your own school or reality. We realize that the pandemic has impeded our ability to fully realize some of our goals, and perhaps that may be part of the consideration when completing the survey, but we welcome your impressions so that we can continue to improve and be as responsive as possible to the voice of our community.

The survey should not take much more than 10 minutes to complete and will be available at this link MYSP Survey as of April 11th. It will also be featured prominently at www.wcdsb.ca.

As we continue to journey through the Lenten season, we pray that the love of our Lord, who sacrificed His life for us, might fill your hearts and homes. We continue to be grounded by our pastoral theme – Sent to Build – and reflect on our symbol of the bridge. We rejoice on the journey of encounter and accompaniment that we are all on, as a community at Waterloo Catholic.

Sincerely.

Loretta Notten
Director of Education

During the April 4th Committee of the Whole Board meeting, WCDSB trustees received a comprehensive report on the independent investigation into the police involvement concerning a 4 year old student in crisis.

As a board of Trustees, there is much that we have concerns about regarding this very difficult situation. But first, Trustees acknowledge the pain of the family involved and that of the Black community of the school and of Waterloo Region. We must fully understand the wide-reaching implications of all that occurred before we begin to move forward toward healing and growth.

We understand that systemic racism exists in our board, in our communities, in the society in which we live. It is our role as Trustees to ensure good governance through the continual reviewing of policies and procedures, as well as monitoring the actions of the board itself to eradicate systemic racism for the good of all WCDSB staff, students, and their families.

We also acknowledge that the journey we are on to remove systemic anti-Black racism did not start last night, or after the review was called. We hold staff accountable, and we believe actions speak louder than words. We were pleased to see in the report of April 4^th, 33 discreet actions and initiatives that are currently underway in WCDSB, specifically focused on eliminating systemic racism. The work crosses the priority areas of Nurturing our Catholic Community; Equity and Human Resources; Professional Development; and Student Achievement and Engagement. These are all steps in the right direction, and in keeping with the recommendations we received. We appreciate the hard work that has gone into these many initiatives, even if we have not yet landed where we ultimately strive to be.

Through the Recommendations that came out of the provincial investigation and the many good works already underway in our schools, we are confident that WCDSB is moving in the right direction. WCDSB Trustees are committed to supporting, advocating, and monitoring the progress that WCDSB will be making over the next few years to become a leader in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in education.

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The next meeting of the Board of Trustees (Committee of the Whole Board) is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, April 4, 2022, at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre. 

Findings of Independent Investigation “a Blueprint for Further Action” 

Says Director of Waterloo Catholic District School Board

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Board calls on province to address “critical support gap” for students in crisis

Waterloo Region, ON — Yesterday, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board received the results of the independent investigation into police involvement at a school.  Loretta Notten, Director of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board says, “We deeply regret the obvious hurt and distress caused to this young child in our care, and to his family, and indeed the Black community.  I want to assure the family, and the community, that we are committed to doing better.  We will do what needs to be done locally.  We will also highlight the changes that need to happen provincially to support students in crisis.

Says Notten, “With this investigation complete we now need to work at the changes that need to happen to ensure the best possible experiences for the students in our care. The report is a blueprint for further action for us — on anti-Black racism, on how we support a student in crisis, and on our relationships with parents. “

Notten stresses, “There is a significant issue highlighted in this report — and it requires both a response from the Ministry of Education and our local school board.  There is a critical support gap for students in crisis — one that must be solved in our protection of students and school staff safely moving forward.”

Explains Notten, “Everyone in education knows that there are more students than ever presenting with violent behaviors that risk and cause physical injuries to the student themself, as well as other students and staff.  It is likely quite challenging for someone outside of the education realm who has not experienced such a situation, to imagine a scenario with a child so young, yet this is a reality in schools across the province.

As boards, we put every single measure in place to support that student, and that can include a comprehensive safety plan.  Unfortunately, when every educational strategy is exhausted, by our expert, caring staff and the student remains in crisis with an on-going risk of self-harm, or harm to others, the final option for school boards is to call 911 and emergency services.

That is not a choice any educator ever wants to make.  We care deeply for the children entrusted to us. We also know these choices are not neutral, even if the policy is. That a call to police for a Black student has an impact that is different, that it is more significant as a result of a history of systemic racism.  We need provincial assistance in knowing who to call when in the discretion of the principal, under their duty of care, they decide that an emergency call is necessary.

The school system needs to be able to work with its community partners to provide a variety of options for interventions that are culturally responsive and can meet the needs of our diverse community.  This is not a unique or rare circumstance.  It is common across the province.  It needs a provincial response.  One that better support the student in crisis, and also the staff and other students at the school.”

At the same time, Notten explains there is more need for work at the local level, specifically around anti-Black racism. Says Notten, “Waterloo Catholic prides itself on being Heart of the Community, providing Success for Each and A Place for All. It is clear we have more to do when it comes to Black students and families feeling that vision is equally true for them. We are engaged in this work — which we have undertaken over the course of the last number of years — with renewed energy and commitment. I will share at the April 4^th Committee of the Whole Board meeting a more fulsome response to the review and some of the progress to date and the plans moving forward. We know we need to hear with open hearts and minds the genuine concerns of parents of Black students. That we also need to support Black parents as they navigate our systems and processes – and to change systems and processes that are systemically racist. We will do this critical work.”

Concludes Notten, “We are an organization that places the care of children at the centre of all we do. Our staff care deeply about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of each and every child.  We will do whatever it takes to make that care felt by each child we serve.  That’s a promise.”

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Media Note: 

For follow up interviews, please contact publicrelations@wcdsb.ca 

With the provincially mandated end of school COVID-19 restrictions, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is returning to pre-COVID bus cancellation and school closure procedures.

Winter weather can be very unpredictable. So, it’s best to be prepared. Here are some key things to remember – because not every day with snow is a “snow day”:

During bad weather, schools and school board administrative sites may still be open, even if school buses are cancelled.

Between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on mornings when inclement weather has been forecast for Waterloo Region, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) — the arm’s length body that coordinates and operates student transportation for the school boards — assesses the current weather conditions, in consultation with local bus companies, if necessary.

If a recommendation to cancel transportation (including potential closure of schools) is to be made, the local school boards are contacted, and a joint decision is made between STSWR and the boards.

All reasonable efforts are made to announce any cancellation of buses or school closures by 6:00 a.m.

Please note that public announcements will only be made if buses are cancelled and / or schools are closed.

It is recommended that parents, guardians, staff and students tune in a local Waterloo Region radio station and also monitor the following online information sources for information about potential closures or cancellations:

STSWR Website: www.stswr.ca/

STSWR Twitter Feed: @STSWR

WCDSB Website: www.wcdsb.ca/

WCDSB Twitter Feed: @WCDSBNewswire

The next meeting of the Board of Trustees is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. — Monday, March 28, 2022, at the Waterloo Region Catholic Education Centre.

Agenda:

Nominations remain open for the annual WCDSB “Distinguished Graduate Award”, “Community Partner Award” and “Chair’s Award”. Information about the awards (including the Distinguished Graduate Award nomination form) is available Here. There are no nomination forms for the Community Partner and Chair’s Awards.

If you wish to make a nomination in any of the categories, please submit your rationale in writing along with any supporting documentation you feel appropriate, to Alice Figueiredo by Thursday, April 7, 2022. Hard copy or emailed nominations are equally acceptable. Alice can be reached via email at alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca.

Chair’s Award

The Chair’s Award is presented to a person (or group of people) in the school system who has contributed significantly to Catholic Education. It is given annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made in serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region and/or to the betterment of Catholic Education in Ontario in general.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.

Recipients

• 2021 – John Dietrich
• 2020 – Paul Cox
• 2019 – Mary Jo O’Brien
• 2018 – Tom Denomme
• 2017 – Glenda Leusink
• 2016 – Nancy Sabo
• 2015 – Joni Grundy
• 2014 – Marianna Worth
• 2013 – Michelle Flood and Mary Stevens
• 2012 – Bruce Cameron
• 2011 – Gai Brown
• 2010 – Theresa Horan
• 2009 – Jeannie McCarroll
• 2008 – Angela Davis
• 2007 – Thomas Forestell, Mervyn J. Villemaire, Charles Van Alphen
• 2006 – Deb Zettel-Schmitt
• 2005 – Allan Hoch, Jennifer Rodrigues, Louise Ervin
• 2004 – Gary Leduc
• 2003 – Pat Brannigan, Michael Schmitt
• 2002 – School Sisters of Notre Dame / Sisters of St. Joseph
• 2001 – Dave Schnarr, Bill Brazeau, Pat Cannon, Warren Grafton, Horst Schweinbenz
• 2000 – Fr. Fred Scinto, C.R.
• 1999 – Ann O’Donnell-Beckwith
• 1998 – Bob Anderson

Community Partner Award

The Community Partner Award is presented annually in recognition of outstanding contributions made to Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools by a community partner or agency serving the students, staff and greater community of Waterloo Region.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application.

Recipients

• 2021 – St. Mary Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows Roman Catholic Church
• 2020 – Sister Servants of Mary Immaculate
• 2019 – Langs Community Health and Wellness Centre
• 2018 – St. Vincent de Paul Store (Cambridge)
• 2017 – Settlement and Education Partnership of Waterloo Region2015 — Waterloo Region Suicide Prevention Council
• 2016 – Conestoga College
• 2014 – Strong Start Charitable Organization
• 2013 – Barrday Inc.
• 2012 – Junior Achievement of Waterloo Region
• 2011 – Nutrition for Learning
• 2010 – Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada
• 2009 – Rex Barger
• 2008 – Reid’s Heritage Homes
• 2007 – Congregation of the Resurrection in Waterloo Region
• 2006 – Region of Waterloo Public Health
• 2005 – Waterloo Region Catholic Schools Foundation
• 2004 – St. Jerome’s University
• 2003 – Waterloo Regional Police Service
• 2002 – Catholic Family Counselling
• 2001 – Waterloo Region Catholic Community Foundation

Distinguished Graduate Award

The Distinguished Graduate Award was established in 2005 under the Board’s “Celebration of Excellence” policy. It is presented annually to a graduate of 10 or more years from Waterloo Region’s Catholic Schools who has provided an outstanding example of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations in action. The award is presented at the graduation exercises of the recipient’s Secondary School or another appropriate public venue.

If you submitted a nominee in prior years and wish to have the individual nominated again, please resubmit your application. Nominations will be retained for 3 years.  This does not preclude anyone from being re-nominated in any given year.

Nomination Form

Recipients

• 2021 – Dr. Laura Shoemaker, former Superintendent of Learning, WCDSB
• 2020 – Michael Dopp, author and founder of Mission of the Redeemer Ministries
• 2019 – Richard Hepditch, Chief, Waterloo Fire Rescue
• 2018 – Paul Heinbecker, former Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations
• 2017 – Most Reverend Bishop Daniel Meihm, Bishop of Peterborough
• 2016 – Michael Schmitt, Former WCDSB teacher, Principal, Superintendent & Director of Education
• 2015 – Douglas Letson, C.M., Former President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University
• 2014 – Katherine Bergman, President & Vice-Chancellor, St. Jerome’s University
• 2013 – Mary Jo Fedy, Managing Partner, KPMG — Waterloo
• 2012 – Toby Collins, C.R., Vocation Director for the Congregation of the Resurrection
• 2011 – Teacher / missionary Sister Barbara Paleczny, SSND
• 2010 – David Eby, Executive Director of the B.C. Civil Liberties Association – and current Attorney General of British Columbia
• 2009 – Paul Voisin, C.R., Vicar General of the Diocese of Hamilton (Bermuda)
• 2008 – Former Ontario cabinet minister – and current Wilfrid Laurier University Professor — Dr. John Milloy
• 2007 – Lisa LaFlamme, Anchor – CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme
• 2006 – University of Waterloo professor Brian Orend
• 2005 – Ontario Superior Court Justice Patrick J. Flynn