The Board of Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is pleased to announce that Annalisa Varano has been appointed to the permanent position of Director of Education, Chief Executive Officer, and Secretary of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board. 

Since assuming the role on an interim basis in September 2025, Annalisa has led our system with clarity of purpose, deep faith, and a genuine commitment to the students, staff, and families we serve.  

In collaboration with the senior team and the Board of Trustees, she supported the development and successful launch of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan, “Learn, Serve, Belong”. She was also instrumental in the unveiling of our new Pastoral Plan. Both plans are integral frameworks that place Faith at the centre of everything we do. She has also supported the development of a robust monitoring strategy that will guide our system through the next five years, ensuring that we remain accountable to the communities we serve and grounded in the vision we have set together. 

Please join us in congratulating Annalisa Varano as she continues to lead our board into its next chapter.
 

Renée Kraft
Chair of the Board
Waterloo Catholic District School Board

Helmets on, kickstands up. The Cycling Smarts Pilot Program rolled into St. Nicholas Catholic Elementary School on June 1, and we were lucky enough to be there for tarmac day to see our Grade 5 students put their new skills to the test. 

The energy on the pavement was incredible. Students were beaming as they practiced signaling their turns, navigating cones, and growing more confident with every loop. Some were seasoned riders. Others were learning to balance on two wheels for the very first time. All of them were having a blast, picking up safety tips, and making memories that will stay with them long after the program wraps. 

Cycling Smarts is more than a few days of riding. It is a thoughtful introduction to safe, confident urban cycling, designed to meet every student where they are. The curriculum blends classroom lessons with hands-on practice, covering everything from core riding mechanics to road safety rules, navigating intersections, and developing a defensive riding mindset. Best of all, the program is offered at no cost to families and welcomes every student, including those with mobility needs and those who have never ridden a bike before. 

None of this would be possible without our incredible partners. We are deeply grateful to the City of Waterloo, the Waterloo Region District School Board, Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, and The Working Centre for bringing this program to life for our students.

The timing could not be more fitting. This week is also Bike to School Week across Waterloo Region, a community-wide celebration that invites students to feel the wind in their hair, try riding to school for the first time, learn new skills, or simply have fun exploring their neighbourhoods on two wheels. Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region (STSWR) has teamed up with the cities of Cambridge, Kitchener, and Waterloo, along with the Region of Waterloo, to sponsor a host of prizes for participating students, including 30 Dairy Queen gift cards and 10 active transportation prize packages. Families can learn more and join in at stswr.ca. 

What we saw at St. Nicholas this week is just the beginning. We are looking forward to watching Cycling Smarts roll out to more schools across both Waterloo Region school boards in the coming school year, giving more students the chance to discover the freedom, confidence, and joy that comes with riding a bike.