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

Easter Greetings and Welcome the Season of Renewal 

Waterloo Catholic Community, 

As we slowly begin our journey into spring – being reminded of life’s continuous cycle of renewal and growth – we are also entering into the holiest days of our Catholic Church year.  

This winter our weather may have been a bit milder, yet its length and unpredictability have presented challenges to many of us. This provides the backdrop of Holy Week, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday, reminding us that the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the promise of new and abundant life and new beginnings are upon us. 

In Pope Francis’ message for Lent he reminded us “to pause in prayer, in order to receive the word of God, to pause like the Samaritan in the presence of a wounded brother or sister [because] love of God and love of neighbour are one love.” This continues for us in the Easter season, and we take time to reflect on those in our community and the world who are without necessary resources for survival, or suffering from violence, including ongoing wars.  

Just as spring kicks off the awakening of nature with vibrancy and new life, Easter invites us to reflect on our own journeys of faith and renewal. This marks a time to rejoice in the blessings we have received and to look forward, with joyful hope, to the opportunities that await us.  

Thank you to our staff for their continued work and the support of our students and their families. Let us continue to cultivate an atmosphere that reflects our Catholic faith’s teachings of love, forgiveness, and service to others. Together, we can inspire hope and foster a community where everyone is empowered to learn and thrive, both inside and outside of the classroom.  

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, blessed, holy, and happy Easter.  

Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education 

March 28th, 2024|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: March 25, 2024

Agenda:

Board of Trustee Board Meeting: Monday, March 25, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – Agenda: 2024-03-25_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…”.)

March 21st, 2024|

Nominations Are Open: Distinguished Graduate, Community Partner & Chair’s Awards

Nominations are open for the annual WCDSB “Distinguished Graduate Award”“Community Partner Award” and “Chair’s Award”. Information about the awards is available HERE. If you wish to make a nomination in any of the categories, please complete and submit your application by Monday, April 8th, 2024. Forms can be accessed below.

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

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Alice Figueiredo via email at alice.figueiredo@wcdsb.ca or 519-578-3660 Ext. 2239. 

Chair’s Award

Chair’s Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD003F

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.

Community Partner Award

Community Partner/Agency Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD004F

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.

Distinguished Graduate Award

Distinguished Graduate Award Nomination Form: https://lf.wcdsb.ca/Forms/BD002F

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.

March 19th, 2024|

Doyle Stands Against Islamophobia

Written by: Evy Ayers, Grade 11, Monsignor Doyle Secondary School

“Hearts for Islam” after the Islamic Centre of Cambridge vandalism attack

On the 12th of February 2024, the Islamic Centre of Cambridge had their place of faith debased by a hate-motivated vandalism attack. The vandal evidently spray-painted a large hate symbol on the front of the property, in what can be seen as an attempt to defile the house of worship.

The act of hate rhetoric grabbed the attention of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who offered words of condolences on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. Trudeau states, “The vandalism at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge – and the rise in Islamophobia across the country – is alarming, abhorrent, and unacceptable. I strongly condemn this incident and stand with Muslim communities against such hate. We must confront and combat Islamophobia together.”

After this act of aversion, Monsignor Doyle’s Catholic Secondary schools ‘World Religions Course” offered their support during this trying time. Collectively, the classes came together in order to write positive messages for the children and staff of the Islamic Centre of Cambridge. Anne Denomme, the teacher responsible for this coordination, states, “It’s good to know that other people are standing in solidarity with you, not just your own crowd. You know?”

After receiving the ‘Hearts for Islam,’ Denomme exclaims the staff were, “Really surprised and really grateful… that they were going to put the – kind of – display at the front of the school so the students can see it.” When asked if she could even imagine the feeling one may experience after such an event, she states, “No, I can’t. It’s just so disappointing that this is happening in 2024.”

Many people within the general population, including, but not limited to students, parents, and teachers, unanimously agree that the vandalism of a sacred institution – especially one so valued within the community – is unacceptable.

The hate-motivated vandalism against the Islamic Centre of Cambridge can serve as a reminder to onlookers, showing the importance of providing support to those being affected by Islamophobia and bigotry in this new year.

“We Support U.” Photographed by Aryanna Sabourin, 2024. Composed by Evy Ayers, 2024.


This article marks the debut of the WCDSB Jr. Journalist program, a new initiative designed to provide journalistically inclined secondary students with a platform to share stories from their school and showcase their impressive talents. Stay tuned for more!

Are you a Secondary School student interested in joining the program? If so, please contact Lema.Salaymeh@wcdsb.ca

March 7th, 2024|

Upcoming Board of Trustees’ Meeting: Monday, March 4, 2024

Agenda

Committee of the Whole Board Meeting: Monday, March 4, 2024 @ 6:00 pm – Agenda: 2024-03-04_COW_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…”.)

March 1st, 2024|
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