So excited to welcome parents and staff to our annual Dance Club Performance! Over 120 dancers and 45 student leaders created dances, practiced at recesses and performed today in front of a live audience! Such a great day to be a part of Saint John Paul II!
The Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) continues to foster a vibrant Model United Nations (MUN) program, empowering students to engage with global issues, develop critical thinking, and hone their public speaking and negotiation skills.
This year marked a milestone for WCDSB’s MUN community. While students from all five high schools actively participated in local conferences, nine exceptional students from St. David and St. Mary’s took their skills to the global stage from November 1-9, 2024. They attended a prestigious MUN event in Manizales, Colombia, hosted by Colegio San Luis Gonzaga. This conference underscored WCDSB’s commitment to fostering global citizenship and providing impactful experiential learning opportunities.
The students’ performance was nothing short of remarkable, with six participants earning top honours:
For the participants, the experience was transformative. Reflecting on the trip, Connor Foran shared, “Opportunities like this allow students to engage and learn on a global scale. We collaborated to address critical world issues, forging bonds not only within our Canadian team but also with our Colombian peers, who showed us incredible kindness inside and outside the conference room.”
Tess McGovern highlighted the real-world connections fostered by the event: “This trip contextualized the global issues we simulate in MUN. It showed the tangible impacts of developed nations on the developing world, encouraging us to adopt a globally minded perspective in our everyday lives.”
Accompanying teacher Mr. Kraehling emphasized the program’s broader impact: “Traveling to Colombia was an unforgettable learning experience for our students. It broadened their perspectives, deepened their understanding of global issues, and built lifelong friendships. This opportunity not only enhanced their education but also prepared them to navigate and appreciate diverse cultures.”
The trip to Colombia exemplifies WCDSB’s dedication to preparing students to thrive as globally conscious citizens. The students’ outstanding achievements and the profound insights they gained reflect their passion, talent, and determination. We are incredibly proud of how they represented our community on the international stage.
This experience will enrich their education and inspire them to make meaningful contributions. We look forward to seeing what they achieve as future leaders.
St. John’s Fresh from the Farm fundraiser wrapped up successfully on November 21st, aligning perfectly with the school’s Healthy Schools goal of promoting healthy eating.
The fresh food orders arrived at noon, and families collected their locally-sourced produce later that afternoon. With clear skies and mild weather, the St. John’s community gathered outdoors to organise and distribute the goods, celebrating another successful year for this popular initiative.
Special thanks go to parent volunteer Antje Hurlburt, Vice-Principal Shawn Rosario, and Administrative Assistant Ritu Sandha, who worked tirelessly to pack and prepare the orders for families. Their efforts exemplified the teamwork and dedication that make this fundraiser a highlight of the school year.
For more information about the Fresh from the Farm program and how it supports local agriculture and healthy eating in schools, visit www.freshfromfarm.ca.
St. John’s is proud to be part of this initiative that encourages both healthy lifestyles and community engagement. Thank you to all families who supported this year’s event!
Last week, St. John’s Catholic Elementary School held an exciting assembly that left a lasting impression on students and staff. The event focused on anti-bullying but added a creative and cultural twist that engaged the entire school community.
The highlight was a special guest: Babarinde, an award-winning motivational speaker, musician, and storyteller. Born in Nigeria, West Africa, Babarinde is a Griot—a traditional African historian and storyteller. His powerful presence and talents captivated the audience. One of his career highlights is performing for Nelson Mandela in 1990 at the University of Lagos, an experience he described as unforgettable.
During the assembly, Babarinde used the power of music, storytelling, and African cultural traditions to educate students about the importance of respect, kindness, and inclusion. The session also included an energetic drum performance featuring the djembe—a traditional West African drum made of wood, ropes, and goat skin.
The event was not only educational but also deeply inspiring, offering students a chance to connect with global cultures while reinforcing key values like empathy and acceptance.
Through this unique assembly, St. John’s Catholic Elementary School demonstrated its commitment to creating a positive, inclusive environment for all. This was more than an anti-bullying presentation—it was a celebration of cultural richness and the power of music and storytelling to bring people together.
Yesterday afternoon, over 200 students from four Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) secondary schools came together at St. Benedict’s Catholic Secondary School to take part in the second annual sleepout as part of the Homes for Hope campaign. The initiative is a vital effort to combat housing insecurity and support local organizations, A Better Tent City and Bridges, in providing shelter and assistance to those in need in the Region of Waterloo.
The campaign, which launched on Thanksgiving weekend, has been a resounding success, raising awareness and funds for the cause. Generous contributions from the WCDSB community had already reached an impressive $8,000 prior to the sleepout. With additional donations from the event, the total raised continues to grow.
The sleepout offered students a powerful learning experience, including keynotes and workshops led by impactful guest speakers. Ashley Schuitema, a staff lawyer with Waterloo Region Community Legal Services, discussed the complexities of housing insecurity, while Laura Mae Lindo, a community activist and Assistant Professor at Wilfrid Laurier University, inspired students to see their role in building supportive communities. Facilitators from St. Jerome’s University and Father Toby from St. Mary’s also shared insights, encouraging empathy and awareness of systemic issues contributing to housing inequities.
(Jeff Pickel from CTV Kitchener interviews Rosie Currie, Math & Religion teacher at St. Benedict CSS and event coordinator, during sleepout for the evening news.)
As the night unfolded, students engaged in reflective activities, including a sign-making vigil along Franklin Boulevard, group discussions, and community-building exercises. The evening concluded with prayer and quiet preparation for a cold night in tents, supervised by dedicated staff and Waterloo Regional Police Service officers.
As the campaign officially wraps up tomorrow, donations are still being accepted. Every dollar makes a difference, whether it means a warm meal, a blanket, or simply hope for a brighter future. With winter around the corner, this is a critical time to support those in need.
To contribute to the Homes for Hope campaign and help make a lasting impact in our community, please donate by clicking here. Together, we can bring warmth and hope to those who need it most.
Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, November 25, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2024-11-25_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…”.)
This month, we had the pleasure of visiting Holy Rosary Catholic School in Waterloo, where we met someone who plays an important role in supporting students and families: YMCA Settlement Worker Kulubrehan Abraham. It was immediately clear, through our conversations with the school administration, that Kulubrehan has made a big impact on the school’s diverse community, especially with students who are new to Canada.
Kulubrehan is part of the YMCA of Three Rivers and works through the Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) program, which is funded by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). He is one of six Settlement Workers supporting WCDSB schools across the region. These workers partner with school staff to help meet the unique needs of newcomer students and their families. They also connect schools with outside resources and community supports, assisting with things like housing, healthcare, and other settlement needs. SWIS workers play a key role in building understanding between families and schools, helping to create an environment that welcomes and values everyone’s cultural backgrounds.
At Holy Rosary, Kulubrehan works closely with students who have recently immigrated, offering them support and a listening ear as they settle into life in Canada and at WCDSB. His kind and understanding approach ensures that students feel valued and supported in their new school community.
Kulubrehan Abraham with Zion Hamde, Hailu Hailu, Sinit Gebrelibanos, Senbetu Mahder and Enismos Mengestab
Kulubrehan and his YMCA SWIS colleagues are an important part of helping newcomer families feel welcomed and supported at WCDSB. His work has helped create a more inclusive and caring environment at Holy Rosary, giving students the confidence to thrive in their new home. We are grateful for the positive difference he makes every day and proud to celebrate the YMCA Settlement Worker program’s impact in our schools.
Event Details:
During the open house, you will have the chance to ask questions one on one and provide input directly to Staff Committee members. For more information, please visit the Rosenberg Boundary Review webpage or share feedback via the online survey until November 29th or email rosenberg@wcdsb.ca.
In October, St. Teresa of Avila School in Elmira, held a Food Drive in partnership with local business, Dreisinger Funeral Home. Through the efforts and generosity of our community, we collected more than 2,700 items for our local Food Bank. Thank you to the students in Mrs. Langlois’ class who helped to count and package the donations.
Kitchener, Ontario – On November 18, 2024, the Board of Trustees of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board elected Cambridge/North Dumfries Trustee Robert Sikora as Chair of the Board and Waterloo/Wellesley/Wollwich Trustee Linda Cuff as Vice-Chair of the Board.
The Board of Trustees is comprised of the following representatives:
Cambridge / North Dumfries
David Guerin
Marisa Phillips
Robert Sikora
Kitchener / Wilmot
Kathy Doherty-Masters
Winston Francis
Renee Kraft
Tracey Weiler
Waterloo / Wellesley / Woolwich
Linda Cuff
Conrad Stanley
Student Trustees
Allison Berwick
Matteo Leone
Media Contact:
Lema Salaymeh
Senior Manager of Communications
Waterloo Catholic District School Board
Communications@wcdsb.ca
