The holiday season kicked off in festive fashion this past Saturday as the annual Santa Claus Parade, hosted by the Lions Club of Kitchener, brought cheer to attendees along Weber Street. This cherished community tradition marked its 20th year, and the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) was thrilled to play a special role in this year’s celebration.

For the second year in a row, St. Mary’s High School students joined the parade, proudly showcasing their dedication to spreading kindness and joy. Sixty members of the St. Mary’s Random Acts of Kindness Club enthusiastically participated, handing out candy canes and sharing smiles with the crowd. Now an annual tradition for the club, their involvement exemplifies the WCDSB’s values of compassion and service while spreading holiday cheer to the community.

The parade, televised for the region to enjoy, highlighted the spirit of giving and community. One student shared that participating in the parade was a wonderful opportunity to spread joy and cheer to people and families while spending quality time with friends from school.

In addition to spreading holiday cheer, the parade served as a hub for giving back. Non-perishable food items were collected for The Food Bank of Waterloo Region, and local firefighters gathered toys for the Knights of Columbus’ Toy Drive, ensuring that the spirit of the season reached those in need.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets to take in the vibrant displays, which included dozens of floats, marching bands, and hundreds of Christmas-themed costumes.

We are incredibly proud of the St. Mary’s Random Acts of Kindness Club for representing the WCDSB in such a meaningful way. Their participation not only brightened the holiday season but also highlighted the values of kindness and community service that lie at the heart of Catholic education.

We can’t wait to see what they do next!

Board of Trustees Inaugural Meeting: Monday, November 18, 2024 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2024-11-18_Inaugural 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…”.)

On November 13, 2024, Monsignor Haller Catholic Elementary School welcomed representatives from the Community Canopy project, who partnered with students and staff to plant trees around the school property, marking an important step in community building and environmental action. The Community Canopy project, a new pilot led by the City of Kitchener in collaboration with Reep Green Solutions, seeks to address tree canopy inequality by planting trees on private properties in neighbourhoods identified as needing more greenery.

Monsignor Haller was selected for this project because it is in an area with low tree coverage and a large population of equity-deserving residents. With support from Reep Green Solutions, five trees were planted on the school grounds this fall, including two planted at the front of the school with special dedications.

In a heartfelt tribute, one tree was planted in memory of Semira Tukue, a student who passed away last year, while the second honours Kathleen Mikuljan, a beloved teacher who retired after nearly 30 years at Monsignor Haller. Students participated in planting these trees, creating a meaningful moment to remember both individuals and teaching students the value of contributing to their community and environment.

As part of this hands-on experience, Reep provided a lesson on how to care for newly planted trees, explaining soil types and the importance of proper maintenance. This interactive session allowed students to deepen their understanding of tree care and sustainability while engaging in an activity that will have lasting benefits for their school and neighbourhood.

Through this partnership with the Community Canopy project, Monsignor Haller is setting an example of environmental stewardship and community support. The trees planted today will benefit students, staff, and the surrounding community for years to come, enriching the landscape and helping build a greener, more resilient future for all.

Today, Our Lady of Lourdes came together in a meaningful display of respect and remembrance for Canada’s veterans. The school honoured those who have served by engaging students in thoughtful, in-class activities designed to deepen their understanding of sacrifice, resilience, and gratitude.

The morning’s events culminated in an assembly, where students and staff gathered in solidarity to pay tribute to our country’s heroes. This collective act of remembrance provided a unique opportunity for students to learn about the significance of Remembrance Day and to reflect on the freedoms and peace that our veterans have safeguarded.

By actively participating in these activities, students at Our Lady of Lourdes demonstrated their deep appreciation for those who have bravely served and protected Canada. Their engagement speaks volumes about the school community’s commitment to fostering understanding, empathy, and gratitude in our youth—values that will undoubtedly continue to resonate throughout the year.

In an inspiring display of culinary skill and teamwork, students from St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School recently competed in a cooking competition for a chance to win grand prizes, including a full semester at Conestoga College. This special opportunity brought together five teams of two, each made up of students passionate about cooking or baking, who were eager to showcase their abilities and creativity.

The students were tasked with a four-hour cooking challenge, during which they presented multiple dishes, including intricate pastries, flavourful soups, and delicate risotto. Their skills, honed through dedication and hard work, were evident in every course, as they carefully balanced taste, texture, and presentation.

The competition culminated in a triumphant victory for St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School’s own Abby Renner and Tristan Palin. With their impressive culinary creations, Abby and Tristan wowed the judges and earned the top honours. For Tristan Palin, this win was particularly meaningful, as he has long dreamed of becoming a professional chef. Reflecting on the victory, he expressed his excitement and noted that this achievement feels like the first step toward his future career.

Today, we had the pleasure of visiting Abby and Tristan at St. Benedict during their hospitality class to see their skills in action as they prepared delicious take-home meals for staff and students. It was truly inspiring to watch these talented young chefs at work, sharing their passion with the school community and bringing their culinary creativity to life.

WCDSB could not be prouder of our students and their remarkable accomplishment. Their performance was a testament to their skill, passion, and determination—qualities that will no doubt continue to serve them well.

Kudos to Abby, Tristan, and all participants for showcasing such talent and dedication on behalf of WCDSB.

This week, we join Canadians in mourning the passing of a monumental figure in the journey toward truth and reconciliation, the Honourable Murray Sinclair, Mizanay Gheezhik, whose name in Anishinaabemowin means “The One Who Speaks of Pictures in the Sky.” As a former judge, senator, Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and a mentor to many, Murray Sinclair’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Canadian history. His life’s work advocated for justice, human rights, and the dignity of Indigenous peoples, inspiring us all to understand and honour the truths of our shared history.

In tribute, we have lowered our flags to recognize this profound loss and to honour the remarkable contributions Murray Sinclair made toward healing and understanding. His commitment to truth and reconciliation guides our own work at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, as we strive to integrate his teachings and values into our journey. We hold his legacy close, committed to continuing the path he set forth, advocating for awareness, justice, and reconciliation in our schools and communities.

Canada has lost an exceptional leader, and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those impacted by his life and work.

The Village of Ayr came alive with excitement as the 113th North Dumfries School Fair welcomed students from across the township for another memorable showcase of creativity, skills, and community pride. Organized by the North Dumfries School Fair committee, this not-for-profit tradition has long invited school-aged children to display their talents across a range of exhibit categories—from art and photography to gardening and creative crafts.

For many families and educators, the fair is a cherished fall event, offering students the opportunity to shine in a supportive, welcoming environment. Parents, teachers, and principals alike are encouraged to explore the fair’s guidelines, helping students create and present their exhibits with pride and care.

St. Brigid students eagerly participated in this year’s event, with one student crafting an intricate tractor out of recycled materials, others showcasing beaded bracelets, and even a unique hat made entirely of duct tape. Holly, an eighth grader with a passion for drawing, submitted a detailed sketch of Ayr featuring its latest buildings and businesses. Her talent was rewarded with a first-place prize, and her artwork was proudly displayed, drawing admiration from attendees.

(First-place drawing – Holly)

Exploring the work of others was one of the highlights for students, fostering a sense of community and shared celebration of individual achievements. Through events like the North Dumfries School Fair, St. Brigid students and the wider Ayr community come together, upholding a rich tradition of learning, creativity, and togetherness that resonates with all ages—a true celebration of local talent and community spirit.