On Pink Shirt Day, schools across the Waterloo Catholic District School Board embraced unique and meaningful ways to take a stand against bullying and promote kindness, love, and acceptance. At St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Elementary School, the youngest students led by example, proving that kindness knows no age.

The Kindergarten Kindness Art Gallery was a vibrant and joyful celebration of creativity and compassion. The classroom was transformed into a colourful showcase of heart-filled paintings, carefully decorated kindness rocks, and imaginative plasticine and stick creations. Kindness chains dangled from the doorway, representing the bonds we build through caring actions. Every piece was unique, reflecting the young artists’ understanding of kindness and how even small actions can make a big difference.

Excitement filled the air as the kindergarteners proudly presented their work. Older students visited the gallery, pausing to admire the thoughtful creations and share words of encouragement. The kindergarteners enthusiastically took on the role of tour guides, pointing out their masterpieces and explaining what kindness meant to them. Seeing their confidence and pride grow throughout the day was truly heartwarming.

More than just an art display, the Kindergarten Kindness Art Gallery was a reminder of the power of kindness and creativity. It brought the school community together, inspiring students of all ages to share kindness in their own ways.

A special thank you to Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Khani, Mrs. Salek, and Mrs. Brubacher for guiding our youngest learners on this beautiful journey of kindness!

Special Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, March 3, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-03-03_Special-Board-of-Trustee_Agenda

Committee of the Whole Meeting: Monday, March 3, 2025 to follow Special Board meeting – Agenda: 2025-03-03_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…”.)

Throughout February, schools across the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB) have been honouring Black History Month (BHM) and celebrating Black excellence through a variety of immersive and engaging events. These initiatives have provided students and staff with meaningful opportunities to learn, reflect, and recognize the contributions of Black individuals in our communities and beyond.

One of the standout events took place last week at St. David Catholic Secondary School, where students and staff were invited to attend an insightful discussion led by a distinguished panel of speakers. The event featured Vicki Olatundun, Allen Magama, and Aminka Belvitt—three inspiring individuals who shared their experiences, knowledge, and powerful messages with students.

Each speaker brought a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to the discussion. Vicki Olatundun, the executive director of a non-profit organization, is also a TEDx speaker and author, known for her passionate advocacy and leadership. Allen Magama, a well-known Kitchener-Waterloo area speaker and community advocate, shared his insights on the power of representation and advocacy. Aminka Belvitt, an award-winning entrepreneur, was recently named among Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women and the Top 100 Most Accomplished Black Women in Canada. Together, they engaged students in a dynamic discussion that encouraged critical thinking and open dialogue on the importance of Black history, identity, and community empowerment.

Following the event, we spoke with several students about why participating in Black History Month celebrations is so important to them.

Raven Leach, a member of the Student Equity and Engagement Committee (SEEC), reflected on the progress made in recognizing and amplifying Black voices:

“Participating in this event is important because it shows the progress that we have made over time and how far we’ve come to be able to celebrate Black voices. Years ago, this wouldn’t have been able to happen.”

Ava Jackson, event co-host and fellow SEEC member, highlighted the significance of representation and open conversation:

“Our school needed someone to tell them that it’s okay to express their feelings about being students of colour and that it’s okay to feel certain ways. I wanted to represent Black students, especially biracial students, at our school.”

Vanessa Gift-Okorie, also a SEEC member and event Co-Host, emphasized the impact of the discussion:

“I think participating in this event was important because it is nice to see that people care about it. Even after I finished hosting, people came up and chatted to me who wouldn’t have done that before. It raised awareness for people and people actually listened, so that was really nice.”

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the panelists, students, and staff who made this event possible, and to all those who have contributed to Black History Month celebrations across WCDSB. As the month comes to a close, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment where all voices are valued, and where the rich history and contributions of Black individuals continue to be recognized and celebrated year-round.

Board of Trustees Meeting: Monday, February 24, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-02-24_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…”.)

Special Board of Trustees Meeting: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-02-19_Special-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…”.)

February 13, 2025

• All Community Use of Schools permits for this evening are CANCELLED.
• ALL St. Louis evening programs at ALL locations will be CANCELLED and Schools will be closed.

These programs include:

• Personal Support Worker Full-time and Part-time evening class
• ESL evening classes
• Student Support Services
• Secondary School Language Credit classes
• Navy Co-op program
• Homework Clubs at all participating Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools

A major winter storm is expected to reach Waterloo Region overnight, bringing hazardous conditions that will make travel unsafe on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

With the safety of students, staff, and families as our top priority, the Waterloo Catholic District School Board (WCDSB), in collaboration with the Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) and Student Transportation Services of Waterloo Region, has made the proactive decision to cancel all student transportation and close all schools on Thursday, February 13, 2025.

• All school buses, taxis, and special education routes operated by WCDSB and WRDSB will be cancelled.
• All St. Louis Adult Learning and Continuing Education Centres programs and services will be cancelled, and St. Louis sites will be closed.
• All Extended Day Childcare Programs will be closed.

An update regarding any potential changes to St. Louis evening programs and evening rental permits will be shared tomorrow.

Please stay safe and continue to monitor our official channels for further updates.

February 12, 2025

Due to forecasted weather conditions:

• All Community Use of Schools permits for this evening are CANCELLED.
• ALL St. Louis evening programs at ALL locations will be CANCELLED and Schools will be closed.

These programs include:

• • Personal Support Worker Full-time and Part-time evening class
  • ESL evening classes
  • Student Support Services
  • Secondary School Language Credit classes
  • Navy Co-op program
  • Homework Clubs at all participating Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools

Please check for updates regarding classes tomorrow.
In the future, always check the St. Louis website http://stlouis.wcdsb.ca for cancellation messages.

• All planned afternoon sports will continue.