Dear WCDSB Families and Community, 

The start of a new school year always carries a particular kind of energy: fresh, full of promise, and deeply rooted in our shared Catholic faith. On behalf of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board, I warmly welcome you back to the 2025-2026 school year. I hope your summer offered a chance to rest, recharge, and reconnect with the people and passions that bring you joy. 

As we embark on this new academic year, we are reminded of our mission as disciples of Christ to educate and nurture hope in all learners to realize their full potential to transform God’s world. Our vision of creating Catholic schools that serve as the heart of the community, ensuring success for each and a place for all, guides everything we do as we partner with you to develop lifelong learners rooted in Gospel values. 

This year feels especially significant as we open the doors to two newly built schools: St. Patrick Catholic Elementary School and Holy Trinity Catholic Elementary School. These beautiful, purpose-built spaces are a testament to what’s possible when partnerships are nurtured and communities come together. We are proud to collaborate with RisingOaks at St. Patrick and with the City of Kitchener and the Williamsburg Community Association at Holy Trinity, united in our commitment to serving the growing needs of our families. These vibrant, state-of-the-art learning environments stand as living proof of what can be accomplished when we unite in common purpose. 

As we prepare to welcome over 28,000 students across our system, we are deeply grateful for the trust you place in us each day. Your partnership in your child’s education is invaluable, and together we work to shape young minds and hearts into the caring, discerning believers envisioned in the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Through our collective efforts, we guide our students to become effective communicators, reflective thinkers, and responsible citizens who demonstrate Catholic social teaching that honours the dignity of all people. 

This year marks the launch of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan and new Pastoral Plan—two foundational documents shaped by extensive staff and community engagement. Your voices have ensured our direction reflects the hearts and hopes of those we serve. Together, these plans will guide our path forward as a system committed to faith development, wellbeing, achievement, and belonging. 

As we embark on this school year, we begin the first year of our three-year pastoral journey: Listen, Engage, Serve. This year, we are called to Listen -truly listen- to the voices of our students, our families, our staff, and each other. This theme invites us to approach one another with open hearts and open minds. When we listen with purpose and humility, we create the conditions for compassion to take root and for true understanding to grow. 

As a Catholic school system, our faith is not just our foundation, it is our compass. We know the year ahead will bring both joy and challenges, but we are not daunted. With unity, optimism, and faith as our anchor, we remain committed to our shared vision of nurturing student wellbeing, promoting achievement, and reflecting the love of Christ in all we do. 

As we begin this journey together, may we do so with optimism, courage, and grace. Thank you for choosing Catholic education for your children and for being partners in creating schools where each student is known, seen, and celebrated. May this year be filled with joy, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose as we continue to live out our Catholic mission together. 

With gratitude and blessings,
Annalisa Varano
Director of Education
Waterloo Catholic District School Board 

We are excited to announce the appointment of Patrick Eby as the newest member of the WCDSB senior leadership team, joining us in the role of Superintendent of Learning.

Patrick brings a wealth of experience in Catholic education, system leadership, and student-centred innovation. With a deep commitment to fostering inclusive, faith-filled learning environments, he will play a key role in advancing our strategic priorities and supporting student success across the board.

A respected and long-serving leader within WCDSB, Patrick began his educational journey with the board in 2002. He taught history, law and social science before stepping into a range of leadership roles, including program area head, student achievement consultant, vice-principal, and most recently, principal of St. David Catholic Secondary School in Waterloo. He is also a proud graduate of our Catholic Leadership Program.

Patrick also brings extensive experience in curriculum writing and development, including a secondment with the Ministry of Education’s e-Learning Ontario branch, and contributions to curriculum and programs for Historica Canada and Student Vote. He has played a key role on numerous WCDSB system-level committees and initiatives – championing innovation, multilingual language learners, safe schools, health and safety, and alternative education. His leadership is rooted in building inclusive cultures where all students are given the opportunity to thrive.

Please join us in extending a warm welcome and heartfelt congratulations to Patrick Eby as he steps into this important role. We look forward to the passion and perspective he will continue to bring to the WCDSB community.