The St. David’s Catholic Secondary School community was excited to welcome Tyson Hergott, a former student and defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts. He brought the Grey Cup, won by his team in 2024, to share with the school community.
Hergott has earned recognition in the CFL since making his professional debut on July 4, 2024, and his visit to St. David’s marked a full-circle moment for the athlete. The Grey Cup, Canada’s iconic football championship trophy, was proudly displayed for students, staff, and members of the St. David’s community gathered to celebrate Hergott’s success.
“Having Tyson bring the Grey Cup to St. David’s is such an honour for our community. It’s a testament to the hard work and determination he’s shown throughout his career,” said principal Pat Eby. “He’s an incredible role model for our students.”
During his visit, Hergott spoke to students about his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned at St. David’s. Students took photos with the Grey Cup, and listened to his advice.
“This school played such a big role in shaping who I am today,” Hergott said. “It’s amazing to be back and share this achievement with my coaches and community. Be a good person and work hard. Dream big, there is no dream too big to come true.”
Hergott’s visit celebrated his achievements and reminded students of the strong community spirit at St. David’s. His journey inspires students to follow their dreams. St. David’s extends a heartfelt thank you to Tyson for sharing this special moment and for encouraging everyone to strive for greatness.
We are delighted to share the wonderful news that Deacon Ed MacIntosh, has been honoured with the King Charles III Coronation Medal. This special recognition was created to commemorate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.
Deacon Ed has devoted much of his life to working with and supporting youth. Beginning in 1998 as a Youth Pastor in St. Albert, AB. He joined the WCDSB as a Chaplain in 2000 and later took on the role of Padre for Air, Army, and Sea Cadets in 2007. Ordained as a Deacon in the Catholic Church in 2016, he initiated a ministry dedicated to serving meals to those facing food insecurity.
Known for his steadfast dedication and caring leadership, Deacon Ed has always placed the needs of young people at the heart of his work. His commitment to giving back to the community shines through in all he does. With a spirit of faith and professionalism, he continues to inspire and uplift those around him, making a positive difference in countless lives.
Through his service as a Padre for Cadets, Deacon Ed has shared his wisdom and guidance with thousands of individuals, including Canadian Armed Forces members. His impact has touched both youth and adults, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and serving as a shining example of living faith in action.
We extend our warmest congratulations to Deacon Ed on this well-deserved recognition. We are truly grateful for his many years of service to the WCDSB community and his unwavering support of youth across Canada. His example reminds us all of the incredible power of compassion, leadership, and service to transform lives.
This week, Valentine’s Day arrived a little early at St. Mary’s, thanks to the heartfelt efforts of the school’s Random Acts of Kindness Club. As part of the Valentines for Veterans initiative, students came together to create beautiful Valentine’s Day cards in honour of the 125th anniversary of the Knights of Columbus, Waterloo. The club embraced the opportunity without hesitation, eager to show their appreciation for those who have served.
Despite being fresh off their holiday break, students dove into the project with enthusiasm, designing and writing hand-crafted cards filled with messages of love, gratitude, and hope. Each card was a heartfelt tribute to the veterans who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.
This initiative was more than just a creative exercise; it was a chance for the St. Mary’s community to reflect on the values of love, service, and kindness. Through their thoughtful gestures, the students reminded us all that it’s never too early—or too late—to celebrate love and express gratitude to those who have made a difference.
A big thank you to St. Mary’s students and the Random Acts of Kindness Club for inspiring us all with their thoughtful deeds and for reminding us of the power of small acts of kindness to make a big impact.
Committee of the Whole Board Meeting: Monday, January 13, 2025 @ 6:00 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-01-13_COW_Agenda
Location: 1st floor Board Room, Catholic Education Centre, 35 Weber Street, Kitchener
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Special Board of Trustees’ Meeting: Monday, January 6, 2025 @ 7:30 p.m. – Agenda: 2025-01-06_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
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The Rosenberg Boundary Review – Final Boundary Review Report that will be presented to the Committee of the Whole on January 13, 2025 is now available.
The review was initiated on October 28, 2024 to establish the boundary for the new Rosenberg Catholic Elementary School. The Staff Committee are recommending the approval of a new scenario, Option 3, that provides a more sustainable boundary solution, minimizes future disruptions, and effectively address enrolment pressures. Option 3 involves moving Sub-Area E from John Sweeney CES to Rosenberg CES and Sub-Areas L, M, and N from St. Josephine Bakhita CES to Rosenberg CES. There are no students currently living in Sub-Area E.
For more information, visit the Rosenberg boundary review webpage https://wcdsb.ca/about-us/accommodations/rosenberg-boundary-review/ .
Thank you for your engagement and support.
As Christmas approaches, we are invited to reflect on the profound themes of Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. This sacred season offers us a chance to celebrate the blessings of community and the remarkable efforts of those who embody these values throughout the year.
As we look back on the fall, we are filled with gratitude for the inspiring initiatives made possible by the unwavering dedication of our students, staff, and the entire WCDSB community. Our Pastoral theme this year is ignite and together, we have begun to demonstrate how we are living this out.
We celebrated breaking ground on new schools to meet the needs of our growing and vibrant communities. We have also witnessed incredible examples of hope, love, and joy in action, including the remarkable fundraising efforts for our Homes for Hope campaign and ongoing initiatives to address food insecurity through Nutrition for Learning. This month also marked a significant milestone with the expansion of the Project SEARCH program to a second location at Cambridge Memorial Hospital—a testament to our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for all.
The spirit of giving extends far beyond fundraising. It is evident in the actions of our students and staff, whether braving the cold during the Homes for Hope Sleepout, spreading holiday cheer as the St. Mary’s Random Acts of Kindness Club marched in the Santa Claus Parade, bringing comfort through cards delivered to hospital patients and other schools adopting a retirement home. These moments of compassion and faith remind us of the light our community brings to the world.
This is just a glimpse of the wonderful things happening in our schools—moments that make me so proud to serve the WCDSB. As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, we extend our heartfelt wishes to you for a safe and joyful holiday surrounded by loved ones. May the new year bring renewed energy, hope, and a continued dedication to living out our faith in all that we do.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year,
Tyrone Dowling
Director of Education, WCDSB
This Christmas season, the St. Paul Catholic School community has come alive with the spirit of generosity, joy and togetherness. From heartwarming family events to inspiring acts of kindness, our students, families, staff and community partners have truly made this season one to remember.
The halls of St. Paul were filled with laughter, warmth and holiday cheer during our Christmas Family Drop-In Night. Families came together to share the joy of the season, connect with one another and create special memories. The success of this event was made possible through thoughtful planning and community support, and it was a wonderful way to celebrate the season as a school family.
A special thank you to the Real Canadian Superstore (Highland Road) and PC Children’s Charity, whose generous contributions of apple cider and treats added an extra sparkle to the evening.
The true meaning of Christmas came to life through their annual Angel Tree Drive. Thanks to the overwhelming support from families, staff and community partners, countless families will experience the joy of Christmas in a very special way. From toys and clothing to gift cards for food and essentials, this initiative has brought hope and happiness to those who need it most.
St. Paul is truly blessed to have community members who generously give what they can to ensure that everyone in their community has a joyful Christmas.
The generosity of the Real Canadian Superstore and PC Children’s Charity played a pivotal role in this project, with their significant donations allowing us to extend the reach and impact. Their commitment to giving back has truly made this season brighter for so many in our community.
Behind every successful event is a team of dedicated individuals, and the St Paul Catholic School Advisory Council exemplifies this spirit. From months of meticulous planning to the execution of the Christmas Family Drop-In Night, CSAC worked tirelessly to ensure the evening was filled with joy and festive fun.
Their efforts—from organizing activities and securing prize donations to volunteering on the night of the event—showcase the power of collaboration and the strength of the St. Paul community.
At St. Paul, the giving spirit extends far beyond events and initiatives. The generosity shown by families and staff this season has been nothing short of extraordinary. Donations of food, toys, clothing and financial contributions have poured in, offering tangible support to community members.
Thank you to the families, staff, Catholic School Advisory Council, and community partners for making this season unforgettable. Your kindness has made a difference, and the warmth of your giving will be felt long into the New Year.
On Tuesday, Dec. 17, the St. Michael’s School community in Cambridge came together for a heartwarming Christmas tradition—a turkey feast with all the fixings. More than 300 students and about 50 adults enjoyed a festive meal featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, mixed vegetables, stuffing, gravy and a sweet treat to top it all off.
This special celebration was made possible through the incredible generosity of Mr. Gibson, St. Michael’s head custodian, who donated all the ingredients for this wonderful feast. But his kindness didn’t stop there. Mr. Gibson also decorated the gym with beautiful table settings, creating a warm and welcoming space filled with holiday cheer. Guests relaxed and enjoyed the festive music while savouring their delicious meals, all thanks to his efforts.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to the Culinary Department at St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School, led by Ken Hodgins and Rachel Di Pede, for preparing the turkeys to perfection. Your support made this feast a true success.
We’re grateful as well to our Catholic School Advisory Council for their dedication in planning, preparing and serving the meal. Their hard work and festive spirit ensured the event was memorable for everyone.
The Festive Feast is a shining example of the kindness and community spirit that make St. Michael’s such a special place. Thank you, Mr. Gibson, for your generosity and the joy you bring to our school.
Together, we truly spread joy to the world!
