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. 

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: 

• Date: Wednesday, November 27, 2024 
• Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM – drop in anytime, no formal presentation 
• Location: John Sweeney CES, 185 Activa Ave, Kitchener 

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. 

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  

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.