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
