Back to School

The excitement and joy in the promise of a new start was palpable across our District this past week as students and staff made their way back to school for another year of boundless learning.

I started the week in schools visiting St. Peter’s, Mary Phelan and Bishop Macdonell. New routines, new friendships, lots of new shoes and backpacks and the wonder and awe of learning were immediately apparent. At Bishop Macdonell I accepted the ALS Ice bucket challenge witnessed by the student body. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo2PZwcuWmg&feature=youtu.be I’ve challenged our Student Councils to determine a cause locally, rally around it and infuse it with justice and learning. I continue to “soak” up all I can, meeting with various individuals and stakeholder groups in the Board, Diocese and broader community as part of my entry plan. It’s energizing to discover the multitude of strengths in our midst, focused on excellence in service and program delivery, faith formation and success for all.

St. Mary’s Mount Forest

We know that the learning, achievement and faith formation of our students occurs in safe, welcoming learning environments. Two of our schools, Holy Trinity and St. Patrick’s underwent some significant renovations over the summer. To all of our support staff in schools and the board office – thank you for your preparations.

On August 20 we learned that a good friend of the Wellington Catholic District School Board, Anna Hariton, Co-Chair to the Parent Involvement Committee, completed her journey home to God. Anna was known for her grace-filled presence. Her ideas and generous heart filled our district as she encouraged parents to engage in whatever way possible to support our schools to be fun and engaging places to learn and grow. She loved and served beyond measure. She will be dearly missed.

Don Drone has completed his tenure as Director. Don has left a legacy of strong partnerships locally and provincially. To quote Don, “We are made for community”. Through his innovative approach, he has enabled the gifts of many so that our staff, students and families were the benefactors. We thank him for his many years of tireless and committed service to Wellington Catholic and wish him Godspeed during this time of transition.

Our website has a new look and… you can now follow us on Twitter @Wellingtoncath. We will be adding to the site regularly so visit often for the most up to date information, news and events across the district.

As we embark on this new year, remember, “In all things be joyful!”

Tamara