PVNCCDSB Raises Nearly $60,000 During Annual United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has raised $59,893 for its 2024 United Way campaign to support the latter’s four organizations serving local communities, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Funds were raised through payroll donations and school fundraising initiatives. They included as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days, put-your-principal-to-work raffles and more.

“Housing, food insecurity, domestic violence - these are the types of issues that often keep our staff up at night because they see the need firsthand in our schools and communities,” said Galen Eagle, the Board’s United Way campaign chair. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness the way our staff rally together to address these challenges through our annual United Way campaign. Their dedication to supporting United Way programs is a reflection of their deep care for our students, families, and neighbours.”

“The generosity of our staff speaks volumes about the social justice spirit that defines our Catholic schools,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities embrace the call to care for the vulnerable and build a just society. This campaign is a testament to the compassion and faith-driven commitment of everyone at PVNC Catholic.”

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Clarington Trustee Re-elected for Third Term As PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as chairperson of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board for the 2024-2025 term during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie has been a trustee since 2018. He previously served as vice-chairperson from 2021 to 2022 before being appointed chairperson for the 2022-2023 term.

Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was also re-elected vice-chairperson for a third consecutive year. Leahy joined the Board in May 2022 as an appointee and was later elected in the October 2022 municipal election.

For Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst, the meeting marked three years since her November 2021 appointment to the Board. Durst was re-elected during the October 2022 municipal election.

Tuesday’s annual meeting marked the two-year milestone for trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes), and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland), all of whom were elected in 2022. 

This annual meeting also marked the second for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to the Board in September 2023.

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St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School Unveils New Accessible Playground

It’s been a long time coming for everyone at St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School in Douro but they finally have a new accessible playground to play, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

Construction began in the late summer for the playground. It was made possible after years of fundraising, securing grants and community support to secure its costs for $154,000, according to Sarah Bass, St. Joesph’s School Council parent and member.

“In 2021, after our existing structures started having age-related safety concerns, the children at the school implored the staff at the school and their parents to look at options for replacement,” she said. “Our parents, local businesses and people who call Douro home, raised funds through a community yard sale, sponsorships, Fresh from Farm, quilt raffles and Christmas craft sales.”

There was $8,000 raised from a community yard sale as well as sponsorships from local businesses. The project also received a federal grant for enabling accessibility totaling $70,000 and $10,000 from the AgriSpirit Fund.

“The excitement was palpable when construction began in August, and the joy is still on full display at recess and beyond. Thank you to everyone who supported this project,” said Bass.

The playground can be enjoyed year round.

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St. Anne Catholic Elementary School to Celebrate 75th Anniversary On Sept. 19

St. Anne Catholic Elementary School will celebrate a huge milestone, commemorating the institution’s 75th anniversary on Sept. 19.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

The event invites current and former members of the school community to share artifacts and memories as part of the celebration.

To mark the occasion, an in-school celebration will occur before the school opens its doors to the community for an open house filled with memories, stories and shared history.

To prepare for the festivities, the school’s anniversary committee is reaching out to the broader community for contributions.

The school would like to hear from former school community members who:

• Have an artifact or piece of history related to the school to loan for the occasion

• Have a special memory or quote to share

For those interested in sharing artifacts and/or memories, applicants can fill out the application online. Contributions may be printed and displayed throughout the school during the celebration.

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PVNCCDSB Recognizes and Honours Student Leadership

As part of Catholic Education Week, Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) honoured 36 students with a Catholic Student Leadership Award during a ceremony at Holy Cross Catholic Secondary School in Peterborough on Wednesday.

(Back from left) Director of Education Stephen O’Sullivan, Peterborough Trustee Loretta Durst, Leigha Cheng (St. Patrick CES), Lyla Mahoney (St. John CES), Andrew Iammancini (St. Peter CSS), Blake Ferguson (St. Paul CES) and Superintendent Jeannie Armstrong.

(Front from left) Aabish Ali (Holy Cross CSS), Sophie Lemoire (Immaculate Conception CES, Joy Davis (Monsignor O’Donoghue CES), Gracie-May Hermer (St. Alphonsus CES), Alivia Friesen (St. Anne CES) and Sonny Gillis (St. Catherine CES). Photo courtesy of PVNCCDBS.

One student was selected from each elementary and secondary school and winners were presented with a special medallion. Award recipients were nominated by principals, teachers and, in some cases, fellow students.

PVNCCDSB says that each student demonstrated outstanding qualities in Catholic leadership, family commitment, involvement in school affairs, involvement in community activities and dedication to a difficult situation or task.

“In celebrating our student leaders during Catholic Education Week, we are reminded of the vibrant role faith plays not only in education but in shaping individuals who are committed to making a difference in their communities,” said Kevin MacKenzie, board chairperson. “These students, recognized for their exemplary leadership and dedication, illustrate the profound impact of our Catholic values in action. Their achievements reflect a dedication to service, community, and a deep-rooted belief in the power of faith to inspire positive change. It is with immense pride that we honour their contributions and look forward to the continued influence they will have on their schools and beyond.” 

The following is a complete list of students who were recognized:

• Elliott Banville, St. Michael CES, Cobourg

• Brett Mather, St. Teresa CES, Peterborough

• Gracelynn Gilbank, St. Dominic CES, Lindsay

• Mya Benson, St. Joseph CES, Cobourg

• Sophie Surerus, St. Paul CES, Lakefield

• Alexis Sultan-Khan, St. Joseph CES, Bowmanville

• Joy Davis, Monsignor O’Donoghue CES, Peterborough

• Benjamin Humphries, St. Elizabeth CES, Bownmanville

• Gracie-May Hermer, St. Alphonsus CES, Peterborough

• Chloe Williamson, St. Joseph CES, Douro

• Abigayle Jennings, St. Luke CES, Downeyville

• Leigha Cheng, St. Patrick CES, Peterborough

• George MacDonald, St. John Paul II CES, Lindsay

• Faith Mullin, St. Mary CES, Grafton

• Tyler Young, St. Martin CES, Ennismore

• Lilyan Stewart, Notre Dame CES, Cobourg

• Sophia Jilesen, St. Anthony CES, Port Hope

• Blake Ferguson, St. Paul CES, Peterborough

• Ivan Black, St. Mary CES, Lindsay

• Stella Maria Nekkers, Good Shepherd CES, Courtice

• Lyla Mahoney, St. John CES, Peterborough

• Sophie Lemoire, Immaculate Conception CES, Peterborough

• Alivia Friesen, St. Anne CES, Peterborough

• Mason Doucette, St. Mother Teresa CES, Courtice

• Tyson Chisholm, Holy Family CES, Bowmanville

• Jolene Payne, St. Paul CES, Norwood

• Jazmine Pereira, Monsignor Leo Cleary CES, Courtice

• Madyson Shea, St. Francis of Assisi CES, Newcastle

• Sonny Gillis, St. Catherine CES, Peterborough

• Raegan Larcombe, St. Mary CES, Campbellford

• Aabish Ali, Holy Cross CSS, Peterborough

• Samantha Tungcol, St. Stephen CSS, Bowmanville

• Reagan Lusted, St. Thomas Aquinas CSS, Lindsay

• Andrew Iammancini, St. Peter CSS, Peterborough

• Elijah Deryaw, St. Mary CSS, Cobourg

• Isabella Ciancone, Holy Trinity CSS, Courtice

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PVNCCDSB Students and Staff Kick Off May By Celebrating Asian Heritage Month

As May is celebrated as Asian Heritage Month, Peterborough, Victoria, Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board (PVNCCDSB) staff and students embraced the various cultures with a ceremony at Holy Cross Secondary School on Wednesday morning.

Caitlyn Chan Reynolds displays her art piece before pvnccdsb students and staff at Holy Cross Secondary School. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The celebration’s theme was “Stories of Determination,” representing the strides made and the challenges Asian communities have overcome to thrive in Canada over the last two centuries and beyond.

“With the increasing diversity in our student population and in our communities, it is so important to allow voice for our students and families to really honour who they are and all of use to acknowledge the pieces of history that brought us to where we are,” said Dr. Cynthia Chan Reynolds, PVNCCDSB psychologist and manager of student services. “We need to honour all of our students so acknowledging the heritage pieces of our students is really key.”

There was an opening ceremony that featured cultural performances, an art exhibit by a local student and a display of traditional Asian attire from students.

Several speakers shared their lived experiences of immigrating to Canada or being born as first-generation with Asian descent. They also talked about initiatives against anti-Asian racism.

Reynolds adds that this assembly is all about awareness and allowing those with Asian heritage to fully embrace their authentic selves without judgment.

“That's part of the pieces in terms of Asian culture. We are brought up in a space of compliance and respect,” explained Reynolds. “The people-pleasing piece aspect of many of our 'model-minorities,' it is assumed that compliance and agreement is safety. I think we have to open up what safety means in terms of being able to be our authentic self.”

The staff, students and guests were treated to varieties of Asian cuisine following the ceremony.

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Clarington Trustee Kevin MacKenzie Re-Elected as PVNC Catholic Board Chairperson

Clarington trustee Kevin MacKenzie has been re-elected as the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board chairperson during their annual meeting at the Catholic Education Centre on Wednesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNCCDSB.

MacKenzie is serving for the 2023-2024 term. He has served five years as a trustee, having first been elected in the 2018 municipal election. He served as the Board’s vice-chairperson from 2021-2022 and chairperson from 2022-2023.

“Serving as chairperson has been a profound honor, and being re-elected is a responsibility I accept with both pride and humility,” said MacKenzie. “The past term has shown me the incredible capabilities of our students and staff, a testament to our commitment to excellence in Catholic Education. In my second term, I am committed to deepening our collective efforts, ensuring every student flourishes in an environment that values faith, learning, and community.”

Simultaneously, Peterborough County trustee Jenny Leahy was re-elected as vice-chairperson in her second year. Leahy joined the Board of Trustees in May last year as an appointee and was re-elected to the position during the Oct. 24, 2022 municipal election.

Peterborough trustee Loretta Durst had her second anniversary appointment to the Board. Durst won re-election in the Oct. 24, 2022 municipal election.

Trustees Joshua Glover (Clarington), Mary Ann Martin (Kawartha Lakes) and Kathleen Tanguay (Northumberland) marked one-year anniversaries at the Board table.

Tuesday was the first annual meeting for trustee John Connolly (Peterborough), appointed to his position in September.

During Tuesday’s annual board meeting, trustees were appointed to standing and ad-hoc Board committees.

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John Connolly Appointed to Serve In Trustee Role for City of Peterborough

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board has selected John Connolly as a new trustee to fill a vacancy on the board.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

Connolly filled the vacancy following a special public Board meeting held on Tuesday at the Board office where six candidates were heard from.

Connolly holds a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Geography (Environmental Management and Urban Planning) from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University) and a Master’s Certificate in Public Sector Management from the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University).

He has served more than 16 years in senior management roles providing professional leadership and expertise in community building, housing, land use planning and economic development for all levels of government and the private sector. He has extensive leadership experience serving on executive boards in the Peterborough area including the Kawartha Haliburton Children’s Aid Society, the Peterborough Utilities and the Peterborough Regional Health Centre.

Connolly is currently Executive Director, Planning, Building and Economic Development for the Township of Cavan Monaghan. He and his wife have lived in the Peterborough area for more than 25 years and raised their family of three children, all of whom were educated in PVNC Catholic schools. 

“In all aspects of my life, I believe that I not only have an obligation but a personal responsibility to contribute to my community through public service. I have done this through my chosen career path as well as through my volunteerism and family commitments,” said Connolly. “I am grateful for the opportunity to serve in the role of trustee and help PVNC Catholic succeed in its mission to accompany students and to educate students in faith-filled, loving, safe, inclusive schools.”

The Board began advertising for interested trustee candidates in mid-July following the resignation of Peterborough trustee Mike Ayotte. 

“We heard presentations from six strong and passionate candidates and we were impressed by the quality of candidates who put their names forward to serve Catholic Education in this jurisdiction,” Kevin MacKenzie, board chairman said. “We are happy to welcome John and I know we will all benefit from his experience and passion for service at the Board table.”

Connolly begins his role effective immediately.

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PVNC Seeking Candidates for City of Peterborough Trustee Board Position

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board are seeking candidates for a Catholic Trustee position and fill a Board vacancy and represent separate school ratepayers for the City of Peterborough.

File Photo.

The appointed trustee will serve until the end of the current term of office in November 2026.

 Applicants to fill the vacant seat must be:

• A Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age; and residing within the jurisdiction of the Board. 

• A baptized and practicing Roman Catholic, who is shown as an English-language Roman Catholic school supporter on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) form.

• Not an employee of the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board, or any other district school board, or school authority in Ontario.

Candidates do not have to reside within the City of Peterborough to be considered.

Catholic Trustee applicants are invited to submit an application package including the following:

• A cover letter

• A curriculum vitae outlining personal and professional experience

Applications must be submitted to the Director’s Office via email to trusteeapplications@pvnccdsb.on.ca by 4 p.m. on Aug. 31.

Selected candidates will be contacted and asked to make a brief presentation to Trustees at a special in-camera Board meeting in September, indicating their interest in serving as a Trustee for our Board and their dedication to Catholic education according to the application.

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Stephen O’Sullivan Becomes New PVNC Director of Education

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board has appointed Stephen O’Sullivan as the new Director of Education and Secretary/Treasurer to the Board announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of PVNC.

O’Sullivan assumes the role in August. He has been a Catholic educator for 23 years and held the role of Superintendent of Human Resources since 2021. He also served as the Superintendent of Faith and Equity and Clarington Family of Schools.

He started his teaching career with Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board and joined PVNC Catholic as a vice-principal in 2010. O’Sullivan has served as a vice-principal at St. Mother Teresa CES, St. Elizabeth CES and St. Thomas Aquinas CSS and as principal at St. Luke CES and St. Anthony CES.

“I feel very privileged and blessed to be chosen to lead Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board,” said O’Sullivan. “I want to build on the vision and strategic priorities that are already in place and continue to move the Board forward with a focus on student and staff well-being and achievement. We will continue to accompany our students as we fulfill the promise of Catholic education together.”

O’Sullivan holds a Masters of Religious Education from the University of St. Michael’s College. He has earned an Osgoode Certificate in Education Law and in 2021 he completed the Learning Partnership Leadership Program from the Ivey Business School.

He is a chair of the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association Region One, a member of the Ontario Catholic School Business Officials Association and he sits on the Board of Directors for the Eastern Ontario Staff Development Network. Previously, O’Sullivan was on the executive council of the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario.

“We are excited to work with Steve as our new director. Steve spoke from the heart to the Board of Trustees about his vision, and the sharing of our Catholic faith,” said Kevin MacKenzie, board chairperson. “Through the many leadership roles he has taken on, he understands our system deeply and that was what truly stood out in the selection process.”

O’Sullivan and his wife Jennifer live in Peterborough with their two children, Jack and Taylor. He is a member of the Immaculate Conception parish and is a member of the Knights of Columbus.

“In this leadership role I look forward to working collaboratively with our talented superintendents and all leaders at the Board office, our dedicated and passionate school administrators, educators and support staff, students, families, parish communities and the Diocese of Peterborough as we grow our capacity to nurture the faith of students and staff together,” said O’Sullivan.

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