The inaugural meeting of the 2010 Board of
Trustees was held this week at the Catholic Education Centre as what
was called “a celebration of Catholic Education.”
2010 Chair Bill Hall, serving his fourth
term as Chair since the amalgamation of the Boards, said there are
certainly challenges to be faced in the year ahead. “We will face
them together and as a community of faith,” he said. “We will
plan carefully. We will work together in collaboration and
consultation. And together we have shown that Catholic educators can
overcome anything.” Chair Hall cited the move to full day
kindergarten as a challenge and he said the process of phasing it in
must be fair, open and equitable.
Chair Hall said another priority will be to
share the good news of Catholic education. “I pledge to you
tonight to set up a series of town hall meetings to strengthen our
ties with our Catholic Stakeholders – our Parishes, school
councils, the Deanery, the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women’s
League, Catholic business people and other Catholic stakeholders.”
He said the prospect of declining enrolment is
another challenge that must be met. “The anticipated decline in
enrolment will be substantial and have a long lasting effect’”
he said. “It will require a careful and reasoned approach.” The
new Chair asked each person in attendance to make a promise. “Individually
and collectively and guided by the Holy Spirit, we will do all that
we can to build upon the legacy entrusted to us. “ (The Inaugural
Address can be read in its entirety
HERE)
Bishop Ronald Fabbro
celebrated the Eucharist.” We thank God for the gift of
Catholic education,” he said.
What they said...
"We have confidence
in our Catholic Schools and that our graduates will bring
words of hope, compassion and kindness to the world.
We pray for the gift of faith and hope."
. . . Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro
"As a Board you
have implemented our (the Ministry's) priorities. You
deserve recognition for your individual and collective
leadership as members of a knowledgeable team."
. . . Joan Fallis, Education Officer, London Regional Office,
Ministry of Education
" We are
fortunate to share this jurisdiction with such a partner and
friend."
. . . Terry Roberts, 2010 Chair, Thames Valley
District School Board
"I have no doubt
Catholic education is a priority. With God on our side we
can do it."
. . . Lucie Guillemette, Conseil Scholaire de District des
Ecoles Catholiques du Sud-Ouest
"Our Trustees
have always shown a great commitment. They have taken up the
challenge year after year to help our children be the best
they can be."
. . Linda Steel, Co-chair, London District Catholic School
Council
The St. Joseph's Catholic
High School Band, under the direction of Gus Karahalios, welcomed
guests as they arrived.
The Catholic Central High
School Choir was a big part of the Eucharistic celebration, under
the direction of Donald Sills
To serve the
Catholic student in a community that nurtures a living faith and provides a
quality Catholic education that enables the individual to
become a contributing member of the Church and
Society.
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