LeftSideMenu

As an Employment Facilitator at the Stratford office of not-for-profit organization Partners in Employment, Kim Anderson assists area high school students who do not plan to go on to post-secondary education find long-term, local employment. Read More...

Teachers, Educational Assistants, and Administrators were preparing to begin second semester on February 1st, 2012 which just happened to be Digital Learning Day. On February 2nd, all secondary students return to school to begin a new semester. Learn more about the learning taking place on Digital Learning Day at our Secondary Schools. Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is extremely proud to announce that Michelle Shypula has been chosen to receive the award for one of Canada’s Outstanding Principals for 2012. Michelle, principal of St. Joseph’s School in Stratford, has been selected by The Learning Partnership to receive this prestigious award for her outstanding leadership accomplishments in education. She is one of 40 principals from across the country being honoured in 2012. In the Canada’s Outstanding Principals program, principals are nominated by their peers, school staff and community members in an extensive nomination and selection process. Nominations are reviewed and final winners chosen by the National Selection Committee. The principals being honoured will receive their awards at a gala dinner event and awards ceremony on February 28, 2012. Read More...

On behalf of the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, Huron Perth Catholic District School Board was pleased to host the regional network meetings for the Schools in the Middle Project. Educators from Southwestern Ontario gathered together in London on January 23rd and 24th to share plans, strategies and best practices designed to support our schools in meeting the diverse learning needs of our students. Read More...

“We will all be changed by the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15.51-58) Huron-Perth Catholic Schools joined with Christians from around the world in praying for the unity of Christ’s Church. The theme this year is ‘We Will All Be Changed.’ Change is at the heart of our Christian faith. Saint Paul said that everyone who is in Christ is a new creation and we are called to live as Children in the light. Pictured above are Catholic student council representatives from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic elementary school who visited classrooms, shared a unity prayer and read a book about peace and unity to highlight this special week. Students are creating a OLMC Prayer for Christian Unity school banner which will exemplify unity and our calling to Walk in the Light of Christ. Read More...

Adorable smiling faces and giggles were seen and heard throughout the Board Office last week as the Board hosted the annual “Baby Day”. Baby Day is held every January for babies born the previous year to employees of Huron Perth Catholic District School Board who are currently on maternity leave. Director of Education Martha Dutrizac welcomed our future graduates of 2029. Babies and parents then had the opportunity to gather together for lunch and engage in conversations with one another. It was truly an infusion of joy. Read More...

At our recent Regional Catholic School Advisory Council gathering, we asked senior students and a recent graduate to speak to us about the value of Catholic Education from the student's perspective. Senior students Maille Devlin, Thomas Murray, and recent graduate Danielle Parr each gave excellent testaments of how our Catholic school system complemented their families and their parish involvement in their formation as young Catholic adults. Read More...

At both St. Michael CSS and St. Anne’s CSS, all grade nine students are preparing to write the EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics. The Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics is administered across the province to all grade nine Math students in both applied and academic streams. According to the EQAO website, the test will “measure the math skills students are expected to have learned in Grade 9” (EQAO). For tips and resources for parents and students, please Read More...

Nick Jasper has a combination of traits that makes him destined to be a teacher: a heart for leadership, a firm belief in the value of Catholic education, and a willingness to embrace the varied challenges of each new day. Read More...

Students and staff at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School rang in the first classes of the New Year with anticipation of great things to come. The month of January will bring the conclusion of several major projects, the end of first semester co-op placements, final exams for semester one, and the EQAO Grade 9 Mathematics test. Meanwhile, several more exciting projects are gearing up for semester two. And Principal Kuran offers students and parents tips for preparing for final exams. Read More...

Happy New Year!

On behalf of the Trustees and Senior Administration, sincere wishes for a very blessed Christmas and a holy and happy New Year. During this special time of year, our hope is that you are blessed with quality time with your families and friends. Read More...

Families and friends from all over Huron and Perth Catholic have been celebrating and preparing for the upcoming Christmas season through song and prayer. System-wide, all students and staff have worked diligently to showcase their talents and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. These evenings have been filled with anticipation, joy and warm community spirit. Pictured above are two students from St. Mary’s School in Listowel, who participated in the enactment of the Nativity during their Christmas pageant on December 19th, 2011. Read More...

At St. Michael Catholic Secondary School this Christmas, every homeroom class is doing something special to help others in the community who may need support or fellowship. Principal Tim Doherty describes the project as “a great and varied initiative that is touching a lot of people in our community”. From visiting seniors at retirement homes, to gift-giving to local families, to building a wreath for all to enjoy in the school, every homeroom class is doing something special and different to give to others. Read More...

The staff and students of St. Columban and St. Patrick's Schools recently participated in a Board District Review. They took advantage of the opportunity to celebrate the wonderful learning culture and school climate that exists at these schools by displaying student learning through work samples, bulletin boards, class visits, pictures, videos and presentations. Read More...

At its Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Monday, December 5, 2011, Bernard Murray was acclaimed to the position of Chairperson of the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board and Amy Cronin was acclaimed to the position of Vice-Chair. Read More...

"Play is a means to early learning that capitalizes on a child's natural curiosity and exuberance". This principle of the draft FDKP document is exemplified in Full Day Early Learning in Goderich as the children are experiencing the best in learning experiences all day, every day. The water tub provides a purposefully planned wonderful sensory experience while developing social skills. The clubhouse created by the children provides a math, art, language and social experience all in one. Teacher and ECE partners started by asking the children what they would like to make, created a list and then voted on their first choice. They all worked together to create a clubhouse with a lookout, tunnel, chimney, shutters and bubble rap for the carpet. It even evolved into a Haunted House for Halloween and later a reading centre. Read More...

On Tuesday, November 29th, the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board held its annual elementary school volleyball tournaments.  Great competition and fellowship greeted all the student athletes as they gathered at one of the three tournament sites. Read More...

Grace Culliton is an extraordinary young woman – an award-winning artist, a trailblazer, a horseback rider, a baker and an avid hockey fan. In Huron Perth, first at St. Aloysius School and later at St. Michael CSS, she raised awareness about the need for inclusion and was a driving force behind the “Circle of Friends and Peer Pals” program. Grace is also severely autistic. Read More...

Dear Staff and Members of the Huron-Perth Community: As we enter into this year’s Advent season of “Listening in the Light of Christ”, we turn our attention to reflect on how we might continue to focus on renewal and on finding new ways to give “life” through acts of love and justice. Simply put, it is like “going deeper” into our faith and being very purposeful in what we do. Read More...

The 2011-2012 school year marks the 50th anniversary of Sacred Heart School in Wingham. The school will kick off the year long celebration on Sunday, December 4th, 2011 with an Open House at school from 11 am – 1 pm followed by a Living Rosary at 1:30pm and commemorative Mass at Sacred Heart Parish at 2:00pm. This day will be topped off with a community reception at Sacred Heart Parish Hall. Next, on Thursday, December 8th, 2011 there will be a rededication and blessing of the school. Everyone is welcome to come celebrate, reunite, and rediscover why this small school still captures the hearts of community members , staff and students after all these years. Read More...

Bullying Awareness Week has been recognized in all schools in the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board during the week of November 13-19, 2011. Bullying Awareness Week is an opportunity for schools to become actively involved in the issues surrounding bullying. These students from Precious Blood School in Exeter have taken part in a daily assembly to combat and educate students on the harmful effects of bullying. The goal of Bullying Awareness Week is for everyone to work together on preventing bullying through education and awareness. It is also about building community in our schools and following the gospel teachings. Read More...

This week is National Bullying Awareness Week and St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton is taking this initiative to its student body every day of the week. A team of students called the Agents of Change, supported by Principal Jodi Kuran, will provide a different activity for each day of the week to raise awareness about the harmful effects of bullying and show how students can positively affect school climate. In addition, Chaplaincy Leader Lisa Phillips has written an original prayer for each day of the week to share with the St. Anne’s community. According to Phillips, each prayer highlights one of the sub-themes being focused on throughout the week. Read More...

Students and staff across the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board remember the fallen heroes of the Canadian Armed Forces.  Pictured above are grade seven students from St. Aloysius Elementary School showcasing their artwork depicting the commitment of both current and former soldiers.  One student noted, “Completing this assignment helped me realize the huge sacrifice that these men and women made for my freedom and the hope of future peace that I get to enjoy today.”  Another student commented, “These men and women had to leave their families and loved ones to risk their lives….what a commitment!” Read More...

We have been off to an amazing start to the school year. Students have settled into engaging classroom learning environments and teachers have been working diligently at getting to know their strengths and needs. Read More...

Early Childhood Educators in the HPCDSB were celebrated recently. We appreciate their dedication, knowledge, experience and hard work in Full Day Kindergarten Classrooms. ECE's are trained specifically in the development of 0-6 year olds. Through daily opportunities for play-based learning, they support our youngest students to grow and learn. They nurture the development of the whole person- mind, body and spirit, within our Catholic Schools. Read More...

On Friday October 28th, 2011 Lisa DeJong Satchel was awarded the Champion Of Inclusion Award at the Coaching To Inclusion conference held in London Ontario. Several staff attended the conference and were there to help celebrate with Lisa. Read More...

St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School held their annual Grade 8 Tech Day on Tuesday, October 25 hosting seven elementary partner schools from around Huron County. The Grade 8 Tech Day features a chance for grade 8 students to get hands on experience in Communications Technology, Design, Transportation, Construction, and Manufacturing. Everyone involved considered the day a great success and a rich learning opportunity. Read More...

St. Anne’s CSS graduate Rob Kloepfer currently resides in the windy city of Chicago, Illinois, with sights firmly set on a career in Optometry... Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board hosted their annual Deanery Dinner on Thursday, October 20, 2011, at the Mitchell Golf & Country Club.  Representation from various groups such as Parish Priests, members of the Catholic School Advisory Councils, Religion Advisory Teachers, Trustees, Principals and Vice Principals, Learning Coordinators and Senior Administration of the Board attended the event.  The keynote speaker, Father Jim Mockler, spoke about embracing and respecting the diversity of the home, school, and parish partnership roles. Read More...

Shay-Lynn Durand, a grade 5 student at Precious Blood School, is a published author! Her first story, Beach Gone Wild, was written and illustrated by Shay-Lynn with the encouragement of her parents and teachers. The storyline was inspired by visits to her grandparents’ cottage. Read More...

During this Thanksgiving season, the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board community answered their calling to be Christ-like as they collected donations of coats for children and adults in need. These students from St. Patrick’s School in Kinkora are pleased to do their part. Read More...

This week the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board held its annual cross-country meet. The event took place at the beautiful Falls Reserve Conversation Area in Benmiller, Ontario.  Student participation reached almost five hundred students from every Catholic elementary school in both Perth and Huron counties.  Congratulations to all of our student athletes for striving to reach their personal best while exploring their God-given talents!

... and Happy Thanksgiving!

On Sunday, September 18, 2011, members of the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board, “Walked in the Light of Christ” for The Terry Fox Walk for Cancer Research. Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board joins the world in celebrating World Teachers’ Day!

On September 29, the Feast Day of St. Michael the ArchAngel, Bishop Ronald Fabro celebrated Mass for staff, students, alumni, and friends of St. Michael Catholic Secondary School in Stratford. This Mass commemorates the 25th anniversary of Catholic Secondary Education in the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board. Read More...

This week our first system-wide elementary sporting event for the year took place. Soccer tournaments were held in Stratford for our Perth schools and in Clinton for our Huron schools. Read More...

Charmaine Chadwick, our Board Behavioural Support staff, along with staff from Thames Valley Children's Centre, provided a full-day session for Full Day Kindergarten Program team members. Read More...

All Department Heads from both St. Anne’s CSS and St. Michael’s CSS met at our Board Office in Dublin to collaborate on ways to improve student achievement. Collaboration across the curriculum was high on the agenda as the department heads discussed ways to help students achieve their goals in literacy and numeracy. Read More...

St. Patrick's Catholic Elementary School in Kinkora hosted an inaugural lesson and blessing ceremony of their Outdoor Learning Pavilion on Friday, September 16, 2011. Members of the various community groups that were part of the planning, design, and building process were in attendance for the celebration. Read More...

Teachers new to the primary and junior/intermediate divisions engaged in an informative and engaging professional learning session provided by the HPCDSB Literacy Resource Teachers and the Math Coordinator. Read More...

Alison Slight’s creativity has launched a career that’s taken her from Toronto to Dubai and back again. As a sought-after public relations professional and Managing Director of CANDICE&ALISON Luxury Events... Read More...

On September 1st, 2011, all staff of the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board gathered together for their annual system-wide Professional Development Day at St. Michael CSS in Stratford. The theme of the day mirrored the 2011-12 board theme, 'Walking in the Light of Christ.' Read More...

On September 6, 2011, the new school year started for all HPCDSB students. This year’s theme is “Walking in the Light of Christ.” At St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in Clinton, students had the opportunity to explore this theme in an opening day activity where they discussed how special every student is and how they have to model the love that is present within the Holy Family. Read More...

This year, our Board theme is “Catholic Education-Walking in the Light of Christ. The theme sets our direction spiritually and academically as we listen, learn, live, love and lead in the “Light of Christ”. Read More...

Mark Moore was so inspired by his teachers that he chose to become an educator himself. As a Student Success Teacher at Central Huron Secondary School, he’s helping at-risk students navigate their way towards graduation Read More...

Newly hired Teachers and Early Childhood Educators are pictured above at the Catholic Education Centre. We welcome Lisa Melady, Tina Ropp, Anne Marie Lincoln, Heather McArter, Sarah Becker, Jenna Fraser, Tyler Devereaux, Sarah Van Loon, Karen Haag, Hope Shantz. Read More...

.

to Our Catholic Schools!

O God we thank you for the time that we have spent together over this past school year. We are grateful for all the blessings we have received. Keep us safe throughout the summer. During this time of rest and renewal create in us an awareness of your presence in all things great and small. May each day be a prayerful opportunity for us to live in the joyous light of Christ. Amen.

Students from across the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board participated in various two-pitch tournaments this week. The tournaments almost “struck-out” due to bad weather, but fortunately, the weather cooperated at the last moment for two of the three locations that hosted events.  Students and staff members had a great day and used their God-given gifts and talents to play hard, while demonstrating what it means to be a good sport. We are proud of all of our participants. Read More...

Julie Houben has always loved food. Graduating from St. Michael CSS in Stratford, she longed to build her career around it but was unsure of how to make that happen. Read More...

Pictured here is graduating St. Michael student Naomi Bauer-Maison, Immaculate Conception Parishioner Damian VanBakel and Catholic Women’s League member Cathy Robinson. Naomi was awarded with top honours by the Catholic Women’s League for her service over the past many years. Naomi has contributed many hours of Christian Service to the Children’s Liturgy Program at the church and was recognized at a recent Mass for her outstanding service as a Sunday School teacher. Read More...

On Tuesday, June 14th the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board held its annual Track and Field meet under perfect weather conditions. The event included every elementary school in the system and utilized the incredible student volunteers from both Catholic high schools, St. Anne’s and St. Michael.  The theme this year was “Personal Best” and included competitions for every age group and abilities. Read More...

Pictured here is Holy Name of Mary School Principal Dawne Boersen, Superintendent of Business Gerry Thuss, Secondary Learning Coordinator Karen Tigani, Learning Coordinator LoriLynn Stapleton, Superintendent of Education Dan Parr and Trustee Bernard Murray. This team from our school board joined hundreds of other Catholics at last week's Annual Bishop's Dinner in London. Read More...

Dave Cann, a teacher at St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in Clinton, explores some of the new objectives from the updated Physical Health Education Curriculum Document.  Recently, two teachers from each elementary school in the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board received training update their classroom practices to reflect the new curriculum. Read More...

Pictured here are Student Trustee Fiatsogbe Dzuali and the St. Michael Catholic Secondary School “Warrior” mascot. These are two of the many friendly faces you will encounter when you enter our Catholic secondary schools: St. Michael in Stratford and St. Anne’s in Clinton. Our Catholic secondary schools provide rich learning environments where students pursue their interests, ideologies, passions, and pathways. Read More...

Beginning on May 30 and continuing to June 9, Grade 3 and 6 students from each of our schools will be participating in the Education Quality and Accountability Office’s (EQAO’s) Assessment of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. In six one-hour sessions, students will complete a variety of assessment activities designed to allow them to demonstrate their skills and knowledge relating to reading, writing and mathematics as described in The Ontario Curriculum. The assessment is administered province-wide and is developed by Ontario teachers and assessment experts to reflect curriculum expectations. Read More...

Nick Avis, a student at St. Anne's high school, got to try out political and civic engagement on Parliament Hill this past winter, with the Forum for Young Canadians. After being elected Prime Minister by fellow attendees, Nick had a chance to sit in the House of Commons seat normally reserved for the Prime Minister. He notes that "in ten, twenty, maybe thirty years some of us won't be visiting Parliament Hill but rather working there, shaping history and bettering the nation." Read More...

Students and staff members from every Catholic school in Huron and Perth counties participated in the 4th annual “Stuff That Bus!” food drive this week. Four busloads of food were collected and donated to the St. Vincent de Paul food banks in each county. This event is one example of how our Catholic schools support the wider community and how our students reach out in service to others. Our schools, families and parishes worked together to make this wonderful event a huge success. We are very thankful to everyone who donated food, time and services. In particular, we wish to thank First Student and Murphy Bus Lines and their drivers for supporting “Stuff That Bus!” Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic Trustees' Leadership Award is presented annually to one gr. 8 student in each Catholic elementary school and to two students in each of the Catholic secondary schools. These students are committed to their faith, present amazing leadership skills, and live the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Read More...

Lisa Arnold is a dedicated and passionate teacher. As the owner of Dancepirations, a successful Clinton-based dance studio, she feels privileged to be able to cultivate the creativity, skills and confidence of her young students. Read More...

Catholic Education Week was celebrated from May 1 to May 6, 2011. This year’s theme, Catholic Education: Celebrating the Spirit comes from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans where he writes, “All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” (Romans 8:14) During this week, the Most Reverend Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro celebrated the Eucharist at St. Patrick’s Church in Dublin with priests, staff, students and members of the community. Recipients of the annual Mother Teresa Faith in Action Awards were also recognized after Mass. During this week, schools celebrated the gift of Catholic Education with special prayers, activities, events and presentations. We ask that the communities of Huron-Perth continue to pray for our Catholic schools, that they may be enlivened by God’s Spirit and help in the sacred work of “renewing the face of the earth.” (Ps 104:30) Pictured above is Fr. Chris Gillespie and The Most Reverend Bishop Ronald P. Fabbro. Read More...

Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is proud and excited to announce Catholic Education Week 2011. During this week of May 1-6, we will continue to celebrate what Catholic education means to our students, parents, and staff, parish and school communities. The Spirit of the Lord helps us to deal with the realities of those who are oppressed, those in war torn countries and those who suffer from disasters by giving us human hope. Read More...

Pictured above are students from St. Patrick's School in Kinkora who were participating in a math lesson that was developed by teachers working collaboratively in an exciting professional learning project. St. Patrick's school recently hosted teachers from both Huron Perth Catholic and London District Catholic school boards as part of the ongoing Collaborative Inquiry for Learning Mathematics project. Teachers began the day by sharing strategies and implementing them within a lesson they planned together. The lesson was then taught to students and careful observations were made to determine the impact of the strategies used. Particular attention was given to the words, actions and thinking demonstrated by students. Read More...

A grade one student from St. Patrick’s School in Dublin created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Hospitality. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

.

Prepare the way of the Lord Read More...

A grade twelve student from St. Michael’s Catholic Secondary School in Stratford created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Justice. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

Father John Jassica, priest and licensed basketball referee, is about to sanction play between Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School and Kinkora Catholic Elementary School.  Last week featured all three of the system-wide elementary basketball tournaments, with two being hosted at St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School and the third at St. Michael Secondary School. Read More...

In the book of Deuteronomy, we are commissioned to “Choose Life”. Amidst the tragedy of life-ending situations, new hope can be found not only in spiritual comfort but also in the gift of organ transplants for those in need. God gave us our lives as gifts to celebrate the wonder of being human. We can return part of these gifts by agreeing to the use of organs at death. This is not just a moral stance advocated by our Church but also an act of love and compassion for our neighbours. In Search of the Good: Organ and Tissue Donation and Transplantation Catholic Curriculum Resource for the One Life Many Gifts program. Read More...

Two grade seven students from St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Clinton created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Justice. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

Have you ever wondered if potting soil is a waste of money or if hockey helmets really make a difference? Or, while enjoying a circus act, have you thought “how do they overcome their dizziness?” These are exactly the types of questions that were studied by the young scientists from across the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board who displayed their work at the SciTech Science Fair this month. Read More...

A grade seven student from St. Columban Catholic School in St. Columban created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Wisdom. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

The grade 7 and 8 teachers from Holy Name School in St. Mary's are participating in a year long collaborative inquiry project led by Jenni Donohoo, chair of the Learning Forward (Staff Development Council of Ontario). KeriLynn Grainger, Caroline Brekelmans and Rita Pieniazek are pictured above working with Jenni at a recent meeting in London. This project is focusing on the implementation of Growing Success and  is a partnership between Learning Forward and the 16 boards in the London Region, as well as the Ontario Ministry of Education. Read More...

A grade three student from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Wingham created this piece of artwork expressing his ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Understanding. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

What can parents do to help their child succeed in school? The Council of Ontario Directors of Education are pleased to provide a Tool Kit for parents. There is evidence every day that the student who gets support and help at home is more successful at school. It is our hope that parents will find useful tips and suggestions that will lead you to find what is useful for your family. Read More...

All Huron-Perth Catholic elementary schools were invited to attend the first annual DanceFest: Movin’ with the Spirit event.  This occasion provided students and staff with an opportunity to highlight Arts Education, focusing on the dance curriculum.  DanceFest served as a vehicle in which dance ideas were shared in an atmosphere of joy and celebration.  Students were provided with a captivating opportunity to share their God-given talents and showcase their interest and understanding of creative movement and various dance routines. Read More...

A senior kindergarten student from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic School in Mt. Carmel created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Hospitality. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

The St. Anne’s Catholic High School Eagles recently triumphed in the pool at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) swimming championships by winning several medals. The Eagles won a silver medal in the Senior Women’s Medley Relay and a bronze medal in the Senior Women’s Free Relay. Read More...

“People should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards of mysteries of God…Moreover, it is required in stewards, that a person be found faithful to his/her gifts.” - Corinthians 4:1 Huron-Perth Catholic staff and students are proud supporters of Earth Hour. We stand in solidarity in the fight against climate change by turning off lights and supporting Earth Hour on Friday, March 25th, from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Turning off the lights for Earth Hour does more than save 60 minutes’ worth of energy. It is truly a global phenomenon and powerful, symbolic demonstration that provides all of us an opportunity to take action on climate change and demonstrate responsible citizenship by protecting God’s creation. Read More...

Schools across the Huron-Perth Catholic School Board recognized World Water Day. World Water Day, created by the United Nations, is designed to generate attention on the fundamental belief that all people should have the right to clean and affordable water.  Pictured above, is a student at St. Patrick’s Catholic Elementary School, Dublin enjoying a refreshing drink of water at recess. Read More...

Students from Precious Blood Catholic elementary school in Exeter participate in their parish Ash Wednesday Eucharistic celebration. Ash Wednesday is the first day of the penitential season of Lent. Ashes were placed on their foreheads in the shape of a cross to remind us all to 'turn away from sin and be faithful to the gospel.' Read More...

As we begin our Lenten journey, this is an opportune time to reflect on how we can grow in our relationship with God and deepen our commitment to a way of life that flows from the gift of our baptism. Read More...

Manager of Plant, Anne Marie Nicholson and Custodian of Jeanne Sauvé, Greg Core are seen going over the architectural drawings for the Jeanne Sauvé Catholic Elementary School addition and renovation project with city officials, Board architect and builders at the first site meeting held at the school on February 10th. Read More...

Manager of Plant, Anne Marie Nicholson and Custodian of Jeanne Sauvé, Greg Core are seen going over the architectural drawings for the Jeanne Sauvé Catholic Elementary School addition and renovation project with city officials, Board architect and builders at the first site meeting held at the school on February 10th . Read More...

Nestled in the heart of Stratford’s festival district is the historic Albert St. Inn – the place where Michelle Thompson welcomes guests to a city alive with culture and character. Read More...

Teachers from the Oldham school district in England are pictured above with Maureen Sabin, Learning Coordinator, Brent Langan, System Special Education Resource Teacher, Kelly Anderson and Rhonda Regier, Special Education Resource teachers. These teachers spent a week in various schools in our district recently, learning about the work our teachers are doing on behalf of students with special learning needs. Read More...

Pictured here is well-known Canadian Senator and Former NHL Hockey Coach, Jacques Demers, sharing a laugh with St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School Teacher, Brian Marcy. Brian took a moment to shake hands and meet Senator Demers following a passionate and thought-provoking keynote address from this Canadian political leader, hockey legend, and literacy champion. Senator Demers was one of several high profile presenters at the EQAO Learning Seminar that took place in Toronto last week. Teachers, educational leaders and parents from across Ontario gathered to learn more about what we can do to ensure high quality learning for all students, all of the time, in all secondary school classes. The dominant themes of the conference were knowledge, support and action, all framed around high quality assessment and instructional practices. Read More...

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make in your child's life. It is the place your child will spend most of his or her day, learning important skills, interacting with other children, and growing in so many ways. We, at the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board believe that we offer exemplary Catholic education that emphasizes strong academics, gospel values and the growth of the whole person. Catholic education fosters the search for knowledge, as a lifelong spiritual and academic quest. Read More...

A team of dynamic student leaders from our Catholic secondary schools, St. Anne’s and St. Michael, facilitated a student forum called “All About YOUth!” today. Groups of students from each of our Catholic schools gathered at the Equine Centre in Clinton to participate in an exciting student-led event. Throughout the day, students were invited to share what makes our schools so great and what we can do to become even better. Read More...

Huron-Perth Catholic Religion Advisory Teachers, Tara Boreham, Dianne Vivian, Danielle Peters and Kristie Miller, gather together to explore in greater depth the close connection between the Ontario Catholic Graduate Expectations (OCGEs) and the 21st century learning skills. They also explore the Huron-Perth Cathwiki site and newly created Moodle. Read More...

Literacy Resource Teacher Laurie Maloney-Devlin and Secondary Learning Coordinator Karen Tigani are two of several Huron Perth Catholic District School Board educators who recently attended an Instructional Coaching Institute facilitated by leading expert Jim Knight. As part of our on-going efforts to continuously learn more about teaching and learning so we can collectively enhance our practice, we have teachers in our elementary and secondary schools who support other teachers through a practice called "instructional coaching". The primary focus of our coaches is to enhance teacher and student learning in the areas of literacy and numeracy. Read More...

The consummate blend of artist, consultant and counselor, Jaclynn Holman thrives on the variety she enjoys as a hairdresser at Stratford’s popular Grotto Hair Studio. Seven years into her career, she’s confident the job is a perfect fit for her. Read More...

Principal Dawne Boersen and Early Childhood Educator Rochelle Perley from the Perth Middlesex Early Years are surrounded by parents and their preschool children in a beautiful space at Holy Name School in St. Mary’s. Read More...

Angela Schuster's Grade 1 and 2 students at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Stratford celebrated Family Literacy Day along with all of the other students at St. Ambrose and across the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board. Wearing their coziest pajamas, students and staff engaged in fun and interactive stories, games, crafts, activities and more. Many family members and guests from our community visited our schools, showing their enthusiasm for literacy by reading stories, engaging in writing with students, and joining in all of the fun that our staff and students led. Read More...

Teachers and Principals from Huron Perth Catholic DSB are working with colleagues from London District Catholic School Board and The Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat to study teaching methods in mathematics that promote higher level thinking from our students. The project known as Collaborative Inquiry for Learning Mathematics enables teachers to plan and teach math lessons together so that they can observe the impact of these strategies on student learning. Read More...

A grade three student from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Wingham created this piece of artwork expressing his ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Understanding. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

At one of the system volleyball tournaments, St. Patrick’s School, Kinkora, won both the girls' and boys' “A” grade 7/8 championships. They faced fierce competition from Sacred Heart, Wingham, St. Joseph's, Clinton and St. Mary's, Listowel. Read More...

A grade eight student from St. James Catholic School in Seaforth created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Justice. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

Students at St. Anne's Catholic secondary school gather together in prayer as a Catholic Community of Caring to celebrate the many diverse faith communities in today's society. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity invites the whole Christian community throughout the world to pray in communion with the prayer of Jesus, “that they all may be one.” (John 17:21). Huron-Perth Catholic secondary schools participate in the spirit of prayer and dialogue of various faith communities around the world by celebrating the theme, “One in the Apostles’ Teaching, Fellowship, Breaking of Bread and Prayer.” (Acts 2:42) This is a week of renewed commitment to work for genuine ecumenism grounded in the experience of the early Church of Jerusalem. We are many members of one body, a unity in diversity! Read More...

A grade six student from St. Boniface Catholic School in Zurich created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Wisdom. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

A dynamic team of parents and educators including Catholic Education Advocate Lou Rocha, St. Anne's Council Chair Teresa Van Raay, Trustee Amy Cronin, Jeanne Sauvé Council Chair Jennifer Kitch, Director of Education Martha Dutrizac, St. Michael Council Chair Paul Rhodes, Trustee Jim McDade, Superintendent JoAnn MacGregor and Superintendent Dan Parr organized a Regional Catholic School Advisory Council dinner on January 12th. The dinner brought together Catholic parents, parish members and board members from across the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board. Read More...

Adorable smiling faces and giggles were seen and heard throughout the Board Office this week as the Board hosted its annual “Baby Day”. Baby Day is held every January for babies born the previous year to mothers who are employees of the Board who are currently on maternity leave. Director of Education Martha Dutrizac welcomed our future graduates of 2028! Read More...

All Huron-Perth Catholic music teachers were invited to gather together to review the revised Arts curriculum document and resources, share best practices and to think about an action research project which could culminate into a musical performance. Read More...

Kindergarten students from St. Patrick’s School in Dublin visited the HPCDSB office before they left for Christmas Break. They entertained staff with Christmas music, actions and poetry, including “Good Things Come in Small Packages”. Read More...

Dear Members of the Huron-Perth Catholic Community: I extend to you my warmest wishes for a very blessed Christmas and a holy and a happy New Year in 2011. Read More...

A grade three student from Precious Blood Catholic School created this piece of artwork expressing her ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Understanding. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

At its Inaugural Meeting of the Board of Trustees on Friday, December 17, 2010, Ron Marcy was acclaimed to the position of Chairperson of the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board. From left: Chair Ron Marcy and Vice-Chair Jim McDade Read More...

A grade one student from Holy Name of Mary Catholic School created this piece of artwork expressing his ideas and feelings on the theme, Celebrating the Spirit of Hospitality. Highlighting student artwork is a wonderful way to integrate and celebrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme.

The St. Mike's Concert Band, under the direction of Music teacher Jeff McIntyre, performed during a Christmas concert at St. Joseph's Church in Stratford on December 12, 2010. Read More...

Elementary Special Education Resource Teachers and Coordinator of Special Education, Maureen Sabin, gathered in Dublin recently for a day of networking and information sharing. Read More...

Junior and Intermediate teachers from Huron County have formed a Professional Learning Network to develop effective instructional strategies to support the diverse mathematical learning needs of our students in grades 6 - 8. Read More...

We start this year’s Advent season in a world that continues to be troubled by a multitude of challenges which prey heavily on the poor and the marginalized. It is a time of sobriety in the face of His return while the rhythm of our life, especially in the holiday season, seldom leaves time for adequate preparation. Read More...

November 22, 2010, marked the final Board Meeting for veteran Trustee Vincent McInnes. The Board has been blessed with Vince’s leadership as a Catholic Trustee for the past 28 years. Read More...

Elementary Special Education Resource Teachers and Coordinator of Special Education, Maureen Sabin, gathered in Dublin recently for a day of networking and information sharing. Read More...

Students from St. Columban School chat with a workshop participant about using Web 2.0 tools such as Animoto, Wordle, Glogster and Google Docs after their presentation at the QUEST conference in Toronto this week. Read More...

Ontario schools will recognize Bullying Prevention and Awareness Week each third week of November, beginning November 15 to 19, 2010. The Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board is committed to working with families, parishes, and community partners in maintaining safe and orderly Christ-centred learning environments. Read More...

Father Chris Gillespie, a military chaplain and Pastor of St. James Parish, speaks with St. James' students in front of the cenotaph at today's Remembrance Day ceremony in Seaforth. Read More...

The Ministry of Education launched a new Assessment, Evaluation and Reporting Policy Document entitled "Growing Success" in September 2010. At the November 5th Professional Development Day, teachers from across our school system engaged in professional learning activities that were directly related to implementing this important document. Pictured here are St. Michael Catholic Secondary School teachers Mary Flanagan, Mark Flanagan, Marianne Braca and Melissa Finch. These teachers are working alongside all of their secondary school colleagues, discussing the fundamental purposes of assessment and reflecting on the fundamental importance of establishing clear learning goals for each lesson. Read More...

Our Huron Perth Catholic District School Board Champion of Inclusion Award winners for this school year are Carolyn Carter and Heather Voss. They were honoured at the Coaching to Inclusion conference held on October 22nd, 2010 at the University of Western Ontario. Heather and Carolyn are both parents, as well as long term members of our Special Education Advisory Council. Read More...

Twelve teachers from the district of Northumberland in England and their leader are pictured above with their host teachers and principals from St. Ambrose and Holy Name of Mary Catholic schools. The English teachers are on a government sponsored teacher exchange program designed to provide professional learning and develop contacts with schools in other countries. Creativity and the arts in education is a focus for this group of teachers. Read More...

Delegates Ken Schoonderwoerd, Kerri Lyn Grainger and Sarah Noakes examine the newest Catholic Curriculum documents with Fran Craig, Manager of the Catholic Curriculum Corporation. They were joined by many members of the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board as well as hundreds of other Catholic educators from across Ontario for the annual "When Faith Meets Pedagogy Conference" held in Toronto last week. This year's theme was "Awake to Grace". Read More...

The annual Deanery/School Board Administrator’s Dinner took place on Tuesday, October 19. Read More...

Over 570 students competed in the Huron Perth Catholic Elementary Cross Country Meet held at the Wildwood Conservation Area near St. Mary's, Ontario. Read More...

Pope Benedict XVI will canonize Blessed André Bessette, the founder of St. Joseph's Oratory in Montreal. Brother André will become the first Canadian-born male saint canonized at the Vatican ceremony in Rome on October 17, 2010. He opened the door at the Oratory for the sick, lonely and poor to find a home in the healing power of Christ Jesus. Read More...

St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton, Ontario is equally proud and grateful to be a recipient of a Band Aid Grant in the amount of $10, 000 from Musicounts and the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Read More...

During the Thanksgiving season, our Catholic community is filled with the spirit of justice and gratitude. In the picture above, students of St Boniface school display some of the many coats they have collected this week during our Keeping Everybody Warm coat drive for children and adults in need. Read More...

Huron Perth Catholic DSB held Elementary Soccer Tournaments on September 29th in Clinton, Stratford, and Exeter. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches for a spectacular day of soccer! Tremendous sportsmanship and outstanding play were demonstrated all day. Special thanks to our tournament conveners, coaching volunteers, referees and food booth organizers for their efforts in making this a memorable and exciting day for our students. Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic DSB supports and believes in all our Catholic elementary and secondary school communities participating in a school-based Faith Development Day. All school staff will have the opportunity to actively participate in a Faith Development Day on Friday, October 1, 2010, that reflects our Board Mission Statement and gospel values, allowing individuals to grow in their faith. Read More...

Michael Fullan, pictured above with Martha Dutrizac, Director of Education, visited our district last week to work with principals, vice principals and other system leaders. The focus of learning was centered on Fullan's research which helps leaders in education understand how to encourage and support educational change in schools. Read More...

Students and staff of the Huron Perth Catholic District School Board have begun the new school year rejoicing in faith. Elementary and secondary school communities throughout the board have met to celebrate the Eucharist and continue our mission to nurture a Christ-Centered environment. Read More...

St. Anne’s Catholic Secondary School in Clinton has once again been approved by the Ministry of Education to deliver another specialized program: the Energy High Skills Major (SHSM). The SHSM is a program that develops partnerships with industry, community and post-secondary educational institutions to offer specialized programs to students. Read More...

On Sunday, September 19, 2010 the Huron-Perth Catholic District School Board will host its first annual “Walk With Our Community” for The Terry Fox Walk for Cancer Research. Read More...

Teachers who were recently hired to permanent teaching positions in our schools are pictured above at the Catholic Education Centre. They spent a full day together on August 31st getting to know board personnel, learning coordinators and senior administration. Read More...

Huron Bruce MPP Carol Mitchell visited St. Joseph's School in Clinton on September 8th to announce the Full-Day Kindergarten program. MPP Mitchell enjoyed reading a book to the kindergarten students before meeting with school and board staff. Read More...

>

> Read More...

Full Day Early Kindergarten Teachers Rebecca Liotta and Jennifer Ritsma, ECE's Ashley Masse, Heather Schoonderwoerd, Linda Martens and Jackie MacDonald, along with Principal Nancy Barrett and Coordinator Gaylene Hagarty participated in three days of voluntary training offered by the Ministry of Education in London. Read More...

> Read More...

Kate Cooper knows how to please a crowd. As a professional event manager, she skillfully juggles the needs of her clients, guests, performers and service providers. Busy festivals and black-tie formals unfold seamlessly under Kate’s adept supervision. Kate began her career as a Conference and Event Coordinator at the Perimiter Institute for Theoretical Physics in Waterloo... Read More...

Summer message from the Director of Education Read More...

On June 10th, the St. Anne's Catholic Secondary School community gathered outdoors for a beautiful celebration of the Eucharist, celebrated by Fr. Jassica and Fr. Gillespie.  Students and staff gathered around the alter under a canopy of sun and cloud for this year-end celebration, which marked the end of another successful school year. Read More...

Jeff Thuss, teacher and coach at Precious Blood School gets ready to start one of the 200m heats in our Elementary School Track and Field meet held at St. Anne's Secondary School in Clinton. Read More...

The Huron-Perth Catholic DSB will be posting on their website a digital display of student artwork from Junior Kindergarten to Grade Twelve on one of the five sub-themes of Catholic Education Week. The theme is Catholic Education: Rejoicing in Hope. The sub-themes for student artwork are hope in our: hearts, homes, schools, communities and world. This is a wonderful way to integrate visual arts with our Catholic faith and annual board theme. Highlighted this week… Grace Nemeth - Grade 4 student from St. Aloysius - HOPE IN OUR HOMES.

Throughout semester two, a group of secondary teachers from St. Anne's C.S.S. and St. Michael C.S.S. have engaged in a professional learning community focusing on "Learning for All" students. These teachers have been working together to research and implement strategies that support learning and high levels of success for all students in their classrooms. The group visited two secondary schools in Toronto this week, Mary Ward C.S.S. and Marshall McLuhan C.S.S., to learn about the successes in these schools and thereby, enhance their own practices. Read More...

Teachers, Principals and Coordinators from across Southwestern Ontario attended the first Ministry training