The following is part of a 90th Anniversary series that features Catholic trustees from across Ontario sharing insight on the experience of Catholic education at their boards.  

1. What singular experience as a trustee at your CDSB can you share that can serve to illustrate the positive impact of Catholic schools in the community?

It is a singular experience that repeats itself several times every spring…Our high school graduations. We have a tradition at Wellington Catholic. Our graduations take place in the beautiful Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate, a magnificent church. The students process in with spectacular organ music, accompanied by their teachers. Readings, prayers, greetings and valedictory speeches punctuate the evening. Presentations of diplomas and awards are made by community donors and sponsors, clergy, the Principal and Director of Education, celebrating our vision of the Catholic graduate. The Basilica is filled with parents, friends and family members. The evenings are magical and as a trustee, I am filled with pride and confidence, knowing that our students are well equipped to go make a difference in the world.        

2. What current Good News story about students/Catholic schools at your CDSB would you like to share?

Very recently, four of our elementary students, 3 from St. John’s Guelph, and one from Sacred Heart Guelph, all in grade 7, assisted an elderly woman who had fallen while taking out her garbage. She was taking it out as her husband had recently fallen and had some serious injuries. The youths called for assistance from emergency personnel and stayed with the lady until help arrived. Not only did they assist her, the youths now return every week to put the garbage out for the elderly couple. A true demonstration of compassion and community service and witnesses to their faith.

Marino Gazzola
Chair, Wellington Catholic DSB