GUELPH – The Wellington Catholic District School Board approved its 2025-28 multi-year strategic plan during a board meeting on May 5.
The plan is called Nurturing Hearts and Minds: A Path of Faith Inspired Learning and its four key areas of focus are:
– growing in faith together;
– supporting student achievement and wellbeing;
– fostering staff success and innovation; and
– preparing future-ready students.
“This plan represents our commitment to providing exceptional Catholic education that supports the intellectual and spiritual growth of our students,” states a message from director Michael Glazier and board chair Marino Gazzola.
The plan is “rooted in our purpose to nurture hearts and minds in the spirit of service, justice and peace, while upholding human dignity and care for our planet,” the message continues.
“Our mission is to prepare students to become compassionate global citizens and critical thinkers, guided by Catholic values.”
Consultation for the plan began in September 2024 and has included anonymous interviews with 45 people, including WCDSB trustees, administrators external community partners and members of agencies, local parishes and board committees.
It also included planning sessions with staff members and a survey of staff and community members that was administered in December and January.
“The senior team has reviewed the plan to establish goals, actions, and key performance indicators for its implementation,” states a report from Glazier.
The WCDSB includes 18 elementary schools, three secondary schools, 1,500 staff members and more than 9,000 students.
“Our students are the heart and hands of Jesus in the world and experience their faith through our Catholic traditions as well as through action in service to others,” the strategic plan states.
“We believe that faith is the cornerstone of our educational journey, providing a strong foundation for developing compassionate, responsible, ethical, faith-formed individuals. Our Catholic schools are places where faith is not just taught but lived.”
The purpose statement of the plan is “We ignite hearts and minds in the spirit of service, justice and hope, educating our students so they can develop their God-given gifts, honour the sacredness of all, and create a brighter tomorrow.”
The seven guiding principals and values of the plan are:
– faith;
– belonging and community;
– Indigenous rights and education;
– partnership and collaboration;
– innovation and excellence;
– environmental stewardship; and
– responsibility and accountability.
