HWCDSB: Marking a New Season with Faith, Purpose and Renewal
Hamilton, ON — Reflecting on the wisdom of Ecclesiastes, “To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven,” Chairperson John Valvasori, in his Initial Address at last night’s (Tuesday, November 18, 2025) Initial Meeting of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, spoke about a year shaped by significant change, deep gratitude and a renewed commitment to the mission of publicly funded Catholic education.
Mr. Valvasori began his remarks with words of sincere gratitude to Bishop Douglas Crosby, OMI. He shared that seeing the Bishop Crosby’s authentic relationship with God has, over time, strengthened his own faith and deepened his connection to the Church and to his vocation as a trustee with the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board. He also expressed thanks to the Very Reverend Monsignor Murray J. Kroetsch, VG, who served as Presiding Celebrant for the evening’s mass.
Reflecting on the past five months since taking on the role of Chairperson, Valvasori noted the many changes experienced throughout the system. He expressed appreciation for former Chairperson Patrick J. Daly, who concluded more than 35 years of leadership in the Board to assume the role of Executive Director of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association.
Mr. Valvasori spoke directly to the changes among the senior administration. He highlighted the appointment of three new Superintendents of Education, Brian Daly, Paul Di Ianni and Adele Filice, who have already left their mark.
He also recognized the approximately seventy new teachers hired this year and reminded them of the long-term influence they will have on students over the course of their careers. He commended the commitment of teachers, principals and staff who support excellence in student learning. Mr. Valvasori further thanked the many teachers who volunteer countless hours to extracurricular activities, including athletics, robotics, the arts, clubs and leadership initiatives, noting their essential role in building student talents and nurturing engaging and welcoming school communities.
Turning to the Board’s newly released 2025 to 2028 Multi-Year Strategic Plan, Mr. Valvasori emphasized the collaborative process that informed its development, which included input from trustees, families, students, staff, clergy, and other partners. He affirmed the trustees’ responsibility to monitor the plan’s progress, ensure alignment with the Board’s Catholic mission, support the responsible stewardship of public funds and maintain a strong focus on student achievement, well-being and faith formation.
He also spoke to the wider provincial context, acknowledging uncertainty surrounding trustee governance across Ontario while reaffirming the Board’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities with diligence and faith. He encouraged continued professional development for trustees, deeper engagement in committee work, diligent oversight of the Multi-Year Strategic Plan and, above all, a sustained focus on the Catholic identity of the system, which he described as “our most important function.”
Mr. Valvasori concluded his address with words of thanks to his fellow Trustees, Director of Education David Hansen, whose guidance and support over his first five months as Chair he described as invaluable, Associate Director of Corporate Services, Stewardship and Treasurer of the Board, Paola Pace Gubekjian, members of Senior Administration, principals and vice principals, teachers and school staff, administrative support staff, parents, parishes and most importantly students. He praised their unwavering commitment to Catholic education and their collective role in nurturing a Christ-centered school system.
In other business, Trustee Mark Valvasori was re-elected Vice-Chairperson of the Board. Trustee Mary Nardini was elected Chairperson of the Religion, Family Life and Faith Formation Committee, and Trustee Mark Valvasori was elected Chairperson of the Student Achievement and Well-Being Committee.
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For more information, please contact:
John Valvasori, Chairperson
[email protected]