WELLINGTON CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Fergus to Receive Provincial Distinguished Service Award

Todd Goodwin, principal of St. Joseph Catholic School in Fergus is the 2024 CPCO Distinguished Service Recipient.

Each year, the Catholic Principals' Council of Ontario (CPCO) recognizes administrators who have made outstanding contributions in Catholic Education, CPCO and their respective school boards. The Distinguished Service Award recognizes active associates who have provided distinguished service to the membership of CPCO.

'Todd is well deserving of the Distinguished Service Award," shared Michael Glazier, Wellington Catholic DSB Director of Education. "Wellington Catholic is proud to have Todd be part of our team- he is an exceptional educator who leads his school community with his faith, kindness and inclusivity at the forefront."

Goodwin has served the Wellington Catholic DSD community in principal and vice-principal roles for the past 16 years. In most recent times, Goodwin has called Fergus his home base, welcoming numerous waves of growth within the Centre Wellington community.

"I wanted to become a principal to make a difference in the lives of children and I have always had a passion for students with exceptionalities and advocating to have their needs met. That was sparked by my experience as a camp counsellor at Easter Seals," shared Goodwin. "It is a true blessing to be afforded the opportunity to do the great work we are called to do in a Catholic education system, founded in the teachings of Jesus Christ.  We need to remember it is a gift not be taken for granted and we work hard to provide the best educational experience possible for our students."

Among the many accolades that the award recognizes, is Goodwin's keen ability to lead change within his community.

"To me, this award means that I have served my local association and my provincial association proudly, and there is still much more good work to be done going forward," shared Goodwin. "I was very honoured in hearing the news from our CPCO Association. It was also very humbling, and I am certain there are many others that deserve this award more than I do.  Any accomplishment that I have the honour of receiving I attribute to the many phenomenal people I have been blessed to work alongside throughout my years in education, which include secretaries, custodians, educational assistants. librarians, information technology staff, child youth workers, social workers, personal support staff, early childhood educators, teachers, principals, vice principals, senior administrative teams and board office personnel alike. They all bring so much to the vocation we share, and each of them play pivotal roles in shaping the future of our students."

Goodwin will be officially presented with the Distinguished Service Award at the CPCO Gala Dinner and Award Ceremony this Friday, April 19.