
Susan was first elected to the SMCDSB Board of Trustees in 2022 and has served as Vice-Chair for the past two years. Upon her acclamation as Chair, she expressed gratitude to her fellow colleagues and outgoing Chair Maria Hardie for their confidence. "Thank you to Maria Hardie for her years of dedication and exemplary service. Your mentorship has given me the confidence to accept this role."
Susan also shared her enthusiasm for the year ahead. "School Boards across Ontario are navigating unprecedented challenges, and as a growing board, we face a distinct set of opportunities and complexities," she says. "By fostering an environment of collaboration and transparency with my fellow trustees, board leadership, staff, parents, students and our Catholic community, we can inspire every student to realize their God-given potential."
Vice-Chair Joshua Boutotte has served on the Board of Trustees since 2022 and is optimistic about the year ahead. "I am honoured to serve as vice-chair and have great trust in this Board," he says. "Through our shared commitment to good governance and our unwavering focus on student achievement, we can ensure that every student in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is given the opportunity to thrive, to succeed, and to share their light with the world."
Under the combined leadership of Chair Susan van Amelsvoort and Vice-Chair Joshua Boutotte, the Board will continue to foster innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to faith-filled learning throughout the 2025-2026 school year.










