RENFREW COUNTY CATHOLIC DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
RCCDSB Hosts Inaugural Board Meeting

On Monday, November 17th, the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) held the 2025 Inaugural meeting in the Robert Tate Library of Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke.

Before the meeting came to order, the senior team, trustees, union partners, and staff within the board gathered for Mass in the chapel of Bishop Smith Catholic High School. The board was grateful to have Father Holly celebrate the Eucharist and pray for the needs of the Catholic School Trustees in safeguarding the gift of Catholic education. At the end of Mass, the trustees were called to renew their commitment to the RCCDSB and read the Rite of Renewal at the front of the chapel.

The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the acclamations of Bob Schreader as Board Chair and David Howard as Vice-Chair. Both will continue to lead the Board in the upcoming term. This school year, RCCDSB is committed to animating a portion of their vision that calls them to build relationships with Indigenous communities founded on a deep respect for their identities, beliefs, and traditions to support healing and work toward reconciliation, along with the Catholic Graduate Expectation of being a Reflective, Creative, and Holistic Thinker. These themes, along with the Spiritual theme of Pilgrims of Hope: The Path to Holiness, are the focus areas for the board in the 2025-2026 school year.

"I am deeply honoured to continue serving as Board Chair," said Bob Schreader, Board Chair. "I look forward to another year of collaborative work with our Trustees, staff, and community partners to uphold our commitment to excellence in Catholic education."

The meeting also included the formal presentation of the Director's Annual Report, which provided a detailed overview of the Board's operational and academic successes over the previous year.

Furthermore, the Board welcomed remarks from its educational partners, the unions, who expressed their ongoing commitment to a strong, collaborative relationship dedicated to supporting students, staff, and the Board of Trustees.

The meeting concluded with warmth, hospitality, good humour and joy. The Board of Trustees anticipates a successful school year, focusing on academic excellence, student well-being, and a positive and inclusive learning environment for all members of the school community.