The Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB) community gathered at the historic Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica to celebrate Catholic Education Week with a special Mass and Awards Ceremony.
Led by Archbishop Marcel Damphousse, staff, families, and colleagues came together in a shared moment of faith and reflection. It was a chance to pause, look around, and be reminded that this work is never done alone.
Pilgrims of Hope: A Shared Journey
This year's theme, Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness, focused on who we are as a community and how we move forward together.
Hope shows up in simple, steady ways. In classrooms where students are encouraged to try again. In conversations where someone takes the time to listen. In the way people step in to support each other without being asked.
Catholic Education in Action
Catholic education is about forming the whole person.
Yes, students are learning skills and knowledge, but they are also learning how to care for others, how to lead, and how to find their place in the world. That formation happens day by day, through relationships, guidance, and example.
Honouring Excellence in Catholic Education
Following the Mass, the Director of Education presented Commendation Awards to staff members whose work continues to shape our schools in meaningful ways.
Their impact is not measured in one moment. It is built over time. In the trust they earn, the support they offer, and the difference they make in the lives of students and colleagues.
Building Community, Inspiring Futures
This year's recipients reflect the very best of our system.
They create spaces where students feel safe and supported. They build connections that strengthen school communities. They open doors and help others move forward with confidence.
This is what it means to Be Community, Be Well, and Be Innovative. It is lived out every day across our schools.
Read Their Stories
We are proud to recognize these outstanding staff members and the difference they make.
Take a moment to read their stories in the Director of Education Commendations Booklet.
- Ashley Boivin - Leadership & Parent Engagement Department
- Renee Boutros - St. Veronica School
- Taylor Burns - Frank Ryan Intermediate School
- Jennifer Carroll - Finance & Administration Department
- Isabelle Clermont - St. George School
- Paul Cuconato - St. Michael School, Ottawa
- Joanne Dillon-McKay - St. Kateri Tekakwitha School
- Chantale Donaghy - Intermediate/Secondary Student Success Department
- Andrew Donegan - St. Isidore School
- Leslie Cassandra Emmanuel - St. Marguerite d'Youville School
- Marc Evert - Learning Technologies Department
- Mary Jane Gillier-Symes - Sacred Heart High School
- Christine Humphries - St. Pius X High School
- Robin Jordan - Directorate
- Meaghan Kassner - St. Paul High School
- Irina Khetsouriani - Continuing & Community Education Department
- Karen Ladouceur - Leadership & Parent Engagement Department
- Stacey Lance - All Saints High School
- Beth Laporte - St. Benedict School
- Marie MacKenzie - St. Andrew School
- Carla McHugh - St. Francis of Assisi School
- Natalie McLeod - Convent Glen School
- Yvette Mouafo-Soh - St. Peter High School
- Cathy O'Brien - St. Gabriel School
- Lisa O'Connell - Holy Trinity High School
- Justine Ogle - Special Education & Student Services Department
- Kristin Parker - St. Mother Teresa High School
- Danielle Pegelo - St. Elizabeth School
- Rebecca Pereira - St. Gregory School
- Dan Pignat - St. Francis Xavier High School
- Melissa Schlievert - St. Clare School
- Rachel Sheffield - Lester B. Pearson High School
- Lesley Somerville - Special Education & Student Services Department
- Darwin Toreja - St. Matthew High School
- Amy Van Brabant - Intermediate/Secondary Student Success Department
- Nicola Whitehouse - St. Matthew High School
Congratulations to this year's recipients! We are proud to recognize the meaningful difference you make across our OCSB community.
