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.
