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Letter from our Director of Education, Mark Searson
Letter from our Director of Education, Mark Searson
As we reflect on the 2024-2025 school year, I am filled with immense gratitude for the vibrant, faith-filled learning environment we have nurtured together. It is a profound privilege to serve a community where our Catholic values are not just taught, but lived out daily in our hallways, classrooms, and actions. This commitment to an education rooted in the Gospel is the cornerstone of our identity, providing a sense of purpose that guides our students to become compassionate and service-oriented leaders.
This foundation of faith directly inspired our core educational vision for the 2024-2025: to foster in every student the ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively. In a world of increasing complexity, we are committed to equipping our students with these essential skills, empowering them to analyze information with discernment, express their ideas with clarity and confidence, and engage with others in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. This vision is not simply about academic success; it is about forming well-rounded individuals prepared to contribute meaningfully to society.
Throughout this past year, it has been a joy to witness this vision come to life. The 2024-2025 school year was full of wonderful events and deep learning, from our faith-filled liturgies and social justice initiatives that put our beliefs into action, to the outstanding academic achievements and innovative projects showcased in our schools. This year was the Year of Implementation on our Artificial Intelligence journey. Our AI committee worked hard to share safe and ethical AI practices with staff and students, prepare guiding principles, and share academic integrity policies. We celebrated incredible talent at our arts festivals, cheered on the perseverance and teamwork of our student-athletes, and saw firsthand the powerful connections built through countless acts of kindness and community engagement.
Thank you to our dedicated staff, our engaged students, and our supportive parents and parishes for another remarkable year. It is your collective spirit and commitment that make our Catholic schools such special places to learn and grow.
Yours in Catholic Education,
Mark Searson
About RCCDSB
Our Board offers a full range of academic programs in a caring and nurturing environment that encourages our students to achieve their personal best, while sharing the good news of Jesus Christ in their daily lives.
Our Mission
We are an inclusive Catholic learning community called to love unconditionally and educate hearts and minds in the way of Christ.
RCCDSB by the Numbers
Schools and facilities:
We have 20 schools in 14 communities across Renfrew County:
18 Elementary Schools
2 Secondary Schools
2 Alternative Secondary Sites
1 Young Parent Support Program
1 Care and Treatment Education Program (CTEP) Valleycrest Classroom
Communities:
Located in Eastern Ontario, 100 kilometres northwest of Ottawa, RCCDSB covers a largely rural area of more than 7,851 square km.
Board of Trustees
James Russett, Student Trustee, St. Joseph's High School; Jeannie Ivory, Arnprior, McNab/Braeside Township, Greater Madawaska Township; David Howard, Vice-Chair, Deep River, Laurentian Hills, Head, Clara & Maria Township, Petawawa; Bob Schreader, Chair, Pembroke; Susan Artymko, Killaloe, Hagarty & Richards Township, Brudenell, Lyndoch & Raglan Township, Madawaska Valley Township; Pat O’Grady, Laurentian Valley Township, North Algona Wilberforce Township, Admaston/Bromley Township, Bonnechere Valley Township; Harold Jerrow (Jerry) Lavalley, Indigenous Trustee Representing the Algonquins of Pikwakanagan; Ben Wood, Student Trustee, Bishop Smith Catholic High School; Not pictured: Anne Haley, Renfrew, Horton Township, Whitewater Region Township.
Senior Administration
Derek Lennox, Superintendent of Educational Services; Mary Lynn Schauer, Associate Director of Business Affairs and Treasurer; Mark Searson, Director of Education; Heidi Fraser, Superintendent of Educational Services; Clint Young, Superintendent of Educational Services
Our Approved 2025-2026 Budget:
$94.9 Million
Our Population
Our October 31st enrolment numbers:
Students: 4,948
Staff: 677
Student Engagement & Well-Being
Student Engagement & Well-Being
Arctic Winter Games
RCCDSB actively participates in the annual Arctic Winter Games, an important initiative that celebrates and fosters Indigenous education and culture. This event provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with Indigenous traditions, languages, and athletic competitions from across the Arctic regions. Through participation in the Games, students not only showcase their athletic skills but also learn about the rich history, heritage, and resilience of Indigenous communities, strengthening cultural understanding and promoting inclusivity within the school board. The games included two-foot high kick, one-foot high kick, arm pull, Alaskan high kick, and one-hand reach.
Grade 7 and 8 Students Embrace New High School Model in Pembroke and Renfrew
Grade 7 and 8 students at Bishop Smith Catholic High School in Pembroke and, beginning in September 2025, at St. Joseph's Catholic High School in Renfrew are experiencing a new educational model that places them within the high school environment. This transition by the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board aims to provide intermediate students with earlier access to enhanced facilities such as specialized classrooms, larger gymnasiums, and libraries, as well as dedicated intermediate teachers and support staff.
The move is intended to create a more seamless transition to secondary school for these students, offering them greater opportunities in areas like sports, clubs, and academic programs typically found in a high school setting. While integrating into the larger school community, the model focuses on providing a supportive environment designed to benefit their learning and overall school experience.
Meat Cutting Workshop
During the 2024-2025 school year, Indigenous students gained valuable skills and knowledge, thanks to the generous support of the Seaway Valley Meat Cutting Institute. This practical workshop provided a unique opportunity for students to learn essential butchery techniques, from preparing different cuts of meat to understanding proper food safety protocols. The session was a resounding success, fostering both technical proficiency and a deeper appreciation for the craft. We extend our sincerest gratitude to the Seaway Valley Meat Cutting Institute for their commitment to empowering our students and for creating such an enriching and educational experience.
Re:Action4Inclusion
In partnership with Community Living Ontario's "Re:Action4Inclusion" initiative, leadership workshops were delivered to students in the grade 11 and 12 leadership courses at Bishop Smith Catholic High School and St. Joseph's High School. This collaboration supported the core mission of Re:Action4Inclusion, which aims to empower youth to take meaningful action toward making schools and communities more inclusive. The initiative seeks to reshape the Canadian narrative surrounding disability and to champion young adults as vital community leaders and educational partners.
Sitting Volleyball
In collaboration with ParaSport, the Ontario Volleyball Association, and Roseburg Pembroke, RCCDSB organized a major event at Bishop Smith Elementary to champion the importance of inclusion for both staff and students. This event was inspired by Jolan Wong, Canadian Volleyball Paralympian's school visits in the 2024-2025 school year. Wong had shared her experiences and demonstrated the skills required for the sport during visits to Pembroke and Petawawa schools in the fall of 2024, inspiring the students with her dedication and athleticism. The event centered around a parasport activity accessible to everyone, which levelled the playing field and allowed all participants to compete on equal terms. ParaSport Ontario and the Ontario Volleyball Association, represented by Joe Millage, generously provided t-shirts for all participants and sponsored the closing ceremony awards. ParaSport Ontario also gifted two sledge hockey sleds to RCCDSB, adding to the inclusive sports equipment for students across Renfrew County to use and learn.
As the largest event of its type in the province, it drew nearly 300 student participants, successfully bringing the school community together to help foster and develop a more inclusive mindset.
St. Joseph's Calabogie Students on Red Shirt Day, May 2025
National AccessAbility Week and Red Shirt Day
In strong support of National AccessAbility Week (May 25-31, 2025) and Red Shirt Day (May 28), the RCCDSB was proud to join schools across Ontario in this important initiative. This week served as a vital opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Canadians with disabilities and to pledge our commitment to creating a more accessible and inclusive society. By encouraging our community to wear red on May 28th, we created a visible display of solidarity and committed to the ongoing work of removing barriers.
To translate this commitment into concrete action, RCCDSB educators developed a targeted series of classroom activities and student ambassador presentations. These local initiatives were specifically designed to help our students learn about and develop a greater, practical understanding of accessibility within our own schools.
Preparation for Future Success
Preparation for Future Success
Summer Learning at RCCDSB
This summer, elementary students across the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board were invited to attend 3 ½ weeks of summer school at St. Mary’s in Deep River, St. James in Eganville, and St. John XXIII in Arnprior to boost their math and literacy skills while learning in meaningful and engaging ways.
This program helps reduce summer learning loss while closing the gaps in foundational curriculum areas. Qualified teachers and smaller class sizes allowed for one-on-one and small group instruction paired with intentional intervention based on student needs. The program is also designed to make math and literacy fun, especially during the summer.
Beyond core academics, the summer program was enriched with guest speakers from the Mental Health and Wellness Team, promoting kindness. The Indigenous Education Team also shared their knowledge of the Algonquin language, fostering a deeper understanding of Indigenous culture.
These summer sessions provided a fantastic opportunity for students to reinforce their learning, explore new concepts, and connect with their peers in a supportive and enjoyable environment.
Secondary Summer Learning
We are thrilled to report significant success from our expanded Secondary Summer Learning Program. A total of 224 students participated, with 95% successfully earning their credit—a testament to their hard work. This year, students benefited from more course offerings than ever, including 4-week e-learning options like Civics and Careers, World Religion, and Church and Culture. Complementing this, our July Credit Recovery Program provided a targeted opportunity for students to reach their full academic potential
Career Coaching Program for Grade 9 & 10 Students
Career Coaching Program for Grade 9 & 10 Students
A career coaching program was implemented for Grade 9 and 10 students at Bishop Smith High School (BSCH) and St. Joseph's High School (SJHS), connecting them with industry professionals. The program featured high-impact, small-group carousel sessions focused on providing real-world career insights and valuable information on the local Ottawa Valley labour market. RCCDSB partnered with a company called HEIC to facilitate the event that was sponsored by the Ministry of Education.
Entrepreneurship at RCCDSB
The student entrepreneurship event offered aspiring founders a structured introduction to key business principles. Participants developed and presented their business plans and ideas through pitches at individual booths. The program was designed to equip participants with foundational knowledge in three critical areas. Sessions focused on budgeting and financial planning, teaching students how to forecast expenses and manage capital effectively. Participants also explored fundamental marketing strategies to identify target customers and develop a compelling brand message. A central component of the event was the workshop on pitching, where students learned to articulate their business plans clearly and persuasively, preparing them to present their concepts to potential investors and partners.
Technology and Trades Integration for Grades 7 and 8
Funds were secured to launch a major initiative which will introduce hands-on technology and skilled trades education to students in earlier grades. The program will use a project-based learning model that combines traditional construction techniques with modern technologies like coding and 3D printing, aiming to boost student recruitment and retention in these fields.
To facilitate this program, Portable #2 at SJHS is being repurposed into a dedicated workshop and classroom. Upgrades include the installation of new counters, cabinets, electrical outlets, a dust collector, an air cleaner, and other essential safety equipment, along with the procurement of necessary tools and materials.
Guidance Support Project
The Experiential Professional Learning for Guidance Teacher-Counsellor's project is aimed at providing guidance teacher-counsellors with an enhanced understanding of the skilled trades and apprenticeship pathway, enabling them to promote this route as a viable and valuable career option for all students. RCCDSB staff participated in numerous events, such as the Ontario Council for Technology Education (OCTE) conference and sessions at Algonquin College.
Annual Options Skilled Trades at the Pembroke Memorial Centre (PMC)
The Options Skilled Trades Day at PMC always offers an exciting opportunity for high school students to explore a diverse range of rewarding career paths. This dynamic event brought together industry leaders, local employers, and educational institutions under one roof to showcase the high-demand world of skilled trades. Students had the unique chance to engage in hands-on activities, watch live demonstrations, and speak directly with professionals from fields such as construction, automotive technology, culinary arts, and cosmetology. The day was designed to provide valuable insights into apprenticeship programs and the promising futures that a career in the skilled trades can offer right here in our community.
DELTA Team Emergency Preparedness
On June 2, 2025, a new Youth Emergency Preparedness Pilot Program was successfully launched through a partnership between Renfrew County Emergency Management, Renfrew County Paramedics, and Bishop Smith Catholic High School. Two Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) classes at the school received specialized emergency response training, including flood mitigation. This pilot is the first step in establishing the "Delta Team," a broader community resilience initiative designed to create a standardized team of pre-trained volunteers to bolster the county's emergency response capabilities. The program aims to foster a culture of preparedness and volunteerism among youth, using student feedback to refine the training before expanding it to other high schools and launching a public volunteer intake in the fall. Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and we look forward to the future of the program.
Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills
Achievement of Learning Outcomes in Core Academic Skills
Fostering AI Literacy
Our AI Student Summits have been incredibly beneficial, offering us a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of how students are currently using artificial intelligence in their academic lives. Through these events, we've moved beyond theoretical assumptions and heard directly from students about the tools they're using, the challenges they face, and the innovative ways they've integrated AI into their learning process. This direct engagement has allowed us to not only appreciate the diverse landscape of student AI usage but also to share and develop best practices for responsible and effective AI integration. By creating a collaborative environment, we've helped students learn from each other's successes and avoid common pitfalls, ultimately ensuring that AI becomes a powerful tool for academic growth and not a source of ethical or academic concern. Furthermore, this initiative is helping students develop a crucial skill set that will prepare them for the future workforce, where AI literacy will be as fundamental as digital literacy is today.
On the innovation front, progress in artificial intelligence has moved beyond the brainstorming stage into active implementation. A strategy has been launched, tools have been chosen, and the academic integrity policy has been revised to reflect new realities. In support of these advancements, a board-wide PA day, Innovate & Inspire AI Professional Development Conference, was scheduled for October 2025, designed to prepare educators to lead ethically, creatively, and courageously in the age of AI.
Catholic Education Week: Pilgrims of Hope
Across the RCCDSB, school communities observed Catholic Education Week with celebratory Masses and engaging classroom activities. This cherished annual event is a highlight for both students and staff, who embrace the opportunity to express their gratitude for Catholic education.
Catholic Education Week at Our Lady of Grace
Forging Forward in Faith
On May 10th, RCCDSB organized the first board-wide walking pilgrimage of 15.2 km from St. Michaels in Douglas to St. James in Eganville. During the rest stops, the group took moments to pause and pray the rosary together. It was a beautiful day for fellowship and community, reflection and faith-building.
Additionally, in the 2024-2025 school year, the Evangelization Committee was able to guide the schools in assigning Evangelization Leads at every RCCDSB school! Their roles include supporting any Evangelization needs at the schools, including but not limited to, bible study groups, school-based Alpha programs, and encouraging our faith in everything we do.
Curriculum Team Collaboration for Student Success
This year has been marked by a significant commitment to cross-functional collaboration, bringing diverse teams together to enhance student learning and support. A prime example of this synergy is the newly formed RCCDSB Early Years Advisory Committee, which unites representatives from Speech, Special Education, Behaviour Analysis, Curriculum, and the Literacy Intervention Specialist Teachers to address early learning in real time for the betterment of our youngest learners. This spirit of cooperation was powerfully demonstrated in the planning of the K-2 board-wide PD day, where Curriculum Team members joined forces with the Literacy Intervention Specialist Teachers and the IT team to help educators roll out Acadience and meet new early screening mandates. Similarly, the MAAP team sees Curriculum, the Math Facilitator, Special Education, and literacy support working together to advance our board's math goals. This collaborative approach extends to the school level, with initiatives like the development of a Reading Continuum to better monitor student progress, showcasing a shared commitment to student success at every level.
Mathematics Support through RCCDSB
To support student learning and engagement, we provided continued targeted support for junior students in mathematics, with a dual focus on fact fluency and problem-solving. Foundational skills and confidence were strengthened through the use of Building Fact Fluency Kits during both whole group instruction and small group interventions. For problem-solving, students applied a structured framework, adapted from the Sagonaska Demonstration School and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board, to tackle operations problems with whole numbers. This approach helped develop their reasoning, perseverance, and collaborative skills. Central to this strategy was the “I Can Problem-Solve” checklist, which guides students through four key stages: Before, During, After, and Communicate. This tool, equipped with guiding questions, sentence starters, strategies, and success criteria, is designed to build student independence and enhance their reasoning and communication. The entire framework aligns with the Ontario Math Curriculum expectations for Number Sense, Operations, Mathematical Modelling, and Mathematical Thinking and Communication.
Capital Projects
Capital Projects
School Condition Improvements - $6,656,981
Fencing
St. Joseph's Calabogie
Phone Upgrades
St. Joseph's, Calabogie
St. Anthony's, Chalk River
George Vanier, Comberemere
Our Lady of Grace, Westmeath
Gym Floors
Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke
Our Lady of Sorrows, Petawawa
St. James, Eganville
Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew
St. Mary's, Deep River
St. John Bosco, Barry's Bay
Security Upgrades
St. Francis of Assisi, Petawawa
Watermain/Sewage
Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke
Holy Name, Pembroke
St. Joseph's, Calabogie
School Renewal - $1,666,947
Accessibility Reviews of various schools
Playground/Landscape Upgrades (St. James, Eganville)
School Signage (St. Thomas the Apostle, Renfrew)
Window Blinds (St. Joseph's High School, Renfrew; St. Mary's, Deep River)
Door Entrance (Our Lady of Lourdes, Pembroke)
Bathroom Renovations (St. John Bosco, Barry's Bay)
Tech Guarding (Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke; St. Joseph's High School, Renfrew)
Parking Lots (Our Lady of Sorrows, Petawawa; Our Lady of Lourdes, Pembroke)
Electrical Feed Upgrades (St. Joseph's High School, Renfrew; St. Andrew's, Killaloe; St. Mary's, Deep River)
Security Infrastructure (Holy Name, Pembroke)
Roofing
St. Anthony's, Chalk River
St. Michaels, Douglas
Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke
Ventilation/Building Automation System (BAS) Upgrades
St. John Bosco, Barry's Bay
Our Lady of Fatima, Renfrew
St. Michaels, Douglas
St. Andrew's, Killaloe
St. James, Eganville
Bishop Smith Catholic High School, Pembroke
St. Thomas the Apostle New Build and St. Joseph's High School Extension:
Capital Priorities Funding: $1,701,752
Childcare Funding: $1,023,024
EarlyON Funding: $124,457
School Renewal Funding: $649,460
Surplus Funds: $3,676,939
Our Lady of Lourdes Daycare
Childcare Funding: $1,621,452
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