Connie Dick, Principal of St. Thomas the Apostle (STA) Catholic Elementary School for the past 8 years, announced her retirement as of June 30, 2017.
She has spent her entire career with the RCCDSB, beginning in 1984 as a teacher at St. John XXIII and at St. Joseph’s in Arnprior for a total of four years.
She then moved on to teach at St. James Catholic School in Eganville for one year before shifting to an administrative role as vice-principal at Holy Name School in Pembroke, followed by principal of St. Mary’s in Wilno, St. Andrew’s in Killaloe, Our Lady of Fatima in Renfrew and finally STA.
“I have worked throughout the RCCDSB in 8 school communities, and we have always worked, prayed, and played together. We have, together, ‘sustained safe schools characterized by warmth, hospitality, good humour and joy’, and I have been blessed to be part of many faith-filled communities,” said Mrs. Dick.
Dave Howard, Board Chair, thanked Connie for her longstanding dedication to the Board as well as to her students and staff. “Connie has been an exemplary leader of Catholic education with a commitment to improved academic performance and student success. She has been a mentor to her coworkers through the New Teacher Induction Program (NTIP). She is a community builder, always working to bring together the home, school, and parish communities. We will miss her enthusiasm.”
She shared her favourite aspects of the job. “I love school, especially being with the children, in the classrooms and on the school yard! Our schools, homes and parishes, together, are making a difference in the lives of our children and I hope to continue to help with this in the future,” said Mrs. Dick.
She also commented on the support provided by the Board and administration over the years.
“I have been blessed to be part of this community for almost 33 years! The Board is second to none in the province, and is known not only for its high academic standards, but for its sense of community, cooperation and positive relationships,” stated Mrs. Dick.
June 1, 2017
For further information, please contact:
Michele Arbour, Director of Education
Renfrew County Catholic District School Board
499 Pembroke Street West
Pembroke, ON K8A 5P1
Phone: 613-735-1031 or 1-800-267-0191