At its organizational meeting held on Tuesday November 26, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) appointed by acclamation Shawn Fitzsimmons as Chair and Jacques Bégin as Vice-Chair. This marks the second consecutive year for both trustees in these roles, providing for continuity in leadership for the Board.
Shawn Fitzsimmons holds extensive experience as a Catholic Trustee since his appointment in 2006 and previously served as Vice-Chair for the 2011-2012 school year and Chair since the 2022-2023 school year. Fitzsimmons has been Chair of the Audit Committee since its establishment in 2011 and has also served as Trustee member of the Special Education Advisory Committee. Prior to 2006, he served on the Catholic School Advisory Councils of Mother St. Bride Elementary School and St. Joseph-Scollard Hall Secondary School.
“I am honored to serve in the role of Chair and look forward to our continued work with the Board of Trustees, Senior Administration Team, and our wider community to promote and nurture the great gift of Catholic Education.”, shares Chair Fitzsimmons. “Together, through collaboration and engagement with families, parishes, and community partners, we can ensure our students experience a high degree of success, supported by a strong foundation of faith and learning.”, he adds.
Jacques Bégin continues to bring a wealth of experience to the role of Vice-Chair, serving as a Catholic Trustee with the Board for 27 years, since 1997, and has held roles of both Chair of the Board in 2008-2009 and Vice-Chair of the Board in 2017-2018 and since the 2022-2023 school year. Over the years, Bégin has served as a Trustee member on the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) and the First Nations Advisory Committee (FNAC).
“As we embark on the third year of our term, I am privileged to continue to serve in the role of Vice-Chair. I look forward to serving alongside my fellow Trustees and Senior Administration Team to ensure our students reach their full potential. Together, we will ensure our work remains future focused on our priorities of Catholic Faith, Well-Being, Learning, Equity, Indigenous Education and Innovation.”, shares Vice-Chair Bégin.
Trustees Leo de Jourdan (North Bay), David Dunkley (North Bay), Mike Sawyer (Nipissing First Nation), Shelly Warren (North Bay), and John Willemsen (West Nipissing) also serve on the Board, as well as Cheyney Chevrier (Indigenous Student Trustee, 2023-2025) and Joy Akomah (Student Trustee, 2024-2025).
We extend our warm gratitude to our trustee team for their commitment, dedication and stewardship of Catholic Education at NPSC, inspiring our students and community to be truly Rooted in Faith and Alive in Spirit.