Encounters with Niagara Catholic

Niagara Catholic
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Encounters with Niagara Catholic will spotlight voices across our school and board communities, offering insight into our academic programs, special events, and celebrations. We’ll also bring in special guest hosts from time to time.

Episodes

  1. May 11

    Episode nine: Joanne Germano

    In episode nine, we’re hitting the road to the Niagara Region Public Health offices, where Jen Pellegrini chats with Joanne Germano, a Public Health Nurse with the School Health Program. Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Region to sign a Declaration of Commitment with Niagara Region Public Health, strengthening the partnership between the agency and all four Niagara school boards.  In this episode, Jen and Joanne dive into how Public Health supports students and families, what the role of a school nurse looks like in 2026, and some of the key health risks affecting students today.

    20 min

  2. May 1

    Episode eight: Andrea Bozza and Dave Peirce

    Next week is Mental Health Week, and Catholic Education Week in Ontario.  In recognition of Mental Health Week, this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic focuses on the mental health supports in place across Niagara Catholic to support our students. Host Jen Pellegrini chats with Niagara Catholic’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Andrea Bozza, and Supervisor of Clinical Services, Dave Peirce, about the mental health supports in place for students across Niagara Catholic.  Learn about Niagara Catholic’s tiered approach to mental health and how we emphasize that supporting well-being is a shared responsibility throughout the organization. Andrea and Dave also explain how the mental health team supports elementary and secondary students, and how the team connects students and families with valuable community resources.  To learn more about Mental Health and well-being at Niagara Catholic, visit: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/community/mental_health

    31 min

  3. Apr 20

    Episode Seven: Kim Kinney

    Niagara Catholic has made great strides in mathematics assessments, and Superintendent of Program and Innovation Kim Kinney plays a big role in this success. The first step – changing math mindsets. For Kinney and Niagara Catholic’s math team, it’s all about fostering a positive attitude about math with students, and with teachers. In this episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic, learn how Niagara Catholic focuses on strengthening students' math skills, the strategies that are used in teaching math, how teachers refining their knowledge, and how parents play a vital role in their child's math learning.  To learn more about the math program at Niagara Catholic visit: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/programs/elementary

    45 min

  4. Apr 10

    Episode six: BPSN takeover featuring Jennifer Benoit

    It’s a BPSN takeover! We’re excited to have Bernie and Bill back as they sit down with Jennifer Benoit, Niagara Catholic’s K–12 Health and Physical Education and Athletics Consultant, for a dynamic interview on this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic. During their conversation, Jennifer, Bernie, and Bill explore all things high school sports at Niagara Catholic – from  the dedication of staff (many of whom are former OFSAA athletes), to the excitement of watching students shine on the court, in the pool, and on the field, as well as some of the challenges that come with running athletic programs. Did you know, Niagara Catholic has more than 180 elementary sports team each year?  Learn more about the athletics programs in Niagara Catholic’s elementary and secondary in this week's episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic!

    49 min

  5. Mar 26

    Episode five: Noella Klawitter

    Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Children’s Centre to interview with Chief Executive Officer Noella Klawitter. Noella joined the Centre in October 2025, bringing more than 20 years of experience in health and social services to Niagara. In this episode, Noella and host Jen discuss the long-standing partnership between Niagara Catholic and the Niagara Children’s Centre, highlight the vital services the centre provides, and share insights into Niagara Catholic’s annual Kids Helping Kids campaign. Enjoy this week's episode of Encounter's with Niagara Catholic!

    18 min

  6. Mar 16

    Episode four: BP Sports Niagara

    We’re excited to launch our fourth episode featuring Bernie Puchalski and Bill Potrecz from BP Sports Niagara, your go-to platform for high school sports coverage in Niagara. In this episode, Bernie and Bill dive into everything high school sports, discuss sports signings at Niagara Catholic, and share their passion for journalism and local news.

    27 min

  7. Mar 5

    Episode three: Dave Cristelli and Fran Vella

    We're excited to share episode three of Encounters with Niagara Catholic just ahead of the annual public Niagara Catholic Skilled Trades Competition, happening in March at the Seaway Mall. In this episode, Dave Cristelli, Coordinator of Experiential Learning, and Fran Vella Coordinator of Student Success, sit down to discuss all things Pathways programs at Niagara Catholic. They also reflect on their experiences as cooperative education teachers and the upcoming Skilled Trades Competition.

    48 min

  8. Feb 26

    Episode two: James Carnegie & Amanda Wagg-Boyer

    Acting Board Chaplaincy Leader James Carnegie and Religion and Family Life Consultant Amanda Wagg-Boyer sit down to talk about the Lenten season, Niagara Catholic's Religion and Family Life curriculum, and their roles at the board. We're excited to bring you episode two of Encounters with Niagara Catholic! To learn more about our Religion and Family Life curriculum at Niagara Catholic, click here: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/programs/religion_and_family_life

    38 min

  9. Feb 13

    Episode one: Camillo Cipriano

    Our first episode features Director of Education Camillo Cipriano. He shares highlights from the 2025 Directors Report, his journey to leadership in Catholic education, and what he loves most about Niagara Catholic. Get to know Niagara Catholic, and Director Cipriano, a little better by tuning in! Click here to read Niagara Catholic's 2025 Directors Annual Report.

    36 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Encounters with Niagara Catholic will spotlight voices across our school and board communities, offering insight into our academic programs, special events, and celebrations. We’ll also bring in special guest hosts from time to time.

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