An “exemplary leader whose dedication to faith-filled service is evident in the school communities she has served, and the multitude of students she has helped learn and grow” has been selected by her peers as the Principal of the Year among Catholic schools in Ontario.

Linda Dipasquale, Principal at St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School in River Canard, will receive the Principal of the Year award from the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario at their annual general meeting next month.

“I am extremely honoured and deeply humbled by this special acknowledgement,” said Dipasquale, who has been with the WECDSB for 35 years, the last 13 as an administrator. “I have been blessed to work with many incredible students, school faculty, colleagues, parish partners, and school communities and am grateful for the many rewarding moments and experiences. It has truly been an honour to have fulfilled my dream of being a Catholic educator and the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others.”

A recent grandmother and the daughter of immigrant parents who modelled a selfless commitment to serving others, Dipasquale was acknowledged by CPCO for her tireless work ethic, an attribute affirmed by WECDSB Director of Education Emelda Byrne.

“Linda has always had high expectations for herself and the people around her,” said Byrne, “but she also strives to create a warm, loving and caring atmosphere in the classrooms and the schools where she has worked. During her tenure with our Catholic school board she has touched the lives of countless students and their families who are better just for having known her.”

Board Chair Fulvio Valentinis echoed those sentiments.

“Linda is a shining example of everything you could hope for in a Catholic school administrator,” he said. “She is a humble, faith-filled servant leader who wants nothing but the best for all of those around her. We are extremely grateful for her years of service and for setting the gold standard for other administrators to follow.”