Bisci’s labour of love

By Bernie Puchalski - September 22, 2020

Tim Bisci couldn’t wait to get started on his 19th year as head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish senior football team.

“I look forward to it every year, no matter what,” the 51-year-old Welland native said. “You could have the worst team possible but I walk in every first day thinking that maybe there’s a chance. I find some optimism and maybe midway through the season I am not as optimistic any more but this is what I do and I absolutely love it.”

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic tackled the 2020 season before it even began.

“It kills me not to be out here and the field is quiet and there is nothing going on,” Bisci said. “It has been 38 straight years that I had been on a football field in the fall and I don’t even come out here now. I don’t want to be out here.”

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Transitioning between In-Person Learning and Online Remote Learning

Secondary Student Requirements:

Parents/Guardians of secondary students who wish to transition between in-person and online remote learning must complete the Secondary Student Transition Form by the dates below:

Transportation Requirements:

Regardless if your child transitions between in-person or online remote learning, if your child is eligible for transportation you must complete the Opt-In / Opt-Out Transportation Request through Niagara Student Transportation Service (NSTS).  Read the detailed Back to School Transportation Plan for additional information.

Re-Registration Link

Irish! As part of our return to school, please fill out the re-registration survey. This will help us create the cohorts that will be attending school. The re-registration link is here and our School Reopening Plan is now available below this article.

The deadline for re-registration is next Friday, August 21.

NCDSB Back to School - Reopening Plan

NCDSB: Announcing our new Director of Education!

The Niagara Catholic Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Camillo Cipriano has been selected as Niagara Catholic’s next Director of Education, effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020. The appointment follows a comprehensive search that attracted strong candidates from across Ontario led by the Board of Trustees and executive search firm Promeus. Mr. Cipriano was endorsed by Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees during a Special In-Camera Meeting of the Board on Friday, June 26, 2020.

Mr. Cipriano comes to Niagara Catholic with 23 years of leadership and experience as a teacher and administrator in Catholic education. He most recently held the position of Superintendent of Education with the Halton Catholic District School Board. Mr. Cipriano has extensive knowledge about Ontario’s education system, with a particular focus on student mental health.

“Mr. Cipriano is widely respected throughout Ontario’s education community for his commitment to leadership and innovation in Ontario schools,” said Frank Fera, Chair of Niagara Catholic’s Board of Trustees. “The Executive Search Committee was extremely impressed with Mr. Cipriano’s commitment to Catholic education. Mr. Cipriano is regarded for his innovative approach to education, which is crucial as we continue to navigate through the challenges and opportunities presented by distance learning due to COVID-19, and welcoming new members to our senior team. The Board of Trustees looks forward to working with Mr. Cipriano, as we continue to build upon Niagara Catholic’s strong foundation of excellence in Catholic education in the future. “I would like to thank outgoing Director of Education John Crocco for his years of service to Catholic education in Niagara. His strong leadership, along with the dedication and commitment of all staff across Niagara Catholic, has positioned the Board to continue the excellence in Catholic education our students and families expect and deserve.”

Mr. Cipriano holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree from McMaster University, and attended Teacher’s College at the University of Windsor. He also holds a Masters’ Degree in Educational Leadership from Niagara University.

“I am honoured and humbled by the opportunity to serve the students, parents, staff and our parish partners in the entire Niagara Region,” said Mr. Cipriano. “I am excited at the opportunity to work with our strong senior team and dedicated Board of Trustees, in continuing to support the students of Niagara Catholic in their academic success, faith formation and mental health. I have been working closely with Director Crocco in the transition of leadership, and am committed to building upon the many successes under his leadership. I am also looking forward to getting to know the principals, teachers and support staff across Niagara Catholic, in whatever way that may be in September.”

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Cipriano to Niagara Catholic!