2014 Election Archive

TBCDSB celebrates 128 years of Catholic education for our community with my professional and personal involvement in more than half of those years. As a student, teacher, principal, administrator, parent …of five and grandparent of ten children, being in this system remains a valuable asset in my present role. As a trustee for the past eight years, interest and commitment to Catholic education remains a life goal. As a member of five liturgical and pastoral ministries, ties with church, home and school are clearly defined. Community service in all of the above, in addition to association with two local health and palliative care organizations have helped to keep a pulse with all social generations. My tenure as trustee creates a positive balance in my life-learning goals. The privilege of having served on all of the Board committees with particular representation on two municipal committees generates an extensive overview of the status and operation of TBCDSB. Its governance continues to function in a positive and progressive direction with its excellent administrative, teaching and support staff. With continued energy, commitment and devotion, another term as trustee would provide the opportunity to continue this extremely rewarding ministry of service which places students first. More

As a Trustee with more than 16 years experience I take tremendous pride in what our Board has accomplished to date: strong, steady enrolment, province-leading EQAO scores, great labour relations with all …of our federations, bright, welcoming schools and most importantly, happy, engaged students and staff. There are a number of new challenges we will face in the coming years that will require vision, team work and experience. As Board Chair for 8 years, and Audit Chair 4 years I believe I possess the skills and abilities to help guide us into the 21st Century. As a publically-funded organization, it is also important that we remain transparent and open to public scrutiny to ensure that we are working towards the best interest of our students, families and staff. As Catholics, we are extremely fortunate that our schools are guided by the Gospel of God, which promotes love, tolerance, kindness and courage. We must continue to protect Catholic education. Personally, I have served as co-Chair of the Heath Park Pool committee, 20 years with Elks Minor hockey, Chairman of the Lakehead Sports Celebrity Dinner, Board Member of Crime Stoppers and Board member of the Thunder Bay Giants football program. More

Stephen Margarit is running for Trustee of the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. Stephen is a parishioner of St. Patrick’s Cathedral and has attended St. Jude, Sacred Heart, and St. Patrick High …School. Stephen has previous experience with the School Board serving a term as Student Trustee from 2007 to 2008. Active in his school and community since childhood, Stephen was heavily involved in Student Council and served as Treasurer and then as President. He has also volunteered for numerous local charities and events, and is a proud Rotarian. He is currently finishing his Masters of History at Lakehead University and works as a Constituency Assistant to MPP Michael Gravelle. Stephen hopes to use his knowledge and experience acquired both locally and abroad to bring new and innovative ideas to the board. As a graduate from the current education system, Stephen has first-hand experience and solid understanding of the challenges facing today’s students. His goal is to work with teachers and staff to build on the gains we’ve made in student achievement and to make schools and the board more open and accessible to parents and students. Stephen would be honoured to have your support this October 27. More

Tom Mihaljevic is a lifelong resident of Thunder Bay. Married to Ivana for over 20 years with three children. He is a graduate of Lakehead University with a Degree in Business Administration. He is currently …the Branch Manager and Director, Business Development at Freedom 55 Financial. He has held various roles within the organization over the last 25 years. Tom has been very active within the community volunteering at various events and has held key positions within such organizations. Past board member of Shelter House – Thunder Bay, Chairmen of the St. Pius ‘X’ Parents Council, President of the St. Anthony’s Holy Name Society, Board member of the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation Exceptional Care Campaign, Chairmen of the Thunder Bay Freedom 55 Financial Celebrity Golf Classic, Finance Chair of the St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, and Eucharistic Minister at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. If elected, Tom will be committed and dedicated to continue the progress and success at Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board. More

I am proud to have had the privilege to serve as Trustee for the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board for eleven years and share in the joy of providing an education that addresses not only the academic …and physical needs of our young people but also the spiritual and moral needs. I strongly believe that the perspective of life which TBCDSB provides to its graduates is not only of benefit to our students and their families, but to the common good of all citizens. I am seeking re-election in order to continue to serve all Catholic School Stakeholders and our students, that they are provided every opportunity to achieve their full potential and become valued citizens and contributing members of our society. My goals include: Promote and strengthen the partnership of the Church, Home and School. Our academic excellence integrated with Christian Values is the cornerstone to our success and distinctiveness as a system., Support programs that will assist those with special needs., Build toward a more responsive, inclusive and culturally affirming First Nations education., Provide programs and services focussed on skills opportunities which will assist our students’ needs – perhaps for a future in the trades., Support and promote environmentally friendly initiatives throughout the Board. More

As a Trustee with more than 16 years experience I take tremendous pride in what our Board has accomplished to date: strong, steady enrolment, province-leading EQAO scores, great labour relations with all …of our federations, bright, welcoming schools and most importantly, happy, engaged students and staff. There are a number of new challenges we will face in the coming years that will require vision, team work and experience. As Board Chair for 8 years, and Audit Chair 4 years I believe I possess the skills and abilities to help guide us into the 21st Century. As a publically-funded organization, it is also important that we remain transparent and open to public scrutiny to ensure that we are working towards the best interest of our students, families and staff. As Catholics, we are extremely fortunate that our schools are guided by the Gospel of God, which promotes love, tolerance, kindness and courage. We must continue to protect Catholic education. Personally, I have served as co-Chair of the Heath Park Pool committee, 20 years with Elks Minor hockey, Chairman of the Lakehead Sports Celebrity Dinner, Board Member of Crime Stoppers and Board member of the Thunder Bay Giants football program. More