2022 Election

Hi, my name is Robert Matthew LeCollier and I am running for Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) Trustee for Wards 1-5 in Barrie. My wife, Jenny and I live in Ward 2 with our kids Stella …and Alexander attending St. Monica’s and are entering grade 5 and 1. I am a member of St. Mary’s Parish and the Knights of Columbus, Barrie Council 1626 and J.J Murphy Assembly 2020. I am a controller for a local family-owned electrical contractor that has been in Barrie since 1946.

I am running for trustee to ensure students get the skills, attitudes, knowledge, and Catholic values to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Ensure good communication with school councils in the area that I represent and ensure the priorities of the schools are considered at the Board level. I would also like to try and get donation receipts available for capital projects that are needed by the councils. Ensure outdoor learning environments are properly maintained. Most importantly, I want to ensure that all our kids that need access to special education or mental health needs get the help that they need.

You can contact me at lecollier1983@gmail.com or (705) 725-5505. More

Trustees are tasked to protect the constitutional right to Catholic Education, promote the gospel values and preserve funding for future generations. To do this, trustees must work collaboratively with …conviction, strength, and humility.

I believe I have the necessary skills and experience to answer the call to serve as a Catholic School Trustee. Throughout the years our children were in school, I volunteered on parent councils, sat as a Catholic Parent Involvement Committee member and volunteered with Canadian Parents for French. All of these activities involved collaboration to provide enhanced learning opportunities for all students in their school communities. Being a director on a not-for-profit governance board provided valuable experience in overseeing budget review and approval processes, development and implementation of strategic planning and community and stakeholder liaison building; all skills which are vital to the role of a School Trustee.

As a practicing Catholic, I believe that it’s important to celebrate our faith and to promote the values of our faith at school, at home and in our church communities. Our Catholic education system models those values and encourages our students to reach their full potential.

If elected as a Trustee, I will listen, learn and present the concerns of our communities to strengthen Catholic education to the benefit of all stakeholders. More

My name is Amanda Fellows and I am excited to introduce myself as Trustee Candidate for wards 6-10. I grew up in Barrie and am a SMCDSB alumna, having graduated from St. John Vianney Catholic School and …St. Peters Catholic Secondary School. My husband Emmanuel and I have two children who currently attend SMCDSB schools – one at the elementary level and one in high school. I currently work in the Mental Health Sector as a Program Manager for Catholic Family Services of Simcoe County.

I have seen first hand how impactful the last 2 years have been. As the 2022-2023 school year begins, I am committed to championing the health and wellbeing of board staff, students and families. As Trustee, I intend to fulfil my duty to hold the Director of Education and school board administration accountable to the objectives of the current strategic plan. I also plan to lead with open communication and transparency and be a bridge between students, families, staff and the Board Administration.

My unique and multifaceted perspective – from parent to in-class educational specialist to system partner – provides a solid foundation for the Trustee position. My leadership skills, understanding of community needs, advocacy work and passion for serving youth and their families will set me up for success in this role and ensure my constituents are well represented at the policy level in the local Catholic education system. More

In 2010 I was elected as a Catholic trustee representing wards 6-10 in Barrie. In my capacity as trustee I have served 3 yrs as Chair of the Board of Trustees and 4 years as Vice-Chair and 3 years as Chair …of the Board Policy Committee. I also have been involved in various committees.

Trustees are elected by taxpayers to serve as their representatives at the board table and I have always worked diligently to endure that the stakeholders' voices are heard in such matters as busing issues, parent and school staff conflict resolutions.

Another one of my priorities has always been to safeguard our constitutional right to maintain funding for Catholic schools for future generations.

I have promoted academic excellence, life-long learning skills and personal growth of our students and staff. Also I have champion the home-school-church tradition as these three partners need to work together in order that our children are socialized into our Catholic faith. More

I'm thrilled to introduce myself as a SMCDSB Trustee candidate (Wards 6-10). My name is Ilona Zankovica-Rivera, and I am a mother of 2 young (7 and 4), curious and cheerful kids. My background is in business …and economics with years of project management and process improvement experience in a large-scale Retail, Construction and Architecture industries. I have no political experience, but I find that it's one of my strengths as I come with a fresh set of eyes, strong leadership skills and get-the-job-done personality. I am not afraid to ask questions and I value accountability and transparency – that’s what you can expect from me.

The reason I decided to run for the Catholic School board Trustee is because I want to contribute to building a stronger collaboration between the school board and parents - like you and me. I see a need in bringing taxpayers’ voice closer to the decision-making table; building a trustworthy communication channel while acting based on faith and biblical values.

I am always happy to hear your thoughts on the issues/comments you want to share with me and welcome you to join my Facebook page: Elect Ilona for SMCDSB Trustee (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100084041935006) More

My name is Tanya Da Silva, and I am running for the position of Catholic Borad Trustee for the towns of Bradford and Innisfil.

As a longstanding community volunteer, active parent, council member, …and proud parent of three children in the SMCDSB. I understand policies and procedures that govern our schools. While actively involved in the schools, I believe that there is opportunity to do better for our kids. The future success of Bradford and Innisfil not only depends on bringing excellence with equality to all students. I feel listening to teachers, parents, parish and community members is important in supporting their voices that need to be included when designing policies and procedures for future plans for education.

I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and studied at the Canadian College of Massage and Hydrotherapy where I graduated as a Registered Massage Therapist in 2001. In the following years I focused on growing my business, and raising my 3 children. Bradford and Innisfil have changed and grown significantly within the past 20 years and it is through this growth, that I now have a better understanding of the needs that are becoming more apparent for our students, community and schools as they face ongoing changes.

Over the last 10 consecutive years, I have been an active member of the St.Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School parent/community council. I have advocated for our students and schools by partipating on boundary sub-commitees/property enhancement disscussions/& renaming of schools. My role as chair allowed me to organize multiple fundraisers, create community events and support our faith with a focus on our students Catholic education. My family and I are also active parishioners of Holy Martyrs of Japan. As parents we know we are entrusted with the significant responsibility of stewardship in the mission of raising our children with Catholic values and responsibilities. I understand the important role that parents, teacher, and faith/parish have in there growth to be amazing individuals. It does take a communities/village. I am asking that you trust me with the role of trustee to advocate for you and your families.

I believe that my past experiences through volunteering within our education system and with our community partnerships makes me a qualified candidate for the position of trustee. I have proven to be a strong leader with a focus on student achievement and wellbeing and I have participated in decision making that has benefited the SMCDSB while representing the interests of the stakeholders.

It is your opportunity to vote for change let me be your voice in supporting your children's Catholic education. More