2018 Election

After having recently retired from a successful career in catholic education, I welcome the opportunity to run as English Separate School Trustee for South Dundas and South Stormont, Ontario. Being an …English Separate School Trustee would lend itself to being a proactive supporter of catholic education within the Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario; a board that is most progressive and compassionate in the areas of faith development, curriculum, special education, First Nations and mental health.

My many contributions in catholic education were as teacher and principal in the classroom, the school yard, the gym, on trips and excursions or chatting with colleagues. I am truly grateful for the many professional development opportunities I had at the school, board and provincial levels. It was inspiring working alongside and collaborating with many professionals in the field of education with the purpose of nurturing the hearts, minds, bodies and souls of students.

After having served as Special Education Teacher for one year at St. Michael and one year at Sacred Heart in Cornwall, the opportunity to venture into School Administration came my way. It was a true blessing and most gratifying to serve as principal at St. Mary and St. Mary – St. Cecilia in Morrisburg, Immaculate Conception in Cornwall, St. Peter's in Cornwall, St. Andrew's in St. Andrew's for a short term and Bishop McDonell in Cornwall for a short term. Collaboration and cooperation amongst all stakeholders, always in the best interest of the students and their families, was paramount at these schools. I cannot stress how honoured I am to have worked within such fine catholic school communities who looked out for their students and for each other day after day.

My husband Ted and I have been together for 45 years, 33 of those years married! Ted and I take great pleasure in spending time with our children; our son Scott, our daughter Sarah and her husband Chris and our precious grandsons, Milo and Theo. We enjoy living in South Stormont and can be seen on the many trails walking our Great Dane, Karl. We enjoy time with our family and friends, and the simple things in life. Ted and I are members of St. Peter's Parish in Cornwall. I am Chair of Pastoral Council at St. Peter's Parish in Cornwall, am on the Hospitality Committee, assist with Baptisms and sacramental preparations, am a Eucharistic Minister, am a member of the Catholic Women's League and belong to two Alpha groups.

I am committed to my faith, my family and to catholic education. As English Separate School Trustee with the CDSBEO, I would reflect upon and draw upon my many experiences in catholic education, experiences in my parish and my own faith to make positive and informed contributions as English Separate School Trustee. I eagerly anticipate being awarded this opportunity.

Donna Nielsen More