David Bernier acclaimed as PVNC Catholic Board chairperson

Dec. 1, 2020

PETERBOROUGH – Northumberland trustee David Bernier was acclaimed as Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board chairperson during the Board’s annual meeting Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2020, held at the Catholic Education Centre.   ​

Bernier, a father of four daughters from Cobourg, Ont., has been a trustee for 14 years and previously served as Board chairperson from 2008 through 2010.

“I am proud to accept this position and to work with my fellow trustees as we help guide the Board through these challenging times,” Bernier said. “Our staff, students and families continue to grapple with the uncertainties of this pandemic. Our role as trustees is more important than ever, to provide steady oversight as PVNC Catholic continues to pursue its mission to educate students in faith-filled, safe, inclusive Catholic learning communities.”

Kawartha Lakes trustee Michelle Griepsma was acclaimed as vice-chairperson. Griepsma served as board chairperson for seven years from 2013 to 2020 and has been a trustee for 10 years.

“I’d like to acknowledge the service Michelle has given PVNC Catholic as chairperson of the board over the past seven years,” Bernier said. “Michelle has been an exemplary leader of the Board and I have large shoes to fill.”

Trustees Helen McCarthy (Peterborough) and Linda Ainsworth (Clarington) have both served on the Board for six years, having first been elected in October 2014. Trustees Braden Leal (Peterborough), Emmanuel Pinto (Peterborough County) and Kevin MacKenzie (Clarington) marked two years on the Board, having been elected as first-time trustees in the 2018 municipal election.

During Tuesday’s meeting, trustees were also appointed to standing and ad-hoc Board committees.

Peterborough Bishop Daniel Miehm celebrated mass following the annual board meeting at St. Peter-In-Chains Cathedral in Peterborough.