RELEASE: PVNC Catholic Director of Education Joan Carragher announces retirement

Carragher to retire effective Aug. 31, 2023 after more than 33 years in Catholic education

March 28, 2023
For Immediate Release 

PETERBOROUGH – Director of Education Joan Carragher, who began her role in December 2020, will be retiring from her position at the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington (PVNC) Catholic District School Board effective Aug. 31, 2023.

“This has truly been an inspiring role. Every day I am amazed by the abilities and passions of our dedicated staff in schools and at the board office, and I have had the pleasure of working on behalf of our students who give me so much optimism for the future,” Carragher said. “I sincerely thank the Board of Trustees who entrusted me with this important work. I did not take this privilege lightly and I am grateful to have had the opportunity.” 

Board chairperson Kevin MacKenzie officially announced Carragher’s retirement during Tuesday (March 28) night’s board meeting. 

“Joan’s steadfast leadership was instrumental in leading the Board through some of the most challenging periods of the pandemic and into recovery,” MacKenzie noted. “Joan also led the development of the Board’s current multi-year strategic plan, which will continue to guide the Board’s direction for years to come. We thank Joan for her leadership, her mentoring, her calm demeanor in the face of many challenges and her unwavering commitment to our students, staff, families and school communities.”

Born and raised in Prince Edward Island, Carragher moved to Ontario in 1990 to begin her career in Catholic Education at the Toronto Catholic District School Board. Carragher joined PVNC Catholic as a teacher in 1999, and after serving roles as vice-principal and principal, was promoted to superintendent in 2012. She served roles as superintendent of schools/special education and superintendent of learning/leadership and human resources. The Board of Trustees hired Carragher as Director of Education in December 2020.

As one of her key achievements, Carragher points to the renewal of the Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan, a process that engaged students, staff and stakeholders in an extensive consultation process to set the Board’s priorities through to 2025. She is also proud of the major strides the Board continues to make towards fostering equity, diversity and inclusion, supported by data collected from student and staff censuses. 

“The work we have been engaging in to ensure all our students and staff feel valued and feel a sense of belonging in our vibrant Catholic schools is among the most rewarding of my 33 years in education,” Carragher said. 

Carragher intends to retire to Prince Edward Island with her husband Michael. The two have raised two daughters – Charlotte and Emma, both of whom are PVNC Catholic graduates. 

The Board of Trustees has begun the process to fill the director’s role. A job posting will be made public shortly.