RELEASE: PVNC Catholic set to move forward with a name change
Jan. 29, 2025
With strong support from our community, we are moving forward with the next step in renaming our school board. Through our recent engagement process, 71% of participants expressed interest in exploring a new name, highlighting a shared desire to better reflect our board’s identity and the communities we serve.
Thank You for Your Engagement
We deeply appreciate the thoughtful input provided by our community throughout this process. These voices have been instrumental in guiding our next steps, and we remain committed to keeping our community members informed and engaged. A detailed summary of all feedback can be found at: https://engagepvnc.ca/our-name-our-story
A Message from Director of Education, Stephen O’Sullivan:“We are truly grateful for the incredible participation and support from our community. The strong mandate to move forward is exciting, and we are eager to take the next steps together. At the same time, we acknowledge that some have expressed concerns. To those who feel that the name change is not a priority right now, we hear you. Your feedback remains valuable, and we encourage you to participate in the upcoming Multi-Year Strategic Plan engagement process, where you can help shape our Board’s top priorities for the next five years and beyond.”
Chairperson of the Board, Kevin MacKenzie, adds:
“Our community has shown a deep commitment to this process, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the new name reflects the values that matter most— inclusivity, simplicity, and our Catholic identity. We are excited to move forward with transparency and collaboration and look forward to working together to find a name that truly represents who we are.”
Next Steps in the Process
With strong community support, we are now moving forward by establishing a Naming Committee. This committee will develop a shortlist of potential new names, which will be shared with the community for further feedback. Our community’s continued involvement will be crucial in shaping the final decision.
Key Themes from Community Feedback
Several recurring themes emerged from community feedback, guiding our approach moving forward:
- Inclusivity – A desire for a name that better represents all communities we serve, including the City of Kawartha Lakes.
- Simplicity – A preference for a shorter, easier-to-remember name.
- Representation – The importance of reflecting our Catholic identity while embracing the diverse areas we serve.
- Community Involvement – A strong interest in staying engaged throughout the process.
Addressing Concerns
We acknowledge the valuable concerns raised by some members of our community, including:
- Financial Considerations – Ensuring resources remain focused on classroom and student support.
- Educational Priorities – Addressing core educational needs such as staffing, programming, and student well-being.
- Connection to the Current Name – Many respondents expressed a strong connection and sense of familiarity with the existing name, highlighting its long-standing presence within the community.
Our commitment remains to proceed thoughtfully and responsibly, ensuring that classroom resources remain a top priority. Additionally, staff, students, families and community partners will have further opportunities to provide input on resource allocation through the upcoming Multi-Year Strategic Plan consultation, set to launch in March. This process will allow the community to have a direct say in shaping the board’s future priorities, including how resources are distributed.
Managing Costs Responsibly
While there will be some one-time costs associated with the name change, we are committed to managing these costs effectively, ensuring that no classroom resources will be impacted. Key expenses will focus on:
- Graphic design for a new logo and brand guidelines
- Updating key facility signage
- In-house staff time for digital and administrative updates
We will roll out changes over time in a thoughtful way to make the best use of our resources.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to our engagement project to receive updates and track the progress of this initiative. Together, we are shaping the future of our board, and we appreciate your ongoing support and participation.