Trustee Spotlight: Loretta Durst
Nov. 20, 2025
Community: City of Peterborough | Years of Service: 4 years
As part of our new Trustee Spotlight series, we are introducing you to the dedicated leaders who serve on the PVNC Catholic Board of Trustees. Trustees play a vital role in guiding Catholic education, advocating for students and families, and strengthening connections with our school communities. Each month, we’ll feature one trustee to share their story, experiences, and what inspires them in this important work.
Why did you choose to become a trustee?
Becoming a Trustee has allowed me to stay connected to the students and school communities where our educators inspire & connect with our students every day. We have 4 children who attended PVNC Catholic schools and had such wonderful experiences and opportunities. I believe our schools provide opportunities for all students to thrive and reach their full potential, whether they have unique or special needs, are newcomers to Canada, or have lived in the area their whole life. I have worked in education for 25+ years (at Trent University, as an administrator) and enjoy meeting students of all ages. I think we are very fortunate that our students have the opportunity to achieve academic excellence while learning about social justice, empathy, kindness & gospel values.
What have you found most rewarding about serving your school communities?
It is an honour to represent parents and families as a member of the school board. I enjoy hearing about what is happening in the schools at our board meetings and through the board communication channels; it is wonderful to stay connected to our principals, educators and families in our schools by visiting schools at special events. Being able to see students engaging in activities at their schools in such a positive way is very rewarding.
What has been a memorable or proud moment during your time as a PVNC Catholic trustee?
As a trustee, one of my proudest moments is attending events such as high school graduations and the Catholic Student Leadership Awards. It is inspiring to meet our student leaders and to know that our students will continue to make a difference in our community and our world after graduation. I was proud to be part of the board that selected our current Director of Education, Stephen O’Sullivan. I am also proud we were able to deliver a balanced budget this year. It is a pleasure to work with the board, student trustees, superintendents and PVNC Catholic staff as a board member.
What do you love most about the specific community you serve?
Peterborough is such an amazing community! I feel our community works together to support those in need in so many ways; through our schools, our parishes and our community work. I can think of so many examples of our students making a difference through food drives, service to seniors, Terry Fox runs, giving and outreach. I also love the arts programs and sports that our students participate in; we have such talent in our community and I have enjoyed the many sporting and artistic events put on by our students. The academic excellence of our students often shines at Science Fairs.
Tell us one fun or surprising fact about yourself.
I am a member of the Peterborough Singers and love when I get to hear the school choirs during my school visits. Our daughter Kathryn is a children’s book illustrator who illustrated books written by Paul McCartney.