Encounters with Niagara Catholic

It's a BPSN takeover and our last episode of the school year!! We’re thrilled to welcome Denis Morris Catholic High School teacher and professional lacrosse player Matt Vinc to the podcast. Joining host Bill Potrecz, Matt reflects on his remarkable 20-year teaching career, his journey through the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the advantages of balancing life as both an educator and elite ath...

Episode 10 of Encounters with Niagara Catholic is another BPSN takeover! This episode features Megan Schweitzer, teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School and former member of Canada’s senior national wrestling team. Joining host Bernie Puchalski, Megan reflects on her accomplished wrestling career, the development of wrestling programs both in and out of the school setting, and her exp...

In episode nine, we’re hitting the road to the Niagara Region Public Health offices, where Jen Pellegrini chats with Joanne Germano, a Public Health Nurse with the School Health Program. Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Region to sign a Declaration of Commitment with Niagara Region Public Health, strengthening the partnership between the agency and all four Niagara school boards.  In...

Next week is Mental Health Week, and Catholic Education Week in Ontario.  In recognition of Mental Health Week, this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic focuses on the mental health supports in place across Niagara Catholic to support our students. Host Jen Pellegrini chats with Niagara Catholic’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Andrea Bozza, and Supervisor of Clinical Servi...

Niagara Catholic has made great strides in mathematics assessments, and Superintendent of Program and Innovation Kim Kinney plays a big role in this success. The first step – changing math mindsets. For Kinney and Niagara Catholic’s math team, it’s all about fostering a positive attitude about math with students, and with teachers. In this episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic, learn how Nia...

It’s a BPSN takeover! We’re excited to have Bernie and Bill back as they sit down with Jennifer Benoit, Niagara Catholic’s K–12 Health and Physical Education and Athletics Consultant, for a dynamic interview on this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic. During their conversation, Jennifer, Bernie, and Bill explore all things high school sports at Niagara Catholic – from  the dedicati...

Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Children’s Centre to interview with Chief Executive Officer Noella Klawitter. Noella joined the Centre in October 2025, bringing more than 20 years of experience in health and social services to Niagara. In this episode, Noella and host Jen discuss the long-standing partnership between Niagara Catholic and the Niagara Children’s Centre, highlight the v...

We’re excited to launch our fourth episode featuring  Bernie Puchalski and Bill Potrecz from BP Sports Niagara , your go-to platform for high school sports coverage in Niagara. In this episode, Bernie and Bill dive into everything high school sports, discuss sports signings at Niagara Catholic, and share their passion for journalism and local news.

We're excited to share episode three of Encounters with Niagara Catholic just ahead of the annual public Niagara Catholic Skilled Trades Competition, happening in March at the Seaway Mall. In this episode, Dave Cristelli, Coordinator of Experiential Learning, and Fran Vella Coordinator of Student Success, sit down to discuss all things Pathways programs at Niagara Catholic. They also reflect on th...

Acting Board Chaplaincy Leader James Carnegie and Religion and Family Life Consultant Amanda Wagg-Boyer sit down to talk about the Lenten season, Niagara Catholic's Religion and Family Life curriculum, and their roles at the board. We're excited to bring you episode two of Encounters with Niagara Catholic! To learn more about our Religion and Family Life curriculum at Niagara Catholic, cli...

Our first episode features Director of Education Camillo Cipriano. He shares highlights from the 2025 Directors Report, his journey to leadership in Catholic education, and what he loves most about Niagara Catholic. Get to know Niagara Catholic, and Director Cipriano, a little better by tuning in! Click here to read Niagara Catholic's 2025 Directors Annual Report.