Dear Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers,

With immense pride and excitement, I welcome CDSBEO students, parents, guardians, and families to the 2026-2027 school year.

Throughout the summer, our dedicated staff have worked diligently to prepare warm, welcoming, and engaging learning environments for our nearly 14,500 students. As our school system continues to grow, we remain committed to ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported, and valued. I look forward to visiting our schools and meeting many of our students and families throughout the year.

I hope your family had a relaxing and enjoyable summer and found time to pause. This year, our Board Spiritual Theme, A Listening Presence Changes Hearts, begins a new three-year journey through the sub-themes Pause, Love, and Connect.

Our focus for this first year is Pause, which invites us to slow down, become more attentive to God’s presence, and be fully present to one another. As the school year begins, we are reminded of the importance of listening with open hearts, making space for every voice, and creating communities in which each student knows that they belong and matter.

As CEO/CEdO, I am committed to listening carefully to our students, families, staff, and community partners. We deeply value the important role that parents and guardians play in their children’s education, and we look forward to working in partnership with you throughout the year.

May the year ahead be filled with meaningful learning, new friendships, personal growth, and many opportunities for our students to learn, nurture, belong, and believe.

Wishing all CDSBEO students and families a joyful, successful, and faith-filled school year.

Shelley Montgomery, CEO/CedO
Catholic District School Board of Eastern Ontario