Celebrating Leadership and Legacy: KCDSB Honours Outgoing Student Trustees and Retiring Director Nicole Kurtz
At the June Board Meeting, the Kenora Catholic District School Board took time to celebrate and honour the contributions of two dedicated student trustees and to bid a heartfelt farewell to Director of Education Nicole Kurtz as she prepares for retirement.
Uplifting Student Voice
Chair Teresa Gallik began by offering sincere thanks to outgoing student trustees Benjamin Favreau and Javan Ura for their outstanding service throughout the 2024–2025 school year.
“Benjamin, this marks your second year in the role, and you’ve served with outstanding dedication, insight, and leadership,” Gallik shared. “You’ve also been a generous mentor to Javan, helping to strengthen the student voice at our Board table.”
“Javan, in your first year, you’ve stepped in with confidence, thoughtfulness, and a clear commitment to representing your fellow students.”
Together, Ben and Javan formed a strong and polished team whose collaboration and sense of purpose left a lasting impact. Trustees expressed gratitude for their professionalism, maturity, and the authentic student perspective they brought to every meeting.
“As you prepare to graduate, know that you will always be a part of the Kenora Catholic and Saints family,” said Gallik. “We are proud of you, and we’ll be cheering you on wherever your journey leads.”
Honouring Director Nicole Kurtz
The Board also recognized a milestone moment in the system’s history—Director of Education Nicole Kurtz’s final Board meeting before retirement. Nicole has dedicated her career to Catholic education and has been instrumental in shaping the vision, values, and direction of the KCDSB for many years.
“Nicole, you have been a founding champion for Kenora Catholic—helping to shape its vision, culture, and heart from the very beginning,” Gallik said. “Your career has been defined by servant leadership, deep compassion, and an unwavering commitment to Catholic education.”
Trustees and staff reflected on her many achievements, including her leadership in advancing equity, supporting truth and reconciliation, and nurturing a system grounded in faith and belonging.
“You have led with humility, strength, and grace—always focused on what’s best for students, staff, and families,” Gallik continued. “Your legacy lives in the relationships you’ve built, the trust you’ve earned, and the example you’ve set.”
A special video tribute was shared during the meeting to thank Nicole for her service and celebrate her remarkable impact.
👉 Watch the tribute to Nicole Kurtz here:
Following the tribute, trustees presented Nicole with a special gift and shared a moment of gratitude and reflection together.
“Your retirement is so very well deserved, but it is not goodbye,” said Gallik. “You will always be at the heart of Kenora Catholic. May God bless you with joy, rest, and all the goodness you’ve given to others, returned to you a thousand times over.”
As the Board looks ahead to a new chapter, it does so with deep appreciation for the leadership of Nicole, Ben, and Javan. Their contributions have helped shape the spirit of Kenora Catholic and leave a lasting legacy of service, voice, and faith in action.