Wellington Catholic District School Board Principal’s Rob Furfaro and Michael MacPherson have been elected to the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario (CPCO) as President-Elect and Vice-President, respectively.
CPCO is the professional association for Principals and Vice-Principals in Ontario's publicly-funded Catholic school system. The announcement was made at the 2021 CPCO Annual General Meeting and will come into effect July 1, 2021. This is the first time that Wellington Catholic has had a principal serve in the role of President-Elect on the CPCO Executive Leadership team.
“We are very proud of the accomplishments of these two principals. It is an honour for them to be selected and recognized by their peers for their ongoing leadership with CPCO,” said Mike Glazier, Wellington Catholic’s Director of Education. “As executive members of this organization, they gain and share a provincial perspective that is of great benefit to our principals and their colleagues in other districts. We celebrate their well-deserved recognition.”
Furfaro has served CPCO provincially as both Treasurer and Vice-President of the Executive Council. He began his educational career in 1997 with Wellington Catholic as a teacher before assuming school leadership responsibilities in 2005 having served in both principal and vice principal roles, currently acting as Wellington Catholic’s Virtual School as Principal. He is known for his passion for student engagement and innovation, honouring student voice, and mentorship of colleagues – both locally and provincially.
“Advocating for our principals and vice-principals is essential and I believe there is a way to do so respectfully, professionally and passionately, while maintaining a positive, collaborative working relationship with our senior administration team. I find it rewarding and reassuring that we are able to do that here in Wellington (Catholic),” shared Furfaro.
At the annual CPCO Gala and Award ceremony last night, Principal Furfaro was recognized for his dedication and commitment to Catholic Principals across the district with the CPCO Distinguished Service Award. This award is made annually to an individual or individuals who have provided distinguished service to the membership of CPCO.
“This is quite humbling and it’s an incredible honor. To all of our principals and vice-principals - your tireless, dedicated work does not go unnoticed. To the ones that nominated me - thank you for your kind words, it could be any of us receiving this award. I am just one of many that serve our principals and vice-principals and advocate on their behalf. I could not have achieved this without your continued support,” he said.
MacPherson has been with Wellington Catholic as a Vice Principal and Principal since 2008, most recently serving as the Principal of Wellington Catholic’s Virtual School. He has been an executive Council Member of CPCP since 2017.
“It is a great privilege to be named Vice President and serving Principals and Vice Principals across the province of Ontario. For the past 28 years I have had the privilege to serve in Catholic Education and it will be my goal to continue to support my colleagues at building the best catholic education experience for all of our students, staff, families and community,” he said. “I am grateful for the support that Wellington Catholic Administration provides to be able to support Principal and Vice Principals provincially.”
MacPherson was also recognized by CPCO as the Principal of the Year in 2019.
Both Furfaro and MacPherson will enter into the positions of President-Elect and Vice-President commencing on July 1, 2021 for a one year term.