Brantford, ON (November 15, 2024) – On November 14, 2024, Lorrie Temple, Superintendent of Education at the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) announced her retirement effective March 28, 2025, after 30 years in education.
“The Board is grateful to Superintendent Temple for her leadership over the last 5 years,” said Chair of the Board Rick Petrella. “Her commitment, particularly in the areas of early learning, curriculum, and religion and family life, have made a huge impact on student achievement and staff enrichment.”
Superintendent Temple began her career in 1994 with the Halton Catholic District School Board teaching grades 5 and 8. In 2002, she moved to the Waterloo Catholic District School Board as a secondary school Religion and Family Life teacher, Student Success Teacher, and Department Head in both program areas. As her career progressed, she became a secondary school vice-principal at Monsignor Doyle and later St. Benedict Catholic Secondary School in Cambridge. To expand her leadership experience and foster her deep commitment to early years education, Mrs. Temple joined St. Daniel Catholic Elementary School as their principal. Before joining BHNCDSB in 2019, Superintendent Temple finished her tenure with Waterloo Catholic as a secondary school principal at St. Benedict.
“Lorrie has been an inspirational and dedicated educational leader to all in the BHNCDSB community,” shared Director of Education, Mike McDonald. “She was integral in a variety of important educational initiatives including Early Years, faith formation, and student achievement. Her relentless optimism and sacramental outlook allowed her to earn respect, build trust, establish relationships, and create positive change. Lorrie is deeply committed to Catholic education and her empathetic and caring manner will leave a legacy in the hearts and minds of all in the BHNCDSB community. Like all staff, I will miss her and wish her much rest and happiness in retirement.”
Superintendent Temple is “proud to have worked under the exceptional leadership of Director Mike McDonald whose vision and commitment to excellence has been a guiding force. It has been a pleasure to work alongside such an outstanding leader who has provided support, encouragement, and trust.”
“Looking back over the past three decades, I am filled with immense gratitude for the opportunities I have had to serve in three boards,” said Superintendent Temple. “From my early days as a classroom teacher to my current role as Superintendent, each phase of my journey has been enriched by the dedication of colleagues, the curiosity of students, and the unwavering support of families and community partners. It has been an honour to contribute to the growth and success of our students through curriculum development, faith-based initiatives, and a deep commitment to fostering a faith-based learning environment.”
Temple shares that being a part of the Ontario Catholic Supervisory Officers’ Association (OCSOA), as a regional representative and board member, was one of the many highlights of her career. She shared that OCSOA provided an opportunity to “work with other superintendents and directors of education from across the province as well as represent the BHNCDSB area at the board table. That provided another learning opportunity and another voice for students and families.” Temple currently sits on the Catholic Curriculum Corporation as a board member where decisions pertaining to staff and student faith formation are made.
As for her time at BHNCDSB, Lorrie will deeply miss the members of the Student Achievement Team. “The team has been by my side throughout my time at BHNCDSB. I will deeply miss this fantastic group of inspirational educators. Their impact on the system is instrumental in moving the district forward, bringing about change, and supporting all students.”
Superintendent Temple is excited about her upcoming retirement when she plans to get a bit of rest after which she is hoping to jump back into the classroom as an instructor at a local Teachers’ College where she can support new educators starting off in their careers. For those who know Lorrie, hearing that she is going to ‘jump back in with both feet’ won’t come as a surprise!
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