Barrie Principal Honoured

Barrie Principal Honoured
Posted on 05/03/2016
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is proud to announce that one of its principals, Mr. Graziano Vavala from St. Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School in Barrie, was recently named "Principal of the Year." This prestigious award was bestowed upon Mr. Vavala by the Catholic Principals Council of Ontario (CPCO) and celebrated at their annual conference at the end of April.

"I am indebted to the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board for allowing me the opportunity to share my gifts with others. I appreciate their support and faith in me over the past 21 years. My experiences have helped me recognize how much we truly can do to influence young children every day," said Graziano Vavala in his acceptance speech.

Mr. Vavala is affectionately known as the "master community builder" amongst his colleagues, friends and family. His strong faith guides him every day, as he nurtures relationships with his peers, school community, parents, teachers, volunteers and students. Mr. Vavala has served both as teacher and principal in various schools in the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board over the past 21 years. He has also been a member of multiple committees with the board, particularly focusing on special education. He continues to lead teams and clubs in his school in order to stay connected to the more than 700 students that call him their principal.

"I can't think of a more rewarding vocation," said Mr. Vavala. "I feel truly blessed to go to work every day, and do something that I love in a faith-filled environment."