Dear Staff of the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board Community:
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” (Genesis 28:15)
Board Trustee Francis Smith has been an integral part of our organization for so many years that it’s difficult to remember a time when he wasn’t proudly speaking up for the value of Catholic education. It is with tremendous gratitude and well-wishes that I am writing to inform you of Francis’ resignation, effective December 31, 2021, after 26 years of distinguished service.
Board Chair Joe Zerdin said, “Francis has always embraced his role as a board trustee, fully recognizing the important role our trustees play as stewards of Catholic education in the province of Ontario. He represented the areas of Orillia, Ramara, Severn, and Oro-Medonte, and took great delight in the achievements of the staff and students at those schools.”
Francis was one of the first trustees of our board as we know it today, and has since witnessed our board’s tremendous growth, with great pride. He has always been a tireless advocate for inclusive and quality Catholic education, during sometimes difficult times. He has capably held many roles over his 26 year career including chair, vice chair, and chair of many committees. Perhaps a highlight of his time with our board was when St. Pope John Paul II visited Midland and the Martyrs’ Shrine in September 1984 - Francis was on the organizing committee for this incredibly special event.
The conscientious and caring approach with which Francis carried out his duties as trustee will certainly be missed, as will the man himself. On behalf of all those whose paths crossed his, I would like to offer my heartfelt appreciation and blessings for a happy future. Francis will always have friends at our board - at the Catholic Education Centre, Academic Services, and in our schools.
Yours in Faith,
Frances Bagley
Director of Education