Governance

The overall governance of the schools lies with the Board of Directors of the Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese (CISND).  The president of the Board of Directors is the Bishop of Nelson.  The Vicar of Education and Vicar General of the Diocese are ex-officio members of the Board.  In addition to the aforementioned, there is one pastor associated with the schools and six lay members nominated from each community.  The Superintendent of Schools and the Financial Director for the diocese are non-voting members of the Board of Directors.

The Board is responsible for the overall philosophy of the schools as well as the development of policies and procedures affecting the schools.  The Board requires the assistance of local School Councils to support them in their endeavors.  School Councils are responsible to the Board and deal with such areas as: annual school budget, ways and means, buildings and maintenance, local policy, public relations, and marketing and development.  Parent Support Groups exist in each school and are there to support the School Council and Principal.

The CISND is a member of the CISCBC, FISABC and CCSTA.

CISCBC

The Catholic Independent School Committee of BC (CISCBC), which includes the superintendents and one rep from each diocese, meets twice yearly to discuss and address issues affecting Catholic schools in the province.  This committee meets with the five Bishops each fall.  It is from this committee that three reps are chosen to sit on the FISA board and one of the members is chosen to attend the Canadian Catholic School Trustees Association (CCSTA) meetings on the behalf of all Catholic schools in the province.

FISA

The Federation of Independent Schools (FISA) is a non-profit society who is the voice for independent schools in British Columbia.  They lobby the government on our behalf by acting as a liaison between the schools and the government, and other educational institutions.  The FISA is dedicated to assisting independent schools in maintaining their independence while seeking fair treatment for them in legislative and financial terms. http://www.fisabc.ca

CCSTA

The Canadian Catholic School Trustees Association (CCSTA) is a national organization promoting excellence in Catholic education throughout Canada.  The CCSTA works closely with the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops, Catholic organizations and the federal government to enhance and promote Catholic education. In addition to its commitment in advocating for the faith formation of our children, CCSTA also provides opportunities for school trustees, staff and supporters of Catholic education to deepen their faith. One way in which the Association does this is through its publications and documents, which may be viewed under the Publications tab on their website http://www.ccsta.ca

Bishop GREGORY J. BITTMAN

Most Rev. Gregory J. Bittman
Bishop of Nelson

Appointed: February 13, 2018
Installed: April 25, 2018

Catholic Pastoral Centre
3665 Benvoulin Road
Kelowna, BC
V1W 4M7

Phone: 250-448-2725
Fax: 1-866-964-3585

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
 

And [Jesus] said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.”

- Mark 16.15

The Diocese of Nelson is blessed to have Catholic schools in our midst. In addition, we are doubly blessed with dedicated teachers and support staff to educate our children in the Faith.

Along with the home and parents as first educators, and the parish, where our Faith is nourished and celebrated, Catholic schools are integral in the formation of our children in the Catholic Faith. There, the message of the Gospel is proclaimed and every child is helped to know and love Jesus, who desires above all to be known and loved by us.

Our Catholic schools make certain that our Faith community and our society will have future leaders and active and caring citizens who will contribute to the common good, and build a world based on justice, truth and peace.

Thank you for your prayers and continued support of our Catholic schools. God bless you.

Sincerely in Christ our Lord,

Gregory J Bittman
 

Bishop of Nelson

Board of Directors

Mission Statement of the CISND Board of Directors

With the Holy Spirit as the source and foundation of unity in the church, the mission of the Board of Directors is to function as a bond of unity and collaboration between the Catholic School communities of the Nelson Diocese.  Reflective of Catholic Gospel values, the Board will oversee and protect the essence of Catholic Education through the development and implementation of polices and procedures.

Members of the Board of Directors

• Bishop Gregory Bittman, President
• Fr. Sebastian Puthenpura, Vicar General
• Fr. Pat Monette, Vicar of Education
• Fr. Ruben Buela, Pastor Director
• Mary Anne Smirle, Penticton Director
• Andrew Henry, West Kelowna Director
• Arnie Kouwenhoven, Kelowna Director
• Tom Hart, Trail Director
• Anneliese DaSilva, Cranbrook Director
• Vince Vulcano, Nelson Director
• Arthur Therrien*, Superintendent of Schools
• Cece Sinotte*, Financial Administrator Nelson Diocese

* Non-Voting Member

Vicar of Education

Fr. Pat Monette was appointed the Episcopal Vicar of Education on October 15, 2008.  He is currently the pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Rutland.  Fr. Monette has served as chaplain to a number of schools in the diocese and is currently the chaplain for Immaculata Regional High School.  As Vicar of Education, he chairs the Catholic Independent Schools of Nelson Diocese (CISND) Board of Directors.

Corpus Christi
750 Rutland Road N.
Kelowna, BC
V1X 3B7

Phone: 250-765-6869