DCDSB announces Appointment of Superintendent of Education and Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ms. Paula Sorhaitz to the position of Superintendent of Education and Mr. Daniel Stargratt to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education effective August 15, 2022.

Ms. Sorhaitz has over 28 years of experience as an educator, and school administrator with DCDSB. In addition, she has served on a number of board-wide committees such as Equity Advisory Committee, Leadership Development, Aspiring Leaders, and Safe Schools. As a member of the Equity Advisory Committee, Ms. Sorhaitz is focused on addressing anti-Black racism, promoting Black excellence, and listening to voices of our most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Her work on various system committees has contributed to improving processes to ensure our school communities are safe and welcoming places for students to grow and learn. 

Ms. Sorhaitz has served as the Vice-Chair of the Durham chapter of the Catholic Principals’ Council working to strengthen Catholic education, mentoring new leaders, and supporting the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. In 2021, Ms. Sorhaitz was the recipient of DCDSB’s Distinguished Catholic Leader Award for her outstanding dedication and commitment as a Principal. 

Ms. Sorhaitz received her bachelor’s degree from McMaster University and earned her Masters of Science in Education from Niagara University. In 2020, she received her Masters of International School Leadership from Charles Sturt University and was the recipient of the Executive Dean’s Award. Ms. Sorhaitz is a founding member of Holy Family Church, in Whitby and an active parishioner serving in a variety of ministries including Lector and Confirmation preparation ministries for the past 30 years. 

“I am honoured to be joining the senior administrative team. I look forward to working collaboratively with the team on strategic priorities and commitments, while supporting the home, school and parish connection to assure the best outcomes for students,” said Ms. Sorhaitz. 

Mr. Stargratt comes to this newly created role as an educator and administrator with over 24 years of experience in a variety of contexts, Vice-Principal, school Principal, and system Principal. From 2011 to 2012, Mr. Stargratt served as Manager within the Aboriginal Education Office K-12 of the Ministry of Education. During his career,
Mr. Stargratt has worked in Public, Catholic and First Nations Education Systems throughout Ontario and has extensive experience in developing curriculum and resources for Indigenous education at a local and provincial level for the Institute for Catholic Education and the Eastern Ontario Catholic Curriculum Cooperative.  

Mr. Stargratt is an active instructor with the Queen’s University Aboriginal Teacher Education Program/Indigenous Teacher Education Program (ATEP/ITEP). As an ATEP graduate of Métis heritage himself, Mr. Stargratt, has dedicated his career to decolonizing and Indigenizing education for the benefit of Indigenous learners. 

He has completed the Supervisory Officer Qualifications Program Modules and holds Specialists in Religious Education and Special Education. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus and active in his local parish community. 

“As a person of Métis ancestry, I look forward to working with and for First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, families and communities within the Durham Region,” said Mr. Stargratt. 

“I am pleased to welcome Ms. Sorhaitz and Mr. Stargratt to the Senior Administrative Team,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “Their leadership and extensive experience will complement DCDSB’s dedicated educators and administrators.” 

“The Board of Trustees applaud the appointments of Ms. Sorhaitz, as Superintendent of Education and Mr. Stargratt as Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education.  Their diverse strengths and leadership experience will be an assist to our Catholic learning communities as we continue to focus on excellence, equity and engagement,” said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board.

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