Durham Catholic District School Board Recognizes the 2021 Distinguished Catholic Leader

May 4, 2021 – The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to recognize Paula Sorhaitz, Secondary Principal, as the recipient of the 2021 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The Board will celebrate The Distinguished Leader Award during a YouTube Premier Event on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, which also recognizes Durham Catholic Distinguished Educators from each school and department across the region.

“There is no greater honour than to be recognized by your own colleagues and peers in the Durham Catholic Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “Ms. Sorhaitz’s leadership and passion for teaching combined with her ability to engage with students and staff has had a significant impact on Catholic education in Durham Region.”

Ms. Sorhaitz has been a valued Catholic educator and leader with the Durham Catholic District School Board for 27 years. Before beginning her journey as a school administrator, she taught at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School for 18 years and was Curriculum Chair of Canada and World Studies for 8 of those years. Since 2012, she has been an administrator serving as vice-principal at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, and one semester at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School before assuming the role of Principal at Notre Dame CSS in January 2019.  

She is proud to serve on a number of board-wide committees such as Leadership Development, Aspiring Leaders, and Safe Schools. Through her work she has provided mentorship to new leaders, presenting leadership capacities and improving processes to ensure our school communities are safe and welcoming places for our students to grow and learn. Ms. Sorhaitz is also a member of the board’s new Equity Advisory Committee and is focused on addressing anti-Black racism, promoting Black excellence, and listening to the voices of our most vulnerable and marginalized communities.  

Ms. Sorhaitz serves her colleagues as the Vice-Chair of the Durham chapter of the Catholic Principals’ Council working to strengthen Catholic education, while supporting the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning.  

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, congratulations on receiving the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award,” said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board. “Your dedication and commitment to Catholic education is reflected in the honour and dignity that you bring to your role as a leader for students, educators and fellow principals.”

“I am humbled and honoured to receive the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award and to be recognized by my peers,” said Paula Sorhaitz, Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, in Ajax. “I am committed to providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that engages students in our faith and educational opportunities.” 

Ms. Sorhaitz added, “I am most proud to serve alongside the remarkable Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodians, Teachers, school board staff and Administrators who have displayed unparalleled resilience, compassion and professionalism throughout this pandemic.”