DCDSB recognizes the 2020 Distinguished Catholic Leader

Posted On Monday May 04, 2020
Jim Raper
Principal Raper, 2020 Distinguished Catholic Leader

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to recognize Jim Raper, Elementary Principal, as the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The board will celebrate The Distinguished Leader during an online virtual presentation on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, which also recognizes Durham Catholic Distinguished Educators from each school and department across the board.

“There is no greater recognition than to be nominated by your own colleagues and peers in the Durham Catholic Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “A confident leader, Mr. Raper’s compassionate nature and ability to connect with people on so many levels is a shining example for our staff members and peers,” she said.

Mr. Raper has been a valued Catholic educator and leader with the Durham Catholic District School Board for 30 years. Before beginning his journey as a school administrator, he taught at various elementary schools. He has been vice-principal at St. Leo Catholic School in Brooklin and St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School in Whitby. Mr. Raper was principal at Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School in Oshawa; St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School in Pickering; St. Paul and St. Matthew Catholic Schools, both in Whitby; and St. Luke Catholic School, where he currently serves, in Whitby.

The award-winning leader has extended his skills and strengths as a member of many board-wide committees beyond the role of principal. Since the formation of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Board of Directors in 2015, Mr. Raper has shared his passion for helping students beyond academic performance, representing DCDSB principals, providing input from a school perspective, and impacting decisions made by Foundation Board members. The Foundation has been successful in helping some of our most vulnerable students, thanks to its signature events, including the Student Walk for Hope, initiated by Mr. Raper himself, which has become an annual event for all schools. Other Board-wide committees, where Jim shares his passion, include the Mentoring Program, Aspiring Leaders Committee and the Safe Schools Committee, among many other groundbreaking initiatives.

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you Jim, for your lifelong dedication to Catholic education and to the Durham Catholic District School Board. Congratulations on receiving the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award, which represents the honour and dignity that you bring to your role as a leader for students, educators and fellow principals,” said Janice Oldman, Chair of the Board.

In addition, Mr. Raper was recently recognized by the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario with the Principal of the Year Award, at which time he was featured in DCDSB’s Called to Serve video series that highlights leaders of notable service who are making a difference for students. Watch the video.