NPSC Celebrates Long-Serving Trustee John Willemsen
At its Regular Board Meeting held on February 24, 2026, the Nipissing-Parry Sound Catholic District School Board (NPSC) received the resignation of Catholic School Trustee John Willemsen, elected representative for West Nipissing, effective February 24, 2026.
Trustee Willemsen has been a steadfast advocate for students, families, and Catholic learning throughout his 18 consecutive years of service. During his tenure, which began in 2008, he served on all NPSC committees of the Board — including the Special Education Advisory Committee, First Nations Advisory Committee, and Audit Committee — contributing thoughtful insight and steady leadership across the system. His commitment to promoting Christ-centred education, strengthening parish-school relationships, and supporting student well-being has left a meaningful and lasting impact on our NPSC community.
Trustee Willemsen is relocating to Alberta to be closer to family, where he will continue to serve Catholic education through his work as a trustee for the Holy Family Catholic Regional Division. “It has been a privilege to represent West Nipissing as a Catholic School Trustee for NPSC, serving students and families,” said Trustee Willemsen. “I am thankful for the many meaningful experiences and learning opportunities this role has provided, and for the collaborative work of our Board as we worked to ensure rich Catholic learning for our students.”
“We are deeply grateful to Trustee Willemsen for his many years of faithful service,” said Board Chair Shawn Fitzsimmons. “His unwavering commitment to student success and well-being was always evident at the Board table. I am confident that he will continue to serve Catholic education with the same dedication in his new role.”
“Trustee Willemsen will be dearly missed. He has been a tremendous advocate and a true steward of Catholic education. We wish him every success and blessing as he begins this next chapter,” said Director of Education Paula Mann. NPSC will begin the process of filling this trustee vacancy in West Nipissing in accordance with the Ontario Education Act.
