Catholic board welcomes new superintendent

Niagara Catholic District School Board’s new superintendent of education is described as a strong leader by those who know him.

In a media release sent out by the board, it announced that as of Oct. 10, Pat Rocca will be taking over the role of superintendent of education from Mark Lefebvre, who retired last month after working with the board for 24 years.

“We are confident that the leadership (Rocca) has shown at the school level will be a valuable asset to Niagara Catholic’s senior administrative council,” said Father Paul MacNeil, board chair, in the release.

Rocca, according to the release, has had a number of roles in the NCDSB, including being principal of St. Mary Catholic School in Welland and principal of Cardinal Newman Catholic School in Niagara Falls.

Rocca said he is looking forward to the new position and new challenges it will bring.

“I am very excited at this opportunity to continue to serve Catholic students and their families in this new leadership capacity,” he said in the release.

He said he will miss his students, but is honoured to have been selected for the position.

Director of Education with the NCDSB, John Crocco, praised Rocca for being “a dynamic, innovative and model Catholic leader.”

Crocco credits Rocca’s experience at the vocational level for the faith he has in Rocca being a great fit for the position.

MacNeil and Crocco had some parting words for Lefebvre as well, noting he was dedicated to his job and the success of the students in the Catholic school board system.