Lindsay teacher wins top award
A Lindsay Catholic high school teacher has been recognized for his commitment to his faith, education and youth leadership.
Peter Bagnall, the curriculum chair of religious education at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School was recently presented with the Archbishop Philip Pocock Award for Excellence in Religious Education.
The award is given to an Ontario Catholic school religious educator that demonstrates excellence in the engagement and support of student learning in religious education and faith formation, innovates the practice of religious education, and continuously serves as a leader in sustaining opportunities for growth.
“Peter has gone above and beyond in developing and implementing religious education programs in our board and school,” stated St. Thomas Aquinas principal Wayne Clark.
In addition to teaching for 14 years, Bagnall has served as the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board’s religious education and family life consultant.
He rejoined St. Thomas Aquinas two years ago — he had done some long-term occasional teaching several years previous — after a period of volunteering made him realize how much he missed working directly with youth.
“They bring such life, energy and curiosity,” said Bagnall. “I find students have good questions that deserve answers. Even in a math class, when they’re asking ‘why do we need this?’ … It’s all about building relationships, sharing the common good, making meaningful connections.
“(In the classroom) I can make it explicit. I can make it real. And students appreciate it. It allows them to be real. It’s a privilege to teach, to express my faith, share my faith and engage in those conversations that ask those questions.”