Our Structure

How Catholic Schools in Vancouver Are Governed:

Structure, Leadership, and Accountability

  • Community Representation

    Parents and parish members have a voice in school decisions through elected representatives, fostering a sense of involvement and trust.

  • Accountability

    A clear governance structure ensures that schools are held to high standards and are responsive to the needs of students and families.

  • Consistent Values and Quality

    Oversight by the Board and local committees helps maintain the Catholic identity, educational quality, and safe learning environment across all schools.

Logo of Vancouver Archdiocese Catholic Independent School with a cross, a bomb, and a depiction of the Earth.

Historical Background and Purpose

In the early 1950s, the Bishops of British Columbia anticipated the need for public funding for Catholic schools. To prepare for this, each diocese established a society to own and operate its schools. In the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Vancouver (RCAV), this led to the formation of the Catholic Independent Schools of Vancouver Archdiocese (CISVA), which continues to serve this purpose today.

  • Parents and parish members have a voice in school decisions through elected representatives, fostering a sense of involvement and trust.

  • Oversight by the Board and local committees helps maintain the Catholic identity, educational quality, and safe learning environment across all schools.

  • Board of Directors

    President: Archbishop Richard Smith

    Vice-President: Rev. Patrick Chisholm

    Treasurer: Pierre Pelletier

    Secretary: Rev. Msgr. Gregory Smith

    Members:

    Mrs. Amy Chow

    Rev. Hien Nguyen

    Rev. Leo English

    Mrs. Leslie Roque

    Ms. Nicola Thompson

    Dr. Paul Kingsbury

    Rev. Pierre Ducharme, OFM

    Mr. Pierre Pelletier