Encounters with Niagara Catholic will spotlight voices across our school and board communities, offering insight into our academic programs, special events, and celebrations. We’ll also bring in special guest hosts from time to time.
It's a BPSN takeover and our last episode of the school year!!
We’re thrilled to welcome Denis Morris Catholic High School teacher and professional lacrosse player Matt Vinc to the podcast.
Joining host Bill Potrecz, Matt reflects on his remarkable 20-year teaching career, his journey through the National Lacrosse League (NLL), and the advantages of balancing life as both an educator and elite athlete.
Matt has been a teacher at both Holy Cross and Denis Morris and has played a big role in the development of the athletics program at Denis Morris, including the new state-of-the-art high-performance athletics center.
Matt is a six-time NLL champion, an eight-time NLL Goaltender of the Year, and a five-time All-Pro selection. He currently tends goal for the Buffalo Bandits in the NLL and the Peterborough Lakers in Major Series Lacrosse.
Throughout his storied career, Matt has set numerous NLL records, including most career wins by a goaltender (182), most career saves (11,823), and most career minutes played by a goaltender (17,836:49).
Episode 10 of Encounters with Niagara Catholic is another BPSN takeover!
This episode features Megan Schweitzer, teacher at Blessed Trinity Catholic Secondary School and former member of Canada’s senior national wrestling team. Joining host Bernie Puchalski, Megan reflects on her accomplished wrestling career, the development of wrestling programs both in and out of the school setting, and her experiences coaching athletes and running wrestling camps.
Megan had an outstanding high school wrestling career becoming the first female athlete to win four consecutive OFSAA championships. Continuing her success at Brock University, Megan captured two Canadian university championships and went on to represent Canada at the World Championships. She was also an alternate for Team Canada at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Megan began her teaching career at Denis Morris Catholic High School in 2008 before joining the staff at Blessed Trinity in 2015, building two successful wrestling programs. This year, Blessed Trinity captured two OFSAA gold medals thanks to Grade 9 athletes Mya Stienstra (https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/bts-golden-girl/) and Klaus Schweitzer (https://www.bpsportsniagara.com/schweitzer-pins-gold-at-ofsaa/). In addition to her work at the school level, Megan assists with coaching the Jr. Brock Badgers and helps facilitates wrestling programs for students across Niagara alongside her co-coach and teacher at Blessed Trinity, Diane Lavigne.
11 May 2026
Episode nine: Joanne Germano
In episode nine, we’re hitting the road to the Niagara Region Public Health offices, where Jen Pellegrini chats with Joanne Germano, a Public Health Nurse with the School Health Program.
Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Region to sign a Declaration of Commitment with Niagara Region Public Health, strengthening the partnership between the agency and all four Niagara school boards.
In this episode, Jen and Joanne dive into how Public Health supports students and families, what the role of a school nurse looks like in 2026, and some of the key health risks affecting students today.
1 May 2026
Episode eight: Andrea Bozza and Dave Peirce
Next week is Mental Health Week, and Catholic Education Week in Ontario.
In recognition of Mental Health Week, this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic focuses on the mental health supports in place across Niagara Catholic to support our students. Host Jen Pellegrini chats with Niagara Catholic’s Manager of Mental Health and Wellbeing, Andrea Bozza, and Supervisor of Clinical Services, Dave Peirce, about the mental health supports in place for students across Niagara Catholic.
Learn about Niagara Catholic’s tiered approach to mental health and how we emphasize that supporting well-being is a shared responsibility throughout the organization.
Andrea and Dave also explain how the mental health team supports elementary and secondary students, and how the team connects students and families with valuable community resources.
To learn more about Mental Health and well-being at Niagara Catholic, visit: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/community/mental_health
20 Apr 2026
Episode Seven: Kim Kinney
Niagara Catholic has made great strides in mathematics assessments, and Superintendent of Program and Innovation Kim Kinney plays a big role in this success.
The first step – changing math mindsets.
For Kinney and Niagara Catholic’s math team, it’s all about fostering a positive attitude about math with students, and with teachers. In this episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic, learn how Niagara Catholic focuses on strengthening students' math skills, the strategies that are used in teaching math, how teachers refining their knowledge, and how parents play a vital role in their child's math learning.
To learn more about the math program at Niagara Catholic visit: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/programs/elementary
10 Apr 2026
Episode six: BPSN takeover featuring Jennifer Benoit
It’s a BPSN takeover! We’re excited to have Bernie and Bill back as they sit down with Jennifer Benoit, Niagara Catholic’s K–12 Health and Physical Education and Athletics Consultant, for a dynamic interview on this week’s episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic.
During their conversation, Jennifer, Bernie, and Bill explore all things high school sports at Niagara Catholic – from the dedication of staff (many of whom are former OFSAA athletes), to the excitement of watching students shine on the court, in the pool, and on the field, as well as some of the challenges that come with running athletic programs.
Did you know, Niagara Catholic has more than 180 elementary sports team each year?
Learn more about the athletics programs in Niagara Catholic’s elementary and secondary in this week's episode of Encounters with Niagara Catholic!
26 Mar 2026
Episode five: Noella Klawitter
Niagara Catholic recently visited the Niagara Children’s Centre to interview with Chief Executive Officer Noella Klawitter. Noella joined the Centre in October 2025, bringing more than 20 years of experience in health and social services to Niagara.
In this episode, Noella and host Jen discuss the long-standing partnership between Niagara Catholic and the Niagara Children’s Centre, highlight the vital services the centre provides, and share insights into Niagara Catholic’s annual Kids Helping Kids campaign.
Enjoy this week's episode of Encounter's with Niagara Catholic!
16 Mar 2026
Episode four: BP Sports Niagara
We’re excited to launch our fourth episode featuring Bernie Puchalski and Bill Potrecz from BP Sports Niagara, your go-to platform for high school sports coverage in Niagara.
In this episode, Bernie and Bill dive into everything high school sports, discuss sports signings at Niagara Catholic, and share their passion for journalism and local news.
5 Mar 2026
Episode three: Dave Cristelli and Fran Vella
We're excited to share episode three of Encounters with Niagara Catholic just ahead of the annual public Niagara Catholic Skilled Trades Competition, happening in March at the Seaway Mall. In this episode, Dave Cristelli, Coordinator of Experiential Learning, and Fran Vella Coordinator of Student Success, sit down to discuss all things Pathways programs at Niagara Catholic. They also reflect on their experiences as cooperative education teachers and the upcoming Skilled Trades Competition.
26 Feb 2026
Episode two: James Carnegie & Amanda Wagg-Boyer
Acting Board Chaplaincy Leader James Carnegie and Religion and Family Life Consultant Amanda Wagg-Boyer sit down to talk about the Lenten season, Niagara Catholic's Religion and Family Life curriculum, and their roles at the board.
We're excited to bring you episode two of Encounters with Niagara Catholic!
To learn more about our Religion and Family Life curriculum at Niagara Catholic, click here: https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/programs/religion_and_family_life
13 Feb 2026
Episode one: Camillo Cipriano
Our first episode features Director of Education Camillo Cipriano. He shares highlights from the 2025 Directors Report, his journey to leadership in Catholic education, and what he loves most about Niagara Catholic. Get to know Niagara Catholic, and Director Cipriano, a little better by tuning in!
Click here to read (https://www.niagaracatholic.ca/cms/One.aspx?portalId=438255&pageId=616530&portletInstanceId=52496) Niagara Catholic's 2025 Directors Annual Report.
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