PEMBROKE, ON – May 19, 2026 – The Renfrew County Catholic District School Board (RCCDSB) is pleased to announce the following leadership changes for the 2026-2027 school year.

These appointments ensure that our school communities will continue to thrive under strong, faith-filled leadership committed to academic success and the well-being of every student.

Mark Searson, Director of Education, shared, “Every one of these leaders offers extensive experience, a profound dedication to Catholic education, and a drive for student achievement. We have full confidence that they will continue to enhance the strong roots within their new school communities, motivating both staff and students to reach their highest potential.”

The upcoming principal and vice-principal assignments are as follows:

Jane O’Gorman, who is presently the Vice-Principal at St. John XXIII in Arnprior, will transition to the role of Principal at Our Lady of Fatima in Renfrew.  Jane is a seasoned educator with a career spanning nearly thirty years within the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board. After starting at St. Michael’s in 1997 and transitioning to a permanent role in 1998, she spent seventeen years at St. Joseph’s Catholic High School, where she frequently served as a Principal Designate. Building on this extensive leadership experience, Jane was appointed Vice-Principal of St. John XXIII in September 2024. She is now set to bring her expertise to Our Lady of Fatima, where she will officially begin her new role on September 1, 2026.

Erin Welch, currently serving as Acting Vice-Principal at St. Joseph’s High School in Renfrew, will be appointed as the Permanent Vice-Principal at the same school. Erin has dedicated her career to the RCCDSB. Her journey began with Long-Term Occasional assignments at Our Lady of Fatima and Bishop Smith, leading to a permanent position at Our Lady of Fatima in 2005. She joined the St. Joseph’s community in 2021 and, after years of leadership as a principal designate, transitioned into her current administration role on August 18, 2025. We look forward to her continued leadership in this permanent capacity, effective June 1st, 2026. 

Mandy Cotnam, currently a teacher at St. Francis of Assisi in Petawawa, will become an Acting Vice-Principal at Bishop Smith Catholic High School. With over 25 years of experience, Mandy Cotnam joined the RCCDSB in 1999 as a teacher at Cathedral Catholic School before moving to Our Lady of Sorrows in 2003. Since 2014, she has served as the Special Education Resource Teacher at St. Francis of Assisi. Throughout her career, she has supported student success in summer programs and provided administrative leadership as a Principal Designate. Bishop Smith Catholic High School will welcome Mandy to the Acting Vice-Principal position on September 1st, 2026. 

The RCCDSB extends its warmest congratulations to these leaders as they transition into their new roles. We look forward to their contributions and anticipate a successful 2026-2027 school year ahead.