That leadership was honoured with the 2021 Fr. John Redmond Memorial Award by the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario at its late April gala event to honour principals from across the province.
“I was very humbled and honoured to receive the award,” said Daly, president of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association. “I’ve been blessed with an unbelievably supportive wife, Carol, who really is more deserving of this than any other recognition I’ve ever received. She’s for sure the rock in our family. My four children and daughter-in-law have been amazing and the wonderful trustees and staff that I’ve journeyed with. Whether it’s in the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board or OCSTA, I’ve been just so blessed, and I continue to be encouraged and supported by my fellow trustees in Hamilton and at the provincial level. I’m happy to serve.”
Daly has served as chair of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic board since 1991. He served his first tenure as OCSTA president in 1996, 20 years later in 2016 and then again in 2020. He continues to fulfill a pivotal role in the shaping of legislation and policies having impact on Catholic education.
The annual award is named for Fr. John Redmond, a Basilian priest, man of prayer and an inspirational leader whom Daly holds in high esteem. Redmond embodied the finest traditions and qualities of a Catholic educator and believed in an holistic approach to education. He coached track and field and was an advocate for athletics and arts in the development of students as world citizens. He passed away in 1981.
“I never met Fr. Redmond, but I for sure knew of him and that he was an outstanding Catholic priest and a great Catholic educator,” said Daly.
“I was most connected to his commitment in terms of Catholic education to the whole child — the academic, the spiritual as well as co-curricular. He coached sports which I’m a strong advocate for. I wish I had the chance to meet him, but clearly he has just a rich legacy.”
The annual award ceremony recognizes extraordinary service in Catholic education at the provincial level. Other presentations included awards for excellence, service, employee recognition and student scholarship. Since the 2020 gala was postponed due to the pandemic this year’s celebration honoured both 2020 and 2021 award recipients.
Michael Pautler, was the 2020 recipient of the Fr. John Redmond Memorial Award. Pautler has worked as a teacher, vice-principal and principal with the Toronto Catholic District School Board, superintendent of education with the Durham board and director of education in Halton. He’s been a recipient of numerous honours, including the Cross Pro Ecclsesia et Pontifice, conferred by Pope Francis.
Last year’s principal of the year award recipients included Mary Ellen Cornelius and Jenny Frappa of Hamilton-Wentworth, Corey Gardi of Huron Superior, Tim Laliberte of York and Jim Raper of Durham.
Juli Faubert of St. Clair, Guy Mathieu of Sudbury, Michael O’Grady of Dufferin-Peel and Brennan Trainor of Renfrew County were the 2021 awardees.
“To see the principals like those who were honoured is just wonderful,” said Daly.
“Catholic principals and vice principals have a crucially important role with regard to leadership and Christian witness. I was just so happy to see all of them and honoured that they represent outstanding men and women across the province.”