By Jacob Fehr
THERE’S a new staff member at St. Cecilia School in Port Dover, but he might be a familiar face to some. Ten years after taking his first job as a principal at the school, Bill Acres is once again the principal at St. Cecilia.
Mr. Acres told the Maple Leaf he’s worked for Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNDSCB) for 23 years. He taught Grades 5–8 and served as vice principal at St. Joseph’s School in Simcoe before becoming a principal.
Since then, he’s worked at St. Cecilia, Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School in Langton, Sacred Heart School in Paris, where he was in his sixth year, and now St. Cecilia again.
“I am here to serve the students, staff and St. Cecilia community the best I can and look forward to creating new positive relationships with this amazing community,” he said.
While students were away on their holiday break, he had his first day back at St. Cecilia “right after Christmas.” He enjoyed a warm welcome after classes resumed last Monday.
“First few days have been great. The families, staff and students have been very welcoming,” he said.
“I love the school and the vibe of being in a small town where everyone is friendly and welcoming. Lots of Maple Leafs fans here so I feel right at home.”
According to BHNCDSB’s enrolment data from November 2023, Sacred Heart in Paris had more than five times the number of students enrolled as St. Cecilia did at that time. Mr. Acres commented on how working at a smaller school is different.
“Being in a smaller school will allow me to get to know the students more quickly and attend to their needs. Being in a smaller school has the advantage that all the staff know the students very well, which is evident here at St. Cecilia,” he said.
He also discussed his goals for the school.
“Our system and school goals will still be centered around achievement in numeracy and literacy while keeping our faith at the core of our learning. However, building the best classroom communities where students treat each other with care and respect will always be at the top of my list when it comes to goal setting.”
Mr. Acres’ return to St. Cecilia followed the retirement of the school’s previous principal, Sue Defreyne. He said Ms. Defreyne “has been a friend and colleague for several years and is always a phone call away.”
Overall, he’s excited to be a Seahawk for the second time.
“Port Dover is blessed to have a great staff at St. Cecilia, and I look forward to becoming part of the school community,” he said.
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Originally published January 15, 2025
