Curious Leadership and Catholic Care: Camillo Cipriano on Building Schools That Feel Like Family
From coffee-fueled mornings to chaplain-led mental health initiatives, the Director of Education at Niagara Catholic shares why curiosity, compassion, and courage drive his vision for students.
When Camillo Cipriano walks into a school, he doesn’t aim to be the smartest person in the room, he aims to be the most curious.
“Judging someone is easy,” he shared on The LearnIt Podcast. “But asking questions, listening to their story - that’s where leadership really begins.”
Now four years into his tenure as Director of Education at Niagara Catholic District School Board, Cipriano has become known across Ontario for his relational leadership style, strong stance on student mental health, and thoughtful embrace of technology in learning. But if you ask him where it all began, he’ll take you back to a rambunctious childhood in Milton and a career that almost never happened.
A Financial Analyst Turned Faith-Based Educator
Unlike many lifelong educators, Cipriano didn’t dream of teaching as a child. He studied commerce, worked in finance, and coached his younger brother’s sports teams on the side. That’s where his spark was lit.
“One of the parents said to me, ‘You should be a teacher. You’re really good with kids,’” he recalled. “It was the first time I thought, maybe this is where I belong.”
Since then, Cipriano has held nearly every role in Catholic education, from teacher and principal to Superintendent of Education in Halton, and now Director at Niagara Catholic, overseeing more than 24,000 students and 3,000 staff.
From Pandemic Pressure to People-First Leadership
Appointed in 2020, Cipriano’s first year as Director coincided with the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Social distancing made it difficult to visit schools or meet staff in person, an ironic challenge for a leader who thrives on connection.
“I had to focus on operations first, keeping students safe, making sure learning continued,” he explained. “Only later could I truly start building relationships.”
That initial delay didn’t deter him. When restrictions were lifted, he leaned into his people-first approach. He met students, engaged parents, and encouraged every principal to get to know their learners again, not just their academic data, but their stories.
Mental Health Meets Mission
One of Cipriano’s defining contributions is Niagara Catholic’s integrated approach to mental health and faith. The board employs a system-wide chaplaincy model that combines spiritual development with psychological well-being.
“Mental health and faith are not separate in our Catholic context,” he said. “We want students to feel supported spiritually and emotionally.”
He’s also pushed the board to go beyond provincial funding, hiring more social workers and child and youth workers than the ministry allots. “Every principal would take three more in a heartbeat,” he admitted. “It’s not enough, but it’s a start.”
This aligns with national concerns. A 2023 report from the Canadian Teachers’ Federation found that 73% of educators say student mental health needs have increased significantly, yet resources often remain insufficient.
Camillo Cipriano on The LearnIt Podcast
The Cell Phone Dilemma and the AI Opportunity
Cipriano doesn’t shy away from the challenges posed by modern tech. He supports Ontario’s new policy limiting cellphone use, calling social media “a 20-pound brick students are trying to carry while learning.” But he also believes banning isn’t enough.
“We need to work with parents,” he said. “It has to be a two-way conversation. We can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube.”
On the topic of AI, he takes a more optimistic stance. He likens it to GPS or a backup camera, tools that make us more efficient. “Let’s rethink what we’re assessing. Are we testing memory or critical thinking?”
It’s a shift he hopes will inspire educators to rethink both pedagogy and purpose. “It’s not an either-or. Teach math facts and let students explore AI. We need both.”
Creating a Culture of Belonging, For Everyone
Cipriano’s vision for Niagara Catholic isn’t about legacy. It’s about ensuring every student feels safe, seen, and celebrated, regardless of their pathway.
“I want our graduates to say: I felt like I belonged. That place felt like home,” he said.
That sense of inclusion applies to staff too. As the son of a school custodian, Cipriano is keenly aware of the value every adult in a school brings. “We all have a part to play,” he said. “Leadership is about empowering others, and then getting out of the way.”
He’s also working to disrupt long-held assumptions about post-secondary success. “University isn’t the only valued path,” he stressed. “Whether it’s the trades, direct-to-work, or academia, we should celebrate every destination equally.”
Looking Ahead
With retirement somewhere on the horizon, Cipriano’s focus remains rooted in students and systems. He hopes Niagara Catholic continues to be a provincial leader in Catholic education, mental health integration, and authentic student engagement.
“The kids don’t need us to be perfect. They need us to be present. They need to know we care.”
And if there’s one piece of advice he offers new teachers, it’s this: “Get to know your students again. Who they are. What they care about. That’s where education begins.”
