

Sonia Boudreault
School Board Trustee for the Conseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de l’Ontario (CEPEO) in Rideau-Vanier and Rideau-Rockcliffe
Contact information
sonia@soniaboudreault.ca
Who am I?
I was a primary school teacher with the CEPEO in Ottawa area schools for 15 years.
As a child, I attended CEPEO schools throughout my childhood and adolescence; Le Trillium (now Mauril-Bélanger), Francojeunesse and De La Salle (class of 1999)!
I have been a stay-at-home mom for several years now. This gave me the opportunity to homeschool my two children during most of the pandemic.
I am married to my childhood friend, Marc-André. Together, we make a great team; we support each other in order to maintain balance and achieve our goals.
I am a proud Franco-Ontarian and bilingualism is part of my cultural identity. Also, I’m able to communicate in Spanish.
I am originally from Ottawa and currently live in the same neigborhood where I grew up; Vanier!
I did my BA in communications and my BA in education at the University of Ottawa.
I completed my yoga teacher training at the Upward Dog Center in 2003 and taught yoga at the Routhier Community Center in Lowertown for a few years.
I am the only child of two amazing parents who have taken great care of me throughout my life. In their golden age, it is now my turn to start lending a hand when they need it. Being neighbours makes it easier for us! We can help each other every day!
I am someone who tries to show openness and kindness in my interactions with others while always making sure to respect my own boundaries. I regularly question myself on the way I see things and I listen carefully to the perspectives of others since I always seek to have a better understanding of the world. I always seek to improve myself as a person and I am always ready to help people around me.
Why school board trustee?
Education has been a passion of mine for several years. My years of experience in the public school system and my knowledge of self-directed learning give me a unique perspective on education.
Having been an elementary school teacher for several years, I know first-hand the challenges within the classroom.
I appreciate that, despite the good will and sustained efforts of teachers, many children experience discomfort and difficulties related to school.
I understand very well why many teachers are exhausted and why some are thinking of leaving the profession, just as I did.
As a parent, I also know that we would be ready to move heaven and earth to ensure the happiness and well-being of our children.
Although I know that those who work in the field of education work tirelessly to ensure the safety and happiness of children, I also recognize that there is room for systemic improvements.
We need a system that puts the welfare of the child at the heart of all decisions made.
An inclusive system that values each child in their individuality.
A system that prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its employees so that they are able to properly accompany our children on their learning journeys.
A more forward-thinking system that adequately prepares our children for the future that awaits them.
We have to refocus our efforts; the well-being of our children and our teachers depend on it.
Yes, I am often critical of the current situation in education… but I also have an abundance of practical solutions to bring to the table.
I would like to have the opportunity to influence positive change.
I would like to be the voice of people in my community who need to be heard and support those who need help navigating the education system.