The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) is proud to serve as a provincial voice for parents and families, advocating for the continued growth, strength, and vitality of Catholic education across Ontario. At the heart of OAPCE’s mission is the belief that parents are essential partners in their children’s education and that their voices, perspectives, and lived experiences should help shape the future of Catholic schools.
Through ongoing advocacy, collaboration, and engagement with education partners, OAPCE works to ensure that the distinctive identity of Catholic education remains strong and that the needs of students and families are heard. This includes promoting the importance of faith formation and Catholic values in our schools, supporting meaningful parent engagement, encouraging open communication between families and school communities, and bringing forward parent perspectives on issues that affect student learning, well-being, inclusion, and the overall Catholic educational experience.
OAPCE’s advocacy takes many forms. For example, we work to strengthen the connection between parents and school boards by encouraging opportunities for meaningful dialogue and participation in education-related discussions. We help bring attention to the importance of preserving the Catholic identity of our schools, including the integration of faith, Gospel values, and Catholic teachings into everyday learning and school life. We also advocate for the well-being and success of all students, recognizing the importance of safe, welcoming, inclusive, and supportive learning environments where every child can reach their full potential.
Our provincial role allows us to bring forward common concerns and perspectives shared by parents from communities across Ontario. Whether discussing student mental health and well-being, access to appropriate student supports, the importance of parent involvement in decision-making, or the protection and promotion of publicly funded Catholic education, OAPCE strives to ensure that the parent voice remains an important part of the conversation. By connecting families, school communities, and education leaders, we help foster collaboration and encourage solutions that reflect the needs and values of Catholic school communities.
We recognize that this work would not be possible without the valued partnership of Catholic school boards across the province. OAPCE extends its sincere gratitude to all school boards that support our mission and are members of our association. Your commitment to parent engagement, your willingness to collaborate, and your ongoing support of Catholic education help strengthen the relationship between parents and the education system.
We are grateful for the many ways school boards contribute to this shared mission, including supporting parent involvement, facilitating communication with school communities, encouraging participation in Catholic education initiatives, and working alongside parents and community partners to address the evolving needs of students and families. These partnerships help create opportunities for parents to share their perspectives, learn more about issues affecting Catholic education, and contribute to conversations that shape their children’s educational experiences.
For instance, collaboration between OAPCE and school boards can help bring forward parent perspectives on proposed education policies, encourage greater awareness of Catholic education priorities, promote parent participation in school and board-level discussions, and highlight the importance of faith-based learning and student well-being. By working together, we can identify shared priorities, exchange ideas, and strengthen the support systems that help students thrive academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.
We also acknowledge the important work taking place within individual school boards every day. Trustees, directors of education, administrators, educators, and parent representatives all play an important role in maintaining strong Catholic school communities. OAPCE values the opportunity to work alongside these partners, recognizing that effective advocacy is built on mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to the success of every student.
As we look to the future, OAPCE remains committed to advocating for Catholic education across Ontario, amplifying the voices of parents, and working collaboratively with school boards and education partners to address emerging challenges and opportunities. Our collective efforts help ensure that Catholic education continues to offer students not only academic knowledge and skills, but also a strong foundation in faith, compassion, service, social responsibility, and Gospel values.
To all Catholic school boards across Ontario, thank you for being valued members of OAPCE and for your continued partnership, trust, and support. Your involvement strengthens our provincial voice and reinforces the importance of working together to preserve and advance Catholic education for current and future generations.
Together, we can continue to champion the distinctiveness of Catholic education, empower parents to be active participants in their children’s educational journeys, and build strong, faith-filled school communities where every student is supported, valued, and inspired to succeed.
Together, our voices are stronger. Together, our partnerships make a difference. Together, we advocate for the future of Catholic education across Ontario.