About OAPCE
Our Guiding Principles
Discover the core beliefs and aspirations that drive our dedication to Catholic Education in Ontario.
Who are we?
- The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) is the voice of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the publicly funded English Catholic System of Education in the Province of Ontario since 1939.
- OAPCE is the only Catholic parent association recognized by the Ministry of Education and is mandated through the Education Act in Regulation 612 School Councils. OAPCE provides a voice for parents who share a common goal in supporting the continuation and preservation of publicly funded Catholic Education in the province.
- Our central mandate is to share information with parents, to have them better informed of local school boards and Ministry of Education policies. As advocates for Catholic Education, by providing proper information and resources for parents, we support them to help their children succeed in school, and if all our children succeed, then Catholic Education succeeds.
ENGAGE. ADVOCATE. ENHANCE
What do we do?
- We have representatives on many Ministry of Education’s initiatives and working tables such as Curriculum Review, Student Achievement Division, Healthy Schools, the Minister’s Partnership Table, and the EQAO’s Assessment Review Committee
- We are an equal partner on the Institute of Catholic Education (ICE) Board of Directors, Curriculum Review.
- Our Catholic education partners include; Bishops (ACBO), Principals (CPCO), Trustees (OCSTA), Teachers (OECTA) etc.
- We provide a parent perspective to the provincial media including the Catholic Register and Salt and Light TV.
- We invite parents in Catholic education all across Ontario to participate in our annual conference which consists of keynote speakers, celebrations of our faith and workshops related to parenting, navigating and enhancing our education system and supporting student achievement in Ontario.
- The Board of Directors accomplishes all work in their volunteer hours.
Executive Team
A Message From The Co-Executive Directors
As the voice of parents and guardians of children enrolled in the publicly funded English Catholic System of Education in Ontario, OAPCE is here to support and advocate for you. We believe that parents play a crucial role in the education of their children, and we encourage you to get involved and be a part of your child’s educational journey.
As we begin a new school year, let us hold onto hope and prioritize the health and well-being of our children. Together, with faith as our guide, we can navigate any challenges that come our way and ensure a bright future for our children.
Catholic Education is going through a challenging time, facing many different issues and concerns that our children are immersed in every day. We stand in support of parents being their child’s first educator and want to work together with mutually beneficial partnerships with all individuals, educators and administration at every level to ensure that all children achieve academic success, through the Catholic lens.
In 2024, OAPCE will be celebrating our 85th Anniversary. We invite you to join us in our mission to Engage, Advocate, and Enhance the Catholic education system. Whether it’s becoming an OAPCE representative, attending our annual conference, or simply staying informed and involved in your child’s education – Your contribution matters and makes a difference!
Annalisa Crudo-Perri and Joe Perri
Co-Executive Directors
OAPCE Board of Directors
- D. Garell-Teti, OAPCE Board Director & Chair, Halton CDSB: Halton Website
- L. Goncalves, OAPCE Board Director & Executive Communication Secretary, Toronto CDSB: Toronto Website
- R. Takawy, OAPCE Board Director, Dufferin Peel CDSB: Dufferin Peel Website
- E. Wylie, OAPCE Board Director, Hamilton CDSB: Hamilton Website
- F. Joseph, OAPCE Board Directors, London DCSB: London Website
- J. Pilzecker, OAPCE Board Director, Niagara CDSB: Niagara Website
- D. Pawlowski, OAPCE Board Director, Nipissing/Parry Sound CDSB: Nipissing/Parry Sound Website
- A. Madonna, OAPCE Board Director, Simcoe Muskoka CDSB: Muskoka Website
- J. Tecson, OAPCE Board Director, Toronto CDSB: Toronto Website
Why Be a Member of OAPCE?
- We are the only Ministry of Education recognized organization that advocates for protection and promotion of Catholic Education in Ontario.
- OAPCE elevates the profile of a publicly funded Catholic system of education by providing opportunities for ongoing information sharing, resources, learning, networking and community building.
How Do We Represent The Voice of Parents?
The OAPCE Representatives:
As per Section 612 of the Education Act, every local parent school council is required to have an OAPCE representative. This position must be held by a Roman Catholic parent or guardian of a child currently in a Catholic District School Board. This position is an additional voting parent member position to the usual School Council membership and the purpose is to provide contact between the school council, the regional council and the provincial Association. These OAPCE Liaison Representatives will sit as part of a Regional Council and become the conduit to share parents views and concerns with the OAPCE.
OAPCE LIAISON REPRESENTATIVE
The OAPCE Liaison Representative is mandated role by the Ministry of Education. The Ontario Education Act, Regulation 612/00 states, “3. (1) A school council for a school shall be composed of the following people … 8. One person appointed by an association that is a member of the Ontario Federation of Home School Associations, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education or Parent Partenaires en Education, if the association that is a member of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education or Parent Pertenaires en Education is established in respect of the school”. Parent Voting member on Parent Council. Be a point of contact for information sharing between OAPCE and Parent Council.
OAPCE communicates with parents across the province through our email distribution list, newsletters, website facebook and twitter. The OAPCE Board of Directors is the governing body of a province-wide network of parents and guardians whose children are enrolled in publicly funded Catholic Education. OAPCE is a member of the Institute of Catholic Education (ICE) and works with all Catholic Education partners such as OCSTA, CPCO, OECTA to name a few. OAPCE is invited to working tables and committees of the Ministry of Education and other Education partners to provide the parent perspective. From these meetings and events we receive information about the issues in the Catholic Education system of Ontario. This information is shared with our OAPCE Liaison Representatives which they, in turn, share with their School Parent Councils.
In addition, we provide OAPCE Reps with information about:
- The operations and activities of OAPCE.
- Upcoming education events taking place across the province.
- Provide parents with opportunities to provide feedback on Ministry initiatives or other Educational issues.
1) Volunteer be the OAPCE Liason Rep on our School Parent Council
2) Have your Principal notify your School Board that you are their Representative for your school.
3) Your School Board usually notifies OAPCE, but you can also or fill out our contact form on our website at oapce.org.
4) You will receive information, newsletters and request for feedback directly to your email.
5) Pass this information to your School Council.
OAPCE 5 Tips for Reps
OAPCE Liaison Representative Role
• Be a point of contact for information sharing between OAPCE and the School Parent Council.
What should I do now that I am an OAPCE Liaison Representative?
Catholic School Board Members
Our Education Partners and Stakeholders in Catholic Education
• Ontario Ministry of Education: As we are recognized by the Ministry of Education through the Ed. Act Schools Councils 612, we work collaboratively with them to provide consultations, and feedback and act as the voice for parents in Catholic Education.
By-Laws and Financial Statement
The OAPCE By-laws are currently under review for conformity with the Not-For-Profit Corporations Act. To avoid confusion, the link to them has been temporarily removed. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact OAPCE at [email protected]
Financial Statement
For The Year June 30th, 2024
Membership Overview and Year End Report
Membership Overview
May 2024
Year End Report
For The Year 2023-2024