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Fall Message 2023

Bishop Message

  OAPCE Fall 2023 message from the Liaison Bishop ✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM The school year that started a few weeks ago is an important milestone for the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE). Founded in 1939, the Association is about to celebrate 85 years of existence. This is a unique occasion to reflect more deeply on the role of parents in Catholic education. In his apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia, The Joy of Love, (2016) Pope Francis declared that “the family is the first school of human values.” (§ 274) Thus, parents are the first educators of the children God entrusted to them. In 2018, echoing Pope Francis, the Bishops of Ontario wrote the apostolic letter Renewing the promise. They remind parents that “God has gifted you with children and you are their first and most important educators. Yours is the task to immerse them in the unconditional love of God found in Christ Jesus.” (§ 16) In today’s world, this is not an easy mission. Your most important commitment is to continue to invest in your role as first and most influent educators of the children God gave you in his love. It requires from each and every one of us a renewed personal encouter with Christ, the risen Lord. Like any human beings, your children’s hearts desire God. You are the voice that reminds them on a daily basis that God’s love is calling them. In his 1975 apostolic exhortation Evangelii Nuntiandi, pope Saint Paul VI wrote, “for the Church, the first means of evangelization is the witness of an authentically Christian life, given over to God in a communion that nothing should destroy and at the same time given to one’s neighbor with limitless zeal. As we said recently to a group of lay people, ‘Modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses’.” (§ 41) As parents, you are certainly called by God to be witnesses “of an authentically Christian life.” By giving yourselves wholeheartedly to your family, you give yourself to God and his project of love for the whole of humanity. My prayer for all of you who are Catholic parents, for our Catholic schools and for all those who dedicate their life the Catholic education or our children, is that together we might turn our hearts to Christ. In return, Christ will introduce us once again in the communion with the Father. He will renew in us the gifts of the Spirit. In the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, we will become more and more witnesses of Christ for our children and for the whole humanity. ✠ Yvan Mathieu, SM

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85th Anniversary

News & Events

Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) Unveils New Website and Commemorates 85th Anniversary Toronto, Ontario – October 10, 2023 The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) is thrilled to introduce its freshly launched website, coinciding with a significant milestone – the celebration of its 85th anniversary. This newly revamped digital hub is designed to empower parents with a wealth of resources, essential information, and advocacy tools while emphasizing the critical role parents hold as the primary educators of their children. Our theme this year is: Celebrate OAPCE 85: A Yearlong Celebration of Change, Commitment and Catholic Education. As we celebrate this milestone anniversary of OAPCE, we recognize the importance of parent leadership in shaping the entire education landscape in Ontario. As part of our celebration, we are excited to unveil our new logo, symbolizing our unwavering dedication to families in Catholic Education. The focal point of this launch is an engaging blog series, featuring a recent article titled “Upholding Parental Rights and Values in Canadian Education.” This blog post delves into OAPCE’s commitment to safeguarding parental voice and authority in education, with a particular focus on parental involvement in family-related school matters. Blog Series Highlights: Upholding Parental Rights and Values in Canadian Education: This article underscores the significance of parental engagement and stresses the need to uphold parental rights, particularly in sensitive family matters. The Voice of Parents: Advocacy, Engagement, and Empowerment: Discover how OAPCE advocates for parental rights, encourages active involvement, and empowers parents to have a meaningful say in their children’s education. Love, Values, and Catholic Education: A Commitment to Holistic Growth: Explore OAPCE’s perspective on the role of Catholic schools in promoting love, values, and inclusivity, in accordance with Catholic teachings. Our New Website and Anniversary Logo: Celebrating Parents as First Educators: Get acquainted with the exciting features and resources available on OAPCE’s new website, along with a special anniversary logo that symbolizes the enduring partnership between parents, schools, and the community. Quotes from the Article: Preserving Parental Rights and Values in Canadian Education: “We will always be a voice of parents in Catholic schools, as we are mandated in the Education Act and engage, advocate and enhance the gift of Catholic education.” – Joe Perri, Co-Executive Director of OAPCE. As OAPCE, and in the spirit of the Catholic faith, we are committed to working in harmony with our partners in the Catholic School community. We stand by an open door policy and encourage meaningful dialogue and participation with educators, teachers and administrators alike. Together we can ensure the future is brighter and better for all our children. Your Role: OAPCE encourages parents, educators, and community members to share these blogs to ensure that every parent in the community has access to these valuable resources. By amplifying our collective voice, we can empower parents and emphasize the crucial role they play in their children’s education. Stay Connected: Visit the new OAPCE website to access the complete blog series and stay updated on advocacy initiatives, events, and resources. Join us in celebrating parents as the first educators, and let us work together to make a positive impact on our children’s education. About OAPCE: The Ontario Association of Parents In Catholic Education (OAPCE) is dedicated to advancing the role of parents as first educators. We work tirelessly to empower parents, foster collaboration between parents and schools, and advocate for parental rights in Catholic education. For media inquiries or further information, please contact: [email protected]

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Politicians affirm parental rights on pronouns

Oapce in action

With gender identity and its place in schools exploding across the Canadian media landscape, a Catholic parent group is pleased to find political proponents of safeguarding parental voice and authority. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is the latest leader to add his voice to the gender pronoun debate, following New Brunswick and Saskatchewan Premiers Blaine Higgs and Scott Moe in supporting the parental right to be informed should their child wish to change their identifying pronoun. “It’s not up to the teachers. It’s not up to the school boards to indoctrinate our kids,” said Ford to a crowd attending Ford Fest in Kitchener, Ont., on Sept. 8. “It’s the parents’ responsibility to hear what the kids are doing and not the school boards. I can’t even figure out what school boards do nowadays, by the way.” Ford’s remarks are sympatico to what Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce said on Aug. 28 about a child’s decision to use a different pronoun at school. “I think we understand though that parents must be fully involved and fully aware of what’s happening in the life of their children. I mean, often there are health implications, and I think we have to respect the rights of parents and recognize that these can be life-changing decisions, and I think parents want to be involved so that they can support their kids. And I think that’s a really important principle that we must uphold.” Joe Perri, the co-executive director of the Ontario Association of Parents In Catholic Education (OAPCE), agrees with Ford and Lecce. He said his organization strives to safeguard the voice and authority of the parents. “We work to create a partnership between parents and schools, where parents are empowered to be actively involved in their children’s education and have a meaningful voice in decision-making processes,” said Perri. “Any changes or decisions regarding their child’s gender identity or any other non-curricular items are a family matter.” Gender identity and other hot topics related to sexual orientation in schools have generated intense debate between a host of different stakeholder groups. The question about gender pronouns or if a Catholic school should raise the Pride flag in June are a front in the ever-raging culture wars. Last month, the Angus Reid Institute provided a statistical glimpse into how Canadians feel about whether parents should be informed and if they should have consent over their child’s decision to change their preferred name or pronoun. The study revealed only 14 per cent of respondents believe parents should neither be informed nor have consent. Forty-three per cent state parents must be informed and give consent for this change, while 35 per cent affirmed parents only need to be informed if their child chooses a different identification. One perspective not often heard in the pronoun debate is the Archdiocese of Toronto, which partners with the Dufferin-Peel, Durham, Simcoe Muskoka, Toronto, York and the Conseil scolaire catholique MonAvenir Catholic school boards. “In matters of Catholic education, we often speak of the partnership that exists between parish, home and school,” said Neil MacCarthy, the director of public relations and communications for the Archdiocese. “Each plays a critical role in the formation of our young people. We also recognize that parents are the first educators of their children. While the archdiocese does not oversee publicly funded Catholic schools, parents rightly expect that all partners in Catholic education will ensure that Catholic teaching is presented, lived and infused in all that we do.” Perri vowed that OAPCE will be that voice keeping the Catholic schools accountable. “We will always be a voice of parents in Catholic schools, as we are mandated in the Education Act and engage, advocate and enhance the gift of Catholic education,” said Perri. Read The Article

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Upholding Parental Rights And Values In Canadian Education

Blog

With the issue of gender identity in schools making headlines across the Canadian media landscape, the Ontario Association of Parents In Catholic Education (OAPCE), is heartened to see political leaders championing the cause of safeguarding parental voice and authority. Ontario Premier Doug Ford, in particular, has joined the debate, echoing the sentiments of New Brunswick and Saskatchewan Premiers Blaine Higgs and Scott Moe, all of whom support parental rights when it comes to being informed about their child’s decision to change their identifying pronoun. Parents are the primary caregivers in their children’s lives and schools are entrusted with their care, they do not replace parents or assume their role. RELATED ARTICLE: Politicians Affirm Parental Rights on Pronouns Read Article These statements align with the views of Ontario Education Minister Stephen Lecce, who remarked on the importance of parental engagement in a child’s life. Lecce emphasized, “I think we understand though that parents must be fully involved and fully aware of what’s happening in the life of their children. I mean, often there are health implications, and I think we have to respect the rights of parents and recognize that these can be life-changing decisions, and I think parents want to be involved so that they can support their kids. And I think that’s a really important principle that we must uphold.” Joe Perri, Co-Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Parents In Catholic Education (OAPCE), stands in agreement with these statements, he highlighted OAPCE’s mission, which is to foster a partnership between parents and schools, empowering parents to actively participate in their children’s education and ensuring they have a meaningful voice in the decision-making processes. According to Perri, “Any changes or decisions regarding their child’s gender identity or any other non-curricular items are a family matter.” RELATED ARTICLE: THE POWER OF PARENT LEADERSHIP  Read More Gender identity and other related topics have ignited intense debates among various stakeholder groups. Discussions range from gender pronouns to whether Catholic schools should raise the Pride flag in June, sparking what can be described as an ongoing cultural battle. To provide context and insight into Canadian perspectives, the Angus Reid Institute conducted a poll, shedding light on public sentiment regarding parental involvement in decisions related to their child’s gender identity. The study revealed that only 14 percent of respondents believe parents should neither be informed nor have consent. In contrast, 43 percent advocate for parents being informed and granting consent, while 35 percent support parents being informed if their child chooses a different identification. In the midst of these debates, the voice of the Archdiocese of Toronto, in partnership with several Catholic school boards, has been notable. Neil MacCarthy, the director of public relations and communications for the Archdiocese, emphasized the crucial partnership between parish, home, and school in the formation of young people. Recognizing that parents are the primary educators of their children, the Archdiocese underscores the importance of infusing Catholic teaching in all aspects of education. Joe Perri, on behalf of OAPCE, made a firm commitment to advocate for parental rights and accountability in Catholic schools. He stated, “We will always be a voice of parents in Catholic schools, as we are mandated in the Education Act to engage, advocate and enhance the gift of Catholic education.” One parent, M. Pierucci, expressed her support for the stance taken by OAPCE and political leaders, saying, “As a parent, I believe it’s the parents right to be informed when it comes to my child’s education, especially sensitive topics such as gender ideology. The best people to provide the support and nurturing our children need are their parents.” In conclusion, the interviews and articles with OAPCE and the insights from political leaders and educators underscore the significance of parental rights and involvement in Canadian education, particularly in matters related to gender identity. It reflects an ongoing dialogue about the balance between parental authority, school policies, and the well-being of students, with a focus on upholding the values and teachings that are integral to Catholic education in Ontario.

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The Power of Parent Leadership

Oapce in action

Parent engagement has faced its fair share of challenges over the years. Many parents have felt disconnected from the school community, lacking opportunities to voice their concerns both at the local and board level, and to contribute actively to decision-making processes. During the pandemic so much of what had been part of school life shut down. And many parents spoke of not feeling an open welcome as schools reopened. Post-pandemic, parents are once again finding their voice. Now, they seem to be regaining their footing in the life of the school. It has been a challenge, but thankfully there is a shift happening with parents being re-engaged and recognized as key stakeholders in their children’s education. The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education, as the voice of parents in Catholic education, is actively bridging the gap between parents, school leaders and educators, empowering parents to lead and advocate for their children’s education “In a world where education is constantly evolving to meet the needs of a technologically advancing society, parents have a vital role to play in this process. As we celebrate the 85th anniversary of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), we recognize the importance of parent leadership in shaping the entire education landscape in Ontario,” reiterates Annalisa Crudo-Perri, Co-Executive Director, OAPCE. “These are challenging times in Catholic education; it is crucial for parents to be involved and take on leadership roles to ensure their child receives an education through a Catholic perspective, an education that reflects their values and beliefs.” Education is not just the responsibility of boards, schools and administrators; it is a partnership between parents and educators. When parents take on leadership roles and work alongside schools and educators, the school community thrives. The benefits of parent leadership are numerous. It improves parent engagement and involvement in the school community. Parents who become more invested in their child’s education feel a stronger sense of belonging in the school’s success, resulting in improved communication and collaboration among all stakeholders. An inclusive and supportive learning environment can be created through the active participation of parent leaders. By contributing these unique perspectives, experiences and skills, parent leaders enrich the decision-making processes, ensuring that the education provided reflects the values and beliefs of Catholic families. Parent leaders have a deep understanding of their child’s strengths, needs and learning styles, which can build instructional strategies and interventions. Moreover, their diverse backgrounds and expertise contribute to the overall growth and richness of the school community. When parents feel valued and included, they are more likely to actively contribute their time and skills to support the school’s initiatives, which fosters a sense of community and belonging within the school environment. Volunteering in the classroom, organizing community events and supporting field trips are just a few examples of parent involvement that can strengthen the school community. Inherently, many parents are engaged early on at the elementary school level. However, as children transition into high school, for many parents that parent engagement seems to stop. “Continuing to be involved, whether to attend the parent council meetings or involve themselves with larger coordinated support initiatives in high school, is an invaluable ingredient to our children’s school successes,” states Joe Perri, Co-Executive Director, OAPCE, and one of the speaking hosts of the Beyond-U presentation “Home, School & Beyond.” Parents have the power to inspire their children and those around them. By working together, parents, school leaders and teacher leaders can create a supportive network that benefits everyone involved, especially in our children’s transformative teenage years. The current challenges in Catholic education demand active parent leadership. Amidst the ongoing concerns of vast changes to the cultures of schools and in the classrooms, the need to uphold Catholic values is imperative. Parents have a unique role to play in preserving and enhancing Catholic education. As the primary educators of their children, parents can advocate for policies and programs that align with Catholic teachings. They can collaborate with school leaders and educational leaders to create a school environment that fosters Catholic.

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Welcome Back: Embracing Hope, Health & Happiness as We Begin The New 2023-24 School Year!

Blog

As another school year begins, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) would like to extend a warm welcome to all parents, guardians, and students. We hope that you have had a restful and rejuvenating summer break and are ready to embark on a successful year of learning and growth. 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.” A. Crudo-Perri and J. Perri, Co-Executive Directors, OAPCE. One of the ways you can get involved is by becoming an OAPCE representative. As per Section 612 of the Education Act, every local parent school council whose board pays membership is required to have an OAPCE representative who acts as a link between the school council and the provincial association. This position provides an opportunity for you to engage with other parents, share your views and concerns, and play a part in shaping the future of Catholic education in Ontario. Consider becoming a representative and making a difference in your child’s school community. As we start a new academic year, here are some helpful tips for parents: Establish open lines of communication with your child’s teacher. Regularly check in on their progress and discuss any concerns or questions you may have. Create a designated study space at home where your child can focus and concentrate on their schoolwork. Minimize distractions and provide a quiet and organized environment. Encourage healthy habits, such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a consistent sleep schedule. These habits can greatly impact your child’s ability to stay focused and engaged in their learning. Stay informed about your child’s curriculum and assignments. Attend school events, parent-teacher meetings, and stay updated on any communication from the school. Being actively involved in your child’s education shows them that you value and support their learning journey. Foster a love for learning and encourage your child to explore their interests. Provide opportunities for them to engage in extracurricular activities and discover new passions. Moreover, here are some tips you can share with your children to help them make the most of the school year: Set goals for the year and break them down into smaller achievable tasks. By setting goals, your child can stay motivated and focused on their objectives. Develop good study habits, such as creating a study schedule, taking breaks, and reviewing material regularly. Be organized by keeping track of assignments, due dates, and important school events. Use a planner or digital tools to stay on top of your responsibilities. Seek help when needed. Encourage your child to reach out to their teachers or classmates if they are struggling with a particular subject or concept. Remind them that asking for help is a sign of strength and a way to grow. T. ake care of their well-being by practicing self-care activities such as exercise, spending time with family and friends, and engaging in hobbies they enjoy. As we embark on a new school year, let us remember the importance of working together as a community to support our children’s education. OAPCE is here to serve as your voice and advocate for the continuation and preservation of publicly funded Catholic education in Ontario. In 2024 we will be celebrating our 85th Anniversary and 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. Together, let’s make this school year a memorable and successful one for our children. Welcome back, and may God bless you and your families. Stay tuned for many new initiatives coming from OAPCE including a fresh new logo, website and many other new ideas from us! Here’s to the 2023/24 school year! Sincerely, The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE)

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NOVENA TO THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Topical Prayers

Let us once again pray together for the Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus – a heart that overflows with love for each and every one of us.During Catholic Education Week, we celebrated that we are many and we are one. Our provincial symposium reminded us that we are also all “On the Way”! Together, on the journey, we pray. We place our trust in you, Lord… ON THE WAY.You call us to love God and love our neighbour… ON THE WAY.You are with us in times of trouble … ON THE WAY.You call us to be generous and helpful to those we meet … ON THE WAY.You give us yourself as living bread – food for the journey… ON THE WAY.You call us to be peacemakers … ON THE WAY.Let our light shine … ON THE WAY.Teach us … ON THE WAY.Jesus, give light to our learning … ON THE WAY.Remind us that we never walk alone … ON THE WAY.

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Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Francis Leo as Archbishop of Toronto

News & Events

Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis Leo, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Montreal, as the 13th Archbishop of Toronto. The archbishop-designate succeeds Cardinal Thomas Collins, who has served the archdiocese since 2007. The new archbishop will be installed at a ceremony at St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica on a date to be confirmed in the coming days. Following his installation, he will begin his assignment as shepherd of Canada’s largest Catholic diocese, comprising almost two million Catholics and 225 parishes.

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