OAPCE-Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education

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Regional Meetings

News & Events

OAPCE regional meetings bring together parents from across the province to collaborate, share insights, and strengthen their role in supporting Catholic education. These gatherings provide a welcoming space for parents to learn about key initiatives, discuss local and provincial issues affecting students, and exchange ideas that help enhance school communities. Through open dialogue with OAPCE representatives and fellow parent leaders, participants gain valuable information, build connections, and contribute to a unified voice that advocates for the well-being and success of all students in Ontario’s Catholic schools. This year’s meetings featured a special presentation from Lucy Colangelo on The Digital Reset, offering parents meaningful insights and practical strategies to help children develop healthier, more mindful relationships with technology. Her session encourages families to reflect on digital habits, reconnect with purposeful use of devices, and support student well-being in an increasingly digital world.  LUCY COLANGELO WOULD LOVE the opportunity to bring the Digital Parenting Workshop to your school community. There’s also an option to pair it with the Total Digital Reset for students during the day, followed by the evening workshop for families — a powerful combination that unites the whole community in creating healthier digital habits To start planning your school’s Digital Reset, visit shineonmethod.com to book a free discovery call with LUCY today. We also welcomed all our OAPCE Liaison Representatives with our Commissioning Ceremony including new reps from Durham CDSB and Brant Haldimand CDSB. OAPCE Provincial and Regional Updates were provided to all in attendance. With rich discussions, expert guidance, and collaborative learning, OAPCE regional meetings empower parents and representatives to strengthen their voice, reinforce partnerships between home and school, and contribute to the ongoing success of Catholic education across Ontario.

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Bridging connections between faith and learning this month

Blog, Faith Activities

November opened with All Saints Day, a celebration of the holy men and women who lived their lives in faith, courage, and love of God. When we discuss this with our children, its important to remind them that Catholics do not pray to the saints for things—we ask them to pray for us, just as we ask friends to remember us in prayer. The saints remind us that holiness is found in ordinary people who live with extraordinary love.  Take some time to name some saints that your family knows – their school or parish may be named after a saint!   This month, students in our Catholic schools will also learn about Treaty Recognition Week, reflecting on promises, respect, and living in friendship with others. As parents, you can extend these lessons at home by connecting them to our faith—seeing how living respectfully, caring for creation, and keeping our word all reflect the Gospel message of love and stewardship. A beautiful example of this connection is St. Kateri Tekakwitha, known as the Lily of the Mohawks. Born in 1656 near Auriesville, New York, she was the daughter of an Algonquin mother and a Mohawk chief. After surviving a smallpox epidemic that left her with scars and partial blindness, Kateri was baptized at age 20 and dedicated her life to Christ through prayer, charity, and simplicity. Facing persecution for her faith, she fled north to Canada, finding refuge in Kahnawake, near Montreal, where she lived a life of devotion and service. In 2012, Pope Benedict XVI canonized St. Kateri, making her the first Indigenous woman of North America to be declared a saint. Her life bridges faith and culture, showing that holiness blooms when we live with gratitude, peace, and respect for all God’s creation.  Family Faith Ideas:

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How Parents Can Contact Their MPP

News & Events, Oapce in action

Advocating for Catholic Education begins with making your voice heard—and one of the most effective ways to do that is by reaching out to your local Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP). MPPs represent your concerns at Queen’s Park, and hearing directly from constituents helps them understand the issues that matter most to families. 1. Identify Your MPP Parents can easily find their local MPP by using their home address on the Ontario Legislative Assembly’s “Find My MPP” tool. Each riding has one elected representative, and this is the person responsible for bringing forward your concerns. 2. Choose How You Want to Reach Out There are several effective ways to contact your MPP. Parents can use one or a combination of the following: Email Writing an email is one of the fastest and simplest ways to share your views.A good advocacy email: Phone Call A brief phone call to the constituency office can be just as powerful.Parents may speak directly to office staff, who relay messages to the MPP. It’s helpful to clearly state: In-Person Meeting Meeting with your MPP—either at the constituency office or virtually—can have a strong impact.To request a meeting: Attend Public Events MPPs often attend community events, town halls, or local celebrations. These can be opportunities for parents to introduce themselves and briefly share their concerns in a friendly, informal setting. 3. What to Say: Key Message Ideas When advocating for Catholic Education, parents can focus on messages such as: 4. Be Respectful, Honest, and Persistent Elected officials are more likely to engage when parents communicate respectfully and constructively. Advocacy is most effective when: 5. Encourage Collective Action Matching individual advocacy with community support can amplify your voice. Parents can:

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Advent: A Season of Hope and Preparation

Faith Activities, News & Events

Advent is a sacred time in the Catholic Church that marks the beginning of the liturgical year. It is a season of hope, reflection, and joyful anticipation as we prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ. Through prayer, Scripture, and meaningful traditions, families are invited to slow down and focus on the true meaning of Christmas. In 2025, the Advent Sundays are as follows: Each Sunday marks a step in the spiritual journey toward Christmas, with themes of hope, peace, joy, and love. Advent Activities for Families Here are some simple and faith-filled ways families can celebrate Advent together: 1. Create an Advent Wreath: Light one candle each Sunday and say a short prayer or read a Scripture passage as a family. 2. Daily Advent Devotions: Use a family-friendly devotional or online resource to reflect together each evening. 3. Kindness Calendar: Make an Advent calendar with daily acts of kindness like “Help a sibling,” “Donate a toy,” or “Say a prayer for someone.” 4. Attend Parish Events: Participate in Advent Masses, reconciliation services, or parish missions to grow spiritually as a family. 5. Jesse Tree: Create ornaments representing biblical figures and stories leading to Jesus’ birth. Hang one each day and read the Scripture together. 6. Advent Music Night: Sing or listen to hymns like O Come, O Come, Emmanuel and reflect on their meaning. 7. Set Up a Prayer Corner: Designate a small space with candles, a Bible, and Advent symbols for quiet prayer time. 8. Send Faith-Filled Cards: Write Christmas cards with Scripture verses or Advent messages to share the joy of the season. 9. Bake & Share: Make treats together and deliver them to someone in need, teaching generosity and compassion. 10. Nativity Crafts: Create a nativity scene using paper, clay, or recycled materials and retell the story of Jesus’ birth.

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OAPCE Opening Message

Blog, News & Events

Dear Parents ACROSS THE PROVINCE, As we prepare to enter the holy season of Advent, we are invited into a time of hopeful waiting, joyful expectation, and spiritual renewal. Advent reminds us that God is always drawing near—bringing light where there is darkness, peace where there is worry, and love that transforms our hearts. In this beautiful season, your continued involvement in your children’s Catholic schools becomes an important way to share that light and hope within our community. By staying active and engaged, you help create school environments where faith is nourished, where Gospel values are lived, and where children can encounter the true meaning of Advent: preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. Your presence—whether through participation in events, support for learning, or collaboration with teachers and fellow parents—strengthens the bond between home, school, and parish, and enriches the spiritual journey of every child. As we begin this season of preparation, may God bless your families with peace, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose. Together, let us walk in faith, guiding our children toward the hope, joy, and wonder of Christmas.

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News from the Ministry of Education

News & Events

The Ontario government is requiring school boards to establish Student and Family Support Offices, so parents and guardians have a clear, effective way to get help regarding their child’s education and find solutions faster. The offices will act as an additional way to help families get answers on broader community concerns, as well as contentious or complex issues that need to be escalated after speaking with the school. This initiative is one more way the government is delivering on its broader plan to make school boards more accountable and focused on student success with a back-to-basics approach that strengthens student achievement and prepares them for rewarding careers.

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OAPCE Survey Results Are In!

Oapce in action

Thank you to all the parents who shared their voices in this year’s survey. Your feedback helps us understand what’s happening in our Catholic schools and how OAPCE can best serve families across Ontario. Here are a few highlights: OAPCE is listening. These insights will help shape our advocacy, programs, and resources in the year ahead.

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Carlo Acutis

OAPCE Book Nook

Carlo Acutis is known as the first millennial saint and has been affectionately nicknamed “God’s influencer.” He used his tech skills to create a website documenting Eucharistic miracles, and he lived a life of deep devotion to the Eucharist, daily Mass, and helping the poor. His relatable personality—jeans, sneakers, and love for video games—has made him a powerful role model for young Catholics around the world.

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The Saints Chronicles

OAPCE Book Nook

 (Graphic Novels) is a vibrant graphic novel series that brings the lives of Catholic saints to life with dynamic illustrations and compelling storytelling. Each volume features inspiring tales of courage, faith, and virtue, making the heroic journeys of saints accessible and engaging for middle grade readers and teens. A perfect blend of entertainment and spiritual enrichment.

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Brother Francis

OAPCE Book Nook

The Brother Francis series offers a delightful and engaging way for young children to learn about the Catholic faith. Through colorful illustrations, simple explanations, and joyful storytelling, each book introduces key aspects of Catholic teaching—such as the Mass, the Rosary, the saints, and the sacraments—in a way that’s accessible and inspiring. Perfect for home, classroom, or parish use, this series helps children grow in love for Jesus and the Church while deepening their understanding of what it means to live as a Catholic.

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