OAPCE-Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education

OAPCE

ECNO

The Educational Collaborative Network of Ontario (known to our members as ECNO) isproud to play an important role in the Ontario education system.Our strength comes from our members: Ontario’s 72 school Boards and a growing list ofIndigenous education authorities. They all understand the value in having a collaborative,open, and forward-thinking collective interested in maximizing the impact of IT in 21stcentury education and administration.

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Bible Stories with LEGO Bricks

Discover Bible Stories with LEGO Bricks! Hey kids! Get ready to dive into your favorite Bible stories, all brought to life with amazing LEGO designs. This awesome book is perfect for young readers who love Bible stories or are crazy about LEGO bricks. Inside, you’ll find six classic Bible stories, each illustrated in full color with LEGO creations: -Noah’s Ark: See Noah and his boat filled with animals. -David and Goliath: Watch David take on the giant, Goliath. -Daniel in the Lion’s Den: Find out how Daniel survived in a den of lions. -Joseph’s Colorful Coat: Learn about Joseph’s special coat and his dreams. -Jonah and the Whale: Discover how Jonah survive inside a whale. -The Birth of Jesus: Celebrate the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem.  This book is a must-have for any young LEGO fan or Bible story lover! đŸ“–đŸ§±âœš

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Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs

Parents are always looking out for the perfect bedtime book to create a sense of well-being before a night of rest. Mama Kisses, Papa Hugs explores a child’s curiosity about how love is shown between parent and child, with the reassurance that Mama and Papa will always love their little one. And like Lisa Tawn Bergren’s young protagonist asks his mother, this question is pressing on the minds of many children: “Mama, how does God kiss us?” Mama smiled. “He kisses us a hundred times a day; although if you don’t pay attention, you might miss it.”

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Saint of the Month John the Baptist

John the Baptist (June 24th) John the Baptist was a special person chosen by God to prepare the way for Jesus. He was Jesus’ cousin and helped people get ready to meet Jesus by teaching them to be kind, say sorry for their mistakes, and live good lives. John baptized people in the Jordan River, including Jesus himself! That moment showed everyone that Jesus was truly the Son of God. Catholics remember John the Baptist because: đŸ‘šâ€đŸ‘©â€đŸ‘§â€đŸ‘Š Family Activities

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OAPCE Year End Message

Parents are the first educators of their children.  What we do in a school is to build on the foundation of that education as we encourage children to grow intellectually, socially, emotionally and spiritually.  As a result, we expect that parents continue to support their children in this process.  They often do this by assisting their children with homework, supporting their children in extra-curricular events and encouraging them in their relationships with others.  Moreover, our parents make a commitment to nourish the spiritual dimension of their children’s growth by assuring that what schools accomplish for seven hours out of a day is reiterated at home. Religious instruction in our schools is only valuable when our students have a time and a place to live out their religion.  The teaching of Gospel values is only understood when our students have the opportunity to serve in the community, attend worship services on the weekend and witness positive behavior in their homes and in their neighborhoods.  So when parents choose a Catholic education they are choosing more than a school.  They are choosing a way of life for their children and their family and they are making a commitment to raise their children in homes that reinforce the lessons that are taught at school. We are most grateful to parents who make these choices every single day.  Yet the real value of a Catholic education does not lay only in name.  Instead, the value of a Catholic education is measured in the character of the children that we have educated together.  Some say teaching is a thankless job.  Others say parenting is a thankless job.  We have come to realize that both statements are false.  Neither are jobs.  They are vocations to which we have all been called.   We are confident that the end result for all of us is to help nurture young children into young men and women  who exhibit academic achievement and spiritual growth so as to become active participants in building the Kingdom of God.

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A Message from Cardinal Leo

As June marks the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cardinal Leo invites all the faithful to reflect deeply on this enduring Catholic devotion. In his message, he reminds us that the Sacred Heart is more than a symbol—it is the source of Christ’s sacrificial love, mercy, and hope. As we navigate a world filled with uncertainty, the Heart of Jesus anchors us in divine love and calls us to a renewed life of faith and holiness.

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Bill 33: Catholic Register Article

The Ontario government’s recently introduced Bill 33: The Supporting Children and Students Act has raised concern among parent advocacy groups, particularly around the role of parental voice and local accountability in education. If passed, Bill 33 will grant the Minister of Education expanded authority to intervene in school boards where issues like financial mismanagement or governance failures arise. It also includes a mandate for school boards to implement School Resource Officer (SRO) programs where offered by local police—reigniting debate on the presence of police in schools. Some parent organizations worry that these changes may shift too much power away from local school boards—where parents have traditionally had opportunities to raise concerns—and toward the provincial level. OAPCE’s Response Joe Perri, Co-Executive Director of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), emphasized the organization’s continued commitment to Catholic education’s faith-centered governance model, which is built on collaboration between parents, Catholic trustees, and clergy. “Our ultimate aim is to make certain that Catholic schools are faithful to their mission—educating students in mind, body and spirit—and that local boards have the autonomy necessary to reflect the Gospel values at the centre of Catholic education,” Perri stated. OAPCE remains committed to being an engaged partner in policy dialogue and consultations with the Ministry of Education, always advocating for the parent voice in Catholic education. We encourage parents to stay informed, ask questions, and continue participating in meaningful dialogue about the future of education in Ontario.

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We have a Pope! 

Habemus Papam! — We have a Pope!  OAPCE joyfully welcomes Pope Leo XIV, the first pope from the Augustinian order. We join the Catholic community in offering heartfelt congratulations to Pope Leo and pray that the Holy Spirit guides him in this sacred mission of service. May his leadership inspire us all and look forward to having him as our shepherd of the Catholic Church. â€œWe are disciples of Christ. Christ goes before us. The world needs His light. Humanity needs Him as the bridge to be reached by God and his love. Help us also, and then help each other to build bridges, with dialogue, with encounter, uniting us all to be one people always at peace.” OAPCE is honored to have the “Eucharistic Miracles of the World” exhibit. The Exhibit was designed and created by Blessed Carlo Acutis, soon to be Saint. The Exhibition will be at our Conference so don’t miss out on seeing this once in a lifetime opportunity! 

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OAPCE AGM THURSDAY JUNE 19

ALL MEETINGS AGENDA VIA ZOOM LINK WILL BE POSTED ON WEBSITE PRIOR TO MEETING THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2025 @ 7:00pm Please note that this is the Agenda for the first part of the meeting only. The OAPCE 2025 AGM will commence right after the presentation. 🌐www.oapce.org Time Description 7:00 pm – 7:15 pm Item I: Opening Prayer/Meet and Greet 7:15 pm – 7:30 pm Item II: Bishop Message 7:30 pm – 8:00 pm Item III: Special Presentation: PARENTS! The digital world is shaping our YOUTH – are you leading the way or just barely keeping up? Join Lucy Colangelo, Student Success Coach & Communications Expert for an empowering conversation that will help your family learn how to turn technology into a tool for success and growth. *Understand the real impact of digital life on teens. *Strengthen family connections and thrive in a tech-driven world. As a former marketing and communications strategist Lucy now uses her education and experience to help families and educators bridge the digital divide, fostering stronger relationships and setting young people up for success. 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Item IV: OAPCE 2025 AGM (Separate Agenda) Ontario Association of Parents for Catholic Education Annual General Meeting Agenda THURSDAY JUNE 19, 2025 – 8:00 PM VIRTUAL Draft Minutes Topic Proposed Process/Action Items 1. Call to Order, Opening Prayer and Introduction of Board of DirectorsTime: 8:00 – 8:15 pmLeader: D. Garell-Teti, Chair The OAPCE Chair will provide a welcome address to the participants and Directors will introduce themselves. 2. AGM Minutes from 2024Leader: L. Goncalves, Exec. Comm. Director Approval of Minutes from anyone in attendance in 2024. (List of attendees on Minutes).Motion to Approve. 3. OAPCE Year End Report 2024/25Time: 8:15 – 8:30 pmLeader: Co-Ed’s J. Perri & A. Crudo-Perri Presentation of OAPCE Year End Report.Motion to Approve. 5. Presentation of Financial Review for July 2023–June 2024Time: 8:30 – 8:45 pmLeader: OAPCE Finance Admin Financials approved by the Board of Directors in December of 2024.Motion to confirm in AGM. 6. By-LawsTime: 8:45 – 9:00 pmLeader: Co-Ed’s J. Perri & A. Crudo-Perri Proposed Changes to By-Laws. Draft By-laws have been posted on the OAPCE website 45 days prior to this meeting. Review of changes.Motion to adopt new By-Laws. 7. Adjournment and Thank You’sTime: 9:00 pmLeader: D. Garell-Teti, Chair —

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OAPCE 86th Annual Conference 2025!

Get ready for an inspiring day of learning, connection, and faith at one of the most anticipated events of the year! 📅 Date: May 24, 2025📍 Location: Saint Michael Catholic High School, Niagara Falls, ONđŸ« Address: 8699 McLeod Rd, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 6S5đŸ€ In Partnership With: Niagara Catholic District School BoardđŸ›ïž Exclusive Hotel Offer: Special rates & free parking at Old Stone Inn for conference attendees. Call +1 (905) 357-1234 and mention booking ID “137575” to secure your room. This is an incredible opportunity for parents, educators, and community members to come together, gain insights, and strengthen our Catholic education system. Expect dynamic speakers, meaningful networking, and powerful moments to empower and inspire! ✹ Our Sponsors: Niagara Catholic Parent Involvement Committee. 📌 Mark your calendars, spread the word, and stay tuned for more details. We can’t wait to see you there!

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