Oapce in action

An Ontario Parent’s Response to the Opinion Editorial entitled “It’s time to end public funding for Catholic schools in Ontario” by Jennifer Pilzecker, OAPCE Niagara Director Over a month ago I took notice of an opinion editorial published in the Globe and Mail entitled “It’s time to end public funding for Catholic schools in Ontario”.  After reading it, I remained bothered but was unable to fully articulate why. Upon further thought, I now have a better understanding of why it bothered me. I am grateful to have a choice regarding education and to have another person suggest this choice should be stripped away seemed petty. I am a product of the public school system in Ontario but upon becoming a proud parent, I chose to enrol my daughter in a Catholic school. I have never regretted this decision. When it became time for my daughter to attend high school, I allowed her to choose if she would walk 5 blocks to the public high school or take a 20 minute bus ride to the Catholic high school. She chose the latter and has also never regretted her decision. What some members of the public may not know is that Catholic schools are not just for Catholic families. Whether a student is Catholic or not, if they agree to uphold the principles of Catholic education, they are welcome.  To understand why we fund Catholic education in the province of Ontario, we must first understand that it was a decision not made lightly. It was made after consultation with constitutional scholars, after large-scale province-wide polling and after a political mandate to expand education in the province received broad support. When Ontario funded Catholic schools, public schools also expanded and projects like establishing university satellite campuses also took place. The point is, the decision was made after due diligence and the result was a win for parents and children.  Some members of the community, like the author of the opinion editorial, may take offence when a Catholic school board doesn’t bend to political whims of the moment or when they democratically debate and decide not to fly certain flags. This does not mean a Catholic school board is against a particular group but means they would rather remain visibly neutral and true to their values. I don’t believe it is responsible for the author to suggest half of the publicly funded education system in the province be dismantled because they disagree with a decision. If the author is a parent, they have a choice to send their child to a public school and they should not let personal discontentment over a symbolic decision derail choice for all families. To my fellow parents of children in the Catholic education system in Ontario, it is important we don’t grow apathetic and lose our ability to choose. Going forward, I invite you to join me in speaking up in support of Catholic education. I am grateful for the choice provided to me by the province of Ontario and my daughter is grateful for this choice too. I believe our education system is stronger and our province is better off for providing families choice in education.

  The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE) is proud to announce our participation in the Ministry of Education’s Task Force to implement the revised Provincial Code of Conduct (PPM 128) for the 2024-25 school year. This initiative aims to refocus education on the basics, improve classroom environments, and enhance communication with parents, students, and educators. What Is the Task Force About? The Task Force brings together education partners, parents, students, and health experts to ensure the smooth implementation of policy changes that will positively impact Ontario’s schools. These updates focus on creating safer, distraction-free classrooms while supporting healthy behaviours among students. Key Highlights of the New Policies Starting in the 2024-25 school year, Ontario families can expect: Improved Communication and Clarity Annual parent notifications about cellphone use restrictions and consequences. Report cards including comments on students’ distraction levels. Provincially standardized signage for behavioural expectations. Enhanced Classroom Focus Uniform cellphone policies requiring devices to be silenced and out of sight during class unless explicitly allowed by the teacher. Social media site bans on school networks and devices. Mandatory training for educators on classroom management. Health and Safety Initiatives New bans on sharing videos/photos of individuals without explicit consent. Immediate surrender of vape, tobacco, and nicotine products by students, with parental notification. Increased education on vaping and substance use through the Health and Physical Education curriculum. Funding and Resources $17.5 million for programs to support healthy behaviours and reduce classroom distractions. Investments in digital literacy, safety infrastructure, and grassroots campaigns to deter vaping and cellphone distractions. OAPCE’s Role As the voice of Catholic parents across Ontario, OAPCE will play a vital role in shaping how these policies are implemented locally. Our participation ensures that parents’ perspectives and priorities are included in discussions, helping to create a positive impact for students and families. Why This Matters The updated Provincial Code of Conduct reflects the Ministry’s commitment to fostering safe, respectful, and effective learning environments. By reducing distractions and promoting healthy behaviours, these changes aim to support student achievement and well-being, empowering students to reach their full potential. OAPCE is honored to be part of this important initiative and looks forward to working with the Ministry and other stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of these policies. Learn More

The Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education Co-Executive Directors had the opportunity to meet with the new Honourable Minister of Education Jill Dunlop at the Ministry of Education office in downtown Toronto. The new Minister took the time to discuss items that are pertaining to the education of our children in publicly funded Catholic education across the province. With the introduction of Bill 98 and the new legislation that has come into effect as a result, OAPCE continues to advocate and encourage a better learning environment for all of our children in the education system. The introduction of PPM 112 / Smart Phone Restrictions/Vaping Policy was discussed as OAPCE has a seat on the ministry Task Force for the implementation and recommendations for this initiative. The creation and implementation of the Guest Speaker approval list and subsequent vetting and approval policy requirement – through communications of parents across the province it was noted that different Boards are in various stages of implementation and hope that more communication regarding its execution be sent out to parents. As always, parents are vocal about ensuring that the curriculum is the core of what is being taught in the classroom and safeguarding that our faith is paramount through all teachings in the school. We thank the Minister for her dedication and time to this new portfolio and welcome any opportunity to provide insight and input on behalf of the many parents that we engage with and represent across the province. It is our hope as we move forward together to improve education for children across the province that our ability to make policy recommendations will positively impact their lives in the future.

On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 the Co-Executive Directors and Directors of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), representing different regions from across the province visited Queen’s Park in Toronto for an unforgettable day of advocacy for Catholic Education.   OAPCE members were seated in the packed gallery as visitors to the assembly. Upon arrival, they were immediately immersed in a momentous first of its kind event unfolding in the province. Indigenous communities from Sioux Lookout in Northern Ontario had gathered, with their MP, Sol Mamakwa.  He later delivered an address to Parliament in the Anishininiimowen (Oji-Cree) language. The heartfelt speech garnered standing ovations, with even Premier Ford extending congratulations and reaffirming commitments to address long-standing issues, notably the addition of 76 long-term care beds in the northern region.  Throughout the day, the OAPCE Directors were witness to debates and discussions on various topics. Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce, addressed criticisms from Liberal members regarding limited and selective school reconstructions in the GTA. His response underlined the government’s unwavering support for educational infrastructure projects. Minister Lecce highlighted a recent announcement of a new French elementary school in Scarborough, emphasizing the government’s dedication to investing in education across party lines. OAPCE felt very privileged to observe the legislature in session and to witness first hand how Education is debated on the floor. Following the parliamentary proceedings, OAPCE Directors were invited to meet with Minister Lecce and Premier Ford. Minister Lecce spoke directly with individual OAPCE Directors, as he listened intently to their concerns and ideas. Directors were also greeted by MPP Christine Hogarth, MPP Aris Babikian and MPP Billy Pang.  Minister Lecce then led everyone to the Premier’s office where OAPCE members had an audience with Premier Doug Ford, Minister Lecce and MPP Michael Ford. During this interaction, they were commended for their tireless efforts in promoting Catholic education in Ontario. The Premier was also presented with an appreciation plaque dedicated to his support of OAPCE as the recognized parent association in the province of Ontario. He was very appreciative of the gesture, especially with the plaque. Despite his busy schedule, he extended warm hospitality to each one of the Directors and invited each one to take individual photos with him in his official Premier’s chair!   As we were leaving the Premier was very insistent of his support for our organization and offered his contact information to the Co-Executive Directors to “call on him for anything you need”, and to keep doing the work that we all do to advocate for parents in the province.  During lunch in the Queen’s Park Regional directors continued to network with local MPPs including Vic Fedeli. It was an exciting experience for all OAPCE Directors, the experience provided valuable insights into the workings of the provincial legislature, many of whom had never experienced a visit to Queen’s Park in the past.  Everyone left Queen’s Park feeling energized about the progress being made in support of Catholic Education in Ontario.