In a world where iPods and Facebook pages are leading children to an
inward-focused lifestyle, Me to We Parents looks at a different set of
values that get young people to look up from their screens and into the
world around them. By recognizing these young leaders as Canada’s greatest
natural resource, Me to We Parents will help raise a generation of global
citizens.

Parenting is the most important job any of us will ever have. With your
contribution of stories, insights and personal reflections, Me to We Parents
will become a thriving online community for like-minded adults to swap
advice with other parents. Join us as we celebrate the joys of being a
parent and raise kids who care and contribute to the world.

What’s been happening at OAPCE?

• Inaugural presentation of “United by Faith, We are Stronger” workshop at “When Faith Meets Pedagogy” conference. Developed and presented by Michelle Mucci- Kirley (Spiritual Director) and Brian Evoy (Past President)
• Education Partnership Table – Fall meeting
• School Information Finder – Partnership Table meetings
• Participation on regional sessions of Friends and Advocates for Catholic Education
• Curriculum review and feedback sought for Grades 9-12 on Social Sciences and Humanities
• Membership letters issued to Directors of Education of all 29 English Catholic publicly funded District School Boards

This is a regular update issued by the Office of the President for OAPCE in conjunction with the OAPCE Communications Committee. Your feedback is important and welcomed by contacting the President at oapce@oapce.on.ca.

To download a PDF copy of the update, click here.

1. Reading ability and feelings toward reading are related.
2. Forcing children to read yields poor results.

Tips to send home for parents to encourage reading:

1. Be Role Models- Read often with children and on your own.
2. Book Allowances- You can use the library or purchase new books for your children.
3. Assure Kids That Reading Has a Purpose- Reading is not a chore.
4. Read Aloud- Family reading nights are great!
5. Create a family newsletter, web site, and/or blog- Kids love to use technology. Technology requires a great deal of reading.

Tips for teachers to encourage reading:

1. Encourage Student Pen Pal Exchanges.
2. Reading Scavenger Hunt- When students read in a competitive setting, you would be surprised how fast they retain information.
3. Read & Share- Have students share their thoughts with the class.
4. Class Newspaper- This allow students to further explore their interests.
5. Class Web Site- Have students manage an updated record of what is going on in your class. If anyone is absent, it really helps.
6. Organize a Book Exchange- Week 1: Students bring in as many used books as they would like. They receive 1 credit for each book they bring in. Week 2: For every credit the students have they can take one book from the exchange.

Take a look at the Photo Gallery for some new pictures from the 2009 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Toronto. Also our For Parents area has a new sub-section dedicated to AGM downloads. For now you can take a peek at some of the great workshops we hosted, and soon we’ll be adding videos and more!