Here also is the link to Padre Mike’s thank you to the students for the letter program: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFsu98Yfvkk&feature=email.

With thanks,

Aimee

We support the statements made by the Assembly of Catholic Bishops of Ontario on this topic and respect them as the official voice of our Catholic Faith and Church here in Ontario.

We support our partners in Catholic Education, as we work together to ensure our schools are environments of safety, respect and love for not just our students, but all the staff and visitors we welcome into our schools.

We strongly encourage parents to become familiar and knowledgeable about what the Equity and Inclusivity Policy looks like in their particular school board – ask questions, seek clarification if you are not sure.  Please do not accept the “coffee shop talk” as gospel on this topic, get the facts from credible sources actively involved in your school board.

We strongly encourage school board administrations and staff to continue inviting, involving and informing parents of details surrounding initiatives that support this policy in your schools and communities.  Parents are the first teachers of their children and look to the schools for support when a student experiences difficulties – whether with understanding curriculum being taught, homework completion, social situations and interactions, mental or physical health concerns or any number of issues. There cannot be just a sexual orientation centred focus – let us not be side tracked from the most important issue, the wellbeing of the student, period.

We at OAPCE intend to continue the positive collaborative work we do within our catholic education community and outwardly with the Ministry of Education and our community partners as we move ever forward creating the supports needed for our students and sharing this information with parents in an accurate and timely manner.

Volunteer Parent of the Year Award
Kim Armstrong – St. Luke Catholic School
Peterborough Victoria Northumberland & Clarington CDSB

Glorya Nanne Award
Susan Walker
Dufferin-Peel CDSB

Father Mazerolle Award
Michele Sparling – St. Luke Catholic School
Halton CDSB

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award
Brian Evoy
Algonquin & Lakeshore CDSB

Our students, parents and parishes are truly blessed to have such wonderfully supportive, spirit filled partners working to continue the great works happening across the province as we all walk the path Christ laid out for us.

Congratulations to all those who were nominated and our utmost thanks to those who did the nominating, bringing to the forefront these most deserving individuals and assisting us to “celebrate parent partnerships!”

Awards will be presented during our Celebration and Awards dinner at the Holiday Inn Burlington Hotel & Conference Centre on Saturday May 14th.

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/parents/reaching.html

Click here to find out more about the event.

If you are planning on joining us this May, please register here.

2011 AGM and Conference Poster

Please note that the closing date for nominations is Thursday March 31st, and the forms must be received to our office by close of business that day. Any questions regarding the awards may be directed to our office administrator Florinda or to Tiina James, our Awards Subcommittee Chairperson.

The Awards

Each recipient will be presented with an award plaque, a certificate and will be recognized for their outstanding contributions on the OAPCE website throughout 2011.

Honorary Lifetime Membership Award

The Association may award a Honorary Lifetime Membership to persons who support the aims and goals of the OAPCE and who have contributed in a substantial way, through their expertise, time and effort, over a period of years, to the Association.

Criteria | Nomination Form

Father Mazerolle Award

Presented annually to a religious or layperson that supports the aims and goals of the OAPCE and has substantially contributed to the Catholic School System in the community and to the Association in particular, through at least two years of personal service.

Criteria | Nomination Form

Msgr. Harrigan Award

Presented annually to a Priest, Bishop, Deacon, School Chaplain, who supports the aims and goals of the OAPCE, and has substantially contributed to the Catholic School system in the community and to the Association in particular, through at least two years of personal service.

Criteria | Nomination Form

Glorya Nanne Award

Presented annually to a person who supports the aims and goals of the OAPCE, and has substantially contributed in fostering a better understanding of Catholic Education in Ontario through the use of various forms of media.

Criteria | Nomination Form

Volunteer Parent of the Year Award

This award will be presented annually to a parent that goes above and beyond to support their child’s school. The support should be consistent with the aims and goals of OAPCE, demonstrated through at least two years of personal service.

Criteria | Nomination Form

Click here!