Archive for November, 2009

To Dr. Ash, shared with you…

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Make known to me your ways, LORD; teach me your paths. ~ Psalm 25:4

For the next four weeks we are a Church in waiting… and the signs of Christmas are everywhere.

For me, Advent is a gift–a time to prepare to welcome God as the Child, and as one of us in our hearts and lives. Will you join me? Let’s start with prayer–for one another, for our missioners, and for those they serve throughout the world.

We can also practice our Advent traditions, something that’s especially wonderful to do with children. When I was growing up, I loved having an Advent Calendar and an Advent Wreath. Each of these rituals made me feel a little closer to the spirit of Christmas.

And, we can celebrate Advent the way John the Baptist did, through the practice of humility. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord,” he proclaimed. This is our time to open our hearts and to be filled with His grace and peace. During each day of Advent, I will ask God to bless your journey to Bethlehem. May it renew you in spirit!

Ashleigh, I hope this reflection brings you closer to the beauty of Advent and the Nativity. In a quiet corner of your heart, make room for the Child, Our Lord and Savior. Christmas is almost here.

Father Edward Dougherty, M.M.

Me to We for Parents!

Me to We Parents is the online community for parents, teachers,
coaches and mentors who are passionate about raising a generation of
children who care and contribute.

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.

Information about the H1N1 flu vaccine

Today, the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care announced that the H1N1 flu vaccine is now available to the general public.

Please visit the websites below for more information about the flu vaccine, vaccination clinics and tips to stay healthy. Please share this information widely within your organization.

If we all get vaccinated and follow steps to stay healthy, we can protect ourselves and each other and avoid spreading the flu.


www.news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2009/11/province-calls-upon-all-ontarians-to-get-their-h1n1-flu-shot.html

www.Ontario.ca/flu

OAPCE Update for October 2009

To Directors of Education, Regional/Board School Council Chairs, School Council Chairs, OAPCE Liaison Representatives:

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.

Give us your feedback!

Feedback on the current draft Parent Engagement Policy is being gathered – have your say!

Let us know your thoughts on the outline, what you like, what isn’t so great, or what you think could be better.

Email us at oapce@oapce.on.ca by November 17th to take part in the policy making process :)

About a Parent Engagement Policy for Ontario Schools

DRAFT Policy for discussion