The Toronto Association of Parents in Catholic Education (TAPCE) will be hosting a workshop for the 2012/2013 PRO Grant.  Jack Nigro, from the Ministry of Education, PRO Grant department will give a 45 minute presentation followed by a question period. The workshop will take place on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 and Wednesday, May 9, 2012 at the CEC, 80 Sheppard Ave., East from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Catholic Teacher Centre (3^rd floor).

Jack Nigro is  presently an Education Officer in the Toronto  and Area Regional Office of the Ministry of Education. His portfolios currently  include Peel DSB liaison, Faculties of Education liaison, NTIP, TPA, Parent  Engagement, and Equity and Inclusive Education. His experience with presenting to parents and unerstanding of Ministry objectives and processes will help provide a clear and effective workshop for CSACs members.

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the PRO Grant process and to have your questions answered. Parents are also encouraged to involve other members of CAC including staff for these sessions. Remote attendance will try to be accomodated if possible. send an e-mail to contactus@tapce.ca to register or for more information.

Due Date for the PRO Grant is Friday, June 8, 2012.

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Love is gentle

It was late spring and the buds still refused to
open. Tightly wrapped up in themselves, they
were as hard as stones. The wind shook them. The hail
beat them. The frost squeezed them in a fist of iron. All
three shouted, “Open up! Open Up” Instead of opening
up, the buds reinforced their shells, and retreated even
more deeply into themselves. Then along came the sun.
It issued no threats and made no demands. It just
created a more friendly climate. And what happened?
Almost overnight the buds began to soften and expand.
Then their shells cracked, and they burst out. If you
love, you are gentle. And there are certain tasks which
only gentleness can accomplish..

source: Bulletin for the Parish of St John(12-6-2011)

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As Lent winds down, students gear up for the final phase of the school year. This Month March Break was a dress rehearsal for summer vacation including the weather.  The joint message from the DoE/Trustee Chair was greatly appreciated.

TAPCE’s Delegation to the Board this month expressed it’s position to date on various issues of importance to parents.  TAPCE’s position on the implementation of the new Ministry Guidelines on Fees, the Trustee’sBoard’s motion to create an Ombudsman and the JK/SK catchment area  for full day Kindergarten daycare. Parents were  encouraged to continue to pay particular attention to these issues and other opportunities that enhance student achievement and improve confidence in the education system.

Easter is a time of year that has circular images of bunnies that lay eggs. As Catholics many families incorporate such tradition into a Christian context.  So the blessings of Spring, the rebirth of nature, the findings of treasures foreshadow the Easter season.  The opportunity for self reflections reveals what is hidden or lost. As Parents this is yet another one of the most wonderful times of the year

Through the Lenten sacrifices one better appreciates the blessings that abound.  The resurrection of the plants that seemed dead help to a rebirth in hope . This is a time to speak truth to power.  Austerity budgets abound with implication yet to be seen. Know who to speak to on issues that matter to you and let them know who you are. Help keep Publicly funded catholic education strong and responsive to the needs of our children and the larger society.

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February sees several significant dates observed including Valentine’s Day, Family Day, and Ash Wednesday. The significance of these days mean different things to everyone, yet each has a particular relevance to reveal and presents  opportunities to learn and teach.

The sanctity of marriage is at the root of the observance of the feast day of St. Valentine. He was martyred  for performing marriages of Roman soldiers. Family Day recognizes the importance of family time spent together. The Board’s scheduling of a PA day for both the elementary and secondary panels on the Friday before Family Day demonstrates the importance of family time for this institution. Similarly the significance of Ash Wednesday at this time of year reinforces the value Catholics have on keeping resolutions and commitments, particularly to oneself.

The Association would like to wish All Families joy in the celebrations observed this month.  May these opportuities strengthen the resolve needed for times of sacrafice and disicpline.

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With the 12 Days of Christmas completed now, there is much to be grateful for. This holiday season was truly a wonderful time of the year where the triumphs of last year could be appreciated and celebrated.  However, it was not without tragedies, nor was last year only rose coloured. Even so there is much to be thankful for and to praise. Thanks for being spared the tragedy of sectarian violence like that which struck Nigeria on the first day of Christmas. Praise for the Cardinal Delegate’s announcement on the 12th day of Christmas.

With tragedy there are opportunities to be charitable, such as with the flooding in the Philippines. So too the tragic death of 15 in Nigeria on Christmas day is a reminder of the harsh reality of the world we live in. How one finds meaning in these events is either a gift or lost opportunity. Will the response be serene or compound the tragedy?

With the recognition of Toronto’s Archbishop, there is renewed hope and confidence in our clergy. The initiatives underway by the Archdiocese since the arrival of Bishop Collins from Calgary have been impresive.  TAPCE would like to offer congratulations to His Eminence Thomas Collins, Cardinal Designate.

Faith, hope and love prevail. Have faith that the lessons  learned last year will bear good fruit. Share your hopes that progress made will continue to grow and enhance . Give your love to those that need it the most. As celebrated today on this Epiphany Sunday Christ is for all and for all time. Know the good news and live it.

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TAPCE  helding it’s Commissioning Ceremony on Monday,November 28th. The event begans at 7:00 p.m. at the Catholic Education Centre, 80 Sheppard Avenue East, 2nd floor Atrium. Approximately 250 Parents, Staff, Trustees and guests were all welcome to attend the event to enhance the effectiveness of school councils.

Parents and Representatives from CSACs across the city will be sworn in as CSAC Liaison Representatives of TAPCE, the Toronto affiliate of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education(OAPCE). The ceremony is in satisfaction of Parent Association Representatives requirements of Regulation 612 section 3.1 paragraph 8 established in respect  to TCDSB schools. The three Toronto OAPCE Directors will ensure that all Association Representatives are able to illuminate opportunities to improve and further address the individual needs of CSACs. Together and in cooperation with other stakeholders we will continue to advocate on issues important to parents of students in the TCDSB.

This celebration of Catholic Education focuses on the support and encouragement TAPCE provides to parents and guardians of children in our school system. The event recognized Terry Pastore as a Life Time Member of TAPCE. Appreciation for her contributions and comitment to resolving parent concerns was demonstrated by a standing ovation by those in attendance in addition to the award  provided to her.

Another,  highlights of the evening was the  to announcement of the winners of the 2010-2011 TAPCE Principal of Excellence Award.  Congratulations to all the outstanding principals who were nominated by their parent communities was also extended.  This award acknowledges principals who have made extraordinary contributions to their school. These principals have worked collaboratively with their parent community and combine their passion for education with the ability to lead, challenge and support the dignity of an inclusive environment.

Dan Barrett
President TAPCE

(Note Post Updated 1Dec2011)

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This Friday presents an opportunity to meditating the sorrowful  sacrifice and suffering of soldiers and their families. The brilliant sunlight and crisp air provide today gives a sense of clarity to be appreciated for the 2 minutes of silent remembrance at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of this the 11th year of this century. The poppies visible this week will soon disappear but the memory may not.

OAPCE reminded us of ways we can help our children learn from past mistakes that led to war. The vigilance to take up the quarrel with the right foe, in the right way at the right time requires patience commitment and interest. This year you are encouraged to have your school councils discuss utilizing Canada Post’s free letter/package delivery to soldiers stationed abroad as a means of  educating students on the personal cost of conflicts far away on individual Canadians and our society as a whole.

TAPCE would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Parents who take time out today to observe Remembrance Day. We encourage you to discuss with your children what they learned at school today and what it means to them. May the sacrifices and suffering of those that have served this country as soldiers be remembered so that we might better learn the lessons of history to chart a future able to resolve conflict without war.  In such a way swords can be beaten  into ploghshares and spears to pruning hooks.

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With the glorious thanksgiving long weekend past there is much to be thankful for. Good weather, good food and good company was enjoyed by many in a much needed celebration.

The Recent Provincial Election results now put additional emphasis on constituent concerns. This is the time to let your MPP know what your priorities are as a constituent. The Separate School System of Publicly Funded English Catholic Education offers a distinctive and relevant option to the larger Public School Boards. By strengthening the system with appropriate investments we all benefit with a more secure future 

Most School Councils have now been formed and are prepared to address the new school year’s agenda.  Learning  opportunities are just around the corner on 5th and 12th of November to make this year’s efforts that much more effective. Currently all CSACs are affiliated with TAPCE. The Parent Association Reps for each council will do what is necessary to help each CSAC do its best.  

We are all invited to celebrate life challenges and opportunities.  TAPCE as the Regional Council of OAPCE in Toronto is prepared to assist CSACs as a resource and advocate for parents. Together with CPIC and other stakeholders we will continue to ensure parent concerns are appropriately addressed

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Today, Bruce Rodrigues was appointed as the new  Toronto Catholic District School Board  Director of Education. He replaces,   Ann Perron, who will be missed but is wished well in her retirement. TAPCE would like to congratulate the incoming Direct as there is confidence that a fair and well thought out selection process was utilized.

As an associate director at the Waterloo Catholic District School Board Mr Rodrigues gained significant experience that is anticipated to help him in his new assignment. He spent 26 years as a high school teacher, vice-principal, principal and superintendent before becoming associate director. He holds Bachelor of Mathematics and Master of Divinity degrees. He has taught math, English, computers, religion and physical education

In his greeting letter to CSAC today, Mr Rodrigues indicated that the as a former Student of the system his faith was nurtured and strengthened  and his passion for teaching was first developed. His support for  the three-year Pastoral Plan is evident in the correspondence. His commitment to sustain and cultivate the positive initiatives such as the Multi-Year Strategic Planis  is also evident. We look forward to the next “The Director’s Voice” web-cast in mid-October on the board’s website (www.tcdsb.org) where he will share his vision and priorities for the year ahead.

It is believed that under the new Director, greater stability and a more sustainable structure will emerge. Again TAPCE wishes the Director success..

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With the celebration of the passing of His Eminence, Cardinal Aloysious Ambrozic , we were all reminded how ephemeral our time on earth is. The opportunities we have to leave a legacy are not an endless string of circumstance to be procrastinated. How we turn challenges into opportunities will determine one’s  impact and efficacy

With the start of school just passed the Cardinal
has offered families a learning opportunity to explore legacies and how it can be achieved. Working through the Church,  Aloysious Ambrozic was able to  mobilize diverse groups to effect change. His work as a teacher of seminarians and later academic studies in Rome speak to his commitment to learning and sharing.

It is by  working cooperatively with others that the largest impact can be achieved. Working within established organizations offers the intrinsic advantage of providing a framework to maximize interdependent relationships and comparative advantages. “By standing on the shoulders of giants”, thus our achievements have the benefit of hindsight and the collective corporate knowledge of carefully developed policies and procedures.

As Catholics, we are taught that there is great knowledge in the Bible. Through the Catholic Catechism, we are able to apply many of the lessons in the Bible to modern day living. This structure is echoed in Organizations defined in Laws and Regulations.

As Parents we have many opportunities to leave a legacy. Some Parents engage in their Child’s education to enhance learning. Some parents become involved in their school communities to the benefit of even more children. The Ontario Education Act, and in particular Regulation 612, provides a framework on how to effectively interface in the education system to better understand how to maximize impact.

Within the CSAC composition outlined in Reg612, every School Council is entitled to appoint a Parent Association Representative. There are only three organizations that such a representative can be affiliated to. OAPCE is the
only one of these three that deals specifically with the Publicly Funded English
Catholic Education system. Although there are many Parent Associations that
have recently been formed, only TAPCE is the officially recognized affiliate of OAPCE for the TCDSB. TAPCE has been serving the parents of TCDSB children since 1998 and continues to advocate on behalf of parents on school issues, on Board issues through  its seat on CPIC and on education issues that go beyond the jurisdiction of the Board through OAPCE.

It is hoped that you will choose to become more aware of how to utilize the many resources available to Parents to more efficiently achieve your goals. Please do not hesitate to contact TAPCE if we may be of assistance in this regard. We encourage all CSACs to appoint a Parent Association Representative (OAPCE Representative) at your first meeting of your newly elected CSAC  who will liaise with OAPCE by becoming a member of TAPCE. Monthly TAPCE meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the fourth Monday of each month at rotating location throughout the TCDSB. More details can be found on the Events page.

On this day of memorials and recognition of those that were lost 10 years ago. Consider too those who have recently passed and those that are still with use. May we all live, learn and love better for those that have gone before and may our faith and hopes be realized for our families, friends and communities.

TAPCE Communications Committee

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