PPM 170

It has come to the attention of our Protective Services Team (PST) that many Members may not be aware of PPM 170, school board communication with parents, which came into effect for the start of the 2024-25 school year. Specifically, with respect to process timelines and expectations, the PST advises Members to consult with your board senior team officials, and familiarize yourselves with the inherent duties and responsibilities assigned by your employer.

Trauma Informed Leadership

In partnership with CPCO and Kevin Cameron, Executive Director of the Center for Trauma-informed Practices (CTIP) we are excited to offer two free learning opportunities to Members! Check out our flyer for more details and registration information about an introductory webinar, a certificate course on Foundation in Trauma Response and a virtual workshop on Decision Making in Complex Situations.

Egale Canada Resources

In October, the OPC Outstanding Contribution to Education Award was presented to Egale Canada, an organization whose mission is to improve the lives of 2SLGBTQI people in Canada and enhance the global response to 2SLGBTQI issues. Egale’s work includes informing public policy, inspiring cultural change and promoting human rights and inclusion through research, education, awareness and legal advocacy. The organization has information, resources and tools on how to combat anti-2SLGBTQI hate and violence on its website that would be useful for schools. We have also incorporated some of these resources into our new AQ, including a foundational report on the issues and a Pronoun Usage Guide. We encourage all OPC Members to check out and use these free resources.

Leading Mentally Healthy Schools – Resources 

School Mental Health Ontario has recently updated its Leading Mentally Healthy Schools resource suite, designed to support the needs of school administrators and system leaders in establishing the conditions to promote mental health and well-being in their school communities. We encourage you to take the time to review and use these free resources.

Quote to Ponder

“We don’t live in our fears. We live in our hopes.” – Mike Tomlin 

Media

• Province won’t make Truth and Reconciliation Day a holiday
• Trying to get more domestic violence information into schools
• To narrow digital divides, we need consistent adult education programs
• School bullies have moved online – is banning social media the answer?
• Advocates cautious about national school food program
• How principals can build high performing teams 
• Coroner’s probe finds additional deaths at Ontario residential schools
• Name that student to build classroom rapport

Queen’s Park Update

There were questions in the House last week about bullying in schools, funding for children with autism, funding for colleges and universities, investigation into school board spending and mental health and addiction services.