Happy New Year!

Welcome back! We hope you had a restful and happy holiday. As we begin a new year, we want to highlight several professional learning opportunities for the remainder of the school year for you to consider and add to your calendar.

Save the Date! OPC’s 2025 Annual Conference 

Mark your calendars for November 13-14, 2025! School leaders from across Ontario will gather in Toronto for the return of our annual conference. Driven by your feedback, OPCLeadLearn promises engaging sessions, inspiring speakers and opportunities to collaborate and build connections. Planning is underway to deliver an impactful program. Stay tuned for more information through our Professional Learning bulletin and on our website.

PL Resources

Are you looking for resources to support instructional leadership and culturally responsive and relevant teaching? Check out our Ministry Funded Resources that focus on continual learning, professional development and training for effective school leadership. One project is leading the implementation of the 2023 Ontario Language Curriculum for Grades 1-8. This Professional Learning Resource is a comprehensive guide with key moves for equity-driven leadership in leading the Language program.

Starling Minds Resources for 2025

Starling Minds, the organization we partner with to provide free mental health and wellness supports to our OPC Members and your families, will be offering a number of new programs in 2025. The initiatives include

• Deeper Connections: How to cultivate happier authentic relationships – February 18-25
• Hormones and Health: Supporting yourself through life’s changes – May 20-27
• Mindfulness for Stress Relief: Habits for healthy living – August 5-12
• Anxiety and Burnout: Tools to reset and recharge – October 14-21.

Register for these workshops through Starling Minds. You will need to register for Starling Minds first to register for these workshops.

Quote to Ponder

“In the New Year, never forget to thank your past years, because they enabled you to reach today. Without the stairs of the past, you cannot arrive at the future.” – Mehmet Murat Ildan

Media

• In 2025, schools need to teach more than just the basics
• Program to help at-risk youth graduate showing success
• Ontario’s struggling colleges face potential strike
• 11 critical issues facing education in 2025
• Ontario is reducing child care fees but how many families will benefit?
• What principals resolve to do better in 2025
• How to be the kind of education leader you want to be

Queen’s Park Update

The House is in recess until March 3, 2025.