Principal’s Award for Student Leadership Plaques and Certificates

A reminder to Members that the cost of plaques for the Principal’s Award for Student Leadership will no longer be covered by the OPC. As a result, small plaques will not be sent to schools this spring. If you wish to have a certificate prepared for a recipient, you can do so by downloading the digital certificate. This can be printed with the student’s name for presentation.

Call for Principal Participation – Well-being Research Pilot Survey

The OPC is supporting a national research study focused on the occupational health, safety and well-being of school principals. We are currently seeking elementary and secondary principals to participate in a pilot survey and provide valuable feedback to help refine the final version. 

If you’re interested in contributing to this important initiative, please visit this web page for additional information and complete the Expression of Interest form by March 31 at 9:00 a.m.

EDI Update

As part of our new governance structure, we will have representation from Indigenous and other under-represented identities as part of the Board of Directors. To develop that, we have been working with an advisory group of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers and in consultation with Indigenous OPC Members. This group will be providing guidance as to how we can invite Indigenous Members to participate in an Indigenous Leadership committee, as well as identify a process for selection of Indigenous representatives on the Board of Directors.

Affinity groups for Members are continuing. Information and links to meetings can be found on our website. Upcoming meetings include

• East Asian Administrators: March 26
• South Asian Administrators: April 15
• Indo-Caribbean Administrators: April 22
• Neurodivergent (NINE): April 22
• Black Administrators: April 23

Quote to Ponder

“A principal is the heart of the school, beating with positivity and progress.” – MsgWords

Media

• Ontario Science Centre continues high school labs at new location
• Learning deficits persist 5 years after Covid
• Residential school denialism – what it is and how to recognize it
• ETFO calls funding for special education a crisis
• Government’s new Cabinet contains changes in major portfolios
• No covering faces for Quebec students

Queen’s Park Update

The new Education Minister is Paul Calandra, MPP for Markham-Stouffville. We have sent him a congratulatory letter introducing ourselves and requesting a meeting as soon as possible.

The Legislative Assembly will resume sitting on April 14.