Welcome to Embracing Our Catholic Vocation!

It is a privilege to welcome you to the Catholic Principals’ Council of Ontario 2010 conference and annual general meeting. On behalf of the executive council of CPCO I wish to extend to you, our sincere appreciation for the time you have taken and the commitment given to participate in the many facets of professional development and faith formation that this conference offers.

Embracing Our Catholic Vocation is one of the largest conferences for Catholic school principals and vice-principals in this country. Its theme speaks clearly to our belief that as Catholic school leaders, we are called by God to the complex work of leading our schools. To this end, we recognize that the struggles and labours of our work will ultimately lead to a better world; one that is formed in the image and likeness of our compassionate and loving God. With Jesus and the Gospel message as our nourishment and strength we continue together on our journey in faith. Your role in leading student achievement and faith formation for both students and staff is critical. Thank you for the important work that you do each and every day and for making a difference in Catholic education.

The conference will include opportunities to celebrate our faith through liturgies. The Windsor-Essex Catholic principals and vice-principals will set the stage by uplifting our spirits in song and prayer at the opening of the program on Thursday evening. Friday morning we will deepen that commitment to our faith as we participate in the Mass. I would like to thank the Most Rev. Ronald Fabbro, bishop of the diocese of London for once again agreeing to preside at this Eucharistic celebration. I would also like to welcome Episcopal Vicar of Essex Deanery, Reverend Lawrence Brunet, and, Episcopal Vicar of Windsor Deanery, Reverend James Roche, who will be joining Bishop Fabbro at the altar.

As president it is my privilege to extend a sincere note of gratitude to the organizing committee from the Windsor-Essex Catholic principals and vice-principals’ association. This team’s dedication and commitment has been second to none throughout the preparation for this conference which started in the fall of 2008. Co-chairs Karen Drago, JoAnne Shea and John Ulicny and their team are to be congratulated for moving the vision of a Windsor-hosted conference from concept to reality. More than thirty-five school administrators have volunteered their time and talent to develop a program that reflects the needs of principals and vice-principals in Ontario’s publicly-funded Catholic schools.

These dedicated professionals have arranged a dynamic variety of stellar workshops that will not only serve to engage you but also serve to inform your practice as Catholic school leaders. As outlined in this conference handbook, the sessions range in variety from our Catholic schools to legal issues to instructional leadership. The committee has done an excellent job in meeting the needs of a diverse group of colleagues.

On behalf of the CPCO executive council I would like to acknowledge and thank Director of Education Joseph Berthiaume, trustees and senior administration from the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board for their support in hosting the CPCO conference, Embracing Our Catholic Vocation. The opportunity to work together as local and provincial partners in an event that brings together Catholic educators from across the province is an enriching and rewarding experience.To be immersed in the rich culture of this local community further deepens our appreciation for the diversity and the sameness that makes our experiences so unique.

Finally, I would like to acknowledge the leadership and skills of the professional and support staff at the CPCO provincial office and for their guidance and wisdom in staging this conference: Member Services Director Nelly Kelders, Office Supervisor Gaby Aloi, Professional Learning Director Barbara McMorrow, Program Director Patty Orecchio, Sr. Graphic Designer Ania Czupajlo and Admin. Assistant Maria Cortez.

I sincerely hope that you will take the opportunity to network with your colleagues in Catholic school leadership and to support each other in the important work that you do. Embrace and enjoy the experience!

Paul Lacalamita
President