PRESIDENT'S JOURNAL

Meeting with the Council of District Representatives

On February 19 and 20, 2010 members of the Council of District Representatives (CDRs) from around the province gathered in Toronto to participate in the year’s final CDR meeting. The full agenda is posted on the CPCO website for all members to review.

Guest speakers included:

• Jim Grieve, assistant deputy minister who spoke about and answered questions regarding the September 2010 implementation of Ontario’s Early Learning Program;

• Elizabeth Witmer, MPP for Kitchener-Waterloo and the Official Opposition Critic for Education, who spoke about (among other things) the importance of inviting MPPs into your schools for good public relations and community awareness; and

• Eric Roher, Partner, Borden, Ladner, Gervais addressed the implications of Bill 168, Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, which comes into effect in June, for school principals.

CDRs overwhelmingly supported the executive council’s plans to implement a 3 year commitment to CPCO’s budget and strategic planning initiatives. Delegates to the Annual General Meeting in Windsor, on April 24, 2010, will be given the opportunity to review and to vote on supporting the executive council’s plans.

Feedback from the CDRs about the meeting was very positive. Indeed, the opportunity to garner provincial input for the executive council’s consideration is a key component of CPCO’s governance model and a key communication strategy between local associations representing 2100 members and provincial. All CDRs have been asked to ensure that the information and essence of dialogue that occurred during the Friday and Saturday meetings are communicated to their local association members.

CPCO 2010 Award Winners

Congratulations to this year’s CPCO 2010 Principal of the Year award winners.

• Windsor-Essex CDSB: Brian Rivait and Jim Minello
• Hamilton-Wentworth CDSB: Paul Di Francesco
• Peterborough Victoria Northumberland Clarington CDSB: Violet Neheli
• Northwest CDSB: Brendan Hyatt
• Kenora CDSB: Carlos Silva

As well, sincere congratulations go to John Stunt, executive director of the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association, for being named the recipient of the Father John Redmond Award and to Julia Pellerin, elementary school principal with the Durham CDSB for being named the recipient of CPCO’s Distinguished Service award.

All 2010 award winners will receive their awards and be recognized at CPCO’s gala dinner which takes place in Windsor at the Caesars Windsor Hotel on Friday, April 23rd. For ticket information, visit the CPCO website or contact Gaby Aloi at galoi@cpco.on.ca.

Upcoming Events

February 25 - Association visit in Bruce-Grey
February 26 - Meeting with CESBA president
February 26 - PQP visit, Kitchener
March 1 - ICE Board meeting and symposium
March 1 - OCSTA meeting
March 2 - Association visit in Niagara

If you would like to comment or provide feedback on the President’s Journal, please contact Paul Lacalamita at president@cpco.on.ca.