PRESIDENT'S JOURNAL

When Faith Meets Pedagogy (WFMP) Conference

Last week I had the privilege of attending Canada’s largest Catholic educators’ conference in Toronto. The When Faith Meets Pedagogy (WFMP)conference featured exemplary speakers, inspiring liturgies, new and enjoyable liturgical music, interesting workshops and opportunities to connect with colleagues from around the province. This year’s conference was no exception.

The conference theme, Voices That Challenge, began on Thursday evening with a keynote address by Father Thomas Rosica, C.S.B., CEO of Salt and Light Catholic Media Foundation and former CEO of World Youth Day. Previous to Fr. Rosica’s inspiring address, hundreds of secondary students from the south, central and western parts of Ontario experienced the work of Free the Children as presented by Craig and Marc Kielburger, Nobel Peace prize nominees and graduates of the Ontario Catholic school system. Marc and Craig Kielburger were also the keynote speakers on Thursday. They encouraged educators to not only embrace reading, writing and arithmetic in schools but to also teach students about compassion, courage and community.

The celebration of the Eucharist with Archbishop Collins of Toronto as the presider was uplifting as was the sacred music throughout the conference. Many CPCO members were in attendance at the conference including some who served on the WFMP Planning Committee. CPCO’s contributions to the conference included the presentation of two workshops. Mary Curran, a principal with the Durham Catholic District School Board did a presentation on Restorative Practice. Joanne Melo, a principal with the Toronto Catholic District School Board led a session on Discerning Catholic Leadership.

Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ Award

The deadline to nominate a principal or vice-principal for Canada’s Outstanding Principals™ award is fast approaching. Recipients of this award will receive national recognition and amazing professional learning opportunities, a great way to highlight Catholic leaders and our Catholic schools. Click here to download the nomination forms. Please send the application package to me at CPCO by October 31, 2009.

If you have any questions regarding the award or deadlines, please contact Nelly Kelders at nkelders@cpco.on.ca or 1-888-621-9190.

Upcoming Events

October 29	Leading the Future conference
October 30	Orientation for Newly Appointed Supervisory Officers
November 2	Professional Staff Meeting
November 2	Retired Members Meeting
November 3	St. Clair PVP association meeting
November 4	Wellington PVP association meeting

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