Meeting with New Minister

Last week we had our first meeting with the new Minister, Paul Calandra. We took the opportunity to introduce ourselves, explain the work and priorities of the OPC and raise the topical issues that you are dealing with in schools every day, ones that we highlighted in the position paper we released for the recent provincial election. We have requested that these meetings occur on a regular basis going forward, which the Minister was supportive of.

Tip Sheet – Managing Challenging Relationships

Difficulties can arise for administrators when a relationship with a parent, guardian or caregiver breaks down. Managing Escalated Interactions with Parents is a practical tip sheet with strategies to help Members de-escalate interactions and minimize legal risk. It is recommended that this tip sheet be read in conjunction with the Harassment, Discrimination and Human Rights tip sheet.

Award for Student Leadership Plaques

A reminder to Members that the small plaques for the Principal’s Award for Student Leadership will not be sent out to schools this spring. Schools wishing to have a plaque prepared for a recipient can do so by downloading the digital certificate. This can be printed with the student’s name for presentation.

Quote to Ponder

“Today you lead the school. Tomorrow your students will lead the world.” – inspirational-picture-quotes.com

Media

• Increase in cannabis and tobacco vaping at schools (OPC quoted)
• Board takes sweet approach to education to teach entrepreneurship
• The Tao of being a school principal
• Schools begin suspending students who aren’t fully vaccinated
• What people with Autism think should be prioritized in education
• Judge seeks clarity on supervised consumption sites near schools
• Ontario needs 225,000 additional postsecondary spots within 20 years

Queen’s Park Update

The Legislative Assembly resumes sitting today.