National Principal’s Day

Thursday, May 1 is National Principal’s Day! Please watch for a special message to Members that day, and the release of a public poster acknowledging your work and thanking you for your commitment to our public education system. It will be posted on all our social media platforms.

Media Interview – Violence in Schools

The University of Ottawa recently released findings from a study about violent incidents against staff in Ontario schools. On April 25, I addressed this important issue on CBC Radio. Listen to the interview here.

OPC Financial Information on the Website

As our current fiscal year concludes on June 30and we prepare for year-end processes and audit, we want to remind you that financial information is available to Members in the Finances section of our website. You will find the past three years’ audited financial statements, fiscal process and timeline, revenue sources and the resources and reserves policy outline. The 2025-26 approved budget will be uploaded to the website next week, after our May Council meeting.

OCT Sexual Abuse Prevention Program 

The Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) requires all existing members of the College to complete the Sexual Abuse Prevention Program. Any College member who has not completed the Program by Tuesday, July 1, 2025, will be administratively suspended and will no longer be eligible to teach in Ontario’s publicly funded school system. As this may be a sensitive topic for some people, the Canadian Centre for Child Protection will offer reasonable accommodations for individuals who require help completing the Program. OPC Members are encouraged to complete the Program as soon as possible to avoid having their licence suspended. It is free of charge, and can be accessed by signing into your member account on the OCT website.

Quote to Ponder

“Inclusion is not a place. It’s a mindset.” – Rebekah Poe

Media

• Government announces takeover/investigation into school boards
• University applications for this fall show dramatic lows and historic highs
• How boards are handling school trips to the U.S.
• Schools facing creeping threat as temperatures rise
• Child care fees could rise without more federal funding
• How principals can build a high performing team
• Addressing violence against staff in schools (OPC quoted)

Queen’s Park Update

The House did not sit last week.