Happy New Year!

I want to thank you for your leadership, dedication and unwavering commitment to Ontario’s students, staff and school communities. I wish you good health, renewed energy and continued success in the year ahead. The OPC remains proud to support you as you lead with purpose, compassion and professionalism.

Dwayne Matthews Presentation

OPC Members are invited to join us virtually for a special livestream presentation by Dwayne Matthews, Future Strategist and Innovation Evangelist, on Friday, February 6 at 1:00 p.m. EST during General Assembly.

Dwayne’s work explores the impact of disruptive innovation on the future of work and education. His insights are sought by leaders and organizations worldwide. He has addressed senior representatives at the United Nations, advised former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on digital literacy and education and serves as an XPRIZE Education Domain Brain Trust Advisor. In 2025, he released his first book, Principles to Protocols: Letters to My Son.

This session will offer forward-thinking perspectives and meaningful reflection for school leaders navigating an evolving educational landscape. Register by February 3.

Free Trauma Response Course for 400 Members

Take advantage of this amazing opportunity to engage in a free self-directed course titled, Foundation in Trauma Response, through the Center for Trauma Informed Practices. This certificate course guides you in exploring the “why” behind a complex variety of human reactions to traumatic situations. Deepening your knowledge of trauma response will support trauma-informed approaches and decision-making for school leaders.

Interested in this foundational learning in trauma response? Register here.

Seeking Representative for Special Education Advisory Council 

In June 2026, the ministry will be appointing a new P/VP representative to sit on the Ministry’s Advisory Council on Special Education (MACSE). The Council provides advice to the Minister of Education on the development and delivery of programs and services for students with special education needs, including the identification and provision of early intervention programs.

The appointment has a maximum six-year term. Learn more about the Council’s mandate and eligibility. If you are interested in being considered for this role, please apply by February 1, 2026 and email president@principals.ca to let us know.

Media

• Concerned Windsor parent demands school take action after incident with high-potency THC gummies
• School boards adapt to multilingual student population 
• School board chair warns: 'We aren't the enemy,' as Province tightens grip on schools 
• NDP MPP Chandra Pasma gives failing grade to Quinn; minister says comments are inaccurate
• Ontario court rules Doug Ford must turn over personal phone records 
• Dyslexic students have the right to read — and Manitoba has joined other provinces to address this 
• Ontario’s top court finds school board not liable in bullying claim 

Articles Requiring a Paid Subscription

• Uniformed police will be allowed back in Ontario schools, ministry says. Here’s how 
• Ontario has a math emergency 
• Could your kid’s school be on the chopping block? Why debate about under-enrolled schools is heating up