EDI Update
Intentional dedicated initiatives and campaigns, such as Pride month, often pose challenges as resistors and detractors also find it a time to voice their opposition. In May, the OPC partnered with Diverse City Strategies to host a conference focussed on supporting Indigenous and Racialized administrators and the harm and resistance faced by educators engaged in anti-oppressive work and leadership. Participants heard from practising principals and superintendents. Feedback was very positive, noting the event was a great way to build community and find support from colleagues. If you missed it, save the date for next year – April 22-23, 2026 – more details to come.
Affinity groups for Members are continuing, although most have held their last meeting of the school year. Information and links to meetings can be found on the Affinity Groups for Members page of our website.
These groups will meet in the next few weeks:
- Neurodivergent (NINE): June 22
- South Asian Administrators: June 24
- Persian Administrators: July 2
Leaves of Absence
If you are currently on, starting or extending a leave of absence and have not yet notified us, we encourage you to contact us to ensure continued OPC membership and benefits coverage (long-term disability, optional life and accidental death & dismemberment), where applicable. If you are returning from a leave, contact us to confirm your return and check your pay stubs to ensure OPC membership fee deductions have resumed. No action is required if you are on an approved LTD leave under the OPC plan.
Quote to Ponder
“School is a building which has four walls with tomorrow inside.” – Lon Watters
Media
- Plan to return police to schools met with anger, worry
- Police back return of School Resource Officers
- Changes to children’s aid societies miss what needs to be fixed
- How can principals grow the next generation of teachers
- Ontario helping students prepare for in-demand careers
- School cellphone bans get mostly positive marks
- 25 books for Pride Month
- Universities grapple with evaluation amid AI cheating fears
Queen’s Park Update
The House is in recess until October 20.