President’s Christmas Message
For a child has been born for us;
a son given to us;
authority rests upon his shoulders;
and he is named
Wonderful counsellor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah)
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“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”
G. K. Chesterton
This season of Advent more so than I recall in previous years, I have found myself reflecting on and through prayer giving thanks to God for the blessings in my life. Most especially for the child born in Bethlehem and the witness of parents, lay and religious teachers and clergy who instilled in me a faith in that child Jesus, as my Saviour. For the love and support of a loving wife and children who nurture that faith in me each day. In my ministry in Catholic education I give thanks to my HWCDSB and OCSTA (Catholic school boards) communities/families.
In this year of unprecedented and complex challenges I express thanks to each of you as Catholic school trustees and the system and school staff within your boards for the outstanding service you have provided. While giving priority to the health and safety and well-being of your students and staff, you have continued to place Christ at the centre of your Catholic school systems. While challenges remain, you and each of the staff members within your school systems are to be commended and congratulated for your commitment and collective good work.
The words of G.K. Chesterton remind us that as the guardians and stewards of our Catholic school systems, we as Catholic School Trustees are called to protect and promote the precious gift of publicly funded Catholic education and to never, ever take it for granted.
On behalf of the OCSTA Board of Directors and our dedicated staff, I thank each of you for your selfless service and wish you, your families and the Catholic school system you represent a blessed Christmas and a New Year filled with much joy.
Patrick J. Daly
OCSTA President
2021 Catholic Trustees Seminar:
The 2021 annual Catholic Trustees Seminar will be hosted virtually on the Zoom videoconferencing platform. The event happens on Saturday, January 16, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Click here to view the CTS Program
Intensive Program in Human Rights
This past summer, the Minister of Education announced actions to address racism and systemic inequities in the education system. These actions include professional learning opportunities for school board leaders and staff on advancing human rights and equity for school communities.
The Intensive Program in Human Rights for School Board Leaders, was designed for Trustees in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and the trustees’ associations to inform its design and delivery. A specific session has been developed within this program to include the Catholic faith perspective and considerations within the Catholic school system and the date for Part A of that session is Friday, January 15, 2021. There will be a Part B (that is included in the registration fee) however the date for Part B is still being finalized.
To learn more and to register click here.
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