Christmas Message from the OCSTA President

To my fellow Catholic Trustees:

During this blessed Advent season, as we prepare for Christmas and reflect on the needs of the most vulnerable around us and around our world, there is a sense of deep gratitude in the Catholic school communities we serve. We are blessed to have the support of families, communities and Parish partners who together share a commitment to Catholic education. 

As Catholic Trustees, we have each been given the responsibility to serve our church and the young people and families who depend on publicly funded Catholic education across this province. What an honour and joy it is to be answering that call to service each and every day!

Our confidence in the work we do is reinforced by the knowledge that we are following a rich tradition of Catholic Trustee service that spans over a century. As a result of the vigilance and advocacy of our predecessors, Ontario’s vibrant publicly funded Catholic schools provide Christ-centred learning environments where today almost 600,000 students are able to participate in Advent activities in preparation for the celebration of the wonderful Solemnity of Christmas Day.

May this Christmas and our personal journeys going forward be characterized by a generous and gracious love of God and love for all of Creation.

God bless you and Merry Christmas to all!

Beverley Eckensweiler
OCSTA President

A Statement from OCSTA re: Education Funding Cuts

In response to the recent provincial government announcement regarding education funding cuts the Association has released the following statement by President Eckensweiler: 

“While the recent announcement of education program funding cuts is assessed at the local level, the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association urges the government to consult with education partners when seeking necessary efficiencies in the education sector. We would be concerned about funding cuts that could negatively impact the quality of education provided to students. Student achievement and well-being are goals we all share and support through collaborative efforts that build upon the experience and insight of Ontario’s major education stakeholders.”

Beverley Eckensweiler, OCSTA President

It’s time to Vote: Best in the Province Short-Videos

The OCSTA “Community Builders” short-video contest for students in Ontario’s Catholic schools is now closed and online voting has begun!

The videos to make the list of finalists have been selected and are posted at www.togetherinfaith.ca.

To vote you MUST be registered as a subscriber. The sign up form to register as a subscriber is on the contest page.

Online voting will be open between the dates December 17th and December 31st. The elementary panel and secondary panel winners will be announced on January 21st.

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCSTA Catholic Trustees Seminar
When: January 18 – 19, 2019
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport

For program and registration details please click here.

Labour Relations Meeting
When: January 19, 2019
Location: Delta Hotels by Marriott Toronto Airport (same location as the Catholic Trustees Seminar)
Time: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm  – for registration information click here.