Author Archives: CPCO
Back-to-School Infographics
September 14, 2018 Infographics
Looking for a list of ways to mentally and physically prepare for the school year? Or a 2018-2019 back-to-school checklist? Ever wondered what's REALLY in elementary school students' backpacks? Check out the latest CPCO infographics below!
Extra credit for you word problem aficionados:
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then how many words is a picture with words in it worth?
We Are Not Living an Era of Change but a Change of Era
September 7, 2018 Guest writersChris Lowney, CPCO conference
By Chris Lowney
Chris Lowney is a keynote speaker at the upcoming CPCO Conference 2018. To register for the conference, visit our website.
Pope Francis said, "We are not living an era of change but a change of era."
One could engage in intellectual debate about his claim: is it really a change of "era"? But this much is beyond debate: we're living through a complex, volatile moment in history. One that is challenging leaders in Politics, Business, Religion, and not least, Education.
To thrive in this new environment we must all pick up some new skills and abilities, including this one: to become comfortable with the reality of being uncomfortable. It feels deeply uncomfortable, for example, to have to plan for the future when one can't predict the future with any confidence. It feels deeply uncomfortable to have to make decisions amidst circumstances that seem to change constantly. Faced with such realities, some leaders shrink from the task. They step back, hoping that things will go back to "normal."
But I'm afraid that volatility and complexity are here to stay. Therefore, we will all have to learn to step up and lead amidst such challenging circumstances. Put differently, we'll have to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
I'm looking forward to discussing this and other ideas during my keynote presentation at the CPCO Conference. It will be my great privilege to present to educators who are making a powerful difference in our society.
Chris Lowney
Chris Lowney is the author of seven books, including the award-winning Make Today Matter: 10 Habits for a Better Life (and World). He founded Pilgrimage for Our Children's Future, which supports education and healthcare projects among severely impoverished, marginalized communities, and also co-founded Contemplative Leaders in Action, an emerging leader formation program now active in a half-dozen cities.
Serve. Advocate. Lead.
June 7, 2018 Principal ConnectionsDeirdre Kinsella Biss
This edition of Principal Connections takes an in-depth look at the Support Services that the Catholic Principals' Council | Ontario (CPCO) offers to its membership. The term "Support Services" is built around two key words. The "Support" part of the title highlights ways that we help our members grow and develop. The "Service" part of the title speaks to the set of services we have developed to assist our colleagues professionally.
CPCO Gala 2018
May 4, 2018 EventsCPCO Gala, Jacob Chouinard
CPCO Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony 2018
By Jacob Chouinard
On Friday, April 20, 2018, CPCO hosted its annual Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony at the Delta Hotel in the heart of Toronto. The event celebrated Catholic leaders from across Ontario.
Thank you to everyone who helped plan and execute this year's Gala and to those who attended. We would also like to extend a special thank you to all of our Gala Sponsors, whose support is greatly appreciated.
Congratulations to all our award recipients!
Creating a play structure at Thomas D'Arcy McGee
March 22, 2018 Share your storyJacob Chouinard
Creating a play structure for all students at Thomas D'Arcy McGee
Communications and Technology Officer
Recreational activity in elementary school is an important part of the day and it normally takes place at recess with other students. For many years Thomas D'Arcy McGee students have been playing on a large green field on school property at recess.
However, some students in the Developmental Education (DE) program use the assistance of wheelchairs or walkers and it is more difficult for them to play with other students in the school yard.
Former Thomas D'Arcy McGee Principal, Deborah Langdon and the school community decided that their school was in dire need of a play structure that would allow for all the students to play and socialize together on school premises. As a result, Thomas D'Arcy McGee Catholic school started to develop a plan to build an inclusive play structure on school property.