FCPACE – Ontario Canada

A Voice for Authentic Catholic Faith Formation

By Tony A. San Juan, OCT.
Ontario-Canada
May 3, 2016



FCPACE was formally organized  on November 6, 2013 with twelve parents in initial attendance at Blessed Mother Teresa Secondary School in Scarborough, Ontario. For its Nature, organization is operating as a non- profit, non- political community of Filipino Canadian parents, guardians, teachers and other Catholic stakeholders it seeks "to have a voice and representation within the Toronto Catholic District School Board ( TCDSB)" . It aims also "to participate,in an advisory role, on matters of faith, moral values, & student achievement as well as in those that affect Filipino Canadian students in respect of Catholic education, heritage and culture" . 

To articulate its presence and participation, FCPACE  has a  collective Vision of becoming a "leading and unified voice representing and advocating Catholic education  for responsible & continued formation and preservation of authentic Catholic faith among Filipino Canadian students, parents, families and communities within the Catholic education system and Canadian society in general ".

In support of its Vision and Nature , the Association desires and expects its Mission to : 1)" help maintain and increase enrollment in Catholic schools by advocating for the excellence of Catholic education, 2) collaborate with TCDSB on its Multi-Year Strategic Plan in alignment with Filipino Catholic values, 3) Work with the TCDSB and other parent organizations to help strengthen public confidence in Catholic education through collective responsibility of maintaining authentic Catholicity, 4)  Work in partnership and collaboration with Filipino and other ethnic organizations in increasing the number of faithful and practicing Catholic administrators, teachers and staff in the TCDSB, 5) Engage with and provide input to other Working and Special Committees of TCDSB, and 6) Promote Filipino heritage, culture and arts within the Toronto Catholic education environment and the general community".

Proudly, the FCPACE leadership in solid representation and collaboration with TCDSB senior officers worked towards the official appointment of a Filipino Advisory Committee ( FAC ) by the Board of Trustees on October 9, 2014 with solid support and representation by Trustees Angela Kennedy and Garry Tanuan.  FAC , with its Terms of Reference, is composed of Joey Abrenilla, Francisco Galema, Carole Martin, Mary Ann San Juan, Tony A.San Juan and Kaylene Tolentino. Sitting in  the 13- person Advisory Committee are : 2 TCDSB Trustees, the Associate Director of Academic Affairs, three School Superintendents and 1 community relations officer.

One of FCPACE 's big events last year was the holding of the historic First Annual Conference of Catholic Parents, Students and Teachers on April 25, 2015 at the Catholic Education Centre, TCDSB . With its theme : "Meeting the Challenges of Filipino Canadian Catholic Students and Parents", the one-day event conducted group workshops on the identification and discussion of  concerns and challenges impacting students and parents in areas of parent involvement, student performance, curriculum- related issues, adjustment to teaching- learning practices & academic requirements .The conference engaged more than 150 participants including notable speakers and guests from the Catholic community in the Greater Toronto Area.

On track, FCPACE is holding a Second Annual Parents, Teachers and Students Conference on "Enhancing Parent Engagement and Community Involvement" on May 14, 2016. The whole day event will include parent- led workshops in : Effective Parenting -Home -and-School Environment; The School System -Curriculum and Teaching & Learning Styles; Catholic Education and Faith Formation; and Parent Advocacy and School-Community Engagement.

Membership to FCPACE is open to all who believe and support Catholic education and the Catholic faith. To become a member, one has to apply by completing a membership form and paying a modest registration & annual fee.

Interested individuals are requested to contact: Marla Tanuan at: , Tel. or Joseph Redoblado at: , Tel. 726-1964.( T. San Juan).