UPDATE #3 - MEETING RECAP & ACTION PLAN
Hello dear parents,
Thank you to everyone who attended our meeting on Sunday evening. I would like to sincerely thank you for your time, thoughtful questions, valuable contributions, and constructive discussion.
Considering that we are in the middle of the summer break and many families are away, we were very pleased with the number of parents who attended and participated. For those who were unable to join us, the meeting lasted approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes.
During the first part of the meeting, Yelena provided an overview of the events to date, including the correspondence and discussions that have taken place with Superintendent Marc Arseneau and Director of Education Nicole Mollot. Parents had the opportunity to ask questions, share their perspectives, and discuss the issues that have arisen.
The second half of the meeting focused on possible next steps. There was a strong consensus among those in attendance that, given the lack of meaningful answers and transparency from the MonAvenir School Board, it is appropriate to continue escalating our concerns beyond the Board.
Among the options discussed, the group agreed that our next steps should include:
- Escalating our concerns to the Ontario Ministry of Education; and
- Working to bring public attention to what has occurred at our school through media and community outreach.
At this stage, we do not know whether it is still possible to influence the Board's decision or the direction of the project. However, with work expected to begin at the school this week, we believe it is important to act quickly. Our goal remains to ensure that public funds are used responsibly and that our school receives the full benefit of the investment originally intended for the students of Sacré-Cœur de Toronto.
Next Steps
As discussed during the meeting, we have one opportunity to bring this matter to the attention of the Ministry of Education and the broader public.
The following initiatives are already underway:
- Press Release
We have reached out to a friend with more than two decades of experience in the media industry, who has worked with numerous news organizations, to assist us in preparing and distributing a press release as soon as possible. - Public Awareness Article
We have begun drafting an article that outlines what has occurred throughout this project. The article will be shared across various social media platforms and community networks. - Letter to the Ministry of Education
We are also preparing a formal letter to the Ontario Ministry of Education outlining our concerns and requesting that the Ministry review the handling of this project.
Our objective is to have all three initiatives completed over the next few days. The final versions will be shared.
How You Can Help
If you would like to contribute to any of these efforts—whether by helping write, reviewing documents, sharing contacts, supporting media outreach, or helping distribute information through social media—please don't hesitate to reach out. We also welcome any additional ideas, suggestions, or connections that may help our efforts.
Our school should not become a guinea pig for administrative decision-making at the expense of the opportunities available to current and future students of Sacré-Cœur de Toronto.
Thank you once again for your continued engagement, support, and commitment. Together, as a dedicated community of parents, we can continue advocating for transparency, accountability, and the best possible outcome for our children and our school.
Yelena Nichilo
Parent and President of the Parent Council of École élémentaire catolique du Sacré-Coeur de Toronto