“Through consultation, networking and partnership actions, AFOCSC members seek to ensure that the distinct character of French-language Catholic education is permeated into all aspects of the curriculum and the educational process. We seek equity for French-language Catholic schools based on real needs that are specific to our uniqueness. Finally, we also ensure that the rights granted to us by the Constitution Act, 1867 and the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms are respected.” – AFOCSC
Did you know that nearly 70% of Francophone parents in Ontario choose French Catholic education for their children?
Catholic schools have a rich history of success in Ontario Francophone communities and continue to play an important role in preserving French language and Catholic values for thousands of Francophone families each year.
One of four school systems in Ontario, French-language Catholic education is consistently chosen by the majority of French speaking Catholic parents.
Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC) represents eight French Catholic school boards across Ontario. Members of AFOCSC carry the weight of a dual mission: to promote and foster the development of the French language in their communities while ensuring the Catholic message and identity is present in everyday aspects of school management.
AFOCSC also represents the Consortium Centre Jules-Léger (CCJL), a provincial institution which operates as a school board managed by and for Francophones. The CCJL offers specialized education to students with severe learning disabilities or who are deaf or hard of hearing, blind or low vision or deaf-blind. The CCJL welcomes students from across the province and is represented by a Board of Directors. AFOCSC appoints three of the six trustees who make up the board.
The CCJL manages two specialized schools, provides advisory and consultation services throughout the province and offers an incredible Educational Housing Program. This specialized intervention program provides students at both schools the opportunity to continue their learning and development after school hours. The program focuses on supporting students in their full development and targeting, among other things, their autonomy and social skills.
The CCJL’s consultative services extend to all of Ontario’s French-language school boards.
A look at the numbers in French-language Catholic school boards of Ontario
296 Schools
10, 902 Staff
76, 801 students
A brief history
In 1997, Franco-Ontarians gained control of their Catholic and public school boards and secured equitable funding for French-language Catholic schools. Formed by eight French Language Catholic school boards across Ontario, Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques was officially established in 1998.
Funding Structure
Fully funded.
Protecting the Catholic Identity of Schools
Careful consideration is always made when it comes to supporting and promoting the importance of both the French language and Catholic identity within this unique Catholic school system.
During their annual conference, AFOCSC works with community partners to strengthen this vision and its impact in the province. Training sessions for trustees play a vital role in ensuring the preservation of both Catholic identity and French language at every level of their school system.
Catholic values are permeated throughout all messaging and activities within the association.
Diocesan Involvement
French-language Catholic schools in Ontario maintain biannual meetings with the French Language Bishops of Ontario. One bishop is appointed as spiritual leader for the association and attends every board meeting as a liaison between the French-language school boards and the diocese.
In addition to this strong diocesan relationship, all spiritual and pastoral material and guidance for schools and school boards are prepared, proposed and distributed through the Office Provincial de l’Éducation de la foi Catholique de l’Ontario. This Office exists as an agency of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops to connect and support both pastoral initiatives within the diocese and all French Catholic schools within Ontario.
Goals of the Association
Addressing the shortage of French teachers and the underfunding of school transportation in Ontario remains a top priority of AFOCSC. Both are critical issues that have significantly impacted students. AFOCSC continues to advocate for solutions through ongoing meetings with deputies and the Minister of Education.
Additionally, AFOCSC is exploring ways to support these areas directly through initiatives such as a teacher bursary, which is aimed at encouraging more qualified French educators to join the profession.
AFOCSC sees a bright and promising future for French-language education in Ontario. An ongoing goal for the association is to protect this future by engaging stakeholders, government representatives and school communities to create a more equitable and inclusive education system that meets the needs of all Franco-Ontarian students.
Challenges faced by Catholic schools in AFOCSC
Key challenges being addressed by AFOCSC include the shortage of French teachers and the chronic underfunding of school transportation. Both remain tremendous challenges for French-language Catholic schools in Ontario, affecting students and families from across the province.
An additional challenge for the association is the inconsistent and slow-moving government processes for approving new school construction. AFOCSC’s ability to accommodate their growing student population across the province is often impeded by lengthy delays and wait times for approval.
Finally, recent changes in education legislation are raising concerns about maintaining the rights and autonomy of French-language Catholic school boards. While this remains a concerning challenge, AFOCSC is continuing to address the issue and advocate for the quality of education afforded by the unique rights and autonomy of French-language Catholic schools.
Catholic Education Week
AFOCSC hosts their Catholic Education Week during the first week of May. Traditionally, Catholic Education Week and their Annual AGM & Conference share the same theme.This year’s Catholic Education Week will take place May 5 to 9 and this year’s theme is Pèlerins d’espérance.
Learn more about AFOCSC here! Thank you to AFOCSC for collaborating on this article!
