While I have grown up hearing the controversies of having two separate boards and hearing non-Catholics protest it, I never realized the struggle faced by those fighting to keep our school board open. Understanding this history has helped me to appreciate the values, struggles, and mission that define Catholic education, fostering a deeper commitment to my religion and being a Catholic teacher.
I found it very interesting that while first establishing Catholic schools, Quebec (Upper Canada) was our strongest ally, meanwhile, they have now abolished Catholic Boards. It is very clear that the establishment of Catholic schools in Ontario was a response to the need for faith-based education in a predominantly Protestant society during the 19th century. These schools provided an environment where Catholic children could learn without compromising their religious beliefs and cultural identity. However, their existence was not without challenges. Catholic education faced persistent financial struggles, legal battles, and societal resistance, including debates over public funding for separate schools. These struggles underscore the resilience of Catholic educators and communities who fought to uphold the right to religious education as a core component of their identity.
For me today, knowing this history instills a sense of gratitude and responsibility. It is a reminder to educators of the sacrifices made by past generations to ensure the preservation of Catholic values in education. This knowledge provides context for the mission of Catholic schools, which is not merely academic but deeply rooted in the spiritual and moral development of students. Understanding the historical journey of Catholic education reinforces the importance of these values, ensuring that they remain central to teaching practices. When it comes to addressing the harm caused by residential schools, I believe Catholic school teachers can play a crucial role by educating students about the truth and ensuring they understand the history and impact of residential schools. I think this is a crucial step as we are only just beginning to really learn and become aware of the history. As an immigrant of Canada, when I started elementary school, I was told by a teacher “all Indians want is to drink, live of the government and not pay taxes”. (granted this was in the 90s and much has changed although there is no excuse), but as an impressionable 10 year old, this was my first introduction to indigenous people. It was not until I started university and was required to take Indigenous courses as part of the program, that I became aware of the injustices they experiences since colonization. It is crucial for us to acknowledge and reflect on this history and not “brush it off” because it wasn’t our generation who created the harm. I’ve often hear people say “at some point they just have to get over it” which neither acknowledges the hurt nor does it model our faith.
In essence, understanding the history and struggles of Catholic education in Ontario is crucial for teachers because it shapes their professional identity and inspires their mission. It fosters a deeper connection to the values of faith-based education, ensuring that the sacrifices of the past continue to inform and enrich teaching practices today. As teachers, ensuring that we do not take Catholic schools for granted begins with a conscious effort to honor the mission, values, and sacrifices that have shaped their existence. This involves actively integrating faith into our teaching practices, fostering a culture of respect, compassion, and service in our classrooms, and being intentional about creating a learning environment rooted in Catholic principles. We must remain aware of the historical struggles that secured the right to Catholic education and reflect this understanding in our dedication to nurturing students' spiritual, academic, and moral growth. Engaging in ongoing professional and faith development helps us deepen our commitment to the Catholic educational mission, while fostering a sense of gratitude for the privilege of teaching in a faith-based context. Additionally, we can advocate for Catholic education by embracing its unique identity, building strong partnerships with families and churches, and ensuring that our actions and attitudes reflect the values we aim to instill in our students. By consistently striving to uphold the vision of Catholic education, we honor its legacy and ensure its continued relevance and vitality.