TRUSTEE CANDIDATE
Orleans and Cumberland
Ottawa Catholic School Board
Paul Safi
Our Priorities
FAITH FORMATION
There is no limit to “…the length and width and height and depth of the love of Christ...” (Ephesians 3:18). He calls us to faith rooted and grounded in His love – to a deeper experience of Himself through surrender to His power in our lives.
Together, we must…
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…seize the many Catholic resources that strengthen our spiritual life, especially receiving the Sacraments– Confession and Christ’s Real Presence in the Eucharist.
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…build relationships and partner with organizations dedicated to serving Christ and His children.
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…organize events that place ‘personal encounters with Christ’ at the forefront.
“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” – Ephesians 3:20-21
Missionaries, religious brothers and sisters, priests, and the faithful laity are all called to participate in revealing the majesty of our Catholic faith. It takes a village to raise a child …a faithful Church to raise a Christian.
MENTAL HEALTH
We need to find realistic positive opportunities to build confidence for our students and teachers. Learning together how to deal with life as though each problem is a puzzle to be solved - a challenge to overcome - can encourage us to embrace our unique identity and pursue good outcomes. As exercise is critical to the health of our bodies, so is exercising our hearts and minds to better accept who we are, embrace our potential, and take positive action that impacts the whole community.
I will work to promote the furtherance of access to mental health access and use. The teaching and learning of skills that build a hopeful attitude will make the difference in the outcomes of thousands of children within the Ottawa Catholic School Board.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
Our goal is to find ways to help each child reach their full potential. Students need support, as well as educational opportunities that challenge both mind and body (i.e. intellect, will, emotions, spirit) in order to maximize their chances of success. It is important to explore innovative ways to develop “gifted and talented education” to foster continuous growth. “Ontario Ministry of Education defines giftedness as an unusually advanced degree of general intellectual ability that requires differentiated learning experiences of a depth and breadth beyond those normally provided. Learn more about the definition of giftedness from the Association for Bright Children of Ontario (ABC Ontario).”
– Source https://www.ddsb.ca/en/programs-and-learning/gifted-program.aspx
Today’s students are the leaders of tomorrow’s society. Therefore, our job is to create plenty of space for students’ God-given gifts to flourish. This means encouraging and modelling excellence without demanding perfection.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
I have lots of ideas, but the only reason I am here is because of you -the community God has called me to serve. I rely on the many volunteers who make this campaign possible. I will also rely on the voices of the students, parents, and educators to guide how we can move forward together. Get in touch with me today to tell me your story and what you think our direction should be.