BACKGROUND INFORMATION

In the Fall of 1984 a meeting related to the Early Primary Education Project took place in Etobicoke. All those in attendance expressed a need for a concerted effort to develop a strong and unified voice to speak in support of young children. For three people in particular, José Richter, Ruth Gowdy and Joy Fulford, it became very apparent that there was a need for an organization of people in positions of responsibility to meet by design rather than by accident to discuss future directions. It was through the leadership and guidance of these three individuals that the Consultants/Coordinators’ Association of Primary Educators was formed.

From December 1984 through to June 1985, at which time an interim executive was elected, meetings were held with a variety of people to provide direction and focus for the organization. At the first meeting of CAPE in October 1985 Fran Poleschuk spoke to the membership concerning CAPE’s primary purpose: to initiate, develop, and support leadership in Primary Education. Since that time the executive members of CAPE have continued to focus on the association’s purpose and goals through their:

  • provision of high quality speakers at CAPE's general meetings

  • representation on many provincial committees

  • efforts in providing the membership with a high quality newsletter, the Calliope

  • leadership in providing a forum for discussion, debate and response to issues, initiatives and research in primary education

  • conscientiousness in providing opportunities for social interaction and sharing of ideas amongst individuals

  • commitment to maintaining strong links with other organizations involved in the nurturing and education of the young child

Through the commitment, dedication and leadership of future members of this association CAPE will continue to be an effective advocacy body to promote the interests of primary children.

GOALS OF THE ASSOCIATION

The association is dedicated to the growth and development of the educators of primary children.

The goals of this association are to:

  • Act as an advocacy body to promote the interests of primary children

  • Keep members well informed about current issues and initiatives in primary education

  • Provide a forum for discussion, debate and response to issues, initiatives and research in primary education

  • Develop, initiate and support leadership in primary education

  • Provide opportunities for sharing ideas

  • Provide professional development as an integral part of this association through the use of local, national and international speakers

  • Support actions of members through providing information to comunity and any other interested groups

  • Provide members with opportunities to examine new materials and publications

  • Provide opportunities for social interaction

  • Maintain strong links with other organizations involved in the nurturing and education of the young child

CAPE MEETINGS

The Consultants/Coordinators' Associaton of Primary Educators plans two types of meetings during each school year. To view the meeting dates for CAPE
click here .

GENERAL MEETINGS

There are three general meetings organized for the membership:

• the fall meeting usually occurs in October
• the winter meeting usually occurs in February
• the spring AGM meeting may occur in May or in June

These meetings include:

• a business meeting with executive reports
• provincial updates ( i.e., MET, EQAO)
• networking time
• a key note speaker
• presentation of the Frances Poleschuk award (spring meeting)
• elections ( may occur at spring or fall meeting)

Members of CAPE receive notification of the general meeting dates and programs. They are encouraged to invite guests to all of the general meetings. Guests may include classroom teachers, administration and others interested in primary education.

EXECUTIVE MEETINGS

Members of the CAPE Executive meet 5 or 6 times during a school year to consider actions and make decisions on behalf of the CAPE membership. It is at the executive meetings that programs are planned, provincial responses are prepared and projects are identified for CAPE’s involvement.