The original crest of the Ontario Federation of Home and School
Associations depicts a torch and the year 1916. In 1916, Ada Mary
Brown Courtice laid the foundation for the Ontario Federation.
A trustee for the Toronto Board of Education, Mrs. Courtice also
served as the president of the Toronto Council of Home and School
clubs. Under her leadership, these clubs grew from six to twenty-four
in number. The oldest group existing was at Rosedale School and it
had formed in 1896.
The Toronto Council brought together concerned parents and educators
to discuss the issues of the day. Common topics of discussion
were the inclusion of athletic facilities in schools and the education
of special needs students. At the same time, there were other groups
working to involve and inform parents. These included Mother's
Clubs and Parent-Teacher Associations. In May 1919, Ada Mary called
delegates of these various organizations together at a conference
in Toronto. There, they decided to join forces to form the first
provincial Home and School Federation in Canada.
Their common vision saw "Home and School as a movement intended
to educate parents for the betterment of children, of education
and ultimately for Canadian society as a whole." The aims
of this new organization were carefully worded with due consideration
being given to possible expansion. The concluding statement of
these aims is significant - "The Federation feels justified
in these aims, believing, as it does, that in the schools of tomorrow
and through the sympathetic and intelligent co-operation of parents,
with inspiring and public-spirited teachers, lies Ontario's and
Canada's best hope of establishing a Great Democracy. The Federation
invites the sympathy and support of all friends of education whether
they are workers in the service, parents, or tax-payers.
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