2013 CPAC Education Day successfully held on October 19
The Chinese Professionals Association of Canada (CPAC) and the Education Foundation of CPAC held the 6th CPAC Education Day at Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto in Scarborough today. With around 30 educational institutions participating and 8 info-packed seminars, the event attracted hundreds of students and their family members from the immigrant community in the GTA.
The theme of this year’s Education Day is “Better Education, Brighter Future.” As one of the largest education events inToronto’s immigrant community, CPAC Education Day is aimed at providing information about the Canadian education system and its available services for newcomers and their family members. Mr. Richard Lim, President of Education Foundation of CPAC, and Ms Margaret Yang, President of CPAC, both made warm remarks at the opening ceremony. “We believe education to be the key to a successful and prosperous future. Choices made today dictate the outcomes of tomorrow. We hope the information provided to students and parents at this annual event will help them make informed choices, ” said Mr. Lim.
One of the highlights of the event was the keynote presentation. This year’s keynote speaker was Dr. Charles E. Pascal and his daughter Tai Pascal Notar. They will have a father-daughter conversation about public education. Mr. Pascal is an internationally recognized educator, formerOntariodeputy minister, he is also a Professor of Applied Psychology and Human Development atUniversityofToronto. “We would like to bring more thoughts to students, teachers and parents who believe that we need to listen more carefully to the authentic stories of our children and our students if public education is to move closer to perfect.” said Charles.
Representatives from school boards, colleges, universities and other institutions presented their programs through display booths and were on-site to answer questions, including theUniversityofToronto, Queen’s University,YorkUniversity,RyersonUniversity,WesternUniversity,GeorgeBrownCollege,CentennialCollege, Seneca College etc.
“It’s a great opportunity for students to learn what the program requirements are and how to apply for university and get a sense of different student experiences that can be expected at universities,” said Mrs. Li, a parent and participant, “It’s also a good chance for parents like us to learn a lot about Canadian education system and communication skills with kids. It’s a real education day for the whole family.”
A continuation of the tradition in the past year’s Education Day was an all-day student forum hosted by the Youth Division of CPAC. Representatives from prestigious universities and colleges acrossOntarioattended the forum and shared their experience on postsecondary education and helped participants by tackling the difficult question of “What’s right for me?” They brought the attendance a new perspective on post-secondary institutions in the province.
HSBC Bank Canada has been Education Day’s presenting sponsor for six consecutive years. Mr. David Kuo, Head of Ontario Branch Network, HSBC Bank Canada, presented a cheque of CAD$25,000 to CPAC Education Foundation. “HSBC Bank Canada is proud to support organizations like CPAC in their efforts to help students and immigrant families inOntariothrough educational programs.” Mr. Kuo said.
Group photo of 2013 CPAC Education Day
(From left: Sheng Wang, CPAC-EF Trustee; Daniel Gao, CPAC Board Member; Margaret Yang, CPAC President; David Kuo, Head of Branch Network, Ontario Region, HSBC Bank Canada; Charles E. Pascal and his daughter Tai Pascal Notar, Keynote Speakers; Richard Lim, CPAC-EF President; Peter Chan, CPAC-EF Trustee; Andi Shi, CPAC Executive Director)