1952

Representatives from seven societies were meeting as the Ontario Alliance of Calvinistic Societies, in the consistory room of the First Reformed Church in Hamilton. The two purposes of the organization were to promote Christian education and to establish an institution of higher learning.

1962

The Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools negotiated an agreement with the Minister of Education, W. Davis, allowing Christian schools with certified principals to “host” practice teachers from the teacher colleges for certification purposes.

1972

A political campaign to extend funding to independent schools and Catholic high schools in the Davis era was started.

Mr. J. Olthuis is appointed as Coordinator and Lobbyist.

An historic meeting took place in Windsor, where representatives of NUCS (National Union of Christian Schools), OACS, OCSTA, and OCSAA, as well as some of the Western delegates, met to discuss the future of “NUCS” in Canada.

1982

A new agreement was reached with Revenue Canada interpreting the Bulletin IC75-23 for Christian schools.

The OACS office moved to Redeemer College on Beach Blvd. in Hamilton

The OACS Board ended the Teacher Recruitment Fund, which began in 1956.

The OACS issued the first OCSAA, OCSTA, OACS Salary Report.

The OACS sponsored the CSI Convention in Ottawa.

The OACS endorsed CEAF (Christian Education Assistance Foundation) program.

1992

The OACS hosted the first international CSI conference in Toronto. It was the biggest CSI Convention ever!

Last Decade

1999

OACS Commissions GALLOP poll on independent school funding.

Many audits of school books were conducted by Revenue Canada. OACS holds meetings with officials in Ottawa.

OACS is registered with the Province as a lobbyist.

First meetings of Christian Schools Canada (CSC). Membership survey shows a strong support for new initiatives.

Board conducts third membership survey to determine satisfaction with services.

First classic invitational golf tournament for curriculum development.

2000

Board acts to encourage CSI to return the demutualization funds to the schools.

UN Decision – the Waldman case is decided in favour of the religious schools: funding is required.

Joint presentations, OACS-CJC are made to the Federal Minister of Justice and the Ontario Minister of Justice.

The OACS Board adopts new policy on mechanics of public funding and commissions KPMG to do the research on a tax credit option.

In the Fall there was extensive lobbying of the Government MPP's by the OACS staff.

The appointments of the Fair Funding Coordinators in December.

ONTARIO BREAKTHROUGH: The Minister of Health-Mrs. Witmer-allocates $3.4 million for special needs children in independent schools.

2001

ONTARIO SOLUTION: TUITION TAX CREDIT The Equity in Education Tax Credit (EETC) is announced in the May 9 Provincial Budget of Finance Minister, The Honourable Jim Flaherty.

Board established Career Incentives Committee to look at long-term teacher shortages.

CSI makes further Bylaw changes in accordance with its new vision.

Mr. C. Louter joins the OACS staff as the Director of Stewardship.

2002

First Conference of Christian Schools Canada is held in Vancouver.

OACS Budget exceeds $1 Million: staff is at 15 persons.

Membership approves resolution to establish a new relationship between CSI and CSC.

OACS establishes Canadian Development Task Force.