April 2015 - In This Issue of the Durham Catholic School Board's Celebrating Student Success Newsletter:
Shaping our Students' Future Together
As the school year begins to draw near, it's important for parents and teachers to work together in order to help students achieve success. This time of year can be stressful for students as assignments, projects and tests start to accumulate. Students have access to great resources for help - talk with a teacher, guidance counsellor and/or attend an after-school homework club. Parents can also help their child(ren) deal with anxiety a
Above: Dr. Alex Russell
nd stress by helping them to set goals and organize their time. This will help students reduce their stress level, identify priorities and manage their time to achieve success. To learn more about how to 'Help Kids Thrive in Anxious Times' check our the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee's parent engagement series with Dr. Alex Russell on May 13 at 6:30 p.m. at the Board's Conference Centre at 652 Rossland Road West, Oshawa. Click here to register online and learn more about the event. 

Also take time each day to celebrate your child's success; acknowledge your child's strengths and increase self-worth. If your chil d is artistic, then stop by the Robert McLaughlin Gallery from April 30 to May 17, 2015 to view the  Durham Catholic District School Board's 'ARTiculate ' Student Art Show. Check out the events being offered at your child's school during  Catholic Education Week from May 4 to 8. This year's theme is "Exploring Paths of Joy." Join us as we celebrate our students' achievements.

Click here for more information on Student Success at the Durham Catholic District School Board. To receive a copy of our Celebrating Student Success newsletter directly in your inbox, click here to sign up. 

Yours in Catholic Education,

John Mullins

Superintendent of Education
Back row: Mrs. Hooftman, Mascot, members of the Oshawa Generals, Jean Meyers, Mrs. Bailey, Mr. Di Ianni, Ms. McLaughlin
Front row: Diana Paoletta, Bryan Novelero, Jennifer Valis, Curtis Fladby
Parish and Community Connections
Raising Funds for Grandview Kids at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

In February, students from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School participated in Tape a Toonie day in support of Grandview Kids.   Grandview Children's Centre is the only paediatric treatment and rehabilitation centre in Durham Region for children and youth with special needs. The response from the school community was overwhelming, and St. Mary won the designation of top fundraising school for the 2015 campaign. As the top fundraising school, we were awarded with a Grandview Kids "Ability Awareness" presentation, and received a special visit from some players from the Oshawa Generals Hockey Club. The players answered questions from students in several Physical Education classes before joining them for a few games of ball hockey.
Above: Jean Meyers, Mrs. Hooftman, Erin Kennedy, Ryan Carroll, Brittany Adams, Ms. McLaughlin
St. Mary's Blue Nail Crew Builds Awareness of Down Syndrome Day 

On March 10, Program Support and the staff and students of St. Mary Catholic Secondary School recognized Durham Down Syndrome Awareness Day by participating in the Blue Nail Crew campaign.  Student volunteers set up nail painting stations for students to visit during their lunch period, encouraging conversation about Down Syndrome and the importance of fostering an inclusive, compassionate community.  We were happy to have Mrs. Catherine Heeney and St. Mary alumni Jan Heeney at the school to join in the day's events.  It was a fun and educational day for all who participated!  Students were particularly delighted to see Principal Mr. O'Brien and Vice Principal Mr. Di Ianni having their fingernails painted in support of the day.   

All Saints Students enter the Whitby Station Gallery's Art Attack Event
 
The Town of Whitby in partnership with the Station Gallery has provided an opportunity for Whitby students between 12-18 years of age to showcase their artistic talent. All Saints Catholic Secondary School students, Erica McCartney and Ethan Creer submitted their work to be displayed at the Town's Centennial Building on May 7, at 7:00 p.m. Their pieces may then be chosen to be showcased at the Station Gallery from May 23-July 5, 2015.

Photos below: Right and Middle by Erica McCartney and Left by: Ethan Creer
 
                     

Above: Lauren Esdale, Emily Ayres, Cynthia Nimri, and Mrs. Pereira, Vice Principal at Immaculate Conception Catholic School pose for a picture with Louise Russo at the W.A.V.E. 
Empowering Youth Day.
Equity and Inclusion
Three Students' Commitment to Equity and Inclusion earns them the 2015 Louise Russo W.A.V.E Award for Leadership 
 

On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, three Grade 8 students from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in Port Perry were awarded the 2015 Louise Russo Working Against Violence Everyday (W.A.V.E.) Award for Leadership. Emily Ayres, Cynthia Nimri and Lauren Esdale received the award during the annual W.A.V.E. Empowering Youth Day in Mississauga.  The students received the award for their dedication to building a school community by living the mission that every child from Kindergarten to Grade 8 is to be celebrated. The students achieved their goal by implementing a number of initiatives such as Spirit Assemblies, a Kindness Program and Social Awareness Campaigns. BRAVO!

 

 

Experiential Learning

Father Donald MacLellan Cooperative Education Students find Success  


Caitlyn MacConnell has been working as an ECE assistant at Helping Hands in Ajax. She has been enjoying her placement even though it has been early mornings and long days. Caitlyn is enjoying the hands on experience working in a daycare where she gets to program activities and interact with children. Caitlyn is focused and knows this is what she wants to pursue in the future.

  

 

Nick Krysiak completed a placement at the Durham Catholic District School Board's Maintenance Department as a Plumbing Assistant. He raves about the new skills that he has picked up working with his supervisor Trevor. The 9 hour days are long, but Nick is confident that he is capable of tackling any plumbing at home and is looking forward to a future in this trade.


 

 

Mathew Ranjitsingh has been working in a co-op placement with Anderson Industrial and Refrigeration as a Welder/HVAC apprentice. He is one of the hardest working students in one of the toughest and demanding jobs. Mathew has gained so much experience and learned different skills that he is ready to start a career in either trade. Currently Mathew is taking a night school Welding course as well.

  

Tyler Poole has been working in a co-op placement at Cooper's Iron and Metals in Toronto. He is respected by his supervisor and fellow employees for his hard work and willingness to take on tough jobs. Tyler has learned many aspects about the industry, but has stated that this tough job has really motivated him to finish his high school diploma and look for other work in the trades.  

 

Exploring Pathways Opportunities

Creating Pathways to Success at St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School


Above: Playing Our Way to the Future!
Hannah, Skyler, Jacob, Shaylee, Lawrekaye, Kaaliyah

For the past few months, Grade 4 students at St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School reflected on their future "Pathways" by creating individual board games. Each game was uniquely designed to show the students' will follow to achieve their goals and aspirations.  

 

Students created a dream vision board of where they would like to "go" in life; who they would like to become; what love and supports would surround them on their journey.  They wove these "visions" into a board game, complete with potential obstacles and triumphs that could
occur along the way.  Students acknowledged that Jesus is their constant companion on their journey, and proudly integrate their Catholic faith into their board game. They also incorporated the following item in a fun, age appropriate way:

  • Graduate Expectations,
  • Virtues,
  • Grade Essential question "What Does Jesus Ask Of Us?,
  • Sacraments,
  • The Golden Rule, and
  • Prayer

Students enjoyed playing each other's games, and celebrated their

peers' creativity.  Everyone was a winner - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you.., plans to give you hope and a future."  Jeremiah 29:11

 

Above: All Saints Catholic Secondary School students provide insights during Student
Voice Forum
.
Student Voice
All Saints Catholic Secondary School participates in Student Voice Forum

Recently students from All Saints Catholic Secondary School participated in a Student Voice Forum organized by Student Success Teacher, Mr. Tacchino and a core group of eleven All Saints students. Student Voice is a Ministry of Education Student Success program that captures the thoughts and opinions of students regarding their education. Nearly 60 All Saints' students representing all grades participated in the voice session. Kudos for offering students an opportunity to lend their voice to improve learning.

 

Above: Students in the Non-Profit SHSM present their fundraising ideas to the Rose of Durham.
Student Engagement

SHSM ICE Training Day

 

One of the most successful programs in high school is the Specialist High Skills Major program (SHSM).  The SHSM program allows students to focus their learning on a specific economic sector as they meet the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. In 2015-2016, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) will offer 26 SHSM programs across its secondary schools.

 

In February 2015, students from the Non-Profit SHSM at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School took part in the Innovation, Creativity and Entrepreneurship (ICE) pilot program. In this program, a community partner presents a 'Challenge' in the form of a case study to the students. The students work together to offer a solution to the challenge in hopes that it can assist the partnering organization.

 

We were grateful that Rose of Durham agreed to be our partner for this program. Janet Chappelle, Executive Director of Rose of Durham, presented students with the challenge. She told students that Non-Profit organizations need strong fundraising programs to help them offer programs and services to their clients. Six groups of students prepared and presented a potential fundraising campaign for Rose of Durham. Thrilled with the students' ideas, the Rose of Durham's Fundraising Committee adopted one of the initiatives presented by students and conducted a campaign in mid-March.

 

Thank you to Rose of Durham and the Non-Profit SHSM teams for making this a  successful event.

  

Above: Ashley Murphy with her Ajax Civic Award for Youth
Student Achievement
Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic Student receives Ajax Civic Award for Youth

Congratulations to Ashley Murphy, a Grade 10 student at Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School for receiving an Ajax Civic Award for Youth in April during a special ceremony at the Ajax Community Centre. Ashley received the award for her commitment to diversity and community service. Thank you for being a leader that others can look up to Ashley.

 

Above: Sarah Correia and Shandelle Landgraff a the Epic Mac 'n Cheese Competition.
Msgr. Paul Dwyer Catholic School Students participate in Epic Mac 'n Cheese Competition at Durham College

In April, two Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic School students, Sarah Correia and Shandelle Landgraff competed in Durham College's 'Epic Mac 'n Cheese Competition'. The students are members of Msgr. Paul Dwyer's Culinary Arts course taught by Mrs. Hamilton. The team created deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls with lobster. Students from all over Ontario came together to compete. Congratulations to Sarah and Shandelle for representing Durham Catholic!

 

 

Above: William Bird with his Award winning Waterfall photo.

Grade 11 St. Mary Catholic Secondary Student wins local Pine Ridge Art Competition

 
After an injury in Grade 10 sidelined him from taking Gym, William Bird discovered photography and hasn't looked back. The Grade 11 Photography, Media Arts & Instrumental Music student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School has found his passion for taking photographs and his work is earning him international recognition and awards.

 

William recently won first place in the Pine Ridge Arts Council Juried Competition for his waterfall photograph and earlier this school year, he was selected to participate in a National Geographic Workshop, in the United States. In July, William will travel to Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming to photograph nature and animals as part of the National Geographic Workshop.

 

In addition to his photography skills, he is an excellent tuba player and member of the St. Mary Senior Concert Band. He also plays tuba in the Community Concert Band of Whitby.

 

What's next for this budding artist? William is currently interviewing for a co-op placement opportunity as part of the Arts & Culture SHSM program.

 

Above: Elementary Students visiting Msgr. John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School interact during team building activities.
Transitions
Msgr. John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School hosts Transition Day for Elementary Students

Students and staff at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School recently welcomed Grade 6 and 7 students from John XXIII, Monsignor Philip Coffey, St. Hedwig and St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Schools to a Transition Day. The event offered students an opportunity to meet other students who will be attending Grade 7 and 8 at Msgr. John Pereyma in September 2015.
 

The day featured interactive games and team building exercises, along with a scavenger hunt to become familiar with the school's layout and the programs and clubs available at the secondary school. 

 

Transitioning to College through the Dual Credit Program


 

Can students really graduate from high school with their Ontario Secondary School

Above: Students from Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School complete their duel credit Hairstyling and Aesthetics course.

diploma and a credit on a college transcript? The answer is YES! The School-College-Work-Initiative funds the Dual Credit program that is intended to assist secondary school students in the completion of their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) and lead students to a successful transition to college and apprenticeship programs.

 

In team-taught dual credit course an Ontario secondary school course is taught jointly by a high school teacher and a college instructor. The high school teacher delivers the curriculum from the high school course and a college instructor delivers the college curriculum. Students are eligible to receive credit for the college course, which is recorded on the college record, and for the secondary school course, which is recorded on the Ontario Student Transcript.

 

Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School offers a dual credit course in partnership with Loyalist College in Belleville. Students are enrolled in the high school course Hairstyling and Aesthetics which is taught jointly with the college's Nail Technology I Course. Students successful in the course can proudly say that they have earned both a high school and college credit.

 

The dual credit program offers students the ability to experience a college course while still in high school, increase their awareness of college and apprenticeship programs available to them and begin the transition to post-secondary education. 

                  

Helpful Links and Resources

For more information about Pathways Opportunities in Secondary School and beyond, click here to read our Pathways to Student Success booklet.  

 

To find out more about transitions from elementary to secondary school, click here to read our Grade 8 to Grade 9 Transitions Guide.

               

At the Durham Catholic District School Board, we believe that all students can be successful, that success comes in many forms, and that there are many pathways to success. If you have a story idea for an upcoming newsletter, please email your story for consideration to student.success@dcdsb.ca.

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