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As we enter the sacred season of Lent, we are reminded of the profound opportunity that this time offers us. Lent is a period where we are called to deepen our faith, strengthen our relationship with God, and prepare our hearts for the joyous celebration of Easter.
View the full 2025 Lenten Message on our website.
We are grateful for the dedication and support of our parents/guardians, staff, and parish partners. Together, we can create a caring learning environment where our students can grow in faith, knowledge, and love. With hearts full of hope this Lenten season, let us continue to create meaningful connections with one another.
Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed Lent.
Yours in hope and faith,
Monique Forster Gerard Winn
Chair of the Board Director of Education
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Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the liturgical season of Lent marks a special 40-day period of preparation before Easter. It is a time when Christians prepare to celebrate the holiest of all days – Easter – the day of Jesus’ resurrection. Traditionally, Lent is a time when the faithful are invited to pray, fast, and give alms.
We have compiled Lenten resources on our website to assist students, families and staff in a meaningful spiritual preparation for Easter.
Visit dcdsb.ca to view the Lenten resources.
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DCDSB students embraced the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Pictured below are students from Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School and Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School who received ashes in the sign of the cross on their foreheads. This serves as a symbol of their commitment to the Lenten season as we prepare our minds, bodies and spirits for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. | |
Durham Catholic Children's Foundation | |
Durham Catholic Children's Foundation Gala - Keynote Speaker Announcement! | |
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The Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation is thrilled to welcome Noah Aquino as our keynote speaker for the 11th Annual Gala on April 23, 2025!
A proud DCDSB alumnus, Noah has built a remarkable career in media, youth mentorship, and community leadership. From his time at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, where he was an award-winning student leader, to his current role at Breakfast Television on Citytv, Noah continues to make an impact.
Beyond his media career, he is committed to guiding and uplifting young people as a Youth and Confirmation Coordinator at St. Francis de Sales Parish. His dedication to faith, mentorship, and service makes him an inspiring voice for this year’s gala.
🎟️ Tickets are available now for $130! Purchase your tickets today and be part of this memorable evening. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
📅 April 23, 2025
📍 Tosca Banquet Hall, Oshawa
🔗 http://durhamcatholicfoundation.ca/gala
We can’t wait to celebrate with you!
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DCDSB 2025-2026 Budget Consultation – Share Your Thoughts! | |
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As we plan for the 2025-2026 school year at the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), we want to hear from you! We invite all parents/guardians, students, employees, and members of the DCDSB community to participate in the budget development process.
Your feedback is important to us. Please take a few minutes to share your feedback by completing an anonymous survey. The insights gathered will help guide our school and board plans and budget for the 2025-2026 school year.
Click here to complete the 2025-2026 School Year Budget Consultation Survey.
Note that the survey will remain open until 4:00 p.m. on Monday, March 31, 2025.
For more information on how the board is funded, the budget development process, timelines, and frequently asked questions, please visit the 2025-2026 Budget Development and Consultation webpage.
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DCDSB Black History Month Highlights Video | |
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Throughout the year, the Durham Catholic District School Board engages in learning about the history and current realities of Black individuals, while also recognizing the achievements and resilience of Black communities.
DCDSB is committed to supporting and celebrating Black excellence, and to having Black history recognized as Canadian history, through culturally responsive and relevant programs and initiatives that promote equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, throughout the school year. We invite you to watch highlights from 2025 Black History Month initiatives, programs and events across the board in the video below.
For more information on Black History Month at DCDSB, visit our website at dcdsb.ca/BlackHistoryMonth.
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Into the Horizon: DCDSB Student Art Exhibit at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery
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DCDSB is pleased to announce the 2025 student art exhibit at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery (RMG). DCDSB’s student art show, Into the Horizon, is available for the public to view free-of-charge until March 16, 2025! This year’s show features over 180 pieces of artwork created by students in Kindergarten to Grade 12.
Families are invited to visit the Gallery’s website at rmg.on.ca for hours of operation. Admission to the RMG is always free.
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Supplementary Auditions for the Regional Arts and Media Program for a Grade 10, 11 or 12 Start | |
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Students currently in Grades 9, 10, or 11 are invited to audition for the Regional Arts and Media Program (AMP) at All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby! Apply now for a Grade 10, 11 or 12 start in September 2025.
Please fill out the audition form no later than Sunday, March 23, 2025. All auditions will take place in-person at All Saints Catholic Secondary School on Monday, March 31, 2025.
Visit amp.dcdsb.ca for program availability and audition requirements.
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Submit Nominations for April Beacons of Hope | |
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Families, students and staff are invited to nominate a DCDSB student or employee that exemplifies and embodies the monthly theme for the Beacons of Hope recognition program. The theme for April is: Love.
The selected nominees will be recognized during the April Board Meeting. The deadline to submit your nominations for the April theme is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 28.
Visit our website to make your nominations and to see previous award recipients: dcdsb.ca/BeaconsOfHope.
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Upcoming Public Meetings - Unnamed Kedron Catholic Elementary School | |
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DCDSB is hosting public consultation sessions for the new Unnamed Kedron Catholic Elementary School proposed boundary.
Public meetings have been scheduled on the dates below to present the options under consideration and to offer parents and guardians the opportunity to ask questions and provide input. The dates and locations for these meetings are as follows:
- Tuesday, February 25, 2025: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. Anne Catholic School (complete)
- Tuesday, March 4, 2025: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. John Bosco Catholic School (complete)
- Tuesday, March 18, 2025: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School
- Tuesday, March 25, 2025: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. via Zoom Webinar
- Join Zoom Meeting
- Meeting ID: 985 3830 0937
Through these public meetings, the board will compile considerations and recommendations to bring to the DCDSB Regular Board Meeting in June 2025 for approval.
To learn more about the Unnamed Kedron Catholic Elementary School boundary review, please visit dcdsb.ca.
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Parent, Guardian, and Caregiver Resources | |
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Do you know about the Report It form on your school website?
Students and families are encouraged to report incidents of bullying or other school safety incidents as soon as they happen by contacting their teacher and/or school administration. Some students may not feel comfortable reporting bullying, and to help ease this worry, students and families are welcome to use the Report It form. The Report It tool can be used to anonymously report any non-emergency incident of bullying and other school safety issues (for example, vandalism).
Note that the Report It form is not monitored on a 24/7 basis. If you need to report an emergency, call 911. Visit our website to learn more about crisis or help phone lines available for immediate mental health or emotional support.
To learn more about Report It, visit our website.
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The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee and the DCDSB Literacy Team have partnered to offer a Family Literacy Night for parents and caregivers.
The final date for this presentation is:
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St. Jude Catholic School: Tuesday, March 25, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Please click here to register and download the post card to learn more about Family Literacy Night.
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Student Murals at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School | |
Grade 11 students from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School created a vibrant mural that brought themes and lessons of their English curriculum to life. Students painted their way through words and stories while also appreciating Indigenous art to honour Truth and Reconciliation. By weaving elements of nature into their design, the artwork not only showcases the students’ creativity, but also cultivates respect and understanding. | |
Students Paint with Isaac Murdoch at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School | |
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Students at St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School were recently given the opportunity to participate in a virtual storytelling and art lesson with Isaac Murdoch, a renowned Indigenous artist from Serpent River First Nation.
Students followed Isaac’s virtual guidance to paint a picture of a Winter Ceremony that included the moon, the evening star, snowflakes, and a lodge. Isaac explained the importance of the moon, which is seen as a communicator for many Ojibwe people.
Click here to read more.
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Beacons of Hope Campaign at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School | |
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St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School is proud to introduce the Beacon of Hope Campaign—bringing us together to support one another, strengthen our community, and shine as a light for each other.
Being a Beacon of Hope means making a positive impact in the lives of others. It’s about spreading kindness, offering support, and lifting people up when they need it most. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, choosing to be a source of hope creates a ripple effect—one act of compassion can inspire many more.
Click here to read more.
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SHSM Students Participate in Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship Day | |
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Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in the Arts and Culture Specialized High Skils Major (SHSM) and Business SHSM at All Saints Catholic Secondary School participated in a highly engaging Innovation, Creativity, and Entrepreneurship (ICE) Day at Playdium in Whitby! The day was facilitated by Joel Hilchey at Beanstalk Creative and supported by the General Manager and Assistant General Manager at Playdium. Using their skills and training in the arts and business, students took on a project with real-world implications for Playdium and pitched their own creative solutions in an attempt to help Playdium grow their business and better serve our community.
Click here to read more.
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DCDSB Secondary Student Finalists in Legal Studies Essay Contest | |
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Congratulations to Gage K. and Selene C., students at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School and Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, respectively, for being finalists in the Legal Studies Essay Contest hosted by Ontario Tech University.
Gage and Selene were among the top eight finalists selected from submissions by Grade 11 and Grade 12 Law students across Ontario. The finalists were invited to spend a day at a Legal Studies conference at Ontario Tech University, where they attended lectures by Law professors from across Canada. They were also honoured at a dinner recognizing their achievements. Congratulations, Gage and Selene!
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All Saints Catholic Secondary School Celebrates Double Award Win at Dramafest | |
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On February 18, All Saints Catholic Secondary School participated for the second year in the National Theatre School's Dramafest - Durham District Showcase. Their submission this year was an original play written and directed by Grade 12 student, Caroline P., titled "Hold Insecure." The play explored and exploded stereotypes surrounding being a girl in 2025.
The production was exceptionally well-received by the festival adjudicator, Rob Kempson, who recognized the group with two awards on closing night of the festival: District Award of Excellence to the Ensemble for Acting, and a District Award of Excellence to Caroline P. for Writing and Directing.
A huge congratulations goes out to all the cast and crew involved!
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Mental Health and Well-Being | |
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On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism, and to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities.
Learn more about Black Mental Health Day from DCDSB students in this video.
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Summer School Registration - Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre | |
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Archbishop Anthony Meagher CCEC offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary and secondary school. Registration is currently open for the following:
Programs for Kindergarten to Grade 8 Students
International Languages Program – Year 1 (JK) to Grade 8
Interested in learning another language? Summer Elementary International and Heritage Language classes are for students in Year 1 (Junior Kindergarten) to Grade 8. There are 26 different languages to choose from! The classes will run from July 2 – July 25, 2025, (Session 1) at St. Mary CSS (Pickering) and All Saints CSS (Whitby). Session 2 classes will be offered between July 28 – August 15, 2025, at Notre Dame CSS (Ajax). Students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are invited to register for French language classes.
Reach Ahead – High School Credit
Current Grade 8 students who will be attending a DCDSB secondary school are eligible to register for a Grade 9 summer high school credit through the Reach Ahead Program. Courses include Introduction to Business (BBI1O), Expressions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cultures (NAC1O), Technology and the Skilled Trades (TAS1O), Ultimate Potential (UP) Math (GLS1O) and more. Visit the Continuing Education Reach Ahead webpage for a full list of offerings and course descriptions.
Head Start Program – Non-Credit
The Head Start Program is available to all Grade 8 students going into Grade 9 at one of our Durham Catholic District School Board high schools and will run August 18 – 21, 2025. The program involves a review of literacy and numeracy skills and provides students with a preview of the Grade 9 curriculum for Mathematics and English. Study skills and health and well-being are also integrated into the program. Registration will open Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Literacy/Numeracy Camps – Non-Credit
Summer Literacy/Numeracy camps for students in Grades 6 to 8 will be available for registration on Wednesday, March 26, 2025. Visit www.con-ed.ca/summerprograms for more information.
Programs for Grade 9 to 12 Students
Current secondary school students can now register for the following programs:
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March is Irish and Bangladeshi Heritage Month.
- March 6 - Social Worker Appreciation Day
- March 6 - Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
- March 7 - Board Designated Non-Instructional Day
- March 8 - International Women's Day
- March 9 - First Sunday of Lent
- March 10-14 - March Break
- March 14 - Holi
- March 16 - Second Sunday of Lent
- March 17 - St. Patrick's Day
- March 20 - Spring Equinox
- March 20 - Nowruz
- March 21 - World Down Syndrome Day
- March 21 - International Day of the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- March 22 - World Water Day
- March 22 - Earth Hour
- March 23 - Third Sunday of Lent
- March 24 - Regular Board Meeting
- March 25 - Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
- March 25 - International Day of Remembrance of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
- March 30 - Fourth Sunday of Lent
- March 31 - Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day
- March 31 - National Indigenous Languages Day
- March 31 - International Transgender Day of Visibility
Click here and subscribe to our calendar to receive reminders about holidays, P.A. days, events, and recognition days.
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
www.dcdsb.ca
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