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Beginning on Ash Wednesday, the liturgical season of Lent marks a special 40-day period of preparation before Easter. The word “Lent” comes from an early English word that refers to the lengthening of daylight hours during spring. This been the time when Christians prepare themselves to celebrate the holiest of all days – Easter – the day of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. 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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Exploring Lent and the Significance of the Cross with Grade 6 Students at St. Bridget Catholic School | |
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Grade 6 students at St. Bridget Catholic School in Brooklin recently engaged in a meaningful and hands-on activity to deepen their understanding of Lent and the significance of the cross in our Catholic faith.
Inspired by the discussions about the Stations of the Cross, students embraced a creative project to make crosses as a symbol of reflection and devotion during this sacred season.
Click here to read more.
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Indigenous Education in Action | |
Indigenous Education Highlights | |
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It's been a busy few months as students across DCDSB have engaged in Indigenous Education. Please see the stories below to learn more.
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Durham Catholic District School Board Director of Education Announces Retirement | |
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At the Regular Board Meeting on February 26, 2024, Tracy Barill, Director of Education, announced her retirement after a 36-year career in Catholic education.
Director Barill began her career with DCDSB in 1988 as an Educational Assistant. Over the years, Ms. Barill went on to hold positions as a classroom teacher, Vice Principal, Principal and Superintendent of Education. A valued member of the DCDSB Senior Administrative team since 2007, Ms. Barill was appointed to the position of Director of Education in 2020.
“I have been blessed to be a part of the Durham Catholic learning community for most of my life, beginning as a student at St. Joseph’s when I was in Grade 4,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “I am deeply grateful for the many, valued relationships formed with students, families, and colleagues who I have had the pleasure of working with over the years. To be entrusted with leading the Board as Director of Education has been a true honour and highlight of my life.”
Visit dcdsb.ca to view the news release.
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10th Annual Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala | |
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Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation is pleased to announce the 10th Annual Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala, where 100% of the proceeds will go towards supporting DCDSB students and families. We invite you to join us on Thursday, May 16, 2024, for the Gala Honouring Bishop Vincent Nguyen and our Distinguished Catholic Alumni.
This signature event is a crucial part of our fundraising efforts. All monies raised will go to the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation, which is committed to enhancing student well-being and academic success, by providing basic needs to some of the most vulnerable students in our Catholic school communities.
To purchase tickets, and to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please visit DurhamCatholicFoundation.ca/Gala.
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Reminder: Kindergarten Registration | |
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Registration is open for Kindergarten classes starting in September 2024!
If you or a family member/friend have a child who will be turning 4 years old by December 31, 2024, they are eligible to register for Junior Kindergarten. Similarly, if your child will be turning 5 years old by the same date, they can register for Senior Kindergarten.
At our Catholic schools, we believe in nurturing the curiosity, capabilities, and competence of every child. Our Kindergarten classrooms are safe and caring environments where children can explore, play, and grow.
Visit www.dcdsb.ca/kindergarten to find out more and to register your child with the Durham Catholic District School Board.
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DCDSB PA Day Rescheduled to April 8, 2024 | |
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The Professional Activity (PA) Day for elementary and secondary students previously scheduled for Friday, April 19, 2024, has been moved to Monday, April 8, 2024.
At the Special Board Meeting on February 5, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) trustees voted in favour of changing the PA Day due to a total solar eclipse taking place on Monday, April 8. In Durham Region, the eclipse is expected to begin at 2:05 p.m. and end at 4:32 p.m., which coincides with student dismissal at the end of the school day.
As is our practice, the agenda of staff professional development scheduled for the PA Day on April 8 will be posted to our website. Please note that Friday, April 19 will be a regular school day for all DCDSB elementary and secondary schools.
To learn more, please visit our website.
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Stand Up to Bullying Week Art Contest | |
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We recognized Stand Up to Bullying Week from February 20-24, 2024. Each day during the week, as we continued to live out this year’s spiritual theme, Speaking With the Heart, we reflected on how we can be a witness to God’s love and stand up against all forms of bullying.
Schools participated in daily prayers, conversation starters, and challenges throughout Stand Up to Bullying Week. In addition, students were invited to submit a piece of original art to promote the week, as well as Pink Shirt Day.
The Safe and Accepting Schools Committee reviewed entries, and selected the following winning submissions:
- Primary (Kindergarten - Grade 3): Rehan from St. Patrick Catholic School
- Junior (Grade 4-6): Ella from Father Fénelon Catholic School
- Intermediate (Grade 7-10): Domenic from St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
- Pink Shirt Day: Andrew from St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
By working together, we can create and maintain a positive school climate, where all members of our school community feel safe, valued, respected, and accepted.
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Equity Invitational Learning Series - Session 3 - Save-the-Date | |
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On March 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the third session of the Equity Invitational Learning Series "Educate, Empower and Excel: The Impact of Black Leadership in Education" will feature guest speakers Siobhan Wright and Joel Chiutsi.
Attendees have the option to join either in-person at the Pope Francis Centre, located at the DCDSB Board Office, 652 Rossland Rd W, Oshawa, or virtually via Zoom.
Please click here to register. A link for the virtual session will be emailed prior to the event for those choosing to participate remotely.
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Awards Season at the Durham Catholic District School Board! | |
Mental Health and Well-Being | |
Be You, Be Well: A Black Mental Health Day Event | |
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On March 4, 2024, the fifth annual Black Mental Health Day will be observed in Ontario. The day aims to raise awareness about the impact of anti-Black racism on mental health and address the specific mental health needs of Black communities.
This year DCDSB is proud to present Roxanne Francis, an award-winning psychotherapist, registered social worker, consultant, leadership coach and international speaker, who has been helping people access tools to change their lives for over 15 years.
This event is open to students, families, staff and community members. Attendees have a chance to win a door prize!
Click here for more information and to register.
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March 19 is DCDSB Let’s Talk Day, a day for us to talk about mental health and the ways that anyone can reach out for help! In Ontario, schools are the most common place where children and youth access mental health supports. You can work with your school to help make sure your child gets the support they need.
If you’re concerned about your child’s mental health, you can speak to your child’s classroom teacher or another school staff member with whom you have a relationship. If you are not sure where to go for help, you can always reach out to the DCDSB Social Work Access Line by calling 905-576-6150 ext. 21021 or by filling out this form.
For more information about accessing support for your child please visit School Mental Health Ontario’s website, or DCDSB’s Mental Health and Well-Being webpage. Information for adults seeking support is also available on this page.
Let’s use this day to talk and reach out!
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Understanding Your Adolescent - Parent/Guardian Information Workshop | |
In this video, DCDSB staff review the recent research on adolescent brain development and the top five facts about teens and their development. Staff also shares how parents and guardians can support their teen's mental health, as well as where they can find additional resources. | |
Jesse D. - All Saints Catholic Secondary School | |
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Jesse D., a Grade 10 Arts and Media Program student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, tells us all about her children's book called "Little Wonder."
"Little Wonder" is about a young girl named Margaret as she searches high and low for a gift or talent that makes her unique. Jesse wrote, illustrated and published this book with the help of her teachers.
Congratulations, Jesse, on your publishing your first children's book! We look forward to other stories that you publish in the future.
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Tarie D. - St. Mary Catholic Secondary School | |
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This Student Spotlight segment features Tarie, a Grade 11 student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. Tarie has been asked to draw an accurate depiction of St. Monica for St. Monica Catholic School. Tarie shares how it is important to show accurate portrayals of important figures in our schools, and also what it means to speak with the heart.
Thank you, Tarie, for sharing your creativity with us!
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Black History Month Highlights | |
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Students across DCDSB have engaged in learning and celebrations throughout Black History Month. Please see highlights from February 2024 below:
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Global News Feature on DCDSB Project SEARCH | |
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On February 3, 2024, Global News featured a story on Project SEARCH Durham Region.
We are incredibly proud of this program, and thank all DCDSB staff, partners, families, and interns, for making the inaugural year of this transition-to-work program so successful.
To watch the full story, please click here.
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Celebrating Catholic Graduate Expectations at St. Joseph Catholic School | |
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Standing up for a round of applause is all part of a monthly celebration assembly at St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Oshawa.
Select students were recognized for fulfilling January’s expectation of being a “Self-directed, Responsible, Lifelong Learner with the virtue of Fortitude!” The entire student body was also treated to a slide show presentation featuring school activities and classroom lessons from the last month. February’s focus is about being “a caring family member who attends to family, school, parish, and the wider community.”
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Centre for Success Media Arts Projects | |
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Students at the Centre for Success at Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School completed the first assignment of the Communications Technology - Broadcast and Print Projection course.
As part of the project, students used Canva to create an information page about themselves. During the process, the class discussed and incorporated theory such as rule of thirds, font choices, colour palettes and use of white space - along with the need for careful editing and review to eliminate errors!
The students did a great job and loved seeing their efforts printed out in colour.
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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:
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. Students are eligible to register for one Reach Ahead credit in either Session 1 (July 3 – 27) or Session 2 (July 29 – August 22). Courses offered include Introduction to Business (BBI 1O), Exploring Family Studies – Transition to High School (HIF 1O), Expressions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cultures (NAC 1O), Exploring Technologies (TIJ1O), 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 19 - 22. 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.
Current secondary school students can now register for the following programs:
Summer Literacy/Numeracy camps for students in Grades 6 to 8 and International Languages will be available in late March 2024.
Visit www.con-ed.ca for more information.
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DRPS Gowns for Grads and Suits for Youth | |
Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) is hosting its Gowns for Grads program, offering free prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, and more, along with its Suits for Youth program, which provides free shirts, suits, pants, and accessories for Grade 8-12 students. See below for event details. | |
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Date: April 17-18, 2024
Time: 4:00pm-7:00pm
Location: G.L. Roberts Collegiate and Vocational Institute (399 Chaleur Ave, Oshawa)
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Date: April 16, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Location: Oshawa Centre - Food Court Entrance to Lower Level. (419 King St. W. Oshawa)
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March is Irish and Bangladeshi Heritage Month.
- Mar. 3: Third Sunday of Lent
- Mar. 4: Black Mental Health Day
- Mar. 5: Social Workers Appreciation Day
- Mar. 5: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
- Mar. 7: Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
- Mar. 8: Board Designated Non-Instructional Day
- Mar. 8: International Women’s Day
- Mar. 10: Fourth Sunday of Lent
- Mar. 10: Beginning of the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan (daytime fasting)
- Marr. 11-15: March Break
- Mar. 17: Fifth Sunday of Lent
- Mar. 17: Saint Patrick’s Day
- Mar. 19: Nowruz (Iranian New Year)
- Mar. 20: Solemnity of St. Joseph
- Mar. 20: World Behaviour Analysis Day
- Mar. 21: World Down Syndrome Day
- Mar. 21: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
- Mar. 22: World Water Day (UN)
- Mar. 24: Palm Sunday
- Mar. 25: Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord
- Mar. 25: International Day of the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
- Mar. 23: Earth Hour
- Mar. 25: Holi (Hinduism - Festival of Colours)
- Mar. 28: Holy Thursday
- Mar. 29: Good Friday
- Mar. 30: Holy Saturday
- Mar. 31: Easter Sunday
- Mar. 31: National Indigenous Languages Day
- Mar. 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
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