Message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education |
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
"We should glory in the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, in whom is our salvation, life and resurrection, through whom we are saved and delivered."
With spring upon us we are grateful to our students, families, parishes, and volunteers who, together as our Community of Faith, support our Catholic schools and enrich the spiritual development of our students. This year we are especially thankful for the lifting of COVID-19 mandates and a return to in-person celebrations as we prepare for the holiest days of our Liturgical calendar – the celebration of the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
This Palm Sunday we appreciate the ongoing efforts of our local clergy and Catholic parish communities to provide spiritual leadership and pastoral care for all those in need. Next week we will begin the Easter Triduum, observing Holy Thursday and Good Friday; and singing with Joy in celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday. At this time, we ask that you continue to pray for world peace and the end to the war and suffering in Ukraine.
During these most holy days, as we celebrate the Paschal Mystery and the resurrection of Our Lord, may our hearts be filled with joy and peace. On behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board, we wish you and your family a blessed and joyous Easter.
Yours in Faith,
Morgan Ste. Marie Tracy Barill
Chair of the Board Director of Education
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Coming Soon - Stand Up, Be Counted, Be Heard Student Census |
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The DCDSB is conducting the Stand Up, Be Counted, Be Heard Student Census from April 25-29, 2022 as required by the Anti-Racism Act, 2017 and Ontario’s Education Equity Action Plan. The voluntary student census is an opportunity for students in Grades 4-12 to share their voices and impact change. Therefore, the more responses we receive, the more effective the data will be to help inform and improve programming and learning environments. Parents, guardians and students can view the questions in advance at dcdsb.ca/studentcensus.
Students in Grades 4 – 8 will complete the census in collaboration with their parent(s)/guardian(s) at home. While students in Grades 9-12 will complete the electronic census independently during provided class time.
The Student Census is voluntary and confidential. Students, parents, and guardians can skip any questions they do not want to answer. If you have concerns about your child’s participation, please call the school office and speak with the principal or email studentcensus@dcdsb.ca.
For additional information, please visit dcdsb.ca/studentcensus for Frequently Asked Questions, videos highlighting the importance of why the Board is completing the census and more.
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Catholic Education Week and Child and Youth Mental Health Week |
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Catholic Education Week will take place during the week of May 2 - 6, 2022. This year's theme is Catholic Education: Rebuild, Restore, Renew Together. During this week, we also celebrate Child and Youth Mental Health Week.
Save the date! Staff are busy planning events and ask that you hold the following dates in your calendar:
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May 2 - System-Wide Mass and Distinguished Catholic Educator and Leader Award Ceremony.
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May 3 - Students and staff are encouraged to wear green to raise awareness for Child and Youth Mental Health Week.
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May 5 - Official Opening of St. Anne Catholic School
Watch for more information in the coming weeks on these and other events.
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We look forward to welcoming our earliest learners to DCDSB in September 2022!
All incoming Kindergarten families were invited to join us for
Navigating Kindergarten, a live virtual parent/guardian series to prepare families and their child(ren) for Kindergarten. Sessions provided tips to ensure a year filled with growth and learning.
We have made the recordings from these presentations available on our website for you to reference along with digital resources to assist students and families in their transition to Kindergarten. You can find these resources on the DCDSB Kindergarten webpage.
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Reminder - Catch Up on School Based Vaccines for Grade 7 to 12 Students |
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The Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) is holding Catch-Up School Based Immunization Clinics from April 4, 2022, for a limited time and will be offering vaccines that have not been available through the school immunization program the last two years. Vaccines will be offered against Meningitis (Men-C-ACYW135), Hepatitis B (Hep-B), and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to eligible Grade 7-12 students. COVID -19 vaccination will be available during these clinics as well if requested.
Clinics will be open 7 days a week, alternating between the Oshawa Centre (419 King St. W) and Pickering Smart Centres (1899 Brock Rd., Unit C3), with two clinics scheduled in Brock (April 23) and Uxbridge (May 7) schools. As appointment slots fill, additional appointment times will be made available; please continue to check for appointments.
If you are unsure whether your child is missing a vaccine, please use our online Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool to check. If your child has already received one of the above vaccines through a Healthcare Provider, they will not have had their record updated; please report any vaccines to the Health Department through the ICON tool.
For more information about students’ immunization clinics in Durham Region, questions about vaccines or questions regarding a student’s vaccination status call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/immunizationclinics.
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Join the Durham Catholic Children's Foundation Board of Directors |
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The Durham Catholic Children's Foundation is seeking to add five (5) community representatives to its talented group of volunteers on its Board of Directors.
Skills that would complement our current Board of Directors include, but are not limited to:
- Board Governance
- Fundraising or Non-Profit/Marketing
- Human Resources/Talent Management
- Legal
- Risk Management/Insurance
- Strategic Planning
Commitments and duties of Board members include (currently under review):
- Serve a 3-year term
- Monthly time commitment – less than 2-3 hours
- Attend Board Meetings – 4-5 per year
- Be prepared for and attend board meetings
- Contribute to the success of fundraising events and grants
Applications
Interested individuals are invited to send a letter of interest and resume to Susie Lee-Fernandes, Resource to the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation at Foundation@dcdsb.ca by April 20, 2022.
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The Importance of Accurate Catholic Voter Lists |
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Please share the following information with your school communities.
The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontarian voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart.
The voice and vote of Catholic ratepayers is important to the future of our Catholic schools. In order to vote for Catholic trustees, our Catholic District School Board ratepayers must be registered as separate school supporters.
To make the process of verifying support easier for voters, the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has created voterlookup.ca.
Through voterlookup.ca, all Ontario residents can check to ensure that their information is accurately reflected on MPAC's Preliminary List of Electors for the municipal and school board elections.
Visit voterlookup.ca to confirm information and follow the easy steps published on the website to make any necessary updates and corrections. Only separate school supporters can vote for Catholic trustees.
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How to Become a Catholic School Board Trustee |
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We also invite you to visit our board website at dcdsb.ca for additional information and expectations regarding the role of a Catholic School Board Trustee.
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Share your Thoughts on DCDSB's 2022-2023 Budget |
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The Durham Catholic District School Board’s Finance Committee are currently in the process of gathering feedback to assist with our 2022-2023 budget development. Parents and guardians play an important role in the success and support of our students and we want to hear from you.
From your perspective as a valued member of our Catholic learning community what are the most important or impactful investments the Board should continue or consider for the 2022-2023 budget that would enhance student well-being, academic achievement, or educational experience?
The ThoughtExchange is anonymous and will allow you to share your thoughts and rate the thoughts and ideas of others.
The ThoughtExchange will be available until Friday, April 22, 2022.
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May God who has called us to everlasting glory in Christ Jesus restore and strengthen us.
May we accept in our own lives the mystery of the cross that we may be able to enter into the glory of His kingdom.
We pray this in Jesus’ name.
Amen.
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Lent is a time to become closer to God. It’s a time to remove distractions and to sharpen our focus so that we might better know God’s ways and become more loving in the world, in the classroom, on the job, and in our own homes.
These 40 days of Lent, we encourage students, staff and families to participate in our daily activities and prayer.
March 2, 2022 marks the start of Lent with Ash Wednesday. DCDSB's Faith department has created an online Lenten calendar for students and families to follow and complete daily activities. Visit the online DCDSB Lenten Calendar here.
To support this initiative, the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) has compiled Lenten activities for families including craft activities that use materials found in your home, printable colouring pages, printable Easter word search and links to resources and activities for families. View the online DCPIC Lenten activities here.
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Resurrection Garden Activity |
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We invite you and your family to make a resurrection garden for Easter!
Supplies You Will Need
- Something large and a bit shallow as your main container. We suggest a plastic one rather than terra cotta to avoid scratching your table.
- A small terracotta pot for the “tomb,” or you can turn a plastic cup or a tin can sideways.
- A flat rock, about the size of your tomb
- Dirt
- Small rocks
- Small plants (optional)
- Flowers in a pot- something with small, low flowers.
- Sticks for making crosses
- Hot glue gun
- Moss
Instructions
Start by gathering your supplies and setting your potted plants just about where you think you want them in your container. We suggest putting the flowers in the back and staggering the little ones around. Make sure you leave room for where your tomb is going to be, and room to build the hill behind it. Start filling around the plants with dirt. Keep filling until the dirt is just a little bit lower than the lip of your container.
Next, lay your small pot, cup, or can on its side. Put your large rock over to the side like it’s rolled away from your tomb. Start filling dirt around the back and sides to make a hill over the tomb. Take small rocks and make a path leading up to your tomb. Start filling in with the moss, tucking it wherever it will fit.
Go hunting for small, straight sticks, and hot glue them into cross shapes. You need one big one for the middle, and two smaller ones on each side. Stick them down into the dirt, and pack it in tightly around the bottom of them with your fingers. This will hold them up.
Once you have completed your Resurrection Garden, put it in a special place in your home. As we prepare to celebrate Easter (and even afterwards) find time each day to say a small prayer of gratitude to Jesus who made the ultimate sacrifice on the cross.
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Student Spotlight - Stephen P., Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School (DCVES) |
This DCDSB Student Spotlight video features Stephen P., a Grade 7 student at the Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School (DCVES)/ Stephen tells us about his experience at DCVES and also shares his experience with participating in his home parish. |
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Student Spotlight - Nicholas S. |
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This special Student Spotlight highlights Nicholas S., a Grade 7 Arts and Media Program student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School. Nicholas is a talented drama student and writer, and his creative writing efforts won him 3rd place in a world-wide monologue contest in December 2021. You can read his monologue under the December 2021 category here. Nicholas answered some questions for us about his inspiration behind his writing and more.
Amazing work, Nicholas! We all look forward to reading more of your creative writing.
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What inspired you to write your monologue? Are there any people, TV shows or movies that inspire your writing?
I remember when my drama teacher, Mr. Richard, told us about this task, he said to think of a topic that many teens can relate to and what they experience in their lives. The first thing I thought of was the awkward and nervous feelings that come with fitting in and worse, having a crush on someone when you already feel like a nerd. I guess my inspiration was my friends, definitely not myself ;)
How did you feel when you found out you were awarded 3rd place for this writing contest?
I was shocked to hear I was awarded 3rd place, I was not expecting it at all. It was unbelievably awesome! It's pretty amazing to be recognized for my work and dedication and for a topic I took a risk at. I felt honoured and I still feel excited, this is such an achievement for me. There are so many positives to entering competitions whether you win or not. It forces you to reflect on your achievements, successes, and the positives, which I feel we don’t make enough time for.
“Being a student is easy. Learning requires actual work” -William Crawford
What is something you are most looking forward to this year?
Since starting the drama program at All Saints, I have been on such a learning curve. I have learned to always ask for feedback so you can do more of what is good and introduce yourself to new things, to challenge yourself and make it even better.
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I am looking forward to working together with other students in my class to perform our year-end play, my first big performance, to make it the best ever and
unforgettable and it will, because we share the same passions. I like listening to their ideas and feelings so we can help each other succeed. Finally, another step I am looking forward to taking this year is auditioning for commercials. I am not afraid, but I am very nervous. It’s a sweaty palm feeling but I absolutely love drama. I love the jittery feeling, it motivates me to perform. It’s my favourite place to be.
This year’s spiritual theme is Community of Faith. What does Community of Faith mean to you?
A Community of Faith to me means a group of like-minded people that try to make others feel safe, inclusive and cared for, and represent Jesus in the best way possible. We did a task in religion class this year where we wrote on a sticky note one thing that you will do to make this class a safe place. I liked the feeling of us all thinking of ways to keep each other safe. We worked quietly on a common goal and without knowing what everyone wrote, we didn’t need to because we already felt safe from simply doing the task for a purpose. I wrote, being inclusive. To me, everything that matters will follow after you commit to being inclusive. Safety, friendships, love, kindness, prayers and belonging. Including everyone and anyone to be part of a community of faith with help people grow in their own faith and will put their faith to work for the ones who need it.
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Co-operative Education Placement: Cedrick from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School |
Cedrick J., an Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program Cook student from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, has been thriving in the Durham College Level 1 Cook Program. Cedrick has been gaining valuable experience and skills both at Durham College and through his Co-operative Education placement. He was recommended by one of his Durham College teachers to work at one of their restaurants and is now employed at Amici in Pickering, where he works most weekends on top of attending Durham College and working at his Co-operative Education placement. Cedrick is a proud example of the amazing students Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School is fortunate to have in our community!
- Ms. Perry, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
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DCDSB Student Performs Solo with Durham Youth Orchestra |
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Declan A., a Grade 12 student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, and Regional Arts & Media Program student, performed a solo with the Durham Youth Orchestra this past weekend.
Declan was featured in Horn Concerto No. 3, K. 447 by W.A. Mozart with the Durham Youth Orchestra on Sunday, April 2, 2022. Declan has been a member of the Durham Youth Orchestra since November 2021 and was selected by the conductor, John Beaton, as a soloist for their spring concert.
Declan was encouraged to audition for the Durham Youth Orchestra by his Music teacher, Mr. Azavedo, who says “this is an outstanding performance achievement and will surely be a memorable learning experience for Declan! Declan is a fabulous student who continues to use his God-given talents in music within the school and the broader community.”
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Mental Health and Well-Being |
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School Mental Health Ontario: Side by Side - A Message to Parents and Caregivers |
In this new video series, School Mental Health Ontario Family/Caregiver Engagement and Literacy Lead Patricia Codner speaks directly to parents/caregivers to provide inspiration and information to support student mental health. In this first video, the focus is on how to find resources to support your child’s mental health.
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Summer School Programs for Elementary Students – Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre |
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As warmer weather approaches, are you starting to think about plans for the summer? Archbishop Anthony Meagher CCEC offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary school.
Students who are in Grade 8 and will be attending a DCDSB high school and wish to register for a Grade 9 summer credit can take an online high school credit through the Reach Ahead Program (July 4 – 27). 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) and Ultimate Potential (UP) Math (GLS1O). One student who took a Reach Ahead credit in the summer shared that they “learned a lot about new things, like roadblocks to communication, the 8 different types of smarts, consumerism, conflict styles, and much more. I think the course was well run and was very fun. I would definitely recommend it to other grade 8s next year.”
The Literacy and Math including French Immersion for Grades 6, 7, & 8 online summer program is designed for students who would benefit from additional practice and assistance in literacy and/or math to ease their transition into the next grade. Students will participate in engaging lessons to meet their individual needs and learning styles. This program is non-credit and available July 4 – 15 and/or July 18 – 29.
When asked about their experience in the summer program, one student who participated in the math program wrote that “I loved it! I learned so much about Algebra, Geometry and everything! I also had lots of fun just being with other people” while another student in the literacy program said that “it really improved my language over the course of these 2 weeks”.
Interested in learning another language? Summer Elementary International and Heritage Language classes for students in Grade 1 to Grade 8. There are 24 different languages to choose from! The classes will run from July 4 – July 29 at St Mary CSS (Pickering) and All Saints CSS (Whitby). Students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are invited to register for French language classes.
Are you a Grade 8 student starting high school in the fall? 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 22 - 25. 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. Students who took the program shared what they enjoyed most about the program:
- “I got to meet new amazing people so I can be comfortable for the first day”.
- “I liked that the teachers started teaching me the things that I’d have to know for my first year at high school”.
- “I feel it helped me feel at ease for my transition into high school”.
- “Walking around the school, learning where everything was and meeting the teachers. I also had fun doing the scavenger hunt.”
Parents and students are asked to check out the summer school program offerings and registration details on the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education website: Summer School Programs
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Indigenous Education - Art Sharing |
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On Monday, February 28, 2022 Autumn Smith (Mishiikenh Kwe) joined Ms. St. Pierre's Grade 11 English class to lead learning about Anishnaabe strawberry teachings and Coming of Age Ceremony. Students painted along with Autumn as she explained the story, discussed appropriation of Indigenous art and the creative process. |
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Aki Aadiziwin - Water Teachings |
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Join us on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 12:30 p.m. for a Zoom panel session on the importance of nibi, water, with local Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and Youth perspectives. The panel will include discussions, teachings, and storytelling. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions to the panelists during a Q&A period.
This innovative program aims at empowering the next generation of leaders by uniting Indigenous and Non-Indigenous youth and inspiring them to take action towards creating sustainable environmental change.
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Honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Gathering |
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Honouring Missing and Murdered
Indigenous Peoples Gathering will be held on Thursday, May 5, 2022. All are welcome to join us at
Carea Community Health Centre (115 Grassmere Avenue, Oshawa) from 5:00 – 8:30 p.m.
This Gathering will include Sacred Fire, Big Drum, Dancers, Guest Speakers, Community Partners, Silent Auction
and Weecheetowin Support Services.
For more information please contact Angela Duckworth (905) 723-0032 x 1222 and/or Chelsea Hunter (289) 385-3909.
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Tickets Now on Sale for the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Virtual Gala |
The Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation in partnership with the Durham Catholic District School Board are hosting a virtual gala on Friday, May 6, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. The evening will include:
- a performance by magician, Michael Bourada;
- recognition of the 2022 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award Recipients.
- Silent auction and prizes.
The cost is $35.00 per ticket with all proceeds going to the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation.
The Durham Catholic Children's Foundation was established to help ensure students are able to attend school with the basic daily necessities of life by supporting the whole student in mind, body, and spirit, while fostering positive learning outcomes.
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Are You Interested in Hosting an International Student?
Virtual Information Session with MLI Homestay
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Would you like to learn about hosting an international student?
Do you live in the Durham Region including Oshawa, Whitby, Ajax, Pickering, Uxbridge, Scugog and Brock? If so, we invite you to join Dave Chambers, Principal at Durham Catholic District School Board ,and Cheryl Lee from MLI Homestay for a live chat all about hosting an international student all from the comfort of your home via Zoom. This virtual information session will take place on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m.
MLI Homestay is eager to meet new, enthusiastic families to host our international high school students arriving in September 2022.
Note: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting
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Victim Services of Durham Region Presents:
Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth During COVID-19: Parents and Prevention
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Victim Services Durham Region will be offering an online workshop that empowers caregivers and community members with psycho-education on Human Trafficking to prevent youth from being trafficked.
This virtual seminar will be held on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. via Zoom.
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April is Earth Month.
April 10 – Palm Sunday
April 10 – National Wildlife Week
April 14 – Holy Thursday
April 15 – Good Friday
April 16 – Holy Saturday
April 16 – 22 – Earth Week
April 17 – Easter Sunday
April 18 – Easter Monday
April 22 – Earth Day
April 24 - 30 – National Volunteer Week
April 27 – Administrative Professionals Day
May 1 - National Principals' Day
May 2 - 6 - Catholic Education Week and Children and Youth Mental Health Week
May 5 - National Day of Awareness Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls & Two Spirited People
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
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