The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee is a statutory committee of the Durham Catholic District School Board. Our goal is to make parental engagement a priority by providing ongoing support on a system-wide basis and promoting communication and dialogue between school councils, the Board and members of the community. |
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Interview with DCPIC's New Chair, Rose LoPresti |
In October, the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) held elections for new parent representatives and the new executive members. It was at this time, that the committee welcomed its new Chair, Rose LoPresti. Below is a brief interview with Chair LoPresti to learn more about her and the priorities for DCPIC during the 2022-2023 school year.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My husband and I have been married for 29 years and have 3 children, 2 boys and 1 girl. This past year, we added a puppy to our family and she has been a welcomed joy.
How long have you been a member of the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC)?
I have been a member of DCPIC for the past 14 years.
What are DCPIC's priorities for the 2022-2023 school year?
This year, DCPIC wants to continue to strengthen the relationship between school, home and parish. I look forward to working with the committee to continue our work with Catholic School Councils and members of the parent community to provide meaningful engagement, events and resources that will assist them in supporting their children throughout the school year both academically, mentally and socially.
Why is parent and guardian engagement important in their child's education?
Parent and guardian engagement is so important because when parents and guardians are engaged in their children's education it promotes better student behaviour, higher academic achievement and enhances their social skills and mental well-being.
DCDSB's spiritual theme for this school year is "Listening With the Ear of the Heart." What does this theme mean to you and how can you use this in your everyday life?
For me, "Listening With the Ear of the Heart" means always letting your heart lead you in any decisions you make for yourself, family and others. When dealing with conflict listening to our hearts and letting it guide us will ensure that everyone is treated with love, dignity and respect.
Join me in welcoming the new and returning parent and community members of the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC):
- Josie Mullin, Vice-Chair;
- Vanessa Asgarali, Secretary/Treasurer;
- Melissa Bevan, Past Chair;
- Jihan Ferguson, parent member;
- Andrea Gagliardi, parent member;
- Michelle Gillis, parent member;
- Andrea Only, parent member;
- Marika Shaw, parent member;
- Ronald Amurao, parent member;
- Michelina Dos Santos, parent member;
- Pius Sundarjith Vasanth Francis, parent member;
- Lucia Lacorte, parent member;
- Marjorie Poliquin, parent member;
- John Rinella, parent member;
- Christine Santos, parent member;
- Leny Veliyathuparambil, parent member; and
- Mervis Mythily Andrew George, Community Member.
I invite parents and guardians to email me at [email protected] if you have any questions.
Yours in Faith,
Rose LoPresti
Chair, Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee
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On November 18, 2022 members of
the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) welcomed new and returning Chairs from Schools' Parent Councils and their principals to the annual Commissioning Mass.
The half day event featured mass with Father Keith Callaghan and the commissioning of new DCPIC and parent council members. Each member were given a lit candle as part of the commissioning mass representing the light of God.
Director of Education, Tracy Barill brought greetings on behalf of the Board of Trustees and Senior Administrative Team and provided information on the board's new Inspire 2026 Strategic Plan that is launching in January 2023.
Rose LoPresti, Chair of DCPIC shared highlights from the parent and guardian survey conducted in May 2022. The survey provided data on the type of information and events families want the committee to share and organize. Principals and Parent Council Chairs had time to share ideas and plan events to engage their school communities.
To wrap up the morning, keynote speaker, Michael Way Skinner spoke to parents and principals on the importance of Parenting during Challenging Times and shared his experiences and insights as a parent.
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We welcome you to participate in Advent activities with your family! We have suggestions for daily activities in our online Advent calendar.
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ShareLife is inviting all elementary school artists to join its annual ShareLife Poster Contest. Visit the ShareLife website for more information. Below are the contest details:
Rules:
- Open to all Catholic elementary school students.
- Poster size should be 11 x 17 inches.
- Can be drawn, coloured or a digital illustration.
- Must be the student’s own original work.
- Must clearly promote the ShareLife logo and mission (“Living the Gospel by providing for those in need”).
- The winning entry will be the 2022-2023 elementary school poster and be distributed to schools and parishes of the Archdiocese of Toronto.
To submit:
- Must be submitted no later than December 2, 2022.
- Indicate the student’s name, grade, teacher, school and school board on the back of the poster.
- Two ways to send your submission:
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Scan/photograph the student’s original work and email to: [email protected]
- Or mail physical poster to: ShareLife Poster Contest, 1155 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4T 1W2
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Resources for Students and Families |
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Early Literacy Skills: Episode 1 |
Phonological and phonemic awareness skills are important pre-reading skills. Playing sound games with your child is a great way to help them become sensitive to the sounds in words. 'I Hear With My Little Ear' is a fun activity that can help children develop the awareness of sounds in words.
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BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop for Black DCDSB Students |
DCDSB Black Students and Families in Grades 8 - 12 are invited to the BFCN Scholarship Workshop on November 30 from 6:30-8:30pm via Zoom.
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DCDSB Mental Health & Well-Being Webpage |
Research has shown that approximately 1 in 5 Canadian students has a mental health problem. Beyond the focus on symptoms and disorders, we are seeing a shift towards understanding that developing positive mental health is important to academic achievement and overall well-being.
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Register for a Parent Information Session on the Current Realities in Post-Pandemic Well-Being |
Join Kevin Cameron as he shares information and strategies related to post-pandemic mental health for you and your children.
Kevin will speak on the topic of
Moving Forward: Current Realities in Post Pandemic Well-Being.
Kevin Cameron, M.Sc., R.S.W., B.C.E.T.S., B.C.S.C.R., is the Executive Director at the Centre for Trauma Informed Practices. He is a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress, Diplomate, American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress.
WHEN: Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Pope Francis Conference Centre, 652 Rossland Road, West, Oshawa
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Parents and guardians are encouraged to engage with the board on upcoming reviews, policy input and boundary changes.
Visit the Engage DCDSB webpage to find current opportunities where the board is seeking families' input!
- Archbishop Denis O'Connor/Notre Dame Catholic Secondary Schools Boundary Review
- Brooklin English Track Study
- School Climate Survey
- Policy Input
Share your ideas and actively participate in making decisions that shape the Durham Catholic District School Board.
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Christmas Auction benefitting the Durham Catholic Children’s
Foundation (DCCF)
The Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation (DCCF) is hosting a virtual auction fundraiser this Christmas with all proceeds supporting students and families in DCDSB schools. "We have amazing items to bid on including Oshawa Generals tickets, National Ballet of Canada signed merchandise, and many local activities for the whole family to enjoy such as passes to Reptilia and Putting Edge," said Kim D'Cunha, Foundation Coordinator.
Visit DCCFauction.ca from November 28 to December 2, 2022 to access the virtual auction and bid on items for sale. For more information, please email [email protected].
To stay up to date, please follow @dcchildrensfoundation on Instagram and @DC_ChildrensFdn on Twitter. You can also subscribe to the Foundation's News webpage to receive the latest news on events and ways to give.
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DCCF launches Tribute Donations
The Foundation has launched a new campaign called Tribute Funds which allows you to donate in someone's honour with all funds directly supporting students and families in Durham Catholic schools
A tribute donation is an opportunity to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday, retirement, or graduation. "For a limited time, we have Christmas cards which is a great way to spread joy this upcoming holiday season," said Kim D'Cunha, Coordinator for the Durham Catholic Children's Foundation. "The tribute donation is the perfect gift idea for someone special in your life or a great idea for thanking educators."
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Parents and guardians are welcome to attend our Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Meetings. Our meetings are currently being held virtually at 7:30 p.m. on the dates below. Visit our website for the link to upcoming meetings.
- January 12, 2023
- February 16, 2023
- March 9, 2023
- April 13, 2023
- May 11, 2023
- June 8, 2023
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