Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers,

As the newly elected Chair of the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC), I am excited to serve our community and work alongside both new and returning members of DCPIC. Together, we are committed to strengthening the partnership between home, school, and parish, and supporting our families on their journey of faith and learning.

The 2024-2025 year for DCPIC began with the Annual Commissioning Mass in October. It was a wonderful start to the year, reminding us of the importance of community and prayer as we embark on this year’s work.

In November, we hosted our Financial Literacy Parent Night at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. This event provided families with practical tools to support their child’s financial literacy development, including grade-level topics, and fun, interactive activities to try at home. It was the first session in a three-part series aimed at supporting numeracy learning, and we look forward to more sessions in the months ahead. 

As we move into the Advent season, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for your continued involvement and support in your child's educational experience at DCDSB. It is a true blessing to be part of such a vibrant community. We’re excited to invite you to our Advent Craft Night on Thursday, December 12. This family-friendly event offers a chance to get creative and prepare for Advent with faith-based crafts. We look forward to seeing you there for an evening of fun and fellowship.

In this season of hope, let us all keep the theme of Living in Hope close to our hearts. May we continue to grow in faith, support each other, and live out that hope in all that we do—both within our homes and our schools.

Wishing you and your families a peaceful and joyful Advent season. Thank you for your ongoing commitment to our shared mission of faith, family, and learning.

Yours in Faith,

Christine Santos

Chair, Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee

The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC), in partnership with the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), offered a Financial Literacy Parent Night on November 21 at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. Families were invited to attend an interactive presentation and learned how to support their child’s development of financial literacy skills. Families also explored the progression of financial literacy topics covered in each grade and how they could reinforce this learning at home through games and activities. Click here to watch the presentation.

This session was the first in a three-part series focused on supporting numeracy learning at home. Upcoming sessions will cover topics such as number sense and spatial reasoning, and strategies for supporting students with special education needs.

Visit dcdsb.ca/Mathematics for financial literacy resources and games.

This Fall, DCPIC held its annual Commissioning Mass to welcome new and returning Catholic School Council Chairs, Co-Chairs and Principals, as well as the committee's new Parent Representatives.

Following an inspiring Mass presided over by Father Chris Lemieux, attendees heard greetings from Gerard Winn, Director of Education, and Monique Forster, Chair of the Board. David Dubowits, DCDSB System Faith Animator, spoke to attendees about this year's Spiritual Theme, Living in Hope. Finally, Christine Santos, DCPIC Chair, summarized the 2023-2024 Parent Survey Results.

It was a great way to begin the year, we we work together in support of DCDSB students and families.

Welcome to the new and returning DCPIC parent and community members for the 2024-2025 school year:

• Christine Santos - Chair
• Josie Mullin - Vice Chair
• Andrea Gagliardi - Secretary
• Michelina Dos Santos - Parent Member
• Pius Sundarith Vasanth Francis - Parent Member
• Lucia Lacorte - Parent Member
• Temitope Awoyemi - Parent Member
• Melissa Bevan - Parent Member
• Kewku Winful - Parent Member
• Paola Beci - Parent Member
• Tosan Ekoko - Parent Member
• Robert van den Berg - Parent Member
• Tonnia Brogan - Parent Member
• Michelle Gillis - Parent Member
• Mike McKenney - Parent Member
• Oliver McLauren - Parent Member
• Christopher Blankson - Parent Member
• Mary Macharia - Parent Member
• Serena Holmes - Community Representative
• Joel Pereira - Community Representative

Each school year, DCPIC conducts a survey of parents, guardians and caregivers, to determine what topics and information are most important to the communities we serve. That information is then used by the committee, as well as School Councils, when planning events and sharing resources.

Highlights from this year's survey include:

• 1126 responses received from all schools within DCDSB.
• Email and Edsby are the top two preferred methods of communication with DCDSB families.
• The types of events families are most interested in are those that focus on student wellbeing, digital safety, mental health, and financial literacy.
• Families would like access to resources that focus on general life skills including financial literacy, mental health, additional academic supports, social events for students, health and physical education, and post-secondary pathways resources.

Click here to view the survey results.

Registration for a September 2025 start in Grade 1 French Immersion at DCDSB opens on Wednesday, November 27, 2024!

To complete the application, login to your OSAS account, and select “French Immersion New Application”. 

Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion is open until Friday, January 17, 2025.

Click here for more information about French Immersion at DCDSB.

Families are invited to visit the financial supports and scholarships webpage on the DCDSB website.

This webpage includes resources and links to help support students and families as they transition to post-secondary education.

Visit the Financial Supports and Scholarships webpage to learn more.