Highlights from the Regular Board Meeting of May 23, 2023

Anthem

Thank you to the students from Sir Albert Love Catholic School for singing O Canada and a Medley of The Beatles songs at the May 23, 2023 Regular Board Meeting.

Presentations

Celebrating Excellence: Award Presentations

Board Award of Merit

Director Barill announced the 2023 Durham Catholic District School Board Award of Merit recipient. Congratulations to Pat Costello, Academic Services Consultant for Health and Physical Education, the Arts, and Extra-Curricular Programs Lead.

Director Barill shared highlights about Pat Costello, and shared that he is a deserving recipient of the Board Award of Merit on account of his unparalleled commitment to Catholic education. After having served for many years as a Catholic educator in our schools, Pat took on a teacher leadership position as a Consultant in our Academic Services Department. In his new role, Pat was able to build upon the work that he did as a long serving coach and Co-chair of DECA. Pat makes extraordinary contributions to the community outside of normal work duties through his work with the St. John the Evangelist Parish, his work with the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation and his community building endeavours outside of his normal work duties that bring people together. Pat is the face of sports and extracurriculars in the board. He works tirelessly after school hours to improve student participation and experiences.

Pat’s motto is always “Helping to provide our DCDSB educators & students with experiences & opportunities to grow!” Pat exemplifies the Catholic Graduate expectation of ‘Collaborative Contributor’ as he works hard to better the lives of those around him. Pat’s efforts continue to make Durham Catholic better for all.

Service, compassion and generosity define what Pat Costello is all about. He exemplifies our board’s mission to be an inclusive Catholic learning community that inspires every student to achieve their full potential through faith and education. He is a role-model for our Catholic faith and is always willing to lend a helping hand to assist staff, students and families in need – whether by offering his time, advice or guidance. Congratulations to Pat Costello!

Trustee Youth Awards

Director Barill, Claire and Chair Forster

Elementary: Chair Forster and Director Barill present the award to Daniel P., from St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School

Secondary: Chair Forster and Director Barill present the award to Claire C., from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School

Reverend John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home Communications

Elementary: St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School. Trustee Emanuel presents trophy to Ms. Paul, Principal.

Secondary: St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. Trustee Emanuel presents trophy to Mr. Di Vizio, Principal.

2022-2023 Student Senate

All Saints Catholic Secondary School

Charlize C.
Paige H.
Phoenix S.

Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School

Bella C.
Pelas I.
Jasmine I.

Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School

Elizabeth A.
Charlie M.
Michelle O.

Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School

Suneigha F.
Oliver H.
Temi O.

Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School

Chantal D.
Nicholas G.
Rebecca O.

Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School

Claire C.
Alexandra K.
Nicole P.

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

Andre C.
Aaron J.
Sofia S.

25 Years of Service

The Board of Trustees recognized DCDSB staff members who have provided 25 years of service during the Regular Board Meeting and award presentation. Superintendent Winn announced each of the employees and thanked them for their commitment and dedication to Catholic Education.

Carmela Alexander
Paula Allan
Kathryn Anderson
Michelle Arnold
Noella Baretto
Angie Berghello
Emily Bonanno-Povolo
Helen Collins
Amanda Cook
Cheryl Desjarlais
John Di Vizio
Diana Gardner
Jerry Georgiadis
Kevin Goddard
Geraldine Gualandris
Kathryn Hadden
Margot Jacobs
Cinte Kolar
Michelle Kunkel
Eric Lamers

Amanda Lawrence
Lisa MacDonell
Maureen MacInnis
Lianne Mackinnon
Nancy Marques-Cascini
Gail McArthur
Linda McNeil
Helen Mitchell
Terry Mitchell
Monica Oldman
Paula Papagni
Cathy-Lynn Phillips
Fabio Politano
Justin Pugelj
Angela Rancourt
Natalie Reid
John Stanesic
Katharine Stevenson
Mikel Winters
Craig Zimmer

Equity in the Classroom

Ms. O'Reilly, Superintendent of Education, provided a brief overview of strategies to incorporate equity into the classroom along with ongoing initiatives in the DCDSB.

DCDSB is committed to addressing systemic discrimination and helping to break down barriers for Indigenous, Black, and racialized students, students from low-income households, and students with disabilities and other students with special education needs so that everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed, thrive, and reach their full potential.

Superintendent O'Reilly shared that historically, schools have planned for the average student. Currently, we recognize that each student comes with their own unique biases, traumas, identities, experiences, assumptions, and backgrounds. Equity work involves recognizing the diversity of our students and shifting our focus to the margins.

Superintendent O'Reilly shared information about Universal Design for Learning (UDL), Differentiated Instruction, and Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy (CRRP), which are three frameworks that support equity in the classroom.

Ms. O'Reilly concluded by saying as a Catholic school board, equity and inclusion are concepts rooted in our faith. Our core belief that all persons are created in God’s image and our call to honour the dignity of each person animates all equity initiatives as we strive to live out our mission to be “an inclusive Catholic learning community that inspires every student to achieve their full potential through faith and education.”

The full presentation and report is available at dcdsb.ca.

Updates

Tracy Barill, Director of Education began by thanking staff for the evening's presentations.

Mental Health

DCDSB is the first school board in Ontario to implement a new training that was created by School Mental Health Ontario titled Life Promotion/Suicide Prevention Literacy for School Staff. On May 2, there were 31 elementary and secondary educators who attended the training. By engaging in this training, school staff know what to watch for, and what to say, to support a student who may be experiencing thoughts of suicide.

Recognition

Throughout the month of May, we have been recognizing Asian Heritage Month in Canada, and South Asian Heritage Month in Ontario. This is a time to reflect on and learn more about the many achievements and contributions of Canadians of Asian heritage. This month gives us the opportunity to acknowledge the many achievements and contributions the Asian communities have made to the fabric of our society.
During the first two weeks of May, over 300 students came together on 29 elementary Chess teams, to compete in six regional Chess tournaments throughout DCDSB. Congratulations to all students who participated, and a special thank you to all staff involved for their efforts in providing this opportunity for our students.
The Future City Experience is a hands-on cross-curricular educational program that brings STEM to life for students in Grades 6-8. Taking their knowledge of the present, and thinking of innovations for the future, our students created models of their “Waste Free” cities. Projects were presented before peers, community members and engineering students on May 16 at Ontario Tech University.

Upcoming Events:

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School will be hosting a celebratory mass in honour of the school's 60th anniversary. The mass will take place from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School. Mass will be followed by refreshments and a tour of the school. Staff, students and families are invited to attend.
As we come down to the final few weeks of the 2022-2023 school year, we have many sporting events, musicals and arts showcases, and other culminating student and family engagement opportunities. We want to recognize and thank our staff for their efforts and dedication to providing these opportunities for our students to showcase their God-given gifts.

In June, we will celebrate many recognition months:

June 16 is the solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sometimes the image depicts Jesus pointing to the Sacred Heart, inviting us to come to him when we labour and are heavy laden. Other times, the arms of Jesus reach outward, welcoming everyone, as he calls us to do. The Sacred Heart is a sign of the love of Jesus, which we are invited to imitate. Throughout June, we remember that in the Scared Heart of Jesus, we see a love for our heavenly Father that also moves outward in this world to the love of neighbour. As a Catholic learning community, let us recall that the devotion to the Sacred Heart is a way for each of us to intensely encounter Jesus in practices of prayer.
As Catholics, we are called to love one another. We believe every human being is created in the image and likeness of God and should always be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. During the month of June, and all year long, we support and acknowledge our 2SLGBTQ+ students, family members, staff and community members. Throughout the month of June, our Durham Catholic learning community will recognize Pride Month, and will raise the rainbow flag at our schools and offices. We recognize that we have a responsibility to lead and inspire change that is necessary to create inclusive, safe and accepting schools. The focus on mental health, well-being, acceptance and inclusion are essential to our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our Catholic schools are safe places for all.
All of our secondary schools have a GSA group. Students interested in joining can speak with their teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain or Principal for information. If you are interested in connecting with other DCDSB students from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, please contact your school’s GSA group for details.
June is National Indigenous History Month. Throughout the entire year, we at DCDSB are committed to ongoing learning, speaking the truth, and to reconciliation. We have compiled resources for further learning and resources for Indigenous students and families on our website at dcdsb.ca/IndigenousEducation.
We also want to thank our Indigenous Education Circle and community partners who help to lead and guide the learning that we do across the board. The Indigenous Education Circle helps us to move forward with our commitment to reconciliation, and to always centre Indigenous voices and perspectives.

Indigenous Education Updates:

On the way into the Catholic Education Centre, you might have noticed our brand-new gardens. Members of the Indigenous Student Circle worked to select and plant all the new gardens. Thank you to our students and Indigenous Education team.
On May 25 and 26, Grade 10-12 students from the Indigenous Student Circle will be staying overnight at Ontario Tech University to learn on campus and discuss post-secondary pathways. I want to extend a special thank you to our partner, Ontario Tech University, and to their Indigenous Community Engagement Coordinator, Alyssa McLeod, who is also a member of the Indigenous Education Circle, for organizing this opportunity for DCDSB students.
On the evening of June 6, 2023, we will be gathering to celebrate the graduation of Indigenous students in Grade 8 and Grade 12. This is our second annual celebration, and we look forward to celebrating these milestones with the students, their families and members of the Indigenous Student Circle and Indigenous Education Circle.

Monique Forster, Chair of the Board began by congratulating all of the evening's award recipients and individuals recognized this evening. The Chair shared that this board meeting is always a highlight for Trustees as it provides an opportunity to celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of staff, students and community members.

Recognition

I would also like to extend my sincere congratulations to Jim McCafferty, Trustee for the City of Pickering, for being named as a recipient the 2023 OCSTA Trustee Award of Merit. During the OCSTA AGM, these awards were presented to acknowledge outstanding Catholic education leadership and service through the annual OCSTA Awards. Congratulations to Trustee McCafferty, and thank you for your ongoing dedication to our Durham Catholic learning community.
In April, Trustees from across the province gathered at the Annual OCSTA AGM in Toronto which we were honoured to co-host this year. On behalf of the Board of Trustees I would like to thank Director Barill, Superintendent Stevenson, Acting Senior Manager of Faith Formation, David Dubowitz, Academic Services Consultant Cliff Azavedo, Vice-Principal John Linhares, Chief Financial Officer Marie Hammond, Supervisor of Budget & Financial Services Paula Jasper-Chiodi and Executive Officer to the Director of Education Brenda Rocha, the silent auction team, and most especially our Executive Officer of Governance, Liz Beckstead for all their work in planning and organization to make this year’s conference a truly memorable event.
We had many students who contributed to our liturgical programs - I would like to take a moment to recognize the choirs from St. Mary and Notre Dame and soloist Chantal D., whose extraordinary vocal and instrumental performances truly enhanced our prayer. I also must mention Olivia, a Grade 12 student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, who gifted a piece of her art to the Deputy Minister of Education Nancy Naylor at the OCSTA Annual General Meeting and Conference. Olivia’s piece, titled The REDress Project: Forest of Memories, calls attention to the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada.
During the OCSTA Annual General Meeting, Vice-Chair Ste. Marie was elected as the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA) Regional Director for Region 9. All of the newly acclaimed and elected trustee representatives accept the call to serve Catholic education and share a commitment to place Christ and the teachings of the Catholic Church at the centre of students’ learning experiences. I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to Vice-Chair Ste. Marie on representing Durham Catholic District School Board in this capacity.
Earlier this month we celebrated Catholic Education Week and Mental Health Week from May 1-5. During this week we held the System-Wide Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Ajax. I want to extend our thanks for Father Chris Lemieux for welcoming our staff and families into his parish and for speaking so eloquently about Catholic education. Following the Mass, we celebrated the Distinguished Catholic Educators for the 2022-2023 school year. In addition, we recognized the Distinguished Catholic Leader of the year, retiring Secondary Vice-Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Mr. Mark Daranjo. Congratulations to our Distinguished Catholic Educators and Leader, and thank you for your dedication and service to Catholic Education.
On May 11, 2023, the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation hosted the 9^thAnnual Gala honouring Bishop Vincent Nguyen and our Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recipients. I want to thank our sponsors, donors, partners and guests for their generosity and support of students in our Durham Catholic community.

Upcoming Events

The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee is currently conducting a parent/guardian survey that will assist in setting the committee’s direction for the 2023-2024 school year. To complete the survey, please visit dcpic.ca.
On June 13 we will celebrate all our staff who are, or have, retired in the 2022-2023 school year at our Retirees Dinner. This year, we are hosting at the Ajax Convention Centre. We are looking forward to recognizing all of our Durham Catholic staff for their dedication and years of service.

Motions

That the Durham Catholic District School Board approve the Schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for the 2023-2024 school year.
That the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) approve the attendance of up to two staff members to represent DCDSB at the 2023 Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE) Annual Conference, scheduled from October 27-29, 2023, in Montreal, Quebec.
That the Durham Catholic District School Board approve out of province travel for a maximum of two staff members to attend the Project Search Annual Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, scheduled July 10-14, 2023.
That the DCDSB approve the following amendments to the General Working By-Law 2021 as amended:

9.1 Notice of Motion

A Trustee may give the Secretary written notice of a motion, along with explanatory rationale, regarding any matter with respect to which the Trustee has a right to vote, and the motion shall be included in the Board agenda, provided it is received by the Secretary by no later than 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before the meeting at which it will appear on the agenda.

A notice of motion so received may not be the subject of debate or resolution until a Board meeting following the meeting at which it first appears on the agenda.

Notwithstanding the above, a Trustee may bring a motion at a Board meeting without prior notice provided that a two-thirds majority of those present and eligible to vote waive the notice requirements.

Matters not requiring a decision by the Board, including minutes from Committee meetings, may be distributed to Trustees at any time, and where received by Trustees prior to the start of a Board meeting may be the subject of discussion but not resolution.

9.2 Trustee Questions

All agendas for Regular and In Camera sessions of the Board will include an item for Trustees to bring forward inquiries of interest to all Trustees and in the interest of the school System. Trustees will endeavour to provide advance notice to the Chair of the Board and the Director of Education of questions they wish to bring forward.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Chair will call for any changes to the printed agenda including Trustee questions.

9.3 Reconsideration

Any matter which has been decided upon by the Board shall not be reconsidered by the Board during the subsequent twelve (12) month period unless approved for reconsideration by two thirds majority of those present and eligible to vote.

Announcements

Morgan Ste. Marie, Vice-Chair of the Board, made the following announcements:

Retirements, effective June 30, 2023:

Alina Szopa, St. John XXIII Catholic School
Bernardine Rigo, St. John XXIII Catholic School
Carmen Vandersluis, Father Fenelon Catholic School
David Flynn, Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School
Kelly Denomme, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
Lisa Ann True, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School
Norma Wheeler, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School
Patricia Brown, St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School
Patricia D'Arcy, St. Bernadette Catholic School
Paul Creeden, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
Sandra Seeney, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School

Resignations:

Amanda Roffey, Catholic Education Centre, effective May 19, 2023
Bradley Gerrow, St. Joseph Catholic School (Uxbridge), effective April 24, 2023
Pawel Leja, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, effective September 1, 2023

Appointments to the Elementary Vice Principal Roster:

Christine Closs
Jake Frech
Selvia Gad
Tara Hoffman
Rosa Kay

2022-2023 Board of Trustees:

Monique Forster (Chair) - Ajax
Morgan Ste. Marie (Vice-Chair) - Oshawa
Kim Beatty - Oshawa
Richard Damianopoulos - Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock
Robert De Souza - Whitby
Janelle Emanuel - Whitby
Marisa Hall - Ajax
Jim McCafferty - Pickering
Sophie Nwaoha - Student Trustee
Moyin Esan - Student Trustee

Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of May 23, 2023 will be posted on the board website as part of the agenda for the Regular Board Meeting of Monday, June 19, 2023.