Saint Spotlight: St. Francis de Sales

As noted by Pope Francis in his message for the 57th World Day of Social Communication, "one of the brightest and still fascinating examples of “speaking with the heart” is offered by Saint Francis de Sales, a Doctor of the Church."

Saint Francis lived from 1576-1622. He was born into a noble family in France and received a very thorough education by the Jesuits. His parents had wanted him to begin a career in law, but after a personal crisis, St. Francis turned to Mother Mary to ask for her intercession. Soon after he dedicated his life to God.  

The Salesian tradition, developed from both St. Francis and St. Jane, emphasizes the role of the heart. Francis had great insights into the human heart, and when asked about preaching he famously responded: “The lips speak to the ears, but heart speaks to heart (Cor ad Cor Loquitur).” Francis was a model of gentleness who showed great humanity and willingness to dialogue patiently with everyone – especially those who disagreed with him.  

Did you know? 

• Francis was canonized on April 8, 1665 
• His Feast Day is January 24th 
• He is the patron saint of adult education, the deaf, and journalists 
• St. Francis has been called the ‘Doctor of Divine Love’ 

Reflection Question:

What does it mean to have “heart speak to heart”?    

Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) Short Video Contest

It's back for another year! Students in Grades 4-12 are once again invited to participate in the OCSTA Short-Video Contest.

This year's challenge? Create a 2-minute video demonstrating how the scriptural quote inspiring this year’s theme is reflected in how we treat and respect one another: “If we love one another, God lives in us” (1 John 4:12)

DCDSB has been proud to have a number of schools awarded for their past entries.

Click here to see All Saints Catholic Secondary School's third-place video entry from 2022.

Students interested in participating can view the guidelines and submission form on the OCSTA website.

Back to School Letter from the Minister of Education

As the 2023-2024 school year begins, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, has prepared a back to school message to Ontario parents, guardians and caregivers. 

Click here to read the letter.

Preparing for National Truth and Reconciliation Week

National Truth and Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity to focus on the current realities for Indigenous Peoples, while also remembering their history, as reflected in this year's theme of "Honouring Survivors".

DCDSB is preparing for National Truth and Reconciliation Week, as well as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day, which we will be recognizing in our schools on Friday, September 29. As a board, we will wear orange shirts on this day, in order to continue to recognize the efforts of Phyllis Webstad a Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Shuswap First Nation woman who had her new orange shirt taken from her on her first day of residential ‘school’ in 1973.  

We will also be engaged in a variety of learning and activities at each of our schools over the next few weeks in honour of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Throughout the year, DCDSB honours the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action and is dedicated to continuing education that increases our understanding of the history, legacies, and current realities of the Indigenous Peoples in Canada.

Families, caregivers and guardians are encouraged to learn more by exploring the Indigenous Education section of the DCDSB website.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation also offers information, along with archived videos on a variety of topics, as well an expanded program this year with age-appropriate material for all ages.

A recap of Orange Shirt Day activities from across the board will be included in the October 2023 edition of the DCDSB News.

Applications for the Regional Arts & Media Program Open on September 22, 2023

DCDSB's Regional Arts & Media Program (AMP), which is located at All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, will begin accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year on Friday, September 22, 2023.

AMP offers specialized instruction in Dance, Media Arts (Grade 9 entry only), Instrumental Music, Performing Arts (Drama/Vocal Music), and Visual Arts, in addition to the existing curriculum.

Grade 7 to 12 students are invited to apply for a September 2024 start! Click here to learn more about the application and audition process.

Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Chair and Vice-Chair Nominations Close September 18, 2023

The deadline to submit nominations for the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Chair and Vice-Chair is Monday, September 18.

Details about the committee, the positions, eligibility requirements, tenure and the nomination and election process, as well as the nomination form, can be found online.

Click here to view the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee webpage.

After School Social Skills Programs Begin in October

DCDSB After School Social Skills Programs, for students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, will begin the first week of October 2023. 

Contact your school's Program Support Teacher for registration forms, as there are specific criteria requirements for admission to each program.

Click here to learn about the program details and locations.

TRAILS to Wellness: Coping with Anxiety

Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Seeking Members

DCPIC is seeking the following members for the 2023-2024 school year:



• Eight Parent Members (two-year term)
• Three Community Representatives (one-year term)

Eligibility requirements for the Executive and Community Representatives can be found in the DCPIC Bylaws.

Those interested in seeking election must complete the self-nomination form, which is available online until 4:00 p.m. until Thursday, September 28, 2023.

Each eligible applicant will then be invited to speak at the in-person DCPIC meeting at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 5, 2023. Further details will also be sent to each applicant via email. 

For more information about DCPIC, including member duties/responsibilities, news, events, and frequently asked questions, please visit the DCPIC webpage.

Project SEARCH Interns - First Day at Durham Region Headquarters



On Tuesday, September 5, 2023, the Region of Durham welcomed 10 DCDSB Project SEARCH interns for their first day at Durham Region Headquarters in Whitby. 

The interns were introduced to their managers/mentors from Family Services, Legal Services, Facilities and Maintenance Services, Social Services, Food Services, and Environmental Services.  

We look forward to both the success of the interns as they build marketable and transferrable employability skills, and to our continued partnership with the Abilities Centre, Project SEARCH and Durham Region. 

Click here to learn more about the Project SEARCH program.

The International Languages program offered through Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre is designed for students from Year 1 Kindergarten/Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12.

The programs provide students with the opportunity to speak, listen, write and read in an international language and to learn about the culture and heritage associated with that language.

For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Register for Adult Education Programs with Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre

Did you know DCDSB's Adult Education sites in Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa offer Adult Education, Mature Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (mPLAR) and Specialized Training Programs for Pathways to Employment and Post-Secondary Education. 

Adults who are 18 years of age or older and out of a regular secondary school can register for a variety of programs including:

• Adult Day School and Correspondence to earn credits for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or to upgrade courses for entrance to college, university or apprenticeship;
• Adult Dual Credit Program with Durham College;
• Adult Upgrading program focused on Literacy and Basic Skills;
• Child Care Assistant Training Program;
• Custodial Services Training Program;
• English as a Second Language courses for adults (non-credit);
• Microsoft Office Specialist Training Program;
• Personal Support Worker Program;
• Work-4-Credits Program (Cooperative Education);
• Young Parent School Program at the Rose of Durham (Oshawa);

Night School course offerings and registration for secondary school students and adults is now available. Current secondary school students should see their guidance counsellor to register.

For more information, visit www.con-ed.ca, check out the Program Guide and/or contact us at:

• Ajax – (905) 683-7713 or cont.ed@dcdsb.ca
• Oshawa – (905) 438-0570 or credit.reg@dcdsb.ca

September is devoted to the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

• Sept. 15 - Beginning of Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year)
• Sept. 17 - Terry Fox Run Day
• Sept. 17 - End of Rosh Hashanah
• Sept. 18-22 - Safe and Accepting Schools Week
• Sept. 19 - National IT Professionals Day
• Sept. 21 - Feast of St. Matthew the Evangelist
• Sept. 21 - International Day of Peace
• Sept. 21 - Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Meeting
• Sept. 22 - Regional Arts & Media Program Applications Open
• Sept. 24 - World Day of the Deaf
• Sept. 25 - Franco-Ontarian Day (journée franco-ontarienne)
• Sept. 25 - Regular Board Meeting
• Sept. 26 - Human Resource Professionals Day
• Sept. 27 - Rowan's Law Day
• Sept. 28 - Right to Know Week
• Sept. 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation/Orange Shirt Day (note: DCDSB will recognize on Sept. 29)

Click here and subscribe to our calendar to receive reminders about holidays, P.A. days, events, and recognition days.