June is Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus | |
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In June, our attention shifts towards the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a beacon of love and solace within our Catholic community. Throughout this month, we are beckoned to contemplate the profound significance of the Sacred Heart on our spiritual journey. It stands as a potent symbol, inviting us to delve deeper into the boundless love that Jesus extends to each of us personally.
In this emblem of love, we find the quintessence of purity and selflessness. The heart, universally recognized as a symbol of love, epitomizes these virtues in the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This Sacred Heart calls upon us to mirror His love—sacrificial, unconditional, and abundant—in our interactions with others. May the Sacred Heart of Jesus serve as both inspiration and guiding light as we endeavour to embody His love in our daily lives, nurturing unity and compassion within our community and beyond.
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Parish-Based Summer Camps | |
The Archdiocese of Toronto has asked that we share the following information about Parish-based summer camps in Durham Region.
Camp Veritas for Grade
Totus Tuus Summer Camp
Totus Tuus Summer Camp
Totus Tuus Kids Summer Camp
Totus Tuus Summer Camp
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Durham Catholic Children's Foundation | |
Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala | |
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On May 16, 2024, the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation hosted the 10th annual Gala honouring Bishop Vincent Nguyen and our Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recipients.
Thanks to your support and our generous donors and sponsors, we raised approximately $23,000! These funds will allow us to continue to bring much needed necessities to our Durham Catholic students.
The next fundraising event for the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation is the 9th Annual #ForeTheKids Golf Classic on Tuesday, August 20, 2024. #ForeTheKids is held at Deer Creek Golf Course in Ajax. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities or to register, please visit our website.
Thank you for your continued support of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation.
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June 2024 Student Walk for Hope | |
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Schools across the DCDSB will be participating in the Student Walk for Hope in support of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation this June 2024. Students and staff are encouraged to donate online to support Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation initiatives. Funds collected will assist the Foundation in helping children and families right here in the Durham Region. All donations will be made through School Cash Online. Our goal this year is to raise $20,000 board-wide! 100% of the donations go directly to support the initiatives of the Durham Catholic Children's Foundation. Learn more at durhamcatholicfoundation.ca.
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Indigenous Education in Action | |
National Indigenous History Month | |
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June is National Indigenous History Month. Throughout the entire year, we are committed to ongoing learning, relationship-building, and the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. We continue to enhance relationships with Indigenous community partners and local Indigenous communities.
Resources for further learning are available year-round to our staff, students and families, on our website at dcdsb.ca/IndigenousEducation.
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Indigenous Education Highlights | |
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It's been a busy few weeks as students across DCDSB have continued to engage in Indigenous Education.
Please see the stories below to learn more:
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2024-2025 School Year Calendars | |
Ontario Government Announces Funding to Provide New Catholic Elementary School and Additional Pupil Spaces in Oshawa | |
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The Ontario Government is investing $31.0 million to provide additional pupil spaces in Oshawa. This funding will provide a new Catholic elementary school in north Oshawa and will expand St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Elementary School in Oshawa. This investment in Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) announced by Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, Todd McCarthy, Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and MPP for Durham, Lorne Coe, Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier and MPP for Whitby, and Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Ajax, will support the creation of 760 student spaces as part of the government’s commitment to building modern schools for Ontario youth.
Please visit our website to view the full news release.
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On May 27, 2024, the DCDSB recognized students and staff who have made outstanding contributions to Catholic education. Here are a few highlights:
2023-2024 Award Winners:
- Board Award of Merit - Carrie Colligan, teacher at st. Anne Catholic School
- Elementary Trustee Youth Award - Emily P., St. Wilfrid Catholic School
- Secondary Trustee Youth Award - Skyler B., Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
- Rev. John Markle Outstanding School to Home Communication Award - St. Monica Catholic School
Recognition:
- 2023-2024 Student Senators, Student Council Presidents and Student Trustees
- 25 Years of Service Staff Members
Congratulations to all staff and students!
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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 students, family, staff and community members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. 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 hearts that are committed to inclusive, safe and accepting schools for all. A focus on mental health, well-being, and a sense of belonging are essential to our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our Catholic schools are safe places for everyone.
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Mental Health and Well-Being | |
Secondary Student Mental Health Leadership Summit | |
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On May 9, secondary students across the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) gathered at the Pope Francis Centre for the Secondary Student Mental Health Leadership Summit.
As part of the board’s Mental Health Strategy, Together for Mental Health: Everyone, Everyday, DCDSB has committed to increasing student engagement and leadership regarding mental health promotion. In response to this, students in Grades 9-11 were invited to represent their school and partake in activities surrounding mental health and provide feedback and ideas to raise awareness about mental health in their schools. Ultimately, this summit and collection of student thoughts and ideas will assist in creating a secondary student-led mental health leadership group.
Read the full story here.
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How to Understand and Support Your Child or Adolescent with Their Screen Use | |
Ms. Sundal, MSW RSW, shares how parents, guardians and caregivers can understand and support children and adolescents with their screen use. See the video below for details. | |
Nathan - St. Jude Catholic School | |
This month's Student Spotlight shines on Nathan, a standout student in Grade 3 at St. Jude Catholic School. Nathan is recognized for his kindness and positivity. Please see the Student Spotlight video below. | |
St. Bernadette Catholic School | |
This School Spotlight segment features St. Bernadette Catholic School. Thank you to St. Bernadette Administrative team for taking the time to gather and reflect on the past, present and future of the school. | |
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Past: Father Vincent McGivney saw a need for a Catholic school as the area- of what we now know as south Ajax- became busier and more and more families moved in. With his persistence and enthusiasm, St. Bernadette Catholic School opened its original doors on September 4, 1951 to an eager 148 students who would fill its four classrooms.
Throughout the years, St. Bernadette grew and changed, as it continues to today. Additions were added, buildings were taken down and constructed and numbers slowly increased, to a point where 12 portables were on site to accommodate over 1000 students. True to the welcoming spirit of St. Bernadette, the various school buildings have been host to other school communities as their buildings were being constructed – St. James, St. Jude, St. Catherine of Siena and St. Patrick Catholic Schools. We are proud of the foundations of our school, and when you visit, you will be able to find the original cross that hung on our original building as well as a replica mural depicting St. Bernadette’s life painted in 1979 by Father McCarroll.
Visit our website to read more.
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End of Year Trip to Station Gallery and Abilities Centre | |
On May 9, the Deaf/Hard of Hearing and Blind/Low Vision departments hosted their annual end-of-year trip to the Station Gallery and the Abilities Centre. Students enjoyed creating beautiful mixed media collages in the morning and spent the afternoon playing cooperative games and other adapted sports. Some participated in Kinball where they used a 4-foot Omnikin ball to encourage movement and physical literacy, while others learned the basics of wheelchair basketball. It was a wonderful day of connection and fun! | |
Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School Robotics Team | |
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The Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School Robotics team shares their journey of crafting their own robot for the prestigious FIRST Robotics competition. Their remarkable effort has earned them the Gracious Professionalism award and secured their spot in the provincial competition for FRC. They stand as the sole remaining high school representative from Durham Region in the FIRST Robotics competitions.
Congratulations to all involved for your dedication and perseverance. Best wishes for success in your upcoming competitions!
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St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Builds Outdoor Classroom | |
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Shovels hit the soil at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School on May 15, as students in Grades 9-12 participated in a final build day for their outdoor learning space. This outdoor classroom has been years in the making, and the St. Mary community is extremely close to completing the project. The outdoor classroom was made possible through a grant from the City of Pickering, the Learning Innovation Fund for Teachers (LIFT), and Durham Catholic District School Board Facilities Services.
Read the full story here.
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Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Students Explore Darlington Energy Centre | |
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On May 17, students from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School participated in an interactive tour at Ontario Power Generation’s (OPG) Darlington Energy Centre and mock-up nuclear reactor. The day started off with a safety meeting led by Christina Preston of Aecon Nuclear. Afterwards, students were fitted with personal protective equipment and began the tour. Students put on suits for radiation work led by the OPG Radiation Protection team. This was followed by a tour of the mock-up nuclear reactor, where students were able to walk around a full-size Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) reactor calandria. Students saw orbital welding, fuel bundles, and feeder replacement tubes. OPG provided information on possible pathways to becoming a worker in almost every category at the plant.
Thank you to everyone that made this day possible, especially Leah Giasson from OPG, and everybody at Aecon Nuclear.
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Relay for Life at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School | |
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On May 30, students and staff at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School gathered for the 4th annual Relay for Life in support of the Canadian Cancer Society. Students set a lofty goal of $50,000 and rose to the challenge. In support of their goals, teachers agreed to wear uniforms for a day, dye their hair, and take a pie in the face.
Thank you to the Relay for Life Student Organizing Committee and Ms. Cooper for their tireless efforts to bring about a memorable day. Thank you to all the staff who supported and to guest speaker and survivor, Victoria D’Antimo for sharing her story. Congratulations to the Father Leo J. Austin community on surpassing their goal and raising $52,304.06!
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DCDSB Students Participate in the Forest of Reading Celebration | |
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On May 13, over 600 elementary students across the Durham Catholic District School Board and Durham District School Board gathered together in-person at the Ontario Tech University and Durham College Wellness Centre for the Durham Forest of Reading Celebration! This is the first time in five years that the students from Grades 2-8 were able to be together as a group for this exciting day.
Read the full article here.
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Grade 7 Students Participate in Created In the Image of God: I Am Because We Are (Ubuntu) | |
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Created in the Image of God: I Am Because We Are (Ubuntu) is a virtual engagement series led by Tanika Riley with guest, Matthew Jones, in collaboration with a board planning team, where students learn about self-awareness, self-regulation, self-love and self-expression.
Grade 6/7 teacher at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, Ms. Spitale, and her Grade 7 students share their experience about Ubuntu and how the engagement series has helped them learn more about themselves. Watch the video below to learn more.
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DCDSB Students Attend Skills Ontario Competition | |
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Congratulations to the 22 students from across our secondary schools who attended the Skills Ontario competition where they competed in hands-on experiential projects aligned with curriculum and industry standards. Students competed in a multitude of events including: welding, auto, baking, photography, robotics and carpentry.
This event offered a unique opportunity for our students to demonstrate the skills in their field, against students from across Ontario. Under the guidance of their teachers, our students spent long hours practicing, providing them with a higher level of competency, confidence, and leadership. The event allowed them to develop their skills in communication, problem-solving, team-building, creativity & innovation, collaboration, adaptability, digital competency, reading, numeracy and writing while also networking with students from around our board, other competitors, educators, professionals and potential employers.
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St. Bridget Catholic School Presents Frozen Jr. | |
St. Bridget Catholic School held 12 showings of their production of Frozen Jr. for over 3,000 community members over five days! These talented students showed their dedication and appreciation for the arts by participating in three months of after school rehearsals, working on the sets, being a part of the backstage crew and more. Congratulations to all students and staff! | |
Fred Fox Visits All Saints Catholic Secondary School | |
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On May 23, All Saints Catholic Secondary School welcomed Fred Fox, brother of Terry Fox. Students, staff and community members celebrated the school’s long-standing commitment to the Terry Fox Foundation with an assembly and inspirational presentation by Fred Fox and the All Saints Student Council.
At the assembly, All Saints was announced as the highest fundraiser for the Terry Fox School Run, Canada-wide, raising $83,131 in 2023 and a grand total of $633,612 over the past 19 years.
Congratulations to the All Saints community on your commitment to the important work of the Foundation and your fundraising efforts as you continue to “Be Like Terry” and live out Terry Fox’s legacy.
Read the full story on DurhamRegion.com.
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St. Leo Catholic School Craft Club Fundraiser in Support of the Whitby Hospice | |
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Students in the St. Leo Catholic School Craft Club made rainbow loom bracelets and sold them as a fundraiser in support of the Whitby Hospice - Roger Anderson House. Today, students were excited to present their donation to Joyce Marshall, Board Member and Tanya McPherson, Donor Relations and Communications Manager.
Throughout the month of June, any donations made directly to the Whitby Hospice will receive a bracelet from St. Leo students in the mail.
Congratulations to all craft club students and facilitator, Principal Rancourt, on this initiative to support individuals in our community!
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St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Student Athletes Make U17 Canadian National Wrestling Team and Will Represent Canada at the 2024 Pan American Wrestling Championships | |
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Aaharen P. and Adsaya P. from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School competed at the 2024 OFSAA Wrestling Championships in Hamilton, Ontario. Both won a gold and silver medal in their respective weight class. With this success, they continued their winning streak at the National Team Trials and were successful in securing a spot on the U17 Canadian National Wrestling Team.
Aaharen and Adsaya will both be representing Canada at the 2024 Pan American Wrestling Championships in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. This is an international competition to qualify for the 2024 U17 World Wrestling Championships in Amman, Jordan being held later in the year. Read the full article on our website.
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Spots Still Available for Elementary and Secondary Summer Courses and Programs | |
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Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary and secondary school.
Registration is still open for the following summer programs and courses:
Elementary Programs and Courses:
Secondary Programs and Courses:
Please visit our website for more information.
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Young Parent School Program at Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre | |
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The Young Parent School Program is for young parents between the ages of 16-26 who are interested in earning credits for their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Students are supported by caring adults that include a teacher from the Durham Catholic District School Board and a Rose of Durham counsellor.
The program provides a hot lunch, access to all programs of the Rose of Durham, options to earn credits for OSSD, credit recovery, Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition for mature students, and one-on-one support for young parents. Learn more about the Young Parent School Program by watching the video below or visiting our website.
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June is the month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, National Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, and Brain Injury Awareness. Italian, Filipino and Portuguese Heritage Month.
- June 7: Elementary PA day
- June 7: Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- June 10: Finance Committee Meeting
- June 16: Father’s Day
- June 17: Regular Board Meeting
- June 19-25: Secondary Exams
- June 21: National Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- June 26: Elementary Final Reports - Edsby Distribution
- June 27: Canadian Multiculturalism Day
- June 28: Elementary and Secondary PA Day
- June 28: Secondary Final Reports - Edsby Distribution
- June 29: Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
www.dcdsb.ca
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