Durham Catholic District School Board Appoints Gerard Winn as Director of Education | |
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The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gerard Winn as the new Director of Education and Secretary-Treasurer of the Board, effective August 1, 2024. Mr. Winn will replace retiring Director of Education, Tracy Barill.
Visit our website to learn more.
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Prayer Gardens at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School | |
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Grade 5 students at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School have taken a hands-on approach in the creation of new prayer gardens! Inspired by the desire to establish a serene focal point for prayer and gratitude for God’s creation, these gardens will offer a tranquil opportunity for prayer, reflection, and simply appreciating the wonders of nature.
With the diligent efforts of our young gardeners, they were cultivating not just plants, but a sense of peace and connection to the divine.
Thank you to the Grade 7 students and staff at Monsignor J. Pereyma Catholic School who helped co-create these meaningful wooden garden boxes. This initiative was funded and supported by the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program and the DCDSB Religion and Family Life department.
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Unwinding with Prayer: The Ball of Red String | |
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Grade 1 and 2 students at St. James Catholic School had a new way to pray wrapped around their fingers. The students, along with their teacher, Ms. Sarmento, discussed the many ways we pray including guided Christian Meditation.
The learning was centered around the book, The Ball of Red String by author Sister Marlene Halpin, OP. In a joint effort by the Library and Religion departments of Academic Services, students were taken on an interactive and imaginative journey to quiet hearts and minds to meet Jesus in reflective prayer.
Students examined many symbols and sacred objects of our Catholic prayer life such as the circle, rosary, Scripture, and candles while unraveling and releasing their string on their meditative journey. They then settled their minds and bodies and relaxed into the story. At the conclusion, students placed their mini ball of red string in their pockets, in the hope that they will carry a calming prayerful reminder with them throughout the busy summer months ahead.
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Afternoon of Sharing and Dialogue at Home-School-Parish Symposium | |
On Friday, June 14, we were so excited to welcome our local clergy, parish staff, parents, school administrators and school staff, for a special symposium with the goal to nurture collaborative relationships between families, parishes, and school staff, who share a strong commitment to Catholic education. We want to extend our gratitude to everyone who attended as we continue to strengthen the home-school-parish relationship. | |
Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation | |
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A heartfelt thank you to our Durham Catholic learning community! Throughout May and June, our amazing students, families, and staff participated in the Walk for Hope in support of the Durham Catholic Children's Foundation.
Donations for the Walk for Hope have raised $13,035! These funds will help to provide essential services to DCDSB students and families in need. This financial assistance ensures the provision of basic needs, so students are able to participate in all aspects of school life and have a better opportunity to reach their full potential.
A special note of gratitude to the DCDSB staff that helped organize these individual school events.
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Indigenous Education in Action | |
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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Indigenous Education and Learning at DCDSB | |
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Throughout the entire year, the Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to ongoing learning, relationship-building, and the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. During National Indigenous History Month, we are reflecting on the 2023-2024 school year, where students and staff engaged in a variety of Indigenous education learning opportunities.
For further resources and information, visit our website at dcdsb.ca/IndigenousEducation.
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Walking Our Path to Reconciliation at St. John Bosco Catholic School | |
Students from Ms. Dos Santos' Grade 5 class at St. John Bosco Catholic School reflected on their Walking Our Path to Reconciliation bulletin board. Students shared what they learned about reconciliation, Indigenous culture and practices with community partners. Thank you to Ms. Dos Santos' Grade 5 class for sharing. | |
2024-2025 School Year Calendars | |
DCDSB Achieves 2:1 Student-to-Device Ratio | |
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We are thrilled to announce a significant achievement in our ongoing commitment to enhancing educational technology. Through our Multi-Year Technology Plan and the Technology Equalization Strategy, we have steadily increased the number of devices available to our students. We have now reached an exciting benchmark: a 2:1 student-to-device ratio across all DCDSB schools!
This accomplishment ensures that every two students have access to one device, paving the way for innovative learning experiences. With the latest software and programs at their fingertips, our students are well-equipped to explore future educational and career opportunities while fostering the skills necessary to navigate the digital world responsibly.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) team, whose dedication and hard work have made this possible. Their tireless efforts in deploying these devices have been instrumental in reaching this goal.
Thank you for your continued support as we celebrate this milestone together.
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External Permanent and LTO Teaching Postings | |
DCDSB Certified Canada EcoSchools | |
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Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is excited to announce the 2023-2024 Certified Canada EcoSchools! As of June 10, 2024, DCDSB celebrates 33 EcoSchools, including five Platinum schools, 21 Gold schools, and seven participant schools (green). Special congratulations to All Saints Catholic Secondary School, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, St. Bernard Catholic School, St. Monica Catholic School and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School for certifying Platinum this year. Congratulations to our dedicated staff, students and community members on your success with the EcoSchools Program, and we look forward to your continued success next year! Read the impact report for more details.
EcoSchools Canada offers a certification program for elementary and secondary schools that helps incentivize, track and reward environmental actions that reduce energy and waste, raise awareness and incorporate environmental learning into the curriculum. Learn more about EcoSchools at https://ecoschools.ca/.
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2024-2025 Budget and Priorities Report | |
The DCDSB 2024-2025 Budget and Priorities Report is now available! Please visit our website to learn more about the board’s budget and priorities in the areas of supporting faith & well-being, advancing human rights & equity, and improving student learning. | |
Mental Health and Well-Being | |
Summer Resources for Students and Families | |
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School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) has shared resources for students and families to utilize over the summer break. These easy and fun mental health activities can be done at home, or on the go! Visit the links below to learn more:
Visit the SMHO website for more information and mental health resources.
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Summer Mental Health Resources | |
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For some students, summertime can be challenging for a number of reasons. The disruption in routine and a loss of structure can affect anyone.
We have highlighted some tips for summertime wellness, as well as resources that can be accessed for support on our Supports for Summer Mental Health Webpage.
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DCDSB Student Spotlight - Gabriel J. | |
Our last Student Spotlight of the 2023-2024 school year is Gabriel. A Grade 6 student from Sir Albert Love Catholic School who won the 2024 Junior Oshawa Fire Chief Contest! In this video, Gabriel shares his experiences. Congratulations Gabriel! | |
Region of Durham Chair for a Day Contest Winner | |
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Congratulations to the Grade 10 winner of the Region of Durham’s Chair for a Day contest, Tianna!
Tianna is a student at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Ajax. Tianna’s contest entry focused on building more sustainable, equitable and vibrant neighbourhoods! She envisions a future where:
- Sustainable programs and services contribute to achieving climate change goals.
- Diversity is embraced and celebrated, and everyone feels a sense of belonging in their communities.
- Entrepreneurs can flourish and drive economic growth in our region.
Congratulations, Tianna, and to everyone who entered the Chair for a Day contest.
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St. John XXIII Catholic School Raises Money for Indigenous Disability Canada | |
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Mr. von Vulte's Grade 6 class at St. John XXIII Catholic School recently launched an e-commerce website selling unique student art pieces to raise money for Indigenous Disability Canada, an organization that delivers Indigenous disability programs and services across Canada. Read the full article here.
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On June 17, the Durham Catholic District School Board's Social Skills programs celebrated with a year-end barbecue at Windreach Farm. Over 100 students and their families joined us for some wagon rides and the petting zoo. Students from Friendship Lab, PEERS and Secret Agent Society were invited to participate. These programs are available in the evenings, throughout the school year. Thanks to all who celebrated another great year of learning! | |
Grades 3 and 4 Students Visit Canadian Helen Keller Centre | |
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On Friday, June 14, Mrs. Woods and Ms. Colantoni's Grade 3/4 class at St. Paul Catholic School visited the Canadian Helen Keller Centre in Toronto. Students participated in a four kilometre walk around the neighbourhood in support of Deafblind Awareness Month. In total, this initiative raised $9,500!
In Canada, the month of June is recognized as Deafblind Awareness Month. The goal is to develop an understanding of and comfort with people in our communities who are deafblind. Ms. Colantoni, who is the Intervenor for Deafblind in Mrs.Woods' Grade 3/4 class, taught the students sign language for many common greetings, how to sign their names and how to sign "O Canada".
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Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Shapes Success Through June | |
The Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School community had an opportunity to be not only art appreciators but art collectors! Notre Dame's new ceramics course ran for the first time in September and carried through for a second semester in two full classes due to increasing enrolment and popularity. The month of June saw the visual culmination of the students’ success as they opted to have their ceramics as part of an exhibit in the school foyer as well as selling them with all proceeds going back into supporting the course. Under the guidance of their teacher, Mr. Lelasseux, the range of pieces on display and for sale included glazed textured tiles, intricate vessels with spouts and handles and beautiful dishes, demonstrating the hands on cross-curricular learning that had occurred throughout each semester. We look forward to next September and what will take shape in the hands of Notre Dame’s ceramic artists! | |
DRPS Junior Detective for a Day | |
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Congratulations to Andriana P., who has been named the Junior Detective for a Day with the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) West Division! Andriana is a Grade 4 student at St. Bernadette Catholic School in Ajax and submitted an entry for the Junior Detective contest. Constable Flis came to the school earlier this week to announce that Andriana was selected as the DCDSB winner.
On June 20, Andriana went to the DRPS West Division station for a fun day, including special investigative activities, with the police. Congratulations, Andriana!
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2024-2025 Program Guide Now Available | |
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The Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre Program Guide for the 2024-2025 school year is now available! If you are interested in earning your high school diploma, upgrading your skills or improving your English, check out the Adult and Continuing Education Program Guide to see the available course selections.
For more information on Adult and Continuing Education, please visit Con-Ed.ca.
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Local Canada Day Celebrations | |
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Wishing everyone in our Durham Catholic learning community a safe and happy long weekend. Check out the local Canada Day celebrations taking place in Durham Region below:
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Annual Land Camp for Indigenous Youth hosted by Ontario Tech University | |
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Registration is now open for the Annual Land Camp hosted by Ontario Tech University. This camp is open to Indigenous youth in Grades 9 to 12 and will take place for three days and two nights from August 19, 2024 to August 21, 2024.
Guided by Indigenous Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) students, elders, knowledge keepers, and other community members, inSTEMs Land Camp is grounded in land-based learning, demonstrating the intersections between Indigenous knowledge, STEM, and engineering design.
Spots are limited to 20 participants and registration for this camp is on a first come, first served basis. Learn more and register here.
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TD Summer Reading Club at Local Public Libraries | |
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The 2024 TD Summer Reading Club has officially begun! To register, go to your local public library branch in person or your municipal library' website.
Local libraries are planning exciting programs, kick off events and activities focused around the theme of outer space. All summer long students can earn points by reading, collecting digital badges, completing missions, playing games and working towards prizes and achieving a certificate. Happy reading!
Learn more and register at your local branch:
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Honouring Black Heritage - City of Oshawa Centennial Celebration | |
Central East Regional Cancer Program – Cancer Screening and Prevention Information | |
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Cancer screening is an important way to find cancer early, when it is small and easiest to treat. It is important to do cancer screening even if you feel well or have no symptoms. Cancer screening is free if you have an Ontario Health Card (OHIP).
The Central East Regional Cancer Program, which supports the Durham Region, shares information on the four cancer screening programs (breast, colorectal, cervical, and lung) that are available to those living in Ontario.
To find out more information on cancer screening and whether you are eligible, visit www.cercp.ca.
Have questions? Reach out to: centraleast.csp@lh.ca
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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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