Thank you to students from St. Theresa Catholic School for performing O Canada and Hail Mary, Gentlewoman at the Regular Board Meeting on May 27, 2024.

Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School First Robotics Team

The First Robotics Team from Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School attended the Regular Board Meeting on May 27 to provide a demonstration of their newest robot.

The First Robotics Team shared they qualified for the FIRST Ontario Provincial Championship in Toronto this spring. This year, the team won a competition in Aurora, and participated in competitions at Durham College and in North Bay where they won the Gracious Professionalism Award at both events. They are also the only high school in Durham Region that competes at FIRST Robotics.

Celebrating Excellence: Award Presentations

Tracy Barill, Director of Education, announced the 2023-2024 Durham Catholic District School Board Award of Merit Recipient. Congratulations to Carrie Colligan, teacher at St. Anne Catholic School.

Director Barill shared highlights from Carrie's nomination form at the Regular Board Meeting. Inspired by her son Mikey, who was born with Down Syndrome, Carrie has been on the board of directors for the Durham Down Syndrome Association for six years. As a parent, when Carrie saw the lack of resources and inclusive opportunities available for those with intellectual and physical disabilities, she took it as a call to serve. She works tirelessly every day to make the world a more inclusive place. 

Carrie is an outstanding member of the board, organizing and running many meaningful events that bring together the Down Syndrome community and help to ensure that individuals with Down Syndrome are embraced with dignity and respect. This includes organizing monthly Youth Hangouts which help teenagers and young adults with Down Syndrome to work on social skills while developing meaningful friendships. 

Carrie's dedication to making the world a more inclusive place is a testament to her faith. She consistently goes above and beyond, tirelessly seeking out resources and innovative approaches to ensure everyone can enjoy the same opportunities. 

Carrie applies the same level of dedication to her work at Durham Catholic. As a Curriculum Coverage Teacher, she uses her God-given gifts and talents to enrich the curriculum for her students by infusing her passion for music and love of Christ into her lessons. Her passion for music serves as a beacon of joy and inspiration, creating harmonious connections that transcend barriers and celebrate the beauty of diversity. 

Carrie is a devoted mother and teacher whose unwavering love, devotion to her faith, and tireless advocacy have enriched the lives of individuals with Down Syndrome, their families and the entire community. She exemplifies the values of compassion, inclusivity, and empowerment. 

Elementary: Chair Forster and Director Barill present the award to Emily P., from St. Wilfrid Catholic School

Secondary: Chair Forster and Director Barill present the award to Skyler B., from Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School

Elementary: St. Monica Catholic School. Director Barill and Chair Forster present the trophy to Chris Szent-Ivany, Principal, and Lynne O'Prey, Administrative Assistant.

All Saints Catholic Secondary School 

• Sophia J.A.
• Isabella P.
• Summer D.

Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School 

• Janet S.
• Bella C.
• Osasu E.

Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School 

• Sade L.
• Abigail M.
• Liam N. 

Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School 

• Temitope O.
• Oreofeoluwa L.A.
• Vanessa W.

Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School 

• Abygail T.
• Oluwadabira O.
• Noah J.

Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School 

• Abina A.
• Nicole P.
• Trenyce D.

St. Mary Catholic Secondary School 

• Inuka W.P.
• Julia S.
• Kapilan S.

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.

• Lise Allain-Taylor
• Mary Jane Allen 
• Tracy Lee Archer 
• Jamie Atkinson 
• Caroline Aubry 
• Kevin Bell 
• Janelle Bellisle 
• Megan Elizabeth Benedict 
• Michelle Boisvert 
• Yolanda Brouwer 
• David Burt 
• Amy-Lee Butland 
• Patrizia Cavallari 
• Lisa Clarridge 
• Ann Da Silva 
• Marika-Lyn Dos Santos 
• Tom Dow 
• David Fenton 
• Robert Fortin 
• Jean Gagnon 
• Shannon Gardiner-Oliver 
• Jennifer Harvey 
• Lisa Heaney 
• (James) Milton Holmes 
• Catherine Hon 
• Sal Iacono 
• Caroline Jover 
• Helen Kelly 
• Julia Kosziwka 

• Patricia Lahey
• Lori Lane 
• Cheryl Leroux 
• Benoit Martel 
• Donna Matthews-Altieri 
• Jo-Anne McJannet 
• Ken Merola 
• Shawn Mielke 
• Catia Minardi 
• Lesley Nash 
• Kristi Norris 
• Breen O’Connor 
• Mary-Atracta Okolie 
• Michael Orsag 
• Rose Pearson 
• Chris Pezzarello 
• Jennifer Reid 
• Jessica Romani 
• Paul Ruthard 
• Julie Simon 
• Alison Sokoloski 
• Kelly Stephen 
• Sheri-Lyn Stoop 
• Kathleen Talbot 
• Jennifer van Hezewyk 
• Rhonda Whelton 
• Mary Whyte 
• Gail Wilson-Beier 
• Lisa Anne Xavier 

Tracy Barill, Director of Education, submitted a written report for the May 27, 2024, Regular Board Meeting.

System Events

• Throughout the month of May, we have been recognizing the following religious observances and cultural/employee appreciation celebrations:
• Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• Speech and Hearing Month
• Asian and South Asian Heritage Month
• Jewish Heritage Month
• During the week of May 6-10, Indigenous students in Grades 3-5 gathered at the Pope Francis Centre to participate in an Indigenous Student Day. The Indigenous Education Team and Indigenous community partners including Beedahbin Peltier, Kylie Fox-Peltier, Zika'ige Peltier and Robert Cutting, led the students in groups to learn on the land, make beaded bracelets, participate in traditional storytelling, and learn more about Indigenous culture.
• On Thursday, May 9, secondary students were invited to attend the Secondary Student Mental Health Leadership Summit. Grade 9-11 students represented their schools and participated in activities surrounding mental health and provided feedback to raise awareness about mental health. This collection of ideas at the student summit helped create a secondary student-led mental health leadership group called B Well.
• On Monday, May 13, 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 Forest of Reading Celebration. This is the first time in five years that the students were able to be together in person for this exciting day to share their passion for books and reading, and to present awards to their favourite authors.

Upcoming/Ongoing

• June 7 is the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 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 all remember that the devotion to the Sacred Heart is a way for each of us to intensely encounter Jesus in practices of prayer. 
• 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. 
• On June 4, we look forward to hosting the third annual Indigenous student graduation celebration where, together with their families and the Indigenous Education Circle, we will celebrate Indigenous students graduating from Grade 8 and Grade 12.
• 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.
• It is important to note that each of our Catholic secondary schools has a GSA group dedicated to providing peer support. Students interested in joining can speak with their teacher, Guidance Counsellor, Chaplain or Principal for more information. We want all of our students to know that they are never alone. 

Monique Forster, Chair of the Board, began by congratulating all of the award recipients and individuals recognized this evening. Chair Forster said the May Board Meeting is always a highlight for Trustees as it provides an opportunity for us to celebrate the dedication, commitment and achievements of staff, students and community members.

Chair Forster then shared the following highlights:

Recognition

• Earlier this month we celebrated Catholic Education Week and Mental Health Week from May 1-5. During this week we held our System-Wide Mass at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Ajax. I want to extend our thanks to Father Chris Lemieux for once again welcoming our staff and families into his parish and for his continued support of Catholic education. Following the Mass, we celebrated the Distinguished Catholic Educators for the 2023-2024 school year and recognized our Distinguished Catholic Leader of the year, retiring Principal of Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School, Mr. Mike Goff. Congratulations to our Distinguished Catholic Educators and Leader, as we celebrate and thank you for your dedication and service to Catholic Education.
•  On May 9, 2024, students, families, staff, government officials, and community members came together at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary. Over the past 25 years, generations of students, families and staff have contributed to the development of the St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School Community. I would like to offer my special thanks to the organizing committee for their efforts in commemorating the history and ongoing presence of this vibrant Catholic learning community in Ajax. We thank and congratulate the efforts of St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Principal, Mrs. Sheena Paul, members of school staff, the dedicated 25^th Anniversary planning committee and School Council. Special thanks also to the pastor at St. Bernadette Catholic Church, Father Chris Lemieux for presiding over the beautiful celebratory Mass.
• On May 16, the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation hosted its 10^th Annual Gala honouring Bishop Vincent Nguyen and our Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recipients. I want to thank the members of the foundation’s Board of Directors for their efforts, as well as our sponsors, donors, partners and guests for their generosity and support of the students in our Durham Catholic community.
• On May 17, 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 Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development and MPP for Ajax, announced an investment of $31 million by the Ontario Government to provide additional pupil spaces in Oshawa. This funding will provide a new Catholic elementary school in north Oshawa and will also provide a six-classroom addition to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School in Oshawa. This investment will support the creation of 760 student spaces. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario and the Ministry of Education for this investment in the DCDSB. 

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 2024-2025 school year. To complete the survey, please visit dcpic.ca. The survey closes on June 1.
• On June 13 we will celebrate all our staff who are, or have, retired in the 2023-2024 school year at our Retirees Dinner. This year, we are hosting at Sikorski Hall. We are looking forward to recognizing all of our Durham Catholic staff for their dedication and years of service.

2024-2025 Schedule of Board and Committee Meetings

• THAT the Durham Catholic District School Board approve the Schedule of Board and Committee Meetings for the 2024-2025 school year.

 Out of Province Travel

• THAT the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) approve the attendance of up to two staff members to represent DCDSB at the 2024 Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE) Annual Conference, scheduled from October 24-27, 2024, in Calgary, Alberta.  
• THAT the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) approve the attendance of up to six staff members to represent DCDSB at the 2024 Canadian Association of School and System Administrators (CASSA) 2024 Leadership Conference, scheduled from July 3-5, 2024, in Montreal, Quebec.  

Richard Damianopoulos, Vice-Chair of the Board, made the following announcements:

Retirements:

• Anna Marie McNeil, Msgr. John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Claudette Muglia, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• David St. Jean, St. Bernard Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Eric Schreindler, St. Hedwig Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Janice Cunningham, St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School, effective August 30, 2024 
• Judith Bear, Academic Services, effective June 30, 2024 
• Kathleen Rivas, St. Monica Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Lynn Gilroy, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, effective July 1, 2024 
• Mary Pat Hayes, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Michael Smith, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Michelle (Eileen) Mackay, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Paul Martin, St. Bernadette Catholic School, effective July 1, 2024 
• Peter Pinheiro, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School, effective June 28, 2024 
• Rose Mary Marche, St. Hedwig Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Shelley Thomas, St. Anne Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 
• Stephen Hughes, Academic Services, effective June 30, 2024 
• Tracey St. Jean, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 

Resignations:

• Aime Kayembe, Elementary Panel, effective June 30, 2024 
• Laura Elliott, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School, effective June 30, 2024 

Appointments and Transfers (effective August 2024)

Elementary Principal Appointments:

• Maria Campisi appointed to Principal of Holy Family Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School
• John Linhares appointed to Principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School
• Beth McCrory appointed to Principal of St. Jude Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. Anne Catholic School

Elementary Vice-Principal Appointments:

• Tara Hoffman appointed to Vice Principal of St. Wilfrid Catholic School from Teacher at Sir Albert Love Catholic School
• Lloyd Beaulieu appointed to Vice Principal of St. Patrick Catholic School from Teacher at St. John the Evangelist Catholic School
• Rosa Kay appointed to Vice Principal of St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School from Teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School

Elementary Principal Transfers:

• Sarah Dowling transferred to St. Andre Bessette Catholic School from St. John Bosco Catholic School 
• Michael Neubauer transferred to St. Paul Catholic School from Holy Family Catholic School 
• Diana Assenza transferred to St. John Bosco Catholic School from St. Bernadette Catholic School 
• Stephanie Hardy transferred to Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School from St. Paul Catholic School 

Elementary Vice-Principal Transfers:

• Sara Lelievre transferred to St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School from St. Monica Catholic School 
• Mona Belzile-Daley transferred to St. Monica Catholic School from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School 
• Edward Canning transferred to St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School from St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School 
• Selvia Gad transferred to St. Bernadette Catholic School from St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School 
• Tamika Bunting transferred to St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School 
• Lindsey Neubauer transferred to St. Anne Catholic School from St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 
• Jennifer Reid transferred to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School from St. Patrick Catholic School 

Secondary Vice-Principal Transfers:

• Lara Spiers transferred to Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School from All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Mary Polidano transferred to All Saints CSS from Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Lisa Boehm transferred to Archbishop Anthony Meager Catholic Continuing Education Centre and Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School from St. Wilfrid Catholic School