As the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) approaches the end of its current strategic plan, Discovery 2023: Renewing the Vision, it is time to initiate the process for development of a new Multi-Year Strategic Plan to provide ambitious goals and direction for the DCDSB in the years ahead.
The new Multi-Year Strategic Plan will be implemented from January 2023 to June 2026. It is the intention of the Board to ensure that the development of the new Multi-Year Strategic Plan is informed by diverse and multiple perspectives. The development process will include a variety of opportunities for engagement with board and community partners, including students, families, staff, and parishes and will be overseen by the Multi-Year Strategic Plan Committee.
As part of the strategic planning process, DCDSB is seeking the input and feedback of students, staff, families, parishes, and community stakeholders. You can keep apprised of our consultation sessions and the planning process by visiting our dedicated Strategic Planning Webpage.
How can you get involved?
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Catholic Education Week and Child and Youth Mental Health Week |
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During the first week of May, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) celebrates Catholic Education Week, which recognizes the important contributions of Catholic education to our community, the province and Canada. This week is also nationally designated as Child and Youth Mental Health Week
To recognize the significance of this week, DCDSB launched an interactive webpage for students and families. This webpage includes mental health and well-being activities, books related to mental health, well-being and faith, along with daily prayers and family faith-centered activities. We encourage students, families and community members to visit the Catholic Education Week and Child and Youth Mental Health Week webpage for resources, book lists, and more.
We also invite you to learn more about the week's events, including:
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Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) Updates |
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Parents, students, and school communities need to be aware that it may be necessary to cancel bus runs on a temporary basis if we experience high rates of driver absenteeism.
The cancellation of school bus routes is a last resort for Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS). It is important that parents, guardians, and students are monitoring the DSTS website daily and check the “Delayed Buses” page to monitor the status of their bus run.
Through our website under “Track your Child/Student’s bus”, parents, guardians, and students can create an account with DSTS and receive automatic transportation updates including delays and cancellations.
Please note that if a bus route is temporarily cancelled due to COVID, it may be cancelled for up to 5 days.
Please continue to follow us on twitter @DurhamSTS and monitor our website for the most up-to-date transportation information and important updates.
Thank you,
Durham Student Transportation Services
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Register for Kindergarten |
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Begin your child’s journey at the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB)!
Register your child for Kindergarten. The online registration is now open for a September 2022 start in Kindergarten.
Please follow the following steps to register for Kindergarten:
- Use the Find My Local Catholic School tool to find schools designated as the home school in your area;
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Create an OSAS account, or log in to your existing account;
- Log in to your OSAS account, and select “Regular School – New Application”.
If you need help registering online, please contact your local DCDSB school. Contact information for our schools can be found on our website.
Age Requirements
Your child must meet the following age requirements to enter Kindergarten in September 2022:
- To register for Year 1/Junior Kindergarten, your child must be 4 years old by December 31, 2022.
- To register for Year 2/Senior Kindergarten, your child must be 5 years old by December 31, 2022.
Kindergarten Resources
We have many resources available to assist families with the transition to Kindergarten:
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Durham Region Health Department Updates |
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As we continue to navigate through the recent Omicron surges (BA.1.1 and BA.2 sub-variants), we wanted to provide everyone with a friendly reminder that the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) is strongly recommending all students and staff continue to wear a well-fitted three-layer mask while in school. Masking, coupled with appropriate hand hygiene and daily self-screening will help keep our schools and communities safe.
Please visit durham.ca/covidinfohub for more information on when to mask if you have tested positive for COVID-19 or if you are a close contact or household member of someone who has tested positive.
Additionally, vaccination remains a vital tool in our ability to overcome this virus. In Durham Region, vaccine appointments can be booked at http://durhamvaccinebooking.ca/ or by calling 1-888-444-5113.
The DCDSB will continue to work closely with the Durham Region Health Department to support in-person learning and ensure the health and safety of all students and staff.
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School Based Vaccine Catch-Up Clinics for Grades 7-12 – Clinics Extended for the Month of May! |
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Students in Durham Region are still able to receive their outstanding school-based vaccines from the Durham Region Health Department’s School based Vaccine Catch-Up Clinics in the month of May. Eligible students can receive the Meningococcal, Hepatitis B, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV), as well as COVID-19 vaccines at these clinics if requested. The clinics will be open 7 days a week, weekdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. located out of Pickering (Pickering SmartCentres 1899 Brock Rd., Unit C3) and Oshawa (Oshawa Centre - 419 King St. W) sites until May 31, 2022. Students, their parents, or guardians are encouraged to visit www.durham.ca/immunizationclinics to book an appointment. An appointment is required for these clinics; we are unable to accommodate walk-in appointments at this time.
If your child has already received any immunization through a health care provider, they will not have had their record updated; please report any vaccines to the Health Department through the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool.
For more information about students’ immunization clinics in Durham Region, questions about vaccines or questions regarding a student’s vaccination status call Durham Health Connection Line at 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729, or visit durham.ca/immunizationclinics.
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Community of Faith - Personal Hygiene Product Drive at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
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This Community of Faith video features the Personal Hygiene Product Drive that is run by the Faith Ambassadors at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School. The school has come together to collect personal hygiene products that will be sent to The Refuge, a shelter in Oshawa. Thank you to the Faith Ambassadors for sharing this amazing initiative with us! |
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Honouring Mary During the Month of May |
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For centuries, the Catholic church has set aside the entire month of May to honour Mary, Mother of God. During this time it is a tradition to pray the rosary.
Throughout the Month of May, we are encouraging schools to join us in a daily recital of the Rosary. A guide from the Ontario Catholic Schools Trustee Association is available at dcdsb.ca and may be adapted for use in our schools or homes.
Additionally, it’s a long-standing tradition to crown the statue of Mary during May – a custom known as May Crowning. Often, the crown is made of beautiful blossoms representing Mary’s beauty and virtue. It’s also a reminder to the faithful to strive to imitate our Blessed Mother’s virtue in our own lives.
We invite staff to celebrate Mary all month long and especially during Catholic Education Week. Faith Play Day ideas and resources are available on our Catholic Education Week webpage for all to access.
Join us in giving Mary a special spot in your prayer corner, classroom, office, and home.
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Student Spotlight - Taleeya W., Grade 12 Student |
This Student Spotlight segment features Taleeya W., a Grade 12 student at All Saints Catholic Secondary School and a member of the Student Indigenous Education Circle (IEC). Thank you, Taleeya, for sharing your experience on the Student IEC and sharing your passion for art! |
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OYAP Level 1 Hair Program: Cassidy S., St. Mary Catholic Secondary School Student |
I was so thrilled last June when I heard of my acceptance into the Level 1 Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Hair program at Durham Hairstylist Academy. I am currently enrolled this semester, and from only attending the program since February, I can most definitely say this was the best decision for me. Not only do you learn about the basics of hair, like health and safety, you get hands on experience, on both straight and curly hair mannequins. Sometimes even working on your classmates hair as well.
This isn’t a typical classroom setting, it’s “divided” into two sections. First section is the working/learning section, we have big group tables, that multiple students can sit at. The rest of the classroom is a salon like setting, we have a salon chair and mirror at each work station. There’s a colour room, hair wash station, etc. We get our own mannequins, textbook, basic hair tools, and much more. If you are questioning choosing hair for your post-secondary pathway, this program is a great opportunity! Or even when deciding what to take next year for your electives, pick the 4-credit co-op course and apply for the OYAP hair program. Even if you’re a student who would rather be working and learning hands on than sit at a desk for hours, apply for the program. The teachers at the academy are so kind and genuine, you can tell their end goal is to make all the attending students, amazing stylists just like themselves.
- Cassidy S., Grade 12 Student at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
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All Saints Catholic Secondary School Fundraises Over $56,000 for The Terry Fox Foundation in 2021 |
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All Saints Catholic Secondary School (Whitby, Ontario) fundraised the highest amount for The Terry Fox Foundation of all the secondary schools in Ontario. All Saints raised $56,769.45 in 2021, which was an outstanding fundraising success.
All Saints Catholic Secondary School has a long-standing school tradition of participating in the annual Terry Fox School Run. Inspired by the courage and selflessness of Terry Fox, the entire school community comes together each year to raise funds for cancer research. This year marked the school’s 17th year of participation in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 17 years, All Saints CSS students, staff and families have raised over $450,000 in total to support cancer research in Canada through The Terry Fox Foundation.
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Mental Health and Well-Being |
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School Mental Health Ontario: By Your Side - New Video Released! |
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In the latest release of the video series By Your Side, School Mental Health Ontario Parent/Caregiver Engagement and Literacy Lead Patricia Codner focuses specifically on signs of a mental health issue, provides examples from children and youth and encourages help-seeking. This series has been created to provide parents/caregivers with inspiration and information to support student mental health.
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Summer School Registration is Open for Elementary and Secondary Students – Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre |
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Archbishop Anthony Meagher CCEC offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary and secondary school.
Elementary Programs and Courses
In-person camps with a focus on literacy and numeracy are filling quickly, but there are still spots available. Students who are completing Grades 6, 7 or 8 can still register for the following camp offerings: Digital Literacy, Musical Theatre and Instrumental Music. Dates, times, location and registration details for each camp are available on the Continuing Education website (www.con-ed.ca). Camp enrolment will be determined on a first-come, first-serve basis.
The Literacy and Math including French Immersion for Grades 6, 7, & 8 online summer program is designed for students who would benefit from additional practice and assistance in literacy and/or math to ease their transition into the next grade. Students will participate in engaging lessons to meet their individual needs and learning styles. This program is non-credit and available July 4 – 15 and/or July 18 – 29.
Are you a Grade 8 student starting high school in the fall? The Head Start Program is available to all Grade 8 students going into Grade 9 at one of our Durham Catholic District School Board high schools and will run August 22 - 25. The program involves a review of literacy and numeracy skills and provides students with a preview of the Grade 9 curriculum for Mathematics and English. Study skills and health and well-being are also integrated into the program.
Students who are in Grade 8 and will be attending a DCDSB high school and wish to register for a Grade 9 summer credit can take an online high school credit through the Reach Ahead Program (July 4 – 27). Courses offered include Introduction to Business (BBI 1O), Exploring Family Studies – Transition to High School (HIF 1O), Expressions of First Nations, Metis and Inuit Cultures (NAC 1O) and Ultimate Potential (UP) Math (GLS1O).
Interested in learning another language? Summer Elementary International and Heritage Language classes are for students in Grade 1 to Grade 8. There are 24 different languages to choose from! The classes will run from July 4 – July 29 at St Mary CSS (Pickering) and Father Leo J. Austin CSS (Whitby). Students who are currently enrolled in Kindergarten to Grade 3 are invited to register for French language classes.
Secondary Courses and Programs
The links below will take you to course lists and program dates:
Students wishing to upgrade marks for courses that they have completed and passed may do so in credit recovery.
The OSSLT Preparation Program is available to students who are currently registered in Grade 9 to 11. Students will engage in activities and practice questions to enhance their literacy skills and prepare for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Health and well-being and fun activities will be incorporated throughout the program. The program is non-credit.
Registration forms for summer school credit courses are available through the school guidance office. Registration for the OSSLT Preparation Program is available on the Continuing Education website.
For any questions about the non-credit literacy/numeracy programs, please contact cont.ed@dcdsb.ca or call (905) 683-7713 and for questions about the Reach Ahead high school credit program or secondary courses, please contact credit.reg@dcdsb.ca or call (905) 438-0570.
All summer school information can be found on our website www.con-ed.ca.
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DCDSB Indigenous Youth Connecting with Local Artists |
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DCDSB Indigenous Youth have been meeting each month to learn alongside local Indigenous artists. Students have had the opportunity to learn about various art forms including beading with Raechel Bonomo in April 2022 and painting with Jon Colwell in March 2022. A special thank you to Erin Szikora and Taleeya W. for facilitating these sessions.
Students will be building on the art forms they have been learning about to create a student-led mural at the DCDSB's Catholic Education Centre in 2022. We look forward to sharing more with families about the creative process in this design!
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Apprenticeship Pathways and Learning on the Land at Good Shepherd Catholic School |
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Students at Good Shepherd Catholic School in Port Perry have been learning on and about the land with the DCDSB’s Indigenous Education department. Students have learned how to boil sap from maple trees in their own schoolyard. In addition, students have been learning about the trades and have made their own birdhouses.
Thank you to James De Jong of James De Jong Carpentry for teaching the students about the tools and techniques involved, as well as explaining the different kinds of apprenticeship programs available. Another special thank you to the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) for funding this initiative.
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Learning with Community Partners at Good Shepherd Catholic School |
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On April 29 Keri-Ann Peacock, owner of Indigenish Catering, joined students at Good Shepherd Catholic School to share her pathway to working in the food service industry and owning her own business. Students learned about Cooperative Education and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program options available to help facilitate their desired pathways. James De Jong and Beedahbin Peltier joined students for this culminating event to discuss their chosen pathways and participated in a Q&A session with students.
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Ontario Tech University Summer Camps
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DCDSB Folk Dance Performances
On Wednesday, May 11, 2022 at 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. students from 11 DCDSB elementary schools will be performing a variety of cultural dances. This event will take place at Iroquois Park (Pad #1), and is open to families, friends and the public.
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May 10 - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
May 11 - DCDSB Folk Dance Performances at 7:00 p.m. (Iroquois Park)
May 12 – Moose Hide Campaign Day
May 12 - Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
May 17 – International Day of Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 20 – World Bee Day
May 21 – Day for Cultural Diversity
May 23 – Victoria Day
May 24 - DCDSB Regular Board Meeting
May 25 – African Liberation Day
May 27 – One Year Anniversary of Kamloops Residential School Mass Grave Recovery
May 27 – DCDSB Virtual Art Show
May 30 – June 3 – National AccessAbility Week
June 1 - Clean Air Day
June 3 - Elementary School PA Day
June 4 - National Day to Promote Health and Fitness
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
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