Black Excellence, Celebration, History Lives Here |
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Black Excellence, Celebration, History Lives Here |
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During the month of February, we like many organizations across the country, celebrate Black History Month. As a Catholic learning community, we are committed to promoting equity and inclusion in all our schools and workplaces by recognizing the diverse backgrounds of all members of our community.
This year, our focus is moving beyond Black History Month and acknowledging and celebrating the contributions, culture, history, and achievements of our Black students, staff, and families every day. While the importance of Black History Month cannot be over-emphasized, we are looking forward to the day when Black excellence and Black history is seen as Canadian history and we can celebrate our collective achievements and contributions as Canadians - diversely created and uniquely gifted. We have created a new webpage which marks our commitment to achieving this objective.
The following webpage and resources have been created to provide students, families, and community members with additional information on the history, culture, and influences of Black Canadians.
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DCDSB 2022-2023 School Year Calendar |
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The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) would like to invite parents and guardians for their input on the 2022-2023 school year calendar. If you would like to submit your preference regarding the 2022 Christmas Break and 2023 March Break, we invite you to do so through this brief survey.
The survey will be open at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, February 4, 2022, and will close at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.
We thank you in advance for your input and will share the 2022-2023 school year calendar with families once we have received final approval from the Ministry of Education.
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Reverend John Markle Home-School Communications Award |
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Nominations are now open for the Reverend John Markle Home-School Communications Award!
Our Durham Catholic schools are committed to engaging with our communities by delivering timely, effective and open communication with the most appropriate tools and technology available. A selection committee is accepting nominations from parents and guardians who believe their school has gone above and beyond in communicating with students and families each year. One elementary and one secondary school will be selected to receive the award at a Board Meeting.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, March 5, 2022 at 5:00 p.m.
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Provincial Government Announces New Unnamed Seaton #1 Catholic Elementary School and Additions to St. Anne Catholic School |
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The Ontario government has announced their commitment to investing $17 million to build a new Unnamed Seaton #1 Catholic Elementary School in Pickering. This investment in Durham Catholic District School Board will support the creation of 622 elementary student spaces 88 child care spaces. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue to provide quality Catholic education in modern, accessible, and technologically connected schools for the students in our community. For the full announcement, please visit our website.
The Ontario Government is also investing $4.2 million to provide an 8-classroom addition at St. Anne Catholic School that will support the growing community in North Oshawa. This investment in Durham Catholic District School Board announced by Lorne Coe, MPP for Whitby, will support the creation of an additional184 student spaces. For the full announcement, please visit our website.
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Register to vote in the 2022 Ontario Municipal and School Board Elections |
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The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart.
Make sure you are on the list to vote in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24.
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In celebration of Black excellence, equity, culture, and history, we will be sharing spotlights our students and staff throughout the school year.
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Stand Up to Bulling Week and Pink Shirt Day |
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The DCDSB will be celebrating Stand Up to Bullying Week from February 21 - 25, 2022 in conjunction with Pink Shirt Day on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.
During this week we call upon all staff to recognize and acknowledge the universal need for belonging and the role they play in supporting belonging in the classrooms, hallways, school yard and workplace.
We encourage students and families to access the anonymous bullying site on their school website called Report It. The tool can be used to report any safe school’s incident to the principal with or without providing a name. Students should be encouraged to use this tool when they do not feel comfortable sharing their concerns in person.
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STEM and Short-Term Asynchronous Remote Learning |
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DCDSB educators have been offering STEM learning with students who are participating in Short-Term Asynchronous Remote Learning. Nicole, a Grade 1 student has shared her work from a session where students participated in the design process to build a castle by sketching and using household materials.
Students looked at 2D and 3D geometric shapes related to ice castles at Winter Carnival in Quebec City. Students also learned the science of snowflakes and constructed a snowflake following step-by-step instructions.
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Student Mental Health in Action at Father Leo J. Austin CSS |
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During Quadmester 2, leadership students from Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School completed a project that involved delivering School Mental Health Ontario’s Secondary mental health literacy course, MH-LIT: Student Mental Health in Action to students in four classes.
In the planning phase the students, Zoe G., Erin W., Ariella-Anne M., and Isabela V. took time to familiarize themselves with the content of the lesson, they met with the board’s Mental Health Leader and they prepared an icebreaker activity. Four teachers responded to an invitation from Ms. Simon, leadership teacher, to participate in the lessons with their classes, which were primarily Health and Physical Education/Fitness; however, a Grade 9 Religion class also participated. The four lessons were delivered by the leadership students over the months of December and January. Some of the sessions took place in-person, while others happened over Zoom following school closures in January.
The role of the leadership students as facilitators was made clear at the outset. Teacher support in the rooms/online space helped to ensure that conversations remained focused on mental health literacy and did not veer into peer counseling or personal conversations that student facilitators may not have been prepared to navigate. The school Social Worker was also available during the times that the lessons were being delivered, and help-seeking resources were shared throughout the sessions.
Zoe, Erin, Ariella-Anne and Isabela also created pre-and-post surveys that all students completed before and after participating in the lessons. The results showed gains in understanding and knowledge. 75% of participants agreed that their basic mental health knowledge had increased as a result of the lessons; 83% agreed that following the lessons, they understood more about how they could help a friend who was struggling with their mental health; 62% agreed that they liked learning about mental health as part of their regular curriculum (21% were neutral); and 72% liked learning about mental health from other students. The students also created a “how to” guide with tips and suggestions, and reflections on “what went well” and “what needs to be worked on.”
School Mental Health Ontario is eagerly awaiting a report-back on this project, as they are interested in learning if this is an approach that can be replicated in other communities by student leaders with adult support.
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Mental Health and Well-Being |
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Black Mental Health Day - March 7, 2022 |
March 7, 2022 marks the third annual Black Mental Health Day, recognized by communities across Ontario. On Black Mental Health Day, we are called to recognize the ongoing impact on mental health that results from experiences of anti-Black racism. It is also a day to raise awareness of the specific mental health needs of Black communities across Ontario.
This year, DCDSB invites families to attend a Zoom live event on March 7, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. Natalie Haynes, Registered Psychotherapist,
Training Consultant and Speaker will be offering I Think, Therefore I Am.
After registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with information
about joining the session.
Natalie Haynes Biography
Natalie began her own search for deeper meaning and understanding
over 20 years ago. Due to the messages she heard growing up, Natalie
had difficulty being in her own skin, resulting in anxiety and a tumultuous
relationship with herself. Natalie became a therapist because she was a
client. With curiosity and courage, she developed a new relationship with
herself and a passion for psychotherapy.
Natalie brings this passion to her work and is committed to being a guide
for others who want clarity, awareness and to know what gets in the way
of accepting who they are. Natalie’s intention is to help people find
permission and the courage to be who they already are.
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School Mental Health Ontario Video Series: By Your Side – A Message to Parents/Caregivers |
In this new video series, School Mental Health Ontario Family/Caregiver Engagement and Literacy Lead, Patricia Codner speaks directly to parents/caregivers to provide inspiration and information to support student mental health. In this first video, the focus is on how to find resources to support your child’s mental health. You can access the video at this link: Access By Your Side - A Message to Parents and Caregivers video here.
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School Mental Health Ontario's Read Aloud Videos Now Available |
Mental health is an essential component of overall health. Learning about mental health from a young age and developing skills to support positive mental health throughout their lives will help students to be healthier and more successful.
The School Mental Health Ontario read aloud videos can be enjoyed at home, or for classroom use. Some of the videos are currently available in English, French and Inuktitut. Access Read Aloud videos here.
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DCDSB's Social Work Access Line |
Need to Speak to a Caring Adult? Call DCDSB's Social Work Access Line at 905-576-6150 ext. 21021 or visit the Social Work webpage and complete the online Social Work Access Line form.
Durham Catholic students and families can call our Social Work Access Line and leave a voicemail with their contact information. One of our mental health professionals will call back and provide support. (Note: This is not a crisis line and is not monitored 24/7)
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Students at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School on A Community of Faith |
Our school community is measured by how we serve the “least of these” in our local and global family – the hungry, the homeless, the sick, those in prison, the stranger, the isolated and the forgotten (Mt.25:31).
Our vision of a Catholic school community is firmly rooted in this vision of Jesus. Anything we do at our school is inspired by this vision of looking at the Whole earth as our home and looking at everyone as our brothers and sisters. It is only by promoting and encouraging everyone to have a solid relationship to God through Jesus can we sustain the above vision constantly.
Therefore, our greatest prayer as a community of Faith is, when we intentionally and passionately carry out the above mission. This mission belongs to the community as a whole and not to any individuals or departments. The Chaplain and the Chaplaincy team articulate and provide the organizational support and expect the assistance of the whole community.
The model of teamwork which has evolved are focused on the particular needs of our learning community. we have multiple teams working in collaboration with each other. All our initiatives are student led with minimal staff intervention. We believe that our role as staff is to empower our young people to be active agents of change. The engine that runs all our initiatives is a group of about 120 senior students known as "Retreat Leaders", along with 20 to 25 teachers. These students are selected from Grade 9 onwards and are given training and formal mandate when they are in Grade 11. We spend a lot of time and resources on these students to mentor them to be people of vision and faith. The vision that we are a Community of Faith invites the school community to the service of others that we may help to create a safe and caring global community based on justice and peace where each creature of God is welcomed, appreciated and esteemed.
Core Leadership group:
The retreat leaders are divided into six groups consisting of 12 to 16 students lead by two core leaders with the mandate to create a safe and caring environment where students can help and support each other as they navigate
These are student leaders chosen from the retreat leadership for their active involvement in our program in Grade 10 and Grade 11. Normally we choose 12 to 16 Grade 12 students. They are entrusted with facilitating all the student voice groups and meets weekly with the Chaplain and they in turn meet with their assigned group duplicating what they experienced at the core meeting.
Student voice groups run out of chaplaincy. These groups meet with teacher facilitators and chaplain biweekly to create caring communities out of which different initiatives are created to educate the larger community about authentically living out our Faith.
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Safe and caring group: Educating our community on mental wellness and some of the mental health issues their peers struggle with and need support.
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International outreach: Providing opportunities for their peers to be involved in the awareness of global developmental issues.
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Alliance for Compassion, 2SLGBTQ+safe: Educating the community about the need to become aware of 2SLGBTQ+ issues.
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FNMI: Indigenous awareness initiatives.
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Domestic outreach: Educating our community about the need to reach out to those in need by raising money and materials.
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Best buddies outreach: Looking after the needs of students with different abilities.
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Empower: Student voice for women’s equality and rights with particular focus on BIPOC voices.
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Unity: a group actively working for racial harmony and anti-Black racism.
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Eco group: focussed on educating and advocating for nurturing our earth.
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Asian Canadian Alliance: Focussing on educating our community about the needs of Asian Canadians and anti-Asian racism.
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Resources for Students and Families |
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COVID-19 Fact Sheets from Durham Region Health Department |
The Durham Region Health Department are asking families to read the following fact sheets that provide information and answer questions about COVID-19, what to do if you or a family members develops COVID-19 symptoms, facts about self-isolation and vaccine information:
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COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Children Ages 5 - 11 |
The Durham Region Health Department is offering the following upcoming COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for children age 5 – 11 years of age.
Community Immunization Clinics
If you are looking for a COVID-19 vaccine appointment for your 5 – 11 year old child, many appointments are available at one of the Durham Region Health Department’s community immunization clinics during the month of January. To book, visit durham.ca/vaccineappointment.
Clinics in Area High Schools
The Durham Region Health Department will be hosting COVID-19 immunization clinics for children 5 – 11 years old at area high schools at the end of January and beginning of February. These clinics are by appointment and can be booked at durham.ca/vaccineappointment.
The dates and locations of the clinics are as follows:
Sunday, February 6:
- Uxbridge Secondary School, Uxbridge 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Brock High School, Cannington 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
- Port Perry High School, Port Perry 9:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Note: walk-ins permitted from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the above clinics on February 6, 2022.
Monday, February 7:
- Clarington Central Secondary School, Bowmanville 4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Note: walk-ins permitted from 4:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. at the above clinic on February 7, 2022.
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Prepare for Work or Post-Secondary with Employment and Training programs at Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre |
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Earning high school credits while training for new job opportunities, or while continuing to work at your current job, can be achieved with the help of Employment Preparation and Training Programs at the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre.
The Child Care Assistant Training Program includes 9 weeks of classroom learning and 9 weeks of on-the-job training at a licensed child care facility. The program is valuable preparation for entry into the field as an early childhood assistant or for post-secondary study as an Early Childhood Educator (ECE) or Child Development Practitioner (CDP). The fall session that recently completed saw 100% employment of students who earned their certificate. Previous participants have moved on to either work in the field or continue their education in college or through an apprenticeship.
There is no cost for tuition but certifications and materials cost $395, and the course includes Standard First Aid and CPR, WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training, safe food handling, infection control and more.
Child Care Assistant Program applicants need to pass a literacy test, clear a criminal reference check, and have up-to-date immunizations. Those registering for the program will go through an interview first to ensure they meet the requirements to work in a registered child care facility.
The Personal Support Worker Program also includes classroom training and a co-op placement, with the majority of students finding jobs when they’ve completed the program. Tuition is free, but there is a $1100 materials fee which includes textbooks, workshops and certifications. This year’s fee material fee was covered through Ministry funding, and students who completed the program received a work stipend. Details about funding for next year’s program will be updated on the PSW webpage soon after it is announced.
The next session for the Custodial Services Training Program will occur in Fall 2022 at Oshawa campus. This program prepares individuals with the skills necessary for entry-level Custodial positions. Students in the program will learn about safety protocols, cleaning procedures, use of tools and become trained by knowledgeable professionals in the industry. A fee of $450 includes certifications and materials.
Anyone aged 18 or older and not currently enrolled in secondary school is welcome to register at the education centre. A program guide can be downloaded from the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre website at www.con-ed.ca.
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Trent University 46th Annual Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering |
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The Annual Elders and Traditional Peoples Gathering is held every year at Trent University. The Elders Gathering was first held at Trent in the 1970's and was the biggest event of its kind. Centered around a yearly theme, the gathering provides an opportunity to share Indigenous knowledge through a series of workshops, presentations and gatherings. It is a time for students and the community to come together to listen, learn, and engage with the stories and knowledge that Elders and Traditional People carry.
This year's theme is Reconciliation Through Restor(y)ing Our Truth, and will take place on February 11-13, 2022,
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Upcoming Durham College Indigenous Learning Opportunities |
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Durham College First Peoples Indigenous Centre has the following community learning opportunities in February 2022:
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Elder Dorothy Taylor - Creation Story Teaching: Thursday, February 10, 2022 at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Click here to register.
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Honouring Stolen Sisters (MMIWG2S+): Monday, February 14, 2022 at 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. Click here to register.
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Teaching with Elder Shirley Williams – Anti Bullying Campaign: Thursday, February 23 , 2022 at 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Click here to register.
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Every Tuesday evening, the Anishinaabe Family Language program takes place at 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. with Language protector Sarah Mcleod-Beaver. Click here to register.
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Have a Heart Day is a child and youth-led reconciliation event that brings together caring Canadians to help ensure First Nations children have the opportunity to grow up safely at home, get a good education, be healthy, and be proud of who they are.
This year is Have a Heart Day's 10th year anniversary, and will take place on February 14, 2022! Due to COVID-19, Have a Heart Day for 2022 will be commemorated at home or online. The national gathering on Parliament Hill has been canceled in keeping with local health restrictions and many people across Canada are following public health protocols that significantly limit gatherings. We are encouraging teachers, students, families and your household to celebrate the day in your classrooms, at home or online!
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Ontario Native Women's Association - Honouring Mother Earth Art Contest |
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Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) is looking for Indigenous artwork for Earth Day T-shirts, to showcase our commitment to honouring Mother Earth. The winning design will be showcased on a t-shirt shared with Indigenous youth across Ontario.
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Durham Black History Celebration |
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For the past 15 years, Cultural Expressions Art Gallery Inc. has presented the Annual Durham Black History Month Celebration. As highlighted on the Ajax Public Library's website, the Annual Durham Black History Month Celebration "is Durham’s longest running and largest, free Black history month event with a wealth of quality content that celebrates the beauty of Black culture and the diversity of the Black experience in Durham Region. “
The theme entitled “Fifteen” will illuminate the achievements, contributions and perspectives of the Black Durham Region community. Durham Catholic District School Board is proud to support Cultural Expressions and encourages students, families, residents and staff across the region to register for this event to learn more.
This is a free event and open to people of all ages, but registration is required. In keeping with COVID-19 restrictions, the event will be virtual this year.
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Victim Services of Durham Region Presents Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth During COVID-19: Parents & Prevention |
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Victim Services of Durham Region invites parents and guardians to the Domestic Sex Trafficking of Youth During COVID-19: Parents and Prevention Virtual Workshop. This workshop is taking place on Thursday, February 24, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m, online via Zoom. Registration is required.
This online workshop will empower caregivers and community members with psycho-education on human trafficking to prevent youth from being trafficked.
In this seminar, parents and guardians will:
- Understand how human trafficking occurs in Durham Region
- Learn how youth can be recruited and lured in
- Learn how COVID-19 has increased youth vulnerability
- Understand what makes youth vulnerable
- Learn how to identify if youth are being trafficked
- Understand what online safety is and how to implement it
- Learn how to speak to youth about this topic
- Hear from a survivor
- Hear from a parent of a survivor
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Heart to Heart Gala for Catholic Family Services of Durham |
The annual Heart to Heart Gala will be an online event on Saturday February 26, 2022.
The Heart to Heart Gala is the primary fundraising event for Catholic Family Services of Durham. The monies raised allow us to play a key role in supporting the members of our community, including victims of domestic violence, with counselling and programs to aid in their psychological, relational, emotional, and spiritual healing - regardless of religious beliefs or ability to pay.
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February is Black History Month.
Feb. 14 - St. Valentine Feast Day
Feb. 20 – World Day of Social Justice
Feb. 21 – Family Day
Feb. 21 – Louis Riel Day (Manitoba)
Feb. 21-25 – Stand Up to Bullying Week
Feb. 23 – Pink Shirt Day
Feb. 25 – International Stand Up to Bullying Day
Feb. 28 - Regular Board Meeting
March 1 – Black Mental Health Day
March 1 – Shrove Tuesday
March 2 – Ash Wednesday
March 3 – World Wildlife Day
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Durham Catholic District School Board
650 Rossland Road West
Oshawa, ON L1J 7C4
(905) 576-6150
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