Highlights from the Regular Board Meeting of May 25, 2021 |
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Celebrating Excellence: Award Presentations |
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Chair Ste. Marie announced the 2021 Durham Catholic District School Board Award of Merit recipients. Congratulations to all the employees of the Durham Catholic District School Board for this distinguished honour.
During this unprecedented time in history, each and every employee of the Durham Catholic District School Board has demonstrated exemplary service to Catholic education. "Your acts of charity, faith and words of encouragement are a testament to the value and beliefs of our Catholic learning community," said Chair Ste. Marie.
"You have answered the call to serve by exemplifying remarkable courage, determination and commitment to adapt and respond to the needs of our students, families and communities – and for this we are truly grateful," added Chair Ste. Marie.
As a mark of respect and gratitude for staff's dedication and efforts, a special pin and card of recognition is being made for every employee and will be distributed before the end of the school year.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you for sharing your passion and leadership this past year and congratulations on receiving the Board Award of Merit.
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Elementary: Ann Stanley,
St. Francis de Sales Catholic School
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Secondary: Charlene Rocha,
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
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Reverend John Markle Award for Outstanding Home/School Communications |
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Elementary: St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School |
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Secondary: Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School |
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All Saints Catholic Secondary School
Elizabeth S.
Gabe V.
Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
Sharuki R.
Tianna F.
Durham Catholic Virtual Secondary School
Caitlin J.
Lauren S.
Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
Lucas D.
Dianne O.
Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
Mark H.
Keira L.
Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
Sinead A.
Morgan A.
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Sakeena M.
Alexandra S.
St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
Dinithi F.
Reinna M.
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Director of Education, Tracy Barill recognized DCDSB staff members who have provided 25 years of service during a live virtual presentation. The Director announced each of the 35 employees by name and thanked them for their commitment and dedication to Catholic education. |
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2021-2022 School Year Planning |
Director Barill presented an overview of the 2021-2022 school year plan. On May 4, 2021 the Ministry of Education announced continued COVID-19 funding to support the planning for the 2021-2022 school year. School boards can only budget for the first half of the year.
Vaccinations 12-17 Year Olds
Beginning May 25, 2021, students ages 12-17 and their parents or caregivers can register to receive their vaccination. First dose of the vaccine will be available at specific clinics during the weeks of June 14 and June 21. Visit Durham Region Health Department website to book an appointment.
The board will also work with the Durham Region Health Department to schedule the second dose of the vaccine two weeks prior to the return to school in August.
DCDSB Planning
The board will be communicating with Elementary parents regarding their learning model choice for September in early June. "As part of this process, we will also be assessing the number of parents who are interested in a virtual French Immersion program to determine if the option is viable," said Tracy Barill, Director of Education.
The board is reviewing its secondary virtual model. "The challenge is being able to offer virtual secondary students a fulsome course calendar with limited numbers," added the Director.
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Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board
Chair Ste. Marie acknowledged that May is the month of Mary - a beautiful time to pray and express our gratitude. "We have celebrated many highlights, such as Catholic Education and Children’s Mental Health Week, Masses, and several awards and recognition ceremonies – online – in spite of the rapidly changing priorities and daily routines," noted Chair Ste. Marie. The Chair expressed his thanks to everyone involved in organizing and participating in the virtual celebrations, allowing opportunities for students, staff, families and trustees to engage in joyful experiences during this stay at home order.
The Chair added that May is also recognized as Asian Heritage Month. A time to honour people of Asian descent and learn about their diverse stories rooted in resilience and perseverance. We are reminded to celebrate this diversity and stand against all forms of anti-Asian racism and discrimination.
"Although our buildings are quiet, our social media feeds are buzzing promoting student well-being, success and sharing messages of gratitude. Some of these include Catholic Education and Children’s Mental Health Week messages of Nurturing Hope: Cultivating Gratitude; the Distinguished Catholic Educators, Leader and Alumni awards," stated Chair Ste. Marie.
The Chair reminded parents and guardians to provide their insights and ideas as part of the 2021-2022 Budget consultation process and through the annual Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee’s survey. "I encourage you (if you have not already done so) to take a few minutes to complete the ThoughtExchange on the budget and the DCPIC survey both available on the Board's website at dcdsb.ca," said Chair Ste. Marie.
As June approaches, the board is looking forward to the rollout of our Indigenous Education Advisory Circle’s plans for Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day. June is also the Sacred Heart of Jesus month and on June 11, schools will celebrate the Feast day of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Chair thanked the board committees for their commitment to students and the Catholic learning community during a challenging year. "Our ability to meet virtually has allowed us to move ahead with board initiatives, while ensuring we all remain safe and help prevent the spread of illness," stated Chair Ste. Marie. With regards to governance, the Chair also thanked the Board By-law committee who has been working to review and revise Board Bylaws, Trustee Code of Conduct and associated documents that supports good governance of the system. The By-law committee will bring the revised documents to the Board once ready.
Chair Ste. Marie also thanked provincial, regional and municipal partners for their efforts to communicate with stakeholders on a regular basis this past year. "Your efforts to control and stop the spread of COVID-19 and organize vaccination clinics are much appreciated."
"With faith, hope and care for everyone in our Durham Catholic learning community, may the strength of Mother Mary remain in your hearts," said Chair Ste. Marie.
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Tracy Barill, Director of Education
Director Barill congratulated 35 colleagues whose names were announced in a virtual presentation in honour of their 25-year service awards.
"I want to extend a special congratulations to every employee of the board for your extraordinary dedication and commitment to Catholic education. This past year has been extremely challenging but you have all contributed to our success and ability to serve our students and their families. I’m very proud of everyone and congratulate you all as recipients of the Board Award of Merit," added Director Barill.
The Director also congratulated the Distinguished Catholic Educators who were announced earlier this month in a virtual presentation, and the 2021 Distinguished Catholic Leader, Paula Sorhaitz, Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, on receiving this well-deserved and meaningful award.
The Distinguished Catholic Alumni recipients were recognized for their pursuit of personal excellence and positive contributions to their communities as part of Catholic Education Week. "We hope to celebrate the recipients of the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Awards at the Foundation Gala at a future date," added the Director.
During Catholic Education and Children's Mental Health Week, students and staff celebrated the theme of Nurturing Hope; Cultivating Gratitude by completing daily activities, attending a province wide Mass with Cardinal Thomas Collins and by sending electronic post cards to families, friends, colleagues and members of our community such as Public Health Nurses, Transit Drivers, Healthcare Workers, and essential workers. This successful initiative was welcomed and appreciated by many people and helped to spread hope, love and joy. Director Barill thanked everyone for their participation.
As part of our commitment to equity the board is piloting a Grade 12 contemporary and interdisciplinary course called Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian and North American Context at three of its secondary schools – Father Leo J. Austin, Notre Dame and St. Mary Catholic Secondary Schools. Beginning in the 2021-2022 school year, the course will engage students in courageous and meaningful conversations about race, while equipping them to identify and address systemic racism and oppression. The topics the course will explore include Black History, Black Excellence, Ally ship, Oppression of racialized and marginalized groups, origins of Black Stereotypes, Black Lives Matter, Cancel Culture and more.
Last week, 268 staff members participated in the Business of Belonging – Invitational Learning series. The four-day series focused on Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence work in relation to belonging within educational spaces. Topics of discussion included Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Work, Missing Black and Racialized Narratives in Catholic education, Black and Education – the Right to Just Be and Intersectional Black Identities and Spirit Injury of Classification. The Director thanked all the distinguished speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise.
The Mental Health of our students continues to be an important focus for our board and schools but this past year it’s been essential to the well-being of students. "In order for students to be ready to learn, they need to feel a strong sense of safety, belonging and well-being at school," said Director Barill. "As part of our ongoing commitment to mental health and well-being, we are consulting with students, parents, guardians, and staff and asking them to participate in a ThoughtExchange to help determine areas of focus as we plan for continued and intentional mental health work across the system." Deadline to provide input is May 28, 2021.
The Director thanked the Durham Region Health Department for their ongoing support and guidance this past year. "We appreciate your expertise and collaboration as the vaccination plan for students age 12 to 17 is rollout," noted Director Barill. The Director invited parents to register their children to receive their vaccination by visiting the Durham Region Health Department's website.
As more of the population is vaccinated, the Ministry of Education continues to advise school boards to plan for a close to normal start to the school. The Director added, "In order for a normal start to be possible, we must remain vigilant and adhere to the safety measures by maintaining physical distancing, wearing masks, and practicing hand hygiene to ensure we all stay safe."
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- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive and file as information, the School Re-opening and Vaccinations report dated May 25, 2021.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive and file as information, the COVID-19 Operational and Academic Update dated May 25, 2021.
- That the Rainbow Flag be flown at the Catholic Education Center in recognition of Pride month from June 1-June 30 each year beginning in June 2021.
- That every school in DCDSB raise the Rainbow Flag from June 1-June 30 annually.
- That a multi-disciplinary working group be established by the Director to act as an advisory body to ensure staff have resources and training to provide for the ongoing support of 2SLGBTQ+ students and staff in our Catholic Schools.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive as information the 2021/2022 Budget Update report dated May 25, 2021.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive as information the proposed 2021/2022 School Year Calendars.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board approve the 2021/2022 School Year Calendars for elementary and secondary schools, subject to final approval by the Ministry of Education.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive and file the Brooklin French Immersion Transition Report for May 25, 2021.
- That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive and file as information the following correspondence: Letter to His Eminence Thomas Cardinal Collins dated May 14, 2021 regarding June Devotion to the Sacred Heart.
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Janice Oldman, Vice-Chair of the Board, made the following announcements:
Retirements
- Andre Doiron, St. Anne Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Anne Marie Stott-Lander, St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Brian Whitlock, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Catherine McDavid, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Cheryl Staresinic, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Dana Elliott, St. John Bosco Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- David Condon, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Elizabeth Frawley, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Ena Dumais, Elementary Panel, May 31, 2021
- Jacqueline Azzolin, St. Patrick Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- John Rogers, Msgr. Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, June 30, 2021
- Karen Condon, St. Bernadette Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Paul Frawley, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Paul Redmond, Msgr. Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, June 30, 2021
- Robert Dickinson, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, June 30, 2021
- Robert Dumais, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Ronda Burchartz, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Roy Rodrigues, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
- Sean Collins, St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Sean Muldoon, Father Fenelon Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Shauna Chiasson, Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School, June 30, 2021
- Sheila Ryan, St. Wilfrid Catholic School, June 30, 2021
- Sylvia Schmidt-Johnson, Elementary Panel, May 30, 2021
- Wayne H. Mahon, All Saints Catholic Secondary School, June 30, 2021
Resignation
- Erica Griffin, Elementary Panel, May 14, 2021
Appointment to the Secondary Vice-Principal Roster
- Karen Burke, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
- Robin Mary Joseph, External Candidate
- Yanneck Hannelas, External Candidate
Appointment to Elementary Vice Principal Roster
- Ed Canning, Program Support Teacher, St. James Catholic School
- Tamika Bunting, External Candidate
Appointment to Elementary Principal Roster
- Mike Neubauer, Vice Principal, St. Patrick Catholic School
- Cathy Faria, Vice Principal, St. Hedwig Catholic School
- Liz Torok-Orban, Vice Principal, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School
- Makrina Babb, External Candidate
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2020-2021 Board of Trustees:
- Morgan Ste. Marie (Chair) - Oshawa
- Janice Oldman (Vice-Chair) - Ajax
- Richard Damianopoulos - Scugog, Uxbridge and Brock
- Robert De Souza - Oshawa
- Monique Forster - Ajax
- Jim McCafferty - Pickering
- John Rinella - Whitby
- Mikhail Yurkoski - Whitby
- Declan Amaral - Student Trustee
- Annika Dela Torre - Student Trustee
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Minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of May 25, 2021 will be posted on the board website as part of the agenda for the Regular Board Meeting of Monday, June 21, 2021. |
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