Indigenous Education Update

Mr. Stargratt, Assistant Superintendent of Indigenous Education, was joined by Ms. Vachon and Ms. Kosziwka from DCDSB Academic Services, to provide an update on Indigenous Education.

DCDSB, in partnership with its Indigenous Education Circle and Student Indigenous Education Circle, is committed to increasing understanding and knowledge of all students about Indigenous histories, cultures, perspectives and contributions. This work is fundamental to our commitment to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada Calls to Action as it relates to education. 

Mr. Stargratt said within the Discovery 2023: Renewing the Vision Strategic Plan, we identified five goals within Indigenous Education to guide the learning and work we do. The five goals were as follows:

1. To ensure better understanding and provide learning about days/seasons of significance to Indigenous peoples. 
2. To build understanding of authentic reconciliation. 
3. To continue to enhance community collaboration through authentic partnerships. 
4. To successfully implement the Grade 12 Indigenous Studies course in all Secondary schools. 
5. To continue to incorporate Indigenous voice within K-12 curriculum. 

Paloma E. and Paige H., Grade 12 students at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, shared their learning in the Grade 12 NDW 4M course, Contemporary Indigenous Issues and Perspectives in a Global Context, throughout the school year to the Board of Trustees.

Ms. Vachon and Ms. Kosziwka, DCDSB Academic Services Resource Teachers, provided an update on elementary panel initiatives in the 2022-2023 school year. These include creating an Indigenous Education resource for Kindergarten, supporting all 39 DCDSB elementary schools, purchasing resources and books by Indigenous authors for schools, and supporting staff in understanding reconciliation in our Catholic elementary schools.

Mr. Stargratt concluded by saying as we transition to our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan, Inspire 2026, we will continue to collaborate with the Indigenous Education Circle and the Student Indigenous Education Circle and work to deepen understanding of Indigenous education across the curriculum. We will continue to build capacity and understanding with all areas within the organization about the role they play in moving forward in Reconciliation. 

Tracy Barill, Director of Education began by saying "as our final Regular Board Meeting of the school year comes to a close, I would like to thank Father Keith Callaghan for guiding us in prayer earlier this evening as we celebrate the end of 2022-2023 in which we have been committed to our spiritual theme of Listening with the Ear of the Heart."

Recognition   

• We hosted a Spiritual Theme Design Day on June 6 at the City of Oshawa’s Arts Resource Centre, where 22 students from Grades 6-12 came together to discuss our spiritual theme for the 2023-2024 school year, Speaking with the Heart, and create an image with the help of a local graphic designer to reflect this theme. We look forward to sharing our new spiritual theme design with our Catholic learning community in September 2023. 
• Last Thursday, I was thrilled, along with Vice-Chair Ste. Marie, and many alumni to attend the 60th Anniversary Mass and Celebrations of our shared alma mater – Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School. Many thanks to Father Matt McCarthy from the Office of Vocations for the Archdiocese of Toronto who led the celebration of the Eucharist and shared an inspiring homily on our Catholic faith and entering into true relationships with Jesus. Thank you also to Principal O’Hare and Chaplain Dubowits for leading the organization of this meaningful event which was followed by presentations and refreshments. It was a thrill to recognize the momentous milestone of 60 years of existence for what was the first Catholic High school in the Durham Region.  
• The month of June has always been one that is recognized for the celebration of diversity and inclusion – with events such as National AccessAbility Week, National Indigenous History Month, and Pride Month. As educators, we recognize that we have a responsibility to lead and inspire change that is necessary to create inclusive and accepting schools. The focus on mental health, well-being, acceptance and inclusion are essential to our ongoing commitment to ensuring that our Catholic schools are safe places for all. 
• In June, not only is it National Indigenous History Month, but on June 21 we will celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day. Throughout the entire year, we are committed to ongoing learning, speaking the truth, and to reconciliation. Our Indigenous Education department has created a new webpage with resources for additional learning and support. Please visit dcdsb.ca for details. 

Upcoming Events: 

• On June 28 we will present the brand new mural created by the Indigenous Student Circle at the Catholic Education Centre. We look forward to welcoming students, staff, families and community members for this exciting occasion. 
• Summer STEM Camps for Black students Durham Catholic District School Board's Coach/ Advocate for Black Students (CABS) program is excited to offer three weeks of Summer STEM Camps for Black Students, in partnership with McMaster University, Queens University and Ontario Tech University. Students in Grades 7-10 are invited to register for these free camps.  
• The mental health and well-being of students continues to be a priority at DCDSB. For some students, summertime can be challenging for a number of reasons. 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. 
• Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary and secondary school. Please visit Con-Ed.ca for details on the programs available for Summer 2023. 

Gratitude for the 2022-2023 School Year

• As we come to the end of our final Board Meeting for the year, I want to thank our students and families for their continued partnership in our goal to be an inclusive Catholic learning community that inspires every student to achieve their full potential through faith and education. 
• A special congratulations to the graduating Class of 2023! We are thrilled to celebrate and recognize our Durham Catholic graduates for meeting and exceeding the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. This is something that is extraordinarily special within the Catholic school system and every graduate achieves this milestone in their own special way. To parents, guardians and caregivers - we thank you for choosing Catholic education for your child. 
• To our adult learners completing Continuing Education courses, and our DCDSB retirees who are also moving to a new chapter of their life journeys, I wish you all the best in health, happiness, love, and a continued commitment to lifelong learning with Christ in your heart. 
• To all the retirees who are departing from DCDSB, thank you for the tremendous contribution you have made, each in your own way, to the success and faith formation of our students. Catholic Education has been in good hands on your watch. I would like to give a special note of thanks to Katherine Mustachi, our Senior Manager of Faith Formation who has made a personal decision to move back to the classroom to gain more experiences that will support her desire to complete her Doctorate degree. Thank you for your faithful spiritual leadership – we know that you will continue to do good work for students in this new capacity. Thank you also to Superintendent Mariah O’Reilly who graciously agreed to provide some additional support to our Senior Administrative Team this spring as we transitioned through a restructuring process. Your cheerful smile, thoughtful insights and amazing facilitation skills have been such a blessing to all of us. We will miss you (again) and wish you a happy and healthy summer. 

In closing, Director Barill said "I would like to recognize the Board of Trustees for their leadership and guidance over the past year, and to our amazing Senior Administrative Team as well as the staff of the Director’s wing – I am in awe each and every day of the work that you do and the countless hours that you put in to provide strong Catholic leadership for our system. Your support and expertise in fulfilling our goals over the 2022-2023 school year is unparalleled. I am blessed to work with you." 

Monique Forster, Chair of the Board began by recognizing a few of the many important events taking place in our Board this month.

Recognition 

• On June 13, we celebrated our staff retiring in the 2022-2023 school year at our Retirees Dinner. It was a beautiful evening, and we were very appreciative to have the opportunity to recognize all of our Durham Catholic staff for their dedication and years of service. We wish all staff who are retiring the very best as they embark on their next chapter.
• As a Catholic community, we celebrate that June is dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart is a sign of the love of Jesus, which we are invited to imitate.
• Last week, Trustee McCafferty, Trustee Hall and I had an opportunity to welcome MPP Patrice Barnes, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education, to some of our Ajax schools.

Upcoming Events

• The 8^th Annual #ForeTheKids Golf Tournament is taking place on Tuesday, August 22 at Deer Creek Golf and Banquet Facilities. The day includes golfing and/or dinner. All proceeds will go to the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation. Registration is open, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Please visit DurhamCatholicFoundation.ca for details.

2022-2023 Acknowledgements

• As the 2022-2023 school year draws to a close, I wish to acknowledge that our success is due to the teamwork and sustained efforts of many.
• I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Trustees for all their work this year and for putting your faith in me as Chair. I have been pleased to welcome many activities back in person, such as sporting events, school clubs, field trips, proms and graduation ceremonies. I appreciate all the support from every one of you here at the Durham Catholic District School Board as we listen, learn and live in faith together.
• Thank you to all our staff, including educators, support staff and leaders for your efforts throughout the year. We continue to witness our Catholic values in action as students, families, and staff helped others with their acts of kindness, empathy and compassion.
• A special thank you to Director Barill and the Senior Administrative Team for your dedication to the students and families this past year. Thank you all for your commitment to excellence in catholic education and for always serving our students, staff and families in faith.  
• And finally, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Liz Beckstead, Executive Officer to the Board of Trustees. for supporting us throughout the school year.
• My sincere thanks also to Faeron Pileggi, Acting Senior Manager of Communications, for all her efforts.
• We offer special congratulations to all our 2023 graduates.

Chair Forster concluded by saying "I pray that you all have a restful and enjoyable summer. May Jesus keep you and those you love in the palm of his hand. God bless."  

Morgan Ste. Marie, Vice-Chair of the Board, made the following announcements:

Retirements, effective June 30, 2023:

• Adriana Grande, Catholic Education Centre 
• Alison Huxter, St. Anne Catholic School
• Mary Ann Madill-Strickland, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School
• Melanie De Lauretis, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
• Pauline Bartlett, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Yvonne Grainger, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School

Retirements, effective August 31, 2023:

• Tim Van Leeuwen, Secondary Panel 

Resignations:

• Greg Kieszkowski, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, effective June 30, 2023
• Katherine Mustachi, Catholic Education Centre, effective August 18, 2023 

Appointments and Transfers (Effective August 2023) 

Elementary Principal Appointments:

• Carmela Alexandra appointed to Principal of Good Shepherd Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School
• Cory McBride appointed to Principal of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. John Bosco Catholic School
• Jennifer Principe appointed to Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) from Vice Principal of St. Bernadette Catholic School
• Jennifer van Hezewyk appointed to Principal of St. Christopher Catholic School from Vice Principal of St. Hedwig Catholic School
• Rita Whale appointed to Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School (Uxbridge) from Vice Principal of St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School

Secondary Principal Appointments:

• Colleen Plouffe appointed to Principal of Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School from Vice Principal of All Saints Catholic Secondary School

Elementary Vice Principal Appointments:

• Andrew Godin appointed to Vice Principal of St. John Bosco Catholic School from Teacher, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School
• Christine Closs appointed to Vice Principal of St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) from Consultant at the Catholic Education Centre
• Jennifer Reid appointed to Vice Principal of St. Patrick Catholic School from Teacher, St. Patrick Catholic School
• Selvia Gad appointed to Vice Principal of St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School from Teacher, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School

Secondary Vice Principal Appointments:

• Carla Esposito appointed to Vice Principal of All Saints Catholic Secondary School from Consultant at the Catholic Education Centre

Elementary Principal Transfers:

• Ana Smith transferred to St. John the Evangelist Catholic School from St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School
• James Tremblay transferred to St. Bernard Catholic School from St. Bridget Catholic School
• Jennifer Harvey transferred to Sir Albert Love Catholic School from St. Bernard Catholic School
• Jim MacNeil transferred to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School from St. Anne Catholic School
• Kevin Bell transferred to St. Bridget Catholic School from St. Joseph Catholic School (Uxbridge)
• Phyllis Pereira transferred to St. Theresa Catholic School from Sir Albert Love Catholic School
• Steve Beltrano transferred to St. Anne Catholic School from Good Shepherd Catholic School
• Valerie Cappuccitti transferred to St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School from St. Christopher Catholic School

Elementary Vice Principal Transfers:

• Elizabeth McCrory transferred to St. Anne Catholic School from St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School
• John Linhares transferred to St. Bernadette Catholic School from St. Andre Bessette Catholic School
• Laura Sternad transferred to St. Hedwig Catholic School from St. Patrick Catholic School
• Jennifer Luizzi transferred to St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School from St. Anne Catholic School
• Esther Glover transferred to St. James Catholic School from St. Christopher Catholic School
• Paul MacKinnon transferred to St. Christopher Catholic School from St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa)

Secondary Vice Principal Transfers:

• Yannick Hannelas transferred to Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
• Chris Gardner transferred to St. Mary Catholic Secondary School from Msgr. Paul Dwyer Catholic High School