DCDSB News - October 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:
The October 2025 issue of the DCDSB News is now available. Please read the newsletter below.
Faith:
October is the Month of the Rosary
The month of October is dedicated to the Rosary. As Catholics, we have witnessed the power of praying the rosary and the comfort and healing it offers during difficult times. As a Catholic learning community, we encourage students and families to pray the rosary.
Please visit our website to learn how to pray the rosary.
St. Bernadette Catholic School Celebrates the Jubilee Year
To commemorate the current Holy Year and the theme, “Pilgrims of Hope,” a special Jubilee Cross was designed and built by staff and students at Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School and has been making its way around to all schools in the DCDSB.
On Friday, September 19, 2025, the cross left St. James Catholic School, accompanied by a group of students to bring it to it's next stop, St. Bernadette Catholic School. The St. Bernadette choir members and Leadership Team walked to St. James with their Vice Principal, Ms. Gad, to greet and receive the cross. At the encounter, the group of students prayed a Hail Mary together in French, honouring the St. James French Immersion Program, and St. Bernadette's French patron saint, St. Bernadette, who was devoted to Mother Mary. The group of students walked the cross back to St. Bernadette Catholic School where a liturgy was held in the garden at the front of the school. The school choir, led by Mr. Prior and Mme. Senay, sang beautifully for the occasion, bringing joy and peace to the liturgy.
The cross was then put on display in the school foyer until the end of the day when staff from Archbishop Denis O'Connor picked it up to continue its journey through the DCDSB.
St. Bernadette Catholic School created a video to encapsulate their time with the Jubilee Cross. Please click here to watch the video.
Indigenous Education:
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
On Tuesday, September 30, the school community at St. John Paul II Catholic School came together to recognize and acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Grade 7 and 8 students led a thoughtful assembly that focused on their ongoing commitment to Truth and Reconciliation and the 94 Calls to Action. Staff and students were given the opportunity to reflect, learn and grow in prayer and understanding.
Walking Together in Truth and Reconciliation
On Friday, September 26, five classes from St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School and St. Bernard Catholic School took part in Walking Together: Honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an event organized by the Region of Durham. Many students chose to wear orange Every Child Matters shirts as a sign of support. They joined Regional staff and community members to hear from Indigenous speakers, including representatives from the Oshawa and Durham Métis Council. Students experienced traditional drumming and listened to the Men’s Honour Song and Women’s Honour Song while celebrating Indigenous voices, traditions, and culture. Students also participated in a commemorative walk from Regional Headquarters along Rossland Road to Fallingbrook Park where they listened to additional speakers.
DCDSB Updates:
Update Your Direction of School Support
Registering your child in a Durham Catholic school is the strongest show of support for Catholic education a parent or guardian can make.
Another way Catholic parents/guardians and community members can support Catholic education in Durham Region is by ensuring that you direct your school support to the English-Separate system with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).
To verify whether you are registered as an English Catholic school supporter, check the assessment section of your tax bill or Property Assessment Notice.
MPAC has an online option for families and community members to be able to update their school support. Catholic parents and property owners can visit the following website to begin the online process of updating their school support.
Click here to learn more about how to update your Direction of School Support.
Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee 2025-2026 ExecutiveThe DCDSB recognizes that an equitable, inclusive education system is fundamental to achieving its mission and evolving core priorities. The DCDSB recognizes that any form of overt or covert racism and discrimination is incompatible with Catholic values and is in violation of the Ontario Human Rights Code.
The DCDSB is committed to listening to its diverse communities and to addressing disparities within the board, with a view to cultivating a board community that promotes human rights, equity, anti-racism and inclusion. The collaboration with the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee provides a medium for effectively addressing and dismantling disadvantages and discrimination, historical or otherwise, experienced by Black students, staff and families in our Board.
The committee is comprised of community members and parents, guardians and caregivers of DCDSB students.
We invite you to meet the 2025-2026 executive members:
- Nicole Emanuel – Chair
- Lateasha Chevers – Vice-Chair
- Sophie Williams – Ajax Parent Area Representative
- Nicole Cyrus – Brock/Scugog/Uxbridge Parent Area Representative
- Linda Akinyemi – Oshawa Parent Area Representative
- Terry-Lynn Razac Huggins – Pickering Parent Area Representative
- James Oritse – Whitby Parent Area Representative
- Representatives from community-based organizations
Applications for the Regional Arts & Media Program Now Open!
DCDSB's Regional Arts & Media Program (AMP), which is located at All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby, is now accepting applications!
AMP offers specialized instruction in Dance, Media Arts (Grade 9 entry only), Instrumental Music, Performing Arts (Drama and Vocal Music), and Visual Arts, in addition to the existing curriculum.
Be sure to check out the AMP Information Night at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, for an opportunity to tour the facilities, speak with teachers, and learn more about the program.
Current Grade 6 and Grade 8 students are invited to apply now for a September 2026 start.
Visit amp.dcdsb.ca to learn more about the application and audition process.
DCDSB Inspire 2026 Survey - We Want to Hear from You!
The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is committed to transparent and ongoing engagement with students, staff, families, and members of the Durham Catholic learning community. As we enter the third year of implementing our multi-year strategic plan, Inspire 2026, we are seeking your input to help guide current implementation efforts and future planning.
The strategic priorities outlined in Inspire 2026 are:
- Supporting Faith and Well-Being
- Advancing Human Rights and Equity
- Improving Student Learning
We invite all students, staff, families and members of the Durham Catholic learning community to participate in a brief survey designed to gather feedback on the following:
What aspects are working well in terms of the implementation of our multi-year plan, Inspire 2026, and what suggestions do you have for our future planning?
Please click here to participate in this brief survey.
Your feedback will play an important role in informing and monitoring the progress of our strategic plan. The survey will remain open until Friday, October 31, 2025.
We kindly ask that all responses remain respectful and constructive to ensure thoughtful dialogue about the board’s plans.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support.
Seaton #1 and Boundary Changes to Ajax and Pickering Schools
We would like to share important information regarding upcoming boundary reviews connected to the new Seaton #1 Catholic Elementary School in Pickering. These changes affect select schools in Pickering and Ajax. Visit our website to learn more about the proposed boundary revisions, information about upcoming public meetings, and ways for families to provide feedback: Seaton #1 and Changes to Ajax and Pickering Schools Study
November People of Peace Nominations are Open
Families, students and staff are invited to nominate a DCDSB student or employee that exemplifies and embodies the monthly theme for the People of Peace recognition program. The theme for November is: A Peacemaker of Justice.
The selected nominees will be recognized during the November Board Meeting. The deadline to submit your nominations for the November theme is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, October 31.
Visit our website to make your nominations: dcdsb.ca/PeopleOfPeace.
Mental Health and Well-Being:
World Mental Health Day
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, which focuses on raising awareness about mental health. Just like physical health, learning about mental health - understanding it, and taking care of it - is important. When we understand how to recognize mental health concerns and the impact stigma can have on our ability to ask for help, we are in a better position to support our children. Learn more about mental health and stigma in these short videos:
Parent and Guardian Resources:
A Message to Parents from the Student Services Department
As students settle into the new school year, we would like to remind parents of students with special education needs and their families that they may be eligible to access a wide range of community-based programs and services. For more information on these programs and services, please click on links below.
In publicly funded schools, students may be eligible for School-Based Rehabilitation Services (SBRS), delivered by Children’s Treatments Centres (CTC), which includes Speech-Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, and Physiotherapy to help students participate more fully in school and daily life.
There are also supports outside of the school system for which families may be eligible: the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) provides foundational family services, caregiver-mediated early years programs, entry-to-school supports, urgent response services, and core clinical services for autistic children; intake support through AccessOAP or by calling 1-833-425-2445; the Special Services at Home (SSAH) program, which can provide funding for respite and personal development; and the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities (ACSD) program, which may provide financial support for families with children who have significant disabilities. Families may also benefit from Respite Services, Children’s Rehabilitation Services, or the Preschool Speech and Language Program.
Help Your Child Stay Safe Online
October is K–12 Cyber Awareness Month!
As digital technologies and artificial intelligence become a bigger part of our children’s lives, it's more important than ever to help kids build safe online habits. By learning how to spot scams, protect personal information and think critically online, families can reduce the risk of cyber threats and create safer digital spaces for everyone – especially their children.
The K–12 Cyber Awareness parent guide and website offer free, age-appropriate resources to support these conversations at home.
Highlights from the Parent Guide:
- Four key themes: Cyber Security Basics, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Wellness and Online Communities
- Age-specific resources: “Cyber Heroes Unite” for Grades K–8 and “Digital Me” for Grades 9–12
- Practical tools: Videos, posters, info-sheets and lesson plans to spark family conversations
- 10 steps for parents: Easy ways to model safe online behaviour at home
- Year-round access: Resources available anytime to support ongoing learning
DCDSB Students:
DCDSB Celebrates 50th Franco-Ontarian Day Anniversary
On Thursday, September 25, 2025, we celebrated the 50th Franco-Ontarian Day Anniversary! Le lever du drapeau est une façon importante de reconnaître l’influence de la culture francophone en Ontario. We are proud to celebrate the Francophone community and the contributions they have made in Ontario.
Thank you to St. Patrick Catholic School for hosting this special Franco-Ontarian Day celebration.
Planting Trees at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa
On Monday, September 29, St. Joseph Catholic School’s Garden Club spent the afternoon planting new trees with their Chief Custodian, Mr. Dupuis, and Garden Club teacher, Ms. Caruso. St. Joseph Catholic School Principal, Mrs. Principe, entered the school in The Oshawa Environmental Advisory Committee’s annual tree giveaway, with City of Oshawa, to receive a free tree for the school yard. Not only was the school fortunate enough to receive one tree, but they received ten additional trees! Thank you to the City of Oshawa for the opportunity.
Continuing Education:
Archbishop Anthony Meagher’s Free PSW Program – Beaverton, Port Perry, Ajax and Oshawa
The Personal Support Worker (PSW) program at Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre is well-established in the Durham Region and students have a proven, high success rate of employment upon completion. In addition to training PSWs, students can earn credits toward their high school diploma and receive support for pathway planning to college or university nursing programs.
For 2025-2026 school year, the material fee of $1100 is waived for all students in the program and there is no tuition. Students who complete their placements in Long-Term Care facilities are also eligible for a work stipend through Ministry funding.
Archbishop Anthony Meagher’s PSW Program is a quality assured program. It includes classroom training and a co-op placement, with the majority of students finding jobs when they’ve completed the program. The next program starts on January 30, 2026, with spots still available in Oshawa, Port Perry, and a brand-new location in Beaverton. Visit con-ed.ca/psw to register for an upcoming orientation.
Visit con-ed.ca/psw to find out more.
Upcoming Events:
October is the month of the Rosary, Learning Disabilities Month, and Women's History Month. October is also German, Islamic, Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month.
- Oct. 4: National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (Sisters in Spirit Vigil)
- Oct. 5: World Teachers' Day
- Oct. 7: Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
- Oct. 9: Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
- Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
- Oct. 11: International Day of the Girl
- Oct. 13: Thanksgiving
- Oct. 14: Policy Board Meeting
- Oct. 15: Clergy and Chaplain Appreciation Day
- Oct. 20: Diwali
- Oct. 20: Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day
- Oct. 20-24: Bus Safety Week
- Oct. 21: Childcare Worker and Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE) Appreciation Day
- Oct. 22: Dress Purple Day (Supporting Children, Youth and Families)
- Oct. 22: Regional Arts and Media Program (AMP) Open House
- Oct. 23: Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- Oct. 27: Regular Board Meeting
- Oct. 31: Halloween
Click here and subscribe to our calendar to receive reminders about holidays, P.A. days, events, and recognition days.
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