At St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, we value parent and guardian engagement in their child's education. We believe the partnership between home, parish and school is vital to a student's success. We believe that good schools become better schools when there is a strong connection with the parent community. This can be achieved through volunteering through St. Mary Catholic School Council or Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC).
Welcome to St. Mary
We welcome students of all faiths at our Durham Catholic secondary schools. Please visit the Guidance home page for information regarding the Pre-Admission Application process. Watch our video and learn what our students have to say about their secondary school.
Our diverse student community is also attracting international students from around the world who are studying English in our schools.
Safe and Caring Schools
We are committed to fostering a positive and welcoming school climate at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School. Learn more about our Safe and Accepting Schools program.
Whether it's a student absence or a concern/ incident of bullying - you can report it. Open lines of communication between you and your child's school will ensure we are addressing any concerns and providing students with supports.
News and events
Stay informed on what's happening at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School and the Durham Catholic District School Board. Download our Board's mobile app from the Apple or Google Play stores to receive information directly to your hand-held device. Or subscribe to our news items to receive the latest updates and events.
For educational resources from the Ministry of Education and the Durham Catholic District School Board, please visit our Student Success page.
Other useful links to stay connected:
- St. Mary daily announcements (as displayed on the hallway TVs);
- St. Mary Celebrating Excellence - news and events;
- St. Mary newsletters;
- St. Mary school calendar;
- DCDSB school year calendar;
- DCDSB news and events; and
- follow us on Twitter:
- St. Mary: @StMaryCSS
- DCDSB: @DurhamCatholic
- Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee: @DCPIC
Transportation
Student transportation to and from home and school is provided by the Durham Student Transportation System. Service is based on your school boundaries and the distance between your home and school.
Occasionally Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) cancels school bus transportation due to weather conditions. The cancellation of school bus service is a decision made in consultation with local service providers including bus operators, municipal staff and the school boards in the early morning. Once a decision has been made to cancel school bus service in the morning, all major media outlets are notified. If school buses are cancelled, it is for the entire day regardless of what happens to the weather during the day. When transportation services are cancelled, schools may remain open. The decision to close schools rests with the Directors of Education at the respective school boards. See the Inclement Weather Map and instructions for parents for more information.
Ontario College of Teachers - How We Support Students
Parents and guardians can learn more about how the Ontario College of Teachers are supporting students. Click here to access the brochure.
