DCDSB News - September 2025
Dear Parents, Guardians and Caregivers:
The September 2025 issue of the DCDSB News is now available. Please read the newsletter below.
Faith
Canonizations of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Carlo Acutis
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, the Catholic Church celebrated a very special moment: the canonizations (which means to be officially declared a saint) of Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati and Saint Carlo Acutis - two young men whose lives continue to inspire people of faith around the world.
Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 and died in 1925 from polio. From Turin, Italy, he was known for his love of the poor, an adventurous spirit, and his motto “To the heights!” He shows us how to live the Gospel through service, prayer, and joy.
Saint Carlo Acutis was born in 1991 and died in 2006 from leukemina. As a teenager from Milan, Italy, he used his love of computers to share the beauty of the Eucharist via the internet. He once said, “The Eucharist is my highway to heaven.” His deep faith, kindness, and joyful spirit remind us that holiness is possible at any age.
These two new saints - one from the 20th century and one from the 21st - are now officially recognized by the Church as models of holiness. Let us celebrate their lives and keep them in our prayers as we begin this school year:
Loving God,
We thank You for the inspiring lives of Saints Pier Giorgio Frassati and Carlo Acutis. Their faith, courage, and joy remind us that holiness is possible in every moment of life.
Help us to follow their example - loving You deeply, serving others generously, and living each day with purpose and hope. May their prayers guide us as we grow in faith and friendship with You. Amen.
Saint Pier Giorgio and Saint Carlo, pray for us!
For more information, please visit the Vatican News webpage.
OCSTA Short-Video Contest
Students in Grades 4 to 12 are invited to participate in the Ontario Catholic School Trustee Association (OCSTA) Short-Video Contest! Interested students will create a 2-minute video demonstrating how the scriptural quote defining this year’s theme is calling us to live and to treat one another and the world around us: “As God who called you is holy, be holy yourselves.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
The submission deadline is November 12, 2025. Students must upload their video to YouTube and complete the Contest Submission Form.
To learn more and to submit your video, please visit the OCSTA website.
Durham Catholic Children's Foundation
Call for Applications – Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Board of Directors
The Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation is seeking to add three community representatives to its talented group of volunteers on its Board of Directors. To learn more about the Foundation and the commitments and duties of Board members, please visit durhamcatholicfoundation.ca.
Interested individuals are invited to apply by Friday, September 26, 2025
#ForeTheKids Golf Classic
On August 19, 2025, the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation proudly hosted the 10th Annual #ForeTheKids Golf Classic at Deer Creek Golf Club in Ajax. In partnership with the Durham Catholic District School Board, this special event brought together staff, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for a day of connection, compassion, and purpose.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of attendees and sponsors, we raised $40,178.72! These funds will enable the Foundation to continue to support Durham Catholic students and their families, providing essentials like food, clothing, and school supplies to those in need.
To learn more about this event, or to donate, visit durhamcatholicfoundation.ca.
Indigenous Education
September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. On this day of solemn reflection, we honour the children who never returned home from residential schools, and offer thoughts and prayers to the survivors, their families, and all those impacted by this painful history. Acknowledging the history and the truth of the ongoing impacts of residential schools is essential to the reconciliation process.
The DCDSB is proud to launch the People of Peace recognition program, a new initiative that brings to life our 2025-2026 Spiritual Theme: Blessed are the Peacemakers. Each month, we will honour one student and one staff member who exemplify the spirit of peacemaking – those who actively build bridges, foster understanding, and reflect God’s love in their daily lives. These individuals are peacemakers who inspire others through their commitment to creating more just and compassionate communities.
The selected nominees will be recognized at the monthly Board Meeting for a special award presentation, and will also be featured in the DCDSB News, board/school websites, and DCDSB social media.
October's theme is Peacemaker of Compassion. Make your nominations by visiting dcdsb.ca/PeopleOfPeace.
DCDSB Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Invites Nominations for Chair and Parent Representatives
The Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee is currently seeking a new Chair and five Parent Area Representatives - one person representing each municipality (Ajax, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby and Beaverton/Port Perry/Uxbridge).
The committee’s mandate provides a medium for effectively addressing and dismantling disadvantages and discrimination, historical or otherwise, experienced by Black students, staff and families in our Board.
Details about the position, eligibility requirements, and the nomination and election process, can be found on our website. Nominations are open until Monday, September 15, 2025.
Click here to visit our website to learn more and submit a nomination today.
2025-2026 Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee Self-Nominations
The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) hosts elections for available positions on the committee at the beginning of each school year. In order to be eligible for a position on DCPIC, you must self-nominate for a position.
The online Self-Nomination Form is now open until Friday, September 26, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. Each eligible applicant who completes the Self-Nomination Form will be invited to speak at the in-person DCPIC meeting on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Please visit the DCPIC website for more information.
Safe and Accepting Schools Week
Safe and Accepting Schools Week takes place at DCDSB from September 15-19, 2025. This is the first of our safety and well-being focused weeks at DCDSB as we strive to create positive school climates where all members of the school community feel safe and accepted.
During Safe and Accepting Schools Week, our schools will focus on school safety and will participate in scheduled various emergency response drills. Each day during the week will focus on a theme that corresponds with our spiritual theme, Blessed are the Peacemakers.
- September 15: Becoming a peacemaker
- September 16: Loving others as God loves us
- September 17: Helping each other with safety (as Christ saves us)
- September 18: Making right choices (using the power of the Holy Spirit within us)
- September 19: We are in this together
Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the Guide to Emergency Preparedness to ensure all members of our Catholic learning communities are prepared to respond quickly and effectively if an emergency situation arises.
To learn more about Safe and Accepting schools, please visit dcdsb.ca/SafeAndAcceptingSchools.
Mental Health and Well-Being
Health and Well-Being: Everyone, Everyday
As we begin this school year together, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the importance of wellness for your children, for you, and for our entire Catholic learning community.
Starting a new school year can bring a mix of emotions: excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and sometimes uncertainty. These feelings are natural, and part of growing and adapting. At DCDSB, we are committed to creating a space where every student feels safe, cared for, and valued.
We believe that learning happens best when students feel emotionally and mentally supported. That’s why we focus on building strong relationships, encouraging open communication, and promoting healthy habits through initiatives like Wellness Wednesdays, classroom check-ins, and access to caring adults throughout the building.
Every teacher, staff member, and administrator is here to help your child thrive, not just academically, but socially and emotionally too. If your child ever feels overwhelmed or needs support, we’re here to listen and help.
You play a vital role in your child’s wellness. We encourage you to:
- Check in with your child regularly about how they’re feeling.
- Celebrate small wins and progress.
- Reach out to us if you have concerns or questions—we’re here for you too.
- Access information and resources on our website.
Parent and Guardian Resources
Free Aviation Event for All Ages
On Saturday, October 4, families are invited to Girls Take Flight. This is a fun, free, STEM-based event to inspire a new generation to pursue rewarding careers in aviation and aerospace at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport.
Learn more about Girls Take Flight.
Parent Engagement Series: Toilet Learning
Join us for a virtual information session on toilet learning! Topics include signs of readiness, tips for success, and activities to support your child. A question-and-answer opportunity will follow. The session will not be recorded and is a joint presentation with Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) and DCDSB Early Years.
Two virtual sessions are available for families to register:
- Wednesday, September 24, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 1, 2025, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
A virtual link will be provided to families once they have registered.
Please email childcare@dcdsb.ca if you would like to register for one of the virtual information sessions.
DCDSB Students
St. Theresa Catholic School Opens Its Doors to Newcomers
On Tuesday, August 26, 2025, St. Theresa Catholic School in Whitby welcomed newcomer families to Durham Region by hosting the Welcome and Information for Newcomers (WIN) program. This day was made possible through the partnership program, Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS). SWIS Durham is a partnership program involving Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), Durham District School Board (DDSB), Community Development Council Durham and Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. Read the full story.
Non-Credit Programs:
- Elementary International Languages Program for students in Year 1 (Junior Kindergarten) to Grade 8
- French for students in Year 1 (Junior Kindergarten) to Grade 3
- Red Cross Training – Stay Safe! and Babysitting Training Programs
Secondary Credit Programs:
- Night School Courses (Grades 11 & 12)
- Secondary Language courses for credit (Grades 9-12)
Our Adult Education sites in Ajax, Whitby and Oshawa offer Adult Credit, Mature Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (mPLAR) and Specialized Training Programs for Pathways to Employment and Post-Secondary Education. Adults who are 18 years of age or older and out of a regular secondary school can register for a variety of programs including:
- Adult Day School and Correspondence to earn credits for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or to upgrade courses for entrance to college, university or apprenticeship;
- Adult Dual Credit Program with Durham College;
- Adult Upgrading program focused on Literacy and Basic Skills;
- Child Care Assistant Training Program;
- Custodial Services Training Program;
- English as a Second Language courses for adults (non-credit);
- Microsoft Office Specialist Training Program;
- Personal Support Worker Program;
- Work-4-Credits Program (Cooperative Education);
- Young Parent School Program at the Rose of Durham (Oshawa)
For more information, check out our Program Guide and visit our website at www.con-ed.ca.
Upcoming Events
The 2025-2026 DCDSB Calendar is now available! Please click here to view the calendar.
September is the month of the Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
- Sept 15-19: Safe and Accepting Schools Week
- Sept 15: Payroll & Benefits, Business, Finance & Accounting Professionals Day
- Sept 16: IT Professionals Day
- Sept 18: Anti-Black Racism & Black Excellence Advisory Committee Meeting
- Sept 19: Powley Day
- Sept 21: International Day of Peace
- Sept 22-24: Rosh Hashanah
- Sept 22: Regular Board Meeting
- Sept 24: AMP Online Applications Open
- Sept 24: Rowan's Law Day
- Sept 25: Franco-Ontarian Day
- Sept 26: Human Resources Professionals Day
- Sept 28: Right to Know Day
- Sept 28: World Day of the Deaf
- Sept 29: Solemnity of Saint Michael
- Sept 30: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Click here and subscribe to our calendar to receive reminders about holidays, P.A. days, events, and recognition days.
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