Trustees approve recommendations to review Whitby school boundaries and implement Regional Arts and Technology program

Posted On Tuesday January 31, 2017

On January 30, 2017 at a Special Board Meeting, Durham Catholic District School Board Trustees approved the recommendations brought forward by staff as a result of the Whitby Catholic Secondary School Study. The following motions were approved:

  • That the Durham Catholic District School Board receive as information this comprehensive summary of the Whitby Catholic Secondary Schools Review dated January 30, 2017.
  • That the Durham Catholic District School Board authorize staff to initiate a boundary review between All Saints Catholic Secondary School and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School in accordance with Policy PO-415 School Boundary.
  • That the Durham Catholic District School Board authorize staff to initiate a boundary review between St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School and St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School in accordance with Policy PO-415 School Boundary.
  • That the Durham Catholic District School Board authorize staff to initiate a boundary review for the Oshawa schools to the French Immersion program currently located at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School, in accordance with Policy PO-415 School Boundary.
  • That the Durham Catholic District School Board approve the establishment of an application/audition based Regional Arts and Technology program for Grades 7-12 to be located at All Saints Catholic Secondary School.

The Whitby Catholic Secondary School Study was initiated as part of the Board’s Long-Term Accommodation Plan presented in January 2016. The recommendations were based on the findings of an extensive public consultation process and a formal Working Committee consisting of staff, students and parent representatives.

Trustees are pleased with the results of the study. 

“The outcome of the study is a reflection of the changing demographics and needs of the Whitby community, as well as the Board’s responsibility to ensure a strong and vibrant Catholic education system in Durham Region,” said John Rinella, Chair of the Board. “We are thrilled to offer a Regional Arts and Technology program for students across Durham Region and look forward to its implementation as staff works to ensure that quality instruction, resources and facilities are in place.”

Chair Rinella and Director O’Brien are grateful for all members of the community for their participation in the consultation process, along with the Working Committee for their extensive work throughout the duration of the study.

“The Whitby Catholic Secondary School Study was an important process in securing the future of quality programming and services for our Whitby students. Thank you to everyone who participated in the consultation sessions; and to all members of the Working Committee,” said Anne O’Brien, Director of Education.

Additional information about the Whitby Catholic Secondary School Study is available on the Board’s website dcdsb.ca.