Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about your child's education, please visit Your child’s education: A parent guide to our school system.

A calendar that includes key dates for the school year, including professional activity days, statutory and scheduled holidays can be found on our website. 

Durham Catholic District School Board requests that questions or concerns be directed to the level closest to the issue. This webpage provides information to help parents and guardians know who to contact with questions and/or concerns. Please visit our webpage to learn more.

DSTS is responsible for ensuring safe and efficient transportation to and from school for eligible students in accordance with policy. Families are encouraged to create an account for the DSTS Family Portal, where you can subscribe to receive email alerts for your child(ren)’s bus route(s). Please visit our Transportation webpage to learn more.

Ensure you direct your school support to the English-Separate system to support Catholic education in Durham Region with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC). Please visit our webpage to learn more.

Beginning in the 2023-2024 school year, boards of education in Ontario are required to post a detailed summary of Professional Activity (PA) days on our board or school websites.

We invite you to learn more about the Durham Catholic District School Board's PA day activities on our webpage.

For students in Kindergarten to Grade 8, formal communication by report card takes place three times during the school year. Elementary students receive a fall progress report card and two provincial report cards - one in mid-winter and the other at the end of the school year.

For students in Grade 9 to 12, formal communication by report card takes place four times during the school year. Secondary students receive Semester 1 Midterm Report in the fall, a Semester 1 Final Report in mid-winter, a Semester 2 Midterm Report in the spring, and a Semester 2 Final Report at the end of the school year.

The Ontario Student Transcript (OST) is an official record of a student's academic credits earned at the secondary school level in the Province of Ontario.

Please click here to learn more about Report Cards and Transcripts.

Schools use a thoughtful process that considers multiple factors, including academic needs, learning styles, social dynamics, and overall class balance. Staff collaborate to create well-rounded, supportive learning environments for all students.

Schools typically do not accept requests for specific teachers. However, families are welcome to share information about their child’s learning needs to support the placement process.

Administrators and teachers aim to create balanced classes by considering factors such as achievement levels, learning needs, special education needs, language support, and peer-based groupings.

Split-grade (combined) classes include students from two grade levels in one classroom (e.g., Grade 3/4). These classes follow curriculum expectations for both grades and provide opportunities for collaboration, leadership, and differentiated learning. Research and experience show that students in split classes perform as well as those in single-grade classes. These environments often foster independence, confidence, and peer learning.

Students are not placed in split classes solely based on academic achievement. Staff collaborate to create well-rounded, supportive learning environments for students in split classrooms.

Class placements are carefully planned and changes are rarely made. Schools monitor student progress and well-being, and adjustments may be considered only in exceptional situations.

Timetables are built based on student course selections, graduation requirements, and staffing. Schools aim to meet as many course requests as possible, but some changes may be necessary due to scheduling constraints.

Students should contact guidance counsellors or school administration as soon as possible. Staff will review requests and make adjustments where feasible.

Course changes may be allowed within a limited timeframe and depend on availability and program requirements.

Elementary class placements are typically shared close to the start of the school year. Secondary school timetables are usually released before the first day of classes.

We strive to offer all planned courses whenever possible. However, courses depend on sufficient student enrolment, and in some cases, a course may be cancelled if minimum enrolment requirements are not reached.

Portable classroom placements are typically assigned to classes in Grade 3 to 8 or secondary grade levels. 

Yes. Custodial staff regularly maintain portable classrooms and ensure that entrances are cleared of snow and ice, with safe pathways provided for students to access the main building when needed (i.e. for washroom use). At the elementary level, during periods of inclement weather, students remain in their portable classrooms under staff supervision for recess.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the school principal (or guidance counsellor at the secondary level) to discuss any questions or concerns.

Please visit the DCDSB Parent Logins webpage to access Safe Arrival/Report at Student Absence, Edsby, and School Cash Online.

Report a student absence through our Safe Arrival program. Please click here.

Edsby is an online tool that helps to connect you to your child’s educators and school. It is also where student report cards and grades can be found. Please click here to access Edsby.

Parents, guardians, and community members are invited to get involved by supporting school events, classroom activities, board/school committees, and other opportunities that enrich student learning. Learn more about volunteering by visiting our website.

School Cash Online is an easy to use, safe way to pay for your children's school fees. You can pay for your child’s lunches, class trips and so much more from anywhere, anytime. All you have to do is register for an account and you will be able to make payments online. Please click here to visit School Cash Online.

SchoolMessenger allows our school and the board to reach parents via email or the SchoolMessenger app for parental outreach, emergency broadcasts, student attendance alerts and other communications. You may wish to download the SchoolMessenger App to receive notifications directly to your cell phone.

Beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, most secondary courses will require written exams to account for a percentage of the final course mark. Written exams are to take place during the designated exam period in the school year calendar. Exams for online courses will be written in-person at each student’s home school.

The following courses are exempt from mandatory written exams. In these courses, student learning will be assessed through in‑class culminating tasks (e.g., projects, presentations, and portfolios):

Exempt by Course Type

• Grades 9 and 10 Locally Developed Compulsory Credits (LDCC)
• Grades 11 and 12 Workplace Level Courses (E courses)
• Grades 11 and 12 Open Level Courses (O courses)

Exempt by Subject Area

• Guidance and Career Education
• Co-operative Education
• Interdisciplinary Studies
• American Sign Language as a Second Language

Please click here to learn more.

Further details on the mandatory exam, attendance and participation policies can be found at Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools.

• In Grades 9 and 10, a student’s final mark will be based on:
• 65% classroom work
• 20% final evaluations
• 15% attendance and participation

• In Grades 11 and 12, a student’s final mark will be based on:
• 65% classroom work
• 25% final evaluations
• 10% attendance and participation

Further details on the mandatory exam, attendance and participation policies can be found at Growing Success: Assessment, Evaluation, and Reporting in Ontario Schools.

Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, students who began Grade 9 in 2025-2026 or later must meet a new Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement to earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). The requirement will be completed as part of the mandatory Grade 10 Career Studies course, where students must achieve 70% or higher on financial literacy modules developed by TVO. The assessment will count for 5% of the student's final Career Studies mark and, once completed, will be noted on the Ontario Student Transcript.

Students will have two opportunities to meet the requirement during their Grade 10 course, with supports and additional learning resources available if needed. Students who do not achieve 70% after two attempts will have further opportunities to meet the requirement through additional supports, alternate learning activities, supervised re-attempts, or other approved pathways. The goal is to ensure all students graduate with the financial literacy knowledge and skills needed for everyday life.

Please click here to learn more about Graduation Requirements.

Additional information about the Financial Literacy Graduation Requirement can be found at the Ministry of Education website.

DCDSB has clear guidelines regarding personal mobile device usage in schools. The goal is to minimize distractions, promote face-to-face interactions, ensure equity and inclusivity, enhance school safety, and encourage a positive school culture. Please visit our webpage to learn more.

The Durham Region Health Department offers a wide range of health enhancing programs, resources and services. Please visit the Durham Region Health Department website to learn more.

We are committed to supporting the Ontario Ministry of Education's vision for French as a Second Language Programs. Please visit our webpage to learn more.

Homework can be a valuable tool for enhancing student learning and well-being. Visit our website to view the homework guidelines webpage that were created to support an equitable, inclusive, and effective framework for homework.

Learn about DCDSB’s commitment to fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and belonging by addressing discrimination, supporting marginalized individuals, and promoting equity throughout our school communities. Please click here to learn more.

Learn more about inclement weather guidelines and safety at our Inclement Weather Guidelines webpage.

Learn about the meaningful curriculum connections, Land-based learning, community partnerships, and holistic supports that promote First Nation, Métis, and Inuit student well-being while fostering understanding, respect, and Reconciliation for all learners. Please click here to learn more.

Mental health resources and supports for students and families are available on our website.

Catholic education at DCDSB is rooted in the Gospel message of Jesus Christ, supporting spiritual growth, social justice, and service to others. Explore faith resources, parish connections, sacramental preparation, and more on the Our Faith webpage.

DCDSB is committed to creating and maintaining safe, welcoming and accepting schools where all students feel valued and supported. Visit our webpage to learn more about our Safe and Accepting Schools programs, supports and services.

SWIS Durham helps to connect newly arrived families to services and resources in the school and community. Please click here to learn more.

Durham Catholic District School Board is ensuring safe and healthy schools, and enforcement relating to alcohol, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, recreational cannabis and related products and illegal drugs. Please visit our webpage to learn more.

Students with special education needs are supported by teams who collaborate to ensure that the diverse needs of each student are met within an inclusive learning environment. Please visit our webpage to learn more.