Equity, diversity and inclusion were a primary focus throughout the 2020-2021 school year, as work to identify and eliminate systemic barriers for Indigenous, Black, racialized, and vulnerable populations. We engaged in professional learning, active listening, and took deliberate action to make authentic changes that will positively impact our school communities.
Some highlights include the raising of the Rainbow flag in recognition of Pride month across the Durham Catholic District School Board; and the creation of a Multi-disciplinary Working Group to ensure educators have the necessary faith-based resources and training to provide ongoing support of our 2SLGBTQ+ students.
The board also developed and implemented an Anti-Black Racism Strategy to address anti-Black racism and systemic discrimination and established a Board level Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee with representation from parents, guardians, staff, students, and community members.
The mental health of students, staff, and families continues to be a top priority for the board. Several workshops were offered by experts during the school year and over the summer for families. The board implemented the DCDSB Social Work Access Line for Durham Catholic students and families to call if they required non-emergency mental health support. Families can leave a voicemail message with their contact information and one of our mental health professionals will call back and provide support.
Achievements
Superintendent of Education, Mrs. Susie Lee-Fernandes shares highlights and achievements focused on Celebrating Inclusion and Well-Being from the 2020-2021 school year.
Highlights
- 128 parents participated in various Mental Health workshops offered by experts and community partners
- 149 students participated in student Mental Health groups or psychoeducation over the summer - offered by either our own staff or community partners
- 261 parents, students, and staff participated in Black Mental Health Day
- 156 community members attended the Supporting Minds Mental Health Literacy Series
- 150 staff attended the Bell Let's Talk Anti-Stigma Conversation Café
- 103 community members attended in the It Takes a Village: Creating A Suicide Safer Community in Durham Region event
- DCDSB's Indigenous Education Newsletter - We Walk the Path Together
- Statement to the Community - St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
- Learning Disabilities Month
- Call for Volunteers to Join DCDSB's Advisory Committee on Anti-Black Racism
- Virtual Event - April 20, 2021 Start Planning for Post-Secondary Life
- DCDSB Announces Introduction of New Grade 12 Course: Deconstructing Anti-Black Racism in the Canadian and North American Context
- We're Seeking your Input - Mental Health ThoughtExchange
- Durham Catholic District School Board celebrates Catholic Education Week and Children's Mental Health Week - May 3-7, 2021
- DCDSB Statement on the Discovery of Unmarked Graves at Residential School Sites
- June 2021 issue of DCDSB's Indigenous Education newsletter
March 1, 2021 - Black Mental Health Day speaker, Asante Haughton
June 2021 - Raising of the Pride Flag at DCDSB Schools and Board offices