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Congratulations to the following students, staff, and school communities for the following achievements during the 2020-2021 school year.
| 25 Years of Service Recognition |
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The following Durham Catholic District School Board employees were recognized for their 25 years of service to Catholic Education:
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| Anniversaries – Celebrating 25 Years of Catholic Education |
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| Award Winning Catholic Continuing Education Centre |
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Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre was voted Diamond Winner for the Best Adult Education in the Ajax/Pickering and Oshawa/Whitby With centres located in Ajax, Oshawa, and Whitby, Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre offers Adult Education, Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) and Specialized Training Programs for Pathways to Employment and Post-Secondary Education. Night School classes are also offered. Learn more about DCDSB’s Adult and Continuing Education Centre and programs available. Our staff are committed to providing the best available education to students and believe in Empowering you to Suceed!
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| Board Award of Merit |
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The 2021 Durham Catholic District School Board Award of Merit was awarded to each and every employee of the Durham Catholic District School Board for demonstrating exemplary service to Catholic education. "Your acts of charity, faith and words of encouragement are a testament to the value and beliefs of our Catholic learning community," said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board. "You have answered the call to serve by exemplifying remarkable courage, determination and commitment to adapt and respond to the needs of our students, families and communities – and for this we are truly grateful." As a mark of respect and gratitude for staff's dedication and efforts, a special pin and card of recognition was distributed to every employee.
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| CBC Music Award |
| Congratulations to the students at All Saints Catholic Secondary School’s Regional Arts & Media Program (AMP) for winning the 2020 CBC Music Class Challenge for “Top Virtual Video” with their entry of Alanis Morissette’s “Hand in my Pocket” and to Mr. Steven Parker’s class at St. Joseph Catholic School, in Oshawa for placing in the top 10 for the second straight year. “The videos are a testament of our students’ God-given talent, passion, and creativity to shine during challenging times,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education at the Durham Catholic District School Board. “Congratulations to the students and staff for promoting 21st century learning skills through creative projects.” The Regional Arts & Media Program’s “Top Virtual Video” win was a surprise category created during the CBC Music Class Challenge’s deliberation process. Students from the Instrumental Music and Performing Arts – Vocal Music streams each practiced and recorded their part individually, due to health and safety measures in place during the 2020-2021 school year. All Saints Catholic Secondary School's music video
Music video from St. Joseph Catholic School, Oshawa
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| Distinguished Catholic Leader Recipient |
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Secondary Principal, Paula Sorhaitz was recognized as the recipient of the Durham Catholic District School Board’s 2021 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. “There is no greater honour than to be recognized by your own colleagues and peers in the Durham Catholic Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “Ms. Sorhaitz’s leadership and passion for teaching combined with her ability to engage with students and staff has had a significant impact on Catholic education in Durham Region.” Ms. Sorhaitz has been a valued Catholic educator and leader with the Durham Catholic District School Board for 27 years. Before beginning her journey as a school administrator, she taught at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School for 18 years and was Curriculum Chair of Canada and World Studies for eight of those years. Since 2012, she has been an administrator serving as vice-principal at All Saints Catholic Secondary School, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, and one semester at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School before appointed to the role of Principal at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in January 2019. Ms. Sorhaitz serves on a number of board-wide committees such as Leadership Development, Aspiring Leaders, and Safe Schools. Through her work she has provided mentorship to new leaders, presenting leadership capacities, and improving process to ensure school communities are safe and welcoming places for students to grown and learn. Ms. Sorhaitz is also a member of the DCDSB’s Equity Advisory Committee and is focused on addressing anti-Black racism, promoting Black excellence, and listening to the voices of DCDSB’s most vulnerable and marginalized communities. Ms. Sorhaitz serves her colleagues as the Vice-Chair of the Durham chapter of the Catholic Principals’ Council working to strengthen Catholic education, while supporting the pursuit of excellence in teaching and learning. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, congratulations on receiving the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award,” said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board. “Your dedication and commitment to Catholic education is reflected in the honour and dignity that you bring to your role as a leader for students, educators and fellow principals.” “I am humbled and honoured to receive the Distinguished Catholic Leader Award and to be recognized by my peers,” said Paula Sorhaitz, Principal of Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, in Ajax. “I am committed to providing a welcoming, safe and inclusive environment that engages students in our faith and educational opportunities.” Ms. Sorhaitz added, “I am most proud to serve alongside the remarkable Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodians, Teachers, school board staff and Administrators who have displayed unparalleled resilience, compassion and professionalism throughout this pandemic.” |
| Distinguished Catholic Alumni Awards |
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The Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recognizes former Durham Catholic students who have achieved significant success in their chosen pathway. The 2021 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award recipients were:
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| Distinguished Catholic Educator Awards |
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The 2021 Distinguished Catholic Educator Award recipients were:
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| Loran Scholarship Recipient |
| Congratulations to Emmanuella Oladipo from St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for being named a 2021 Loran Scholar. In 2021, the Loran Scholars Foundation selected 30 exceptional young Canadians from a pool of 6,084 applicants who demonstrate a firm commitment to character, service, and leadership potential; breadth in academic and extra-curricular interests; integrity; and a high level of personal autonomy.
Emmanuella was a co-lead of the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School’s BIPOC Unity group that ran year-round initiatives to unify and educate. She played for the school rugby team, coordinates church youth group events, and balances work at Boston Pizza. Emmanuella established an open conversation initiative which included a 4-part talking series called “Let’s Talk” to shine light on minority voices and the issues facing their communities. When Emmanuella was awarded the scholarship, she reflected on it being, “The first step to realizing that I’m capable of so much more than I thought”. She eloquently stated that it is, “A reminder that we are worthy of big things, and that we can keep doing the big things. Staying in the mindset of a scholar, a winner, will ultimately manifest into whatever it is that we are intended to do in this world”. The Loran Award is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award. What makes this award unique is that it is not a reward for past accomplishments, but an investment in a potential future path of high impact. Loran poses a lifelong challenge to its scholars to live outstanding lives of character and take on significant leadership roles, which will positively impact their communities, Canada, and the world around us. Loran Scholars receive a renewable four-year award comprising an annual living stipend and matching tuition waiver from one of the foundation’s 25 partner universities; funding for tri-sectoral summer work experiences (in enterprise, public policy, and community development); one-on-one mentorship; and the opportunity to connect with other high-potential youth through forums and scholar gatherings. Following their undergraduate studies, Loran Scholars are welcomed into an engaged alumni community, in which former scholars connect and collaborate through regional hubs and larger reunion events. Congratulations Emmanuella! |
| Reverend John Markle Award for Outstanding Home/School Communications |
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Winners of the 2020-2021 Rev. John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home communications were: Elementary
Secondary
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| ShareLife – Top Fundraising School |
| Congratulations to the students, staff, and families at the Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School for earning the top ShareLife supporter school for the Durham Catholic District School Board and the top school for the Archdiocese of Toronto. The school community raised $26,000 to support those in need and are extraordinary witnesses to living our gospel values. |
| Terry Fox – Top Fundraising School |
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Congratulations to the students, staff, and school community at All Saints Catholic Secondary School for earning the Terry Fox Foundation’s Top Secondary Fundraising School in Ontario for 2020. The school community raised $46,649.05 for cancer research during the school’s annual Terry Fox Run. |
| Trustee Youth Award Winners |
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Winners of the 2020-2021 Trustee Youth Awards were:
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