Excellence in teaching and learning hinges upon understanding the instructional core, which is the interconnected relationship between student, educator, and curriculum. As a result of the pandemic, school boards across the province provided students and families with both traditional in-person and non-traditional learning models during the 2020-2021 school year. Our board established virtual Elementary and Secondary Schools, implemented a Hybrid Secondary Learning Model and staff utilized Edsby, D2L, Brightspace, Zoom, and MS Teams to deliver remote and virtual learning options.
Our Teaching and Learning department also provided innovative and engaging experiences to build upon the foundation of literacy, numeracy, and faith. The board implemented the Grade 11 English: Contemporary Indigenous Voices course, nurtured relationships with Indigenous partners and the broader Indigenous community and built capacity to develop and support a three-year Indigenous Education Plan for elementary schools.
Staff also developed authentic experiential learning opportunities for all students.
Achievements
Superintendent of Education, Mrs. Mariah O'Reilly shares highlights and achievements from Teaching and Learning for the 2020-2021 school year.
Highlights
Coding
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450 students in Grades Kindergarten to Grade 8 (Scratch Jr. Primary and Scratch for Junior/Intermediate)
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400 students participated in Coding with Scratch Jr. Scratch F1
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40 students participated in the Kindergarten Coding Pilot
Indigenous Education
- 1327 secondary students completed the Grade 11 English: Contemporary Indigenous Voices Course
Kindergarten
- 419 parents and guardians attend virtual Navigating Kindergarten Series - Welcome to Kindergarten
- 145 parents and guardians attend virtual Navigating Kindergarten Series - Before and After School Care
- 64 parents and guardians attend virtual Navigating Kindergarten Series - Rooted in Faith
Learning Models
- 3520 students enrolled in the Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School
- 1125 students enrolled in the Durham Catholic Virtual Secondary School
- 11,531 elementary students attended in-person learning
- 5403 secondary students attended in-person learning
- 250 secondary students transitioned to a hybrid learning model in Quadmester 3 in 2021.
Arts
- DCDSB Students Shine in CBC's Music Class Challenge
- DCDSB's Regional Arts & Media Program Win Top Virtual Video in 2020 CBC's Music Class Challenge
- The Robert McLaughlin Gallery Hosts DCDSB Virtual Art Exhibit
Coding/STEM
- Students Showcase Coding Project at St. Bernard Catholic School
- DCDSB Students Participate in National Future City Showcase
Experiential Learning
Indigenous Education
- Fall 2020: DCDSB's Indigenous Education Newsletter - We Walk the Path Together
- Rock your Mocs
- Honouring Louis Riel Day
- Calling all Indigenous Students in Grades 7-12 to join DCDSB's Student Indigenous Education Advisory Circle
- DCDSB's Statement on the Discovery of Unmarked Graves at Residential School Sites
- June 2020: DCDSB's Indigenous Education Newsletter - We Walk the Path Together
Kindergarten
Language
- Celebrating Franco-Ontarian Language and Culture
- Franco-Ontarian Day - September 25, 2020
- Seeking French Student Representatives for French as a Second Language Advisory Committee
Physical Activity
Return to Learning/Remote and Virtual Learning
- Update on Supported Re-entry and Return to Learning for all Students
- Ontario Announces Province Wide Shutdown to Stop the Spread of COVID-19
- Remote Learning Schedules for January 2021
- Sharing the Good at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School
- Extended Online Learning for Elementary and Secondary Schools
- Online Learning extended to January 25, 2021
- Minister of Education Letter to Parents and Guardians
- Ministry of Education delays March Break
- Last Opportunity for Families of Elementary Students to Request Switch to Learning Models
- Re-opening of Schools - February 8, 2021
- Ontario Government Announces Return to Remote Learning - April 19, 2021
- Provincial Stay at Home Order Extended and Vaccinations for Students 12-17 years of age
- Secondary Home School Hybrid Learning Model Option for September 2021
- Remote Learning Continues for the Remainder of School Year
DCDSB Virtual Art Exhibit
English as a Second Language - St. Bernard Catholic School
Welcome to Kindergarten Series - March 2021
Welcome to Kindergarten Series - Before and After School Care
Welcome to Kindergarten Series - Rooted in Faith