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Congratulations to the Durham Catholic students, staff, and school communities for the following achievements received during the 2021-2022 school year.
| 25 Year Service Award Recipients |
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Congratulations to the following Durham Catholic District School Board employees who were recognized for their 25 years of service to Catholic Education.
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| Arch. Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre wins Multiple Readers' Choice Awards |
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The board's Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre won the following 2021 Metroland Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards: The Diamond Award for Best Adult Education and the Gold Award
Platinum Award for Best Adult Education in Ajax/Pickering.
Gold Award for Best Adult Education and the Gold Award for the
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 Succeed! |
| Father Keith Callaghan awarded the Board Award of Merit |
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The 2022 Durham Catholic District School Board Award of Merit was awarded to Father Keith Callaghan, Priest at Holy Cross and St. Philip the Apostle Parishes, in Oshawa.
Father Keith who is also Bishop Nguyen’s designate for the board and works with our Board of Trustees and Senior Administrative team to ensure the board's mission is lived out authentically.
"Extraordinary is the word that best describes Father Keith. He embodies what it means to be a Catholic – ensuring all are welcome," said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. "He helps to support everyone, even those who are not directly related to his parish. He works with different community outreach organizations to support the need of our local community." Father Keith makes himself available to support anyone at anytime. He walks alongside all those who need him during the best of times and during life’s most challenging moments – always present and always listening with the heart of Jesus.
Father Keith is deserving of the Board Award of Merit because of his strong commitment to Catholic education. Father Keith is a fixture in our Durham Catholic schools and visits with students and staff weekly. He works with our educators who are responsible for sacramental preparation, and clarifies the process, while addressing any questions or concerns. "Students faces light up when they see Father in the school – they are excited to see him, talk to him or just give him a wave. His ability to make children and adults feel special by providing them with his undivided attention speaks to his compassionate nature," added the Director.
Service, compassion and generosity is what Father Keith is all about. He exemplifies the board’s mission to serve with excellence in the light of Christ and is a role-model for the Catholic faith.
"On behalf of the Durham Catholic District School Board of Trustees and Senior Administrative team, congratulations on receiving the Board Award of Merit," said the Director.
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| BRAVO Award for the Redesign of the Board and Schools' Websites |
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In February 2022, the board's Communication Team receive a BRAVO Award of Excellence for the refresh of the Board and schools’ websites design from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE). This national awards program recognizes and honours the exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communications, marketing and engagement. Congratulations to Amanda Roffey, Faeron Pileggi, Emily McCall, Ronald Rodriguez and Nicole Burry for this national recognition. |
| DCDSB Students Win Gold and Silver in CBC Music Class Challenge |
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Congratulations to students and staff from St. Joseph Catholic School and All Saints Catholic Secondary School for their outstanding achievements in the 2021 CBC Music Class Challenge. Mr. Steven Parker's class at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa won first prize in the Elementary Vocal (Grades 4-6) category for their rendition of "Wonder" by Shawn Mendes. As part of their prize the school received $3,000 in new musical instruments and a plaque. "We had 18 students participate in creating our submission. The band rehearsed separately from singers in order to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Each of the five singers were recorded individually to also follow the COVID guidelines. We had lots of fun thinking of new video ideas such as using a leaf blower to film some of the slow-motion clips. Our students worked so hard, and I'm so very proud of all their efforts," said Mr. Steven Parker. Mr. Michael Paglia led the Popular Music Ensemble at All Saints Catholic Secondary School who won second prize in the Secondary Vocal (Grades 11-12 category) for their performance of "Knocking at the Door" by Arkells. As part of this prize the school received a plaque from CBC Music. "Our students and staff have shown an incredible commitment to the Arts. Student agency is an integral part of the creative process, and the ingenuity shown during these performances showcases our students' God-given talents," said Tracy Barill, Director of Education at the Durham Catholic District School Board. View the CBC Music Class Challenge Videos below: St. Joseph Catholic School Oshawa
All Saints Catholic Secondary School
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| Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award Recipients |
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On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Durham Catholic District School Board recognized seven graduates at the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation virtual gala. A graduate from each Durham Catholic secondary school received the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award. “Our Distinguished Catholic Alumni recipients are exemplary role models of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Each has a story of inspiration that our current students can look up to; and a source of inspiration,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “This speaks volumes to the value of Catholic education in Durham Region and Ontario.” Congratulations to the 2022 Durham Catholic Distinguished Alumni Award recipients:
Visit dcdsb.ca to learn more about the award recipients and to read their bios. |
| Principal Laforet recognized as DCDSB's 2022 Distinguished Catholic Leader |
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The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognized Secondary Principal, Suzanne Laforet, as the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The Board celebrated the Distinguished Leader Award following a System-Wide Mass on Monday, May 2, 2022, which also recognizes Durham Catholic Distinguished Educators from each school and department across the region. “Ms. Laforet’s leadership and passion for helping our most vulnerable students succeed and find their path is an inspiration to staff and has made a significant impact on Catholic education in Durham Region,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “It is a tremendous honour to be recognized by your colleagues and peers in the Durham Catholic Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association.” Ms. Laforet has been a valued Catholic educator and leader with the Durham Catholic District School Board for 30 years. Before beginning her journey as a school administrator, she taught at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School for 13 years and was Curriculum Chair of Religion and Family Life for 11 of those years. Since 2005, she has been an administrator serving as Vice-Principal at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School before assuming the role of Principal at the school in 2013. Ms. Laforet has also served as Principal at Father Donald A. MacLellan Secondary School and Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School where she has been since 2017. She served on a number of board-wide committees such as Safe Schools, Aspiring Leaders, Student Census and the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation. Ms. Laforet is an executive for both the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) – Durham Secondary and Catholic Principals’ Council Ontario (CPCO) - Durham. “Your dedication and commitment to Catholic education is reflected in the honour that you bring to your role as a leader for students, educators and fellow principals. Congratulations on receiving this year’s Distinguished Catholic Leader Award,” said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board. “I am honoured to be recognized by my peers as the 2022 Distinguished Catholic Leader,” said Suzanne Laforet, Principal of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, in Oshawa. “I believe that God has a plan for all of us and once you find your path – it’s the most rewarding thing in the world.” Ms. Laforet added, “Nothing makes me happier than running into former students and hearing how they are doing. If I have played a small part in the good things happening to former students, then I have done my job.” Ms. Laforet thanked everyone who has been part of her journey. “I am proud to serve alongside remarkable Teachers, Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodians, Chaplains, Administrators, ‘Sue Students’, their families, and my own family. Their faith, commitment and support has been what has kept me going. Education, in any role, is a true vocation, and it has been an honour to serve,” stated Ms. Laforet. |
| Distinguished Catholic Educator Award Recipients |
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The 2022 Distinguished Catholic Educator Award recipients were:
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| Ontario Justice Education Network's Kelly Cup goes to All Saints Catholic Secondary School |
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In 2022, the law students at All Saints Catholic Secondary School that took home the Ontario Justice Education Network's (OJEN) Kelly Cup! Three Durham school boards participated in mock trials in this inter-school event. Legal professionals adjudicated students on their litigation and presentation skills. The following Durham Catholic secondary schools participated in this unique opportunity: Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Notre Dame and All Saints Catholic Secondary Schools. All Saints students were excited to defeat local Whitby school Henry St. High School in the final. A special shout to educators Mr. Malkin and Ms. Quinn for preparing students for this unique competition. All Saints students are pictured receiving the Kelly Cup with Justice Devlin at the Oshawa Courthouse. Students on the winning team include:
Nathan was singled out as one of the best advocates from all the students that participated. If more of our DCDSB Secondary schools want to know more about this OJEN organized event go to: https://ojen.ca/en/oocmt/central-ontario-greater-toronto-golden-horseshoe/durham-region-kelly-cup |
| Rev. John Markle Award - Elementary School Winner |
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The elementary school winner of the 2021-2022 Rev. John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home Communications was:
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| Rev. John Markle Award - Secondary School Winner |
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The secondary school winner of the 2021-2022 Rev. John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home Communications was:
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| St. Mary Catholic Secondary School named ShareLife's Top DCDSB Fundraising School |
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Congratulations to St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for being named the top ShareLife Fundraising School for the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) in 2022. St. Mary Catholic Secondary School raised $9,500 for ShareLife. Many thanks to the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School community for your exceptional commitment to “living the Gospel.” The total amount raised by all DCDSB schools in 2022 was $55,444.52. Your dedication to give to those in needs is inspiring!
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| Town of Whitby recognizes All Saints Catholic Secondary School for Terry Fox Fundraising Achievement |
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On May 16, 2022, his Worship, Mayor Mitchell and members of Council for the Town of Whitby recognized All Saints Catholic Secondary School for their Terry Fox fundraising achievement. All Saints raised over $56,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation in 2021 and was the top fundraising secondary school in Ontario. Principal Chris Cuddy together with All Saints staff and students members of the school's Terry Fox fundraising team accepted the Town of Whitby award. Watch the award recognition at the Town of Whitby's May 16 Council Meeting. |
| All Saints Catholic Secondary School named Top Terry Fox Fundraising School for Ontario |
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Watch the All Saints Terry Fox Video
In 2021, All Saints Catholic Secondary School raised $56,769.25 for the Terry Fox Foundation; making it the top fundraising secondary school in Ontario. All Saints Catholic Secondary School has a long-standing school tradition of participating in the annual Terry Fox School Run. Inspired by the courage and selflessness of Terry Fox, the entire school community comes together each year to raise funds for cancer research. The 2021-2022 school year marked the school’s 17th year of participation in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 17 years, All Saints Catholic Secondary School students, staff and families have raised over $450,000 in total to support cancer research in Canada through The Terry Fox Foundation. All Saints Student Council and staff planned a number of activities for students to participate in as part of the fundraiser, which included:
“We are so appreciative of our school community, and especially to our dedicated staff, who volunteer their time and efforts to participate in this community-building event each year. The Terry Fox School Run is such a meaningful event as it is about community commitment, action, compassion, celebration and hope” said Mr. Chris Cuddy, Principal at All Saints Catholic Secondary School. Each year brings the opportunity to inspire more students to get involved and to raise additional funds for cancer research with the hope that there will one day be a cure for cancer. In a year of uncertainty, carrying the torch became even more meaningful as it is an important school tradition in support of an incredible national hero’s legacy and the cause he inspires all Canadians to support. This year also brought an increased awareness that the pandemic would likely negatively impact money raised for cancer research which All Saints Catholic Secondary School saw as a call to action. The All Saints community is committed to embracing and living Terry Fox’s legacy every year. “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” – Terry Fox “We are very grateful for the tremendous fundraising effort from the school community at All Saints Catholic Secondary School,” says Michael Mazza, Executive Director of The Terry Fox Foundation. “We look forward to coming together and celebrating another successful year of fundraising for cancer research at this year’s Terry Fox School Run on September 23, 2022.” Congratulations to all students, staff and families involved in this important fundraising event, and for raising funds for such an important cause.
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| 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Elementary Recipient |
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The winner of the 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Elementary School was: Rohan M., from St. Mark the Evangelist.  |
| 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Secondary Recipient |
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The winner of the 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Secondary School was: Renuka P., from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
Below: Trustee Oldman presents award to Renuka P., from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School.
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| St. Anne Catholic School wins City of Oshawa's Urban Design Award |
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His Worship, Mayor Carter presented Scott Grieve, Superintendent of Business, Finance and Facilities Services at the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) with the City of Oshawa’s Urban Design Award for As one of the board's newest elementary schools, St. Anne Catholic School features a daycare, before and after school program, community hub and growing enrolment. The hub is home to an EarlyON Years Centre for non-school aged children and their parents, to help families reach developmental milestones. In January 2022, the Ministry of Education announced that the school received funding for an 8-classroom addition which is expected to open in September 2023 to accommodate an additional 184 student spaces in the rapidly expanding area of north Oshawa. When St. Anne Catholic School was being designed, one of the architectural focuses for the school was to maximize the natural light. Light is a symbol that God is always with us – luminating the path ahead and students' academic journey. |