DCDSB News - April 2026

- Apr 10, 2026

DCDSB Updates

DCDSB 2026-2027 School Year Calendars

The Durham Catholic District School Board 2026-2027 school year calendars have been approved by the Ministry of Education.

The calendars are now available on our website:

Visit dcdsb.ca for further details.

DCDSB Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Seeking Nominations for Chair and Vice-Chair

The committee’s mandate provides a medium for effectively addressing and dismantling disadvantages and discrimination, historical or otherwise, experienced by Black students, staff and families in our Board.

Elections for the Chair and Vice-Chair of the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee will take place during the May 21, 2026, committee meeting. All persons who seek to be elected as Chair will be allowed five (5) minutes each before the election commences to address the committee on their plans. Candidates seeking election as Vice‑Chair will be provided up to three (3) minutes each.

Eligibility requirements and nomination details can be found on our website. Please click here to learn more.

Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation: 2025 Annual Report

The Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation is pleased to share our 2025 Annual Report, highlighting another year of meaningful support for Durham Catholic students and families. Guided by our mission to bring hope to students in need, the Foundation provided essential assistance such as food, shelter, heat, and electricity - helping families find stability while allowing students to focus on learning.

In 2025, funding reached 37 schools, supported 234 families, and helped 405 students have access to the necessities and participate in school trips, extracurriculars, and enriched learning opportunities. Please click here to learn more.

Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee

DCPIC Presents: Future Ready. Emotionally Strong.

The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) will be hosting "Future Ready. Emotionally Strong", on Wednesday, April 29, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School (1375 Harwood Avenue North, Ajax). The DCDSB community is invited to attend an evening featuring guest speakers and a guided clarity mapping experience. Families will also gain practical tools to build confidence, focus, and direction in their child’s life. Community mental health and wellness partners will also be present. Food and refreshments will be served, and each family will receive a take-home toolkit!

This evening is open to elementary and secondary families. Please click here to learn more and register for this event.

Faith and Well-Being

Kicking It Forward This Lent at St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School

As part of Lenten Almsgiving, we are called to live out our faith through acts of generosity, compassion, and service to others. This year, the St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School community was excited to support Chance to Play, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children locally and globally by redistributing gently used and new soccer gear. Click here to read more.

Celebrating Children and Youth Mental Health Community Fair

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) in partnership with the Child, Youth and Family Program at Lakeridge Health Oshawa would like to invite DCDSB students and families to the free Celebrating Children and Youth Mental Health Community Fair on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School (700 Stevenson Road North
Oshawa). This event will feature a variety of free group sessions and activities for children, youth, and parents and guardians focused on promoting mental health, well-being and resilience. Additionally, families can speak to and learn more from community organizations.

Spots are limited and registration is required. Please click here to learn more and register.

Submit Nominations for May People of Peace

Families, students and staff are invited to nominate a DCDSB student or employee that exemplifies and embodies the monthly theme for the People of Peace recognition program. The theme for May is: A Peacemaker of Faith.

The selected recipients will be recognized during the May Board Meeting. The deadline to submit your nominations for the May theme is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026. Visit our website to make your nominations: dcdsb.ca/PeopleOfPeace.

Take Action Make an Impact for Mental Health (TAMI) Summits

On Tuesday, March 24, and Tuesday, March 31, intermediate and secondary Student Mental Health Promotion Summits were held at Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences. Please click here to read more.

Socks for Souls: Lenten Almsgiving in Action

As part of their Lenten journey, the Bosco Grade 8 Leadership Team, under the guidance of Mme. LePage, Mme. Clements and Mrs. Xavier, led the school community in a Socks for Souls collection to support people experiencing homelessness and others in need. This meaningful act of Lenten almsgiving invited students, staff, and families to live out the Gospel call to serve with compassion and generosity. Please click here to learn more.

Advancing Human Rights and Equity

CABS March Break Recreational Camp

From March 16-20, 2026, the Coach/Advocate for Black Students (CABS) March Break Recreational Camp was in full swing at Archbishop Denis O'Connor Catholic High School. During the March Break, Grade 7 and 8 students participated in a variety of recreational activities designed to build leadership and fitness skills, peer relationships, and community spirit. Throughout the week, students had a blast playing a variety of sports, including basketball and volleyball. Thank you to the amazing student leaders for their guidance, and to facilitators Mr. Washington, Mr. Hickey, and Mr. Mayers for creating a positive and engaging experience for all students.

St. Monica Catholic School Hosts Multicultural Evening

On Wednesday, April 1, St. Monica Catholic School hosted its Multicultural Evening, a beautiful celebration of diversity and community. Families gathered to share food, traditions, and cultural pride. A special thank you to Mme Yasmine and Mme Cordero for organizing this wonderful event, and to all the parents and guardians, friends, and students who helped make the evening a success. Please click here to watch the video.

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School Celebrates World Autism Day

On World Autism Day, the St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School community marked the day with a beautiful reminder of the importance of inclusion, understanding, and celebrating individual strengths. Moments like these highlight how intentional acts of kindness and learning help create a stronger sense of belonging for all students. Please click here to watch the video.

Indigenous Education

Honouring Indigenous Aid Exhibit Launches at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School

On Wednesday, March 25, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) launched the Honouring Indigenous Aid exhibit at Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School. Please click here to read more.

Storyteller Robert Cutting Visits Kindergarten Classrooms

On Monday, March 30, kindergarten students at Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School had the special opportunity to welcome storyteller Robert Cutting into their classrooms for an engaging and meaningful visit centred on storytelling, music, and listening to the world around us. Please click here to read more.

Improve Student Learning

DCDSB Student Senate Hosts 2025 Student Voices Forum

On Thursday, March 24, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) Student Senate hosted the 2025 Student Voices Forum at the Pope Francis Centre, welcoming students from Grades 9–11 from across the board for a day focused on student leadership, collaboration, and engagement. Click here to read more.

LeFloFranco Performs at St. Bernadette Catholic School

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, students at St. Bernadette Catholic School had the exciting opportunity to see a private LeFloFranco concert at their school. LeFloFranco is an urban-pop artist from the Ottawa-Gatineau region, and he captivates audiences from Francophones, anglophones, young and old, with his hip-hop and Afrobeat music. Click here to read more.

Elementary and Secondary Summer School Registration is Open

Summer school registration is now open for elementary and secondary students! Archbishop Anthony Meagher Continuing Catholic Education Centre offers a number of summer courses and programs for students in elementary and secondary school. Please click here to learn more about course offerings and availability.

Upcoming Events

April is Records and Information Management Month and Sikh Heritage Month.

April 10 - Orthodox Good Friday
April 12 - Orthodox Easter
April 13 - Yom-HaShoah
April 13 - Finance Committee Meeting
April 17 - Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day
April 19 - National Volunteer Week (Apr. 19 - Apr. 25)
April 21 - Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Meeting
April 22 - Administrative Professionals Day
April 22 - Earth Day
April 27 - Regular Board Meeting
April 28 - National Day of Mourning