DCDSB News - December 2025

- Dec 05, 2025

Faith

OCSTA Short-Video Contest - Vote for Ms. Zuccaro's Grade 3/4 Class at St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic School

Ms. Zuccaro's Grade 3/4 class at St. Marguerite d'Youville Catholic School has been selected as a finalist in the OCSTA Short-Video Contest!

In the short film, students reflect on what makes them holy. Through the lens of a classroom mirror, one student explores how their hands, heart, and eyes help them live out their faith in everyday moments. Inspired by the theme Pilgrims of Hope, this video celebrates Catholic identity, diverse gifts, and the sacred journey we walk together.

Please click here to vote and watch the video here.

2025-2026 Spiritual Theme: Blessed Are The Peacemakers

Mr. Pisani’s Grade 11 Communications Technology students at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School were invited to design the 2025–2026 spiritual theme poster. The selected artwork, created by Grade 11 student Anne C., offers a powerful visual interpretation of this year’s theme: Blessed are the Peacemakers.

In this video, Anne shares the inspiration behind her design, which features two hands reaching across a broken bridge—a symbol of the effort it takes to connect with others and build peace, even when barriers exist. At the centre of the poster is a large cross, representing Christ as the foundation of true peace.

Watch the video here to learn more.

DCDSB Updates

DCDSB Honoured with Two Durham Greener Buildings Awards

On November 19, 2025, the Region of Durham celebrated environmental leadership in sustainability and building decarbonization at the Durham Greener Buildings Awards. The Durham Catholic District School Board received two awards in recognition of our commitment to sustainability and climate action.

Please click here to read more.

DCDSB Celebrates Second Annual Black Student Excellence Awards

On November 6, 2025, DCDSB hosted the Second Annual Black Student Excellence Awards, continuing its commitment to celebrating the achievements of Black students across the board. This event is a collaboration between the DCDSB and the board’s Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, recognizing Grade 11 and Grade 12 students who self-identify as Black and/or of African descent, and have demonstrated leadership and a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Following thoughtful deliberation, the committee was pleased to present Oreofeoluwa A., a Grade 12 student at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School with the Black Student Excellence Award for the 2025-2026 school year. Oreofeoluwa was honoured with a certificate, a letter of recognition, a glass trophy, and a $500 bursary.

Click here to read more.

Region of Durham Health Department - Parenting Survey

The Durham Region Health Department is looking for parents or caregivers of children aged 3-6 years old to take part in a confidential survey. The survey includes questions about experiences, challenges and needs of parents and caregivers in Durham Region. Participation will help guide improvements in local programs and services for families in our community.

The survey is open until December 19, 2025. To learn more and complete the survey please visit durham/ca/parentingsurvey.

DCDSB 2024-2025 EQAO and OSSLT Results

Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) has received the latest reports from the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), which provide valuable insights into student achievement across the province. The 2024-2025 results include data from Primary and Junior assessments, Grade 9 Mathematics, and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). These reports, alongside report card grades, learning skills, and classroom evaluations, help educators, students, and families celebrate successes and identify areas for growth to support student achievement.

DCDSB is pleased to report that compared to 2023-2024 achievement results, the Grade 3 assessments improved in all areas, Grade 6 assessments improved in Reading and Writing, Grade 9 Math results increased and OSSLT results remained steady above the provincial standard. Please click here to view a summary of the results.

The Minister of Education also announced the creation of a new advisory body to review how Ontario supports student achievement. Please see a letter from the Minister for more information.

For a full breakdown of the Board’s EQAO results, visit: www.eqao.com/results/

French Immersion Registration is Now Open

Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion at the DCDSB is open! All interested Year 2 Kindergarten/Senior Kindergarten students are invited to register, to begin in the 2026-2027 school year.

Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion will remain open until January 16, 2026.

Please click here to register.

Save-the-Date: Kindergarten Registration Opens January 6, 2026

Save the date for Kindergarten registration. Begin your child’s faith-filled journey at DCDSB!

Registration opens on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

Visit dcdsb.ca/Kindergarten to learn more about our Kindergarten program.

Submit Nominations for January 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 January is: A Peacemaker of Creation.

The selected recipients will be recognized during the January Board Meeting. The deadline to submit your nominations for the January theme is 4:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Visit our website to make your nominations: dcdsb.ca/PeopleOfPeace.

Mental Health and Well-Being

Supporting Your Child with Balanced Tech Use

The Christmas break often provides children and teens with more unstructured time, during which there may be an increase in use of digital technology such as social media or gaming. Technology can be a tool to support learning, connection with others and may provide access to help if/when needed. However, excessive technology use can impact mental health and well-being.

The Helping Your Child Manage Digital Technology resource can help you learn more about supporting balanced technology use at home, and what to do if you have concerns about your child’s technology use. This resource is available in multiple languages.

Media Smarts has many parent-friendly resources to support your child with balanced digital technology use. Visit the SMHO website for more information.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) - Supporting Youth for Parents, Guardians and Caregivers

As part of DCDSB’s commitment to supporting mentally healthy schools, we are pleased to offer Mental Health First Aid - Supporting Youth to parents, guardians and caregivers.

This 10-hour blended course includes one self-directed module and two virtual classroom modules. MHFA is the help provided to a person who is showing signs of declining mental well-being or crisis. This course is designed for individuals who have frequent contact with young people, ages 12 to 24 and is therefore open to parents, guardians, and caregivers with children in Grades 6-12.
Participants will be required to complete Module 1 (a two-hour self-directed online module) on their own, in advance of the first virtual session.

The virtual sessions dates are:

January 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Module 2); and
January 22, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Module 3).

For further information about MHFA Supporting Youth (Virtual), please visit the Mental Health Commission of Canada website.

To register, please complete this form and you will be contacted if selected.

DCDSB Students

DCDSB Student Highlights

It's been a busy few weeks as students and staff across DCDSB have continued to engage in a variety of activities and learning!

Please see the stories below to learn more:

Continuing Education

Earn Your High School Diploma and More with Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre

Education opens doors at every stage of life, and it’s never too late to take the next step. At Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre (CCEC), adults who are 18 years of age or older can earn their Ontario Secondary School Diploma, upgrade courses for post-secondary programs, and gain practical skills for employment. Whether you’re looking to complete your high school education, prepare for post-secondary or the workplace, Archbishop Anthony Meagher CCEC provides flexible options designed to fit your goals.

Our programs are tailored to meet the needs of adult learners. Individuals can choose from credit courses, employment training programs, and free upgrading options that help ease the transition into the workforce or further education. We ensure that every learner has the tools and guidance to succeed.

Registration is open year-round, and adults aged 18 and older are welcome to join at any time. Take the first step toward your future today—visit con-ed.ca to explore programs and register.

Upcoming Events

Dec. 6 - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
Dec. 7 - Second Sunday of Advent
Dec. 8 - Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Dec. 8 - Computer Science Week - Hour of Code (Dec. 8 - Dec. 14)
Dec. 10 - Human Rights Day
Dec. 12 - National Day of Prayer in Solidarity with Indigenous Peoples
Dec. 14 - Third Sunday of Advent
Dec. 14 - Hanukkah (Dec. 14 - Dec. 22)
Dec. 15 - Regular Board Meeting
Dec. 21 - Winter Solstice
Dec. 22 - Christmas Break (Dec. 22 - Jan. 2)
Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve
Dec. 25 - Christmas Day
Dec. 26 - Kwanzaa (Dec. 26 - Jan. 1)
Dec. 28 - Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
Dec. 31 - New Year's Eve