DCDSB News - June 2026

- Jun 05, 2026

DCDSB Updates

Student Walk for Hope in Support of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation

Throughout May and June, schools across the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) are invited to participate in the Student Walk for Hope in support of the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation.

The Student Walk for Hope encourages students and staff to come together in a spirit of community and compassion while raising funds to support Foundation initiatives. Participants are invited to contribute “virtual” toonie donations, with all funds raised going directly toward helping children and families within the DCDSB. Donations can be made through School Cash Online. Please click here to learn more.

Reminder: Register for Summer Programs

Summer is just around the corner, and DCDSB’s Continuing Education Centre is excited to offer a variety of engaging and enriching summer programs for elementary and secondary students.

Many of our popular programs have filled, and we are grateful for the strong interest from families and students across the DCDSB. However, there are still a limited number of spaces available in select programs, and we encourage families to register as soon as possible.

Registration is still available for the following:

CABS Multi-Sports Camp
Digital Literacy Camp
Summer Arts Camp
Math Camp
International and French Language Programs
Transition to High School Programs, such as Head Start Program and Reach Ahead Program

Please visit con-ed.ca/SummerSchool to learn more and register today.

Register for STEM Camp

DCDSB's Coach/Advocate for Black Students (CABS) program is excited to offer three different Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) camps in July 2026. These camps are in partnership with Ontario Tech University Engineering Outreach and McMaster University.

DCDSB students currently enrolled in Grades 6 to 9 are invited to register. Students are welcome to register for any desired week of their choosing, including multiple weeks. While this is a camp facilitated by the CABS program, any and all students of the DCDSB in Grades 6 to 9 are welcomed to attend.

Please click here to register.

Faith and Well-Being

June is the Month of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

The Institute for Catholic Education extends an invitation to the Catholic educational community in the province of Ontario to pray together a Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. A novena is an ancient form of prayer in the Catholic tradition consisting of nine consecutive days of prayer leading up to a particular feast day where a particular blessing or grace is sought. The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the celebration of the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are part of our longstanding tradition in the Church. The Novena begins with a day of preparation on Wednesday, June 3, followed by 9 days of prayer and ending on the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 12.

Families are invited to join together in prayer at their homes. For more resources and prayers for the Novena, please visit the Institute for Catholic Education website.

St. John Bosco Catholic School Celebrates 25 Years of Faith, Learning, and Community

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, St. John Bosco Catholic School marked a significant milestone with a joyful anniversary Mass and celebration, bringing together students, staff, families, parish partners, elected officials and community members to honour 25 years of Catholic education. Please click here to read more.

Catholic Education Week Celebration at St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School

A Catholic Education Week open house themed This Is Us, held on May 7, 2026, was a tremendous success and a wonderful reflection of the diversity, faith, and community spirit of St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School. Students, staff, families, and Catholic School Council members came together to celebrate the many cultures within the school community. Please click here to read more.

BWell Secondary Student Mental Health and Well-Being Leadership Team Wraps Up the Year

On May 7, 2026, the DCDSB secondary student mental health and well-being leadership team, BWell, gathered at the Pope Francis Centre for a day of connection and celebration. Throughout the day, students engaged in thoughtful conversations about mental health and well-being promotion, sharing ideas and experiences with one another. They also had the opportunity to learn from a presentation by speaker Roxanne Francis, exploring the different types of leadership and how they can build upon their leadership skills. Please click here to read more.

Family Wellness Night at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School

In May 2026, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School hosted a Family Wellness Night where families were invited to visit a variety of stations to learn about health and wellness. These included mindful stretching, learning about healthy lunch and snack options, strategies for mental wellness, dancing, planting seeds around the outdoor learning space, painting rocks and much more. Please click here to read more.

Advancing Human Rights and Equity

Created in the Image of God: I Am because We Are (Ubuntu)

On Wednesday, May 27, 600 Grade 7 students and educators celebrated gathered at King Street Community Church for the final session of the Virtual Engagement Series, Created in the Image of God: I Am because We Are (Ubuntu).

Classes participated in the engagement series with Tanika "iNsight Riley" featuring guest speaker Matthew Jones "Testament". Each session covered topics from "SELF-Awareness – Who Am I?", to "SELF-Regulation – How Do I Feel?", to "SELF-Love – Words Have Power".

Throughout the engagement series, students have courageously reflected, grown, and discovered the strength of their voices. Please click here to read more.

June is Pride Month

As we celebrate our spiritual theme of Blessed are the Peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), we can be peacemakers by “building bridges through dialogue and encounter, joining together as one people, always at peace." As Catholics, we are called to love one another as every human being is created in the image and likeness of God. As such, we are committed to creating inclusive and accepting communities that reflect the unconditional love of God.

During the month of June, and all year long, we support, acknowledge and affirm students, families, staff and community members who identify as 2SLGBTQ+. We raise the rainbow flag at our board offices and schools in June as a symbol of welcome, as we continue to focus on creating inclusive, safe, accepting and respectful learning and working environments to ensure the success and well-being of all in our Catholic learning community.

Indigenous Education

National Indigenous History Month

In June, DCDSB celebrates National Indigenous History Month to honour First Nation, Métis, and Inuit knowledge, culture, perspectives, and histories. Throughout the month, staff and students are encouraged to recognize Indigenous excellence and innovation. This month also provides an important opportunity to deepen understanding, nurture respect, and strengthen relationships grounded in dignity, truth, and Reconciliation. In DCDSB schools and workspaces, this learning invites us to reflect on how Indigenous voices, histories, and ways of knowing can be meaningfully included in classrooms, conversations, and daily practice.

From Eggs to Ecosystems: Hands-On Learning Through Brook Trout Hatcheries

Ms. Hawco's class at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa, and Ms. John Rajanayagam's at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School have been hosting brook trout hatcheries during the 2025-2026 school year.

The two classes have taken on caring for brook trout from the egg stage and have been exploring the cycle of growth, habitat, and stewardship. This hands-on project has woven its way through every subject area such as science, math, literacy, art, and social studies, giving students a rich, interconnected learning experience. Please click here to read more.

Improve Student Learning

Racing Arcade Project at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School

The Racing Arcade project was a collaborative, hands-on build created by students in technology courses alongside Mr. Greco and Mr. DiFonzo's construction classes over the course of the school year.

This project combines skills from multiple areas of the skilled trades and technology education programs including woodworking, construction, electrical wiring, design, problem solving, and teamwork. Please click here to read more.

St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School placed in the top three of the CBC Music Class Challenge – 2026 Spring Edition

Congratulations to St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School for placing in the top three in their categories in the CBC Music Class Challenge 2026 spring edition! Students wrote and recorded their own original pieces for entry to the competition. Further details and student submissions can be found on the CBC website.

DO'C Art Club Wins First Place in Toronto Zoo's Rain Barrel Project

Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School recently participated in the Toronto Zoo’s Rain Barrel Project, a fundraiser supporting conservation and sustainability initiatives at the Toronto Zoo. The project brought together high school artists, community partners, Toronto Zoo staff, and volunteers with a shared mandate to transform rain barrels into one-of-a-kind works of art. Please click here to read more.

St. Patrick Catholic School's Prefect Program

The Prefect Program is a student leadership initiative designed to foster responsibility, service, and a positive school culture. Grade 8 students selected as prefects support school-wide activities, serve as role models for their peers, and assist staff during transitions, events, and daily routines. Please click here to read more.

Family Science Night at Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School

On Thursday, May 7, Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School hosted its Family Science Night. This special evening is dedicated to strengthening the home, school, and parish connection while building excitement for science. Please click here to read more.

Upcoming Events

Black Girls E.S.T.E.E.M Workshop

Black Girls E.S.T.E.E.M (Entrepreneurs, Scientists, Technicians, Engineers, Economists, Mathematicians) is a free in-person Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) workshop created to inspire, educate, and empower Black girls (ages13-16) through coding, wellness, and real-world tech exploration. This workshop will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at Ontario Tech University (2000 Simcoe St. N., Oshawa). Please click here to learn more and register.

Upcoming May and June EQAO Webinars for Families

Join the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) for free live webinars for parents and guardians in May and June. Families are invited to attend the sessions below:

Screen Time & Academic Achievement on EQAO Assessments - Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
EQAO Literacy Session for Families: Focus on Writing - Thursday, June 11, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Please click here to learn more and register.

BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop

The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is offering another edition of their Scholarship Application Workshop! Join online on Wednesday, June 10 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. This workshop is open to all Black students who are currently in Grade 8 or high school. Please click here to register for the BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop.

Additionally, the 2026-2027 BFCN Scholarships & Awards application cycle has launched! Please click here to learn more and apply for the 15th Annual BFCN Scholarships. If you are interested in learning more about scholarships, please visit the BFCN Scholarship Directory.

Looking Ahead

June is the Sacred Heart of Jesus, National Indigenous History Month, Pride Month, and Brain Injury Awareness Month. June is also Italian, Filipino and Portuguese Awareness Month

June 5 - Elementary P.A. Day
June 8 - Finance Committee Meeting
June 12 - Male Mental Health Day
June 15 - Regular Board Meeting
June 17-23 - Secondary Exams
June 21 - Father's Day
June 21 - National Indigenous Peoples Day
June 24 - Elementary Report Cards Sent Home
June 25 - Secondary P.A. Day
June 26 - Elementary P.A. Day
June 26 - Secondary Semester 2 Report Cards Sent Home
June 27 - Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
June 27 - Canadian Multiculturalism Day
June 29 - Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul