DCDSB News - May 2026

- May 01, 2026

DCDSB Updates

Catholic Education Week and Mental Health Week

During the first week of May, the Durham Catholic District School Board recognizes Catholic Education Week, which highlights the important contributions of Catholic education in our communities. This year’s theme is Pilgrims of Hope: On the Path to Holiness.

This week is also Mental Health Week, which aims to raise awareness about mental health. This year’s theme for Mental Health Week is “Come Together, Canada,” recognizing that social connection is essential to overall health and well-being.

For more information and resources visit dcdsb.ca/CatholicEducationWeek.

DCDSB Celebrates the 2026 Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award Recipients

On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognized seven graduates at the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation Gala with the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award. One alumnus from each Durham Catholic secondary school was honoured for their outstanding achievements and contributions.

Please click here for more information on the award recipients .

Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee

Building Better Tech Habits Workshop and Raising Digitally Resilient Kids

The Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) invites DCDSB families to two virtual workshops in partnership with MediaSmarts.

Building Better Tech Habits Workshop
Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
Screen time is one of parents' top tech-related concerns and kids are worried about their screen use too. In this workshop, parents and guardians will learn how to create better habits around tech that will empower youth to be in control rather than their apps and devices. Please click here to learn more and register.

Raising Digitally Resilient Kids
Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. via Microsoft Teams
In this engaging workshop, parents and guardians will learn how to balance the risks and benefits of digital media, based on insights from MediaSmarts’ research with youth. This workshop will explore the main online risks and provide practical strategies to keep your kids safe, including hands-on activities to practice these key skills. Please click here to learn more and register.

Faith and Well-Being

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.

St. Leo Catholic School and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School Promote Student Mental Health and Well‑Being

Across Durham Catholic schools, students are taking meaningful steps to support mental health and overall well‑being. The Mental Health Club at St. Leo Catholic School encouraged classmates to reconnect with nature through a mindful neighbourhood walk, practicing grounding techniques, breath work, and reflection to promote calm and balance.

At St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, the Empowerment Club has been fostering daily wellness practices throughout the school year. By sharing calming strategies, positive affirmations, and student‑created posters, club members are helping to build a supportive environment focused on self‑regulation, resilience, and growth.

Submit Nominations for June 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 June is: A Peacemaker of Gratitude.

The selected recipients will be recognized during the June Board Meeting. The deadline to submit your nominations for the June theme is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026. Visit our website to make your nominations: dcdsb.ca/PeopleOfPeace.

Advancing Human Rights and Equity

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.

Register for Summer 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.

Through this program, students will experience a community-orientated and accessible learning environment to explore different facets of STEM, coding, and engineering design.

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.

Indigenous Education

Students at Holy Family Catholic School Continue Their Land Learning Journey

Students in Grades 5-8 at Holy Family Catholic School in Beaverton continued their learning journey of connecting with Land through an ongoing seasonal mini-Land Learning series. Guided by community partner, Beedahbin Peltier, students and educators engaged with the Land as Teacher, deepening their understanding of how knowledge, relationships, and teachings emerge through observing and returning to the Land across different seasons. This experience supported meaningful reflection on responsibility, respect, and reciprocal learning with the natural world.

Improve Student Learning

St. John XXIII Catholic School Art Showcase Presents Donations to The Refuge

Earlier this year, Grade 6 students at St. John XXIII Catholic School created a global art showcase to raise funds in support of The Refuge Youth Outreach Centre in Oshawa. Last week, that creativity turned into action as students proudly presented a $400 donation, marking the culmination of their youth helping youth initiative. Please click here to read more.

CBC Music Class Challenge 2026 – Spring Edition

The talented students at St. Joseph School Catholic School participated in the CBC Music Class Challenge 2026 Spring Edition. The group rose to the challenge by writing and performing an original composition entitled “Beach of Endless Time” in the Original Intermediate Performance (Grades 5–8) category. Their submission has officially been entered into this year’s competition, and they are hoping to bring home first place!

Please click here to read more and listen to the original song.

St. Christopher Catholic School Student Wins CWL Mary Matthews Public Speaking Contest

Ciaran D., a Grade 7 student at St. Christopher Catholic School, was named the winner of the 2026 CWL Mary Matthews Public Speaking Contest, a competition that encourages Grade 7 and 8 students to develop public speaking skills. Please click here to read more.

Travel for Credit March Break 2027 Information Session

DCDSB's Continuing Education is excited to share an upcoming opportunity for students to earn a Grade 12 University credit (LLV4U) while exploring Italy and Greece during the 2027 March Break. In partnership with Explorica Tours, we will be hosting an Information Session to provide full details about the Travel for Credit program, itinerary, safety, academic expectations, and pricing. DCDSB students who are entering Grade 11 and 12 for the upcoming school year are welcome to attend. You can also sign up for the course using the link below prior to the parent and guardian meeting as spaces are limited. Please click here to learn more.

Red Cross Stay Safe! and Babysitting Training Programs for DCDSB Students

This spring, Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre is pleased to offer two valuable Canadian Red Cross youth safety programs designed to build confidence, responsibility, and essential life skills for children and youth.

Whether your child is learning how to stay safe when home alone or preparing to become a responsible babysitter, these programs provide practical, age appropriate training that supports independence and well being. Please click here to learn more and register.

Register for the CABS Multi-Sports Camp!

Looking for a fun, structured, and free summer opportunity for your child? DCDSB's Coach/Advocates for Black Students (CABS), together with DCDSB Continuing Education, present the Multi-Sport Camp where students will experience a fun, hands-on camp with a focus on strengthening literacy and numeracy skills. The DCDSB Multi‑Sports Camp is a fantastic option for students entering or completing Grades 6 to 8, offering an active way to build skills, confidence, and friendships while staying engaged during the summer months. Please click here to learn more and register.

Upcoming Events

Get Ready for School Program for Pre-Kindergarten Children

A free, play‑based Get Ready for School program will be offered in July for children born in 2022. This program is run in collaboration with Durham Catholic District School Board and Durham Community Health Centre.

The program supports school readiness through activities that promote social‑emotional development, speech and language growth, cognitive skills, and fine and gross motor development. One of the foundations of learning in Kindergarten is built on play-based and inquiry-based learning.

Families also have the opportunity to join an interactive online information session to learn more about the Get Ready for School Program and have your questions answered.

Priority is given to children who have not participated in a previous school readiness program.

The following sessions are available:

Session One: July 6-9, 2026, and July 13-16, 2026 OR
Session Two: July 20-23, 2026, and July 27-30, 2026

Program Days: Monday - Thursday
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Durham Community Health Centre, Oshawa South location (115 Grassmere Ave, Oshawa)

Spaces are limited. Families will be contacted to confirm placement. Please email kvarlow@durhamchc.ca to register for a session.

Looking Ahead

May is the Month of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Speech & Hearing Month.
May is also Asian and South Asian, Jewish, and Polish Heritage Month.

May 1 - National Principals' Day
May 4 - Catholic Education Week (May 4 - 8)
May 4 - Mental Health Week (May 4 - 8)
May 5 - National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (Red Dress Day)
May 5 - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
May 6 - Child and Youth Counsellor Appreciation Day
May 7 - Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
May 10 - Mother's Day
May 10 - National Family and Life Week (May 10 - 17)
May 11 - Policy Review Committee Meeting
May 17 - Solemnity of the Ascension of the Lord
May 17 - International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia
May 18 - Victoria Day
May 18 - Speech and Language Pathologist and Hearing Consultants Day
May 19 - Finance Committee Meeting
May 20 - Moose Hide Campaign Day
May 21 - Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Meeting
May 22 - Dress Loud of Speech and Hearing Awareness
May 24 - Solemnity of Pentecost
May 25 - Regular Board Meeting
May 25 - Africa Day
May 31 - National AccessAbility Week (May 31 - June 6)