DCDSB News - November 2026
Faith and Well-Being
The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is inviting students in Grades 3-8 to participate in our 2026 Digital Christmas Card Design Contest. This is an opportunity for students to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas through creativity, faith, and artistic expression.
Designs should celebrate the birth of Jesus and the hope and joy He brings. They may also show Christian values such as faith, love, peace, kindness, and care for our community.
The contest closes on November 20, 2026, and the winner will be announced in December 2026.
2026 OCSTA Short-Video Contest
The Ontario Catholic School Trustees' Association (OCSTA) is inviting students in Grades 4-12 to participate in the 2026 OCSTA Short Video Contest. This year the contest is centred on the 2026-2027 Catholic Education Theme, Catholic Education: Becoming Artisans of Peace. Students are invited to create a 2-minute video demonstrating how the scriptural quote defining this year’s theme is calling us to be active artisans of peace: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9).
Completed video submissions are to be uploaded to YouTube by November 26, 2026. Please click here for more information and contest guidelines.
Shining Our Light Throughout DCDSB
Across the Durham Catholic District School Board, schools are bringing this year’s spiritual theme, "Shining Our Light," to life through meaningful displays that inspire faith, kindness, and belonging. From prayer tables and faith-filled learning spaces to student-created artwork showcasing how they share the light of Christ, these displays serve as daily reminders that each of us is called to let our light shine in our schools, families, and communities.
Thank you to St. John Paul II Catholic School, St. Wilfrid Catholic School, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School, and St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School for sharing your displays.
DCPIC Commissioning Mass and Celebration
On Wednesday, October 28, the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) hosted its annual its annual Commissioning Mass to welcome new and returning Catholic School Council chairs, co-chairs and principals, as well as the committee's new parent representatives.
Following an inspiring Mass presided over by Father Jim Kelly, attendees heard greetings from Gerard Winn, Chief Executive Officer, and Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board, and listened to presentations about this year's Spiritual Theme, Shining Our Light, the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education (OAPCE), and the Parents Reaching Out Grant (PRO-Grant).
It was a great way to begin the year! The committee looks forward to working with Catholic School Councils to continue supporting DCDSB students and families.
Bullying Prevention and Intervention Week
From November 16-20, DCDSB recognizes Bullying Prevention and Intervention Week. Within DCDSB, we have been building awareness about bullying. Helping children understand the difference between bullying and peer conflict is important. If you feel that your child is experiencing bullying or harassment at school, it is important to be an advocate or support their self-advocacy by informing the school of concerns.
Bullying differs from conflict with peers. Managing peer conflict is an important part of building healthy relationships as well as part of a child’s social development. The resource Helping Your Child Build Positive Relationships and Manage Conflict provides information and tips to help your child manage peer-to-peer conflicts.
Advancing Human Rights & Equity
BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop
The Black Foundation of Community Networks (BFCN) is hosting a virtual BFCN Scholarship Application Workshop. This free workshop will be held on Wednesday, October 28, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The workshop is open to all Black students who are currently in Grades 8-12. This workshop is designed to guide Black students and their families on how to prepare, search, and apply for scholarships and bursaries. For more information and to register for the event visit: https://bit.ly/BFCNWorkshopOctober28
DCDSB Secondary Students Attend the 2nd Annual Student Human Rights Conference
On Thursday, October 15, the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) welcomed 115 secondary students to the Pope Francis Centre for the 2nd Annual Student Human Rights Conference with the theme, “Human Rights in Motion: From Awareness to Action”. In addition to learning that included human rights concepts of discrimination, protected Code grounds, protection from retaliation and allyship, students were invited to collaborate and share their thoughts on making DCDSB schools more inclusive and accepting spaces for all. Please click here to learn more.
Different Brains, Bright Futures: St. Wilfrid Celebrates Every Learner During Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
At St. Wilfrid Catholic School, students marked Learning Disabilities Awareness Month by creating a collaborative bulletin board titled "Different Brains, Bright Futures." Inspired by the scripture verse, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them” (1 Corinthians 12:4), the activity celebrated the unique strengths and learning styles of every student. Please click here to learn more.
Improve Student Learning
DCDSB 2026-2027 Student Achievement Plan
We are pleased to present the DCDSB's 2026-2027 Student Achievement Plan. Developed in accordance with the Better Schools and Student Outcomes Act, 2023, the Student Achievement Plan reflects the alignment of mandatory Ministry of Education priorities with the DCDSB's strategic priorities. The plan outlines the goals and key strategies that will guide our work throughout the school year.
We invite you to learn more about how the DCDSB will support faith and well-being, Indigenous Education, human rights and equity, and student learning in 2026-2027.
DCDSB 2025-2026 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 2025-2026 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. Please click here to read more.
Primary Students Use “Whisper Phones” During UFLI
Primary students are using “whisper phones” during their weekly UFLI reading practice to hear themselves as they read. This simple tool helps students focus on accuracy, phrasing, and expression while building confidence with newly learned phonics skills. Regular opportunities to read words and connected text aloud support the development of reading fluency, helping students become more automatic and successful readers.
EQAO Professional Learning Session for Grade 3 Educators
On Monday, October 5, more than 80 Grade 3 Durham Catholic District School Board educators gathered at the Pope Francis Centre for a day of professional learning focused on supporting student achievement and well-being. The session included learning and discussion around Universal Design for Learning (UDL), analysis of 2025-2026 EQAO results, evidence-based instructional practices, and resources to support literacy and mathematics learning in the classroom. Please click here to read more.
Grade 6 Students Work on Math Problem-Solving Skills
As part of an ongoing focus on improving student achievement in mathematics, Grade 6 teachers at St. Hedwig Catholic School have been working in partnership with the Numeracy Intervention Teacher to strengthen students' problem-solving skills. Informed by the Ministry of Education's High Impact Instructional Practices in Mathematics document, classroom instruction has been emphasizing perseverance, productive struggle, and the constructive role of mistakes in the learning process. The students pictured are collaborating to solve a mathematical problem, using a variety of strategies and engaging in meaningful mathematical conversations with their peers.
A Recipe for Success: DCDSB Students Explore Apprenticeship
On Tuesday, October 27, Grade 11 and 12 students attended the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) Cook Information Day at the Durham College Whitby campus.
Students had the opportunity to meet Durham College faculty, tour the Centre for Food’s culinary labs and facilities, and take part in hands-on kitchen activities. Throughout the day, students prepared salads and dressings, cooked pasta and sauces, assembled lunches, and learned more about the OYAP Cook application, placement, and apprenticeship process.
DCDSB Updates
2026-2030 Board of Trustees Elected for Durham Catholic District School Board
The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is pleased to share the results of the 2026 Municipal and School Board Elections, held on Monday, October 26, 2026. Based on the unofficial results reported by each municipality, the following individuals have been elected as Trustees of the Durham Catholic District School Board for the 2026-2030 term of office. Please click here to read more.
New DCDSB Pickering Catholic Elementary School to be Named St. Carlo Acutis Catholic School
We are pleased to share an exciting update regarding the new Catholic elementary school currently under construction at Hibiscus Drive and Burkholder Avenue in Pickering.
Following the community consultation and school naming process, we are honoured to announce that Frank Cardinal Leo, Metropolitan Archbishop of Toronto, has provided his blessing for the proposed name, and that the Ministry of Education has confirmed the new school will be named St. Carlo Acutis Catholic School. Please click here to read more.
Regional Arts & Media Program Registration Deadline
Students and families are reminded that applications to the Regional Arts & Media Program close on Thursday, November 26, 2026. Current Grade 6 and Grade 8 students are invited to apply now!
French Immersion Registration is Open November 20!
Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion opens on Friday, November 20, 2026. All interested Year 2 Kindergarten/Senior Kindergarten students are invited to register for Grade 1 French Immersion in the 2027-2028 school year.
Families are invited to a virtual French Immersion Information Night on Thursday, November 19 from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Read the flyer to learn more.
Registration for Grade 1 French Immersion will be open from November 20, 2026 - January 15, 2027.
Click here to learn more about the DCDSB French Immersion program.
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) - Durham
SWIS is a program for newcomer families that is available in all elementary and secondary schools in Durham. It connects newcomer families to services and resources within the school and community. Some services include group information sessions about schools in Canada, orientations with school staff, assessing needs of new students, and newcomer orientation weeks and welcome programs.
Please contact the SWIS Durham Office at 905-686-2661 ext. 122 or visit www.cdcd.org to learn more.
DCDSB Guide to Emergency Preparedness
The Durham Catholic District School Board is committed to working with its community partners to provide a safe response to emergency situations whether they occur at the local school or board level or in the community at large. Please click here to access the quick guide to an emergency preparedness response plan.
Online safety advisory from Durham Regional Police Service
The Durham Regional Police Service has shared a message and information regarding online safety and keeping youth safe, especially youth aged 8 to 17 that use popular online platforms, including Discord, Telegram, Snapchat, Roblox, Minecraft, Twitch, and Steam. Please click here to learn more.
Ontario Health: Find a Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
Ontario’s Health Care Connect finds you a family doctor, nurse practitioner or primary care team that is accepting new patients in your community.
Celebrating Excellence
DECA Super 60 Championship Marks the Finale of the DCDSB Cross Country Season
On Thursday, October 8, more than 700 student athletes from across the Durham Catholic District School Board took to the trails for the DECA Super 60 Cross Country Championship Meet!
As the culminating event of the 2026 Cross Country season, the championship brought together the top runners in Grades 3-8 who earned their spot by placing in the top 15 at one of four Regional Meets. Congratulations to all of the athletes who participated and to this year's champions for their incredible performances. Thank you to the coaches, convenors, staff, and volunteers whose dedication and support helped make this memorable day possible.
Good Shepherd Catholic School Hosts Annual Thanksgiving Lunch
On October 7, the Catholic School Council at Good Shepherd Catholic School welcomed students, staff, families, parish and community partners to its annual Thanksgiving Lunch, a beloved tradition that has brought the school community together for more than 25 years. Please click here to read more.
Honouring Trustee Jim McCafferty’s Legacy of Service
During a Thanksgiving Mass at St. Mary Catholic Secondary School, the Durham Catholic District School Board was proud to recognize Trustee Jim McCafferty for his contributions to Catholic education and our community. Please click here to read more.
Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre Celebrates the 2025-2026 Graduating Class
Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre celebrated its 2025-2026 school year graduation on the afternoon of October 8, 2026. School staff, special guests, families, and friends gathered for a ceremony and reception to celebrate this important milestone with the graduates. Please click here to read more.
St. John Paul II Catholic School Creates a Welcoming Environment with the Silly Goose Club
St. John Paul II Catholic School has created a special initiative that encourages students to be themselves and help others, while also integrating literacy and inclusion.
The initiative started at the beginning of the school year when the school community recognized International Literacy Day. Every student received a special backpack keychain welcoming them as a member of the Silly Goose Club. The club encourages all members of our school community to try their best, help others, learn from mistakes, include everyone, keep trying, and have fun learning.
The message connected beautifully to the 2026-2027 spiritual theme, Shining Our Light, and the lessons geese teach us about teamwork, perseverance, leadership, and caring for one another. Many students enjoyed the read-aloud Silly Goose Goes Back to School by Lindsay Marcos, which sparked conversations about friendship, confidence, and belonging. Please click here to read more.
Upcoming Events
Positive Parenting - Parent and Guardian Engagement Session
Families are invited to attend a virtual parent and guardian engagement session on Wednesday, November 18 hosted by DCDSB and Durham Community Health Centre. Families will learn about the principles of positive parenting and discover strategies and tools to help support their child's growth and development in a positive and nurturing environment.
Participants will also have an opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussion following the presentation.
Please choose one session to attend:
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
To register for one of the above sessions, please email childcare@dcdsb.ca or kvarlow@durhamchc.ca. Registration will remain open until November 17, 2026. A virtual meeting link will be provided upon registration.
Looking Ahead
November is Albanian and Hindu Heritage Month.
- November 7 - International Inuit Day
- November 8 - National Indigenous Veterans Day
- November 8 - Diwali
- November 8-14 - Rock Your Mocs Week
- November 9 - Elementary Progress Reports Sent Home
- November 11 - Remembrance Day
- November 12 - Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
- November 13 - Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day
- November 13 - Secondary Midterm Reports Sent Home
- November 16 - Louis Riel Day
- November 16 - Inaugural Board Meeting
- November 16-20 - Bullying Prevention and Intervention Week
- November 19 - Grade 1 French Immersion Information Night
- November 19 - Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Meeting
- November 20 - Grade 1 French Immersion Registration Opens
- November 20 - Transgender Day of Remembrance
- November 21 - Holodomor Memorial Day
- November 22 - Solemnity of Christ the King
- November 23 - Audit Committee Meeting
- November 25 - Educational Assistant Appreciation Day
- November 29 - First Sunday of Advent
- November 30 - Policy Review Committee Meeting