DCDSB News: October 2026
Faith and Well-Being
St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School Shines Brightly in 2026-2027
As the Durham Catholic District School Board embarks on the 2026-2027 school year, our new spiritual theme, "Shining Our Light," is already inspiring students to reflect on how they can reflect Christ's light with others through their words, actions, and relationships.
The school year began brightly at St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School where students in Ms. Moreau's Grade 2 class enthusiastically explored the theme through a Spiritual Theme lesson. The students enjoyed a read-aloud of This Little Light of Mine that encouraged them to think about the gifts God has given each of them, followed by a joyful movement and music session featuring the song of the same title. To extend their learning, students decorated lightbulb templates and shared reflections about how shining their light helps build community, is expressed through acts of kindness and service, and ultimately comes from Christ. Their thoughtful responses and joyful participation were a wonderful reminder that even the smallest acts of faith, hope, and love can help illuminate the world around us.
Called to Shine
DCDSB community members are invited to nominate a student or employee for Called to Shine, a faith-centred recognition program designed to celebrate students and staff who embody the 2026–2027 spiritual theme Shining Our Light.
This recognition program will highlight members of our Catholic learning community who make Christ’s presence visible through acts of compassion, integrity, service, and hope within our schools.
The selected recipients will be recognized at the monthly Board Meeting for a special award presentation, and will also be featured in the DCDSB News, board/school websites, and DCDSB social media.
Friars Student Writing Contest 2027
The Annual Friars Student Writing Contest is available to secondary students as part of the celebration of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity that is observed globally from January 18 to 25. This year's theme is taken from Luke 12:22-34. Jesus is the Good Shepherd who cares for each of us. What worries or concerns would you like to trust to his loving care? Who has shown you this kind of care, and how can you share it with others in your community? Write a prayer thanking God for blessings received and expressing hope for the future.
Interested students are encouraged to review the resource booklet and are welcome to submit their essays by Monday, January 11, 2027 by 2:00 p.m.
World Mental Health Day
October 10 is recognized globally as World Mental Health Day. It highlights the importance of mental health and well-being for all. As a Catholic community, we are called to care for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit. There are many online mental health resources available to students, and we encourage families to explore them not only today, but throughout the year.
There are many accessible resources available. Families are invited to explore resources on the School Mental Health Ontario (SMHO) website for parent and guardian resources, as well as resources for students. Please learn more on the SMHO website.
DCDSB has also compiled mental health resources and supports on our website. Learn more at dcdsb.ca/MentalHealth.
Indigenous Education
Hearts Rooted in Truth and Reconciliation at Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School
Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by planting seed hearts in their Heart Garden. Each class presented its heart during an assembly, and members of the Eco Team planted the hearts together as an act of reciprocity with the Land.
The Heart Garden has been an ongoing project between Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School and the DCDSB Indigenous Education Team. Currently, the garden features a felt heart containing students’ positive memories from the school year, along with newly planted seed hearts that will bloom in the spring. The garden will continue to grow throughout the school year, with plans to install a sign and hold an official opening ceremony in June.
Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School Students Reflect on Truth and Reconciliation
On September 29, students at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School showcased their learning and reflections ahead of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by displaying Orange Shirt designs and written reflections in the school's main foyer.
Advancing Human Rights & Equity
Save the Date - DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards
Hosted by the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) and the Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee, families are invited to save the date for the DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards on Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Secondary School (3001 Country Lane, Whitby).
This celebration honours Grade 11 and 12 students who self-identify as Black and/or African descent, and have demonstrated leadership and/or commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. Please click here to learn more.
To attend the event, please complete this registration form.
Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee Chair (Interim) and Vice-Chair Nominations Now Open
The Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee is currently seeking to elect a Chair (interim) and Vice-Chair (substantive), which will take place at the committee meeting on October 29, 2026.
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.
DCDSB Updates
Help Shape DCDSB’s New Multi-Year Strategic Plan
The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is developing a new Multi-Year Strategic Plan to guide our priorities and direction for the years ahead. We invite you to help shape this work by sharing your feedback through our survey:
Complete the Multi-Year Strategic Plan Survey. The survey will remain open until Friday, October 16, 2026.
Input from students, families, staff, parishes, statutory and advisory committees, and community partners will help shape a shared vision for the future of Catholic education in Durham Region.
For more information about the Multi-Year Strategic Plan process, timelines, and engagement opportunities, visit: dcdsb.ca/StrategicPlanning.
Regional Arts and Media Program (AMP) Applications Are Open!
Applications for the Regional Arts and Media Program (AMP) are now open!
Current Grade 6 and Grade 8 students are invited to apply for a September 2027 start. No prior experience is necessary! Program areas include Dance, Instrumental Music, Media Arts (Grade 9 entry only), Performing Arts (Drama and Vocal Music), and Visual Arts.
Be sure to attend the AMP Information Night on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to learn more about AMP and tour the facilities.
Please visit amp.dcdsb.ca for more information and to submit your application. Please submit your application by November 26, 2026.
Ministry of Education - Child Visual Health
Regular eye exams are critical for monitoring a child’s eye development and health. Children grow and change quickly, so they require eye exams every year.
Optometry eye exams are free (every 12 months) for children and youth aged 0-19 with a valid Ontario Health card. The Ontario Association of Optometrists recommend children routinely visit an eye doctor as children do not always know when they are not seeing as well as they should be. Plan for routine visits at 6 months of age, 2-3 years of age, and annually after age 3.
To find an eye doctor, please check the College of Optometrists webpage or contact Health811. You do not need referral from a family doctor to see an eye doctor. Please check your local public health unit for additional information on vision screening services in your region.
Durham Regional Police Service - Project B.A.S.S.
During the Month of October 2026 members of the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS), in cooperation with the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC), will be conducting a roadway safety initiative, dubbed Project ‘B.A.S.S’ (Before & After School Safety), in the area of the 208 primary schools within Durham Regional Police boundaries. The initiative will focus on ensuring that children being driven to and from school are wearing proper seat belt assembly systems and/or utilizing appropriate child safety seats as mandated by the Government of Ontario and Ontario Highway Traffic Act Legislation. Please click here to read more.
For resources on car seat safety and child passenger safety, please see the resources from shared from DRPS below:
- Choosing a Child Car Seat: https://www.ontario.ca/page/choosing-child-car-seat
- Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC): https://www.cpsac.org/
Region of Durham E-bike and E-scooter Safety
E-scooters and e-bikes are a fun and sustainable way to get to school and explore your community and families are reminded to keep our community safe by respecting e-bike and e-scooter safety protocols. Please review the below:
- Provincial law requires that riders must be at least 16 years of age to use an e-scooter or e-bike.
- E-scooters are to be used in bike lanes and Regional roads with a speed limit of 60km/h or lower.
- E-bikes are to be used in bike lanes on Regional roads.
- On Regional roads without bike lanes, E-scooters and E-bikes are permitted to operate as close as practicable to the right-hand curb or edge of the roadway or within the paved shoulder.
For more information, please visit durham.ca/E-Mobility.
Improve Student Learning
Grades 1 & 2 Students Explore Math Through Hands-On Learning
Mr. Adam's Grade 1/2 class at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa had a great time exploring numbers through engaging, hands-on learning activities. Students reviewed different ways to represent numbers using dice and a variety of creative materials. These interactive experiences helped strengthen their number sense, problem-solving skills, and understanding of numerical concepts while learning through exploration, collaboration, and play.
St. Leo Catholic School Donates 900 lbs. of Food to Feed the Need Durham
On Tuesday, September 24, St. Leo Catholic School was joined by Feed the Need Durham and Purolator to celebrate the incredible success of their Tackle Hunger food drive during the 2025-2026 school year!
The St. Leo Student Ambassadors, along with students, staff, and the entire school community, were recognized for donating an outstanding 900 lbs. of food to Feed the Need Durham. Their teamwork, generosity, and commitment to helping others are shining examples of what it means to shine God's light within their own community.
St. Marguerite d’Youville Students Bring Pollinator Garden Project to Life
Students at St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School recently took part in the planting of a new pollinator garden, a collaborative environmental initiative made possible through the support of the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) and its community partners.
Led by CLOCA, the project transformed an outdoor space on school grounds into a vibrant pollinator habitat that will support local biodiversity while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. The garden's foundation was enhanced through community partnerships, including the delivery of compost and mulch and the involvement of students from Henry Street High School, who helped create colourful crochet squares to be installed on the school's bike racks.
SHSM Programs at DCDSB
A Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) is a Ministry of Education approved program that allows students to focus their learning on a sector specific skills, while meeting the requirements of the Ontario Secondary School Graduation Diploma (OSSD). The SHSM program provides students with career-related learning that helps students focus on an economic sector.
Angeline shares her experience at her cooperative education placement at Desjardin Insurance, which is required for her Business SHSM. Through her placement, Angeline gains real-world skills such as customer service, communication and collaboration. Watch Angeline's video to learn more.
Learn more about SHSM by visiting our website or speaking with your school Guidance Department.
Durham Catholic District School Board and Glen Hill Terrace Celebrate Launch of Living Classroom on Long-Term Care Community Engagement Day
The Durham Catholic District School Board, through the Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre, and Glen Hill Terrace, a Durham Christian Homes long-term care community, are proud to announce the launch of their Living Classroom.
The Living Classroom program provides adult learners with a unique opportunity to complete their Personal Support Worker (PSW) education within the long-term care community at Glen Hill Terrace. Students will gain practical experience in areas such as resident centred practice, dementia care, infection prevention and control, communication, mobility support, and palliative care. The program also provides direct mentorship from experienced long-term care professionals, strengthening students’ readiness for employment in long-term care and community health settings.
Upcoming Events
Parent Engagement Series: Supporting Toilet Learning
Families are invited to an informative discussion on toilet learning. Topics will include signs of readiness, tips for success, and activities to support your child throughout the toilet-learning journey. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.
Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Time: 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. OR 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Virtual (link will be provided upon registration)
To register, please email childcare@dcdsb.ca or kvarlow@durhamchc.ca and indicate your preferred session time.
Looking Ahead
October is the Month of the Rosary, Learning Disabilities Awareness Month, Women's History Month, and German, Islamic, Latin American and Hispanic Heritage Month.
- October 2 - Custodian and Facilities Services Appreciation Day
- October 4 - National Day of Action for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People (Sisters in Spirit Vigil)
- October 5 - World Teachers' Day
- October 6 - Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) Meeting
- October 8 - Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC) Meeting
- October 10 - World Mental Health Day
- October 11 - International Day of the Girl
- October 12 - Thanksgiving
- October 13 - Policy Review Committee Meeting
- October 14 - Clergy and Chaplain Appreciation Day
- October 18-24 - Local Government Week
- October 18-24 - Bus Safety Week
- October 19-25 - Waste Reduction Week
- October 21 - Childcare Worker and Designated Early Childhood Educator (DECE) Appreciation Day
- October 22 - Bus Driver Appreciation Day
- October 26 - Elementary and Secondary P.A. Day
- October 27 - Regular Board Meeting
- October 27 - Regional Arts and Media Program (AMP) Information Night
- October 30 - Dress Purple Day (Supporting Children, Youth and Families)
- October 31 - Halloween