Welcome to the 2026-2027 School Year
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year!
Whether your family is new to the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) or returning for another year, we are grateful to have you as part of our Catholic learning community.
As we begin a new year, we remain committed to supporting student achievement, well-being, faith development, and inclusive learning environments where every student can thrive. Together with our families, parishes, and communities, we continue to nurture the God-given gifts and potential of every learner.
We are excited to introduce this year’s spiritual theme, Shining our Light, which is inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others.” As members of the Catholic learning community, we are called to reflect the light of Christ in everything we do. Christ is the Light of the World, and through prayer, faith, service, learning, and community, His light shines through us.
In support of this theme, we are pleased to introduce Called to Shine, a faith-centered recognition program that celebrates students and staff who make Christ’s presence visible through acts of compassion, service, and hope within our school communities. Families can learn more and submit nominations through our website.
Strong partnerships between home, school, and parish are essential to student success. To stay connected throughout the year, we encourage families to:
- Create or update your Edsby account
- Download the SchoolMessenger app
- Follow DCDSB on Facebook and Instagram
- Visit Engage DCDSB to participate in consultations, provide feedback, and learn about initiatives in our school communities
There are many opportunities to be involved in your child's education, including participating in your school's Catholic School Council and the Durham Catholic Parent Involvement Committee (DCPIC). Families can also access helpful resources and answers to frequently asked questions at dcdsb.ca/FAQ.
Thank you for entrusting us with your children's learning, faith formation, and well-being. We look forward to welcoming students on Tuesday, September 8, for a year filled with growth, discovery, and opportunities to shine the light of Christ in our schools and communities.
Yours in the light of Christ,
Gerard Winn
Chief Executive Officer/Chief Education Officer
Durham Catholic District School Board