Awards & Recognition

Congratulations to the following Durham Catholic District School Board employees who were recognized for their 25 years of service to Catholic Education.

• Paola Battista, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School
• Jennifer Brown, Academic Services
• Marisa Camazzola, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
• Mary Campisi, Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School
• David Chambers, Father Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School
• Leanne Collins, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Lois Dennie, All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• David Floyd, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Jennifer Gill, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Susan Gisana-Gay, St. Bridget Catholic School
• Aleitha Gormley, St. Paul Catholic School
• Jo-Anne Guindon, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
• Sean Hebert, CUPE Local 218
• Kathy Hurst, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Kimberley Leach, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Peter Maglioli, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School
• Martha McAvoy, St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School
• Tonia Osso, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School
• Kevin Polidano, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
• Mike Reid, St. Leo Catholic School
• Monique Rodney, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School
• Stephen Ryan, All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Alison Serrao, Academic Services
• Luciano Tersigni, Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School
• Aileen Vandorsser, St. John Bosco Catholic School
• Veronica Vulic, Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre
• Kara Worrall, St. John Paul II Catholic School

The board's Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre won the following 2021 Metroland Newspapers Readers' Choice Awards:
 

Learn more about DCDSB’s Adult and Continuing Education Centre and programs available. Our staff are committed to providing the best available education to  students and believe in Empowering you to Succeed!

In February 2022, the board's Communication Team receive a BRAVO Award of Excellence for the refresh of the Board and schools’ websites design from the Canadian Association of Communicators in Education (CACE).

This national awards program recognizes and honours the exemplary work in all aspects of school public relations, communications, marketing and engagement. Congratulations to Amanda Roffey, Faeron Pileggi, Emily McCall, Ronald Rodriguez and Nicole Burry for this national recognition.

Congratulations to students and staff from St. Joseph Catholic School and All Saints Catholic Secondary School for their outstanding achievements in the 2021 CBC Music Class Challenge.

Mr. Steven Parker's class at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa won first prize in the Elementary Vocal (Grades 4-6) category for their rendition of "Wonder" by Shawn Mendes. As part of their prize the school received $3,000 in new musical instruments and a plaque.

"We had 18 students participate in creating our submission. The band rehearsed separately from singers in order to follow COVID-19 guidelines. Each of the five singers were recorded individually to also follow the COVID guidelines. We had lots of fun thinking of new video ideas such as using a leaf blower to film some of the slow-motion clips. Our students worked so hard, and I'm so very proud of all their efforts," said Mr. Steven Parker.

Mr. Michael Paglia led the Popular Music Ensemble at All Saints Catholic Secondary School who won second prize in the Secondary Vocal (Grades 11-12 category) for their performance of "Knocking at the Door" by Arkells. As part of this prize the school received a plaque from CBC Music.

"Our students and staff have shown an incredible commitment to the Arts. Student agency is an integral part of the creative process, and the ingenuity shown during these performances showcases our students' God-given talents," said Tracy Barill, Director of Education at the Durham Catholic District School Board.

On Friday, May 6, 2022, the Durham Catholic District School Board recognized seven graduates at the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation virtual gala. A graduate from each Durham Catholic secondary school received the Distinguished Catholic Alumni Award. 

“Our Distinguished Catholic Alumni recipients are exemplary role models of the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Each has a story of inspiration that our current students can look up to; and a source of inspiration,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “This speaks volumes to the value of Catholic education in Durham Region and Ontario.” 

Congratulations to the 2022 Durham Catholic Distinguished Alumni Award recipients: 

• Andrea Brazil, Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School
• Madelyn Chung, All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Sam Demma, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School
• Aubrey Noronha, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Stephanie Paglia, Father Leo. J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
• Dayne St. Clair, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Dr. Rebecca Wray, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School

Visit dcdsb.ca to learn more about the award recipients and to read their bios.

The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) recognized Secondary Principal, Suzanne Laforet, as the recipient of the 2022 Distinguished Catholic Leader Award. The Board celebrated the Distinguished Leader Award following a System-Wide Mass on Monday, May 2, 2022, which also recognizes Durham Catholic Distinguished Educators from each school and department across the region.

“Ms. Laforet’s leadership and passion for helping our most vulnerable students succeed and find their path is an inspiration to staff and has made a significant impact on Catholic education in Durham Region,” said Tracy Barill, Director of Education. “It is a tremendous honour to be recognized by your colleagues and peers in the Durham Catholic Principals’ and Vice-Principals’ Association.”

Ms. Laforet has been a valued Catholic educator and leader with the Durham Catholic District School Board for 30 years. Before beginning her journey as a school administrator, she taught at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School for 13 years and was Curriculum Chair of Religion and Family Life for 11 of those years. Since 2005, she has been an administrator serving as Vice-Principal at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School, and Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School before assuming the role of Principal at the school in 2013. Ms. Laforet has also served as Principal at Father Donald A. MacLellan Secondary School and Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School where she has been since 2017.   

She served on a number of board-wide committees such as Safe Schools, Aspiring Leaders, Student Census and the Durham Catholic Children’s Foundation. Ms. Laforet is an executive for both the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) – Durham Secondary and Catholic Principals’ Council Ontario (CPCO) - Durham.

“Your dedication and commitment to Catholic education is reflected in the honour that you bring to your role as a leader for students, educators and fellow principals. Congratulations on receiving this year’s Distinguished Catholic Leader Award,” said Morgan Ste. Marie, Chair of the Board.

“I am honoured to be recognized by my peers as the 2022 Distinguished Catholic Leader,” said Suzanne Laforet, Principal of Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School, in Oshawa. “I believe that God has a plan for all of us and once you find your path – it’s the most rewarding thing in the world.”

Ms. Laforet added, “Nothing makes me happier than running into former students and hearing how they are doing. If I have played a small part in the good things happening to former students, then I have done my job.”

Ms. Laforet thanked everyone who has been part of her journey. “I am proud to serve alongside remarkable Teachers, Educational Assistants, Administrative Assistants, Custodians, Chaplains, Administrators, ‘Sue Students’, their families, and my own family. Their faith, commitment and support has been what has kept me going. Education, in any role, is a true vocation, and it has been an honour to serve,” stated Ms. Laforet.

The 2022 Distinguished Catholic Educator Award recipients were:

• Jennifer Brown, Academic Services
• Josie O’Connor, All Saints Catholic Secondary School
• Andrea Ellsworth, Archbishop Anthony Meagher Catholic Continuing Education Centre
• Janelle Lynn Bellisle, Archbishop Denis O’Connor Catholic High School
• Nathalie Hodgson, Business Services
• Faeron Pileggi, Director’s Office 
• Amanda Cruz, Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School
• Luke Crescenzi, Facilities Services 
• Dileep Bhalla, Faith Formation 
• Krista Zupan, Fr. Donald MacLellan Catholic Secondary School
• Carla Wilson, Father Fenelon Catholic School
• Julie Cooper, Father Leo J. Austin Catholic Secondary School
• Cristina Byrom, Good Shepherd Catholic School 
• Deirdre Coplen, Holy Family Catholic School 
• Justin McGuire, Human Resource Services 
• Jason Fontaine, Information & Communications Technology 
• Stephanie McKenna, Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School 
• Harry Lack, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School 
• Melanie Hodkinson, Monsignor Philip Coffey Catholic School 
• Karen Costello, Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School
• Paula Polley, Sir Albert Love Catholic School
• Sujitha Rubanathan, St. Andre Bessette Catholic School 
• Jessica Ambra, St. Anne Catholic School 
• Jennifer Principe, St. Bernadette Catholic School 
• Alexandra Stewart, St. Bernard Catholic School 
• Patricia Piraino, St. Bridget Catholic School 
• Laura Ramsay (Taglioni), St. Catherine of Siena Catholic School 
• Lisa Pelosi, St. Christopher Catholic School 
• Nancy Busetti, St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic School 
• Lauren Patrick, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School 
• Kathryn Cullen, St. Hedwig Catholic School 
• Sandra Drake, St. Isaac Jogues Catholic School 
• Paul Longo, St. James Catholic School 
• Marika Dos Santos, St. John Bosco Catholic School 
• Shelly Roach, St. John Paul II Catholic School 
• Debbie O'Hare, St. John the Evangelist Catholic School 
• Randy Palaro, St. John XXIII Catholic School 
• Cathy Tynan, St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) 
• Jackie Loewen, St. Joseph Catholic School (Uxbridge) 
• Karen Verwey, St. Josephine Bakhita Catholic School 
• Philip Orillanes, St. Jude Catholic School 
• Linda Reed, St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School 
• Diana Winters, St. Leo Catholic School
• Peter Maglioli, St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic School 
• Melissa Bentley, St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School 
• Catherine Campbell, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School 
• Donna Reynolds-McMullen, St. Mary Catholic Secondary School 
• Julie Scott, St. Matthew the Evangelist Catholic School
• Bill Myers, St. Monica Catholic School 
• Rosa Kay, St. Patrick Catholic School 
• Shelley Pacheco, St. Paul Catholic School 
• Sara Doll, St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic School 
• April Grenke, St. Theresa Catholic School 
• Shannon Min, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School 
• Maria Coulas, St. Wilfrid Catholic School 
• Helen Killoran, Student Services 

In 2022, the law students at All Saints Catholic Secondary School that took home the Ontario Justice Education Network's (OJEN) Kelly Cup! 

Three Durham school boards participated in mock trials in this inter-school event. Legal professionals adjudicated students on their litigation and presentation skills. 

The following Durham Catholic secondary schools participated in this unique opportunity: Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, Notre Dame and All Saints Catholic Secondary Schools. 

All Saints students were excited to defeat local Whitby school Henry St. High School in the final. 

A special shout to educators Mr. Malkin and Ms. Quinn for preparing students for this unique competition. All Saints students are pictured receiving the Kelly Cup with Justice Devlin at the Oshawa Courthouse. Students on the winning team include: 

• Noah B.
• Isabella B.
• Jane Claire B.
• Victoria C.
• Aidan D.
• Marian F.
• Drew M.
• Nathan A. 

Nathan was singled out as one of the best advocates from all the students that participated. 

If more of our DCDSB Secondary schools want to know more about this OJEN organized event go to: https://ojen.ca/en/oocmt/central-ontario-greater-toronto-golden-horseshoe/durham-region-kelly-cup

The elementary school winner of the 2021-2022 Rev. John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home Communications was: 

• Father Fénelon Catholic School

The secondary school winner of the 2021-2022 Rev. John Markle Award for Outstanding School to Home Communications was: 

• All Saints Catholic Secondary School

Congratulations to St. Mary Catholic Secondary School for being named the top ShareLife Fundraising School for the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) in 2022. St. Mary Catholic Secondary School raised $9,500 for ShareLife.

Many thanks to the St. Mary Catholic Secondary School community for your exceptional commitment to “living the Gospel.”

The total amount raised by all DCDSB schools in 2022 was $55,444.52. Your dedication to give to those in needs is inspiring!

On May 16, 2022, his Worship, Mayor Mitchell and members of Council for the Town of Whitby recognized All Saints Catholic Secondary School for their Terry Fox fundraising achievement. All Saints raised over $56,000 for the Terry Fox Foundation in 2021 and was the top fundraising secondary school in Ontario. 

Principal Chris Cuddy together with All Saints staff and students members of the school's Terry Fox fundraising team accepted the Town of Whitby award.

In 2021, All Saints Catholic Secondary School raised $56,769.25 for the Terry Fox Foundation; making it the top fundraising secondary school in Ontario. 

All Saints Catholic Secondary School has a long-standing school tradition of participating in the annual Terry Fox School Run. Inspired by the courage and selflessness of Terry Fox, the entire school community comes together each year to raise funds for cancer research. The 2021-2022 school year marked the school’s 17th year of participation in the Terry Fox School Run. Over the past 17 years, All Saints Catholic Secondary School students, staff and families have raised over $450,000 in total to support cancer research in Canada through The Terry Fox Foundation.

All Saints Student Council and staff planned a number of activities for students to participate in as part of the fundraiser, which included:

• A Pep Rally
• Hair Donations
• Terry Fox Walk/Run
• A Dodgeball Tournament
• Food Trucks
• Carnival Games

“We are so appreciative of our school community, and especially to our dedicated staff, who volunteer their time and efforts to participate in this community-building event each year. The Terry Fox School Run is such a meaningful event as it is about community commitment, action, compassion, celebration and hope” said Mr. Chris Cuddy, Principal at All Saints Catholic Secondary School.

Each year brings the opportunity to inspire more students to get involved and to raise additional funds for cancer research with the hope that there will one day be a cure for cancer. In a year of uncertainty, carrying the torch became even more meaningful as it is an important school tradition in support of an incredible national hero’s legacy and the cause he inspires all Canadians to support. This year also brought an increased awareness that the pandemic would likely negatively impact money raised for cancer research which All Saints Catholic Secondary School saw as a call to action. The All Saints community is committed to embracing and living Terry Fox’s legacy every year. “Even if I don’t finish, we need others to continue. It’s got to keep going without me.” – Terry Fox

“We are very grateful for the tremendous fundraising effort from the school community at All Saints Catholic Secondary School,” says Michael Mazza, Executive Director of The Terry Fox Foundation. “We look forward to coming together and celebrating another successful year of fundraising for cancer research at this year’s Terry Fox School Run on September 23, 2022.”

Congratulations to all students, staff and families involved in this important fundraising event, and for raising funds for such an important cause.

The winner of the 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Elementary School was: 

Rohan M., from St. Mark the Evangelist.

Below: Trustee Oldman presents award to Rohan M., from St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic School.

The winner of the 2021-2022 Trustee Youth Award - Secondary School was: 

Renuka P., from Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School

His Worship, Mayor Carter presented Scott Grieve, Superintendent of Business, Finance and Facilities Services at the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) with the City of Oshawa’s Urban Design Award for
St. Anne Catholic School. The award acknowledges the significant contributions that architects, landscape architects, urban designers, planners, developers, builders, renovators and other individuals make to the appearance, livability and quality of life of the residents of Oshawa.

As one of the board's newest elementary schools, St. Anne Catholic School features a daycare, before and after school program, community hub and growing enrolment. The hub is home to an EarlyON Years Centre for non-school aged children and their parents, to help families reach developmental milestones. In January 2022, the Ministry of Education announced that the school received funding for an 8-classroom addition which is expected to open in September 2023 to accommodate an additional 184 student spaces in the rapidly expanding area of north Oshawa.

When St. Anne Catholic School was being designed, one of the architectural focuses for the school was to maximize the natural light. Light is a symbol that God is always with us – luminating the path ahead and students' academic journey.