DCDSB News: September 2021

Posted On Friday September 17, 2021

DCDSB News: September 2021 
A monthly newsletter to keep parents and guardians informed of DCDSB news, events, and highlights.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30, 2021 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Staff and students are invited to wear an orange-coloured shirt or clothing to show your solidarity with survivors and non-survivors of residential schools. 

This year the Government of Canada passed legislation recognizing September 30 as a federal statutory holiday to commemorate the tragic effect of residential schools in Canada and the continuing impact on Indigenous communities. This day seeks to ensure that the  devastating history and ongoing legacy of residential schools is never forgotten.  

This day of recognition provides an opportunity for Indigenous people, local governments, schools, and communities to come together in the spirit of reconciliation and hope for generations of children to come. Phyllis Webstad, a Stswecem’c Xgat’tem Shuswap First Nation woman established Orange Shirt Day in 2013 to build awareness of the residential school system. Phyllis's new orange shirt was taken from her on her first day of residential school in 1973. For additional information, visit https://www.orangeshirtday.org/.

DCDSB will be sharing details about the Tulips for Truth initiative that students and families are invited to participate in on September 30 as a tribute to Indigenous peoples and a sign of our hope for a better future. Further details will be shared with families shortly.

Post-Secondary Education Virtual Information Sessions 
Grade 9-12 students and families are invited to learn more about:

  • Post-Secondary Programs
  • Application Processes

Q&A Sessions to follow with Student Recruitment Officers from  Ontario Institutions.

Ontario Colleges and Apprenticeships: October 6, 2021 from 6:30 –  8:30 p.m. Click here to access the Microsoft Teams event.

Ontario Universities: October 7, 2021 from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Click here to access the Microsoft Teams event.

For further information and to download the poster please visit our website.

Our Faith: Youth Ministries and Sacramental Preparation

Please note that we will continue to update these webpages with information as it becomes available. Families who have children attending the Durham Catholic Virtual Elementary School (DCVES) should contact the parish that is connected to the school that their child previously attended (i.e. prior to attending the DCVES).

School Mental Health Ontario
Mental health is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play. As a parent, guardian, caregiver or family member, you have a particularly special role in supporting child and youth mental health.

Naturally, this begins with supporting your own child(ren) and young family members, to help them to grow into mentally healthy and resilient adults. Understanding the sorts of skills that help to support good mental health in an ongoing way, and how best to reinforce these skills as part of regular family life, can also help to start and keep young people on a good path.

School Mental Health Ontario offers information and ideas to help you to build and nurture your child’s mental health while your child is attending elementary or secondary school. To learn more, and to access additional resources, please visit the School Mental Health Ontario website.

Student Spotlight
Welcome to Student Spotlight, an opportunity to meet and learn about our DCDSB students and how they are promoting Excellence, Equity and Engagement.

This month, we are pleased to introduce Emma Fischer and Dimiana Saaed from All Saints Catholic Secondary School, whose winning design submissions were combined for this year's Community of Faith poster.

Click here to view a video of Emma and Dimiana discussing their poster design.

Upcoming Events
Important dates and upcoming events in September 2021 are listed below:

Please visit our calendar for more important dates and upcoming events.