Maxwell Heights Secondary School

DENSA Hosts an Engaging Community Night

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 19:30:00 GMT

To wrap up the month of November, in a dazzling celebration of culture, tradition, and community, the Durham Educators' Network for South Asians (DENSA) hosted an inspiring event during Hindu Heritage Month. The evening, filled with colour, rhythm, and flavors, brought together students, educators, and community members to celebrate the richness of South Asia and the Hindu heritage.

The event featured traditional dances performed by students of all age groups, showcasing the beauty and artistry of Hindu culture. Attendees were captivated by these dynamic performances, which highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Hindu traditions.

Interactive learning experiences offered guests the opportunity to explore various aspects of culture, including the ancient practice of Yoga. Participants engaged in hands-on activities and insightful discussions that deepened their understanding of their own identities.

Guests also enjoyed networking opportunities, connecting with students, educators, and community members in an atmosphere of celebration and inclusivity. Traditional cuisine, including flavourful samosas and aromatic chai tea, added to the warmth of the evening, inviting everyone to savor the tastes of South Asian culture.

“This event was a wonderful way to highlight the richness of our South Asian heritage and traditions while fostering meaningful connections across cultures,” said Krrisha Gnanachchandran, Co-Chair of DENSA. “It was heartening to see such a vibrant turnout, with so many coming together to celebrate the contributions and heritage of our community.”

DENSA’s event exemplified the spirit of creating a space for learning, appreciation, and unity among the South Asian culture and heritage.

For more information about DENSA and its initiatives, please contact densaddsb@gmail.com or visit https://densa.ca/.

About That Cut

Tue, 15 Oct 2019 13:30:00 GMT

Join us at G.L. Roberts CVI on November 4^th, where barbers will share, inspire, and Ignite Learning with students and members of the haircare industry. The event will include presentations and demonstrations from industry leaders.

This is a free event and seating is limited. Interested students, teachers, industry members, and school/community partners can sign up here: https://sites.google.com/ddsb.ca/aboutthatcut2019.

Showcase & Conference

Event: About That Cut

Date: November 4, 2019 (rescheduled from October 7, 2019)

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Location: G.L. Roberts CVI, 399 Chaleur Avenue, Oshawa, ON

Audience: DDSB students, industry members, Durham Hairstylist Academy and more.

Preferred
Media Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm

Arrangements can be made in advance or on-site for interviews and/or photo opportunities.

5 Questions with DDSB Staff Author Nikki Soliman

Thu, 05 May 2022 14:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is home to many diverse, skilled, talented, and creative staff across the District. This multi-part “5 Questions With…” series will highlight the success that DDSB staff have achieved in a variety of industries.

Nikki (Nicole) Soliman is the Vice Principal at Scott Central Public School in Sandford. In March of this year, Nikki published her first children’s book titled Bubbly Beth, about an Anishinaabe girl who loves all kinds of bubbles. After Beth gets trapped in a bubble, she floats away over her house, her school, the park, and the lake. Beth embarks on an exciting adventure, meeting new animal friends along the way, and learns about the importance of teamwork and friendship. A cross-curricular resource guide to support educators utilizing Bubbly Beth in their lesson plans is also in the works.

We spoke with Nikki about publishing her first children’s book, her creative process, and hopes for the future.

Q. What inspired your book Bubbly Beth?

Bubbly Beth came to me one night as I was trying to sleep. I kept tossing and turning and ideas kept coming. I tried to ignore them, but something told me to go and write them down. Finally, I got up and wrote them down in the hopes to get a couple hours of sleep. When my husband woke, I told him about the story, and he asked me to read it to him. He said he liked it and thought that I should publish it. I started looking into the publishing process and the rest is history.

I created the book with educators and children from 0-8 years old in mind, but Bubbly Beth can be enjoyed by anyone. It was difficult for me to find books that just happened to have characters who were Indigenous and did not have to do with being Indigenous or residential schools, pow wows, medicine wheels etc. I wanted Indigenous representation in books so that self-identified students can see themselves in the resources.

Q. What message do you hope audiences take with them after reading Bubbly Beth?

The main purpose of this book is to fill the void of books with Indigenous representation so that Indigenous and non-Indigenous students can see Indigenous people normalized in the resources. Bubbly Beth showcases some of the Ojibway language and supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) calls to action as it includes authentic voice, Indigenous resources, and perspectives in the curriculum. Bubbly Beth also supports character education and cultural values as it teaches about teamwork, kindness, and cooperation.

The accompanying cross-curricular resource guide that will be available soon supports educators in lesson planning around all aspects of the curriculum. After reading Bubbly Beth, I would like students to walk away with a little bit of the language, the cultural values around teamwork, kindness, cooperation and sharing, and a chance to see an Indigenous person having a fun adventure just being themselves.

Q. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors or illustrators who are considering publishing their work?

Do not be afraid to send your manuscripts to various publishing companies, learn the difference between traditional, hybrid, and self-publishing contracts, know your "why", and take a chance.

Q. What’s next for you in the world of storytelling?

I am waiting for my next books to be published. Ants in my Pants, Magnificent Magnetic Me (with accompanying teacher's guide), and Indig-Enough are currently in progress with GoodMinds.com. GoodMinds is a First Nations family-owned business that sells First Nations, Métis, and Inuit educational resources and products.

Q. Where can people go to learn more about you and your work?

To learn more about me and my book Bubbly Beth, you can visit lilbirdbooks.ca. My upcoming books are available for pre-order and can be found under the “Children's Books” tab or by typing my name into the search bar at GoodMinds.com.

Rescheduled Professional Activity Day in April 2024

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board announced today the rescheduling of an upcoming Professional Activity Day originally set for Friday, April 19. The new date for the PA Day is Monday, April 8.

This decision comes in light of a solar eclipse anticipated to occur around dismissal time on Monday, April 8. The rescheduling is a precautionary measure aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of students.

The rescheduled PA Day will continue to offer valuable opportunities for professional development for teachers and staff.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural communities of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships and the cities and towns of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. We employ over 10,000 teaching and educational services staff in 135 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres. DDSB has more than 79,000 regular day students and thousands more who take continuing education and adult credit courses.More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Thanksgiving - Oct. 13th - No School

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 13:45:00 GMT

10 Additional DDSB 3D Printers Provided to Help Frontline Healthcare Workers

Thu, 30 Apr 2020 14:15:00 GMT

UPDATE April 30, 2020: The DDSB has contributed another 10 3D printers to support this community effort and the valuable contributions being made by our frontline health care workers.

Originally Released: April 20, 2020

_____________

DDSB Provides 3D Printers to Help Frontline Healthcare Workers

DDSB teacher and Sinclair Secondary School alumnus are producing face shields for frontline healthcare workers

Supporting frontline healthcare workers and helping to keep our community safe during the COVID-19 pandemic is very important to the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and teacher Julia Matys. In addition to DDSB’s recent donation of over 158,000 pieces of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to Lakeridge Health, we recently joined forces with community organizations to create face shields for frontline healthcare workers in Durham Region.

“The DDSB is proud to help support Durham Region’s frontline workers as they selflessly and tirelessly make sacrifices to keep all of us safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chris Braney, Chair of the Durham District School Board. “We are all working together to support students and families and we are delighted that our contribution can make a positive impact and hopefully save lives.”

Matys is a Grade 5 teacher at Carruthers Creek Public School and she wanted to fulfil her civic responsibility to help during the pandemic. She heard about the face shield initiative and she decided to get involved. In doing so, she recruited her son Matthew, a Sinclair Secondary School alumnus who is currently an engineer at Ontario Power Generation, to help using his 3D printer.

She reached out to DDSB staff for support and is now using two 3D printers on loan from Sinclair Secondary School. The printers were dropped off last Thursday and now the pair are busy printing headbands for face shields and making a difference.

Community Printing Team

“Giving back to the community in which I have lived for 30 years makes me feel proud to call Whitby my home, my community and my family,” Matys says. “We are stronger together and helping each other during this global pandemic is a civic responsibility that I take seriously. There is no greater feeling than being able to use the knowledge and resources at our disposal to ultimately protect our frontline workers while saving lives of others.”

Kim Brookes and her partner John Vanderlinde started the project with two 3D printers, and on March 27^th they delivered six face shields to a hospital in Bowmanville. By the end of the first week, they had completed 150 face shields. With the help of community organizations and others such as the DDSB, the Durham Catholic District School Board, law firm Jane Conte & Associates, and the towns of Ajax and Whitby, to date they’ve delivered more than 1000 pieces to help protect frontline healthcare workers across the Durham Region.

“We have been working to fill a void. Our goal is to help our frontline healthcare to do their job to help us and they need PPE to do that,” Brookes says. “We will keep printing until they are supplied with the resources they need.”

DDSB Sporting Equipment and Structures are CLOSED

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 14:15:00 GMT

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all sporting equipment and structures, including playgrounds, outdoor tracks and basketball courts on DDSB property are CLOSED for use.

More info...

Life Beyond High School Event

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 19:15:00 GMT

Have you wondered about resources available for students with special education needs?

Let us assist in connecting you with programs, supports and services across the Durham Region.

Wednesday, November 5, 2025 • 6:00- 8:30 pm
Durham District School Board Education Centre 400 Taunton Rd. E. Whitby, ON
Meet and greet with community agencies such as Developmental Services Ontario, Ontario Disability Support Program, Canopy Support Services and more!

For more information, please contact:

Ashley Romano, ashley.romano@ddsb.ca, Braden Sherwood, braden.sherwood@ddsb.ca or Sade Gbalajobi, folashade.gbalajobi@ddsb.ca

PRESENTED BY:

Transition Coordinators, Superintendent & System Leads Inclusive Student Services

School Bus Cancellations: Thursday, February 23, 2023 - All Zones

Thu, 23 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in all zones, due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather.

Busses will not operate in Zone 1,2,3 or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon. All schools remain open.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Message to Families About Changes to School in January due to the Provincewide Shutdown

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 01:30:00 GMT

Message to Families About Changes to School in January due to the Provincewide Shutdown

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education announced the closure of in-person schools to students following the winter break in accordance with the Provincewide Shutdown to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

In-person elementary students will return to in-person learning on Monday, January 11, 2021. In-person secondary students will return to in-person learning on Monday, January 25, 2021.

All elementary and secondary students will be learning virtually during the period that in-person schools are closed. We recognize that this shutdown will have a detrimental impact on many families that we serve and our goal is to support children through what may be an unsettling time.

Please read the messages that have been sent to families on Monday, December 21, 2020:

Elementary Message to Families

Secondary Message to Families

Message to Durham Continuing Education Students

DASS Secures Tree Canada Grant

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 20:45:00 GMT

Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS) has taken a significant step toward enhancing its campus and honouring its commitment to environmental stewardship. The school recently applied for and was awarded a prestigious Greening Canada’s School Grounds grant from Tree Canada, a national non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of Canadians by planting and nurturing trees.

Being a central, urban, ecologically stressed site following several expansions and with significant natural tree loss over the past 75 years, this grant supports the restoration and revitalization of the school’s greenspace. The primary goal of the DASS Oshawa project was to involve students in the restoration of the above ground biomass on their campus using tree and shrub planting to strengthen students’ awareness, involvement, and technical skills. This has added to the enhancements already in progress by the school’s Grade 11 Green Industries class.

The initiative aligns with the Durham District School Board's (DDSB) land acknowledgement and commitment to Indigenous education. By prioritizing the revitalization, DASS is embracing a philosophy of "giving back to the land," which resonates deeply with Indigenous teachings and perspectives. This project not only beautifies the schoolgrounds but also fosters a sense of respect and responsibility toward nature, reflecting the values embedded in DDSB’s land acknowledgement.

Principal Kim Stuart expressed her enthusiasm about the grant: “We are thrilled to receive this support from Tree Canada. This grant allows us to make our schoolgrounds more sustainable and beautiful. It’s an opportunity not only for our students to learn new skills but also to gain understanding of the ‘why.’ It’s an opportunity for them to participate directly in the preparation, planting, maintenance, and monitoring of the new trees and shrubs while also fostering community pride, personal satisfaction, and tweaking future pathway interest in tree planting and ecological restoration pursuits.”

“It’s also an opportunity to engage our full community in reconciliation with the land as part of our school’s Indigenous education focus. We look forward to passing the caregiving of this revitalization to future DASS students as well as seeing our greenspace grow and flourish.”

On May 22, the DASS community eagerly awaited the transformation of their greenspace and was joined by a Tree Canada forestry specialist, a sponsoring team from Staples Canada, and Indigenous artist Patrick Hunter. Prior to planting, the entire school was welcomed to participate in a pathway and environmental stewardship conversation from this special guest panel. In total, Trees Canada will have supported the planting of approximately 20 hardwood trees and 20 large shrubs, all native to our area and supplied by Pineneedle Farms in Pontypool. With the new trees and shrubs planted, DASS aims to create an inviting and environmentally conscious atmosphere that will serve as a living classroom for lessons and provide access to private greenspace and student experiences in environmental stewardship through horticulture/arboreal activities.

This grant not only addresses the need for environmental restoration through tree replacement, but it also sets a precedent for future projects aimed at preserving and enhancing the natural beauty of schoolgrounds within the DDSB. With the support of Tree Canada’s Greening Canada’s School Ground grant, DASS's dedication to environmental responsibility and Indigenous education serves as an inspiring example for other schools in the District and beyond.

Maxwell Heights University/College Fair

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 13:30:00 GMT

Director's Update from the DDSB - September 2023

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:30:00 GMT

Dear Families,

Welcome to a brand-new school year! We hope this letter finds you well and that you had a relaxing and enjoyable summer filled with special moments and opportunities for reflection. As we kick off a new year, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our returning families and a heartfelt greeting to those who are joining the DDSB for the first time.

A new school year brings with it a sense of renewed energy and excitement. It is a time to set new goals, embrace fresh opportunities, and create wonderful memories together. We are eager to build upon the successes of the previous school year and continue our journey toward providing the best educational experience for all our students.

Watch our Welcome Back – Return to School Video

Our commitment to creating safe, equitable, inclusive, accessible, respectful, and welcoming learning and working environments remains steadfast. Upholding all aspects of the Ontario Human Rights Code and centring the student as part of decision-making is at the core of our mission. It is critical that we continue to foster a welcoming environment and we are dedicated to ensuring that everyone, whether a familiar face or a new arrival, feels supported and valued within our school community.

Throughout the year, we will continue to engage with our communities, providing opportunities for you to connect with the experiences happening in our classrooms. Our Parent Engagement Speaker Series and involvement through School Community Councils are important venues for families who wish to become more involved in our educational community.

We are also embarking on the creation of a new Multi-Year Strategic Plan and your input is helping us identify priorities, shape our direction, and define our measures of success. Student achievement is a leading priority, and we will continue to focus on the development of skills in reading, writing, and mathematics – including with the creation of a dedicated math lead for the DDSB who will be responsible for curriculum implementation, training, and leading of Board-wide math initiatives to work toward improved math outcomes for students. We also encourage our students to grow, achieve, and create memorable moments through a focus on engagement and well-being.

As we embark on this new school year, there are many significant events ahead, including Terry Fox National School Run Day and Orange Shirt Day & National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, among others. These moments provide opportunities for reflection, learning, and coming together as a community.

We are thrilled to begin this new year. We believe in the potential of each student, and together, we will work toward their growth, success, and well-being – keeping them at the centre of all that we do. Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to a year filled with learning, laughter, and shared achievements.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Durham District School Board

DDSB Alumnus Reaches One Million Followers on TikTok

Thu, 21 Jan 2021 15:15:00 GMT

Lifelong friends inspire many around the world online and through artwork

Alumnus Jeff Mitsuo and current R.S. McLaughlin CVI Visual Arts Teacher, Jake Stevens, developed a friendship after Stevens became Mitsuo’s peer tutor when they attended Pickering High School. Mitsuo has cerebral palsy and graduated in 2008. Their friendship has flourished since then.

“I thought that once Jeff finished school, that that was the end of it and both would go their separate paths,” says Mitsuo’s mother Elaine. “Not so. Jake has continued to be a huge part of Jeff’s life.”

She said that Stevens made it a point to come visit her son even when he went away to university.

During the 2019-2020 school year, Stevens introduced artwork to Mitsuo, while he was also teaching adaptive art to his students. He discovered that artwork was helped to improve the fine motor skills of Mitsuo and students in his class.

“I figured it would be fun for him, but would also help me identify any accommodations I would need to make the lesson more successful,” Stevens said. “Jeff loved it. He was happy, expressing himself, and concentrating on one task for much longer than I had ever seen from him before.”

Social Media Stars

Mitsuo was really excelling and Stevens decided to record him. He posted the videos on TikTok and Instagram. Before they knew it, they were celebrating one million followers on TikTok. Their social media popularity has been amazing. So much so that they are now selling Mitsuo’s prints on Etsy around the world, in countries such as Canada, the United States, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain and Russia. R.S. McLaughlin CVI’s special needs students also volunteer to help to pack the prints to be shipped.

It’s important to the pair to give back to the community and they have donated a portion of the sales to Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy and the Ajax Legion in honor of veterans. They have setup the Jeff & Jake Bursary at Pickering High School for students in small class placements. Stevens says, “For the next ten years, a deserving graduating student from one of the small class placements will receive a $150 award for outstanding achievement. We can’t wait to attend the first ceremony.” California State University has also requested Mitsuo’s artwork to be put on display on campus.

He is an inspiration to so many which is shown through many of the encouraging comments on social media. “I was in awe and proud of what those two have accomplished. It was heartfelt that all those fans didn’t discriminate and supported them,” explains Mitsuo’s Mom. “Jeff has no idea how popular he is. I’m sure he would thank all his “fans” for their support and kind words.”

To check out Jeff Mitsuo doing his artwork online visit: @paintwithjeff on TikTok @paintwithjeff on Instagram or click here to order prints from Etsy.

Maxwell Heights Music Department presents!!!!

Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:15:00 GMT

DDSB Appoints Indigenous Trustee

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 21:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is pleased to announce the appointment of Trustee Jill Thompson as First Nations Representative to the Board of Trustees for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of the Board.

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 462/97 and Section 188 of the Education Act, Jill Thompson was put forward by the Council of Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation for appointment as First Nations Representative on the Board. The Board of Trustees passed a motion approving the appointment and Jill Thompson will be sworn in at the next Board meeting, taking place on Monday, March 20, 2023. Once sworn in, Ms. Thompson will have the same rights, roles and responsibilities as all other trustees.

This appointment aligns with DDSB’s commitment to upholding the principles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action and the Board’s responsibilities and commitments set out in its Indigenous Education Policy.

DDSB students, families, employees and community members who identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit will benefit from being able to see themselves represented on the Board of Trustees and will also benefit from having a Board member who understands their perspectives, lived experiences, strengths and needs and can bring that to the Board table.

The appointment of an Indigenous Trustee to the Board of Trustees will support the growth of a meaningful partnership between Treaty Partners and the DDSB and will foster respectful collaboration as highlighted in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, in order to address the legacy and ongoing effects of the past and make visible the possibilities of moving forward.

Quotes:

I look forward to working alongside trustees and hope that my appointment to the Board of Trustees will assist the DDSB in continuing to prioritize and uphold Indigenous Rights. I hope to strengthen the relationship and ongoing collaboration between Treaty Partners, First Nation, Métis and Inuit students, families and staff and the DDSB.

- Jill Thompson, Indigenous Trustee, DDSB Board of Trustees

Ms. Thompson’s appointment to the DDSB’s Board of Trustees is an important step towards ongoing reconciliation and to upholding the Board’s responsibilities and commitments set out in the Indigenous Education Policy. We look forward to learning from and working together with Trustee Thompson to meet the needs of all Indigenous students, families and staff in the DDSB community.

- Donna Edwards, Chair, DDSB Board of Trustees

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 10,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 76,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Move to a Regular Semester Schedule

Thu, 27 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We appreciate receiving community feedback on our message to you earlier this week announcing that we would be temporarily moving to a modified semester schedule. Considering the feedback received and that many staff, students and families are concerned with two transition periods, we have decided that we will be moving to a regular semester schedule for the start of Semester 2 on Thursday, February 3.

We had previously notified families last August and again in December of our intention to move to a semester schedule when it was possible to do so. The Chief Medical Officer of Health has authorized this shift in the learning day and many boards across Ontario are now adopting a semester schedule. We had thought that many would appreciate a transition period to the semester system, but understand based on the feedback received, it is not ideal.

We recognize that this shift may be challenging for some, but we believe there are significant benefits of moving to a semester schedule. The quadmester schedule was put in place as a temporary solution, and while it was the best solution at the time, we now have the opportunity to increase the time that students learn directly from their classroom teacher while also increasing the time for students to consolidate key learning over a five-month period. We are also continuing to maintain final marks based upon 100% term work and students will not be writing exams or final summative assessment tasks.

Secondary schools will be sharing timetables with students prior to the start of Semester 2 and the school day will continue to be from 10am to 4pm.

Thank you once again for the feedback received. We recognize that changes at this time are stressful for many to accept and that with every change there will be those who would prefer another option. In making this adjustment, we are responding to the concerns of the modified semester and transitioning to a semester system which we believe will serve students well.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh

Director of Education

Shift from Quadmesters to Modified Semesters

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 21:30:00 GMT

Message to Secondary Families RE: Shift from Quadmesters to Modified Semesters

January 24, 2022

Subject: Moving to a Secondary Modified Semester Schedule

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Earlier this school year, the Ministry of Education announced that secondary schools can move back to a semester schedule (with students taking up to 4 courses a day for half the school year) from the current quadmester schedule (with students taking up to 2 courses a day for a quarter of the school year). While we are not able to transition to a full semestered approach yet, all in-person secondary schools will be moving to a modified semester schedule at the start of the second half of the school year on February 3. This shift is in response to the current COVID-19 situation. We will continue to monitor where things stand with the intention for a return to a traditional semester model in the spring.

What is a modified semester?

In a modified semester, students will take four courses for the entire semester until the end of the school year. However, instead of taking four courses in one day, students would take two courses per day (COURSE 1 in the morning, COURSE 2 in the afternoon) for one week and then in the following week, would take the other two courses (COURSE 3 in the morning, COURSE 4 in the afternoon), with the schedule repeating. A sample schedule has been included for your reference.

Why a modified semester approach?

We anticipate that the move back to a semestered schedule, even in a modified semester format, will have a positive impact on engagement for students. This also enables us to move to a full semestered schedule once the COVID-19 situation improves. Students will benefit from taking their courses over a full semester, which means greater opportunities to build relationships, collaborate with peers, understand the big concepts of the course, and provide them with their classroom teacher for all periods instead of utilizing an on-call teacher.

How long will we have a modified semester?

Right now, we are planning for a 5-week interim schedule, from February 3 to March 4, 2022. It is our intention to transition to a traditional semester schedule with four courses per day. We continue to monitor pandemic trends and consult with the Durham Region Health Department on the best approach to take.

What will start and end times be?

Bell times will remain the same for the 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. schedule as they are connected to student transportation.

Sample Schedule

You can also download a sample schedule at to view the next five weeks.

Assessment and Evaluation for Second Semester

As previously communicated, students will be evaluated solely on term work, not through final summatives and/or exams for the entire 2021-2022 school year to provide as much time as possible for in-class instruction.?Students will be given every opportunity to demonstrate their learning throughout the semester and improve upon their learning and demonstration of course expectations.

Health and Safety Measures

In consultation with the Durham Region Health Department, we will continue to ensure appropriate health and safety measures are in place. Masking, hand washing and other hygiene measures, air quality strategies, and physical distancing where possible will continue to be implemented. We ask that students who are eligible to receive their first, second, or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine consider doing so. Appointments are available at durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Schools will provide additional information to families regarding Semester 2 timetables within the coming days. We ask for your patience as your child’s school works through this process. We appreciate your understanding as we continue to respond to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. On behalf of the team at the DDSB, our sincere thanks for all that you have done to support your child’s success.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh

Director of Education

Durham District School Board

'The Daily Drip' Coffee Cart Comes to Clara Hughes PS

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 19:45:00 GMT

With the support of staff, students in the School Support Program (SSP) class at Clara Hughes Public School are learning a few new skills by owning and operating the school's first coffee cart.

Beginning November 5th, students will take the cart to each classroom before recess offering staff the opportunity to purchase an assortment of tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and baked goods.

The idea for the coffee cart, aptly named ‘The Daily Drip’, came from a fusion of ideas from School Support Program Teacher Osmyn Reid and Principal Clint Killeen.

“I’ve always had a fondness for visiting new coffee shops and Melly’s Workplace, Café and Marketplace is among my favourites. The second idea was from Ms. Reid’s experience at Bobby Orr PS when she taught in a Practical Learning Program class, where a similar program is run. Our desire with offering this program at Clara Hughes PS is to be able to create a meaningful, relevant, hands-on learning experience for our students,” says Principal Killeen.

As part of their preparation, the class took a trip to Melly’s Cafe in Whitby to get a behind-the-scenes look at running a café business. The staff at Melly’s Cafe warmly welcomed the class and took them through each step of their daily work routine including serving customers, making drinks, baking pastries, and operating the dishwasher and laundry machines.

Destiny, a Melly’s Café staff member, shared that it is important to raise the expectations of people with disabilities within the community. Douglas, another staff member adds, “We want young people to see we’re independent and working hard. We also want them to see the friendships we’ve made with people that have similar disabilities. These friendships last a lifetime.”

Sylis, a Grade 5 student at Clara Hughes PS, is eager to apply what he’s learned at Melly’s Café to The Daily Drip. “My favourite drink is the hot chocolate. I can’t wait to make that and sell it at school,” says Sylis. He also wishes he could replay the trip to Melly’s Cafe over and over again.

Ms. Reid and Principal Killeen say they hope that with the experience at Melly’s Cafe, students will take away a deeper understanding of work-life dynamics in real-world settings and that it provides inspiration for them as they consider future vocations for themselves.

Ms. Reid says, “As educators, we believe it’s essential for our students to see themselves represented in community spaces, and Melly’s Café provided that opportunity for our exceptional students. The visit to Melly's Café was intended to reinforce to our students that they belong and that they can contribute in many meaningful ways in their communities.”

The Daily Drip ties directly into the school’s SSP class learning objectives by teaching students' valuable life skills, from customer service to managing small business tasks.

Profit generated from the business venture will go towards an exciting end-of-year trip, to be determined.

Black Student Alliance Conference Empowers DDSB Students

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 14:45:00 GMT

The Black Student Alliance Conference, organized by the Durham District School Board (DDSB), was a resounding success, bringing together approximately 100 students and 21 staff members from DDSB secondary schools. The conference served as a platform to empower Black student leaders, providing them with the skills and knowledge to amplify their voices, visions, and agency within their local school communities.

Conference Objectives

The primary objective of the conference was to create an empowering space where Black student leaders could connect, collaborate, and grow. The key components of the conference included district-wide peer networking, school-related action planning, reflections on personal wellness, and accessing wellness supports through an identity-based lens.

Student Takeaways

During the event, students actively engaged in various activities and discussions, all designed to enhance their leadership skills and personal growth. Based on feedback, students expressed their appreciation for networking opportunities, highlighting their favourite moments, such as breakout room interactions and presentations of Black Student Associations (BSA) to different schools. The conference facilitated open and meaningful conversations, and students found inspiration in addressing barriers and solving problems faced by BSA groups. Additionally, students reported making new friends and gaining valuable insights on enhancing their own BSA.

Supporting the Vision

The Black Student Alliance Conference played a significant role in supporting the visions of the attending students. They found the conference instrumental in planning and organizing their BSA networks, challenging ideas, and expanding their thinking. The event inspired creative ways to raise awareness and increase involvement within their school communities. Attendees also expressed that the conference provided valuable ideas, inspired passion, and offered solutions to the challenges their BSAs face.

Guest Speakers and Discussions

The conference featured distinguished guest speakers, including Carole Sandy, M.Ed, M.Sc, RSW, who delivered the keynote address on "From Invisible to Visible - A mental health clinic for people of colour by therapists of colour." Breakout discussions, led by DDSB educators, facilitators, and graduation coaches covered topics such as "Boundaries and Balance", "Action and Impact: How to leverage BSA's effectively", and "Addressing Barriers and finding solutions around it." Furthermore, a community network hosted by Student Success allowed attendees to explore various pathways and connect with community organizations.

The DDSB Black Student Alliance Conference was an inspiring and enriching experience for all participants, fostering empowerment, growth, and community-building among Black student leaders.

Durham District School Board

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Update on Masks and Learning Preference for 2022-23

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 17:30:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Please find below some important updates. Some of these changes will have an impact on individuals and DDSB staff will be doing their best to support families as we all adjust.

On behalf of our school teams, we ask that everyone approach these changes from a place of kindness, respect and understanding as we follow the direction of the Chief Medical Officer of Health and the Durham Region Health Department.

We know that for many families, next week will be one of reconnecting and enjoying each other’s company in a more relaxed fashion. On behalf of the team at the DDSB, we wish you an enjoyable and safe week. We look forward to welcoming your children back on Monday, March 21.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

Masking in Schools

Further to Wednesday’s announcement on changes to province-wide public health and safety measures and yesterday’s Board of Trustees meeting, we are writing to confirm that as of March 21, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 will no longer be required to wear a mask while at school. The Durham Region Health Department has also indicated that they are following the provincial guidance released on Wednesday and are not recommending additional measures for schools or daycares at this time.

Although the masking requirement has been removed in schools, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health has indicated it is still encouraged to wear a mask in public settings. Schools will be a mask friendly environment and students, visitors, families, and staff are welcome to continue to wear masks while at school and/or on the bus. Yesterday, the DDSB Board of Trustees passed a motion to commit to continue providing three-ply masks for students who request them until the end of June 2022. We ask that everyone be kind, considerate and respectful to one another and the choices that individuals make on wearing a mask.

When students return to school after the March Break, we ask that families continue to complete the daily self-screening for accurate guidance on whether your child should attend school. If your child is sick, please ensure that they do not attend school. If your child has travelled internationally over the March Break, they are required under current federal travel requirements to wear a mask for 14 days after re-entry to Canada when in public places (including schools and child care), maintain a list of all close contacts and self-monitor for signs and symptoms of COVID-19.

If you have not yet been vaccinated, please consider doing so to help protect yourself and your family. You can find out more information on vaccination from the Durham Region Health Department.

Learning Preferences for 2022-2023

We are also sharing with you that starting from Friday, March 18 to Sunday, March 27, families will have the opportunity to select their learning preference (in-person or virtual learning) for the 2022-2023 school year on the parent portal. We will be sharing more information with families on this process after March Break but wanted to ensure that you have an opportunity to start thinking about what learning mode you would like your child to be in for next year.

Winter Break Reminders for In-Person Families

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 15:30:00 GMT

As mentioned previously, we are sharing instructions for the take-home rapid antigen screening kits as well as important information from Durham Region Health Department and the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC).

Take-Home Rapid Antigen Screening Kits

In an effort to promote a safer return to the classroom after the winter break, the Government of Ontario has provided the Durham District School Board with take-home rapid antigen test screening kits for every child attending school in-person, regardless of their vaccination status. Most DDSB schools are distributing these test kits for students to take home on Wednesday, December 15 and some may have distributed these kits already.

These take-home rapid antigen test screening kits are intended to be used by students over the holiday break prior to the return to school. Please read the instructions in this e-mail carefully.

Your child’s participation in this rapid antigen screening is voluntary. Students are not required to participate to return to school after the winter break.

While providing students with rapid antigen screening kits is an important tool for managing the spread of COVID-19, vaccination remains the most effective protection against the virus and its variants. Ensuring that children and youth are vaccinated will provide them with a strong level of protection and help to keep schools open and as safe as possible.

It also is important to remember that we all need to continue with key public health strategies that have been effective in keeping this pandemic under control, including staying home when sick, getting tested if you have symptoms, washing your hands frequently and wearing a face covering as required.

Please read the important information below and the attached instructions prior to using the rapid antigen screening kit.

When to Use the Rapid Antigen Screening Kit (distributed prior to the winter break):

For students who choose to use rapid antigen screening kits, it is recommended students conduct the rapid antigen tests every 3-4 days over the holiday break, on every Monday and Thursday beginning December 23, until all five tests have been used.
Rapid antigen screening kits are only to be used when a child is asymptomatic (i.e. does not have any symptoms of COVID-19 and has not had any exposure to a confirmed case of COVID-19).
Anyone with symptoms or who is identified as a close contact of a case should still get PCR testing.
Rapid antigen screening tests should not be used as a substitute for PCR tests for people with symptoms or for people who are close contacts of cases.

Using the Take-Home Rapid Antigen Screening Kit:

The BTNX Rapid Response™ can be performed using anterior nasal swabbing (per the package insert, as approved by Health Canada) or using deep nasal swabbing (as recommended by Public Health Ontario in this document, given higher sensitivity compared to anterior nasal swabbing). Both types of specimen collection can be performed using the NP swab provided with the kit.
Please follow the instructions provided with this letter.
Important note: Parents or guardians may choose to administer this screening on children who may need help (i.e., younger children).

What to do after your test:

You will know the outcome of the test within 15 minutes. If test results conducted so far are negative, your child may attend school as usual. Even if your child tests negative, they should continue to adhere to all relevant public health guidance, such as guidance on gathering, distancing, and masking.
A positive result on a rapid antigen screening test is considered a preliminary positive. A child that receives a positive result on a rapid antigen screening test should seek a confirmatory PCR test as soon as possible (ideally within 48 hours) at a local testing site or pharmacy that offers testing and isolate themselves until the result of that confirmatory PCR test is known.

DRHD COVID-19 Vaccine Information for Children Aged 5-11 and Parents/Guardians

The following information is being shared on behalf of the Durham Region Health Department:

The Durham Region Health Department hosted a virtual Town Hall on Thursday, December 2 for parents and guardians of children ages 5 - 11 to receive information about the pediatric COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine and have their questions answered. More than 500 participants heard from a panel of local medical and health care professionals. The recorded virtual Town Hall session is now available for those who were not able to attend.

Check out these videos for a tour of our children's clinic and to hear from four young Durham residents who are happy to have received their COVID-19 vaccine.

Walk through one of our children’s clinics with public health nurse Darshani
Colton shares why he is happy to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Hear how these three sisters feel about getting the COVID-19 vaccine

For additional information about the COVID-19 vaccine for children ages 5 – 11, visit our webpages:

COVID-19 vaccination for children 5-11
Community Clinics Calendar for Children ages 5-11
Walk-in vaccination opportunities are also available in Durham Region via the provincial GO-VAXX program

Municipal & School Board Election Voter Information

The following information is being shared on behalf of the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC):

The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) is responsible for collecting the information of residents in Ontario (name, date of birth, citizenship and school support) in order to create a preliminary list of electors for municipal and school board elections. Municipalities will use the preliminary list of electors to prepare their voters lists for the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections.

One of the ways MPAC collects this information is through voterlookup.ca. Here, Ontarians can add their name and the names of other members of their household to a secure database and confirm or update their information.

The upcoming year will be a busy one for Ontario voters, with the Ontario Provincial Election and Municipal and School Board Elections happening just a few months apart. Make sure you are on the list to vote in the 2022 Municipal and School Board Elections on October 24. Register and verify your information at voterlookup.ca.

We hope you have a safe and happy winter break and wish you all the best in 2022.

Durham District School Board

Honouring the Legacy of the Honourable Murray Sinclair

Mon, 04 Nov 2024 20:00:00 GMT

It is with profound sadness that we learned today of the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair, a visionary leader whose life’s work transformed the landscape of justice, healing, and reconciliation in Canada. As Chair of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Sinclair opened hearts and minds across the nation and beyond, helping us all to listen deeply to the stories of Indigenous Survivors and understand the courage and resistance inherent in their journey.

Senator Sinclair’s legacy is one of boundless courage, compassion, and dedication to truth. Through his wisdom and advocacy, he has inspired a renewed commitment to respect, understanding, and unity. His dedicated work has reminded us all of our collective responsibility to honour diversity, support inclusivity, and contribute to a brighter future for every student.

As we honour Senator Sinclair’s extensive contributions, let us also reflect on the meaningful ways we can continue his legacy in our schools. Together, may we carry forward his message of reconciliation with a renewed dedication to Indigenous Rights, Anti Colonialism, learning, and understanding in our educational community.

Please join us in remembering the Honourable Murray Sinclair’s profound contributions and in reflecting on how we can collaboratively continue his work for generations to come.

With respect,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

7 Top Tips to Help Families at Back-to-School Time

Tue, 27 Aug 2019 15:15:00 GMT

Returning to school can be an anxious time for some students as they get ready to meet new friends, get acquainted with a new teacher, new routines and possibly a new school. Here are some tips that can help ease the transition to a new school year.

Start preparing your kids for school at least a week before. For example, practice the route to school, and get them back into a school-time sleeping schedule.
Prepare a “Must Know” list for the school and teacher. The list will provide important information for the school staff, such as allergies, illnesses, physical limitations, or any necessary accommodations that might need to be made.
Watch for possible signs of stress, such as altered sleep, headaches and/or stomach pains, a lack of appetite (or eating more than usual), anxiety, or poor concentration – both before school starts and for several weeks after schools begins.
Don’t forget to ask your kids if they have any worries about the new school year, then follow up on their concerns, provide information, reassurance and problem-solving help, as needed.
Be careful not to overload your child with too many activities outside of school. Sometimes the best cure for stress is just to have some quiet time.
Monitor and manage your own stress level so that it does not create more anxiety for them and so they can pick up some good stress management techniques from you too!
Finally, be positive about school with your children and help them feel it’s a good experience.

Courtesy of the Psychology Foundation of Canada psychologyfoundation.org

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,600 teaching and educational services staff. With 132 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Supporting Student Well-Being with Guest Speaker Mike Shoreman

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to supporting student well-being and mental health at all levels of the organization and in individual classrooms.

To encourage students to explore various help strategies, the 5 W’s resource was developed by a working group of the 2021-2022 DDSB Student Senate, to reinforce the importance of student mental health and well-being.

The 5 W’s are:

WHAT is ‘help’ and what does finding help look like?
WHO can I reach out to for help?
WHERE can I go for help?
WHEN should I reach out for help or encourage someone else to?
WHY should I reach out for help in times of need?

Mike Shoreman visited Meadowcrest and Julie Payette Public School on September 8, 2022 to talk to students about overcoming obstacles placed in front of us, the importance of reaching out in times of need, and having access to resources to help those struggling with mental health navigate it in a safe space. Mike is an athlete, speaker, author, youth mental health advocate, and the first Canadian with disabilities to cross all five Great Lakes. His journey across the Great Lakes raised funds for children and youth in crisis and raised awareness about mental health and persons with disabilities.

Shoreman’s inspiration comes from overcoming his own challenges and adversity. Mike was diagnosed with Ramsey Hunt Syndrome in 2018, which is a neurological condition that affects the nervous system and causes a loss in mobility and speech. Shoreman explained his experience by saying, “I remember in my mental health journey, I felt very alone, and I think a lot of people do. I don't ever want kids to feel like how I felt.”

Shoreman has been inspiring students across the GTA, including the DDSB with his 'I AM a Leader' program. He spoke to many students on the ways they can overcome obstacles and challenges and become leaders. Through his inspirational talks he emphasizes the importance and value of teamwork, while highlighting mental health and disability inclusion, sharing words of wisdom, gained through his lived experiences and challenging students to advocate for themselves and their peers.

Mike shared with students of all ages at various schools across the Durham Region, “what keeps me motivated now is knowing that I did this [crossing all five Great Lakes] for the millions of Canadians who suffer from anxiety, stress, depression and worse. I did this for young Canadians to put mental health programs in schools in our community and across the country.”

Thank you to Michael Shoreman for sharing the importance of mental health with the students of DDSB.

Important Notice Regarding DDSB Playground Equipment

Thu, 26 Mar 2020 19:00:00 GMT

The safety and well-being of our students, staff and school communities is our top priority at the Durham District School Board (DDSB). This is more important than ever during these challenging and unprecedented times of school closures, self-isolation and physical distancing necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

At this time during the COVID-19 pandemic, we kindly request that members of the community please stay off playground equipment situated on DDSB schoolyards, as they are not routinely cleaned/sanitized. This is critical to help protect individuals, families, and community members and stop the spread of the virus.

Also, we would like to remind residents to please continue to utilize physical distancing of 2 metres if you come into contact with people outside of your household to limit the spread of COVID-19 and protect your fellow community members. Recent reports from the New England Journal of Medicine indicate that the virus can survive for up to three days on plastic and stainless-steel surfaces and four to five days on other materials.

We appreciate the cooperation of all residents as we all work together in these challenging times and look forward to a return to more regular routines once this pandemic is over.

2022 DELF Cancellation

Thu, 21 Apr 2022 20:00:00 GMT

Attn: Families of secondary students and all secondary students

Dear Parents/Guardians and Students,

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud of the range of French as a Second Language (FSL) programs that are offered to students. As we strive to recognize students’ accomplishments in FSL programs, the DDSB, in cooperation with the Ontario DELF Centre, previously offered on an annual basis the Diplôme d'études en langue française (DELF), an international accreditation from the government of France.

Although this accreditation can be completed by any person, at any time, it is promoted to students who are enrolled in at least one grade 12 French credit in Ontario. Over the past few years, DDSB has met some challenges with offering the DELF. In 2020, due to COVID-19 related school closures and again in 2021, due to COVID-19 complications, opportunities to complete the DELF were not available through many boards, including DDSB.

DDSB anticipated a return to the usual practice of offering the DELF to students in May of 2022, however due to a variety of ongoing challenges at this time, it is not possible for the DELF to proceed in DDSB schools. As we continue to be challenged by COVID-19 related staff shortages, the significant work of preparing to hire and train DELF examiners and correcteurs has been impacted and we are unable to successfully administer the highly regulated DELF examinations with the available staff. Many other boards are facing similar situations.

We know that this will come as disappointing news to all involved, particularly to the families and students who were expecting a return to the DELF in 2022 and who have already registered and started preparing. We understand how valued the DELF is to students and families and are offering an alternate option to achieve the DELF certification in 2022.

Any student who registered for the May 2022 DELF in DDSB will qualify to complete the exam at one of the locations overseen by the Alliance Française. The closest location to Durham Region is in North York. Students who complete the DELF at an Alliance Francaise location will be eligible for a reimbursement of 50% of the examination fees. Details about the reimbursement process will be shared as soon as it is confirmed, including financial assistance for those who may need it, but staff wanted to share this information with families today so that students can explore registration for the DELF externally without delay. To register for the DELF, families can visit the Alliance Francaise website for a schedule of available upcoming examination dates by location and section of the exam.

We understand how much work students and staff have undertaken in advance of completing the DELF and are pleased that students will have the opportunity to complete the DELF in 2022. Going forward each year, DDSB staff are exploring the possibility of offering the DELF on a twice a year basis in November and again in the spring, in order to manage the number of staff who will need to be hired and trained to support exam administration.

Sincerely,

Durham District School Board

SEAC Membership Update

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 17:45:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the addition of two new Advocate Members and a new Member at Large to the Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC).

The Black Parent Support Group and Durham Region Early Years Child Care Consortium have been welcomed to the membership of SEAC. Both organizations will start their role at the SEAC table beginning November 18, 2021.

The Black Parent Support Group was established in 2020 and supports Black caregivers of children and adults with a disability, while providing families with a safe place to network, build connections, problem-solve, share resources and to become less isolated.

The Durham Region Early Years Consortium brings together a group of early years and child services committed to the delivery of high-quality programs that provide consistency and continuity for children as they transition between community and school, core day and extended day programs. The Early Years consortium exists to promote the healthy development, security and safety for all children and families through neighbourhood collaboration and service integration.

The DDSB is also pleased to welcome new Member at Large Donna Edge-Bean. Donna is currently Director of the Access Centre for Success for Durham College working with students and faculty to provide full opportunities for academic success.

Both organizations and new Member at Large were approved at the DDSB November 15, 2021 Board Meeting as SEAC members advocating for the rights of students with special learning needs.

Background

Under Ontario's Education Act, every student is entitled to a program which meets their needs. In Durham, our Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) helps the Board protect the rights of students with special learning needs. SEAC provides information, advice and assistance to parents/guardians whose children may require additional support.

SEAC advises and makes recommendations to the Board concerning the establishment and development of special education programs and services.

Quote

“To support inclusive education, we are so pleased to welcome new members from the Black Parent Support Group - Jenny McLaughlin and Carrisa Foston-Lewis, a representative from the Early Years Consortium, and new member at Large Donna Edge-Bean. The new members will bring different and diverse voices to SEAC to provide input on special education programming and services to better serve all students with disabilities.” Eva Kyriakides, SEAC Chair and Donna Edwards, Trustee – Town of Ajax.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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It Takes a Village: Gerdau Whitby Champions Equity and Kindness at West Lynde Public School

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:30:00 GMT

At the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), we know that when our schools and communities work together, every student has a better chance to thrive. Gerdau Whitby recently demonstrated their generosity and support for West Lynde Public School in a meaningful and impactful way.

Gerdau Whitby generously provided a nutritious lunch for all students and staff at West Lynde Public School, demonstrating their ongoing support for the school community and their commitment to student well-being.

This incredible act of kindness did more than fill plates—it filled hearts. It brought joy, laughter, and a genuine sense of connection to the school community. For many students, it was a moment of celebration and inclusion. For staff, it was a meaningful reminder that they are part of a broader team— and a community that stands behind them.

“Our team was so moved by the gratitude we received from the students and staff,” shared Amy Blakeley, a representative from Gerdau Whitby. “There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing our efforts are helping young people feel seen, cared for, and supported. It’s a privilege to give back.”

Many members of the Gerdau team have personal ties to the school, making their support even more heartfelt. Whether volunteering their time or donating resources, they stepped up with one clear goal: to help ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to succeed.

In a time when schools face growing challenges, it’s moments like these that shine bright. They remind us that when we come together—businesses, educators, families—we can create the conditions for all students to learn, grow, and thrive.

To Gerdau Whitby—thank you. Your unwavering support, kindness, and community spirit mean the world. You’ve not only nourished our students—you’ve uplifted our entire school community.

Together, we’re building a future rooted in equity, opportunity, and compassion.

If you are interested in supporting our local school in our community or learning the impact you can make in the lives of local children and youth, please reach out to our team at ignite.foundation@ddsb.ca

About Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation is a charitable organization operating within the Durham District School Board. We exist to support students experiencing poverty, which can have a deep and lasting effect on a child’s physical, mental, emotional and academic development. We believe every student should have nutritious food at lunch and snacks, be dressed for the weather, and can find success in post-secondary education. More information can be found on the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation website www.IDLF.ca. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on LinkedIn @ignitedurhamlearningfoundation and Instagram @ignitedurhamlf. Charitable Registration #: 74018 7919 RR0001 Click here to support our work.

Secondary: Report Cards, Retrieval of Items & Summer Programs

Fri, 29 May 2020 21:30:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I am writing today to provide you with a few updates about report cards, the retrieval of student belongings from schools and summer programs being offered for secondary students. We hope that you will find these updates helpful as we enter the final month of the school year.

Report Cards

With the ongoing closure of schools, the way that we deliver report cards to students will be changing and we are currently looking into the feasibility of distributing report cards electronically to families. Once these plans are finalized, your school’s principal will be providing families with more information.

Retrieval of Student Belongings from Schools

You will also be receiving a message from your school’s principal early next week outlining the process for your child(ren) to retrieve personal belongings from school. The protocol that has been developed has been approved by the Durham Region Health Department and prioritizes the health and safety of students, parents/guardians and staff.

Summer Programing for Secondary Students

With the continued closure of schools due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the summer programming offered by Durham Continuing Education (DCE) will look a little bit different as we implement flexible student learning opportunities. In order to support students and mitigate the impacts of the school closure period, DCE has expanded the existing eLearning offerings for students in Grades 9 to 12 to include Credit Recovery and Gap Closing/Upgrading. Unfortunately, some of our other regular face-to-face programs have been cancelled this year to ensure the safety of students and our staff.

A brief summary of offerings is attached and includes the dates/times that registration will open. Please note that registration is now open today, Friday May 29, for Credit Recovery and Gap Closing/Upgrading summer programs. Please visit dce.ca to for more information about these programs and to register.

On behalf of everyone at the DDSB, we wish you a relaxing weekend ahead and hope that you are continuing to stay well. To stay up to date about activities across the DDSB, please visit our website at www.ddsb.ca.

With thanks,

Norah Marsh

Acting Director of Education

Durham District School Board

Christine Thatcher elected DDSB Board Chair for 2023-24

Tue, 21 Nov 2023 16:30:00 GMT

Following its annual Organizational Board Meeting, the Durham District School Board has announced that Whitby Trustee Christine Thatcher has been elected Chair of the Board for 2023-24.

Dedicated to student success and well-being, Thatcher was first elected in 2018 and is committed to public education. Thatcher was re-elected to a new four-year term in 2022.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Chair and build upon the successes of the Board,” Thatcher said in a statement. “My goal is to continue the outstanding work of the Board and the past Chair, focusing on student learning, equity, human rights, and well-being, while ensuring accountability, strong leadership, and responsiveness to the needs of our community. We are committed to delivering results that make a positive impact on the lives of our students and their families.”

Trustees were also selected to serve on various committees, including:

Deb Oldfield, elected from Oshawa as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Standing Committee
Tracy Brown, elected from Whitby as Vice Chair of the Committee of the Whole-Standing Committee
Carolyn Morton, elected from Brock/Scugog/Uxbridge as Chair of the Education Finance Committee
Emma Cunningham, elected from Pickering as Chair of the Governance and Policy Committee

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee Liaisons can be found on the DDSB’s website.

Solar Eclipse - April 8, 2024

Fri, 05 Apr 2024 19:00:00 GMT

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun, partially or completely blocking the sun’s rays. On the afternoon of April 8th, 2024, a total solar eclipse is set to occur spanning across Southern Ontario and into Newfoundland and Labrador. Durham Region will see a partial eclipse. The sky will become dark, as if it were dawn or dusk.

Although an eclipse is fascinating, it is important to understand the potential risks to eyesight if precautions are not taken. The Sun’s UV radiation can permanently damage your eyes. NEVER look directly into the Sun. Looking directly at the Sun, without appropriate protection, can lead to serious problems such as partial or complete loss of eyesight.

View the Timing of Eclipse for Durham Region: https://www.timeanddate.com/eclipse/solar/2024-april-8

Safety tips to help you enjoy watching an eclipse:

Children should be carefully supervised during an eclipse.
Watch via Online Livestream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MJY_ptQW1o
Use only approved solar eclipse glasses that meet International standard ISO 12312-2. Do NOT use them if they are scratched.
Sunglasses, no mater how dark, are NOT sufficient!
Use ONLY specially designed solar eclipse filters for cameras, binoculars and telescopes. It is unsafe without these filters.

OSSTF One-Day Strike Action

Wed, 04 Dec 2019 05:15:00 GMT

At this time there has been no agreement reached between the province and OSSTF (Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation). As a result, Durham District School Board (DDSB) secondary schools will be closed to students on Wednesday, December 4, 2019 due to a ONE DAY strike by OSSTF members.

Please note, this is a ONE DAY strike, and all DDSB secondary schools will re-open for a regular school day on Thursday, December 5, 2019. Also, DDSB elementary schools remain unaffected and will REMAIN OPEN.

This has been, and continues to be, an exceptional and rapidly changing situation, but student and staff safety is always our first priority. The decision to close schools has not been taken lightly, and has been made because we do not believe we can provide the necessary safe and secure learning environments for all students during a full withdrawal of services by OSSTF members.

We will continue to follow this situation closely and are committed to providing parents and guardians with accurate and timely information. The most recent information and updates will continue to be found on our website: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/labour-action-update.aspx or by following us on Twitter @DurhamDSB.

All decisions that we have undertaken have been made with child safety as our number one priority.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB .

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"30 Credits My Way" to Empower Student Pathways

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 20:00:00 GMT

Durham District School Board Launches “30 Credits My Way” to Empower Student Pathways

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is excited to introduce 30 Credits My Way, an innovative approach designed to put students and families in the driver’s seat of their high school journey. This initiative aims to empower students to navigate their educational pathways with confidence by offering flexible and personalized options to suit diverse learning styles and career aspirations.

“30 Credits My Way” embraces the idea that a high school education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. By taking control of their learning journey, students can customize their pathway, ensuring it aligns with their passions and future goals. From accelerating credit completion to creating adaptable timetables enabling students to shape their education in ways that work best for them.

Students and families can explore a variety of opportunities including:

Co-op Placements: Gain hands-on experience in the workplace.
Specialized Programs: Participate in initiatives like the Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP) and Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM).
International Language Programs: Broaden linguistic and cultural horizons.
Alternative Learning Formats: Choose from night school, summer school, and eLearning options.

Backward Design Approach

This approach incorporates a backward design framework, starting with identifying the student’s desired outcomes and working backward to determine the steps needed to achieve them. Students can strategically select courses and opportunities that directly support their aspirations.

With comprehensive Grade 9-12 courses and pathways available, DDSB is committed to supporting every student’s journey through secondary school and beyond. “30 Credits My Way” provides access to tools, guidance, and opportunities necessary for students to build a foundation for lifelong success.

Please visit “30 Credits My Way” for more information and how you can participate.

Kedron PS students design accessible solutions in 3D printing project

Wed, 15 May 2024 13:15:00 GMT

Grade 6 and 7 students at Kedron Public School participated in a three-week innovative project that had them plan, design, and print accessible solutions for people with disabilities.

Earlier this year, Inclusive Students Services and Innovative Education staff rolled out a new project for schools titled 3D Printing Project: Dream, Design, Deliver. The goal is to teach students to use 3D printing technology to design and produce practical accessibility solutions while providing valuable learning experiences.

Eager for a new and innovative use of the school’s 3D printer, Teacher Librarian Beth Birney and Grade 6 and 7 Teacher Rob Hercia became the first to run the project with their students.

Birney says they began the project with a lot of meaningful discussions about people with disabilities in their community. “One student shared that her uncle has Parkinson’s and we discussed how that may impact things like eating, carrying in groceries, or brushing your teeth.”

Students formed groups of two and started shaping their big ideas into practical accessible solutions. Using a web application called TinkerCAD, students created 3D designs of their ideas. Through trial and error, they printed their designs and often had to go back to the drawing board to re-design in TinkerCAD.

“Students enhanced their problem-solving skills and persevered by scaling down their big ideas to simplify their designs and print realistic prototypes. Some students found it was better to print parts separately and then assemble them after instead of printing a complex design all at once,” says Hercia.

Grade 6 students Sophia G. and Erina created a prototype for people with mobility limitations to support them brushing their teeth. The prototype features a ring to fit around a person’s wrist to support administering toothpaste to the brush. “We imagined the product would come in different shapes and sizes to be easier for travel,” says Erina. Sophia G. adds, “We wanted to help people feel empowered and not have to ask others for help.”

Grade 7 students Ava and Sophia B. wanted to help people who experience fine motor disabilities, so their prototype was designed to help open long handled doors. “We quickly realized this wouldn't solve the issue for everyone, so it got us thinking about all the potential barriers of our design such as round doorknobs and heavy doors,” explains Ava. Sophia B. adds, “At first it was difficult to come up with a plan without putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes. Being exposed to so many diverse stories during this project really put things in perspective and inspired us to think outside the box.”

Both Birney and Hercia agree the project was a huge success. “During this process, students experienced empathy, understanding, and purposeful thinking. It was more about the process than the final product,” says Birney.

Seneca Trail PS Honours Teachers Who Passed Away

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 14:45:00 GMT

To date, staff and students have raised over $2600 for Lakeridge Health’s Cancer Centre

In 2015, the Seneca Trail Public School community lost one of their beloved teachers, Lisa Ducharme, to brain cancer.

Since 2018, students and staff at the Oshawa school have honoured Ducharme by hosting ‘Ducharme Day,’ upon which they dress up in colourful scarves and donate $2 to Lakeridge Health’s Cancer Centre. The idea for Ducharme Day came from four students in Grade 6 at the time (Grade 8 now), who wanted to make a difference: Jenna, Madison, Hailey, and Madisen.

Cristina Cox, Principal of Seneca Trail PS, says that to date the school has raised over $2600 for the Cancer Centre.

Unfortunately, in 2019 the Seneca Trail PS community lost another teacher, Kim Clausen. Clausen also passed away from a form of cancer. This additional loss prompted the girls to make an even bigger difference.

Ducharme Day has been renamed ‘Clausen/Ducharme Day’ and for the past two years, along with the regular donation of $2, the girls hosted a bake sale for the entire school.

The annual fundraiser always takes place at the end of January, on a date chosen to be on or near Ducharme’s birthday.

“This year alone we raised $856,” enthuses Cox.

A Wake-Up Call

Last year, before Clausen had passed, Cox and the four girls were invited to experience a tour of the Lakeridge Health Cancer Centre in Oshawa. Cox says visiting the Cancer Centre took cancer from merely being an abstract concept and made it much more tangible and real to the students.

“A lot of people are affected by cancer. Whether they have a family member or friend with it, or they have it themselves,” explains Jenna, a Grade 8 student and one of the fundraising organizers.

“From our school, two teachers had been diagnosed with different types of cancer, and both passed away. This was sort of a wake-up call, telling us that we needed to act. Going to the hospital and learning about the machinery and equipment used to help these patients was a really good experience.”

Jenna adds, “Any contribution can help. As a school, we have raised money to contribute to better treatments. Cancer patients deserve the best possible care.”

Future Leaders

Cox notes that organizing and contributing to these fundraisers will show students the importance of being activists in the community, “They are our future leaders and we need to instill the belief that they can be change agents. If we raise them to be involved in their communities, then they become adults that believe they can make a difference.”

Echoes from the Past, Stories for the Future

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 15:30:00 GMT

R.S. McLaughlin CVI students speak with a Second World War Veteran and students across the globe with Zoom

The Echoes Project 2020 – 75 Years of Liberation is a global project aimed at connecting Durham District School Board (DDSB) youth to the past and present, and with other youth from Canada and the Netherlands.

Run by the organization Global Teenager Project, this history-based project connects schools in Canada with a ‘twin’ school in the Netherlands, and together they complete assignments that delve into the Second World War and the Liberation of the Netherlands using a communal Google Drive.

Anita Townsend, Canadian Coordinator for the Global Teenager Project, says the purpose of this project is to learn from the past and relate that knowledge to the issues of today, “We can honour those who served by remembering their lessons and using that to create a better world in the present and the future.”

From February to April, students will be interviewing local community members connected tothe Second World War, identifying and analyzing primary sources such as letters and photos, discussing what was learned from the war, and finally end by creating a piece of art or a poem to celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands.

Hearing Stories from the Past

A Grade 10 History class at R.S. McLaughlin CVI is participating in the project, and on March 6^th they were honoured to be joined by Second World War Veteran Don White for the Echoes Video Conference at the school in Oshawa.

White was there to answer student questions and share his experiences and insights with the group. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Dragoons, the regiment that liberated the Dutch people in Leeuwarden in 1945.

A handful of students in Toronto and Ottawa schools (who are also participating in the project), and the International Coordinator for the Global Teenager Project, Bob Hofman (who was in the Netherlands) were video conferenced in, using a communication technology called Zoom. R.S. McLaughlin CVI’s ‘twin’ school Calvijn Groene Hart in the Netherlands was not available for the video conference due to the time change.

As students from each school and Hofman asked White questions, he spoke about his thoughts on the war, what he did during ‘down time’, and what he hopes future generations will learn from history.

“I’m happy that I was able to do what I did. For the future, I hope people can take a step back and be reasonable. We need to respect each others’ views. We need to take time to get to know what makes other nations different from us, and learn to respect those differences,” White says earnestly.

Making Change for Generations to Come

Grade 11 student Mya Kirk was the moderator of the Echoes Video Conference, and assists in the Grade 10 class as a peer tutor. “The fact that we have the freedom of education to learn about the sacrifices our Canadian soldiers made for us, means we owe it to them to acknowledge and honour them,” explains Kirk. She adds, “With this project, we’re hoping to make change in the world, and to see that change in future generations.”

To learn more about The Echoes Project 2020 – 75 Years of Liberation please visit: https://www.ict-edu.nl/echoes-2020/

Cypher Conference Gets a Visit from Grammy Award-Winning Artist

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 19:45:00 GMT

Black boys in Grades 7, 8, 9, and 10 were ecstatic to be back in person at the 2023 edition of The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Conference.

The Cypher Conference, now in its seventh year, attracted more than 400 students from across the DDSB to come together in person at Durham College to celebrate, learn, discuss, have fun, and engage in exploring opportunities for their future.

“We are excited to have ‘The Cypher’ conference back in-person this year. This is a valuable opportunity for our intermediate and secondary Black male students to experience an opportunity to gather, learn, be energized, and see themselves reflected as they strive to be the best version of who they can be,” said Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor, who provided the opening remarks.

The annual conference provides Black male students with an opportunity to engage with a wide range of entrepreneurs, community leaders, educators, and Black male role models to help explore academic and career pathways and provide a platform to encourage meaningful conversations. Students were immersed in a space of Black male brilliance to propel their desires to achieve their full potential as demonstrated by the keynote discussion from former student and Grammy award-winning record producer Boi-1da.

Boi-1da, also known as Matthew Samuels, is a DDSB alumnus of Pickering High School and Westney Heights Public School who engaged students with stories of working with Drake, Rihanna, Jay-Z, and more of the biggest names in music. He shared his experiences attending Pickering High School, learning his craft, and the events in his formative years that led to him becoming a successful music producer while doing the work he loves. He answered questions while empowering students to always reach for their dreams.

“I accepted the invite to the conference because I wanted Black kids to think that anything is possible, no matter where you’re from, and especially for youth out here in Durham,” said Boi-1da. “It’s possible to get anywhere you want to get in life if you put in the hard work. I just want to show them it’s possible by telling my story and just being there to show them that you can do it.

Students also took the opportunity during the conference to interact with community organizations and join in some fun activities and workshops led by Black male role models from across the DDSB and the wider community. Conference workshops covered a wide range of subjects, from physical fitness to money management. Students also participated in touring the college campus through organized outings while exploring a range of programs and opportunities that would be available to them following high school.

The focus of this year’s conference was to engage and empower Black male students and provide them with access to a wide range of leadership and engagement opportunities. Conference organizers believe it is imperative to remain mindful of the importance of the need for more Black male role models and emphasize the goals of promoting positive transitions through various academic pathways while also eliminating barriers to success.

Secondary And Still We Rise Conference Goes Virtual

Wed, 30 Sep 2020 14:30:00 GMT

Conference topics included art, well-being, self-care, and self-advocacy

In May, the Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) hosted their 10^th annual And Still We Rise Secondary Conference. But this time the three-day conference took place online instead of in a Durham District School Board (DDSB) school.

“When we realized the schools would still be closed, our students wanted to make sure the conference happened regardless. It’s really a testament of their will to reframe passion to be impactful to others,” explains Eleanor McIntosh, Past Chair of DBEN and Ajax HS Principal.

Each year, Student Ambassadors are the main organizers of the And Still We Rise Secondary Conference, and this year was no exception.

This year’s conference focused on four virtual workshops presented by DBEN Student Ambassadors. The workshops were: Take a Breath (discussing self-care), Black is Art (learning to embrace the power and beauty in Black culture), The Chill Zone (a free space to talk openly about anything), and No Closed Doors (discussing self-advocacy).

Kayana Bucknor, a Grade 12 student at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and DBEN Student Ambassador says that hosting the conference virtually allowed them to reach more people. “We were able to extend the awareness beyond DDSB. The online aspect gave us the advantage of sharing our message with people all over Ontario.”

On the final day of the conference, viewers enjoyed an endnote speech from DDSB alumnus Lincoln Alexander Estridge. Among many vocations, Estridge is the founder of The Fight Inside Society, an organization dedicated to raising mental health awareness and bringing mental health care workers to public schools.

“It was really nice to hear his perspective on things as he only graduated from high school a few years ago. He talked about ways that we can continue to make an impact in our communities,” enthuses Adriana Cadogan, a Grade 12 student at Pickering HS and DBEN Student Ambassador.

Cheryl Rock, Chair of DBEN, says the annual conference provides opportunities for both the Student Ambassadors and the students and educators who attend the workshops, “It allows Student Ambassadors to use their voices in a creative way to impact the school and greater community. The conference also shows students that their well-being is supported, and they too can create change when they become empowered and advocate for themselves and others.”

Bianca Smith, a Grade 11 student at O’Neill CVI and DBEN Student Ambassador, concludes “We want to thank the DBEN staff mentors for creating a safe space and teaching us to be proud to share our voices. We couldn’t do this without them.”

Definitely Durham 2021 Seeks Hall of Fame Nominations

Thu, 09 Jul 2020 12:15:00 GMT

Definitely Durham is the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) Hall of Fame, celebrating and showcasing the successes of former DDSB students and public education in our community.

The Durham District School Board has provided quality public education to thousands of students in our community. In order to showcase and celebrate the successes of public education, the DDSB has established a Hall of Fame, known as, Definitely Durham. Notable former students have an opportunity to be highlighted and recognized with a nomination from community members, former classmates, neighbours or friends.

Nominations are currently open to the public with a deadline to submit by September 4, 2020. Selection criteria, nomination forms and a complete list of details can be found on the Durham District School Board’s website at ddsb.ca.

All nominations will be reviewed by a selection committee with an induction ceremony to take place in February 2021. Inductees will be honoured at the ceremony and a plaque with their name and accomplishment will be installed at the Durham District School Board Education Centre.

Former notable winners include: the Honourable Ed Broadbent, Neil Pasricha, Debra Thompson, Stephen S. Poloz, Perdita Felicien, and the Honourable Mabel M. VanCamp.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Willows Walk Public School Leads Local Effort for Earth Day Cleanup

Fri, 26 Apr 2024 20:30:00 GMT

Willows Walk Public School has demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship by organizing a successful Earth Day cleanup event on April 22. Staff and students enthusiastically participated in collecting garbage in and around their school yard, resulting in an impressive haul of 223 pounds of litter gathered in less than an hour.

The initiative, led by the passionate educators and students at Willows Walk PS, aimed to raise awareness about the importance of keeping the environment clean and protecting local ecosystems. The enthusiastic participation of both students and staff underscored the school's dedication to instilling values of environmental responsibility in its community members.

"We are incredibly proud of our students and staff for their dedication to making a positive impact on our environment," said Sandra Makris, Principal of Willows Walk Public School. "Events like these not only help to beautify our school grounds but also foster a sense of environmental consciousness and civic pride among our students."

The cleanup efforts received additional support from Regional Councillor Steve Yamada and staff from Metrolinx, who generously provided the necessary resources for the day's initiatives. Their presence and assistance further emphasized the collaborative spirit of the community in working toward a cleaner and greener future.

The success of Willows Walk PS's Earth Day cleanup serves as a testament to the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges at the local level. By engaging students, staff, and community partners, the school continues to inspire positive change and foster a culture of environmental responsibility within its community.

Empower Her Conference: Reigniting Inspiration and Drive for Young Black Females

Fri, 03 May 2024 15:15:00 GMT

In its triumphant third year, the Empower Her Conference once again ignited inspiration and drive across elementary schools within the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Designed to empower young girls proudly identifying as Black in Grades 6, 7, and 8, this conference has emerged as a transformative platform, fostering enriching dialogue, fresh insights, and invaluable experiences.

Crafted with the intent to elevate, motivate, and amplify the voices of future leaders, the Empower Her Conference stands as a beacon of empowerment in our community. It offers students a rare opportunity to engage with influential Black female mentors, providing guidance and inspiration on their journey from girlhood to womanhood.

“The Empower Her Conference is more than just an event; it's a catalyst for change,” says Kerron Slack, organizer of the Empower Her Conference and Vice-Principal at Eagle Ridge Public School. “We believe in championing empowerment and fostering a legacy of strength, resilience, and boundless potential among young Black girls.”

Throughout the day, students experienced a plethora of uplifting, identity-affirming experiences, including meaningful connections and mentorship opportunities. From interactive workshops to engaging discussions, the conference provided a platform for students to explore their identity, embrace their unique talents, and envision a future filled with endless possibilities.

“We are incredibly proud of the impact the Empower Her Conference continues to have on our students,” says Camille Williams-Taylor, Director of Education of the DDSB. “This event exemplifies our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and we look forward to its continued success in the years to come.”

Thank you to all the students and staff who joined us in celebrating empowerment and fostering a legacy of strength, resilience, and boundless potential for young Black girls in our community. Together, we can inspire the next generation of leaders to reach their highest potential.

About Empower Her Conference: The Empower Her Conference is an annual event aimed at empowering young girls proudly identifying as Black in Grades 6, 7, and 8 within the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Through enriching dialogue, fresh insights, and invaluable experiences, the conference provides a platform for students to explore their identity, embrace their unique talents, and envision a future filled with endless possibilities.

Unnamed North Whitby PS Boundary Approved

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:00:00 GMT

On January 18, 2021, Board of Trustees approved the boundaries for Unnamed North Whitby PS, effective September 2021.

Please see attached for a map outlining the approved boundaries.

For more information, the January 18, 2021 Board Report can be found on the Board website at https://www.ddsb.ca/en/about-ddsb/boundary-and-program-reviews.aspx#Unnamed-North-Whitby-PS-Boundary-Review

Labour Action Updates

Sun, 20 Nov 2022 22:45:00 GMT

For more information on Labour Action in the DDSB, please view our Labour Action Updates page.

DRHD Holiday Safety Reminders

Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:00:00 GMT

The season of social gatherings and get-togethers is here, but this year, it will be quite different. With COVID-19 still a big part of our lives, we all have to continue doing our part to protect each other by remembering to follow all public health measures. The safest way to celebrate with family and friends outside of your household this year is to gather virtually.

Please view the attached Holiday Safety Reminders from Durham Region Health Department.

Students Return to In-Person Learning on Monday, February 8, 2021

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 22:15:00 GMT

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education announced that students in Durham Region will return to in-person learning on Monday, February 8, 2021. This decision was made by the Minister of Education and the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario. Please click the links below to view the updates for elementary and secondary schools.

A Night of Culture, Community and Celebration: Lunar New Year at O'Neill Collegiate

Fri, 27 Feb 2026 19:45:00 GMT

The spirit of celebration, learning and community was on full display at O’Neill Collegiate and Vocational Institute as the Durham East Asian Network in Education (DEANE) hosted a spectacular Lunar New Year celebration in honour of the Year of the Horse.

The evening was a vibrant showcase of culture, tradition, and student talent. Families, staff, students and community members gathered to celebrate the richness and beauty of Lunar New Year, deepening their understanding and appreciation of East Asian cultures through music, dance, and shared experiences.

The performance portion of the evening began with a remarkable joint band performance by Roland Michener and Sir William Stephenson Public Schools. The audience was further captivated by a stunning fan dance performed by the Dance Crew from Lester B. Pearson Public School, whose precision filled the auditorium with energy and pride.

Adding to the celebration, students from Roland Michener Public School delighted guests with songs by the Tuesday Tunes. The evening culminated in a breathtaking lion dance and kung fu demonstration by YMT Lion Dance; a spectacular performance that beautifully honoured centuries-old traditions.

Following the performances, guests gathered to connect over a feast of Asian cuisine, continuing the celebration through food, conversation and community.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to DEANE for organizing such a meaningful and inspiring event and for its continued commitment to elevating cultural understanding within our schools.

The Lunar New Year celebration at O’Neill Collegiate was a powerful reminder that when we come together to celebrate one another’s histories and traditions, we enrich the entire community.

DDSB announces new agreement with 4 bargaining units

Tue, 06 Jun 2023 13:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) announced today that is has reached an agreement with four bargaining units comprised of the Board’s Educational Assistants, Custodial Maintenance, Continuing Education, and Office/Clerical/Technical staffs represented by CUPE Local 218.

The DDSB Board of Trustees and CUPE Local 218 have ratified each agreement.

“These new agreements recognize the invaluable contributions of our support staff and administrative personnel in shaping the educational journey of our students,” said Donna Edwards, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees. “These [agreements] showcase the power of working together to achieve common goals and will benefit everyone in our school community by helping to foster an environment of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.”

The DDSB remains committed to working with all education partners to provide outstanding public education to more than 76,000 regular day students and thousands more enrolled in continuing education and adult credit courses.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 10,000 staff in a wide variety of roles and is one of the largest employers in Durham Region. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 76,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

School Naming Committee seeks submissions for Unnamed Beaverton Public School

Fri, 05 May 2023 19:15:00 GMT

Every time the DDSB undergoes a naming process for our schools, we aim to make the process as transparent, equitable, accessible, and respectful as possible.

This is your opportunity to get involved!

The School Naming Committee is seeking new name submissions for the Unnamed Beaverton Public School. Submit your idea(s) by filling out the survey no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, May 19.

Criteria for New Names: Submissions must support the Board’s commitment to Indigenous rights, human rights, equity, and anti-oppressive principles and practices. The name of a school must not interfere with a student’s right to an education free from discrimination or discriminatory barriers.

As highlighted in the DDSB School Naming Policy, the name of a school may/must be:

The name of a renowned individual of historical significance whose contribution to the local community, Canadian society, or to the world is recognized and valued and would be seen by the community as representative of the values of the DDSB; or
The name of a geographic landmark associated with the location of the school including a street name and the name of the community including any historical name for the community or area; or
The name of a significant Canadian event.
In no case shall any school be named after a corporation, a sitting politician, a current employee of the Board, a member of the Board, or a member of the immediate family of the foregoing.

Naming Process: The School Naming Committee receives, reviews, and considers submissions from the broader school community, then narrows submissions for further consultation as outlined in the Procedure.

Anticipated Timeline (subject to change):

May 19 – First consultation survey closes.
May 25 – The School Naming Committee will review and consider submissions and narrow them for a second round of community consultation.
June 6 – Second consultation survey closes.
June 8 – The School Naming Committee will review feedback and recommend to the Board of Trustees the proposed new name. In accordance with the Naming of Schools Procedure, the top three choices from the School Naming Committee will be presented in either scenario.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and feedback. We look forward to your participation. For those who wish to submit names via telephone, please contact Sylvie Niles at 905-666-6376.

Return to School Update

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 00:15:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This afternoon, we learned of the Government of Ontario’s plan for the return to school in September. In that plan, we learned today that the Durham District School Board (DDSB) will see a full return to school at the elementary level and a hybrid return for the secondary level.

The return to school will include enhanced health and safety protocols, based on the recommendations of public health officials. Students in Grades 4 to 12 will be required to wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors in school, including in hallways and during classes. Students in Kindergarten to Grade 3 will be encouraged to wear masks in indoor spaces.

There are still several details that we are waiting to receive from the Ministry of Education that we will need to review. In this e-mail, we are providing you with the information that we know to be accurate. We understand that families will have additional questions and we have attached a Frequently Asked Questions document to this message.

The Ministry of Education has scheduled a meeting with DDSB staff next week to discuss planning for the return to school. It is our goal that after the meeting to continue our work with the Durham Region Health Department to confirm details within our return to school plan and will share that information with you.

Elementary Schools (Kindergarten to Grade 8)

Elementary school students will attend school 5 days per week, with students grouped together in a cohort for the full day, including recess and lunch. Enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place and the full range of elementary curriculum will be provided.

Specific details about bell times will be provided once we have more information about school busing.

Secondary Schools (Grades 9 to 12)

Secondary schools in Durham will open with a hybrid model that combines in-person and remote learning. Students will be placed in groups of approximately 15 students, attending on alternate schedules. The DDSB will be reviewing programming for students with a high level of special education needs who may require daily attendance and instruction at the secondary level.

Specific details about when students will attend in-person and bell times will be provided once we receive more information.

Details on Opting-Out of In-Person Learning

Families will be able to decide if their child(ren) will return to in-person learning at a school site or if they will be opting-out of in-person learning.

Direction from the Ministry of Education indicates that students may not necessarily be able to move between remote and in-person learning, and families should anticipate the possibility to be wait-listed if they change their minds.

Students engaging in remote learning may not participate with students and teachers from their own school. We may be required to create virtual classrooms where students across the district in similar grades are attached to a teacher who will deliver online instruction.

Families will be receiving an e-mail on Friday July 31 on how to opt-out their child(ren). If families do not opt-out by the deadline of Wednesday August 12, it is assumed that their child(ren) will be attending school in-person.

Bus Transportation Survey

An online sign-up for bus transportation will be required this year. Families who qualify for bus transportation will receive a separate e-mail next week with the survey link and more information. They will be required to complete the online sign-up for each of their children in order for them to ride the bus.

Return to School Website

We are in the process of launching a Return to School page and Frequently Asked Questions at www.ddsb.ca that will provide updated information on a regular basis. This page will be launched in the coming days.

Health and Safety

The DDSB is developing a comprehensive return to school guide based on the direction of the Government of Ontario and in consultation with the Durham Region Health Department to help make our schools safe for everyone to return in September. Some of the steps that we will be taking include frequent handwashing protocols, COVID-19 protocols, enhanced cleaning and disinfection of schools, daily self-assessment requirements and other measures.

As we work towards the return to school in September, we will continue to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of students and staff. Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we carefully plan for the return to school, working within government direction and the public health recommendations. Please continue to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh

Acting Director of Education

Unnamed North Ajax French Immersion PS Boundary Approved

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 19:00:00 GMT

On January 18, 2021, Board of Trustees approved the boundaries for Unnamed North Ajax FI PS, effective September 2021.

Please see attached area map for an outline of the approved boundaries.

For more information, the January 18, 2021 Board Report can be found on the Board website at https://www.ddsb.ca/en/about-ddsb/boundary-and-program-reviews.aspx#Unnamed-Ajax-FI-PS-Boundary-Review

DDSB Appoints Acting Superintendent of Equitable Education

Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is pleased to announce that Martine Robinson will be placed in the role of Acting Superintendent of Equitable Education, effective September 1, 2023. She will assume responsibility of the Pickering (Dunbarton and Pine Ridge) Family of Schools and will also oversee Indigenous Education and Outdoor Education.

Martine is an experienced leader who was placed in the pool of Supervisory Officer candidates in June of this year. Most recently the Principal at Winchester PS, Martine has been an educator for over 25 years and has served in various school-based and central leadership roles across the DDSB over the last 18 years, bringing with her a deep understanding of the entire District. She is an engaging leader who fosters strong and collaborative relationships that value and promote equitable outcomes for all. She has demonstrated throughout her career a commitment to uplifting the voices of others and prioritizing the human rights of those in our system.

We are pleased to welcome Martine to the DDSB senior team and look forward to a successful 2023-2024 school year.

Parent/Guardian - Teacher Interviews

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:30:00 GMT

We will be holding Parent/Guardian- Teacher Interviews October 20th from 5:30pm-7:30pm and October 24th from 11:45am-2:45pm.

This semester, you will be able to schedule your Parent/Guardian-Teacher Interviews online. The interviews will be held in person at the school.

You will be able to schedule appointments from October 12th at 9:00am until October 21st at 3:00pm.

Go to the Maxwell Heights - parentinterview scheduling website at: https://parentinterview.com/s/mhss

If you experience any difficulty using the service, please email support@parentinterview.com

DDSB celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Wed, 17 May 2023 17:45:00 GMT

DDSB celebrates International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia

Check out the DDSB’s YouTube channel to view the video statement from Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud of our commitment to fostering inclusive and supportive learning and working environments for all students and staff. As part of our ongoing efforts to champion Indigenous rights, human rights and equity, the DDSB celebrates the raising of the Progress Pride Flag across all our schools and workplaces leading into the upcoming Pride Month.

The DDSB has been raising the Pride Flag since 2015, symbolizing our unwavering support of our 2SLGBTQI students, staff, and community members. It is also representative of the commitment of strong allies to stand up against prejudice and bigotry toward 2SLGBTQI communities. It represents a powerful affirmation of the rights, identities, and experiences of 2SLGBTQI peoples. It also represents our firm rejection of exclusion, discrimination, violence, and hate.

The DDSB believes that every student deserves an education that affirms their identity, values their talents, and celebrates their achievements and contributions. Every staff member of the DDSB family deserves to come to work, engage in learning, and enjoy their work networks with pride and dignity.

Raising the Progress Pride Flag is a powerful community building experience that encourages dialogue, awareness, respect, and inclusion.

As we look to the promise of the future, we should consider lessons of the past. In 2009, UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued an official apology for the treatment of famous mathematician and inventor of the modern computer Alan Turing. Despite his contributions to his country, and the work that he did to protect liberty and democracy during the Second World War, Turing was persecuted because of his identity as a gay man. Many years later, the British government issued an official apology to acknowledge the debt of gratitude that he is owed and to recognize the genius of his work and the injustice that he experienced.

The DDSB recognizes that promoting rights and inclusion goes beyond raising the Progress Pride Flag. We are keenly aware of the rise in homophobic, biphobic, and transphobic comments and conduct and the ongoing harm to 2SLGBTQI students, families, staff, and community members. On this day and every day, we have a responsibility to act. We continue to challenge prejudice and stereotypes and work toward building an inclusive system that authentically and intentionally includes and affirms Two-Spirit and LGBTQI peoples and is free from all forms of discrimination and hate.

We will continue to work collaboratively with members of our communities to dismantle the barriers erected by ignorance, hate, and fear. Learning combats ignorance, compassion replaces hate, and community neutralizes fear.

As the DDSB raises the Progress Pride Flag at our schools and work sites, we encourage community members to join us in this celebration of inclusion. Together, we can learn, we act with compassion, and we can build a community where every person can be successful, is cared for, can be who they are, and know that they belong here at the DDSB.

Update on the OSSLT

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 21:30:00 GMT

This message is to provide you with an update on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) for students in Grades 10 and 11. You may be aware that EQAO is piloting a new OSSLT this year and school boards have the option of choosing to participate.

After considering a variety of scenarios, the Durham District School Board has made the decision not to participate this year due to the challenges brought upon by the pandemic and the requirements to administer the test.

As a District, we made the decision in September that we would prioritize student well-being throughout the year. For that reason, we eliminated final summative assessment tasks (exams) to focus on instructional time. Our goal is to ensure that as much time as possible is focused on classroom instruction and learning.

Furthermore, the organization of the OSSLT has often required the use of occasional teachers to support the administration of the test. Currently there is a teacher shortage in Ontario and we require all occasional teachers to assist in ensuring regular classes are staffed. With the new health protocols introduced two weeks ago, we are finding that more teachers are being required to self-isolate and our focus as a District is on providing the stability of classroom learning to the greatest extent possible. As a result, it is not in the best interest of students to take on new and voluntary initiatives such as piloting a new test at this time.

It is for these reasons that we will not be participating in the voluntary opportunity to pilot the new OSSLT assessment. Critical literacy instruction remains a focus of instruction in our schools and every secondary school has a literacy plan in place that they are working on.

On behalf of our school teams, DDSB would like to thank you for your continued support during this time. Students across the District have had to cope with so much this year, and we are grateful to them and the staff who serve them as we work together to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of all members of our school communities.

Minister's letter to Ontario parents and guardians

Mon, 29 Apr 2024 17:45:00 GMT

Ministry of Education
Minister
315 Front Street West
Toronto ON M7A 0B8

Ministère de l'Éducation
Ministre
315, rue Front Ouest
Toronto ON M7A 0B8

Dear parents,

For the first time in nearly a generation, our government successfully negotiated agreements with all teachers’ unions and averted strikes in schools. This allowed us to deliver on our promise to parents to bring stability to classrooms and keep kids in class.

As kids benefit from three more years of uninterrupted learning, I have heard from many of you, teachers and students alike, about concerns about the alarming rise of youth vaping in schools and the persistent use of cellphones as a distraction from learning in class.

That is why we are rolling out Canada’s most comprehensive plan to counter these threats.

To help reduce distractions in our schools, starting this September, we are denying cellphone usage during instructional time so that students can focus on getting back to basics and learning foundational skills like reading, writing and math.

Our youngest learners in kindergarten to Grade 6, who may have phones, will now be required to keep phones on silent and out of sight for the duration of the day.

For students in Grades 7 to 12, phones can be with the student. However, they will only be permitted during instructional time if explicitly allowed by the educator.

We will also commit to having report cards include comments on students’ distraction levels in class. We recognize that some parents want to communicate with their children during school, and the policies listed above will still permit that during non-instructional time or when an educator gives permission.

When it comes to cellphones, Ontario’s policy is: out of sight and out of mind.

We are also removing social media websites from all school networks and devices to help strengthen in-person relationships, communication and social-emotional skills.

We have also announced a strict anti-vaping policy in schools where parents are immediately informed, and the vapes in a student’s possession will be given up and disposed of. There are immediate consequences for students caught in possession of illegal substances, and Public Health Units can also be engaged to support education, prevention and enforcement, when necessary. We are also providing funding to schools to install vape detectors so they can better enforce these new rules.

We are also increasing wrap-around supports for students to support learning, addictive behaviours and implementation, as well as dedicated training for teachers and supports for 2 parents on how best to manage this change. I encourage you to read the updated Provincial Code of Conduct that outlines these changes.

No matter how strong the policy is, we can’t do this alone.

To truly change behaviour, we are asking for your support and collaboration to hold conversations at home about the new expectations and the importance of respecting school staff and the rules as we head into September.

Change will come when we all work together and stand by teachers, principals, and education workers as they implement these new measures. Your co-operation will help ensure students can get back to basics, focus on their studies, and prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.

By doing so, we restore common sense, where the focus remains on academic achievement and the safety of your child.

Thank you,
The Honourable Stephen Lecce
Minister of Education

DDSB Transition from Quadmesters to a Semester Schedule

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education announced that secondary schools can move back to a semester schedule (with students taking up to 4 courses a day for half the school year) from the current quadmester schedule (with students taking up to 2 courses a day for a quarter of the school year). As a result of this announcement, all DDSB secondary schools will be transitioning to a regular semester schedule at the beginning of Semester 2 in February, which is the mid-year mark of this school year. Please note that bell times will remain the same as they are connected to student transportation.

We anticipate the shift back to a semester schedule will have a positive impact on engagement for students, along with providing further stability for the remainder of the school year. We have appreciated everyone’s efforts to make the quadmester schedule work during the height of the pandemic. However, it was not designed or intended for long-term use and with the low level of COVID-19 cases at secondary schools and the high vaccination rate among secondary students, the transition back to a semester model marks the achievement of another milestone on the path to creating a more normal secondary experience for students. In consultation with the Durham Region Health Department, we will continue to ensure appropriate health and safety measures are in place.

Secondary schools will begin re-timetabling student schedules, where required, with the goal of maintaining student course selections wherever possible. Schools will provide additional information to families regarding Semester 2 timetables in the new year.

We also wanted to share with you two other pieces of news from today’s announcement:

Travel Requirements: For those planning to travel internationally over the holiday break, we want to take this opportunity to remind families of restrictions currently in place. As per the Durham Region Health Department and Government of Canada direction, unvaccinated students returning from travel outside Canada must not attend school or childcare for 14 days after their return. Fully vaccinated students who have travelled outside of Canada and meet the requirements to be exempt from federal quarantine (including passing a pre-entry PCR Covid-19 test, more information from the Government of Canada here), are able to attend school upon their return. Please also review the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories FAQ ahead of any international travel.
Rapid Take Home Tests for the Winter Break: The Ministry will be providing school boards with enough test kits so that each student can take home a pack of five rapid tests to be used over the winter break to support a safe return to school in January. We will be sharing more information including how tests will be distributed when we receive it.

We ask for your patience as your child’s school works through this process. On behalf of the team at the DDSB, our sincere thanks for all that you have done to support your child’s success during this extenuating time.

DDSB Appoints Norah Marsh as Director of Education

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 01:45:00 GMT

DDSB Appoints Norah Marsh as Director of Education

The Board of Trustees have appointed Norah Marsh as the next Director of Education for the Durham District School Board.

Ms. Marsh is an innovative change agent with thirteen years as an executive leader in two different Eastern Ontario school boards and as the CEO of the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), a Provincial Crown Agency.

She has a long history as an advocate for public education and has been a recognized provincial leader in education – being elected provincially on several occasions to represent senior educational leaders, including serving as President of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association and Chair of the Ontario Institute for Education Leadership.

Her professional history demonstrates an expertise in mobilizing knowledge networks locally, provincially, nationally, and internationally. She has a reputation for strength in leadership while creating authentic collaborative cultures. Her unrelenting focus on equity, inclusion, student engagement, well-being, and achievement will serve the communities of the Durham District School Board well.

Ms. Marsh began her educational career in 1991 as a secondary school teacher. From the beginning, she has always been an active community member and has volunteered for the United Way, Big Brothers Big Sisters and other grassroots community agencies dedicated to combatting opportunity gaps for families.

The Board of Trustees conducted a national search and determined that Ms. Marsh, who has been the DDSB’s Acting Director of Education since January 2020 is the best person to lead the DDSB into the future. This appointment is effective November 2, 2020.

Quotes:

“We are very pleased to appoint Norah Marsh as the DDSB’s permanent Director of Education. Since joining the DDSB a year ago, Norah has exemplified educational leadership and has skillfully led the district in an acting capacity during this period of immense change. The Board of Trustees looks forward to continuing to work with Norah to advance our strategic priorities and support the diverse needs of all students.”

– Chris Braney, Chair, Durham District School Board

“I am humbled by the opportunity to continue to serve with the senior team of the Durham District School Board in the best interests of students and equitable outcomes for all. The DDSB has a lot to be proud of in terms of its innovative work and I am thrilled to work with the dedicated DDSB staff as we move forward to best position students for lifelong learning and success. I thank the Board of Trustees for their trust in me.”

– Norah Marsh, Director of Education, Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Elevating Voices Across DDSB Communities

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 19:30:00 GMT

MEND and DDSB celebrated Islamic Heritage Month with virtual community events

In Canada, the month of October is known as Islamic Heritage Month. To celebrate the valuable contributions made by Muslim people in Canada, the Muslim Educators’ Network of Durham (MEND) hosted a series of virtual community events that spanned the entire month.

“This year’s theme is Elevating Voices. A real sense of reclaiming voices was important, not only within the conditions of being disconnected from one another as a result of COVID-19, but also elevating those voices, such as those from our Black Muslim communities,” noted Shahana Arain, Principal of Alexander Graham Bell Public School in Ajax.

Arain co-chairs MEND with Imran Syed, Principal of Sir John A. MacDonald Public School in Pickering.

Engaging and Supporting DDSB Communities

Events included a variety of relevant and engaging topics and activities such as Family Fitness Night, Storytime with MEND, Elevating the Voices of our Black Muslim Community, Taking Care of the Mind and Soul During COVID-19, and Navigating the Online Classroom. Events ran from October 1 to October 29 and were hosted on a virtual meeting platform.

In the Elevating the Voices of our Black Muslim Community event, students, educators and community members who identify as Black and/or Muslim engaged in an online panel discussion about their experiences and suggested action items to make change in their communities. If you missed this event, the discussion can be viewed on the MEND YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCVuB109VvQ&t=297s.

Kiarah, a Grade 8 student at Frenchman’s Bay Public School in Pickering, spoke in the panel discussion about her experiences as a Black student and community member. “It was important to speak on the MEND panel because I want to raise awareness and make a change in how the Black community is perceived in the eyes of others. I also wanted to learn about others on the panel and their experiences with Islamophobia since I didn’t know anything about their issues and experiences,” explains Kiarah.

Kiarah adds, “I hope that attendees learned to be more conscious with their actions, and that almost every Black person has had an experience with racism. I also want them to know that by learning and making an effort to learn they are really helping the cause and I really admire their bravery.”

Encouraging Student Voice and Community Growth

“Islamic Heritage Month is a time where students who identify [as having Islamic heritage] can propel their voices and shine in knowing that they and their stories matter. It is also a great time of reflection and appreciation that all members of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) community are valued and can learn and grow from one another,” says Arain.

She concludes, “We continue to be ever so grateful for the support of our families, supporting networks, community partners, and allies in sharing in the work of inclusion with us. Islamic Heritage Month 2020 has been a collective effort of DDSB staff, students, and parents all with a will and desire to support student success and well-being.”

Find out more about MEND by visiting http://www.wearemend.ca/ and following @MEND_DDSB on Twitter.

Answering your questions about Proms

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 19:45:00 GMT

This past week, we have received many inquiries about end of year celebrations for graduating students, especially proms. We have put together a list of some of the most common questions and answers.

How do schools celebrate graduating students?

All DDSB secondary schools host a commencement event, or a completion event, usually in June. This is a celebration of learning; students have the opportunity to come together and celebrate the completion of their secondary school programs. There can be speeches and awards, but most importantly, students are recognized for their accomplishments by their friends, staff, families and community. This is the celebration of an important milestone in their learning journey.

How is Commencement different from “Prom”

“Prom” is commonly considered a party for the graduating class. It usually happens outside of the school day. It is often organized by a combination of students and staff and can be held at an offsite venue. Students buy tickets to cover the cost, and attendance is restricted to the graduating class. Prom is considered an extracurricular activity. It is not part of the formal curriculum and relies on volunteer staff support to be planned and supervised.

Does every school do the same thing?

No, prom looks different at every school. Decisions about school-based events are made at the school level. When the prom is organized by the school, Principals are responsible for ensuring that the event, like all extra-curricular activities, is student-focused and reflects the unique nature of the school community.

There are also differences in practice around school-organized prom events throughout the province. Some school boards do not have school-organized prom events in any of their secondary schools, and some have a mixture of school-organized and community-organized events. In the DDSB, at least one school moved to a community-organized celebration model, which has been running successfully for approximately 10 years.

Did the DDSB cancel proms?

No, there has been no district-wide cancellation of all proms at the DDSB. Three DDSB secondary schools recently sent a letter to their school community explaining that they were looking to make changes to the practice of organizing proms, shifting away from the past practice of school organized events.

Why did these three schools take this approach?

The principals exercised professional judgement, considered the safety concerns, the time involved in planning, the growing complexity in expectations, the challenges of safe supervision, and the increasing concern about liability and risk to students. Recognizing that proms are handled differently in many school communities, they felt there was an opportunity to change the practice in their school community.

Did the DDSB tell them they had to reintroduce prom?

The DDSB recognizes that proms are school-based activities. The district asked the schools to take a pause in the transition planning to allow time to:

Reflect on feedback from students, families, and staff
Create space for co-planning and dialogue
Ensure any decisions align with school values and priorities

It’s not a cancellation—it’s a commitment to thoughtful collaboration.

Will proms be reinstated in these schools?

The schools have received plenty of feedback, are reflecting on what has been shared, and are working with students and staff on a path forward. Recognizing that there are alternative approaches being used in our district, there will be time to explore these models and find a solution that works best for each school community. Schools will keep their local community informed.

Respectful Feedback

We deeply appreciate the feedback received so far but are concerned about messages that target individuals. We ask that all communication remain respectful and constructive. Comments that are hateful, libelous, or slanderous are not acceptable and detract from the shared goal of building a positive school experience. We’re committed to working together to find a path forward that reflects our community’s values.

Schools Closed to In-Person Learning Following April Break

Mon, 12 Apr 2021 22:45:00 GMT

Earlier today, the Government of Ontario, on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health announced that all schools in Ontario will be closed to in-person learning after the April break due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 cases, the increasing risks posed to the public by COVID-19 variants, and the massive spike in hospital admissions. We will be notifying families of an official return date once it is announced by the Ministry of Education.

This means that students will be learning remotely from home until further notice.

Elementary students will receive more information from educators on the morning of Monday, April 19, 2021 and should expect that classes will start on Monday afternoon.

Secondary schools will be running in a virtual format with all students being required to log into their morning classes every day. Please note that Monday, April 19, 2021 is a credit completion day for Quadmester 3 and regular classes as part of Quadmester 4 will start on the morning of Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Educators will provide additional information to students, if needed.

In addition, most students with special education needs will be learning remotely during this period. The Ministry of Education has indicated the seriousness of the current shut-down and has directed that schools need to limit the overall movement of students and staff. For that reason, students who are in congregated special education programs will be at home for Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, April 20 so that school staff may assess each student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) and work with families to develop a plan for remote learning wherever possible during the closure period. This approach is different to January given that the situation has changed with the introduction of new COVID-19 variants.

We would like to take this time to remind families that there is also a provincewide stay-at-home order in effect. The order requires everyone to stay at home with exceptions for permitted purposes or activities, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services (including getting vaccinated), for outdoor exercise, or for work where the work cannot be done remotely.

While we understand that this new closure is disappointing news for some and disruptive for everyone, our school teams will be doing our best to support you and your children. Please note that schools are closed for the duration of the April break and staff will be unable to respond this week. On behalf of all DDSB staff, we thank you for your patience and understanding during this challenging time.

Thank you,

Durham District School Board

Statement on the Return of Books to Library Circulation

Wed, 27 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

The DDSB recognizes that there has been a request for more information concerning the review and temporary removal of The Great Bear and two other Forest of Reading books from our library collection, following concerns from Indigenous families that were brought forward related to Indigenous stereotypes and terminology that could perpetuate discrimination.

An accelerated review process allowed us to engage in conversations with some members of the local Indigenous community. Those discussions have placed the focus on the importance of making books by Indigenous authors available to students, particularly Indigenous students based on providing choice. In response to this feedback, we will be returning the books to library circulation.

We recognize that the Indigenous families who came forward did so with the intent to ensure we meet their children’s needs. We also understand that for many families, the importance of accessing books that reflect Indigenous lived realities is critically important. In the coming weeks, we will engage in a more fulsome consultation with treaty partners, the DDSB Indigenous Advisory Circle, Indigenous staff and Indigenous families on how to best manage different responses to literature and ensure that we serve the needs of Indigenous families.

We value Indigenous literature and have introduced a compulsory Indigenous course so that all graduates of the DDSB leave with a better understanding of Indigenous lives and experiences. We deeply respect the work of David A. Robertson, along with those who decide to become authors to inspire children and youth. We have offered to meet with the authors to engage in further discussion.

As we move forward, we are committed to engaging the plurality of Indigenous voices within the district.

Message from the Minister of Education

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 16:30:00 GMT

The Minister of Education has released a message to parents/guardians for the start of the school year. You can read his message in the attachments below.

Update on In-Person Learning for Wednesday

Tue, 18 Jan 2022 23:45:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Given the extraordinary circumstances that we find ourselves in, we are writing to share some information with respect to the approach we anticipate taking tomorrow (Wednesday, January 19) morning for school operations.

At this time, we anticipate that schools will be open. Municipalities have indicated to us that snow removal may take up to 72 hours in some situations, but that progress continues to be made. Please know that there is the possibility for delays to occur and it may take longer to get to school.

As we previously communicated given the current pandemic environment and now, snow conditions, there is always the possibility for individual school closures to ensure that children remain safe and have appropriate levels of supervision. In these situations, your child’s school would communicate with you directly.

School custodians have done an incredible job in working to clear snow on school property. We are truly appreciative of their efforts and of our entire school teams to prepare schools for students to learn in-person.

For those that take student transportation, there is the possibility that individual or zone-based cancellations may take place. You can always visit the DSTS website for more information on cancellations.

If school buses are cancelled due to weather in your zone:

Elementary schools will remain open to in-person learning unless otherwise indicated.
Secondary students in the zone must stay home and will switch to a virtual learning day.

As usual, this information will be posted on DDSB social media channels and websites by 7am. More information on specific zones can be found on the inclement weather page on the DSTS website.

With the expected return to in-person learning, please ensure to complete your daily self-screening before leaving home for school by visiting: Ontario.ca/SchoolScreening. If your child is sick and/or not feeling well, please do not send them to school under any circumstances. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status and follow the instructions of the self-screener.

We thank you for your patience.

Durham District School Board

Bus Cancellations: ALL ZONES - Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Tue, 06 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in ALL Zones, 1 (Brock), 2 (Uxbridge), 3 (Scugog) and 4 (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa Area), due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather.

All schools are open.

Buses will not operate in Zone 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

DDSB Appoints New Associate Director of Corporate Services

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 15:15:00 GMT

New Associate Director will provide financial guidance and continued stability during COVID-19

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of David Wright to the position of Associate Director, Corporate Services.

David is an experienced leader in public education with an extensive work history in both public and private sector finance as a Chartered Public Accountant (CPA, CA). His appointment is effective October 5, 2020.

Most recently, David was the Superintendent of Business at the Lakehead District School Board (LDSB), leading the business team as the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Board. He also has served as a Finance Officer at the Ministry of Education, where he effectively collaborated and communicated with staff at school boards across Northwestern Ontario and various Ministry of Education branches.

In his role as Associate Director, Corporate Services, David will be supporting our Information Technology (IT), Business, and Facilities Services teams. Through his comprehensive business and financial experience, David will bring varied perspectives and strategic guidance to the DDSB as we continue to adapt to the ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic.

Quotes:

“The Board of Trustees is excited to welcome David Wright to his new role as Associate Director, Corporate Services. David is an accomplished problem-solver, has a track record of success and will be a welcome addition to the senior leadership team.”

- Chris Braney, Chair of the Board

“David Wright is an experienced and respected leader in public education. We believe he will be an incredible asset to our senior team, placing student learning and well-being at the forefront of responsible financial management along with strong collaborative leadership.”

- Norah Marsh, Acting Director of Education

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Thank you for your partnership

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and staff, thank you for your partnership as we navigated the 2020-2021 school year together.

Have a safe and fun summer!

Return to School Update

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 19:30:00 GMT

Parents/Guardians were sent letters on August 18, 2020 with more information on the return to school, with specific letters being sent to families with child(ren) who are enrolled in either secondary or elementary, in-person or virtual learning. You can review the individual letters here:

The Future of Innovation and Opportunity

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 21:15:00 GMT

DDSB’s Regional Skills Ontario Competition Ignites the Future of Innovation and Opportunity

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is shaping the future of education by empowering young minds through hands-on, real-world experiences. On February 26, 2025, the Tribute Communities Centre transformed into an electrifying hub of creativity and innovation as DDSB proudly hosted the fourth-annual Regional Skills Ontario Competition—a revolutionary event showcasing the talents and potential of the next generation.

Following an in-class competition that saw engagement from 102 DDSB elementary schools, students representing 72 DDSB schools competed in a diverse array of categories—including robotics, 3D printing, animation, construction, and more—bringing their ideas to life with innovation and technical excellence. This year's competition brought five new contests to the arena such as: Culinary, Electronic Music, Floristry, Prepared Speech, and Workplace Safety.

Over 680 students from Grades 4 to 8 took centre stage, demonstrating remarkable skill, passion, and perseverance. These young visionaries emerged from an impressive field of 22,000 students who competed in an in-class qualification round, proving that curiosity and determination can unlock limitless possibilities.

"DDSB’s Skilled Trades Programming in the Elementary Panel is empowering students like never before, delivering over 22,000 hands-on experiences across 18 sectors and skills. These unique opportunities help students and staff explore career pathways they may not have otherwise considered,” exclaimed Richard Bishop, Community Connected Experiential Learning Facilitator. “With overwhelming enthusiasm from teachers, students, and parents, we are fueling a passion for the trades. Next year, we aim to grow to 24 contests and engage all DDSB Elementary Schools in the in-class competition round, ensuring even more students discover the endless possibilities ahead!"

The overall event was about more than just skills; it was about building the leaders of tomorrow. Students honed essential real-world abilities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and digital literacy—equipping them with the tools to thrive in an evolving world.

A Future Fueled by Opportunity

The success of these students was made possible by the dedication of over 80 DDSB educators, who served as mentors and judges, offering invaluable guidance and expertise. Their commitment highlights DDSB’s mission to nurture the next generation of thinkers, creators, and problem-solvers.

“Competitions like this open our eyes to opportunities beyond the classroom. They show us that learning isn’t just about textbooks—it’s about exploring real-world skills and career paths we never even knew existed,” shared Colin, a Grade 8 student at Meadowcrest Public School.

More than just a competition, the Regional Skills Ontario event was a celebration of the future. It showcased the extraordinary potential within our students and provided a launchpad for those who will now represent DDSB at the Provincial Skills Ontario Competition in Toronto on May 5.

From parents and educators to community leaders and industry professionals, the event attracted a diverse audience eager to witness innovation in action. It was a day of discovery, excitement, and boundless opportunity—proving that when we invest in our students, we invest in the future.

DDSB: Inspiring the Next Generation of Trailblazers

With each passing year, DDSB continues to redefine what’s possible for students by expanding opportunities, igniting passions, and setting them on paths to success. The future isn’t just coming—it’s already here. And it’s being built by the bright, ambitious, and unstoppable students of DDSB.

DDSB Appoints Camille Williams-Taylor as Director of Education

Tue, 03 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT

The Board of Trustees has appointed Camille Williams-Taylor as the next Director of Education for the Durham District School Board. Ms. Williams-Taylor will officially assume the role in the new year.

Camille Williams-Taylor is an innovative leader and an accomplished learner who has a strong track record in cultivating an environment that embraces creativity, critical thinking and high expectations for learners and staff.

Ms. Williams-Taylor has been the Director of Education at the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board for the past four years, providing leadership for a school system serving approximately 75,000 students across 143 schools. She also has a strong understanding of the Durham District School Board, where she previously served as a Superintendent of Education from 2011 to 2018 and at various times was responsible for a Family of Schools, Human Resource Services, Equity and Special Education.

In addition to her senior leadership experience in public education, she has been a classroom teacher, a principal, a Ministry of Education student achievement officer and a faculty of education course director. She is also a wife and the mother of three daughters. She believes learning happens everywhere, in school, in the community, at home and in families. In every one of her roles she has learned from students, staff, and community leaders and partners.

As an educational leader she is committed to prioritizing high expectations and advancing success for all students while ensuring that we all work and learn together in positive, respectful, inclusive environments.

Quotes:

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Camille Williams-Taylor as the next Director of Education following a comprehensive search. We know that Camille has the skills and experience to lead the DDSB out of the pandemic, continue to build a culture of collaborative leadership across the District and create an environment that puts the well-being of employees and students first.

We would also like to thank the current Director of Education, Norah Marsh, who has provided incredible leadership and skillfully led the DDSB during a period of change over the past few years. The DDSB is well-positioned for the future as a result of Norah’s efforts to provide stability and her unrelenting focus on equity, student learning and well-being.”

– Carolyn Morton, Chair, Durham District School Board

“It is an honour to join the Durham District School Board as Director of Education and I would like to thank the Board of Trustees for the opportunity to serve the District in this new role. I am excited to work collaboratively across the DDSB to extend a vision for public education that is grounded in equity, inclusion, Indigenous rights and human rights to ensure that all students have the best learning opportunities in a safe and caring environment. There is a lot to be proud of at the DDSB over the past few years and I look forward to working with the dedicated staff team to build on this work and continue to focus on student and staff well-being and achievement as we chart a course for all students to maximize their talent and reach their potential.”

– Camille Williams-Taylor

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 75,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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For more information, contact:

Stephanie Aylesworth

Communications Specialist

Durham District School Board

Stephanie.Aylesworth@ddsb.ca

DDSB Cyber Incident

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 20:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is currently recovering from a cyber-incident that first came to our attention on Friday. Upon our discovery, we immediately took steps to secure our network and retained expert assistance. We have notified law enforcement and are working to investigate and understand the full impact of this incident.

Important Information for DDSB Families for Monday

In-person schools will remain open, but all DDSB phone and e-mail services are not working and schools may not have access to emergency contact information.
Please send temporary emergency contact information with your child to school.
We will be taking manual attendance and parents/guardians will not be contacted if their child is absent.
Schools will be taking measures to ensure the safe operation of schools on Monday.
All DDSB@Home classes and literacy tests are cancelled on Monday.
Most student chromebooks will not be working.
Child care services will be operating.
Community use of schools permits will continue.

Our IT team has been working throughout the weekend and will continue until we are able to restore services. We appreciate that this incident raises a significant privacy concern, and we will be providing updates and sharing more information when we have it. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through this and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Temporary e-mail address for media inquiries: ddsbmediarelations@gmail.com

Maxwell's 2022 - 2023 Photo Day Schedule

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:30:00 GMT

PHOTO DAY SCHEDULE

PHOTO DAY is SEPTEMBER 15

PHOTO RETAKE DAY is OCTOBER 19

GRAD PHOTO DAY is NOVEMBER 14 - 25

GRAD RETAKE PHOTO DAY is FEBRUARY 9 - 10

School Bus Cancellations: Friday, February 17, 2023 - All Zones

Fri, 17 Feb 2023 10:45:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in all zones, due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather.

Busses will not operate in Zone 1,2,3 or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon. All schools remain open.

All secondary schools have a PA day today, so the only impact is for elementary schools.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Secondary Update on the 2021-22 School Year

Thu, 03 Jun 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Key Messages for Families

Schools will remain closed to in-person learning for the rest of this school year and students will continue to learn remotely.
Students currently learning in-person as part of a special education class will continue to do so.
We are planning for full-day in-person learning for secondary students choosing to learn in-person for the 2021-22 school year.
We will be providing families with a one-week window in early-August to confirm their choice of in-person or virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year.
Secondary school bell times will be from 10am to 4pm for all students.
Secondary schools will be operating on a quadmester schedule with students taking two courses at a time for approximately 45 school days per quadmester.
Timetables will be provided to students closer to the start of the school year.
OSSLT is not required for students graduating this (2020-21) and next (2021-22) school year.
The requirement to earn 40 community involvement hours has been reduced to 20 hours for this (2020-21) and next (2021-22) school year.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Yesterday, the Ministry of Education announced that students will continue to learn remotely for the remainder of the school year, except for those who are currently learning in-person as part of a special education class. We recognize that this may be disappointing news for students and families and that we are all looking forward to connecting in-person again. Please know that services are available through your local school and to reach out if your child needs additional support.

The Ministry has also indicated that we can look at the possibility of having an in-person acknowledgement of graduating students. We do not know what this will look like for schools and we will be working with the Durham Region Health Department on what may be possible. Your school will provide you with an update on planning as information becomes available. Schools will also be following up with families in the coming weeks with respect to the return of student technology and the retrieval of items.

Planning for 2021-2022

As we approach the last month of the school year and with the expansion of COVID-19 vaccinations for youth ages 12 and up, we understand that secondary parents/guardians and students are thinking about what school will look like in September. While we are continuing to adapt plans as the COVID-19 pandemic evolves, we wanted to update you on the current direction from the Ministry of Education. Further direction will be provided by the Ministry in the summer and we will be able to share more information with you in August.

Full-Day In-Person Learning

Based on current direction from the Ministry of Education, we are planning for full-day in-person learning for secondary students who choose to learn in-person.

Opportunity to Confirm your Choice of In-Person or Virtual Learning in Early-August

As the pandemic continues to evolve, so does our approach and with vaccinations for those 12 years of age and older taking place during the upcoming months, the 2021-22 school year is looking more promising. That is why we will be providing families with a one-week window in early-August to confirm their choice of in-person or virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year. More information will be communicated to families through a variety of means closer to early-August on this process.

Secondary School Bell Times are 10am to 4pm

All secondary students will be learning from 10am to 4pm daily during the 2021-22 school year. This includes those in special education classes and those learning at DDSB@Home. We have been working closely with the Durham Catholic District School Board and Durham Student Transportation Services and this approach is the only feasible way that we can ensure all eligible students can receive transportation services due to a province-wide shortage of bus drivers. We recognize this may have an impact on your planning for the fall. We will be checking in throughout the year to determine how families and staff are managing with the change. There is ample research that supports a later start for secondary students as it is beneficial for student engagement but understand there may be other impacts for those involved.

Quadmester Schedule

It is currently expected that classes will take place in a quadmester format with students only taking two courses at a time for an approximate period of 45 school days per quadmester. We have asked the Ministry to consider a full-semester system model but at this time the Ministry has directed that we plan for a quadmester format. In the meantime, we will replicate the schedule that we used this year except all periods will be in-person. Student timetables will be provided closer to the start of the school year to incorporate all the developments that will occur over the summer.

Once timetables are created, school staff will work with students and families to address any concerns.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

Students graduating in the 2021-22 school year are exempted from the completion of the literacy requirement and therefore will not have to write the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). For students graduating after June 2022, we will share updates once we receive them from the Ministry of Education.

Community Involvement Hours Graduation Requirement

Typically, secondary school students are required to provide 40 hours of community involvement activities as part of the requirements for earning an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). In 2021-22, the required number of hours for community involvement activities will be reduced from 40 to a minimum of 20 hours for graduating students. This is consistent with changes made during this school year. The community involvement graduation requirement of 40 hours will be restored in 2022-23.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through the changing dynamic of the COVID-19 pandemic response and as we endeavour to provide meaningful learning options for students. We will update you when we have confirmation of the school day from the Ministry of Education.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

Grade 8 Student Helping to Make Headwear for Frontline Workers

Tue, 12 May 2020 19:45:00 GMT

An inspiring DDSB student is volunteering to help make frontline workers more comfortable and safe

A Durham District School Board (DDSB) student has decided to give back and help her community by supporting frontline workers during the pandemic, in a small but mighty way.

“I want to get involved with my community and I feel like this is the best way to do it. Even in rough times, you need to be able to help your community out, no matter who they are. We can get through these tough times together,” says Danielle, a Grade 8 student at Beaverton Public School.

Danielle is helping to create headwear for frontline workers, as part of an effort being coordinated by Brock Sews. She is a pattern cutter, which means that she cuts fabric for the headwear and then gives it to the person who sews the final product. In just over three days Danielle has been able to cut over 20 patterns. She found out about the project from her grandmother Gail Scruton, who is also involved with Brock Sews.

Lore Grant, founder of Brock Sews, said her heart broke when she saw a Facebook post, showing “a nurse whose ears were raw and blistering from the elastic from her mask; she wanted headwear that would take the elastic off the ears.”

After sharing the post, many people from Brock Township reached out to Grant to help to make the headwear. Some offered to sew, cut patterns or donate fabrics and other materials needed. So far, they’ve donated almost 2800 completed pieces to hospitals and healthcare facilities across the GTA. Grant is happy to have Danielle on the team supporting frontline workers. She added that, “this is such a selfless act, to want to engage with others in an effort to show our appreciation to the frontline workers.”

Danielle hopes that others hear about this great initiative.

“It makes me feel good that I’m able to help other people,” Danielle says. “I just wish there were more ways I could help and maybe other people could help too.”

To get in touch with Brock Sews to help at granthouse@rogers.com, 705-426-1296.

Announcement: New Name for UNOPS - "Maamawi iyaawag"

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 19:15:00 GMT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are excited to announce that the previously unnamed North Oshawa P.S. will be opening in September 2024 as Maamawi iyaawag P.S. This name, meaning "they are gathered together here" in Anishinaabemowin, reflects our commitment to Indigenous rights and has been selected through extensive community consultation. Please read the attached document for more details.

Durham District School Board

DDSB unveils 2024-28 Ignite Learning Multi-Year Strategic Plan

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 15:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) announced today the launch of its transformative Ignite Learning Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2028). The Plan aims to create an inclusive and equitable environment where every student, staff member, and family thrives.

The Plan is underpinned by three guiding principles:

We recognize and uphold distinct Indigenous Rights
We affirm and uphold Human Rights
We care about and strive to Know Each Other

The Plan’s three strategic priorities – Meaningful Learning, Connected Communities, and Well-Being – are designed to promote high-quality teaching, community engagement, and holistic support for students and staff. By centring these three strategic priorities in schools and workplaces, the DDSB aims to build confidence, trust, and a shared sense of purpose in its communities.

“This strategic plan represents our focus on student achievement and success along with our commitment to anti-oppression, equity, and the recognition of Indigenous rights,” said Christine Thatcher, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees. “It serves as a blueprint for meaningful learning, connected communities, and well-being, reflecting our dedication to creating environments where everyone feels valued and supported.”

The Ignite Learning Multi-Year Strategic Plan was the result of extensive public consultations, incorporating the aspirations, priorities, and feedback from diverse community partners. The DDSB invites the community to explore how these strategic priorities will shape a future where we ignite learning, ignite connection and ignite well-being. For more information, visit the DDSB website.

Congratulations to Alicia Russell, Principal of Ajax High School

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is proud to announce that Alicia Russell, Principal of Ajax High School, has been named the recipient of the 2025 Maxwell B. Nelson Leadership Award.

This prestigious recognition, presented by the Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) Director of Education, honours Alicia’s exceptional leadership, vision, courage, and sacrifice along with her steadfast commitment to equity. Her work has created meaningful pathways toward inclusive outcomes for all students and staff.

Alicia’s contributions extend well beyond her daily responsibilities, as she has consistently championed learning and working environments that uphold Indigenous rights, and human rights. She has created spaces that are welcoming, respectful, accessible, and free from all forms of discrimination, harassment, and oppression.

Alicia was also recognized for her ability to encourage collaboration. She has built strong partnerships with community organizations and equity-focused networks, driving innovation and accountability across educational spaces. Her contributions to the DDSB and sector-wide committees reflect a deep commitment to system improvement and the collective well-being of all learners and educators.

This year’s recipient of the Maxwell B. Nelson Leadership Award has demonstrated a bold vision for inclusive education — one that challenges the status quo and actively works to dismantle systemic barriers and inequities. Her leadership has resulted in meaningful, system-wide change rooted in the values of anti-oppression, Indigenous rights, and human rights. We are thrilled to recognize Alicia’s unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable education system that reflects the very essence of this award.

The award will be presented at the Administrator’s System Leadership Meeting, with Maxwell B. Nelson in attendance. A commemorative plaque will be on display at the DDSB Education Centre to honour Alicia’s achievement and lasting legacy.

Please join us in congratulating Alicia Russell on this well-deserved recognition.

Director's Update: June 2024

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 17:00:00 GMT

Dear students and families:

As we are on the brink of the summer break, I hope that you will feel a sense of progress and accomplishment as you reflect on the past school year. Our students have worked hard, played hard, learned new skills, solved problems and discovered new things about themselves and their communities. These achievements are not only reflected on report cards, but also in the stories that they have shared over the past year with their friends, classmates, educators, and families.

It has been wonderful to watch DDSB students shine and grow as the year unfolded. At each month's board meeting, the "Good News From the System" segment showcases the learning, talent, and growth of DDSB students (June Edition). Many of you will have celebrated the accomplishments of Grade 8 and high school students at school events recognizing significant completion milestones. At our recently held annual Student Recognition Night, the system acknowledged the resilience and leadership journeys of nominated students who are completing their final year at DDSB. This event awarded students who not only accomplished personal goals, but also made a way to support others in doing the same. These are young people who exemplify resilience, grace, and strong character.

This past June we saw genius in action at the unveiling of the Student Art Gallery in the Education Centre where students from all over the District submitted their work for consideration for the gallery under the theme of “My Journey, My Joy, My Genius.” The selected works are on display for a full year at the DDSB Education Centre.

In a similar vein, brilliant works by talented artists from Durham Alternative Secondary School will be on display until the end of the month at the Station Gallery in Oshawa.

Two weeks ago, we shared the excitement of the spirited athletes at the Abilities Track and Field event held at the?Civic Recreation Complex in Oshawa.?Over 900 athletes from 85 DDSB schools participated in the Abilities Track and Field meet on June 14.? This annual event engaged friendly competition for athletes from both elementary and secondary schools in both track and field events including adaptive sports. Certainly, the Education Assistants, Educator teams, and other DDSB staff were also spirited in their support for athletes. Their creativity and investment helped to maximize the engagement in and enjoyment of a dynamic sports event. It was truly a day of joy for athletes, staff, and families.

We closed off the year with three important themes acknowledging the diverse lived realities of the Durham community. June brought with it a focus on Indigenous history, culture, and identity. Students and staff engaged in important learning in schools and classrooms. At the Education Centre, we welcomed Dr. Pam Palmater and Chief Kelly LaRocca to chart a path of learning. Their words challenged us to continue to embrace our own responsibilities in response to the Calls to Action. Their words also served to acknowledge and inspire Indigenous adults and students in public validation of their cultures, heritage, histories, and identities.

Additionally, we recognized Autistic Pride Day on June 18. During the flag raising event, many voices shared their perspectives and experiences of Autistic and Neurodivergent youth and adults from many communities. It was a good reminder that we have much to learn from everyone in our community, especially from those who experience the world in ways that may be different from what most of us have come to expect.

And, as June is widely acknowledged as Pride month in Canada, we underscored our commitment to identity affirming spaces for 2SLGBTQI families, students, and staff. In addition to various events in the region and in the District, the DDSB signalled our intentions by raising the progressive rainbow flag at all our schools and the Education Centre.

These and many other experiences highlight the richness of the DDSB community. Our students, staff, and families create that richness. As we close the year and move into a break for the summer, I am encouraging you to continue to learn from each other in your family and?community experiences, your summer learning activities, or even through the adventures that you might explore in books and stories that you may encounter in the coming weeks.

I hope you will find some time for rest and relaxation during the summer months and that we will come back together in September replenished and ready to go.

On behalf of the senior team, have a great summer break.

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

Two Trustee Seats Vacated

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 18:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board thank Chris Braney and Michael Barrett for their years of service to public education on the Board of Trustees

At a Special Board Meeting held on Tuesday, September 6, 2022, the Durham District School Board confirmed that the seats held by former Trustees Chris Braney and Michael Barrett have been vacated.

The vacancies were created by operation of the residency provisions of the Education Act and the Municipal Elections Act which stipulate that, for eligibility purposes, a school board trustee may only have one residence at a time and that the residence must be in the school district that they are serving.

A report concerning next steps in relation to the two vacant seats will be brought forward to the next board meeting scheduled for Monday, September 19, 2022.

Quote:

“On behalf of the Durham District School Board, I would like to thank Chris Braney and Michael Barrett for their many years of service to students and families as school board trustees and former Chairs of the Board. We wish both of them well in their future endeavours.”

Carolyn Morton, Chair, Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 75,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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DDSB@Home: Transitional Pilot FAQs

Wed, 10 Jan 2024 15:45:00 GMT

For the 2024-2025 school year, DDSB@Home will focus on serving students entering Grades 4 through 10, moving away from our previous K-12 model. This transitional pilot aims to enhance the educational experience of our virtual learning program. While the duration and permanency of this change is to be determined, our primary goal remains to provide the best possible learning environment. We recognize that such transitions can lead to questions and concerns. To assist you in understanding the rationale and implications behind this decision, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and ongoing support as we embark on this journey together.

Frequently Asked Questions - DDSB@Home - Transitional Pilot

Teacher lifts spirits amid new era of social distancing

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 16:30:00 GMT

Dave McGonigal, a Teacher at Williamsburg PS, recently held a lively bagpipe performance outside Taunton Mills Retirement Home in Whitby. Keeping his distance from those inside, McGonigal says he wanted to lift the spirits of the people living and working in the building, during this difficult time of self-isolation. Check out CBC The National’s coverage of David’s performance at the 42:53 mark in the online broadcast.

DDSB announces agreement with OSSTF Permanent Teachers

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 17:15:00 GMT

Durham District School Board announced today that is has a reached a new agreement with the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Permanent Teachers bargaining unit. The DDSB Board of Trustees and the bargaining unit have ratified the agreement.

“This agreement reflects our mutual commitment to providing high-quality education to our students,” said Christine Thatcher, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees. “The dedication demonstrated by our secondary school educators is commendable. We look forward to continuing to work together to support student success and foster a positive learning environment.”

Building upon this achievement, both parties are committed to continuing to drive positive outcomes for both educators and students alike.

“The OSSTF Teachers Bargaining Unit is pleased to have ratified a new collective agreement with the DDSB,” said Shane Stagg, President, District 13 OSSTF. “Collective bargaining provides an important opportunity for the union and the employer to discuss matters of concern, find common interests, and identify middle ground on their differences. We are happy to have found a willing bargaining partner with the DDSB and to have arrived at a collective agreement that supports public education in Durham.”

Durham District School Board

Important DSTS Service Update

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 21:45:00 GMT

With the full return of all bus routes, Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) may encounter higher than normal absent rates for school bus drivers due to the COVID variant.

Parents, students, and school communities need to be aware that it may be necessary to cancel bus runs on a temporary basis if we experience high rates of driver absences.

The cancellation of school bus routes is a last resort for DSTS. It is important that parents, guardians, and students are monitoring the DSTS website daily and check the “Delayed Buses” page to monitor the status of their bus run.

Through our website www.dsts.on.ca, under “Track your Child/Student’s bus”, parents, guardians, and students can create an account with DSTS and receive automatic transportation updates including delays and cancellations.

Please note that if a bus route is temporarily cancelled due to COVID, it may be cancelled for up to 5 days.

Please continue to follow us on twitter @DurhamSTS and monitor our website for the most up-to-date transportation information and important updates.

Thank you,

Durham Student Transportation Services

Ontario's Top School Cricket Team

Wed, 25 Jun 2025 19:30:00 GMT

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Mayor’s Cup

The Varsity Cricket team from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate has made history by winning the prestigious 2025 Mayor’s Cup, solidifying their place as the #1 school cricket team in Ontario.

Following an incredible season in which they were crowned outdoor tournament champions and recognized as the best team in the Durham region, the team was invited to compete in the Mayor’s Cup. This prestigious tournament featured top ranked cricket teams from Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and Scarborough.

Under the leadership of Coach Sazeka Williams, Coach Grant Madden and Coach Bevan Fernandes, J. Clarke Richardson delivered a series of outstanding performances, showcasing sharp bowling, solid batting, and excellent fielding. Their most impressive feat came in the semi-finals, where they defeated the four-time defending champions. In the final match, they beat the Scarborough team, bowling them out for just 25 runs.

“Our team delivered unmatched performances across the board,” said Coach Williams. “Every player gave it their all, and each and every one of them should be so proud!”

This win also marked a historic return for the Durham District School Board (DDSB) to the Premier’s Cup tournament since the COVID-19 pandemic. The team’s success is a testament to the talent, discipline, and leadership within DDSB schools.

The Ontario Schools Cricket Association (OSCA) extended its congratulations to the team, with the Director of OSCA praising the win as a milestone achievement by J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate.

With this momentous win, J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate has not only brought pride to their school and community but also reignited momentum to expand school cricket opportunities for students across Durham.

Statement on the Impact of Qu�bec's Bill 21

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 20:00:00 GMT

The cornerstone of quality public education is that it is for all students, families, employees, and communities. As a public school board, the DDSB welcomes, values, affirms, and respects the identities of all community members. We also recognize the critical importance of having a workforce that reflects the diversity of students we serve.

Recently an educator in Québec who wears a hijab was reassigned from their teaching duties because of a provincial law that prevents public service employees from wearing religious symbols at work. This law has a discriminatory and racist effect on individuals and groups based on the expression of their religious beliefs.

Such an action, so close to home, has created a myriad of emotions for those within the DDSB community. We deeply share these feelings of concern as this law and decision directly contradict our core values of upholding human rights and fostering inclusion. Diversity is the strength of public education and seeing a discriminatory law being implemented to prevent such diversity is unacceptable.

While the legal ramifications of this law and decision unfold, we continue to take anti-oppressive approaches and actions to the work that we do. We remain unwavering in our commitment to providing learning and working environments that centre Indigenous rights, human rights, and equity and that are safe, welcoming, respectful, inclusive, equitable, and accessible for everyone. Discrimination has no place in our schools, workplaces, communities, province, and country.

Lincoln Avenue Public School hosts inspiring Greatest Canadian History Fair

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 17:45:00 GMT

In a vibrant celebration of our shared Canadian identity, Lincoln Avenue Public School recently played host to the eagerly awaited Greatest Canadian History Fair, an annual event for its spirited and dedicated Grades 7 and 8 students. With passion and fervor, these young minds embarked on an enlightening journey into the annals of Canadian history, transforming the mundane into the extraordinary.

This captivating event wasn't just an academic exercise; it was a triumphant ode to our rich Canadian heritage and the luminaries who have indelibly shaped our nation. Under the thoughtful guidance of Lincoln Avenue Public School, students delved into the lives of iconic Canadians, not merely as historical figures, but as beacons of inspiration for the generations to come.

Fueling the flames of curiosity, the fair became a dynamic platform for students to explore, discover, and celebrate the profound contributions of Canadian trailblazers. From the courageous feats of Laura Secord to the indomitable spirit of Terry Fox, and the cultural impact of Robert Munsch, the fair showcased a kaleidoscope of narratives that are etched in Canadian tapestry.

Distinguished guests who graced the occasion elevated this year’s fair to new heights, breathing life into the students' presentations. Representatives from the Terry Fox Foundation and the Hockey Hall of Fame generously shared artifacts, enriching the projects and amplifying the historical resonance. This unique collaboration underscored the spirit of unity and shared pride in our national history.

Principal James Rowed, with a sparkle in his eyes, remarked, "The Greatest Canadian History Fair is a testament to the depth of research and passion displayed by our students. It goes beyond the classroom, offering a profound exploration of our collective identity and the extraordinary individuals who have sculpted it."

The event transcended the school walls, drawing participants from all corners of the community, including the Mayor of Ajax, Shaun Collier, who joined the festivities. The fair wasn't merely an academic exercise; it was a call to community engagement, fostering a sense of collective pride in our Canadian roots.

Lincoln Avenue Public School, unwavering in its commitment to holistic education, remains dedicated to cultivating a love for history and an appreciation for the myriad narratives that have shaped the great nation of Canada. As the echoes of the fair linger in the hearts of participants, we look forward to another year of inspiring journeys into the vibrant tapestry of Canadian greatness.

DDSB Students 'Huddle Up' with Toronto Argonauts Players

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Students at Lakeside PS and Eastdale CVI were overjoyed to hear first-hand inspiring stories from two professional football players

Jason Colero has worked for the Toronto Argonauts for the past 35 years, in a variety of positions. He first began working with the team on the sidelines, assisting in any way he could. Today he’s the Director of Education and Community Programs for the Toronto Argos. Colero says that over his 3 ½ decades with the team, he’s been inspired by countless athletes who have their own personal stories about the effects of bullying.

“If the players are inspiring me, imagine how they can inspire youth,” says Colero.

That was the thought Colero had back in 2001, when he started the Argos’ bullying awareness and prevention program called Huddle Up.

Huddle Up aims to be part of the solution to bullying. To accomplish this, the program brings professional athletes into schools to amplify the message of promoting a positive environment in school communities.

Paying it Forward at Lakeside PS

On March 4^th, Grade 6-8 students at Lakeside Public School in Ajax were delighted to have Colero and Toronto Argos defensive lineman Fabion Foote join them for a Huddle Up assembly. The assembly was organized at the school level by the Lakeside PS Huddle Up Student Leaders.

Foote shared a few anecdotes about growing up in Rexdale and attending Thistletown Collegiate Institute. He says the transition from elementary to secondary school was hard for him at first. Luckily, he was introduced to football and it changed his entire outlook on life. “With football I found that no matter a person’s size, there’s always a place for them on the team. We’re a family. We support each other through good and bad,” explains Foote.

Foote continually goes home to Rexdale when he can, and lends a hand at the local Rexdale Boys and Girls Club, “We all need support at some point in life. It’s important to pay it forward when you can.”

Kaelan, a Grade 7 student and Huddle Up Student Leader, says it was interesting to hear a professional athlete talk about bullying, “It makes a huge difference when someone recognizable shares their experience. Their influence makes a big impact on us.”

Recognizing Value at Eastdale CVI

On March 9^th, Colero and Toronto Argos linebacker Nakas Onyeka joined Grade 9 and 10 students at Eastdale CVI in Oshawa.

Onyeka told students that from Grade 6-8 he was bullied. He says when he got to high school, he was ‘fueled to get even’ and became a bully himself. “I didn’t value myself. I did it to make myself feel cool and secure.”

He went on to say that in Grade 11, a friend changed his life. “My friend C.K. saw what I was doing, and told me I needed guidance. He told me to join the football team. C.K. saved my life,” explains Onyeka.

Onyeka says the football locker room and field were the only places he didn’t feel judged.

He concluded by stating, “Society succeeds when each of us sees the value in the person next to us.”

The assembly at Eastdale CVI was also organized by a student group, who said that they were inspired by Onyeka’s story.

“It’s important for all students to know that you can always make a difference,” notes Sophia Drazso, a Grade 12 student at Eastdale CVI. “You don’t necessarily have to change something in one day, but over time, if you consistently try to better yourself, then you can make a positive impact on others.”

A Team Effort

This year marks the first time that the Toronto Argonauts have teamed up with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, and the Toronto Football Club (FC) to strengthen and grow the bullying awareness message. According to the Huddle Up website, the program has some exciting opportunities coming up as they re-brand to include all four Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) teams.

For more information about the Huddle Up program please visit: https://www.argonauts.ca/huddleup/

Update on Remote Learning and Returning School Materials

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 23:30:00 GMT

We hope that your children are doing well in these unusual times as we continue to do our best to engage them, with a focus on well-being and positive relationships. In today’s message, we have some updates and information to share with you:

Remote Learning Continues in Durham Region
Information on Returning Textbooks and Other Materials

Remote Learning Continues in Durham Region

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education announced that more school boards in Ontario will be returning to in-person learning. However, Durham Region was not included as part of this announcement and students at our school board will continue to learn remotely at home until further notice. We anticipate that the earliest students could return to school is February 11, 2021, but this is subject to change.

To help provide context, the decision on when students can return to in-person learning is made by the Ministry of Education on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and in consultation with the local Medical Officers of Health. They make this decision based on the most recent public health data they have in order to determine when it is safe for all students to return to in-person learning.

Once we receive more information from the Ministry on when students can return to in-person learning, we will be sharing that news with you and look forward to welcoming your child(ren) back to school. Should you have any concerns or questions about your child(ren)’s participation in remote learning, we ask that you please contact the classroom teacher or the school administration team for assistance.

Information on Returning Textbooks and Other Materials

Due to the current stay-at-home order, we are asking that you keep any school issued textbooks and borrowed materials at home until further notice. Once the date that students will be able to return to in-person learning is confirmed, schools will communicate with you on how to safely return any textbooks and borrowed materials that you may have. However, schools may be in touch sooner with individual students to support technology needs and/or any students who may be graduating following the end of Quadmester 2.

Thank you once again for your patience and understanding as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic together and the resulting changes. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to be in touch with your school team.

daVinci Public School Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 18:30:00 GMT

Happy birthday, daVinci Public School!

The daVinci school community opened their doors on May 26, 2022 to students, parents, teachers, and principals past and present to celebrate the school’s 10^th anniversary.

This was the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic that the school was able to host community members for a celebration. The school looked fantastic and everyone had fun time reconnecting with former teachers and staff, graduates, and parents who came back to take part in the celebration, which included activities like:

- ‘daVinci Passport’ tour of the school and submission for prizes,

- Selfie photo opportunity with a daVinci (Mona Lisa theme),

- “Who’s that Dragon” board with photos of staff when they were 10 years old,

- A large birthday card for all visitors to sign, and

- Students and teachers engaged in a 10^th anniversary bingo game

DaVinci Public School Celebrates 10 Years

Current students were surprised by the number of community members and past alumni who attended to take part in the celebration. Student Kennedy-Grace who took part in the festivities said, “whether it’s past students, current students, old staff members, or current staff members, we will always be together as a big family."

Rhiyah, who also attends the school really liked the birthday celebration. "Something I liked about the party is everyone was really welcoming to families, and people who came here were very excited to come. One of my favourite things at the party was signing the birthday card and the passports,” said Rhiyah.

Attending this year’s event was the original administrative team of Principal Andrea Della Torre and Vice Principal John McLeod who opened the school doors back in September 2012 and welcomed the first students.

Many of this year’s graduates hold the unique distinction of being the first graduates to begin daVinci Public School in Junior Kindergarten attending all grade levels at the school.

December 23: All DDSB Schools/Offices Closed

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 19:45:00 GMT

As a result of the pending winter storm warning, which includes risks of flash freezing, a decision has been made to close all DDSB sites for Friday, December 23, 2022. Community Use of Schools permits will also be cancelled for tomorrow evening.

This closure also applies to all child care sites on DDSB property.

As a reminder, all DDSB sites will now be closed from Friday, December 23, 2022 to Monday, January 2, 2023. On January 3, 2023 all DDSB sites will resume operations in alignment with the Winter Holiday Break schedule. Schools will be open to students commencing Monday, January 9, 2023.

With our best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season.

Supervisory Officer Talent Pool

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 19:15:00 GMT

Lead. Inspire. Transform.

We’re inviting applications to our Supervisory Officer Pool — for leaders ready to create meaningful change.

Durham District School Board (DDSB) is currently seeking educational leaders who are focused on student achievement and well-being, and who are committed to championing the district’s commitment to providing learning and working environments that centre Indigenous rights, human rights, and equity.

System leaders and Principals with experience building collaborative leadership teams, with a strong record of scaffolding opportunities to support student success, as well demonstrating a commitment to anti-discrimination and anti-oppression within an extended school community are invited to apply to this leadership opportunity.

Pickering Seaton Community's New School: Josiah Henson Public School

Tue, 06 May 2025 19:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is excited to announce the name of our newest elementary school opening its doors in September 2025 in the Pickering Seaton community: Josiah Henson Public School.

After careful consideration and extensive consultation with the broader school community, the School Naming Committee selected the name Josiah Henson P.S., and it was officially approved by the Board of Trustees of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) at the Special Board Meeting held on May 5, 2025.

Through meaningful dialogue and collaboration, the committee carefully reviewed community and student submissions and reflected on the vision for the new school community to arrive at a recommendation.?The School Naming Committee made its selection from a shortlist of three community-informed options and strongly felt that naming the school in Josiah Henson’s honour reflects the Durham District School Board’s deep commitment to equity, anti-oppression, and the ongoing work to confront anti-Black racism. It also affirms the importance of celebrating Black history and heritage as a vital part of our collective story.

We are grateful to the School Naming Committee for their diligent efforts in selecting a name that reflects the values and aspirations of the community. We believe the name Josiah Henson Public School will serve as a powerful reminder to students and staff of the strength found in perseverance, the value of inclusive education, and the importance of striving for a more just and compassionate society.

We extend our appreciation to the school community, the School Naming Committee and the entire DDSB community for their valuable contributions and engagement throughout this process. Together, we are laying the foundation for a bright and promising future for our students.

DRHD Strongly Recommends Masks

Wed, 13 Apr 2022 19:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are writing to share with you the news that due to the Omicron surges (BA.1.1 and BA.2 sub-variants), the Durham Region Health Department strongly recommends that students and staff wear a well-fitted three-layer mask in shared indoor spaces.

Please read the attached message from Durham Region’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Robert Kyle with this updated guidance. DRHD Message from Dr. Kyle

Masking, coupled with other public health measures such as physical distancing, proper hand hygiene, and staying home when sick, continue to be effective strategies for reducing the spread of COVID-19. We ask that everyone attending school continue to self-screen every day by using the Ontario school screener at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

By working together and following the guidance of the Durham Region Health Department, we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

Thank you,

Durham District School Board

5 Questions with DDSB Staff Author Ashley Underwood

Thu, 28 Apr 2022 14:45:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud to be home to many diverse, skilled, talented, and creative staff across the District. This multi-part “5 Questions With…” series will highlight the success that DDSB staff have accomplished in a variety of industries.

Ashley Underwood is a Grade 1 teacher at Valley View Public School in Pickering. Earlier this year, Ashley self-published her first children’s book titled I Love You, For YOU, about a young boy with a big imagination. The main character in the book is based on Ashley’s son, Frankie. In the story, Frankie make-believes being a hockey player, a doctor, a gardener, and much more. In each adventure, Frankie’s mom is there to remind him that underneath all of the play and pretending, loving himself is what truly matters.

We spoke with Ashley about publishing her first book, her creative process, and hopes for the future.

Q. What inspired your book I Love You, For YOU?

It was a busy morning, and Frankie was doing what seemed like every activity in the house. He would run around dressing up like a firefighter, putting out fires like his Grandad or tending to his garden of carrots and strawberries in the backyard. After that, I started writing down the activities he did throughout the day, all the things he came up with while pretending and using his imagination. These moments of play started to unfold into positive self-talk about loving yourself and affirming how smart, brave, and strong you are. I wanted to recreate this feeling to share with other parents and children, about imagination, discovery, and self-love.

Q. What message do you hope audiences take with them after reading I Love You, For YOU?

I want to share the feeling of warmth and ambition that comes when cuddling up and sharing a book about creating a world with limitless possibilities. The story connects creativity and discovery with the important message that children are loved no matter who they choose to be. It feels amazing to be able to share this message with other little ones, parents and those who love them.

Q. Do you have any tips for aspiring authors or illustrators who are considering publishing their work?

If you are thinking about publishing your work and getting your ideas out there, you already have the skills to do so. The hardest part is deciding to write or even start writing. Begin by setting short, specific goals that feel doable and then create time in your schedule to make it happen. Your book and ideas will come together before you know it. It really is the most beautiful feeling holding that printed book in your hands.

Publishing a children’s book was a goal of mine, but I needed some help to get there. It can feel overwhelming so don’t hesitate to ask for help. I recommend joining a writing community and connecting with other like-minded people to get you started on your writing journey. This makes all the difference.

Q. What’s next for you in the world of storytelling?

I love being creative and using theatrics to tell heart-warming stories of imagination and discovery. My second children’s book - a continuation from the first - is set to be released later this summer.

Join Frankie, Isla, and their new friends as they embark on a journey exploring their very own backyard in, Backyard Explorer. Frankie’s new group of friends will introduce readers to a world of nature-loving, bug-hugging, dig-in-the-dirt kind of fun, where exploration is encouraged, and questions are answered. The reader is invited into this world where they can glimpse nature’s most magnificent creations, in a story that includes Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) activities that children can try at home as they explore their own backyards.

Q. Where can people go to learn more about you and your work?

I Love You for YOU is available on Amazon.ca. I look forward to connecting with you and continuing to share the stories of Frankie and his friends as they dive deep into exploring their imagination. Join me on Twitter, (@Mrs_Underwood22), as I share more information about the book, teaching, and STEM activities for learners of all ages.

Increasing Positive Outcomes Through Cannabis Education

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 18:30:00 GMT

Educator training modules on substance use are in development to support staff and students

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) recently partnered with Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB) and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) to create an educator’s guide aimed at de-stigmatizing and expanding education about cannabis use.

“By creating an informed staff group who use non-stigmatizing language when addressing and teaching about healthy choices and substance use, we increase the likelihood of positive outcomes for our students and staff,” says Dan Hogan, Substance Use and Violence Prevention Co-ordinator at the DDSB.

The idea to put together an educator’s guide came from a webinar for educators hosted by the CCSA in early 2021, focused on addressing substance use issues with youth. Based on the response from the roughly 1,000 participants, it was identified that it would be beneficial to develop training modules that address key issues of concern such as substance use and addiction, stigma, and cannabis and vaping.

Making use of from funds earmarked by the Government of Ontario to support cannabis education, three training modules are currently in development as part of the educator’s guide.

Module 1: Substance Use and Addiction

The first module will include a general introduction to substance use and Substance Use Disorders, examining risk factors, how to reduce harms associated substance use, as well as symptoms and signs of harmful substance use and suggestions for seeking support.

Module 2: Stigma

This module will address stigma related to substance use and potential discriminatory and judgmental language that is sometimes used that prevents people from seeking and receiving treatment support. Concepts that will be covered include self stigma, social stigma, and structural stigma.

Module 3: Cannabis and Vaping

The final module will cover the emerging evidence related to the harms associated with vaping in general and vaping cannabis specifically. It will also cover several approaches to educating students regarding risks and harms associated with vaping and cannabis, how to speak to youth about cannabis and vaping, as well as suggested harm reduction strategies.

Mr. Hogan adds that the training modules will roll out using a “train the trainer” approach to encourage scaling and spreading among educators and will support building capacity for training amongst colleagues.

DDSB staff can expect to see these modules available after October 14^th, 2021.

Picture Retake Day - Oct. 15th

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:15:00 GMT

Lear Corporation Whitby: A Beacon of Generosity for Glen Street Public School

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:15:00 GMT

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and generosity, Lear Corporation Whitby has made a significant impact on Glen St. Public School, a local Elementary School within the Durham District School Board. Throughout the school year, Lear Corporation has provided a monthly pizza lunch for the staff and students, bringing joy and a sense of togetherness to the school community.

As the school year drew to a close, Lear Corporation's commitment to Glen St. Public School reached new heights. They graciously organized a nourishing breakfast for the entire school, ensuring that every student started their day with a healthy meal. Additionally, they restocked the school's snack pantry, ensuring that every student has equitable access to food.

This incredible support has not only nourished the bodies of the students but has also uplifted their spirits, fostering a caring and inclusive environment within the school. The generosity of Lear Corporation has made a tangible difference in the lives of the students and staff, creating a sense of unity and support that will be remembered for years to come.

Tanya LaBrecque from Lear Corporation Whitby expressed “how heartwarming it is to positively impact Glen Street Public School.” She shared that “the gratitude from students and staff has been overwhelming, often bringing tears to their eyes.” The smiles and positive changes seen in the school are incredibly rewarding for the Lear team. Providing meals supports students' learning and well-being, and the personal connections many Lear staff have with the school make their efforts even more meaningful. LaBrecque emphasized that “the dedication and generosity of the Lear team, who donate their time and money, are crucial in creating a better environment for everyone.”

Looking ahead, Glen St. Public School is thrilled to announce that Lear Corporation Whitby has committed to continuing their support into the 2024/2025 school year. This ongoing partnership promises to further strengthen the bonds between the corporation and the school community, ensuring that the students at Glen St. Public School have the resources and support they need to thrive.

Thank you, Lear Corporation Whitby, for your unwavering generosity and for making a lasting difference in our community. Your support is a testament to the power of kindness and the impact it can have on the lives of many.

March Break Postponed Until April 12th

Fri, 12 Feb 2021 02:00:00 GMT

Earlier today, the Minister of Education announced that the March break scheduled for the week of March 15th, 2021 has been postponed and will now take place during the week of April 12th, 2021. The decision was made on the advice of Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and more information on this decision can be found in this Ministry of Education press release. Please click the links below to view the updates for elementary, secondary and modified calendar elementary schools.

Elementary Update
Secondary Update
Modified Calendar Elementary Update (C.E. Broughton PS and Winchester PS)

Modified School Calendar 2025-2026

Tue, 27 May 2025 18:00:00 GMT

DDSB Board of Trustees Announce Appointment of Two New Trustees

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 23:30:00 GMT

Following interviews that occurred on June 16, 2022, the Durham District School Board (DDSB)’s Board of Trustees appointed Kate Bird to the role of Trustee, replacing former Trustee Patrice Barnes and Linda Lowery to the role of Trustee, replacing former Trustee Linda Stone for the remainder of the 2018-2022 term, ending on November 14, 2022.

Quote:

“On behalf of the DDSB’s Board of Trustees, we wish to sincerely thank everyone that put their name forward to serve their community. We are pleased to welcome Kate Bird and Linda Lowery to the Board of Trustees as we complete the 2018-2022 term. We look forward to working collaboratively with them to continue advancing the Board’s important work over the next five months.” - Chair Carolyn Morton

Quick Facts:

Two Trustee vacancies occurred in May and June 2022 due to resignations.
The vacancy notice was advertised widely, and the Board sought applications from qualified individuals. All candidates were given the opportunity to speak about their qualifications and desire to be appointed in a public meeting, Trustees voted to determine the successful candidate for each vacancy.
The new Trustees completed their Declaration of Office/Oath of Allegiance at the start of the regular Board Meeting held on June 20, 2022.

Biographies:

Kate Bird:

Kate Bird is an accomplished and dynamic leader and community builder with over 25 years of senior leadership experience both in the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors. She has been recognized as the Canadian Woman Entrepreneur of the Year, Whitby Woman of the Year, one of Canada’s Top Women Business Owners for many years, and more. Kate currently is the Executive Director of a charity providing housing with supports to people who are experiencing homelessness, and she was previously the Executive Director of the Community Development Council Durham and CEO of WindReach Farm.

Kate is a Certified Teacher by training and is currently a Director on the Ontario Non-Profit Housing Association Board. She has also served as an Ajax Library Board Trustee and is a member of the Local Diversity and Immigration Partnership Council. She is an active volunteer with numerous charities and has had two children graduate from the French Immersion stream at the Durham District School Board.

In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her family, live music, Dragon Boat racing, cooking and fostering Retired Racing Greyhounds.

Linda Lowery:

Linda Lowery has a long history with Durham District School Board as both a former employee and trustee. For 23 years, she was the Substance Abuse and Violence Prevention Coordinator for the DDSB where she worked extensively with the community and participated in numerous District committees, including the Partnership Committee and Child Abuse Prevention Committee. Among other initiatives, she was the founding Chair for 11 years of Racing Against Drugs Durham, the chairperson of a district committee on bullying prevention and the lead researcher and author of the Board’s past ‘Imagine Bully-free Schools’ and ‘Be Aware…Be Safe’ (violence prevention) resources.

Linda left her career in the fall of 2010 to continue to care for her son who suffered a Catastrophic Brain Injury in October 2008. In 2015, her family launched a community mobilization, Heads Up! Durham, dedicated to shining a light on the prevention of traumatic brain injuries.

When Trustee Larry Jacula sadly passed away in March 2017, she was appointed to serve as Oshawa Trustee until the next election in 2018.

Attachments: Photo of newly appointed Trustees Kate Bird and Linda Lowery

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 75,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Aylesworth
Communications Specialist
Durham District School Board
905.666.6136
stephanie.aylesworth@ddsb.ca

Durham District School Board Trustee is honoured by Special Olympics Ontario

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 15:30:00 GMT

Donna Edwards is named 2019 Female Coach of the Year by Special Olympics Ontario

On October 24, Durham District School Board (DDSB) Trustee for the Town of Ajax (Ward 3) Donna Edwards was in Toronto receiving an award for 2019 Female Coach of the Year from Special Olympics Ontario (SOO).

The Special Olympics have been a big part of Edwards’ family life for many years. Her daughter Victoria has down syndrome and they enrolled her in a sports program that would challenge her, but would also give her an opportunity to socialize with her peers. Her son Jonathan has autism and he joined the SOO figure skating team. In 2013, he represented Canada in the Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. After volunteering for many years with SOO, when the chance came up to coach rhythmic gymnastics, Edwards didn’t hesitate.

“Over 16 years ago, I took my National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and rhythmic gymnastics coach certification and became the head coach for the Durham Shooting Stars,” Edwards shares. “I have been the head coach ever since.”

Last March Edwards went to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates with Team Canada at the Special Olympics World Summer Games. Canada won the most medals at the games in various events. Her six rhythmic gymnastics athletes took home 29 gold medals and three silver medals for their individual apparatus routines, group floor, and group hoop routines.

Being Honoured

The cherry on top was when Edwards was secretly nominated by the Special Olympics Ontario Greater Durham Team to receive the 2019 Special Olympics Ontario Female Coach of the Year Award. This award is presented to the coach who has demonstrated an overall contribution to SOO, displayed coaching effectiveness and personal development, and has provided an excellent leadership model for the athletes.

Edwards says that working with these athletes is very rewarding, given that coaching them is something she loves to do.

“I was definitely surprised to receive the honour,” Edwards expresses. “But the reason that I do this is because of what I get back from the athletes.”

Book your Vaccine Appointment

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Youth 12 years of age and older, and their unimmunized family members are encouraged to book their first vaccination appointment to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

The following youth mobile clinics will be open this month. No appointments are required.

Lakeview Park, Oshawa (drive-up and walk-up)
June 10 and 11, 2021
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Sunderland Memorial Arena and Fairgrounds, Sunderland
June 10 and 11, 2021
9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, Newcastle (drive-up and walk-up)
June 17 and 18, 2021
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Pierre Elliott Trudeau Public School
June 18 and 19, 2021
9:00 am to 6:30 pm

Kinsmen Park, Ajax
June 24 and 25, 2021
12:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Bowmanville High School, Bowmanville
June 26 and 27, 2021
11:00 am to 6:30 pm

Second dose clinics will be offered in August 2021 to facilitate completion of the two dose Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine series prior to the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

As a friendly reminder, appointments will also be available at Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Clarington, Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge and Oshawa mass immunization clinics. To book an appointment at any mass immunization clinic, please visit www.durhamvaccinebooking.ca or call 1-888-444-5113. For the Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre Clinic (Oshawa) site please visit https://covid19vaccine.lh.ca/ or call 905-721-4828.

Individuals must be 12 years of age at the time of the vaccine appointment in order to receive the vaccine. Identification which includes date of birth is required when attending the vaccination clinic.

Additional mobile clinics are being planned throughout Durham Region. Stay tuned for more details by visiting www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Drive up options are available to support parents/families with younger children who may have unique challenges when attending clinics (e.g., parents with younger children and unable to obtain childcare for other children, children or adults with mobility issues). Drive up options are available at Diane Hamre Recreation Complex (Newcastle), Lakeview Park (Oshawa) and Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre (Oshawa).

For more information about vaccines please review the attached Child and Youth COVID-19 Vaccine Fact Sheet based on expert medical advice and scientific information.

You can also find out more on available clinics and the vaccine rollout in Durham Region by visiting, www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

CMOH Letter to Parents and Caregivers - Fall Respiratory Season

Mon, 28 Nov 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Please see attached letters from the Chief Medical Officer

Free Dental Screening

Thu, 19 Nov 2020 19:15:00 GMT

Supporting Students and Families Following Tragic News from British Columbia

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 18:15:00 GMT

Dear DDSB Families,

Today, we join Canadians in solemn reflection following the tragic incident at a school in British Columbia. In recognition of this loss and in solidarity with the affected community, flags at the Education Centre will be lowered to half-mast.

We recognize that news of this nature can be difficult to process and may prompt questions or conversations at home with your child/children.

Please know that the safety and well-being of students remain our highest priority and although our schools continue to operate as usual, school-based staff are available to support students who may need someone to speak with. The day-to-day connections with the adults they know serve as a foundation for community and relationship building and can help with maintaining a sense of stability

If you or your child would benefit from additional support, please reach out to your child’s school administrators, teachers, or other trusted adults who can help connect you with a member of our Psychological Services and/or Social Work Services teams. You may also choose to connect directly with our teams through our online form. We understand that children and youth respond to difficult news in different ways, and we will continue to be attuned to their needs.

In support of the conversations that you may have with your child(ren) in the coming days, consider the following:

Be mindful of the volume of media consumption related to this tragic event and related news. Young people have broad access to more information than we are sometimes aware of, and even bringing attention to where they are receiving their information from can start a meaningful conversation
Be aware of conversations happening around your child that might be difficult for them to understand; conversations about these events should be appropriate to the age and stage of your child and responsive to their needs and questions
Foster open conversations with your child about their concerns and questions, and model healthy coping through stressful circumstances. Naming our own emotions and sharing how we are planning to support our own wellbeing provides learning opportunities for children and youth
If you notice a significant shift in your child’s day-to-day routines, behaviours, or interactions, we invite you to reach out to consult with our team members about your concerns

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student well-being.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

DDSB and Chartwells Loan Cafeteria Supplies to VIVA Retirement Communities

Fri, 17 Apr 2020 14:00:00 GMT

Items including plastic trays and trolleys were loaned to help staff deliver meals to residents

A total of 75 plastic trays, four trolleys, and two heat seal bags have been loaned to VIVA Retirement Communities in Pickering from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and Chartwells.

“Seniors are an integral part of our community and as a committed community partner across Durham Region, the DDSB wanted to give back outside of the classroom,” said Norah Marsh, Acting Director of Education at the DDSB. “We are stronger together and are proud to do our part in this time of need to help support our seniors during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The items were gathered from the shared cafeteria between the DDSB Education Centre and Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby. The cafeteria equipment will remain on loan with the retirement community in Pickering until schools are reopened by the Province.

“These items will be helpful as the retirement home has altered meal service from dining room meals to individual room service, thus enhancing protection of all and promoting physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Liz McKay, Regional Director of Chartwells Education Dining Services.

“Community collaboration is vital at this time in order to remain safe and healthy. Without our local partners we would not have had the capacity to obtain the needed equipment. We are a community that loves and cares for one another, and our partnership has shown that,” said Matthew Vilord, Manager of VIVA Retirement Communities in Pickering.

Arrangements can be made for interviews upon request.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Chartwells Canada is a sector of Compass Group Canada, the country’s leading foodservice and support services provider with over 25,000 associates working throughout the country. The company specializes in providing foodservices and support services across the core sectors including leading sports and leisure venues, executive dining rooms and cafes, schools, universities, seniors’ residences and hospitals as well as remote camps and offshore oil rigs.

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DDSB Students Shine at Skills Ontario Competition

Fri, 10 May 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Celebrating Excellence: DDSB Students Shine at Skills Ontario Competition

The Toronto Congress Centre was abuzz with talent and enthusiasm from May 6 to 7 as Canada’s largest skilled trades and technologies competition, Skills Ontario, unfolded its vibrant tapestry of ingenuity and skill. Welcoming over 2,400 competitors ranging from Grade 4 prodigies to seasoned apprentices, the event showcased the boundless potential residing within our nation's youth.

With fervor and dedication, students from across the Durham District School Board (DDSB) immersed themselves in a myriad of contests, each one a testament to their passion and prowess. From the intricate world of robotics to the tantalizing artistry of culinary endeavours, participants left no stone unturned in their quest for excellence. Contests such as VEX robotics, IT, hairstyling, 2D animation, architectural CAD, and home and team building pushed competitors to their limits.

For many, Skills Ontario is not just a competition but a transformative journey of self-discovery. It serves as a beacon, illuminating the diverse career paths available and instilling a profound sense of pride in one's abilities. Through competition, students not only vie for medals, scholarships, and job offers but also forge lifelong connections and invaluable experiences.

The DDSB emerged as a powerhouse, with 78 students from both elementary and secondary levels showcasing their talents across 32 competition categories. Their stellar performance resulted in an impressive tally of nine medals, including three gold, four silver, and two bronze finishes.

Among the triumphs, gold-medal victories were clinched in the junior VEX robotics, photography, and job interview categories. Silver was presented in auto services, electrical installation, job skills demonstration, and 2D animation, while bronze honours were bestowed upon the formidable teams in home building and architectural CAD categories.

Behind every triumph lies the steadfast guidance and unwavering support of mentors like Jillian Broadley, the High Skills Facilitator for Secondary Students, and Richard Bishop, Community Connected Experiential Learning Facilitator for Elementary Students. Their dedication and passion have been instrumental in nurturing the talents of DDSB students, encouraging facilitators, teachers and mentors, and orchestrating skill sets across our schools.

As we celebrate the remarkable achievements of DDSB students at Skills Ontario, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants, mentors, and educators who have contributed to this resounding success. Together, we continue to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders, innovators, and champions.

Celebrating an Inspiring Educator's International Achievement

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 15:45:00 GMT

Valley View Public School in Pickering is beaming with pride as one of its own, Robert Cartwright, has earned international recognition for his innovative teaching methods. Mr. Cartwright, a dedicated Grade 7/8 math teacher, was announced as the winner of an international competition hosted by Desmos Classroom in the Pro K-12 category. His engaging and interactive math activity, "Bike Paths," stood out among entries from around the world, earning top marks for Engagement, Instruction, Creativity, and Design/Ease of Use.

The competition, which culminated on December 2, 2024, encouraged students and educators globally to explore and vote on top submissions. Mr. Cartwright’s "Bike Paths" lesson captivated the judges and students alike, making it a clear winner. This interactive activity helps students visualize and understand fraction operations and proportional relationships, receiving high praise from students in Mr. Cartwright’s intermediate math classes.

“He’s an amazing math teacher,” shared one Grade 7 student. Another added, “He explains everything really well and gives us challenges.” Students particularly appreciated the unique learning experience Desmos provides. “You can’t really cheat on Desmos. It lets us make mistakes and then fix them. Desmos is better than paper,” one student noted.

Mr. Cartwright’s impact extends beyond the classroom. Sandi Hall, Vice Principal at Valley View Public School, describes him as an exemplary teacher who fosters an environment where students feel both challenged and supported. “Mr. Cartwright creates a learning space where students are engaged and believe in their ability to succeed,” she said. His commitment to innovation doesn’t stop at math lessons—he also leads the school’s Intermediate Tech Club, immersing students in coding and robotics.

Reflecting on his award-winning lesson, Mr. Cartwright said, “I created this activity to make my math lesson on fractions more engaging and interactive. Students get meaningful visual feedback based on their input, which helps them create connections between fraction operations and proportional relationships. Using the dashboard tool in Desmos also allowed me to showcase student work and foster rich discussions.”

Mr. Cartwright’s dedication and creativity exemplify the best of teaching, inspiring both students and colleagues. As one student summed up, “He’s the best math teacher.”

Congratulations to Mr. Cartwright on this outstanding achievement! Valley View Public School, and the entire DDSB community, are lucky to have such a passionate and innovative educator on their team.

Westcreek Public School Celebrates 25 Years with a New Look

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Westcreek Public School recently marked a major milestone as students, staff, alumni, and community members gathered to celebrate the school’s 25th anniversary. The event, held at the school, was filled with pride, nostalgia, and an exciting step into the future.

Attendees heard a number of reflections from school leadership, board representatives, students and community members, each commemorating the milestones and memories that have shaped Westcreek’s 25-year journey. The main highlight of the evening, however, was the highly anticipated unveiling of the school’s new logo and mascot.

After 25 years as the Westcreek Wizards, the school proudly introduced its new identity, the Westcreek Wolfpack. The announcement was met with enthusiasm and a sense of pride. More than a visual change, the Wolfpack symbolizes the school’s core values of unity, teamwork, loyalty, leadership, and strength.

“This new identity reflects who we are today and who we aspire to be. The Wolfpack is about looking out for one another, leading with courage, and facing challenges and celebrating our successes together,” shared Principal Michael Ling.

The evening was not only a celebration of Westcreek’s rich history but was also a powerful reminder of the school’s long-standing bond with its community. Families, staff, and students came together to honour the past and embrace the future, united by a shared sense of pride.

“It was amazing to be part of something so special,” said Akshara Lakhatariya, a grade 8 student. “Celebrating 25 years of Westcreek makes me feel proud to go here. Seeing how far the school has come, and being part of the Westcreek Wolfpack now is pretty cool.”

As Westcreek Public School steps into its next chapter, the ignited Wolfpack spirit will lead the way – with strength, resilience and readiness for what lies ahead.

DDSB Elects Chair and Committee Membership for 2023

Thu, 17 Nov 2022 14:30:00 GMT

At the Board Meeting of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) held on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, Trustees elected a Chair, Vice Chair and committee members for 2023.

The November 15 meeting included the election of the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Donna Edwards as well as:

Christine Thatcher - Vice Chair of the Board of the Trustees
Emma Cunningham - Vice Chair of the Board’s Committee of the Whole - Standing Committee
Carolyn Morton - Chair of the Education Finance Committee
Tracy Brown - Chair of the Governance and Policy Committee

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee Liaisons can be found on the DDSB's website.

Quote:

“I am pleased to serve as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the upcoming year and thank my colleagues for their support. I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues on the Board of Trustees for the benefit of all students and staff within the DDSB community.”

- Donna Edwards, Chair of the Board of Trustees

Quick Facts:

The Board of Trustees serves a critical function in the governance of school boards.
The Board of Trustees at the Durham District School Board has 11 trustees who are elected for a four-year term and three student trustees who serve a one-year term.
While trustees are elected by area, they work together as a Board of Trustees on matters of policy in the best interests of parents and students from across Durham Region.
Trustees are important advocates for public education and are committed to student achievement and well-being. They serve as an important link to our diverse communities and often bring forward matters of concern to the Board table to facilitate meaningful discussion and policy making.
The Board of Trustees holds internal elections annually to fill certain positions on the Board and its committees.
Donna Edwards was first elected as a Trustee representing the Town of Ajax in 2010. She is a strong believer in an accessible, equitable, public education system. She also believes every child can be successful in whatever path they choose, if provided with quality education in a safe and equitable learning environment.
Before becoming a Trustee, Donna was very involved in her children’s School Community Council and the Special Education Advisory Committee. She is also an active member in the community, being involved with several associations and coaching for Special Olympics Ontario.

Expression of Interest: Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous Rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The Durham District School Board is committed to providing learning and working environments that centre human rights and equity and are safe, welcoming, respectful, equitable, accessible, inclusive and free from all forms of discrimination, oppression, harassment and harm.

The Durham District School Board has established an Anti-Black Racism Advisory Committee. This committee will act in a strategic advisory role to the Board of Trustees to support the DDSB in addressing intersectional Anti-Black racism and to support student achievement and well-being for Black students, as is required under the DDSB’s Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism policy.

The DDSB is seeking expressions of interest from community members who are not currently employed with the DDSB who have:

An understanding of the diverse and intersectional:
a. Black identities and communities that the DDSB serves and employs;
b. Experiences of and systemic barriers and adverse impacts for Black students and staff in the DDSB or in the education system.
A working knowledge of what anti-Black racism is and the synergies between anti-Black racism and human rights.
Awareness of or experience with effective strategies, policies and programming to combat anti-Black racism.
Willingness to promote, increase awareness of, and advocate for the rights of DDSB Black students, staff and families.
Self-identifies as Black.
Parent/guardian/caregiver of a child who attends a DDSB school or is a community member who actively is involved in anti-Black racism work.

In addition, all selected committee members must commit to: upholding the DDSB’s Indigenous Education Policy, Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy and Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy, and participating in ongoing learning sessions. Committee members will also adhere to the DDSB’s Code of Conduct and a jointly developed statement of principles to guide the committee’s processes and work.

Parent/Guardian/Caregivers and community members interested in this opportunity must submit an expression of interest that should include the six criteria as noted above to: anti-blackracismadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca by Friday, September 13, 2024 at 4:00 p.m.

Selected community members will be invited to participate in a meeting to discuss their interest in the position and experiences.

If you require accommodation under the Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to submit an expression of interest, please contact: anti-blackracismadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca.

Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity!

2021-2022 School Year Calendar

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 17:15:00 GMT

Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) upcoming 2021-2022 school year calendars for elementary and secondary schools have been approved by the Ministry of Education.

The 2021-2022 school year will begin for students on the following dates:

Regular Calendar Schools (Elementary and Secondary) - Thursday, September 9, 2021
Modified Elementary Schools - Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Modified Secondary Schools - Monday, August 30, 2021

There will be no early dismissal for the first day of school and on the last day before the December break (Friday, December 17, 2021) for all schools. Students in Kindergarten will have a staggered start to school. More information will be shared with Kindergarten families prior to the start of the school year.

The 2021-2022 school year calendars are available on our website at:

https://www.ddsb.ca/en/whats-happening/school-year-calendars.aspx#Approved--2021-2022-School-Year-Calendars

This information is provided to families for planning purposes.

Feeling School Spirit Through Social Media

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 16:30:00 GMT

Williamsburg PS staff are working to meet the needs of the school community via virtual initiatives

In order to further prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Province of Ontario announced that schools will not reopen until May at the earliest.

Over the last few weeks, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) has been working towards launching a Distance Learning plan on April 6^th with teacher-led classroom instruction to students.

In the meantime, some DDSB schools have already begun rolling out virtual initiatives to their respective school communities.

One of those schools is Williamsburg Public School in Whitby.

“We recognize that while some students and families just want a light connection with staff, others have greater educational concerns,” notes Allison Kerr, Vice Principal of Williamsburg PS.

After Kerr, Principal Brad Savard, and the School Leadership Team met virtually using Google Meet, they brainstormed different ways to support the mental health and educational needs of their school community.

Those ideas live on a Google Doc that is accessible to all staff members and is updated frequently.

Virtual Spirit Week

One of the ideas is to host a Virtual Spirit Week on the school’s Twitter and Instagram accounts, running from Monday March 30^th to Friday April 3^rd. Each day of the week provides a different opportunity for Williamsburg PS families and staff to showcase their spirit. The school community is encouraged to share photos of themselves wearing items of clothing with the corresponding theme each day.

Monday is Williamsburg Wear Day (wear Williamsburg PS shirts, hats, and colours)
Tuesday is Silly Sock Day (share a photo in your silliest socks)
Wednesday is Superhero Day (while wearing your favourite superhero costume, create a ‘thank you’ photo you can leave in your front window to thank community heroes such as nurses, doctors, and grocery store workers)
Thursday is Hat Day (share a photo in your favourite hat)
Friday is Oh Canada Day (showcase Canadian pride by wearing red and white or Canada gear)

Virtual Story Time

Another way Williamsburg PS staff are reaching out to their school community is through virtual story times. “Surely our little ones would love to see the familiar faces of staff reading to them,” says Kerr.

Asa Schoonderbeek, a Grade 3 Teacher at Williamsburg PS, will be the first to start the online readings which are pre-recorded and then posted on the school’s Twitter and Instagram accounts. “The book I am reading is by one of my favourite Canadian authors, Robert Munsch. I tried to pick one that would be fun for the kids to listen to, and something that they might relate to at this moment. I chose the story Pyjama Day,” laughs Schoonderbeek.

He continues, “I know many of my students love to select Robert Munsch stories in our classroom. I also thought that many of them are spending quite a bit of time in their pyjamas these days, just like myself!”

Schoonderbeek’s reading of Pyjama Day was shared this past Monday, and he says he even wore his PJs for the reading, “Hopefully by making these connections with them, it will help to let our students know that we are still a community and we are here to support them.”

More to Come

Kerr says they are also posting weekly ‘walker challenges’ and scavenger hunts to encourage community members to go on a walk and keep their eyes open for different things each time. One of the scavenger hunts included decorating rocks and scattering them around the neighbourhood for others to find.

Teachers have already sent assignments to families that can be completed by students in a variety of ways, ensuring that equity is still a consideration “now more than ever.”

She concludes, “Teachers with connections to their students have the greatest ability to improve and influence their academic trajectory. The environment needs to be welcoming and students need to feel connected before learning can be robust.”

To follow along with Williamsburg PS’s Virtual Spirit Week, story times and more, check them out on Twitter @WPSwolves and Instagram @wpslearningcommons.

Feedback Requested on In-Person and Remote Learning Experiences

Thu, 27 May 2021 15:00:00 GMT

As we approach the end of the school year, the DDSB in collaboration with the DDSB Student Senate would like to gather more feedback regarding your child(ren)’s in-person and remote learning experience this past year. We want to know what worked well for you and your child(ren) and where we can improve. We are all on this learning journey together and your feedback is important to help us determine how we can support your family for the rest of the school year as well as in the upcoming 2021-2022 school year.

You can participate in this ThoughtExchange by visiting: https://tejoin.com/397021920

It will only take a few minutes to participate and you can go back to the link as frequently as you would like to review new thoughts that have been shared. The deadline to participate in the ThoughtExchange is Sunday, June 6, 2021 at 11:59 pm.

Approved School Year Calendars and Brief Update on Next Steps

Thu, 23 Jul 2020 17:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

I sincerely hope that you and your family are enjoying the summer and staying safe. Further to our last update on the return to school, I am writing to inform you that school year calendars have now been approved by the Ministry of Education. For your reference, you can find the regular and modified calendars for the 2020/21 school year here: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/whats-happening/school-year-calendars.aspx#2020-2021-School-Year-Calendars

Please note that bell times at individual schools will be determined at a later date and may change due to transportation and other safety requirements related to COVID-19.

Modified Calendar Schools – Elementary (C.E. Broughton PS, Winchester PS)

If your child(ren) are currently enrolled in modified calendar at the elementary level, your school principal will be communicating information to you next week with respect to the remote learning program that will be taking place from August 4^th to September 8^th.

If you would prefer that your child not participate in the modified calendar year at the elementary level, please e-mail the school office no later than Tuesday July 29 informing them of your request.

C.E. Broughton PS: CEBroughtonPS@ddsb.ca
Winchester PS: WinchesterPS@ddsb.ca

Modified Calendar Schools – Secondary (Brock HS, Henry Street HS, Maxwell Heights SS)

If your child(ren) are currently enrolled in a modified calendar at the secondary level, the first week of school is scheduled to start on August 31^st. Your school principal will be connecting with you in the coming weeks on the type of learning that will be taking place for the first week.

Next Steps on the Return to School

We are expecting an announcement by the Government of Ontario on August 4^th with respect to what the return to school will look like on Tuesday September 8^th. In the meantime, our staff have been working behind the scenes to prepare for a safe start to the school year. The Ministry of Education has previously indicated that students/families who decide to opt-out of in-person instruction will be provided with remote learning opportunities.

We will be meeting with the Ministry next week to discuss our return to school plans as they work towards making a final decision. Once the return to school announcement has been made, we will be sharing more details with you through e-mail, social media and our website on what learning will look like, information that we will require from you and the enhanced health and safety protocols that we will be implementing to create a safe learning environment for students and staff.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards a safe return to school based on the direction of public health authorities and the Government of Ontario. We look forward to sharing more information with you soon.

With thanks,

Norah Marsh

Acting Director of Education

Local Government Week is October 20 to 24!

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 17:15:00 GMT

This week, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) along with our partners at the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), school boards and municipalities across the province, are working to raise civic awareness among our students and families by observing Local Government Week.

History of School Board Trustees

School board trustees are the oldest form of elected representation in Ontario. Since 1807, generations of community-minded citizens have made decisions on behalf of local, publicly funded schools, building the foundation of our system today.

Trustee Role in Enhancing Public Education

Our board of trustees sets our vision, develops policies, allocates resources, and sets goals. Collectively, they create our multi-year strategic plan (MYSP) for student achievement and well-being and recruit and monitor the performance of the Director of Education to ensure our progress in meeting our goals. They do this by:

Attending and participating in meetings of the board, including meetings of board committees
Bringing concerns of parents, students, and supporters of the board to the attention of the board
Entrusting the day-to-day management of the board to its staff through the director of education

Advocacy and Initiatives

For more information about the work of DDSB’s Board of Trustees, we encourage you to review the following pages:

Participate in Local Government Week!

The social media hashtag for Local Government Week is #LocalGovWeek, so be sure to use it if you’re posting a photo on social media.

For more information about Local Government Week, please visit the OPSBA website and their Local Government Week page!

Update from Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 23:30:00 GMT

Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced today that he is strongly recommending the use of masks in all indoor spaces across Ontario, including in schools and childcare facilities. Ontario and Durham Region are currently experiencing an early increase of respiratory illnesses (RSV, the flu and COVID-19) in children this year.

We are sharing with you the following measures that the Chief Medical Officer of Health for Ontario has recommended so that you are fully informed:

Students are strongly encouraged to wear a mask while at school, on the bus, and at childcare. Members of the public are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask while in an indoor space. Three-ply cloth masks for students have been provided by the Ontario government and are available for students upon request.
Complete the daily school screening for signs of illness and ensure your child stays home if they are sick.
Get a bivalent COVID-19 booster shot if you are over 12 years of age and it has been six months since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose. To book an appointment please visit the Durham Region COVID-19 Vaccine Booking Portal (durhamvaccinebooking.ca). For more information about the vaccines, please visit COVID-19 Vaccines - Region of Durham.
Get your flu shot. Flu shots are widely available through a variety of locations including your health care provider and in participating pharmacies. Flu shots may safely be given at the same time, or at any time before or after COVID-19 vaccine. Find out more at ontario.ca/flu.
Regularly wash your hands, cover your coughs, avoid touching your face and keep common touched surfaces clean. Enhanced cleaning and disinfection practices continue to take place in DDSB schools.

The DDSB continues to be in contact with the Durham Region Health Department and we are following their most current guidance to support health and safety at school and work. Thank you for your consideration of those in our community who could become impacted by the respiratory illnesses that are going around and for working together with us and our school teams to help stay safe.

Sir John A Macondald PS to be Renamed to Biidassige Mandamin PS

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 18:15:00 GMT

On Monday, January 17, 2022, the Durham District School Board (DDSB)’s Board of Trustees voted to rename Sir John A. Macdonald Public School (777 Balaton Avenue, Pickering) to Biidassige (Josephine) Mandamin Public School. This was based on a recommendation from the School Naming Committee formed to consider the renaming of this school, which was comprised of comprised of local Trustees, staff, students, a member of the Indigenous Advisory circle and community members.

The renaming process was initiated at the May 17, 2021 Board Meeting, where DDSB’s Board of Trustees passed a motion that one or more of the renaming criteria contained in Section 5.4 of the Naming of Schools Policy had been met and that a School Naming Committee would be established to consider a potential renaming in accordance with DDSB’s Naming of Schools Procedure.

It was the role of the Committee to consult with the broader school community to determine and bring forward naming recommendations to the Board of Trustees. The Committee was required to consider all voices and perspectives with respect to the potential re-naming of a school, including whether the school should be renamed.

As part of this process, the Committee was empowered to consider all submissions in line with various sections of the DDSB Naming of Schools Policy and Procedure. This includes the Board’s commitment and legal responsibilities to Indigenous rights, human rights, anti-oppression, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, and equitable and inclusive education. Consideration was also made on whether the current name of a school constitutes a significant departure from generally-recognized standards of public behaviour which is seen to undermine the credibility, integrity or relevance of the Board's contemporary values.

The name change will take effect for the start of the 2022-23 school year. The school will be working to update signage and branding to represent the legacy of our new namesake and the Indigenous Education Department will be supporting ongoing learning.

Biography of Biidassige (Josephine) Mandamin

Biidassige (Josephine) Mandamin was from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory, Manitoulin Island. She was an Anishinaabe elder and world-renowned water advocate. Josephine was a residential school survivor, having attended St. Joseph's School for Girls in Spanish, Ontario, from 1948–1954. Despite her experience with the residential school, she maintained her Anishinaabe identity and followed her traditional teachings.

Biidassige dedicated her life to speaking for the Great Lakes and was an influential teacher and advocate for the Earth's water. She walked around the Great Lakes from 2003 to 2017 to bring awareness to the problems of water pollution and environmental degradation on the Great Lakes and on Indigenous reserves in Canada. For her activism, Mandamin was awarded the Anishinabek Lifetime Achievement Award (2012) and the Governor General's Meritorious Service Cross (2018). Her great-niece, Autumn Peltier, followed in Mandamin's footsteps, becoming the next generation's "water warrior." The impact of her conservation and advocacy work will live on for future generations. Biidassige joined the spirit world on February 22, 2019.

Lincoln Avenue Public School History Fair

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Lincoln Avenue Public School proudly celebrated its annual Grade 8 History Fair this week, showcasing the research, creativity, and critical thinking of students as they presented their projects for “The Greatest Canadian!”

In preparation for this event, Grade 8 students have been learning about the life, legacy, and impact of a notable Canadian of their choice. Their work resulted in a vibrant, exhibition where they created displays, delivered presentations, and engaged visitors in thoughtful conversations about the figures they selected.

Several special guests attended to support students profiling leaders connected to their organizations or families.

Guests included:

Philippe Garneau, brother of Canadian astronaut Marc Garneau, who was profiled for his groundbreaking achievements in space exploration and public service.
Heather Reisman, founder of Indigo Books & Music, attending in recognition of a student’s project highlighting her philanthropic contributions and literacy.
Heather Gardner, Women’s College Hospital, in support of the student presenting on Dr. Emily Stowe, Canada’s first female physician and a pioneering advocate for women’s rights.
John Campion, Banting Discovery Centre, on behalf of Dr. Frederick Banting – co-discoverer of insulin and a transformative figure in global health.
Jennifer Jones, CEO of Fighting Blindness Canada, representing Molly Burke, the Canadian YouTuber, advocate, and motivational speaker.

“We are so proud of our students who year after year demonstrate curiosity, passion, and respect for the stories that shape our country. We are also grateful to the special guests who took the time to join us as it made the experience unforgettable for our students,” expressed Principal James Rowed.

This event continues to be a highlight of the school year at Lincoln Avenue PS, which offers students an opportunity to develop research skills, practice public speaking, and deepen their understanding of Canadian identity.

Lifting Spirits in a Difficult Time

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 19:00:00 GMT

Williamsburg PS teacher performs outside a Whitby retirement home amid a new era of social-distancing

“I thought it would be nice to pop by and lift their spirits during such a difficult time,” explains Dave McGonigal, a Grade 4 Teacher at Williamsburg Public School in Whitby. Every Remembrance Day, McGonigal plays the bagpipes in the school assembly. Afterwards he shares details about how the instrument works with his own students, and plays a few extra songs for them.

Amid the ongoing preventative measures to slow the spread of COVID-19, McGonigal wanted to do something kind for residents and employees of a local retirement home, while still maintaining the required social-distancing.

On March 20^th, McGonigal walked the exterior perimeter of Taunton Mills Retirement Home in Whitby, playing the bagpipes for those living and working inside the building.

He says the residents and workers reacted emotionally with surprise, delight, and appreciation. According to McGonigal, some residents also said that hearing the music transported them back to their youth.

A Musical Family

“I have played at various senior homes in the past with my son Brett (a Grade 12 student at Anderson CVI) who plays the piano. I know that many seniors adore the bagpipes,” enthuses McGonigal.

McGonigal has been playing the bagpipes for 40 years and says his father, Ed McGonigal, was the one who inspired him to begin learning, and to keep playing all these years later. “Unfortunately, my Dad passed away from cancer two years ago, but he’s the reason I began playing the bagpipes. He also encouraged me to play for others who enjoy the unique sound.”

He adds that his Nana, who sadly passed away last year, also loved the sound of the bagpipes. Before she passed, he would visit her retirement home to play for her.

As for what prompted McGonigal to lift the spirits of residents and workers at Taunton Mills Retirement Home, he notes, “I think most people love to help others, when given the opportunity. It was my turn.”

Appearance on The National

McGonigal was recently featured on CBC The National’s March 23^rd broadcast. To see his clip, click the link below:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TdM_GerXVEJHJVgRIBBejKCAxQQnUuxR/view?usp=sharing

Approval Granted for New Unnamed North Oshawa Public School

Fri, 06 Nov 2020 19:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce that funding approval has been received by the Ministry of Education for a new elementary school with child care spaces in North Oshawa. This approval will provide space for 536 students and include 4 Kindergarten rooms, 19 classrooms, 2 Special Education rooms, and a 4-room child care centre to help address the growth pressures the DDSB is experiencing.

The Board would like to recognize the Ministry of Education’s role in funding the New Unnamed North Oshawa Public School scheduled for completion in September 2023.

The new Unnamed North Oshawa Public School will be located north of Conlin Road and west of Simcoe Street on Windfields Farm Drive West.

“The approval of this new school is good news for families in Oshawa and will help address the growth pressures that we are experiencing. I look forward to seeing it open its doors to the current and future elementary students expected to attend and go onto secondary school,” said Michael Barrett, DDSB Trustee, Oshawa.

“The DDSB is thankful to the Ministry of Education for approving this new school,” said Darlene Forbes, DDSB Trustee, Oshawa. “I look forward to our continued engagement with the Government of Ontario in order to ensure the educational needs of families in Oshawa are well served.”

Information Session for External Principal & VP Candidates

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 15:30:00 GMT

Are you committed to leading student achievement and well-being? As an educational leader, do you welcome the opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Durham District School Board (DDSB) to Ignite Learning for students. We invite you to learn more about joining the dynamic team of DDSB Principals and Vice Principals. Interested candidates are invited to attend:

Finding Out About Durham District School Board

Virtual Information Session for Principals and Vice Principals- External Candidates

Thursday, January 14, 2021

5:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

Interested participants are asked to register by emailing: Leadership@ddsb.ca. Google Meet link will be provided with confirmation of registration

DDSB is one of the few school boards in Ontario experiencing growth with more than 70,000 students, 7,500 permanent staff and 131 schools and learning centres. We are seeking candidates who are interested in leading change through quality implementation of our core priorities of: Success, Well-Being, Leadership, Equity, Engagement and Innovation.

Your decision to apply for a position in the DDSB demonstrates your dedication to working collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the success of all students and staff. School leaders in the DDSB are supported at every stage of their leadership journey. We offer mentorship networks, professional learning that develops and enhances instructional and operational leadership skills, as well as, opportunities to share ideas and offer voice through various committees.

Qualifications:

Presently employed as fully qualified Teacher, Vice Principal or Principal;
Hold current Ontario College of Teachers (OCT) certification in good standing;
Principal’s Qualification Program (PQP) qualifications, and
Have a valid criminal reference check.

Successful candidates will display the core leadership competencies developed in the Ontario Leadership Framework (OLF) that have been shown to be effective in improving student achievement and well-being including: Setting Directions, Building Relationships and Developing People, Developing the Organization to Support Desired Practices, Improving the Instructional Program, and Securing Accountability. These core leadership competencies, along with the Personal Leadership Resources articulated in the OLF, will be used by the selection team to develop short lists of candidates for placement in DDSB schools.

Visit www.ddsb.ca Careers, Principal or Vice Principal opportunities, https://www.ddsb.ca/en/about-ddsb/principal-and-vice-principal-opportunities.aspx to obtain the External Principal/Vice Principal Transfer and Promotion Process Handbook.

Interested candidates with questions, may contact leadership@ddsb.ca

Timeline: Phase 1 application packages due by February 12^th, 2021 at 4:00 pm.

The DDSB is committed to equity and inclusion in the recruitment and hiring of qualified staff who reflect the diversity of our region. We encourage submissions from candidates who represent the various dimensions of diversity. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Notice Regarding Student COVID-19 Immunization Information

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:00:00 GMT

The Ministry of Education has advised that as requested by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, local public health units (PHUs) will soon begin assessing COVID-19 immunization information for eligible students (i.e., individuals born in 2009 or earlier) to support case, contact, and outbreak management in schools.

These immunization records are being disclosed to local PHUs under Section 39(2)(a) of the Personal Health Information and Privacy Act (PHIPA) as a disclosure that is made for the purposes of the Health Protection and Promotion Act (HPPA).

The attached message and information have been shared with families.

DDSB Donates Medical Supplies to Lakeridge Health

Fri, 03 Apr 2020 12:30:00 GMT

Over 158,000 PPE items donated

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has made a donation to help support Lakeridge Health’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Searching high and low across our 133 schools and learning centres, DDSB Facilities Services staff collected over 14,000 N95 masks, 141,000 pairs of gloves, 150 face shields, nearly 1,700 sets of goggles and other much-needed pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) items.

“We appreciate all those who are serving to ensure that our community has access to essential services. The team at the DDSB was happy to assist with the medical community, and I am grateful to staff for their effort in making this donation possible,” said Norah Marsh, Acting Director of Education at the DDSB.

After stockpiling the PPE at the DDSB Maintenance Centre, a grand total of eight skids of materials were transported to a donation depot in Whitby, set up by Lakeridge Health.

“This is a difficult time for many in our community and it is up to all of us to come together and do what we can to help our frontline medical staff. I am beyond proud to be part of a Board that is supporting our frontline health care workers who are keeping our community safe and healthy every day,” said Chris Braney, Chair of the DDSB and Pickering Trustee.

“Thank you on behalf of the frontline team working tirelessly to care for patients; the Lakeridge Health community is incredibly grateful for this generous gift,” said Susan deRyk, Interim President and CEO, Lakeridge Health. “This donation will help protect our team during this pandemic as they focus on providing excellent care to people across the region who require hospital care and treatment. This wonderful gift is another example of the unwavering support for those providing health care to our families, friends and neighbours throughout Durham Region.”

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Savannah Blair's set for a pathway for on-track and off-track success

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 13:15:00 GMT

An astounding student of J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate in Ajax, both on and off the field Savannah Blair has been accepted into the 2022-23 Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program. Savannah was 1 of 16 students chosen from across Canada. This Scholarship presents student athletes with an opportunity in sport like Olympic Champion Andre De Grasse, as well as removing barriers to participate in sport and provides a pathway for students on-track and off-track success (post-secondary education). The nomination for Savannah came from her gym teacher of three years, Sarah Bell-Platnar due to her outstanding efforts both on and off the field, and the ability to persevere.

It is with great pride that I share this amazing news with you. On July 10, I wrote a reference letter for Savannah Blair to support her application to the Andre De Grasse Future Scholarship Program and today I am sharing with you the awesome news that Savannah received 1 of 16 Canadian Scholarships - said Sarah Bell-Platnar.

When asked how it made Savannah feel in being nominated and sharing it with Mrs. Bell she said “It made me feel amazing, she is an amazing teacher and has been my teacher for roughly three years now. I ran right to her classroom when I received the news, Mrs. Bell was elated for me, she went straight to the gym office and shared with all the teachers, and immediately sent out an email sharing the wonderful news with the staff at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate as well.

“Congratulations to all the new scholarship recipients,” said De Grasse upon reviewing the list of scholarship recipients. “Continue to work hard and make the most of this opportunity.”

Congratulations Savannah!

About Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program

The Andre De Grasse Future Champions Scholarship Program provides recipients with an annual Athletics Canada Branch Membership & Club Membership. An annual grant to help cover cost of meet entries, travel, and accommodation. In Person Coaching and/or Coach Mentorship support to personal coaches of identified student-athletes with two-time Athletics Canada Development Coach of the Year, Tony Sharpe. Nutrition consultation and on-going support from Athletics Canada Sport Dietician, Jennifer Sygo. Academic consultation and ongoing support from student-athlete consultant, Barb Boyes. And more!

DDSB Student Trustee Receives Schulich Leader Scholarship

Mon, 25 May 2020 15:15:00 GMT

Tyler West from Brock High School is awarded the largest Canadian STEM scholarship

Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud to announce that our Student Trustee Tyler West has been awarded the Schulich Leader Scholarship, as he enters the Mechatronics Engineering Program at the University of Waterloo, this fall. West currently attends Brock High School in Cannington and he is the first student from the school to receive this honour.

“It felt absolutely amazing to be awarded this. Me and my family were cheering and jumping up and down when we found out and I haven’t stopped smiling since,” West expresses. “I will now be able to focus on my education. It is my hope that, I will be able to take on innovative entrepreneurial ventures in the tech sector that are a part of pushing our world forward.”

West has excelled academically and he has been a leader within our DDSB school communities. West has held the position of Student Trustee for the last two years, and he has worked hard to ensure the voice of students is heard as a member of the Board of Trustees.

“We are so very proud of Tyler’s accomplishments, as a Student Trustee for the North,” says James Klodnicki, Principal at Brock High School. “We are thrilled that he has been recognized by Schulich for his STEM ability and potential, and anticipate witnessing a very bright future for this talented young man.”

“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I’d like to congratulate Tyler on receiving the Schulich Leader Scholarship. It has been a pleasure to have Tyler on the Board and to work alongside him on important initiatives for DDSB students. I wish him much success at the University of Waterloo next year and beyond,” said Chris Braney, Chair of the DDSB.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Looking for SEAC Association Members

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Durham District School Board's (DDSB) Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) is comprised of individuals from across Durham Region committed to the learning and well-being of students. SEAC advises the District on programming and services for students with special education strengths and needs. SEAC also supports parents/guardians with information about community connections.

SEAC is able to have up to 12 association members and is looking to expand. We are seeking a diversity of experience within SEAC to provide meaningful feedback to the District.

The current voting members of the Committee are comprised of association representatives, two members at large and representatives from the Board of Trustees.

Current Associations:

Association for Bright Children
Autism Ontario – Durham Chapter
Durham Down Syndrome Association of Durham Region
Learning Disabilities Association of Durham Region
Ontario Parents of Visually Impaired Children
Sawubona Africentric Circle of Support

Requirements to be an Association Member:

As per Regulation 464/97 of the Ontario Education Act;
Associations must have provincial context and operate locally within Durham Region supporting families;
Nominated representatives, and an alternate member, for the Association on SEAC, must;
Be a member of the association;
Be over 18 years old;
Reside in Durham Region and be a public school elector (eligible to vote for school board Trustees);
Not be an employee of the Durham District School Board.

As per the DDSB SEAC by-laws, associations must be no fee for services. For profit or fee-based organizations are not eligible to have membership.

SEAC meets no less than ten times per school year. Members must attend meetings for quorum purposes.

If your association would like to nominate a local representative and alternate to the DDSB SEAC, please complete the SEAC Association/Member Nomination online form(s) and submit it to the DDSB, attention Lisa Wry, Administrative Assistant for Inclusive Student Services, or lisa.wry@ddsb.ca

Association/Member Nomination Form

SEAC membership is subject to the approval of the DDSB Board of Trustees.

For further information please contact:

Eva Kyriakides, SEAC Chair bill.eva.k@rogers.com

Tara Culley, SEAC Vice-Chair SEAC@ddsa.ca

DDSB Announces Re-Elected Chair for 2025-2026

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:30:00 GMT

At its November 17, 2025, annual Organizational meeting, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) Board of Trustees have re-elected Tracy Brown from Whitby as Chair of the Board for 2025-2026, through the final year of the current 2022-2026 term of the Board.

An advocate for inclusive education and student success, Trustee Brown was first elected in 2022 and is committed to fostering respectful, collaborative dialogue at the Board table and throughout the community and promoting student achievement and well-being.

"The Durham District School Board is committed to creating opportunities for every student to achieve personal and academic success, while fostering belonging in all of our learning spaces,” says Brown, “as we enter the final year of our 2022-2026 mandate, the Board remains engaged and excited to continue this collaborative work as we progress towards the opening of more new schools and modern learning spaces to ensure we remain responsive to the needs of our rapidly growing communities.”

At the Organizational meeting Trustees were also selected to serve on various Committees of the Board, including:

Deb Oldfield, elected from Oshawa as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Standing Committee
Kelly Miller, elected from Ajax as Vice Chair of the Committee of the Whole-Standing Committee
Carolyn Morton, elected from Brock, Scugog, Uxbridge as Chair of the Education Finance Committee
Kelly Miller, acclaimed from Ajax as Chair of the Governance and Policy Committee

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee membership can be found on the DDSB’s website.

About Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural communities of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships and the cities and towns of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. We employ over 12,000 teaching and educational services staff in 140 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres. DDSB has more than 80,000 regular day students and thousands more who take continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook, Instagram @ddsbschools and subscribe to our YouTube channel DurhamDSB.

Students needing English help? Every Monday & Wednesday

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 14:45:00 GMT

Director's March Break Message to the Community

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 13:15:00 GMT

Dear DDSB Families,

I trust you have all recovered from losing an hour in the “spring forward” time change last weekend. The good news is that the time change brings longer evening sunlight and an optimistic signal that Spring is on the way. The imminent warmth of spring brings to mind the warmth that emanates from friends and communities that are observing or celebrating significant moments in their faith at this time of year. For some of you this is a time of fasting, sacrifice and reflection and for others, celebrations with family, friends and community are before you. I hope you will find fulfilment and peace in your observance in whatever form it takes.

At this time of year, we look forward to our students completing their programs and planning transitions for the summer or the new academic year. If you have a child turning four (4) or five (5) before the end of December 2026, now is the time to register for Kindergarten to ensure all the necessary paperwork is taken care of with your home school before the summer holidays. Please use the link below to access the Kindergarten registration information. Additionally, information for Elementary and Secondary summer school opportunities for students is available by clicking the Durham Continuing Education link below.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership, your feedback, and care. I hope you will enjoy a safe, restful, and refreshing March Break.

Take good care of yourselves and each other,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Durham District School Board

Durham Continuing Education

Breaking Down Barriers to Student Participation

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 17:45:00 GMT

Ignite Durham Learning Foundation and Dr. C.F. Cannon P.S. Team Up to Break Down Barriers to Student Participation

In a shining example of community, compassion, and commitment to opportunity for all, Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) and Dr. C.F. Cannon Public School have teamed up to ensure that no student is left on the sidelines. Thanks to this meaningful partnership, 38 students were given the opportunity to lace up their cleats and take to the field at the Yusef Hirji Memorial Soccer Tournament, held at Pine Ridge Secondary School on June 2nd, 2025.

For many of these students, participation in sports and extracurriculars has felt just out of reach due to financial barriers. But through the support of IDLF, those barriers have been broken. Each student was equipped with soccer socks, shin guards, and cleats provided by IDLF, while Oshawa Kicks generously donated their team jerseys. With a full kit and boundless enthusiasm, these students were tournament ready.

This initiative was led by Dr. C.F. Cannon educator Matthew Adams, whose dedication to student inclusion and extracurricular engagement is nothing short of inspiring. For Mr. Adams, this tournament held a deeply personal significance. He was a classmate of Yusef Hirji at William Dunbar Public School. Bringing his own students to participate in this memorial event was a full-circle moment filled with heart, purpose, and pride.

“It’s more than just soccer,” says Adams. “It’s about giving kids the opportunity to be a part of something to learn, grow, and connect. I’m so proud of them and grateful to IDLF and all our partners for helping make this happen.”

The Yusef Hirji Memorial Soccer Tournament is a beloved annual event that brings students together in honour of former DDSB student Yusef’s memory and legacy. Yusuf Hirji was an exceptionally skilled soccer player; it was his wish that as many students as possible could have the opportunity to enjoy playing this game. All funds raised support the Yusuf Hirji Memorial Bursary.

To have 38 students from Dr. C.F. Cannon take part this year, many of whom may not have had the chance otherwise, is a powerful testament to what can happen when a community comes together for equity and opportunity.

This is what IDLF is all about: poising opportunities, removing barriers, and helping students thrive, both inside and outside the classroom. With passionate educators like Mr. Adams and generous community partners, the future is bright for students across Durham Region.

Let’s celebrate this partnership, this moment, and the impact of what we can achieve together!

About Ignite Durham Learning Foundation

DDSB Recognizes Hindu Heritage Month

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 19:45:00 GMT

DDSB Recognizes Hindu Heritage Month with System-Wide Celebrations Promoting Community, Culture, and Belonging

Throughout the month of November, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) proudly recognized Hindu Heritage Month through a series of community-facing events that celebrated Hindu culture, traditions, and contributions, while fostering connection, learning, and belonging across the Durham Region.

Led by the Durham Educators Network for South Asians (DENSA) and the Hindu Affinity Network of Durham (HAND), these celebrations brought together students, families, staff, and community members to engage in cultural experiences that included traditional food, dance, and presentations highlighting the diversity of Hindu heritage.

DENSA hosted Garba & Glow 2025 at Cadarackque Public School in honour of Diwali. The event featured interactive cultural activities, including henna art, crafts, food tasting, and a Garba dance workshop, creating a welcoming environment that encouraged participation, celebration, and shared learning.

“For me, DENSA’s ‘why’ is seeing the joy students and families experience as they participate in events like Garba,” said Dharshini Indrakumar, Co-Chair of DENSA. “These celebrations honour culture, foster belonging, uplift identity and lived experiences, and reflect the DDSB’s commitment to equity and inclusion.”

In addition, HAND hosted its Second Annual Hindu Heritage Month Celebration at Pickering High School. The event aligned with the DDSB’s Anti-Oppression Strategy and focused on celebrating diverse Hindu traditions while promoting cross-cultural awareness, collaboration, and community engagement.

“Hindu Heritage Month provides an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the diversity within Hindu communities while creating meaningful learning experiences for students and community members,” said Sabrina Brijmohan, Chair of HAND. “These gatherings help build understanding, connection, and a sense of belonging across our school communities.”

Together, these initiatives reflect the DDSB’s ongoing commitment to inclusive education and to creating spaces where students and families see their identities respected, reflected, and celebrated.

2024-2025 EQAO Results - DDSB Highlights

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:00:00 GMT

The provincial Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released the 2024–2025 assessment results for Ontario schools. The Durham District School Board continues to see progress across several assessments, with strong results in the primary grades and continued areas for improvement, particularly in mathematics.

Key Highlights

Growth in several assessments: DDSB saw gains in Grade 3 Reading, Writing, and Mathematics; Grade 6 Reading and Writing; Grade 9 Mathematics; and in OSSLT results for multilingual language learners (MLL).
Strong performance in the primary division: Grade 3 Reading results are on par with the provincial average, and Grade 3 Mathematics results are above provincial outcomes. Grade 3 Writing also improved this year.
Continued progress for multilingual language learners: MLL students showed improvement across most EQAO assessments, including increased success on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).
Growth for students with Individual Education Plans: Students receiving special education supports demonstrated gains in several assessments across the primary, junior, and secondary levels.
Grade 6 Mathematics remains a continued focus: While some areas improved, Grade 6 Math continues to perform below the provincial average and remains a key area for targeted support.

OSSLT results declined slightly, though DDSB’s overall success rate remains close to the provincial average.

Using the Results to Support Student Learning

EQAO provides one of several data points that help us understand student learning and guide school and classroom planning. These results are reviewed alongside classroom assessments, teacher observations, and long-term trends to build a complete picture of student progress.

As part of our Multi-Year Strategic Plan, DDSB continues to strengthen literacy and numeracy instruction through:

evidence-based instruction and structured literacy practices
digital tools and diagnostic assessments that help identify student strengths and needs
targeted supports in schools requiring enhanced intervention
ongoing efforts to ensure every student has access to equitable, high-quality learning experiences

These results help refine school improvement planning, inform classroom instruction, and support our commitment to student achievement and well-being.

More Information

For full provincial results and detailed reporting by assessment, please visit: https://www.eqao.com/

Biffin Cousins Shine on World Stage

Fri, 25 Oct 2024 19:00:00 GMT

What if you had the chance to play a sport you love - at the international level?

What if you had the chance to play the sport you love, at the international level, with a best friend who is also your cousin?

This is the situation for the Biffin cousin’s, Ellie and Lily, who had the chance to play soccer on the international stage at the U15 CONCACAF Girls Soccer Tournament representing Team Guyana over the summer.

The cousins, who have been playing soccer for most of their lives, started playing competitively at the age of eight.

“I was playing for Pickering FC (Football Club) and said to Lily, why don’t you come on the team, because you’re really good at soccer and it would be such a good experience if you came,” says Ellie Biffin, who attends Pine Ridge Secondary School in Grade 9.

Lily Biffin, who now attends Anderson CVI and is also in Grade 9, had been playing house league soccer and was happy to hear the offer coming from her close cousin. “I was sure about the opportunity and jumped at the chance to play,” says Lily.

This past summer, their years of their hard work, sweat, commitment, and skill development paid off as the cousins were invited to try out for Team Guyana.

“The summer started out by trying out for the Guyanese national team,” says Lily. “I was so excited!”

Two weeks later they found out they had both made the team.

The pair travelled to Guyana in August to meet other members of the national team, attended practices, and then flew to Aruba to participate in matches against Anguilla, Guadeloupe, and Aruba national teams.

“The experience felt like being in college because of how professional and competitive the atmosphere was,” says Lily.

“It was an amazing experience,” says Ellie, who hopes these opportunities will land her and her cousin on the radar for the U17 Guyanese national team in November.

“I am so thankful my cousin and family brought me into the soccer world,” says Lily. “Ellie has always been playing soccer and she brought me in. I am a better player because of her.”

“I am looking to play Division 1 soccer at an American college, and then professionally, and possibly for the Canadian national team,” says Ellie. “In the future, I hope to become a surgeon.”

“It was an incredible honour to represent the Guyana Football Federation at the highest level and play for the U15 National Team,” says Ellie. “I appreciate all the support from my teacher coaches, coaches from Pickering Football Club and private trainers. I could not have done any of this without their guidance.”

Lily says what she learned from this experience is “If you want to go somewhere, you have to work really hard for it. This opportunity only comes around because of hard work and commitment.”

Congratulations to both Ellie and Lily on their accomplishments, and best of luck on their future journey on the soccer pitch!

DDSB Recognizes Their Volunteers

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 17:45:00 GMT

Volunteers are celebrated for their dedication to our students and schools

More than 130 Durham District School Board volunteers will be honoured at the 17^th Annual Volunteer of Distinction Awards Ceremony. Volunteers are recognized for their extraordinary commitment to students. A reception will follow in the atrium of the Education Centre. The event is an opportunity for DDSB’s school communities to show their appreciation to all the amazing volunteers who support the success and well-being of our students and staff.

“We are so incredibly proud of and thankful for all of the Durham District School Board volunteers, who help to improve the well-being of our students, families and staff through the giving of their time and talent” said Michael Barrett, Chairperson of the Board and Trustee for Oshawa. “Every year we look forward to this special evening to show our appreciation to our volunteers who work so hard to support student success and achievement.”

The DDSB is expecting 400 people to attend to celebrate the great contributions of the volunteers.

“Our volunteers are an integral part of our DDSB community and we truly appreciate everything that they do,” said Lisa Millar, Director of Education. “They are leading examples of giving back to students and school communities. Their generosity and selflessness is immeasurable and we are happy to honour them at the Volunteer of Distinction Awards Ceremony.”

Event: Volunteer of Distinction Awards Ceremony

Date: October 24, 2019

Time: 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm

Location: Sinclair Secondary School – Cafetorium 380 Taunton Road East, Whitby

Audience: DDSB school community

Preferred
Media Time: 6:45 pm– 9:00 pm

Arrangements can be made in advance or on-site for interviews and/or photo opportunities.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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United in Celebration: Maamawi iyaawag Public School Opens Its Doors with Powerful Community Spirit

Fri, 23 May 2025 18:30:00 GMT

The air was filled with excitement, laughter, and the heartbeat of drums as the Maamawi iyaawag Public School officially opened its doors in a powerful, community-led celebration earlier this month.

The name “Maamawi iyaawag,” meaning “they are gathered together here” in Anishinaabemowin, was more than just a name — it was a lived experience. The event brought together families, students, staff, community leaders, and special guests to honour the opening of a new school and the spirit of unity it represents.

The day began with the captivating performance of a Grass Dance by Chris Mejaki, setting a tone of respect and cultural reverence. Chief Kelly LaRocca offered a heartfelt welcome, speaking to the significance of the school's name and the ancestral importance of gathering, while Principal Kyla McKee expressed pride in the school’s vision of inclusion and community-rooted learning.

Guests also heard from DDSB Trustee Shailene Panylo, who shared her excitement for the future of education in this new space, and Nicole, Sadie & Theo, who led meaningful sessions on Indigenous language learning and traditional Wolf Teachings. The rhythmic power of Indigenous drumming and singing by Zhaawnong & Theo echoed the celebration’s core message: unity, identity, and resilience.

Distinguished guests included MPP Lorne Coe, Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Council Members Jeff Forbes, and Sylvie Coleman, DDSB Trustees, and Superintendent Kandis Thompson, all of whom joined in the festivities with heartfelt support.

Following the formal presentations, the school grounds were transformed into a vibrant hub of activities designed to engage and educate. Families participated in:

Indigenous knowledge sharing through language, dance, song, and drum
Loose parts exploration and a nature scavenger hunt
Community mural painting and logo colouring
A reading of Walking Together paired with interactive learning
A Giant Interactive Map (Biinaagami – Great Lakes) experience
Traditional Indigenous food, shared in community and celebration

The festivities culminated in a powerful school-wide performance by staff and students — a collective song and dance that moved and united all-in attendance.

Maamawi iyaawag Public School is not just a building. It is a beacon of connection — a space where Indigenous teachings, cultural understanding, and modern education come together in harmony. This grand opening was a beautiful reminder that when we gather with open hearts and shared purpose, we create something truly special.

Important Update to COVID-19 School Screening Requirements

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 19:15:00 GMT

This message is to inform you of important changes that he Government of Ontario has made to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the community. Everyone is required to follow these important directions from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Changes to the Mandatory COVID-19 Self-Screening

Changes have been made to the mandatory COVID-19 self-screening that must take place every morning before leaving for school. Effective immediately, every student who has one new or worsening symptom of COVID-19 must stay home until:

They receive a negative COVID-19 test result.
They receive an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional, or
It has been 10 days since the start of symptoms, and they are feeling better.

This is a change from the previous requirement to stay home if an individual has two or more symptoms. A list of symptoms has been included at the bottom of this message.

Parents/guardians must check their child(ren) for symptoms of COVID-19 every morning using the Government of Ontario’s easy to use COVID-19 school screening tool at: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/.

If your child does not pass the screening, please ensure that your child does not come to school and follow the directions outlined in the self-screening tool in order to keep everyone safe.

Isolation Requirement for Household Contacts of People with Symptoms of COVID-19

If someone living in your household has symptoms of COVID-19, everyone in the household is required to quarantine (stay at home and not leave the home) until the person with symptoms:

receives a negative COVID-19 test result, or
receives an alternative diagnosis by a health care professional.

If the person with symptoms tests positive, or is not tested and does not receive an alternative diagnosis from a health care professional, the person with symptoms must isolate (including from household members) for 10 days from when the symptoms started, and all household contacts must isolate until 14 days from their last contact with the person with symptoms.

Thank You

On behalf of the Durham District School Board, we appreciate your cooperation with these updated guidelines meant to keep everyone in our school communities safe. Should you have any questions or concerns, or if your child is required to self-isolate, please do not hesitate to speak to your classroom teacher or the school office if we can be of any assistance.

Remembrance Day Assembly - Nov. 11

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 18:30:00 GMT

ALL Schools/Offices Closed: February 13, 2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:30:00 GMT

All DDSB Schools/Offices Closed: February 13, 2025

As a result of the winter storm overnight, a decision has been made to close ALL DDSB schools/sites today, Thursday, February 13, 2025.

Community Use of Schools permits will also be cancelled for February 13, 2025.

This closure also applies to all child care sites on DDSB property.

Tracy Brown elected DDSB Board Chair for 2024-25

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 18:15:00 GMT

Following its annual Organizational Board Meeting on November 18, the Durham District School Board has announced that Whitby Trustee Tracy Brown has been elected Chair of the Board for 2024-25.

An advocate for inclusive education and student success, Trustee Brown was first elected in 2022 and is committed to fostering respect and promoting collaboration in public education.

"It is an exciting time for the Durham District School Board, and I am honoured to take on the role of Chair for 2024-25, prioritizing open dialogue and shared problem-solving to achieve the best student outcomes. I want to thank outgoing Chair Trustee Christine Thatcher for her leadership in 2023-24, and the Board of Trustees for its ongoing commitment to inclusive, accountable, and transparent processes.” - Tracy Brown, Chair, DDSB Board of Trustees

Trustees were also selected to serve on various committees, including:

Deb Oldfield, elected from Oshawa as Vice Chair of the Board and Chair of the Standing Committee

Kelly Miller, elected from Ajax as Vice Chair of the Committee of the Whole-Standing Committee

Carolyn Morton, acclaimed from Brock/Scugog/Uxbridge as Chair of the Education Finance Committee

Kelly Miller, elected from Ajax as Chair of the Governance and Policy Committee

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee membership can be found on the DDSB’s website.

DDSB Students Continue to Achieve Above Provincial Results on EQAO Tests

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 14:30:00 GMT

Student achievement and success remains a guiding focus for educators and staff at the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

The latest results released by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) show that DDSB students are achieving at or above the provincial outcomes in all nine areas of assessment.

There was a fluctuation in results compared to last year in Grade 3 and Grade 9. However, they still remain in line with or higher than provincial results overall. The Grade 10 Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) result is also up for a second year in a row, and is above the provincial outcomes for first time eligible, fully participating students.

“Strong results come from years of diligent work and building upon our foundations of supporting our students,” says Michael Barrett, Chairperson of the Board. “We remain very proud of all our DDSB students and their accomplishments.”

“We need to recognize the ongoing efforts of our principals, teachers and all staff,” adds Lisa Millar, Director of Education at the DDSB. “Their continuing focus on improving literacy and numeracy, and developing programs to support learning and gap closing demonstrates their incredible commitment and dedication. These results reinforce the fact that hard work matters, making us very proud of our students and staff.”

In late September, all parents/guardians will receive an Individual Student Report about their child's results from the previous school year's assessment. School reports detailing individual school results are available on the DDSB website at: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/our-schools/eqao-assessments-results.aspx or on the EQAO website, at EQAO.com.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs more than 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Learning Preference Selection Open for 2022-23

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 19:15:00 GMT

The following messages were shared with families today with additional information about the opportunity to select between in-person and online learning through DDSB@Home for the 2022-23 school year.

Community Hours Reduced for 2020-21

Thu, 18 Mar 2021 13:30:00 GMT

This message is to inform you that the Ministry of Education has reduced the community involvement graduation requirement to a minimum of 20 hours of community involvement activities for students graduating during the 2020-21 school year.

The Ministry has also introduced flexibility in meeting the community involvement hour requirements to reduce barriers students may face given the challenges related to COVID-19.

The following changes have been implemented for all Secondary Students in the 2020-2021 School Year

At the principal's discretion schools may wave the following restrictions:

Schools may allow students to earn hours during the time allotted for the instructional program on a school day;
Schools may allow students to earn hours through duties normally performed in the home; and
Schools may allow students aged 14 years and older to count up to a maximum of 10 hours from paid employment towards their earned hours. A reflection exercise indicating how their work contributed to the service for others will be required for students counting paid hours toward their graduation requirement.

Students should continue to seek out and accumulate community involvement hours in accordance with public health guidelines. Students are also encouraged to explore virtual volunteering. There are a number of organizations that provide virtual volunteer opportunities for students. Some of these volunteer opportunities can be found through agencies such as Spark Ontario.

The following list provides some examples of flexible ways students could earn community involvement hours in keeping with the purpose of the community involvement hours requirement, which is to encourage students to develop awareness and understanding of civic responsibility and of the role they can play and the contributions they can make in supporting and strengthening their communities, including:

Providing tutoring and mentorship supports through:

Virtual tutoring to help students with reading, communication and/or other skills
Teaching online music or dance lessons
Hosting art classes for younger students
Assisting siblings and/or younger students with online learning and school
Connecting with and supporting seniors by:
Conversing with seniors virtually, for example, acting as technology mentors or providing a regular check-in to address isolation and build cross-generational friendships
Joining or creating a letter-writing campaign to seniors
Delivering groceries to elderly/immunocompromised neighbours

Supports for families, neighbourhoods and community initiatives:

Supporting a family by walking a younger child to and from school
Participating in donation pick-ups for not-for-profit organizations
Coordinating a donation event with a local organization such as a shelter
Facilitating discussions with newcomer youth or families to help them learn about their new community
Sewing masks to donate to social agencies
Shoveling snow and/or performing yard work for a family or neighbour’s family due to extenuating circumstances
Taking part in neighbourhood litter-pick-up hour

Utilizing social media to connect with their community by:

Organizing a virtual reading or math activity for their feeder elementary schools
Creating a transition support video for Grade 8 students
Doing a musical performance that could provide entertainment for seniors
Encouraging people to donate through various social media platforms to food banks or other not-for-profit organizations
Creating a flyer for promotion on social media for a local cause

We recognize that you and your child may have questions regarding this information. We encourage you to please reach out to our guidance department or school administration to discuss your options.

COVID-19 Vaccine Bookings for Youth 12 and Up Now Available

Thu, 27 May 2021 14:45:00 GMT

All youth 12 to 17 years of age are now eligible to book an appointment to receive the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine in Durham Region. It is encouraged that family members who have not received the vaccine also book an appointment at the same time. To book appointments, visit www.durhamvaccinebooking.ca or call 1-888-444-5113.

Individuals must be 12 years of age at the time of the vaccine appointment in order to receive the vaccine. Identification which includes date of birth is required when attending the vaccination clinic.

Appointments will be available at the Ajax, Pickering, Clarington, and Oshawa mass immunization clinics. North Durham clinic dates will be available starting on June 8 in Brock, and then rotate to Scugog and Uxbridge. A new clinic site will be introduced in Whitby that allows youth 12 to 17 years of age and their family members to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Bookings for the new Whitby clinic opens on May 27 at 9pm for appointments starting June 7.

To book an appointment at any mass immunization clinic, please visit https://www.durhamvaccinebooking.ca/ or call 1-888-444-5113. For the Ontario Tech Campus Ice Centre Clinic (Oshawa) site please visit http://covidvaccine.lh.ca/ or call 905-721-4828.

Vaccinating all eligible youth aged 12- 17 will further reduce the risk for everyone in the school community and is essential to ending the pandemic.

Residents are reminded that once appointment bookings open, the website will experience a significant increase in traffic resulting in considerable wait-times when trying to book appointments. Residents are asked to please be patient as they keep trying to access the site.

For further information and questions, please visit the Durham Region Health Department website at www.durham.ca/covidvaccines.

Chair's Statement on Anti-Black Racism and Supporting Equity

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:30:00 GMT

At the March 4, 2024 Standing Committee Meeting, the Chairperson of the DDSB Board of Trustees, Christine Thatcher, read out the following statement:

I want to take this opportunity to emphasize the unwavering commitment of the Board of Trustees of the Durham District School Board in combatting anti-Black racism and all forms of racism and discrimination. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I also express the Board’s support for all groups who continue to be discriminated against in our schools, workplaces and communities.

The Board’s commitment and support are not confined to a particular month or date of significance. Rather, it is a year-round focus deeply ingrained in our actions and guided by the DDSB’s Indigenous Education Policy, the Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy and the Safe and Respectful Workplace Policy. For example, the DDSB actively engages in initiatives beyond Black History Month events, such as the implementation of the second version of the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success and continuous community partnerships and engagement.

Improving student and staff experiences, advancing achievement, building relationships and fostering well-being are fundamental to our new strategic plan. Our guiding principles include caring for each other and upholding Indigenous rights and human rights. To do this, we recognize our shared responsibility to respond to the diverse and intersectional experiences of students, staff, and community members. By listening attentively and acting accordingly, we are actively addressing systemic inequities in public education.

Dismantling systemic racism and all forms of discrimination requires persistence, humility, empathy and learning. The DDDB understand that there is more work to do to intentionally address discrimination based on all Human Rights Code-protected grounds and intersections of grounds, including and not limited to ancestry, race, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and religion. The Durham District School Board remains dedicated to this ongoing work of creating a safe inclusive and supportive environment, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Thank you for your attention. The DDSB appreciates the ongoing support of, and collaboration with, community members as we work towards our shared goals and responsibilities to ensure that all students, staff and families know that they belong here at the DDSB.

Ajax Coughlan Community's New School: Trillium Woods Public School

Mon, 26 May 2025 16:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is excited to announce the name of our new elementary school opening its doors in September 2025 in the Ajax Coughlan community: Trillium Woods Public School.

After careful consideration and extensive consultation with the broader school community, the School Naming Committee selected the name Trillium Woods Public School, and it was officially approved by the Board of Trustees of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) at the Board Meeting held on May 20, 2025.

The new name aligns with the Durham District School Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan—emphasizing meaningful learning, well-being, and connected communities. The name also honours the white trillium—Ontario’s official flower, native to the Ajax area–which reflects the natural beauty of the region and symbolizes growth, resilience, and perseverance.

Trillium Woods emphasizes connection to the land, inclusive education, environmental responsibility, and student well-being through engagement with nature. With a vision of becoming a community hub, the new school will be a place where students and families grow together, guided by the values of care, connection, and shared responsibility for each other and the world around us.

Fall Reflections: Director's Update

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 21:00:00 GMT

Dear Families,

After a beautiful, warm September, the Fall weather seemed to arrive almost by surprise this week, forcing us to pull out sweaters and jackets and prepare for the chillier days ahead. For me, this season is a wonderful time to reflect on the year so far. I enjoy taking long walks with my beagle, seeing the magnificent colours of the leaves as they change - a great reminder of the beauty in change and growth.

Speaking of growth, the Durham District School Board continues to grow alongside our vibrant community.? This September, we welcomed students into two new schools: our new Beaver River Public School in Brock Township, and Maamawi iyaawag in North Oshawa. Both schools are beautiful and light-filled, which will provide a wonderful learning environment for our students. Additionally, we also opened a new addition to our Mary Street Public School at the start of the year, featuring spacious, modern learning spaces to deliver 21st century curriculum in the heart of Oshawa.

In September, we recognize the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This day serves as an important reminder of the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and their territories. We continue to reaffirm our collective responsibility to bringing Indigenous presence and voice into our schools. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous students and staff while fostering mutual respect and reconciliation. We also honour the survivors of Residential and Indian Day schools and acknowledge the lasting impacts they face as we strive to dismantle systemic barriers affecting Indigenous communities. The orange shirts worn by many of us on September 30th symbolize our responsibility to learning the truth and acting in reconciliation every day of the year.

Fall can be a particularly busy time for many. In light of World Mental Health Day yesterday, October 10th, I want to remind our students and caregivers that if you’re feeling overwhelmed or are struggling with your mental health, there is a team of professionals, including social workers, psychologists, and community-based mental health workers, available to support you. You can connect directly with our mental health team on our website, where we also provide information on community-based Support and Crisis Lines. In this spirit of support, yesterday secondary students from across the district joined us at the Education Centre to help assemble "Well-Being Kits".? Over 150 students joined us in the atrium Thursday, assembling 24,000 kits which will be distributed to their own peers in secondary schools in the coming weeks.?

I’d also like to extend a special shout-out this month to our staff at the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), who have been nominated for the Canadian Choice Award for Top Charity! Operating with just two staff members and a team of volunteers, the IDLF works directly with school staff to support students facing financial barriers by providing essentials like food, school supplies, clothing, and more. If you’re in need, please reach out through a staff member to access the foundation’s support. If you are able to help, you can donate through the IDLF website.

Whether it's through our IDLF foundation, our students, or through our interactions with our wonderful families, we are grateful for the kindness, generosity and goodwill that help to build a strong and supportive school community. Thank-you for your ongoing support as we continue to work together to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment where our students can grow and thrive.

I do hope that this coming long weekend will be safe, restful and refreshing for all of you.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Durham District School Board?

Director's Update

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Dear Families,

Greetings to you all as we welcome the arrival of spring. With the long weekend ahead, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all those observing various days of significance over the next few weeks, including Easter, Eid, Orthodox Easter, Passover, and Ramadan, to name a few. I hope this long weekend will be a time of joy, togetherness, and reflection for your families.

As we approach Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, I want to reaffirm our unwavering support for transgender individuals in our community. This day serves as an important reminder of our commitment to stand together to foster inclusive, equitable, and respectful environments for students and staff in our learning and working circles. Through our collective efforts, we will challenge discrimination, promote understanding, and create safe spaces.

Setting the course for the DDSB from 2024 to 2028, we are pleased to launch our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This path forward was informed by a comprehensive consultation process involving our community, students, and staff. Through the strategic paths of meaningful learning, connected communities, and a focus on well-being, we are committed to nurturing the potential of every student, staff member, and family within our community.

Starting in April, our Early Years team will launch the Great Beginnings Webinar Series tailored for families with young children and those beginning Kindergarten. This five-part series covers a range of topics including what a typical Kindergarten day looks like, learning through play, and promoting child well-being and self-regulation. Led by DDSB facilitators, community partners, and subject matter experts, these webinars offer valuable insights and support for families embarking on their early education journey. If your child has their fourth birthday in 2024, it is time to register for Kindergarten!

The Ministry of Education has recently launched the Parent’s Guide to Ontario’s Education System. This valuable resource offers families supportive information to take a more active role in their children’s educational journey.

Mark your calendars for the third-annual Student Art Gallery on May 30 at the Education Centre. This special event celebrates the creativity and talent of our students in Grades 7 to 12. This year’s theme, “My Journey, My Joy, My Genius,” invites students to explore the diverse facets that shape their individuality. We encourage all students to submit their artwork by April 26 for a chance to showcase their unique perspectives and creative expressions.

Lastly, as summer approaches, we want to inform you that summer school course information is now available through Durham Continuing Education. Whether your child is interested in credit courses, co-op opportunities, or e-learning options, there are various opportunities available for Grades 8 to 12 students.

Wishing you and your family a joyful spring season filled with growth, creativity, and togetherness.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

How to Talk to Your Children about Anti-Black Racism

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 20:30:00 GMT

Over 600 Parents & Guardians Attend Seminar on ‘How to Talk to Your Children about Anti-Black Racism’

On Wednesday, February 24, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) welcomed acclaimed public speaker, author, social media influencer, and parent Bee Quammie to speak with parents/guardians on “How to Talk to Your Children about Anti-Black Racism” as part of the DDSB’s ongoing Parent Engagement Series.

Ms. Quammie was joined by over 640 people as they watched the virtual event live on this very important topic. This presentation is a part of the DDSB commitment to combat anti-Black racism and provide resources to support and encourage parents/guardians through the DDSB Parent Involvement Committee (PIC).

Ms. Quammie guided participants through techniques and questions to ask when speaking about anti-Black racism to children. She also provided practical tips as to what we can all do to make a difference when addressing anti-Black racism for young minds.

After delivering the virtual keynote presentation, Ms. Quammie then hosted a question and answer session for all attendees responding to questions on how to support and frame anti-Black racism thoughts and action while being an ally to support students.

The presentation coincides with the recently released “Addressing ANTI-BLACK RACISM & ITS IMPACT: A Well-Being Toolkit for Families” created by the DDSB Inclusive Student Services (ISS) Department (Social Work and Psychological Services staff) that identify as members of the Black, Latinx and White communities.

The webinar has been posted online and interested parents/guardians can view the webinar by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyygYSgAR6k

PPM 128: Mobile Phone Use

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Parents and Guardians,

In April of this year, the provincial government updated PPM 128, better known as the provincial Code of Conduct. Including a focus on the use of cellphones and other personal mobile devices in schools, this updated PPM supports student achievement and well-being by keeping students focused on their learning through the removal of distractions and the promotion of positive mental health.

As part of the new DDSB multi-year strategic plan, these changes align with our focus on meaningful learning, creating connections, and ensuring well-being within our schools and communities. Focusing on removing distractions is a key aspect of these changes and will ensure that student engagement remains as a central focus of classroom and school experiences.

What does this mean for students and parents/guardians?

Elementary Schools

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, we are asking students in kindergarten to Grade 8 to refrain from using their personal mobile devices, such as a cellphone or tablet, during the school day. During the school day, devices must be:

turned off or set to silent mode;
stored out of view

Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' during the school day.

Students may use their personal mobile devices in school if:

a school administrator gives permission (for example, for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs, as part of an approved accommodation plan or health and safety plan, or for other Human Rights Code-related needs or circumstances); or,
a teacher gives permission to use them as part of learning during instructional time.

Secondary Schools

To maintain a focused and engaging learning environment, we are asking students in Grade 9 to 12 to refrain from using their personal mobile devices, such as a cellphone or tablet, during instructional time. During instructional time, devices must be:

turned off or set to silent mode
stored out of view

Wearables such as smart watches must be put into the equivalent of 'airplane mode' during instructional time.

Students may use their personal mobile devices during instructional time if:

a school administrator gives permission (for example, for health and medical purposes, to support special education needs, as part of an approved accommodation plan or health and safety plan, or for other Human Rights Code-related needs or circumstances); or,
a teacher gives permission to use them as part of learning.

Students may use their personal mobile devices during non-instructional times such as lunch or spares.

All Schools

Students are responsible for their personal mobile device and how they use it.

As part of this communication, you will see a draft code of conduct which outlines expectations and sets standards of behaviour for everyone within our schools and communities. For situations that arise where the use of personal mobile devices is used inappropriately, school staff may:

require a student to hand in their personal mobile device;
store the mobile device in a safe place for the rest of the day.

We look forward to your support in implementing this new policy beginning September 3rd to help students focus on learning, achievement, and well-being by removing distractions and promoting mental health.

We appreciate your attention to this matter, and hope that your student(s) have a successful year ahead.

DDSB Code of Conduct: September 3, 2024

Bell Time Public Consultation

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 22:00:00 GMT

The bell times at some schools may change for the 2022-23 school year. A public consultation on changing bell times is now underway and we would like to hear from families who may be affected by the proposed changes. To find out if the bell times at your school are proposed to be changed, please review this list.

Durham Student Transportation Services looks after home to school transportation for Durham District School Board and Durham Catholic District School Board. Bell times and bussing schedules are a complex, interconnected system. A small change to the bell time of one school can have a ripple effect on the bell times of multiple other schools, increased ride times, or bus availability for other students.

In Durham Region and across Ontario, there is a shortage of school bus drivers. To ensure consistent transportation service is maintained for eligible students, some changes are being proposed to 2022-2023 school year bell times. 24 schools are proposed to change by more than 10 minutes and 14 schools by 10 minutes or less. Any elementary changes are based on 2020-21 bell times and secondary changes are based on 2019-20 bell times. The proposed bell times also move away from the current 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. schedule for secondary schools.

For more information on the review, including a list of schools with a proposed bell time changes, how to register for a virtual public open house and ways to get involved in the consultation process, please visit ddsb.ca/bell-times.

Families at schools where bell times are changing are encouraged to attend one of our public virtual open house sessions on February 15^th or February 16th at 7:00 p.m.

If the bell times at your school are changing by more than 10 minutes, please share your feedback through this ThoughtExchange.

All families also have the option to complete a bell time changes survey by clicking here. Feedback is being accepted until February 25, 2022. Students are also encouraged to complete the survey.

A final report and feedback received will be shared with DDSB Board of Trustees in March 2022 before a final decision is made on changing bell times for the 2022-23 school year.

We look forward to hearing from you throughout this consultation process.

Statement on Discovery of Unmarked Graves at the former Marieval Residential School

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 17:15:00 GMT

The latest confirmation, from Cowessess First Nation, of unmarked graves at the site of the former Marieval Indian Residential School is tragic but not surprising. Residential School Survivors, through their testimony at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, have stated that friends and family members numbering in the thousands did not return home from these institutions. We recognize that as this truth continues to be confirmed, there will be ongoing media attention. The sharing of this information may be retraumatizing, particularly for those who identify as Indigenous.

As we reflect upon the evidence of the ongoing genocide carried out against Indigenous peoples of this land, the DDSB is committed to upholding the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) and fulfilling the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s 94 Calls to Action in the prioritization of Indigenous Inherent Rights.

The Indigenous Education Department has provided support documents to schools on how to respond to conversations about this issue in classrooms or workplaces as they arise. These resources were designed to support learning opportunities focused on accurate histories and truths, in order to ensure the safety of Indigenous students and families within these conversations. We are also reminded to review and activate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in all DDSB schools, classrooms and workplaces.

Indigenous staff, students, families and community members may access supports and resources through the following:

The Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419;
Indian Residential School Survivors Society: 1-800-721-0066;
Crisis Services Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645;
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868;
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line: 1-855-242-3310;
Native Youth Crisis Hotline: 1-877-209-1266;
Durham Mental Health- 1-800-742-1890; and
Support for students can also be accessed through DDSB Inclusive Student Services.
https://wemattercampaign.org/get-help

For staff and educators who would like more information related to these confirmations, please visit https://nctr.ca/records/reports/?fbclid=IwAR0BIn_CY_RGFBsJzBiACS_-_XSmxp02uBL4Ge4xt22qycF6jrdkqGS-OEs

True reconciliation requires consistent and ongoing action to address and dismantle the ongoing legacies of colonialism that continue to affect the rights of Indigenous people today. The Durham District School Board is committed to upholding the Inherent Rights of Indigenous staff, students and families and taking concrete actions to impact change.

Our thoughts are with Indigenous community members at this time.

Commencement Info

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 13:45:00 GMT

2024 Maxwell Heights Secondary School Commencement Ceremony

Thursday June 27, 2024, at 10:00 am

Tribute Communities Centre

https://www.tributecommunitiescentre.com/events/detail/maxwell-heights-graduation-ceremony-2024

Commencement Information: June Commencement Letter 2024

Graduate Information: 2024 Commencement – Graduate Information

Commemcement Program: Commencement Program 2024

LEGO artist sparks inspiration at Sunset Heights PS

Wed, 20 Mar 2024 19:15:00 GMT

Students at Sunset Heights Public School in Oshawa were excited to meet Ekow Nimako, an artist who creates incredible works using all black LEGO pieces.

In a gym full of eager Grade 3 to 8 students, Nimako shared his experiences as a Ghanaian-Canadian growing up in a predominantly white area of London, Ontario. This is where he first noticed that he didn’t see himself reflected in the neighbourhoods, media, and art around him.

His experience, paired with his love of LEGO, gave him the tools to create beautiful Afro-Futurist LEGO sculptures. “With LEGO, you can build any world you want, especially an inclusive one,” he told students.

Nimako explained Afro-Futurist means his works embodies a futuristic narrative focused on Black identities.

Nimako currently has four main artwork collections titled Building Black Mythos, Building Black Civilizations, Building Black Graphica, and Building Black Amorphia.

On the importance of highlighting Black culture, history, and identities, Nimako expressed, “The world is a big place, and it limits the imagination to only learn about myths and civilizations that reflect one part of the world, or one cultural group. We've all heard the amazing tales of the Greek pantheon. But what about the plethora of Hindu deities? What about the mythology of the Akan, and the first university in the world in Timbuktu? Black students in particular benefit from engagement with my work because it affirms their identity, past, and future in a very positive, tangible way.”

After the presentation, Nimako answered students’ questions and students lined up to get his autograph. His words of wisdom for students interested in a career in LEGO art were simple: “Keep building, push your material abilities to the limits, and remember you must be an artist first and a LEGO builder second.”

Reflecting on why he shares his story with young people, Nimako said, “When I was in school, I rarely got the opportunity to learn about and meet diverse storytellers. I think it is critical for young people to be exposed to as many conduits of inspiration as possible. One of the best ways to do that is to ensure the people inspiring them come from varied cultural backgrounds. I think that much contemporary art lacks appeal for very young audiences, while the aesthetics and message of my artwork is clear: Rebuild the world.”

To find out more about Ekow Nimako and where you can find his artwork displayed, visit ekownimako.com.

Updated COVID-19 Screening Tool for Children

Fri, 02 Oct 2020 17:00:00 GMT

The Government of Ontario made changes to the COVID-19 screening tool for children on October 1, 2020. The changes put symptoms in two different categories and still require your child to stay home if they are sick. Please review the below FAQ from the Ministry of Health for more information.

Remember, the easiest way to determine if your child should stay home is by verifying any symptoms and completing this online screening tool: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/school-screening/

Please complete this screening every morning to determine if your child should be going to school. This is an important step in ensuring that all of us continue to stay safe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. My child has woken up not feeling well, what do I do?

If you notice that your child has new or worsening symptoms, what you do depends on the

symptom and how usual they are for your child.

If your child has new or worsening:

Fever/chills
Cough
Shortness of breath
Decreased or loss of smell or taste

Your child should isolate immediately and you should contact your child’s health provider

for further advice or assessment. The health care provider can help you determine

whether the symptoms are related to another non-COVID-19 condition, or if they should

get tested for COVID-19.

If your child has ONE new or worsening symptom (that is not related to a known cause or condition) that include:

Sore throat
Stuffy nose/runny nose
Headache
Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea
Fatigue/lethargy/muscle aches/malaise

Your child should stay home for 24 hours to be monitored to see whether the symptoms

get better or worse. If they start to feel better and symptoms are improving, they can

return to school/child care when well enough to do so and no COVID-19 testing is needed.

If the symptoms get worse, you should contact their health care provider for further advice

or assessment. The health care provider can help you determine whether the symptoms

are related to another non-COVID-19 condition, or if they should get tested for COVID-19.

If your child has TWO or MORE new or worsening symptoms (that are not related to a known cause or condition) that include:

Sore throat
Stuffy nose/runny nose
Headache
Nausea and/or vomiting
Diarrhea
Fatigue/lethargy/muscle aches or malaise

Your child should isolate immediately and you should contact your child’s health provider

for further advice or assessment. The health care provider can help you determine

whether the symptoms are related to another non-COVID-19 condition, or if they should

get tested for COVID-19.

2. My child has a runny nose, what should I do?

If your child’s only symptom is a runny nose, you should keep your child home and monitor

their symptoms as you would in any other year. When they feel better, they are ready to

go back to school/child care and no COVID-19 testing is needed. If they get worse or

develop other symptoms, you should contact their health care provider for more advice.

Mild symptoms known to persist in young children (e.g., runny nose) may be ongoing at

time of return to school/child care if other symptoms have been resolved.

3. Who in my family needs to be tested along with my child?

If your child has been identified as needing a test and everyone else in the family is well,

no testing of other family members is needed. If your child tests positive for COVID-19, the

local public health unit will contact you/your child and make a plan for additional testing

of all close contacts.

4. Do I need a note from a doctor before my child goes back to school/child care or a

copy of a negative test result?

No, you do not need a note from your doctor or proof of a negative test before your child

returns to school/ childcare.

5. I need more information to feel confident in my assessment, what do I do?

If you need additional information about COVID-19 or have a question specific to your child

and their health, please contact your health care provider.

Math Help - Every Morning 8:00am - 8:30am

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:45:00 GMT

Innovation and Inspiration Flourish at the Third-Annual Regional Skills Ontario Competition

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 13:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) continues to set the stage for innovation and inspiration as it proudly hosted the third-annual Regional Skills Ontario Competition on April 4, 2024, at the Tribute Communities Centre.

The arena radiated with energy as more than 550 students from Grades 4 to 8 took centre stage, demonstrating their remarkable talent and dedication. These young innovators emerged triumphant from a rigorous qualification round that drew the participation of over 15,000 eager minds.

Representing 61 DDSB elementary schools, 147 qualifying teams competed in 13 exhilarating contests spanning diverse fields including construction, green energy, tech design, animation, and VEX robotics. These prodigies not only showcased their technical prowess but also exhibited vital life skills such as critical and creative thinking, collaboration, technology and digital literacy, problem solving, and perseverance.

Behind every successful student stood the unwavering support of over 100 DDSB educators who served as mentors and judges. Their guidance and mentorship illuminated the path for these budding innovators, underscoring the DDSB's commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, problem solvers, and innovators.

More than just a competition, the Regional Skills Ontario event served as a celebration of the future. It provided a platform to witness history in the making as the DDSB identified students who will represent the District at the prestigious Provincial Skills ON event in Toronto on May 6.

The event attracted a diverse audience comprising community members, teachers, facilitators, and parents/guardians who gathered to witness greatness in action. It was a day filled with excitement, learning, and endless possibilities, highlighting the pivotal role of hands-on learning experiences in shaping the future workforce and driving innovation.

Bus Cancellations: ALL ZONES - Thursday, January 15, 2026

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 11:00:00 GMT

All schools are open.

Buses will not operate in Zone 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

DDSB Good News stories from May Board meeting

Tue, 16 May 2023 18:15:00 GMT

May 15, 2023: Good News video presentation.

DDSB students take home 20 medals in Skills Ontario competition

Thu, 04 Aug 2022 16:30:00 GMT

Canada’s largest skilled trades and technologies competition, Skills Ontario, took place in a remote, virtual format from April 19^th to 29^th, and boasted more than 2,300 competitors from Grade 4 to apprenticeship-level, showcasing their skills in contests such as: robotics, IT, horticulture and landscape, coding, culinary arts, graphic design, and home and team building. Some competition processes lasted a full eight hours. The competitions give exposure to the possibilities of different career paths that are available to students that they might not have been aware of. It also allows for them to take pride in skill sets that they have. Competing in the skill set competitions provides students with the opportunity to win medals, scholarships, bursaries, job offers and prizes.

The DDSB was proud to have 64 students competing from both the elementary and secondary levels across 28 competition categories and receiving medals in 20, including seven gold, nine silver, and four bronze place finishes.

Our gold medal winners won in the job skill demonstration, restaurant service and IT software applications categories. Our silver medalists won in electronics, 2D character animation and workplace safety categories, and our bronze medalists won in the graphic design studio production category.

We would like to acknowledge DDSB staff educator, Geetha Nair, for his hard work, passion, and commitment to the students after he mentored two of our competitors that medalled both silver and gold.

Student Success Program Facilitator Jennifer Parrington notes how the teacher-to-student mentorship is the most important part of the Skills Ontario experience. “They really bond with that teacher/mentor, and the teacher/mentor gets that next level of fulfillment in their teaching career,” explains Parrington.

“When you take the time to hone a student’s skills, look at what they do. They flourish.”

Congratulations to Teacher Lauren Chapple

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 16:45:00 GMT

The Ontario Teachers Insurance Plan (OTIP) and the Ontario Teachers’ Federation (OTF) have recognized outstanding Ontario teachers with the 2021 OTIP Teaching Award for teaching excellence. The Durham District School Board is proud to have one of the four provincial winners.

Congratulations to Lauren Chapple, Teacher at Whitby Shores Public School on being selected as a recipient of the 2021 OTIP Teaching Award in the Elementary Teacher category. Lauren teaches all subjects including Music, Drama, Dance and Special Education (Grades JK-3).

Director's Long Weekend Update

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 20:45:00 GMT

Dear Families,

Welcome to the second half of the 2024-25 school year! I hope that your family had a restful winter break and a smooth return to school routines for the winter term. The Durham East Asian Network in Education (DEANE) hosted a fantastic Lunar New Year celebration on February 6 in the DDSB Education Centre. The spirit of community came through as we shared food and games, and applauded student performances. We were all captivated by the lion dance, performed by our friends from The Wushu Project who welcomed the Year of the Snake with great flair. As always, the celebration of the new year invites optimism for good things ahead.

February is Black History Month, a time to acknowledge the diversity and celebrate the contributions of Black people in Canada, and the excellence we witness every day from staff and students across the district. Throughout February, the DDSB is actively engaged in a series of educational and cultural events that spotlight the achievements of Black individuals. The Durham Black Educators Network (DBEN) is hosting their annual Black History Month celebration on February 20 at 6 p.m. at Ajax High School, featuring food, student talent, community vendors, and more – get your tickets while you can!

Speaking of upcoming events and observances, the Muslim Educators Network of Durham (MEND) is hosting a Ramadan Market on Sunday, February 23 at J. Clarke Richardson in Ajax from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., which will feature henna, clothing, art, gifts, and more. Entry is free. Ramadan Mubarak to DDSB families observing Ramadan starting later this month.

Recently, the DDSB released the 2024 Annual Report, which provides a snapshot of some of the DDSB’s new initiatives launched throughout the year and is a hub for public resources developed in 2024.

If your family has a child turning 4 or 5 this year, be sure to register for kindergarten if you haven’t done so already, and encourage your friends and family to do the same! By registering your child early, families will be able to complete the registration process with their home school with plenty of time before the summer break, one less thing on your mind. You’ll also be invited to our spring webinar series – dates coming soon! – to help prepare your little one for school.

If, instead of kindergarten your family is preparing for high school, I invite you to take a look at our 30 Credits My Way initiative, putting families and students in control of their high school pathway. Missed the Supporting Grade 8 Transition to High School webinar? Check out our YouTube channel!

A reminder to families that report cards will be issued on February 19 to students in Grades 1 to 8. Please take the time to review the report card, recognize your child’s achievements, and discuss areas for growth. It’s important for families to speak with students about their report card results, recognizing success and planning for improvement. We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher to learn more. Your involvement in your child’s education is important and we thank you for your continued partnership.

Don’t forget! If you have a budding visual artist in Grades 7-12 our Student Art Gallery is taking submissions for our 2025 exhibition, entitled ‘Belonging’.

We are all navigating a rapidly changing world, with a constant flow of information from many platforms. In the spirit of nurturing healthy communities, we encourage our students to be careful, kind and critical in the way they produce and consume information especially in online platforms. While we continue to remind students about the restrictions on cell phone use at school, we know that our students have access outside of school hours at home and in the community. We would like to encourage all parents/caregivers to join us in protecting our students in this area by finding some time to have a conversation with your child about responsible social media usage. Parenting in the Age of Social Media addresses a variety of new considerations for parents and caregivers while offering suggestions for keeping kids safe, responsible and ethical as they navigate online spaces.

For me, every long weekend marks a milestone in the school year. Although winter fun is a part of our Canadian spirit, this winter season has felt quite long for many. On this Family Day weekend, as the days become noticeably longer, the anticipation of spring starts to emerge. I hope that you will be able to find a few extra moments to enjoy fresh air and outdoor activities, or some quiet time with loved ones.

Take good care of yourselves and each other,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

COVID-19: DDSB Updates and Community Connections

Sat, 16 May 2020 18:30:00 GMT

COVID-19: DDSB Updates, Community Connections and FAQ's

As of April 26th, the Ministry of Education announced that all publicly funded schools in Ontario, including the Durham District School Board will remain closed until May 31, 2020, in order to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Important Notice Regarding DDSB Playground Equipment

At this time during the COVID-19 pandemic, we kindly request that members of the community please stay off playground equipment, outdoor tracks and basketball courts situated on DDSB schoolyards, as they are not routinely cleaned/sanitized. This is critical to help protect individuals, families, and community members and stop the spread of the virus.

We appreciate the cooperation of all residents as we all work together in these challenging times and look forward to a return to more regular routines once this pandemic is over.

DDSB welcomes Student Trustees for 2023-24 School Year

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 13:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is pleased to welcome three outstanding students who will serve as Student Trustees for the 2023-24 academic year.

The DDSB extends congratulations to Ben Cameron, Kayla Hoare, and Neha Kasoju for their successful election by the student body and commends them for their commitment to representing and bringing student voices to the Board of Trustees.

Cameron, a student from Dunbarton High School, continues his journey as a Student Trustee for a second term, representing Ajax/Pickering.

“It has been a pleasure to serve as a DDSB Student Trustee. I am grateful every day to have this opportunity to connect with and work on behalf of students,” Cameron said. “Over the past school year, I have seen the amazing things that Student Trustees can accomplish, and I am excited to work with Neha, Kayla, Trustees, and staff to continue advocating for students across the DDSB during my upcoming term.”

Expressing her enthusiasm for the role, Hoare, who attends Port Perry High School and represents Brock/Uxbridge/Scugog, said, “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be the representative of the thousands of students within Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge, and I will work hard to ensure that we as Student Trustees do what is best for our peers.

“I am very passionate about learning all that I can from this position and the experience that comes with it, and I cannot wait to get started. I look forward to seeing what my fellow Trustees and I can accomplish in the next year. Together, we will be able to achieve our goals and dream bigger.”

Kasoju, who attends Donald A. Wilson Secondary School and represents Oshawa/Whitby, also joins the team of Student Trustees. Speaking about her election, Kasoju stated, “The significance of a Student Trustee is representing diverse student voices and having a platform to better the school community. I am so honoured and grateful for the support of my peers to serve as a Student Trustee.

“My goal is to foster an innovative and equitable learning environment, where every student feels empowered and has the opportunity to prosper. I aspire to leave a lasting positive impact on the DDSB and to inspire other students to do the same. I am looking forward to all the exciting things we will accomplish in the 2023-24 school year.”

Donna Edwards, Chair of the Board of Trustees, stated, “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am pleased to welcome and congratulate Ben, Kayla, and Neha for their outstanding achievement and their commitment to serving as advocates for their peers. We look forward to working collaboratively and know that the voices they represent, and their leadership, passion, and determination, will help the Board shape the educational experience for all students in the 2023-24 school year.”

A Student Trustee is a provincially mandated role designated to advocate for the voice of students in the publicly funded education system. Student Trustees serve as representatives of the student body, lead the Student Senate, and are members of the Ontario Student Trustees' Association.

DDSB Receives Ministry Approval on Child Care Addition

Wed, 22 Nov 2023 17:15:00 GMT

DDSB Receives Ministry Approval to Construct a Three-Room Child Care Addition at Seneca Trail Public School in Oshawa

The DDSB invites media to attend a photo opportunity/media availability at Seneca Trail Public School (1915 Queensbury Dr., Oshawa) on Friday, November 24 at 10 a.m. DDSB Chair Christine Thatcher will attend the event alongside Durham MPP Todd McCarthy and Ajax MPP and Parliamentary Assistant to the Ministry of Education Patrice Barnes.

The Durham District School Board is pleased to announce it has received the Ministry of Education’s approval to proceed with the construction of a three-room child care centre addition at Seneca Trail Public School in Oshawa.

The approved three-room child care centre addition will include one infant room, one toddler room, and one preschool room with the associated ancillary spaces. Total funding provided for the project is $4,072,915, with construction anticipated to be completed in Fall 2024.

The DDSB provides a variety of child care options for children from ages 0 to 12. These programs are in DDSB schools throughout the region to make it convenient for parents and guardians to find reliable child care.

“This investment in child care helps to increase accessibility for families in Oshawa. Anytime we can increase the number of child care spaces at a DDSB school it is good news; we help address equity challenges, affordability constraints, and the disproportionate lack of child care services for women and marginalized families,” said Oshawa Trustees Deb Oldfield and Shailene Panylo. “These additional child care spaces will be a welcome addition to families in the community to help support children’s brain development, learning, behaviour, and health.”

Added DDSB Director of Education Camille Williams-Taylor, “The early years are an important component in a child’s development. By providing high quality child care, we’re supporting student achievement leading into Kindergarten and the basis for a successful start to a child’s education.”

Added Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, “We are determined to build schools and child care expansions faster, part of our commitment to modernize learning spaces in fast-growing communities. We are proud to support a child care centre addition at Seneca Trail Public School for families in Oshawa. By expanding this school and increasing funding and staffing, supported by a back-to-basics focus on reading, writing, and math skills, we are working to ensure students graduate with confidence that they can succeed in good-paying careers."

Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural communities of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships and the cities and towns of Oshawa, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. We employ over 10,000 teaching and educational services staff in 135 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres. DDSB has more than 79,000 regular day students and thousands more who take continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

R.H. Cornish P.S. Strengthens School Community Through "Words Have Weight" Initiative

Fri, 05 Dec 2025 20:00:00 GMT

R.H. Cornish Public School is celebrating the success of its school-wide Words Have Weight initiative, a year-long effort focused on helping students understand the impact of their words and the power they hold to build, uplift, and connect.

The initiative grew from the observations of staff who noticed that some students were attempting humour without fully recognizing its effect on peers. In response, the school’s Positive School Climate and Well-Being Committee launched an initiative that combined student voice, hands-on learning, and meaningful mentorship to deepen understanding and strengthen the school’s culture of empathy.

As part of this work, the school welcomed spoken word artist and educator Patrick de Belen, who delivered a powerful presentation titled Every Word Matters to intermediate students. Drawing from his own lived experiences with harmful language, belonging, and resilience, Patrick illustrated how words can influence identity and shape community. His message resonated deeply, inspiring students to reflect on their own language choices and explore poetry as a way to express their stories. Several students bravely shared their own original spoken word pieces with peers, demonstrating leadership, courage, and authenticity.

To further reinforce the message, the school hosted a Sewing Studio Week in November involving all students from kindergarten to Grade 8. While students learned sewing basics and completed creative projects, the experience also provided real-time opportunities to practice encouraging, supportive communication. Classrooms became collaborative, positive spaces where students helped one another, offered kind words, and celebrated one another’s success.

“This initiative has shown our students that words are powerful tools,” said Sarah Keys, Teacher Librarian and member of the Positive School Climate and Well-Being Committee. “Whether through poetry or hands-on activities like sewing, students are learning that their words can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create a sense of belonging.”

The Sewing Studio also supported the school’s achievement plan by enhancing student confidence, persistence, emotional regulation, and sense of accomplishment. Together, the spoken word workshop and hands-on sewing experience created a consistent message that kindness, empathy, and mindful communication are central to a safe and inclusive learning environment.

R.H. Cornish Public School is proud of the growth shown by students and the commitment of staff to foster a positive school climate. The school’s Words Have Weight initiative serves as an inspiring example of how intentional learning experiences can empower students, strengthen relationships, and create lasting changes across a school community.

Message to In-Person Families re: Shift to Remote Learning

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 01:00:00 GMT

This evening, the DDSB sent the following messages to in-person families with information following today’s announcement by the Government of Ontario that all schools will be moving to remote learning until at least January 17.

Message to Elementary In-Person Families RE Temporary Shift to Remote Learning

January 3, 2022

Subject Line: Temporary Shift to Remote Learning

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Further to last week’s announcement delaying the start of school, the Government of Ontario announced today that all schools will move to remote learning until at least Monday, January 17.

Elementary schools will begin remote learning on Thursday, January 6 once elementary schools have been able to deploy technology to any families who do not have access to a learning device. Your child’s school will be seeking more information on families’ technology needs. Please note that we do not have sufficient devices for every student and this initial deployment will focus on one device per household.

Your child’s school will be in touch on Wednesday to outline the plan and schedule for remote learning during this time. By then, we will be able to develop school-wide schedules that meet the requirements of remote learning and make arrangements for any staff absences.

During this temporary period of remote learning, the vast majority of students with special education needs will also access remote learning. School teams will be connecting directly with families/caregivers to plan for consideration of remote learning, and where essential and learning needs cannot be accommodated remotely, for in-person learning.

As the situation continues to evolve, we will not be sharing additional information about changes to in-person health and safety measures until the in-person return date is confirmed. Schools will also not be open for students to come in and access any materials at this time.

With the uncertainty of the Omicron variant and its impact on school operations, we will be delaying the option to change elementary learning preferences to/from DDSB@Home until we receive more information from the province about learning modes for this school year. More information will be shared once we have a better understanding of future direction from the Ministry of Education.

We know that this additional change can be challenging for many, however, this is being done in accordance with today’s announcement by the Province to temporarily move to a modified step two of the roadmap to reopen to help stop the spread of COVID-19 Omicron variant.

We recognize that this shutdown will have an impact on many families that we serve, and our goal is to support your child through what may be an unsettling time. We also recognize the complexities of both DDSB staff and parents/guardians having work responsibilities at the same time students are learning from home and the additional stressors that may cause. We, therefore, ask for your continued understanding as we all work through less than ideal circumstances. These last two years have impacted well-being and mental health for many and the more we can be compassionate about others' circumstances, the better we will emerge as a community from this pandemic.

Please continue to follow the advice of the Government of Ontario to stay safe. Thank you in advance for your understanding during this unusual time.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

__________________________________

Message to Secondary In-Person Families RE Temporary Shift to Remote Learning

January 3, 2022

Subject Line: Temporary Shift to Remote Learning

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Further to last week’s announcement delaying the start of school, the Government of Ontario announced today that all schools will move to remote learning until at least Monday, January 17.

Secondary schools will begin remote learning on Wednesday, January 5. As the situation continues to evolve, we will not be sharing additional information about changes to in-person health and safety measures until the in-person return date is confirmed. Schools will also not be open for students to come in and access any materials at this time.

Please continue to follow the advice of the Government of Ontario to stay safe. Thank you in advance for your understanding during this unusual time.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

School Bus Cancellations: Tuesday, January 17, 2023 - All Zones

Tue, 17 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in all zones, due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather.

Busses will not operate in Zone 1,2,3 or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon. All elementary and secondary schools remain open.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Inspirational Student Transforms Tragedy into Triumph

Wed, 20 Dec 2023 14:15:00 GMT

Inspirational Student Jetlyn Nobes Transforms Tragedy into Triumph, Extends Heartfelt Support to Others Facing Mental Health Challenges

In a soul-stirring journey marked by resilience and compassion, Jetlyn Nobes, a dedicated student, has transcended the depths of mental health struggles to become a radiant source of inspiration for peers navigating similar challenges. Overcoming the profound loss of her father to suicide, Jetlyn's transformative narrative illuminates the potency of therapy, authentic dialogue, creative expression, and an unwavering determination to uplift both herself and those around her. She has recently authored a collection of poignant poems titled ‘Dear me, it wasn’t your fault; believe me this time’. The book is a testament to her desire to offer solace, hope, and strength to individuals grappling with depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Jetlyn's tale is one of profound courage, personal growth, and boundless compassion. The journey commenced with the heartbreaking loss of her father, plunging her into the depths of depression, anxiety, and grief. Undeterred, Jetlyn resolved to heal and make a positive impact, embarking on a transformative path of self-discovery and recovery.

Through the therapeutic process, Jetlyn discovered a haven for exploring her emotions and gaining invaluable insights into her mental health. Sharing her struggles openly with friends and peers became a cornerstone of her support system, fostering connections with those who had faced similar challenges. Jetlyn's bravery in sharing her experiences inspired those around her to break their own silence. Recognizing this need for connection, Jetlyn initiated a peer-to-peer mentoring group at Uxbridge Secondary School, providing a platform for students to engage in meaningful conversations about their emotional burdens. This initiative proved instrumental in helping her friends and fellow students overcome their hurdles.

A pivotal aspect of Jetlyn's healing journey was the transformative power of journaling. Finding solace in writing, she used journaling as a medium to process her emotions and seek clarity during the darkest of times. Her collection of heartfelt poems stands as a testament to her emotional resilience and creative expression.

Jetlyn's book of poems is a manifestation of her steadfast commitment to aiding others in overcoming their mental health struggles. Through her verses, she extends an intimate glimpse into her own experiences and emotions, providing a profound sense of understanding and kinship to those facing similar challenges.

When asked about the significance of her book and journey, Jetlyn shared, “I believe in honest progression within healing. My book starts in deep sadness because that’s where I was when I began writing it. The initial chapters are dark and devoid of hope, but much like the journey of life, the narrative gradually unfolds to reveal healing. It's a struggle, one of the most challenging and exhausting parts of the journey, but it is always possible. Mental health is complex, and healing takes time. I still grapple with deep struggles every day, but finding even the smallest joy, like my morning coffee, is crucial.”

Jetlyn embodies resilience and strength in the face of adversity, offering a beacon of inspiration to all. Her journey from pain to healing and her unwavering commitment to supporting others serves as a testament to the transformative power of therapy, open communication, creative expression, and the strength that emanates from a compassionate heart.

Jetlyn's book of poems invites readers to join her on a shared journey of healing and hope, reassuring them that they are not alone in their struggles. Her story stands as a powerful reminder of the profound impact that compassion, authenticity, and creativity can have on the path to mental well-being.

Students Learn Steps for Success in the Skilled Trades

Thu, 20 Jan 2022 14:45:00 GMT

More than 100 students elevated their skills at the Tools in the Trades Bootcamp

Five Durham District School Board (DDSB) schools hosted full-day Tools in the Trades Bootcamps, led by Support Ontario Youth (SOY). The events were open to students in the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM), Technological Education, and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship/Co-Operative Education programs. Each event focused on one skilled trade sector determined by student interest at each school.

R.S. McLaughlin CVI and Eastdale CVI focused on transportation, Dunbarton High School focused on industrial millwright, G.L. Roberts CVI focused on horticulture and landscaping, and Port Perry High School focused on electrical. Students worked in teams to change tires on a race car, read schematics and assemble pumps, build a deck from design plans, and install residential electrical hookups. Workshop guidance was provided by industry professionals from The Pit Crew Challenge, red seal industrial mechanic millwrights, automotive, carpentry, electrical and welding journeypersons, and Landscape Ontario.

“We are really grateful to have five days with the Support Ontario Youth Tools in the Trades Bootcamp,” said Jennifer Parrington, DDSB Specialist High Skills Major and Technological Education Facilitator. She added, “An event like this can spark interest in all the different skilled trades pathways and provides career insight to students seeking support and mentorship for that next step after high school.”

All events provided students with the opportunity to spend half of the day learning what employers are looking for, gaining resume and interview skills, and meeting potential employers who are looking to hire apprentices. Experts shared helpful tips with students focused on:

How to build your professional network
What should be included in a resume and cover letter
How to prepare for an interview

Loren, a student at Eastdale CVI, said she has a strong passion for the automotive trade, “I’ve worked on cars and trucks my whole life because my family owns an automotive shop. I’m hoping to meet people in the field to ask their advice on how I can pursue an apprenticeship and eventually achieve my dream of becoming a diesel mechanic.”

Owen, a student at Port Perry HS, said he was looking forward to learning from the experts, “I enjoy learning whether it’s hands-on or in the classroom. I’m interested in becoming a teacher in the electrical trade like my teacher Mr. Burke.”

At the end of the day, every student walked away with an apprenticeship toolkit worth $250. Toolkits were stocked with tools specific to each trade focus and all included personal protective equipment.

Stephen Nevills, DDSB Superintendent of Education, talked about the importance of students realizing the value that their interests and skills carry, “Students have great skills from our high school programs and are seeking confirmation of these skills in their area of interest in the industry. Our hopes have been surpassed seeing students have that ‘aha’ moment when they realize the possibilities.”

The DDSB offers a diverse range of high school courses and programs to meet the individual needs of students. To learn more about available programs, visit the DDSB Secondary School Programs webpage.

Black History Month 2021 at DDSB

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 19:30:00 GMT

Students, staff and families celebrate Black Excellence and learn about anti-Black racism

Black History Month was celebrated differently at the Durham District School Board (DDSB) this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while leveraging digital tools to increase community engagement and reach. The pandemic created the opportunity to host one of the largest online events in recent memory through the Parent Engagement Series “How to Talk to Your Children about Anti-Black Racism,” and a grassroots initiative #BlackExcellenceDDSB that created an outlet for schools and staff to showcase the contributions and achievements of famous and local Black people in society.

On February 24, over 600 parents, guardians and DDSB staff attended the Parent Engagement Series, How to Talk to Children about Anti-Black Racism, with guest speaker Bee Quammie. Quammie is a writer, speaker, and social media influencer and a DDSB parent. In her discussion she defined systemic racism, colourism, stereotypes, and shared her lived-experiences as a Black women and mother.

“We often underestimate children and what they understand,” Quammie states. “When having discussions with children, a lot of it rests with us as adults.”

She said that it’s important to talk to children about what they are seeing in the media regarding anti-Black racism. She encouraged attendees to use trust-worthy sources for help to explain these topics and that it’s OK to say, ‘I don’t know’. This provides an opportunity to research the topic together as a family and work beyond it.

After Quammie’s session, members of DDSB’s psychological services and social work teams presented the recently launch Anti-Black Racism Well-Being Toolkit. They provided everyone with highlights of resources in the toolkit and they let families know how they could connect with them for support. Anyone who missed the discussion can view it by visiting: https://youtu.be/pyygYSgAR6k

Black Excellence

Executive Equity Coordinator Chrystal Bryan worked with DDSB secondary administrator teams to create the online #BlackExcellenceDDSB challenge. Schools showcased their Black History Month events and class activities that paid tribute to contributions of Black people in our society.

“A project like this ultimately is about the valuing of Black people and culture. For some they learned about different Black figures, while others might have had the opportunity to have their voice heard in a different way,” Bryan says. “The hope is that many of the posts were conversation starters and showed many Black students how talented they are as well as who they could aspire to be in future years - thus breaking down the barrier statement, if you can’t see it, you don’t know you can be it.”

The challenge was a great success, with secondary and elementary schools participating. Bryan added that, “Those communities that have a larger Black population, the challenge really allowed for students to shine and celebrate being Black. When you have students knocking down the administrator’s door to put out their post, you know they are proud and want the opportunity to have their voices heard.”

To see a snapshot of some of the amazing posts visit: https://twitter.com/DurhamDSB/status/1366854937125285894

Cancellation of School Buses Due to Winter Weather: Elementary and Secondary

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:00:00 GMT

With colder temperatures approaching, we are sharing information on how the DDSB is handling the cancellation of buses due to winter weather for both elementary and secondary schools, in order to ensure everyone remains safe.

Cancellation of School Buses to Elementary Schools Due to Winter Weather

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, elementary schools will remain open. This is the same approach as in previous years and we will be taking additional measures in order to ensure that class cohorts remain intact and are appropriately supervised.

How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?

Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00am) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media and where possible, through local radio stations.

What zone am I in?

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS).

Zone 1 (Brock Area), Zone 2 (Uxbridge Area), Zone 3 (Scugog Area), Zone 4 (Southern Area).

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Cancellation of School Buses to Secondary Schools Due to Winter Weather

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, secondary schools located within the affected cancellation zone(s) will switch to a virtual learning day for all students. All secondary students will be required to stay at home. Students will be taught virtually in RealTime by their teacher with the exception of the “Study Hall” period where students will be supported through FlexTime (asynchronous) learning. If any students arrive at school, we will ensure that they can return home safely.

How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?

Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00am) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media and where possible, through local radio stations.

What zone am I in?

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS).

Zone 1 (Brock Area), Zone 2 (Uxbridge Area), Zone 3 (Scugog Area), Zone 4 (Southern Area).

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Help name our two new public schools!

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 20:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is inviting the broader community to help name two new schools in our District. The Unnamed Ajax Coughlan Public School and Unnamed Pickering Seaton Public School are set to open in September 2025.

We invite you to participate in the naming process by submitting your name suggestions through the appropriate link below:

Unnamed Ajax Coughlan PS

Unnamed Pickering Seaton PS

Submissions must be received by Monday, March 24 at 4 p.m.

The proposed name must align with the Board’s commitment to Indigenous rights, human rights, equity, and anti-oppressive principles and practices. As outlined in our School Naming Policy, the name must reflect the name of a renowned individual of historical significance, a geographic landmark associated with the location of the school, or a significant Canadian event?

The School Naming Committee will review and consider submissions, narrowing them for a second round of community consultation. The top three choices of the school naming committee will be brought forward to the Board of Trustees, with the top choice proposed for consideration.

Your engagement underscores the collaborative spirit of our community, and we are eager to see the meaningful name that emerges for our new school.

IDLF and Lear combat childhood hunger in Durham Region

Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:15:00 GMT

Lear Corporation partners with Ignite Durham Learning Foundation to combat childhood hunger in Durham Region

Lear Corporation has emerged as a major and compassionate partner for the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), demonstrating a profound commitment to the well-being of Durham District School Board (DDSB) students. Lear's dedication to Making a Difference in the community, particularly in addressing childhood hunger, has been a driving force behind their substantial support.

In the face of rising inflation and other community concerns, Lear Corporation has chosen to be an actionable partner for positive change. Their multifaceted support toward IDLF includes volunteer time, in-kind contributions, and significant monetary donations. The monetary value of each lunch provided by Lear is more than $1,500.

The partnership kicked off on November 8, 2023, with a pilot lunch event at Glen Street Public School. This event, attended by 357 students, featured a meal including a slice of pizza, drink, and granola bar, along with the invaluable presence of volunteers. The commitment continued in December with another lunch event at Glen Street Public School, mirroring the success and details of the pilot.

During the holiday season, Lear expanded its support to address broader community needs identified by IDLF through:

Food Drive for Winter Food Hampers: Lear hosted a food drive to assemble winter food hampers, ensuring families in need had access to essential items. IDLF packaged and distributed the hampers to families in need.

Monetary Contribution: Lear contributed $670 to supplement the hampers with gift cards, assisting families facing food insecurity during the winter break. These gift cards were designed to support the purchase of healthy and perishable food items.

Warm Clothing Drive: In addition to food-related initiatives, Lear organized a warm clothing drive to help DDSB families in need stay warm during the winter months.

Lear Corporation's ongoing commitment is exemplified by their monthly provision of lunches to all students at Glen Street PS. This consistent support not only addresses the immediate needs of the community but also aligns with the IDLF’s dedication to nurturing the well-being of children and fostering an environment where they can succeed academically.

Lear Corporation stands as a true champion of the DDSB community, embodying the spirit of corporate responsibility and making a meaningful impact on the lives of students and families in Durham Region.

Photos available upon request.

For more information, contact:

Stephanie Aylesworth

Communications Specialist

Durham District School Board

905.666.6136

Spotlight: Culinary Program at Uxbridge Secondary School

Fri, 21 Oct 2022 18:15:00 GMT

When you walk into Uxbridge Secondary School, the first thing you will notice is the smell of focaccia bread filling the hallways. When you head towards the cafeteria you will walk into what you may mistake as a professional kitchen. The equipment these students have access to is incredible, and this all came to fruition because of advocate Mr. Dave Brown, Head of Culinary at Uxbridge Secondary School.

Mr. Brown says, “The program started very small, it began as just one classroom and now has grown into eight.”

Mr. Brown is a huge advocate for the trades. “We train the students for careers in the culinary world, whether it be cooking or baking. It teaches the students respect for the industry, as well as job skills; one of the students has already received a job offer because of this program”.

Mr. Brown and his talented staff work with students from grade 9 all the way up to graduation, preparing them for a career in the culinary arts. Uxbridge SS offers the Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM) program which provides students a customized and enhanced learning option to focus on a career path that matches their skills, interests, and meets their individual learning needs.

Jetlyn Nobes and Noelle Hobor, past students of Mr. Brown’s culinary program say they are “really fortunate to have such a great hospitality program, and such passionate teachers who really love their students and nurture their talents”. One of the best parts of the program Nobes and Hobor say, “is that the students in the culinary program make the food that is fed to their peers at lunch. They feel great knowing that they are feeding fellow students healthy, farm fresh options, that is not only good for them, but supports the community as well”.

“If you stepped foot into Uxbridge SS Culinary program, you could see the incredible work ethic of these students, the incredible knowledge that they have been able to accumulate in such a short time being back in schools” says Jennifer Parrington, Facilitator for SHSM. “It’s our partnerships with Skills Ontario and Skills Canada that allows us to elevate these programs to the next level for our students” says Parrington.

It’s these experiences such as the culinary program at Uxbridge SS that enhances students’ high school experience, as well as prepare them for post-secondary, whether that is college, university, or the workplace for a career in culinary arts. Hands on experience as well as unmatched equipment is a culinary student’s dream, and the students at Uxbridge SS have Mr. Brown to thank for such a unique opportunity.

Parent/Guardian Teacher Conferences

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 15:00:00 GMT

School Resumes on Wednesday, January 5

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 00:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Earlier today, the Province of Ontario announced that they are extending the winter break for all students and that all schools in Ontario will be closed on Monday January 3 and Tuesday January 4 to students. All students will return to classes on Wednesday, January 5. This direction also applies to students enrolled in DDSB@Home.

We are waiting on more specific information from the Ministry of Education regarding updated protocols and will be sending you a follow-up communication next week as we adjust our planning and meet with the Durham Region Health Department.

We understand that families may be concerned about the spread of the Omicron variant and the impact this may have on your child’s learning. Key strategies for all members of our community are to wear a mask, be vaccinated, and to avoid unnecessary high-risk situations. Most importantly, please follow the province’s updated public health guidance if you are sick or a close contact of someone with COVID-19.

Our collective efforts will help support our school communities. On behalf of everyone at the DDSB, we thank you in advance for your patience and understanding as we navigate this new reality together.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

DDSB Elects Chair and Committee Membership for 2022

Tue, 07 Dec 2021 20:30:00 GMT

At the Board Meeting of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) held on Monday, December 6, 2021, Trustees elected a Chairperson and committee members for 2022.

Over the course of 2021, Trustees have successfully come together to continue their important role in providing stability in public education during a period of continued change and provincial directions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. With an emphasis on collaboration and being responsive to the needs of students, staff and community members, Trustees have been steadfast in providing support for the system. The Board’s commitment to Indigenous education and human rights and equity in the interest of all students in the District continues to be a key focus as we enter 2022.

The December 6 meeting included the re-election of Chair Carolyn Morton, Trustee for the Townships of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge, as well as:

Christine Thatcher - Trustee, Town of Whitby - Vice Chair of the Board
Patrice Barnes - Trustee, Town of Ajax (Wards 1 & 2) - Vice Chair of Standing Committee
Donna Edwards - Trustee, Town of Ajax (Ward 3) - Chair of the Education Finance Committee

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee Liaisons can be found on the DDSB’s website.

Quote:

“As Trustees, we are committed to ensuring students and staff have the resources needed to achieve success across all learning and working environments. I look forward to continuing this important work with my fellow Trustees, including the significant strides our Board is making to incorporate Indigenous rights, human rights and equity as part of a school system that prioritizes student learning, well-being and achievement through strong policies and actions.” - Carolyn Morton, re-elected Chair of the Board and Trustee for the Townships of Brock, Scugog, and Uxbridge

Quick Facts:

School Trustees are responsible for oversight the public school system and represent seven of Durham Region’s municipalities. The Board also has three Student Trustees. Public School Trustees are a critical link between communities and school boards, ensuring public schools meet the diverse needs of students in their communities. Together, Trustees are responsible to their communities for the quality of education provided in local schools within an approved financial framework.
The Board of Trustees hold internal elections annually each December.
Carolyn Morton is a retired Durham educator, having taught more than 36 years with the DDSB and was first elected as a Trustee in 2010, serving in numerous roles before being elected Chair in 2021. One of Chair Morton’s top priorities has always been the well-being of students and staff. Chair Morton is in her third term as a Trustee with the DDSB.

Updated DDSB Code of Conduct

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:15:00 GMT

On September 3, 2024, families of DDSB students received communication outlining updates to the Provincial Code of Conduct, PPM 128 and DDSB’s Code of Conduct.

Please take a moment to review the message to families and updated DDSB Code of Conduct.

Cyber Incident - Final Update

Fri, 03 Mar 2023 18:00:00 GMT

We are writing to share with you the conclusion of our investigation into the cyber security incident that occurred on November 25, 2022, which impacted the DDSB network, along with school and business operations for a short period of time.

Following a thorough third-party forensic investigation into the cyber incident, we can share with you that there is no evidence that student or employee personal information or data was accessed or stolen. The threat actor(s) did deploy malware to encrypt personal and other information on our network.

When we initially discovered suspicious activities on the network, it was immediately taken offline for security, containment, and investigation. We engaged external IT consultants to assist with our response and implementation of additional security measures including multi-factor authentication and continual network and endpoint monitoring. The network and associated data were largely restored from backups and there has since been no evidence of further malicious activity or re-entry into the network.

This cyber incident has highlighted the important role that technology plays in delivering learning for over 75,000 students and we are working on developing further contingency plans to support school and business operations should the network need to be taken offline in the future, even if just for a short amount of time. Although efforts were already underway prior to the cyber incident to strengthen the DDSB network, we are also working quickly to implement additional security measures to help prevent something like this from happening again.

We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their support, patience, and understanding while the network was offline. We are extremely appreciative of the role that staff played in supporting one another and students by coming up with solutions and ideas to ensure that, for the vast majority of students, learning was not interrupted. We are also thankful for the role that parents/guardians and students played in working with school teams to ensure that school was able to continue.

For those interested in understanding more about what happened, you can read this report on the cyber incident which is being provided to trustees for information at the upcoming March 6, 2023 Standing Committee Meeting.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education

David Wright
Associate Director, Corporate Services

Jim Markovski
Associate Director, Equitable Education

Director of Education to Retire at End of Calendar Year

Mon, 16 May 2022 22:00:00 GMT

Earlier today, Durham District School Board Director of Education Norah Marsh informed the Board of Trustees that she will be retiring from the DDSB at the end of this calendar year after a 32-year career public education and being with the DDSB since 2019.

Director Marsh has been an innovative change agent in public education as an executive leader for over 16 years across various roles and organizations. Her focus as Director has been on managing the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on staff, students and families, in addition to advancing important work on staff culture, Indigenous rights, human rights, student engagement, well-being and achievement.

Quote from Director of Education Norah Marsh:

“It has been an honour to work alongside a dedicated staff team in the interest of student success and well-being. I am proud of the work that we have been able to accomplish together over the last three years, providing stability for the community and bringing forward important work centred on Indigenous rights and human rights and a safe and respectful workplace culture.

I would like to thank the Durham community for the lessons that I have learned here that will help inform my future advocacy for public education that is grounded in social justice. I look forward to supporting the important work of the Trustees’ Ignite Learning Strategic Plan over the course of the remainder of this year and a smooth transition for staff as the Board searches for a new director.”

Quote from Carolyn Morton, Chair of the Board of Trustees:

“On behalf of students, staff, the Board of Trustees and our entire Durham District School Board community, I would like to express our thanks and appreciation to Director Marsh for her tireless advocacy, her dedicated leadership, and her strong commitment. These last few years have been challenging for all and Norah’s empathetic leadership and ability to provide stability during these trying times, will leave a positive impact on the work of the DDSB for years to come.”

Black Excellence Mural makes a splash at GL Roberts

Tue, 14 Feb 2023 17:00:00 GMT

Students at GL Roberts CVI in Oshawa unveiled their Black Excellence Mural earlier this school year in an effort to encourage and educate both Black and non-Black students, staff, and school visitors.

Students came together with the Principal last year to share and shape their ideas of how they could better represent each other in the school. Senior students from the Black Students’ Association helped to refine the thoughts and brainstorming process into what has become a stunning mural currently displayed in the school.

“We had a lot of support from the Black Graduation Coach and others in the school,” says Kimona Brown, a Grade 12 student at GL Roberts who was very supportive and involved in the project.

Adds Grade 12 student Scharla Green, “We decided to use figures that are awesome and that people look up to because they represent excellence. We wanted to use people that inspired others.”

Kevaun Clearly, who was also involved in the project, said the process was inspiring and helpful to him as a new student to the school last year. Bonding with other students through the Black Students’ Association to develop the mural and choose the figures helped him develop leadership skills and to lead younger black students, similar to when he first came to GL Roberts.

“Being a part of the Black Students’ Association has allowed me to be more social because I'm not really a social person,” says Kevaun. “The process has led me to be heard by others and show that we can be as outstanding as anyone else and be excellent.”

Some students like Devonte Hall and Cherish Otono, who were also a part of the process, say students – Black and otherwise – sometimes struggle to understand the mural. However, the questions they ask present an opportunity to talk and explain the value and importance of the individuals in the mural.

A champion of the project, GL Roberts Principal Dawn White is encouraged by what she sees.

“As a school community we value student identity and student voice. We wanted the Black Students’ Association to design and create a mural that celebrates Black Excellence and represents what they believe to be excellence in the Black community,” says Principal White. “Our hope is that each and everyday Black students will walk through the school and know that their identity is welcomed and treasured in our school."

The mural depicts current and historical African, African-Canadian, African-American, African-Caribbean, and Afro-Latina Muslim figures, including Andre de Grasse, Rosemary Brown, Josephine Baker, Nelson Mandela, Harriet Tubman, Anthony Lue, Ginella Massa, Jackie Robinson, Viola Desmond, Lincoln Alexander, Usain Bolt, Jean Augustine, and Sojourner Truth.

External Principal/Vice Principal Information Session - Transfer and Promotion Process

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 16:00:00 GMT

External Principal/Vice Principal Information Session

Schools Closed to In-Person Learning on Friday

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 22:45:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As a follow-up to our message earlier today, CUPE has now confirmed that they will be on strike on Friday, November 4, 2022 because a negotiated agreement has not been reached with the Government of Ontario.

Given confirmation that CUPE is on strike, all DDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning starting on Friday for the duration of this strike action to protect the health and safety of students. Please do not send your children to school.

At this stage, we do not know how long this labour disruption will last. We will provide families with an update tomorrow on our plans to support student learning for next week if the strike continues and schools remain closed to in-person learning as a result.

As a reminder for Friday, educators will be providing students with independent work to complete through your child’s Google Classroom or other digital platform. There will be no live virtual classroom instruction for students on Friday.

For the latest information, please continue to visit www.ddsb.ca and follow @DDSBSchools on Twitter.

Thank you,

Durham District School Board

Two Previously Reported COVID-19 Cases are Negative

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Durham District School Board COVID-19 Advisory Tracker Updated to Reflect Changes

Earlier today, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) was informed by the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) that two previously confirmed cases of COVID-19 are negative. This is the result of an error by the lab that processed the COVID-19 test result. The DDSB understands that the lab has assured the DRHD that the results are now confirmed to be negative.

This new information impacts the reported numbers at two schools that were communicated to the school communities on Saturday, September 19. At Pierre Elliott Trudeau PS, there are now zero active cases of COVID-19 at the school. At Maple Ridge PS, there are currently two active cases as previously reported to families on Monday, September 14. The decision by the DRHD to declare an outbreak impacting half of one class is reversed and there are no further closures at the school.

We have been advised that the DRHD is now following up with the new cases and contacts. These cases and contacts are no longer required to self-isolate and if the case and/or contacts are asymptomatic they will be able to return to school tomorrow.

Upon becoming aware, both schools immediately sent a letter to staff and families to notify them of the negative test result.

The DDSB notifies school communities in the event of a confirmed case of COVID-19 at a school and any further directions of the DRHD. In addition, the DDSB has a COVID-19 tracker located on the front page of the website and on school websites. The tracker can be found at: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/our-schools/covid-advisory.aspx

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S-Trips - Important information for students and their families

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 16:00:00 GMT

Please be aware that S-Trips is not affiliated or endorsed by the Durham District School Board.

S-Trips that have been marketed to secondary school students are NOT Durham District School Board (DDSB) sanctioned events. These trips are organized by an external agency that has no affiliation to any high school or elementary school at the DDSB. Teachers and Administration at our schools are not involved in any supervision of these advertised trips.

Please direct any questions about the trips directly to the provider.

Breaking Barriers and Inspiring Athletes to Shine

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMT

In a celebration of determination, unity, and the power of sport, the Durham District School Board proudly presented the Abilities Track and Field Meet. This groundbreaking competition embodies an inclusive culture, providing a platform where students of all abilities can showcase their talents side by side. The media, parents, and guardians witnessed this extraordinary event on Friday, June 16 and were in absolute awe of the students' unwavering perseverance and indomitable spirit.

The Abilities Track and Field Meet is not just any ordinary sporting event. It is a testament to the strength, resilience, and potential of every student regardless of their background or abilities. The aim is to highlight the exceptional talents of all participants and send a resounding message that every student deserves a chance to compete on the same field.

Unified Sports lies at the heart of this extraordinary event. Through this program, students of all abilities come together to transcend barriers. These students, alongside their parents, educational assistants and teachers motivated and inspired one another to reach new heights, pushing their limits and achieving feats that were once thought impossible.

As the students took to the field, spectators and staff witnessed remarkable displays of athletic prowess, determination, and the sheer joy of competition. From the thunderous roar of spectators cheering on their children to the exhilarating rush of crossing the finish line, the Abilities Track and Field Meet gave all in attendance an experience that left them inspired and uplifted.

The Abilities Track and Field Meet provides an opportunity for these extraordinary individuals to shine brightly and share their incredible journey with the world. It is a transformative event, that captures the raw emotion, triumphs, and camaraderie that unfold on the field. This event brings everyone together, while breaking down barriers, and fostering an inclusive society where everyone has an equal chance to succeed.

The Abilities Track and Field Meet is an event where limitations cease to exist, where dreams become realities, and where the indomitable human spirit knows no bounds.

Thank you to all those that came and supported our student athletes!

Director's Update - October 2023

Fri, 06 Oct 2023 18:00:00 GMT

Dear Families,

It is difficult to believe that the school year is already a month old and that we find ourselves transitioning into the beautiful season of fall. Many of our schools are walking schools and October is International Walk to School Month. If you are able, we encourage families to walk or ride their bikes to school to take in some fresh fall air and get some exercise. It also helps to manage the amount of traffic that many of our school sites experience.

Over the past month, our schools have commemorated important dates, such as the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, recognized in our schools as Orange Shirt Day. This day serves as an important reminder of the historical and ongoing impact of colonization on Indigenous peoples and their territories. We want to reaffirm our commitment to bringing Indigenous presence and voice into our schools. We are dedicated to creating opportunities for Indigenous students and staff while fostering mutual respect and reconciliation. We also commemorate the survivors of Residential and Indian Day schools, recognizing the lasting impacts and current realities affecting Indigenous peoples as we continue to work toward removing systemic barriers.?

As the school year unfolds, staff are working on implementing DDSB-wide initiatives to support and improve student achievement through targeted and precise instruction in reading to help improve early literacy, the revised Grades 1-9 Language curriculum, financial literacy modules for secondary students, and a new Grade 10 Digital Technology and Innovations in the Changing World course. Ensuring educators and other school-based staff are well prepared to deliver new curriculum and course options to students has been the focus of professional learning sessions so far this fall.??

In particular, we have been working diligently to design DDSB’s new math strategy in response to the Ministry of Education’s renewed focus on mathematics through the Math Action Achievement Plan. We will present our plan publicly in early November that will include next steps for implementation as well as specific goals and strategies to ensure students are challenged and supported in achieving success in math throughout their time in DDSB schools.?

We have now completed the first round of public consultation on the development of our new multi-year strategic plan. We appreciate the input from our students, families, staff, and community members as we work together to shape the future priorities of our organization. We anticipate sharing more with the community in early November. To learn more about the strategic planning process, please visit our website.

Durham Region is growing! We have five new schools planned to open between September 2024 and September 2026, and there is a continued need for more in many areas of our community. There is a lot of work taking place behind the scenes to respond to this challenge and we have created an Enrolment Growth and New Schools webpage to share more information with you on our planning to ensure families have access to great schools in their communities.

I know that many of us have observed recent media coverage of current events involving public education, which may impact students, staff, and families, especially those who are members of 2SLGBTQI communities. We have supports available through our schools for any student who may require it. Our focus as a District will always be on upholding the human rights of those in our school communities and ensuring that our learning and working environments are safe, welcoming, inclusive, respectful, accessible, and free from discrimination and harassment.

This month, in partnership with the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association, we highlight Local Government Week, taking place from October 16 to 20. This event aims to raise civic awareness among our students, emphasizing the vital role that government plays in our community and promoting the role of school trustees. School trustees are dedicated community members who play a pivotal role in setting our educational vision, policies, and resource allocation.

The Not in My Name Holocaust Exhibit recently opened at the DDSB Education Centre and, along with it, new professional learning opportunities and resources related to the exhibit and Holocaust education have been made available for staff and students. The exhibit tells the important story of the MS St. Louis where a group of Jewish refugees were denied entry into Canada, the United States, and Cuba prior to the start of the Second World War and explores the intersections of the Holocaust, Antisemitism, and Canada’s discriminatory immigration policies at that time in history.

As we approach this October long weekend, we want to take a moment to express our gratitude for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Happy Thanksgiving to those who recognize this holiday. We hope everyone will enjoy time with friends and loved ones and that our students return to school refreshed and ready for the exciting stretch toward the winter season.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

Bus Cancellations: ALL ZONES - Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 11:15:00 GMT

All schools are open.

Buses will not operate in Zone 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Recognizing Black Excellence and Addressing Anti-Black Racism Year-Round

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 17:15:00 GMT

Recognizing Black Excellence and Addressing Anti-Black Racism Year-Round

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to naming and dismantling anti-Black racism for Black students and staff, and to improve experiences and advance achievement, excellence and success of Black students in our classrooms and schools.

Our commitment extends beyond Black History Month, with a year-round focus through the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success, continuous engagement and community partnerships. It is our responsibility to listen to Black students, staff and community members, respond purposefully to their experiences, and actively address systemic inequities in the public education system.

The DDSB was proud to recently host the Ministry of Education’s announcement of incorporating Black Canadian history into the Grades 7, 8 and 10 curriculum that starting in September 2025 will emphasize the significant contributions and history of Black Canadians, integrating it into the broader narrative of Canadian history. As noted in that announcement, teaching Black history ends the practice of telling a single story about our country and is an important step in fostering a more inclusive and equitable education system and society.

As a member of the Durham Region community, we encourage all community members and organizations to recognize and reflect on the importance of Black History Month and take meaningful steps to identify and dismantle anti-Black racism throughout the year.

Message from the Ministry of Education

Fri, 31 May 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Please see attached for a letter from the Message from the Ministry of Education.

re: Modernizing OSSD Requirements and Other Supports for Student Success

Director's Update - February 2024

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 21:00:00 GMT

Dear Families,

As we approach the Family Day long weekend, I hope this message finds you embracing moments of joy and connection with your loved ones.

I extend warm wishes for continued peace, happiness, and prosperity to all families in our community as we celebrate the Lunar New Year. A time of renewal and festivity, the Lunar New Year symbolizes new beginnings and the reunion of loved ones. May the Year of the Dragon bring joy and fulfillment to each of you.

Beyond being a precursor to the spring season, February holds profound significance as Black History Month, a time to honour and celebrate the diversity, history, and culture of Black people in Canada. The Durham District School Board is steadfast in recognizing the contributions of people of African Descent not only this month but throughout the entire school year and in taking steps to dismantle anti-Black racism in our schools and system.

The start of Black History Month at the DDSB was marked by the inspirational Ujima event led by the Durham Black Educators’ Network. Symbolizing collective work and responsibility, Ujima emphasizes the importance of community collaboration for a stronger, more inclusive society. Throughout February, the DDSB is actively engaged in a series of educational and cultural events that spotlight the achievements of Black individuals and illuminate their contributions in various fields.

Shifting our focus to significant developments within the DDSB, I am pleased to share the release of the 2023 Annual Report. The new web-based format provides an extensive overview of the exceptional work taking place across our District in an engaging way. I encourage you to explore the 2023 Annual Report to gain an understanding of our collective accomplishments, challenges, and our exciting trajectory ahead.

As you navigate the enriching experiences offered by our educational community, I extend a friendly reminder to register for kindergarten if you haven’t already and to tell your friends and family if they have any kindergarten-aged children. The Ministry of Education has announced changes to the Kindergarten curriculum, including new mandatory learning focused on literacy and math skills, to be implemented starting September 2025, ensuring foundational skills as students enter Grade 1. Moreover, I’d like to highlight Choosing My Success, a resource for students transitioning into high school. This resource provides valuable information for navigating the more independent learning environment and helping to make choices that position students for success.

A reminder that report cards will be issued on February 21 to students in Grades 1 to 8. Please take the time to review the report card, celebrate your child’s achievements, and discuss areas for growth. Your involvement in your child’s education is important and we thank you for your continued partnership.

Thank you for your commitment to creating a thriving educational community. Together, let us work toward a future where learning is ignited, connections are deepened, and the well-being of every student is prioritized. I hope that the upcoming long weekend will provide time for connections with family or friends, or simply some quiet time for personal rejuvenation.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education
Durham District School Board

MEND Ramadan Market Brings Community Together for a Spectacular 2nd Annual Event

Wed, 05 Mar 2025 16:45:00 GMT

The 2nd Annual Muslim Educators’ Network of Durham (MEND) Ramadan Market was an overwhelming success, bringing together more than 2,800 attendees in a celebration of culture, community, and connection. This year’s event was a testament to the power of unity, as families, friends, and neighbors gathered to mark the spirit of Ramadan through an incredible marketplace filled with local talent and generosity.

With over 60 local vendors showcasing a diverse range of goods, attendees were treated to a vibrant marketplace that reflected the richness of our community. From handcrafted goods to delicious treats, each vendor played a crucial role in making this event a memorable experience for all.

"Growing up, I attended so many markets for different holidays, and I always loved the sense of community they created. So, we thought as MEND, why not organize one to bring that same spirit to celebrating Ramadan? The Ramadan Market is about more than just shopping—it’s about coming together, celebrating our rich heritage, and supporting local businesses” exclaimed Saamah Jadoon, Co-Chair of MEND. “But most importantly, it’s about building connections, uplifting one another, and empowering our student ambassadors to understand the power of giving back and strengthening the spirit of community."

We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated MEND DDSB student ambassadors and staff volunteers, whose hard work and enthusiasm ensured the event ran smoothly. Their commitment and passion were truly inspiring, creating a welcoming space for all who attended.

A heartfelt thank you to J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and the Durham District School Board for their unwavering support in making this event possible. Their collaboration and generosity provided the perfect setting for an event that continues to grow in impact and reach each year.

The MEND Ramadan Market is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of community, diversity, and the spirit of giving. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to its success and look forward to an even bigger and better gathering next year!

Elevating DDSB Black Students to Success

Thu, 05 Nov 2020 14:00:00 GMT

The Durham Black Educators’ Network launched a pilot tutoring program to support students who self-identify as Black

Students and staff had to get used to a new way of engaging and learning at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) noticed that this was not an easy transition for some students.

DBEN was offered funding from Durham District School Board’s (DDSB) Student Success team to develop a pilot virtual tutoring program called Elevate & Expand: Coaching for Excellence. Within one week of promoting the program, 160 students had signed up. The program is for students who self-identify as Black in Grades 6 to 12. Students will receive three hours of tutoring in various subjects as needed, after being matched with a tutor.

Vice Principal at Ajax High School and DBEN member Alicia Russell said that they found that many Black students were not successful when they were learning remotely in addition to some who had individual education plans. “We thought, what could we do? We can’t physically go to them. But, they are lacking that one-on-one support and connection from an adult. Then we thought why not use that funding, and offer complimentary tutoring for those families that need it.”

Principal at Ajax High School and Former DBEN Chair Eleanor McIntosh added that, “The program is supported by data that was gathered this summer by a collective of Black community organizations in the Durham Region. “We did a survey and we got a great response rate. One of the huge needs and desires, was for tutoring,” explained McIntosh.

As a result, DBEN started to recruit tutors and develop the program. Currently there are 11 tutors and they are a mix of teachers in the Durham, Toronto and teacher’s college candidates from Trent University or Ontario Tech. There are also opportunities for Grade 12 students to participate and gain community volunteer hours.

Positive Mindset

“In the Elevate and Expand program, it is about student growth and mindset, which has been proven to positively correlate to student achievement. The program is built on the foundation of Culturally Responsive and Relevant Pedagogy, which means that our first step in ensuring the success of our tutees is to develop a rapport with them to determine their individual strengths and needs,” shared Desiree Johnson, Elevate and Expand Tutor and Teacher Candidate from Ontario Tech. “Ultimately, I feel the success of the program will be when a student has developed their learning skills and a positive mindset to know they can succeed and overcome obstacles.”

Aleyah is a Grade 8 student at Altona Forest Public School and she recently had her first session with her tutor Desiree. “I’m trying to get a better understanding of application questions and how to achieve and maintain a better academic grade,” explained Aleyah. “It feels great to have someone outside of school helping me.”

The program officially launched on October 27^th and will continue to the end of the 2020/2021 school year. For more information on how to support or donate to the program email: durhamblackeducators@gmail.com

Message from the Minister of Education to Ontario's Parents

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 13:45:00 GMT

On September 3, 2021, the Minister of Education wrote a letter to parents/guardians in the Province of Ontario. To read the Minister’s message, please click the link below:

Minister’s September 3, 2021 Letter to Parents

For additional information from the Ministry of Education on safety measures at schools, please visit the COVID-19: Keeping Schools Safe page.

School Closures & Bus Cancellations: ALL ZONES - Thursday, February 13, 2025

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 11:15:00 GMT

All elementary and secondary schools and all DDSB offices are closed for today.
Community Use of Schools permits will also be cancelled for February 13, 2025.
This closure also applies to all child care sites on DDSB property.

Buses will not operate in Zone 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Students Can Open a World of Reading with Sora

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 15:45:00 GMT

Thousands of free eBooks and audiobooks are available to DDSB students using Sora

Sora is a reading and listening app from OverDrive that was made available to Durham District School Board (DDSB) students earlier this academic year. With students now learning from home, it is an even more valuable resource for students and their parents to use.

“With Sora, students and staff can access a large collection of eBooks and audiobooks for independent or teacher-assigned reading,” explains Debbie Vert, Innovative Education Facilitator for Libraries at the DDSB, “It’s easy to access by using your DDSB login credentials.”

Last October, all DDSB teacher librarians were trained on how to use the app. A central collection of eBooks and audiobooks was then curated by teacher librarians.

“We currently have almost 10,000 books in our collection for students to borrow,” says Vert. Teachers can choose to set a ‘loan limit’ on how many books students can borrow at one time. If a student forgets to return a book – no worries! The app automatically returns the book on its due date.

The DDSB collection includes titles in both French and English. Schools also have the option to create their own collection, which is merged with the central collection.

Sora Features

The app is available to all students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and offers a variety of features to enhance learning.

Vert notes, “Teachers can create assignments and assign books and tasks to students. Students can earn badges by reading books and using the app features.”

She adds, “Students can also take notes and create highlights about books, which are easily exported to Google Classroom. This is great for students who struggle with reading, as it works with their Chromebook’s built-in accessibility features.”

The app also allows users to browse, search, and borrow books from their local public library.

An Essential Tool for Learning

Vert concludes, “This is a really fantastic tool. Continuing to read during school and public library closures is essential for students’ mental growth and knowledge expansion.”

Sora is available for download on the App Store and the Google Play Store for free and can be used on a variety of devices including smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and laptops.

To learn more about the app and how to sign in, check out the following link to help you get started: https://help.soraapp.com/en-us/5033.htm.

Lunar New Year event empowers a sense of belonging and togetherness!

Fri, 16 Feb 2024 19:45:00 GMT

The excitement was palpable as the Durham East Asian Network in Education (DEANE) prepared for their inaugural Lunar New Year celebration on February 13 at the Durham District School Board. The vibrant decorations adorned the venue, and the air was filled with the savory aroma of authentic East Asian cuisine.

Dedicated to fostering understanding and appreciation for East Asian cultures, DEANE organized an event that promised to be memorable. Staff, students, and community members alike received warm invitations to join in the festivities, creating a space where the diversity of the East Asian community could be celebrated.

On February 13, the DDSB atrium came alive with the rhythmic beats of drums and the clashing cymbals, heralding the arrival of the spectacular live Lion dance. The colourful and lively performance mesmerized the audience, capturing the essence of the Lunar New Year spirit. Children and adults alike gathered, their eyes wide with amazement, as the lion dancers leaped and twirled, symbolizing good luck and fortune for the upcoming year.

The event boasted an array of activities that catered to all ages. Stations were set up where families could participate in traditional crafts, such as making Origami and collecting lucky red envelopes. These activities not only engaged the attendees but also provided an educational experience, giving them insights into the rich cultural heritage associated with the Lunar New Year.

The heart of the celebration was undoubtedly the spread of authentic East Asian cuisine. A diverse selection of dishes from various East Asian countries filled the tables, offering a culinary journey for the taste buds. From delectable spring rolls to savory noodles, attendees were treated to a feast that reflected the diversity within the East Asian community.

As families sat together, enjoying their meals, the atmosphere resonated with laughter and conversation. The event created a sense of belonging and togetherness within the Durham East Asian community. People from different backgrounds and walks of life came together to share in the joy of the Lunar New Year, fostering a spirit of unity and understanding.

Throughout the celebration, speakers and cultural ambassadors took the stage to share the significance of the Lunar New Year. They explained the customs, traditions, and the symbolic meanings behind the festivities. This educational component helped bridge gaps in understanding and allowed the broader community to appreciate the cultural richness associated with the Lunar New Year.

As the Lunar New Year celebration drew to a close, DEANE had not only provided a platform for the East Asian community to come together but had also shared their traditions and culture with the broader Durham community. The celebration left a lasting impact, fostering a sense of unity, understanding, and appreciation among all who attended.

Students SOAR with Sistah's Overcoming, Achieving and Rising

Thu, 09 Mar 2023 15:30:00 GMT

On February 9 at Pine Ridge Secondary School, students from Oshawa, Whitby and Pickering gathered together to ‘SOAR,’ acknowledge African Heritage Month and celebrate the achievement and excellence of African-Canadian females.

SOAR stands for ‘Sistahs Overcoming, Achieving, and Rising.’

Leaders from the Graduation Coach for Black Student Program and school district hosted the event and invited seven women, recently nominated for the 100 most successful Black women in Canada award to speak with and answer questions from students.

In attendance were students from host school Pine Ridge SS along with guests from Donald A. Wilson SS, GL Roberts CVI, Sinclair SS and DDSB trustees. Discussion for the event was lead and coordinated by students from the Graduation Coach for Black Student Program.

Guests responded to questions on leadership and how to handle barriers in the quest to be successful. Invited panelists include:

Yolanda T. Marshall – Author
Coco LaRain Veira – Founder, CEO, She Thrives By Design
Keishia Facey – Equity, Inclusion and Organizational Change
Rev. Janette Wright Grosvenor – Pastor, Director and Author
Nikki Clarke – Author, Founder of the Nikki Clarke Show
Dr. Krissy Doyle-Thomas – Professor and Medical Neuroscientist
Clarissa Arthur - Executive Director

After a rousing introduction, including poetry and song, panelist Coco LaRain Veira shared her message with participants that “Mistakes Are Masterpieces in the Making.”

“You were created with great purpose for a purpose,” said Rev. Janette Wright Grosvenor in her message the audience.

Participants in attendance were grateful for the time and participation of the guests.

"I just wanted to say thank you for the SOAR event,” stated a student from GL Roberts CVI. “We loved it. It was an honour to be behind the scenes, and I can't wait for the future!”

June 2023 Director's Update from the Durham District School Board

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We are at the end of another school year, and as always, it has been an incredible journey, filled with growth, successes, and memorable moments. Thank you for your continuous support, interest, and involvement in your child’s learning journey with us.

Our students have once again shown us their dedication, hard work, and resilience throughout the year. In classrooms, socially, and through extracurricular activities, they have faced new challenges head-on and have emerged stronger, more confident, and more accomplished. I’d also like to acknowledge the unrelenting work of staff teams in schools and in the system who have gone to great lengths to secure safety, nourish well-being, and advance learning for our children and youth.

As the summer break nears, we look forward to a time of relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. It is an opportunity for students to appreciate their achievements and set new goals. A variety of programs are available in the DDSB over the summer. These programs offer a range of opportunities for students to continue their learning journey during the break. Learn more about early years summer programming and Durham Continuing Education (DCE) summer school programs.

The summer months also provide us with a chance to reflect on the milestones we have achieved throughout the year. This June we celebrated the accomplishments of the more than 4,500 students who graduated from our high schools including learners who found success in alternative programming. This is a time of transition for these young people. Families and educators have worked together to teach, inspire, guide, and encourage them so that they have the courage, confidence, and capacity to navigate the path ahead. We are confident that the strong school, family, and community foundations will serve them well as they move into the next phase of their lives.

Our community has been actively engaged with us over the past several months in the development of our new Multi-Year Strategic Plan. This plan will guide the direction of the DDSB and help identify our values, priorities, and measures for success. Consultation has included online surveys and in-person opportunities to provide feedback at pop-up stations during various events. To learn more about the strategic planning process and how you can contribute to the conversation, please visit the DDSB website.

We appreciate your active participation and valuable contributions to all the recent surveys we have distributed throughout the system over the past several months including the School Climate and Well-Being Survey, the Student Census, the Multi-Year Strategic Plan Survey, the SEAC Survey, and the DDSB at Home Survey. We received more than 120,000 pieces of feedback from these engagements. Your input is important and plays a significant role in shaping and guiding our future planning. It provides us with a deeper understanding of the diverse needs and aspirations of our school community and enables us to identify areas of improvement and develop strategies to enhance the overall educational experience for our students. Your engagement in this collaborative process reinforces the strong partnership we share in nurturing the growth and success of our learners.

As we close out this school year, we recognize that we have all been navigating division and tensions that emerge with divergent points of view and lived realities, here in the District and in our broader communities. Our work as a DDSB community is to ensure that all children know that they belong in our schools and classrooms and that they know that they matter. We are reminded regularly that our students have lived experiences and realities that may be unfamiliar to some of us. It is our responsibility to provide the care, support, and space to help us learn alongside our students and create opportunities so they see themselves reflected in their learning and can seize their potential. Every child must know they are seen and valued, just the way they are.

Who are our students?

“Our students live in houses, apartments, hotels, shelters, foster homes, and group homes. Our students live in communities that are rural, urban, quiet, exuberant, fast-paced, tightly-knit, or loosely connected. Some of our students express their gender identities in a male/female binary, others express their gender identities on a fluid continuum. They all find love in different ways. Our students come from families that are led by same-sex partners, moms and dads, single parents, partners who are married, or not, grandparents, foster parents, aunts, uncles, or siblings. Some of our students live on their own. Some students are of the ancestral land that we are on, some are descendants of historical settlers to Canada, others are descendants of stolen people on stolen land; some migrated from other countries and some have come as refugees. All of them have rich personal stories and narratives.

Our students adhere to and connect with their faith in temples, synagogues, churches, and mosques. They connect with their spirituality in forests, fields, and at home. For some, their faith or creed is represented in their manner of dress, the symbols they carry, the food they eat, or in silent prayers and reflections. Some of our students do not follow a faith or creed. Our students are young, they are adolescents or adults; they experience different degrees of health and well-being; some are sighted, hearing and ambulatory, others are differently abled, learning and moving through the world in their own unique ways. They speak many languages and have varied talents and skills. Some of our students have many choices ahead of them, others face limited and challenging options. Some of our students plan for survival, others have dreams of greatness. All of our students come with the wealth, the gifts and opportunities afforded to them through their unique identities” (Taken from the DDSB Equity and Diversity Strategic Plan, 2018-2021).

Such is the richness of our student community, their families, and their communities. We are truly fortunate.

Wishing you all a safe and wonderful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and meaningful experiences.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Good News from the System

The past month was underscored by several good news stories. We invite you to check out the DDSB’s YouTube channel to learn more about the latest initiatives taking place across the DDSB.

Upcoming Dates of Significance

Reflective of our vibrant and diverse community that continues to shape our identity, the upcoming weeks bring more Dates of Significance to the calendar. Learn more by visiting the DDSB website.

Help name the brand-new North Oshawa Public School

Fri, 03 May 2024 20:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is inviting the broader community to help name a new school in its District. The Unnamed North Oshawa Public School (Windfields Farm Dr. W. and Wintergrace Ave.) is set to open in September 2024 and the DDSB wants community input on a potential school name.

We invite you to participate in the naming process by submitting your suggestions. You can share your input through the following link. Submissions must be received by Friday, May 17 at 4 p.m.

Your engagement underscores the collaborative spirit of our community and we are eager to see the meaningful name that emerges for our new school.

Statement on Anti-Black Racism

Mon, 01 Jun 2020 22:30:00 GMT

Over the last week, we have been reminded of the impact that anti-Black racism has on individuals and communities – both here at home and in the United States. We recognize that community members are experiencing forms of racism, oppression, injustice and trauma every day. Being silent is being complicit in the racism, violence and attacks that the Black community, Indigenous and other racialized communities continue to experience. We must all stand together and listen, learn, confront and challenge anti-Black racism, racism and other forms of discrimination.

Students, staff, families and communities may be feeling a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, fear, vulnerability, helplessness and frustration. Emotions will vary based on our own lived experiences and are understandable when confronted with this trauma. The DDSB stands in solidarity with those impacted by these painful events and is dedicated to equity and inclusion throughout our schools.

Our emphasis on student voice is one of many ways that we respect and honour students and families’ identities and experiences, so that everyone has a voice in the actions we take as a system. However, we recognize that there is more work to do to address anti-Black racism and other forms of racism and discrimination. It is our expectation that every member of the DDSB community confronts racism, hate and oppression, as we continuously challenge ourselves to overhaul the structures and systems that perpetuate it.

We believe in the power of public education and are committed to protecting, respecting and promoting human rights, along with equitable and inclusive learning and working environments for all members of our school community.

Here is a list of books that you can use that can help you talk to your child(ren) about racism.

Durham Hairstyling Academy excels using video and YouTube

Thu, 11 Jun 2020 19:15:00 GMT

Durham Hairstyling Academy instructor and student share their experiences using Distance Learning

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) started Distance Learning on April 6th, as a result of schools being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Educators and students have had to adjust quickly to teaching and learning at home. While it has not been easy, many have found innovative and unique ways to make learning and engagement at home successful. We spoke to a few educators and students who shared their stories and experiences with us.

See below for a Distance Learning success story from the Durham Hairstyling Academy (DHA) with instructor Mykaël Jackman and student Savanna Sloan.

Mykaël Jackman, Instructor

Q: Explain how the transition to Distance Learning has been for you?
A: Getting everyone to buy in with consistent engagement was the first challenge. Many aspects of the transition were enjoyable because of the element of creativity that was needed to formulate lessons that would be engaging and valuable while keeping theory, practicality and balance all working simultaneously.

Q: What do you enjoy most about this innovative type of teaching?

A: I enjoyed the video aspect of students creating their own tutorials, because I wanted them to benefit from the idea of someone learning from what they had to offer. It made me happy to witness their increased confidence with communication and technology.

Q: What type of reaction have you received?
A: The student reactions to Distance Learning have been positive. The more I encouraged the students to share their thoughts and challenges, the more open they became and the more creative I was able to be with customizing solutions to accommodate their specific situations.

Q: Anything to add?
A: Examples of instruction and assignment videos:
Cutting tool assignment: https://youtu.be/NR2e1XsxYls
Student YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/95b-4Ewfk4Q
A sped-up version of a few of the lessons: https://youtu.be/mfiQLE8toVw

Savanna Sloan, Level 2 Adult Student

Q: What’s the biggest difference between learning in a classroom and learning from home?
A: The biggest difference for me would be the learning environment. In the classroom we have discussions and bounce ideas off each other and talk about it as a class.

Q: Do you have any tips for other students about how to stay focused while learning from home?
A: I would suggest removing yourself from any distractions and putting aside some time to focus. I’d also suggest looking online for any free educational videos. Personally, I’ve found some great ones on Sam Villa, SALT Society and some hairdressers on Instagram.

Q: What has been your favourite assignment since Distance Learning began? Can you explain the assignment?
A: My favourite assignment during this time was a haircutting tutorial. We had to find a video showing a technique and then recreate it on our mannequins by showing it in steps in a video. I enjoyed this because it was an effective way to learn something new, by having to get good enough at a technique that you could actually demonstrate it to others.

Q: Anything to add?
A: For the circumstances and resources we have, I think we are doing great. During this time, it is giving us the opportunity to use what online resources we have. We’ve been given lots of support from our teacher, giving us options on how to complete homework assignments based on what works best for us as individuals.

Summer School Course Information Now Available

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 11:15:00 GMT

With continued safety measures in effect at schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all Durham Continuing Education (DCE) summer programs will be offered through online learning this summer. Depending on the program, online learning will be either in synchronous/real-time or asynchronous/flex-time mode.

Information about secondary summer school courses is now available on the Durham Continuing Education (DCE) website. We encourage students and parents/guardians to find out more about the courses offered this summer by visiting https://www.dce.ca/en/summer-school/summer-school-2021.aspx.

Please note: Secondary summer school registration is anticipated to open on April 1, 2021. For any questions related to registration please connect with your school’s Guidance department.

Cyber Incident Update: Safe Arrival Working on Wednesday

Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:45:00 GMT

We are writing to share with you that the safe arrival system at schools will be working starting tomorrow, Wednesday, December 7, 2022. This means that automated calls will start going home when a student has an unplanned absence from school.

As school office staff are entering the absences, parents/guardians should expect that if a call does go home, it would take place later in the day than it would normally.

We will continue to provide you with updates on the cyber incident when we have new information to share.

Update on COVID-19 Vaccinations for Children 12 and Older

Fri, 14 May 2021 18:15:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are pleased to share with you that yesterday, the Ministries of Education and Health informed us that individuals 12 years of age and older will be eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment in the coming weeks. It is currently anticipated that the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine will start to be administered for this age group in June and the second dose by the end of August.

We have already been in contact with the Durham Region Health Department (DRHD) who are actively planning for this specific roll-out. As soon as they provide us with further information, including when bookings may begin, we will inform you. This is good news for families, at a time when we know how challenging the current stay-at-home order is and with most students learning remotely.

Over the summer we will closely monitor the vaccination rollout and the COVID-19 situation in Durham Region in partnership with DRHD. Likewise, in August, the Ministry of Education will be providing school boards with more information on the upcoming school year from a health and safety perspective. This will help us determine the best way to support learning options for all students and to be as adaptive and responsive as possible to support students and families.

We recognize that this is an evolving situation and will do our very best to be responsive to the needs of families for the upcoming school year. For that reason, we will be in touch over the summer with updates once circumstances are clearer.

On behalf of our school teams and everyone at the DDSB, thank you for your support and patience as we continue to navigate the changing COVID-19 pandemic. We know it has been difficult for so many and hope that this news helps bring about some optimism for the 2021-22 school year. Please continue to follow the direction of our public health officials and stay safe. Should you have any questions on your child’s schooling, please do not hesitate to contact the administration team at your child’s school.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

Approved Bell Time Changes for 2022-2023

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

Attn: Families and all students in Grades 7-12

Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) presented a report to the DDSB’s Board of Trustees n Tuesday, April 19, 2022, which includes a chart outlining the changes to bell times across the system that have now been approved and will take effect in September 2022. Schools with changing bell times will have their websites updated in the summer prior to the start of the 2022-2023 school year with the new school day start and end times.

Routing information for those eligible for transportation will be available in mid to late August 2022, can be accessed through the DSTS automated phone line at 905-666-6979 and through the DSTS Parent Portal. Families can sign up for the Parent Portal by visiting www.dsts.on.ca and clicking on the yellow ‘Track Your Student/Child’s Bus button.’

As communicated in February, some bell times were proposed to change for the 2022-2023 school year. DSTS hosted a public consultation process, which included two public information sessions, emails to school communities, a ThoughtExchange, and a public survey. In addition, a follow-up survey was conducted among staff, students, and families of some high schools and their feeder school Grade 8 students where a choice between either an 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. or a 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. school day could be accommodated without significant impact on the bell times of other schools. We appreciate the families and students that reviewed the information, attended a public information session and filled out the survey or took part in the ThoughtExchange.

Bell times and busing schedules are a complex, interconnected system. A small change to the bell time of one school can have a ripple effect on the bell times of multiple other schools, increased ride times, or bus availability for other students. In addition, in Durham Region and across Ontario, there is a shortage of school bus drivers.

We know that adjusting to bell time changes can be challenging for families and does not impact everyone equally. The 2022-2023 bell time changes are a ‘best case under current constraints’ scenario that will ensure consistent transportation services continue for eligible students. However, we remain committed to identifying other solutions and working with partners like Durham Region Transit (DRT) to explore long-term solutions, specifically for secondary school bell times as the group most impacted by this update.

Thank you again for your participation in the consultation process.

Sincerely,

Durham District School Board on behalf of Durham Student Transportation Service (DSTS)

Position Available on the Audit Committee

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 21:00:00 GMT

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 361/10, Durham District School Board is seeking one community member with financial expertise and business knowledge to serve on its Audit Committee for a three-year term effective February 2022.

The Audit Committee is composed of three Trustees and two independent members drawn from the community at large. The primary role of the Audit Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its duties related to governance and oversight. The duties of the Audit Committee fall under the following key areas: the financial reporting process, internal control framework, risk management practices, performance and function of the Board’s internal and external auditors and the Board’s compliance with its obligations under legislation. The Committee meets at least 3 times a year, plus ad hoc meetings, as required.

Candidate Eligibility:

Applicants must have sufficient accounting, senior financial management or other relevant business experience to understand good governance, and public sector accounting and auditing standards.
Applicants must not be a current employee or officer of the Board, or of any other district school board or school authority.
Applicants must not have a parent, child or spouse currently employed by the Board.
Applicants must be a contributor to public school education funding.

Submission of Applications:

Suitably qualified candidates interested in serving on the Audit Committee are invited to submit a letter of interest and resume by 4:00pm on December 23, 2021 to:

Norah Marsh
Director of Education
Durham District School Board
400 Taunton Road East
Whitby, ON L1R 2K6

business.services@ddsb.ca

Candidates who are short-listed may be requested to attend a private interview conducted by the audit committee’s selection committee.

Audit Committee Terms of Reference

Elizabeth B. Phin PS Empowers the Community with a Little Library

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 16:00:00 GMT

Elizabeth B. Phin Public School is thrilled to announce the successful completion of a remarkable project that will benefit the entire community. Through dedicated fundraising efforts, the school has created a Little Library, extending a warm invitation to community members to embark on a world of knowledge and imagination.

At E.B. Phin Public School, we firmly believe that everyone should have equal access to books that inspire, educate, and entertain. Our Little Library is a testament to this belief as it eliminates the barriers of time, space, and privilege, making literature readily available to all.

With the support and generosity of our incredible community, we have created a vibrant space where individuals of all ages can discover and borrow books free of charge. This initiative seeks to foster a love for reading and learning, empowering individuals to expand their horizons, and unlock their full potential.

The Little Library offers an impressive range of diverse books, catering to a wide array of interests and tastes. Whether you're a fan of heartwarming stories, gripping adventures, or insightful non-fiction, our collection has something for everyone. We are committed to maintaining an inclusive and expansive selection, ensuring that each person who visits finds a personally relevant book that resonates with their unique journey.

Not only does the Little Library encourage a love for reading, but it also nurtures a sense of community. It serves as a gathering place, where students, parents/guardians, and community members can connect, share stories, and spark meaningful conversations. We believe in the power of community engagement, and the Little Library provides an avenue for us all to come together, celebrate diversity, and forge lasting bonds.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all who contributed to this incredible endeavour. Without your unwavering support, this project would not have been possible. Together, we are creating a brighter future, where the transformative power of books is accessible to all.

It is our hope that the Little Library ignites a passion for reading, empowerment within one another, and builds a community that cherishes knowledge and inclusivity.

Information Nights for Grade 8 Students Transitioning to High School in September 2026

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:45:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to helping students transition successfully from Grade 8 to Grade 9 and beyond. Recognizing that education shapes life opportunities, we’ve introduced a system-wide approach to intentional planning for secondary school success. Programs like "30 Credits My Way" are designed to support students in staying on track to graduate on time while achieving their academic and personal goals.

To help students and families learn more, the DDSB’s Student Success team will be hosting two virtual presentations. Join us to discover how we can work together to ensure a strong start to high school and long-term success!

VIRTUAL - GRADE 8: Student & Parent/Guardian Transition Information Night

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Register for the Virtual Grade 8 Transition Information Night: Thursday January 22, 2026

VIRTUAL - GRADE 9: Student & Parent/Guardian (going into Grade 10) 30 Credits My Way

Date: Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Register for the Grade 9 (going into Grade 10) 30 Credits My Way session: Tuesday, February 3, 2026

_______________________________________________________________

IN_PERSON - Course Selection Nights

NOTE: New date for Sincliar Secondary School

DDSB secondary schools will also be hosting a course selection information night for current Grade 8 students transitioning to their local high school in September 2026. This is a fabulous opportunity for you and your child to visit the school and become familiar with the opportunities that are available to them as they transition into high school in September.

We invite you to tour the school and see what types of opportunities, programs, and extracurricular activities your home school has to offer.

All Information Nights will be held in-person (unless otherwise specified) on the specific date and time below at your designated high school.

Ajax High School - February 5, 2026 - 6:30 pm
Anderson C.V.I. - February 5, 2026 - 7 pm
Brooklin High School - February 5, 2026 - 7 pm (virtual)
Brock High School - January 27, 2026 - 6:30-8:00 pm
Donald A. Wilson Secondary School - February 5, 2026 - 6:30-8:00 pm
Dunbarton High School - February 5, 2026 – 6:00-8:00 pm
Eastdale C.V.I. - January 27, 2026 - 5:00-7:00 pm
G.L. Roberts C.V.I. - January 14, 2026 - 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Henry Street High School - February 12, 2026 - 6:00 - 8:00 pm
J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate - February 4, 2026 – 6:00 pm
Maxwell Heights Secondary School - February 5, 2026 - 6:00 pm
O’Neill C.V.I. - January 15, 2026 - 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Pickering High School - February 5, 2026 - 5:00 pm
Pine Ridge Secondary School - February 11, 2026 - 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Port Perry High School - February 3, 2026 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I. - February 5, 2026 – 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Sinclair Secondary School - February 5, 2026 - 5:30 - 7:30 pm * NEW DATE
Uxbridge Secondary School-February 5, 2026 -6:00 -7:30 pm
Unnamed North Oshawa Secondary School - February 3, 2026 - 6:30 - 7:30 pm. This session will be hosted by and will take place in-person at R.S. McLaughlin C.V.I. in Oshawa.

Families are encouraged to attend these events at their designated home school to discover the opportunities available for their children. To find your designated school, use the DDSB School Locator Tool or contact your elementary school’s office staff.

Visit the DDSB’s 30 Credits My Way webpage, for more information on these events.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation - Sept. 30

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:00:00 GMT

May 2023 Director's Update from the Durham District School Board

Fri, 19 May 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you well as we embrace the warmth and beauty of the spring season. As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and initiatives happening within our school community.

First and foremost, I hope you and your families are looking forward to the upcoming long weekend. It's an excellent opportunity for our students and their loved ones to take a well-deserved break, enjoy quality time together, and recharge before the final push toward a break for the summer months. Whether you plan to explore the great outdoors, engage in community activities, or simply relax at home, I encourage you to make the most of this long weekend and cherish the moments spent with your children.

As we near the end of the school year, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your ongoing support and engagement. Your commitment to your children's education and well-being is truly commendable and it greatly contributes to their success. I encourage you to maintain open lines of communication with your child's teachers and school administration through the remaining weeks of the school year as we work together to create the best possible learning environment for all our students.

As the summer months near, I would also like to remind our community of the Great Beginnings School Success Program available for incoming junior kindergarten students and current kindergarten students across the DDSB, operating for three weeks in August. Additionally, the Great Beginnings Early Years School Success Program for Black Students is available this summer for incoming junior kindergarten students. To learn more about these programs supporting your child’s development, visit our Summer Programs page.

This month, I am delighted to announce the launch of the Student Census, an initiative that aims to gather valuable information about our diverse student population. By participating in this census, we can gain a better understanding of our students' needs, experiences, and challenges. This data will enable us to effectively identify and address barriers to their success and well-being. We kindly request your support in completing the Student Census survey as your input is vital in shaping our future educational strategies and ensuring that all students receive the support they require. To complete the survey, please use the unique student ID code emailed to you earlier this month.

I am also delighted to share an incredible opportunity with you and your child – Ontario's Legislative Page Program, a prestigious educational initiative that awaits talented students who are eager to explore the provincial legislature in action.

The Ontario Legislative Page Program offers an unparalleled experience to approximately 150 students from across our province every year. This unique program provides participants with a firsthand understanding of Ontario’s Assembly and the legislative process, fostering their growth as responsible, high-achieving, and community-involved individuals. By interacting with key parliamentary and political figures, your child will gain invaluable insights into our democratic system. I invite you to visit the official website to learn more about the Page Program.

Additionally, registration has officially opened for Camp Rainbow Phoenix, an extraordinary summer leadership camp designed for youth aged 12 to 17. This incredible program, facilitated by PFLAG Durham Region and the AIDS Committee of Durham Region, aims to nurture and develop the leadership potential of our young learners while fostering personal resilience and promoting social change.

Camp Rainbow Phoenix is a truly unique initiative that offers our youth an unforgettable experience filled with personal growth, meaningful connections, and skills development. To learn more, please visit the official website at pflagdurhamregion.com.

On May 17, the Progress Pride Flag was raised at all 136 DDSB schools as well as work sites including the Education Centre, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia. The Progress Pride Flag will remain raised through the month of June to respect Pride month.

The Progress Pride Flag is a testament to the advancement we have made as a society in recognizing and valuing the diversity that exists within our schools and nurturing a community where everyone has a place just the way they are. The DDSB is proud to participate in Durham’s upcoming Pride Parade to be held June 4 in Ajax. Visit pridedurham.ca to learn more about this important event.

Addressing recent issues of hate and harm

On May 15, at the most recent meeting of the Board, the public was evacuated by security and police. Comments that were yelled out or muttered were heard by some members of the audience, in some cases, or by the whole room in others. Some of these comments were homophobic, transphobic, and hateful. Other comments and behaviours were intimidating and harmful by tone or content. To be clear, the DDSB firmly rejects and condemns this behaviour.

We have a responsibility to the safety of all participants in our learning and working spaces, of which our boardroom is one, both virtually and in-person. On Monday, staff, students, and members of the public were made to feel unsafe as a result of the behaviours of some members of the audience. These behaviours exemplified hatred, intolerance, bullying, and harassment, and so, the public gallery was closed.

In my optimism that the audience would ultimately return to a climate of respectful decorum, I waited too long to evacuate the gallery. This resulted in harm, and for this, I sincerely apologize.

On May 23 and May 24, the meetings of the Board will be available for public viewing on a virtual platform. We are considering how to proceed with future Board and Standing Committee meetings in a manner that permits the engagement of the public while securing the safety of all participants. There will be further communication on this item.

Let us continue to foster a nurturing and inclusive community where every student can thrive. Once again, I wish you a joyful long weekend and a smooth conclusion to the school year.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

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Good News from the System

The past month was underscored by several good news stories. We invite you to check out the DDSB’s YouTube channel to learn more about the latest initiatives taking place across the DDSB.

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Upcoming Dates of Significance

The upcoming weeks bring more Dates of Significance to the calendar. Reflective of our vibrant and diverse community that continues to shape our identity, the DDSB recognizes the upcoming month of June as Pride Month, Italian Heritage Month, Portuguese History and Heritage Month, Filipino Heritage Month, and Indigenous History Month. Other upcoming dates include:

Monday, May 22 – Victoria Day: The observation of the birthdate of Queen Victoria.

Saturday, May 27 – Shavuot: A Jewish holiday commemorating the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

Sunday, May 28 – National Accessibility Week: A celebration of the valuable contributions of Canadians with disabilities and a reflection upon ongoing efforts to become more accessible.

Sunday, May 28 – Pentecost: A Christian holiday commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus while in Jerusalem.

Monday, May 29 – Ascension of Bahá'u'lláh: The observation of the passing of Bahá’u’lláh, prophet of the Bahá Faith.

Wednesday, May 31 – Red Shirt Day: As part of National Accessibility Week, wear your red shirt to show your support and celebrate the achievements of disabled Canadians.

Friday, June 2 – Ascension (Orthodox): An observance of the ascension of Jesus to Heaven, celebrated 40 days after the Resurrection.

Sunday, June 4 – Pentecost (Orthodox): Celebrated on the seventh Sunday after Easter, this observance is the final day of the Easter cycle and marks the day on which the Holy Spirit descended upon the Apostles.

Monday, June 5 – World Environment Day: A global event inspiring all to protect, preserve, and reduce the degradation of ecosystems.

Thursday, June 8 – World Oceans Day: An international day supporting the implementation of sustainable management and development goals and the protection of ocean resources.

Saturday, June 10 – Portugal Day: A commemoration of the passing of Portuguese poet and literary icon Luís de Camões.

Friday, June 16 – Martyrdom of Guru Arjan Dev: An Indian commemoration that celebrates the life of religious figure Guru Arjan Dev who sacrificed his life for the Sikh people.

Sunday, June 18 – Autistic Pride Day: A global day that helps raise awareness and celebrates the similarities and uniqueness of people with autism.

Sunday, June 18 – Father’s Day: A celebration to all who have raised or are just beginning the journey of guiding children into and through adulthood.

Monday, June 19 – Juneteenth: A commemoration of the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.

Monday, June 19 – United Empire Loyalists’ Day: Commemorating the sacrifices of the first political refugees to arrive in Ontario.

Wednesday, June 21 – Litha: A Pagan holiday celebrating the summer solstice.

Wednesday, June 21 – National Indigenous Peoples Day: A day for all to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Wednesday, June 21 – Summer Solstice: A celebration of longer days and the official beginning of the summer season.

Learning the Lessons of Leadership at Queen Elizabeth PS

Thu, 12 Jan 2023 19:15:00 GMT

When we think of leadership, we don’t often think of it coming from a 12 or 13-year-old, but students at Queen Elizabeth Public School in Oshawa want to challenge that.

Grade 7 and 8 students at Queen Elizabeth school recently honed their leadership skills at the Eagles Intermediate Leadership Camp. The camp was designed to inspire students to build student identity and explore their gifts and talents to show how they can lead and help build a positive school community.

The Leadership Camp engaged students in activities and workshops provided by Durham District School Board (DDSB) Youth Workers, a Social Worker, an artist, and two educators. The workshops were designed to create an understanding of leadership traits and show students how they can foster their own traits while balancing social dynamics.

“We wanted to provide an opportunity for our oldest students to see how they can create a positive school community. They participated in activities throughout the day on the different types of leaders, workshops on Communicating and Conflict Management, Stress Management and Coping Skills, Understanding Emotions, The Importance of Sleep, Pathways, and Social Media & Well Being,” stated school Principal Danielle Denike.

Brigitte Guglietti, a Social Worker with Inclusive Student Services and one of the presenters stated “the goal of my presentation was to teach Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) strategies which is necessary for some and good for all. The main point was to have students recognize some of their inner automatic negative thoughts. We wanted to give them the skill and challenge them on how to replace negative thoughts with positive ones and really make the connection that the thoughts we have every day impact the way we feel and the way we act.”

The presentations struck a chord with Grade 7 student Elena Waldron, and Josh Lall, who is in Grade 8.

“The workshops have been really personal and it’s good that they have been because they have taught us to put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and be able to empathize with them,” says Elena.

“Teachers have told us how they have felt personally, and it shows you that you are not alone. The life journeys talks have stood out to me cause it shows me that I am not alone in my problems either.”

For Josh the experience was also very enlightening. “In the workshops students talked about their own experiences and that helped peers to understand them more. Both I and my classmates took something away from the experiences. We know whatever we go through, we can do it together. We’ll always have people we can talk to,” states Josh.

“The experience over the last couple days have helped me look at myself differently. I’ve also been more confident as I see that I have all the traits of a leader.”

Leadership is one of the core principles of the DDSB Ignite Learning Strategic Plan. The key outcome for student learning and well-being, is to promote student voices and identities and make sure they are honoured in the innovative environments that are focused on inquiry, and well-being.

The Queen Elizabeth Public School Eagles Intermediate Leadership Camp is an example of a school whose changing culture is engaging students to thrive academically, socially, physically and emotionally, and use their gifts to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Disturbing incidents of anti-Black racism

Sun, 14 May 2023 16:45:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is committed to Indigenous rights, human rights, equity, and inclusion, and to supporting the well-being and safety of all students, staff, and community members. As part of this commitment, we are sharing information with you regarding disturbing incidents of anti-Black racism and hate that impacted multiple schools and communities in Ajax over the past few days.

Materials were discovered on and around school properties depicting extremely offensive and hateful racist slurs, imagery and messaging targeting Black communities. Durham Region Police Services (DRPS) were called immediately and are conducting a full investigation. With each situation, we communicated directly to the school community, outlined the information we knew at the time and shared information about available resources and supports for families who may have been affected.

DDSB staff have been working with the police to support the ongoing investigation. The DRPS released the following media statement today.

The DRPS have assured us that there is no imminent threat of physical danger or safety risks for students, staff or school environments. However, we recognize that incidents of anti-Black racism and hate is violence that causes and/or perpetuates harm and trauma, and that deeply affects emotional and psychological safety and well-being for individuals and communities.

The DDSB has services, supports and resources to assist students, families and staff impacted by these events. If you need support, we encourage you to reach out to your school principal. They will be able to connect you with our internal board resource teams and/or community agencies who can help.

We recognize that staff who identify as Black have been have been particularly hurt by this incident, and we know that all staff have been negatively impacted. Thank you for standing with your students and school communities while looking after each other in this time of need. We encourage you to reach out to your school leaders, managers, or the system leadership team for support.

The DDSB strongly and unequivocally condemns these acts of anti-Black racism and hate. As a part of DDSB communities, we all have individual and shared responsibilities to uphold Indigenous and human rights and treat one another with dignity and respect. All forms of racism, discrimination and hate are unacceptable in our schools and school communities and will not be condoned.

The DDSB continues to stand with and support students, families, employees and communities affected by these extremely upsetting and unsettling incidents of anti-Black racism in our communities. We also continue to work alongside the DRPS and to assess next steps as the investigation unfolds.

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education
Durham District School Board

Attention Students - Missed Breakfast?

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 13:30:00 GMT

Cancellation of School Buses Due to Winter Weather: Procedure

Thu, 27 Oct 2022 17:15:00 GMT

With colder temperatures approaching, we are sharing information on how the DDSB is handling the cancellation of buses due to winter weather in order to ensure everyone remains safe.

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, both elementary and secondary schools located within the affected cancellation zone(s) will remain open.

In very rare situations, if a decision is made to close schools:

Elementary schools located in the affected zone(s) would be closed.
Secondary schools located in the affected zone(s) would switch to a virtual learning day for all students.

How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?

Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00 a.m.) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media, and where possible, through local radio stations and media outlets.

What zone am I in?

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Public Property Assessment Network/OPSBA Scholarship

Thu, 07 May 2020 16:45:00 GMT

Administered and awarded through the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA), this $1,000 scholarship is for students of strong character, who care deeply about their communities and furthering their own learning.

Key considerations OPSBA will look for are: community involvement, volunteering experience, extra-curricular activities, and the initiative to problem-solve. Applications should be accompanied by two letters of reference and are due by May 29th.

Review the Public Property Assessment Network/OPSBA Scholarship for information regarding eligibility, selection criteria, the application process and key dates.

DDSB Student Leaders Discuss Student Voice, Well-Being and Equity

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 19:15:00 GMT

Student Trustees and Student Senators collaborated for their first virtual symposium of the year

Arpita Savaliya, Logan Keeler, and Aaliyah Jaleel are the Durham District School Board (DDSB) Student Trustees for the 2020-2021 school year. Savaliya attends O’Neill CVI and represents students in Oshawa and Whitby, Keeler attends Brock High School and represents students in Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge, and Jaleel attends Dunbarton High School and represents students in Ajax and Pickering. All three are Grade 12 students.

On October 1, they were elated to host their first virtual symposium and welcome the 2020-2021 Student Senators.

“The intention of the event was to stimulate discussion regarding the current situation of schools, reflecting on both the positive aspects as well as areas of improvement. Sharing their experiences, we wanted Student Senators to return to their schools with further open-mindedness as well as a newfound understanding of how to best represent their peers,” explains Savaliya.

Using Google Meet, approximately 30 students got together to break the ice and discuss important topics impacting DDSB schools. Superintendent of Education Stephen Nevills joined the meeting to bring greetings and welcome student leaders to the Board.

Student Engagement Opportunities

“Our three Student Trustees eagerly planned a professional, interactive, virtual symposium to welcome back and introduce new Student Senators from across the system to their roles as key student advisors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, now more than ever, their experiences and the collective voices of students from across our system will help guide our work and shape the future of education in the DDSB,” notes Superintendent Nevills.

In small groups of six to seven students, attendees brainstormed ideas for the three working groups within the Student Senate: Student Voice, Well-Being, and Equity. The students used Google Jamboards to display their ideas as virtual post-it notes. To end the night, students broke into their regional groups to play some games and to discuss how the school year has been so far and any issues Student Senators may be facing.

Savaliya says the overall goal of the first virtual symposium is to establish a strong connection between the Student Senators and Student Trustees and ensure that a trustworthy and open line of communication is always maintained. She continues, “We also wanted to allow Student Senators to meet each other and have the opportunity to be creative and come up with ideas for the year with respect to our working groups.”

There are 43 DDSB Student Senators across the system for the 2020-2021 school year.

Safe Arrivals: Reporting Absences

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:45:00 GMT

Maxwell Heights Secondary School uses the online SchoolMessenger service for reporting student absences. You can report your child's absence by:

Calling 1-844-350-2646
Online or on your smartphone through the SchoolMessenger app

Sharing Indigenous History with DDSB students through story

Thu, 02 Mar 2023 19:15:00 GMT

DDSB welcomes critically acclaimed author David A. Robertson

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) recognizes that Indigenous Peoples have the right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures, traditions, histories and aspirations, which shall be appropriately reflected in education and public information.

As part of this commitment, the DDSB was honoured to welcome the critically acclaimed Indigenous author David A. Robertson to our schools on November 2 and 3, 2022.

David A. Robertson is a name that most households have come to know. Robertson is an author and graphic novelist based out of Winnipeg. He is the multi-talented writer of Swampy Cree heritage and has published over 28 books across a variety of genres. Robertson is the winner of the 2021 Freedom to Read Award.

Robertson used the power of storytelling to connect with students at Quaker Village Public School, Uxbridge Public School, and Glengrove Public School, sharing the joy of reading, speaking about his journey, and highlighting the importance of Indigenous books within schools and society.

While visiting the schools Robertson had the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with many lucky students, and even sat down to breakfast with a few. Robertson says, “the best part of speaking with schools is getting to know the students on a personal level”. Robertson often uses his own children as inspiration for the stories he writes and uses youth of today as his motivation. He explained to students that growing up there were no books he could identify with; he’s looking to change that for the youth of today.

Thank you, David A. Robertson, for sharing your beautiful and inspiring stories with the youth of DDSB!

Call for Nominations for the 2024 OPSBA Awards

Thu, 08 Feb 2024 21:15:00 GMT

Do you know someone extraordinary—be it a teacher, education worker, school administrator, trustee, student, or community member—whose exceptional contributions deserve recognition for making a significant impact in their local school or community?

Nominations for the 2024 Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) Awards are now open! Don't miss the chance to highlight and celebrate those who go above and beyond. Simply fill out the online nomination form.

Find comprehensive details about the OPSBA Awards Program on the OPSBA website. Please take a few moments to review the criteria for the OPSBA Awards at this link before submitting a nomination. Self-nominations are permitted. April 5, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. is the deadline for most awards. The Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award (for Northern Ontario) has a separate deadline on June 7, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.

The OPSBA Awards include the following:

The President’s Award recognizes 25 years of service in public education.
The Jack A. MacDonald Award of Merit honours an elementary or secondary school student attending an Ontario public school who has earned a sound academic record and has shown outstanding service and leadership in his or her community.
The Fred L. Bartlett Memorial Award is presented annually to an active or retired member of the teaching profession. The successful candidate is selected on the basis of outstanding contribution to education throughout Ontario, such as constructive participation in education affairs over a number of years or for dedication to some recent and specific project that has had provincial impact.
The Dr. Harry Paikin Award of Merit is awarded to an active or retired public school trustee for outstanding service.
The Achievement Award and Award of Excellence are presented by OPSBA through local boards to volunteers for outstanding, exemplary and/or unique contributions to the overall well-being of the school or community through in-school, board-wide, extra-curricular and/or volunteer activity. This award provides an opportunity to raise awareness and promote the importance of celebrating excellence and the necessity of recognizing the work of all members of the education community.
The Bernardine Yackman Memorial Award is for dedication, commitment and an outstanding contribution to education with special recognition for Northern Ontario service.

Start the nomination process now

For more information: Mary Adams, Awards Coordinator, 416-340-2540, ext.101, or email inquiry@opsba.org.

Update on the Use of Outdoor Recreational Amenities

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 12:30:00 GMT

By order of the Government of Ontario, outdoor recreational amenities, including basketball courts, baseball diamonds and soccer fields on DDSB property are closed. This decision was made in an effort to stop large gatherings where the spread of COVID-19 can happen.

The use of playgrounds are still permitted. Physical distancing requirements and outdoor gathering limits still apply.

We encourage all members of the DDSB community to stay safe and help stop the spread of COVID-19.

DDSB Appoints Three New Superintendents to Fill Vacancies

Thu, 30 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

New Superintendents will provide system leadership and continued stability during COVID-19

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of two Superintendents and one Acting Superintendent to fill current vacancies.

Gary Crossdale

Gary Crossdale will become Superintendent of Education, responsible for the Safe Schools portfolio and assumes responsibility for the Maxwell Heights SS and Eastdale CVI Family of Schools.

Crossdale has over 30 years of experience working with children and youth, spending the last 25 years at the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Most recently, he has been the Central Principal of the Caring and Safe Schools Program since 2013 and prior to that, he spent 17 years as an elementary teacher and administrator in Toronto’s Regent Park community. His focus on equity, anti-racism and anti-oppression has resulted in stronger educational connections and engagement by students, parents and community members to school spaces. As an accomplished leader in this area, his work has been instrumental in helping to reduce suspensions and expulsions while developing collaborative and positive relationships with school administrators. He also holds a Masters in International Education.

Erin Elmhurst

Erin Elmhurst will become Acting Superintendent of Education behind Acting Associate Director of Academic Services Jim Markovski. She will be responsible for the Early Years and Poverty Strategy portfolios and will be sharing responsibility for Indigenous Education with Superintendent Mohamed Hamid. She will also assume responsibility for the Dunbarton HS and Pine Ridge SS Family of Schools.

Elmhurst has been an educator for 22 years, with 12 of those years as an administrator with the DDSB building trusting relationships throughout the system. Most recently, she has excelled in her role with over the past four years as the Education Officer for Indigenous, ESL, and Outdoor Education, where she built a robust and collaborative ESL team from a department of 4 to 24 after examining the needs of ELLs and adjusting the service delivery model. A collaborative leader, her approach is centered on human rights and equity and she has co-led and facilitated the capacity building of Indigenous and Racialized educators in the administrative promotions process. She also holds a Professional Masters of Education in Indigenous Education.

Jack Nigro

Jack Nigro will become Superintendent of Education, responsible for the Elementary Curriculum portfolio and will be working with Superintendent Stephen Nevills for a K-12 focus on curriculum. He will assume responsibility for the RS McLaughin CVI and GL Roberts CVI Family of Schools.

Nigro has worked in education for 30 years, serving in various roles as a teacher, Education Officer with the Ministry of Education, Superintendent of Curriculum at the Halton Catholic DSB and most recently as Superintendent of Education including Family of Schools, Student Achievement, Indigenous Education, and Equity and Inclusion at the Kawartha Pine Ridge DSB. He is recognized as a leader in Equity, Inclusion and Indigenous education across the province and has a strong commitment to close achievement and opportunity gaps among students. He was recently appointed as the 2020-21 President Elect of the Ontario Public Supervisory Officers’ Association, where he previously served a Co-Chair of the Professional Learning Committee and Equity Committee. He also holds a Masters of Education.

All three superintendents will be starting by August 24, 2020. They were selected following an extensive search to create a superintendent hiring pool, where candidates from across Canada applied to be considered and participated in a comprehensive process.

Quotes:

“The Board of Trustees is excited to welcome Gary Crossdale, Erin Elmhurst and Jack Nigro in their new leadership roles. Their expertise and dedication to public education will make them tremendous additions to the senior leadership team.”

- Chris Braney, Chair of the Board

“We are lucky to be adding three exceptional education leaders to our team who have the experience needed to contribute right away as we work to manage the changes brought on upon us by COVID-19. They will also help us continue moving forward on our strategic priorities and operational goals, with a strong emphasis on equity and inclusion to support student success and well-being.”

- Norah Marsh, Acting Director of Education

DDSB and OSSTF Reach Agreement

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:00:00 GMT

DDSB Ratifies Local Agreement with Permanent Secondary Teachers

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has reached an agreement with the Board’s over 1,400 permanent secondary teachers with Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF), District 13.

The DDSB Board of Trustees ratified the local agreement at the Board Meeting on December 7, 2020. The local agreement has also been ratified by OSSTF, District 13.

The DDSB continues to work with education partners to provide outstanding public education to more than 72,000 regular day students and more taking continuing education and adult credit courses.

Quotes:

“The valued relationship we have with our union and federation partners allow us to provide a quality public education to all students at the Durham District School Board. The ratification of this agreement with OSSTF, District 13 helps us continue to provide stability and reach our goals of supporting students during this unprecedented school year. We are thankful for the incredible work they are doing in the classroom and community.”

– Carolyn Morton, Chair, Durham District School Board

“The Teacher Bargaining Unit of District 13 OSSTF is pleased to have reached a collective agreement with the Durham District School Board. There were several items for discussion throughout the negotiation process and bargainers on both sides of the table worked well to determine areas where agreement could be reached. We look forward to this collective agreement serving as a guide to continue the positive working relationship between the Board and its Permanent Teachers.”

– Shane Stagg, President, District 13, OSSTF

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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DDSB Watershed Festival Motivating Minds

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 20:15:00 GMT

With summer right around the corner, some DDSB students had a chance to attend the Watershed Festival hosted by the DDSB Outdoor Education and Environmental team.

Students at both the elementary and high school level took part in the festival which occurred on May 31 and June 1, respectively.

“We're thrilled with the fantastic success of the Watershed Festival, which spanned over two incredible days,” says Sarah Jeynes, a Facilitator with DDSB’s Outdoor and Environmental Education team and co-organizer of the festival.

The first day had elementary students immersing themselves in a world of environmental exploration. They engaged in a stream study, closely examining the health of local waterways and discovering the fascinating creatures that inhabit them. The highlight of their day was releasing salmon into Duffins Creek and witnessing the resilience of these magnificent fish firsthand.

Additionally, students had a blast building birdhouses and fostering their creativity while learning about the importance of providing shelter for our feathered friends. An interpretive naturalist hike further deepened young learners understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things.

Building on this success, the second day was an adventure race format exclusively for secondary students.

Secondary students embarked on an adrenaline-fueled journey through the wilderness, putting their skills to the test. Archery honed their focus and precision, orienteering challenged their navigational abilities, and knot-tying showcased their resourcefulness. Furthermore, tree identification empowered them to recognize the remarkable diversity of our local flora, while fire starting taught them valuable survival skills. It was a thrilling day of teamwork and adventure, where students pushed their limits and grew both individually and collectively.

Uxbridge Secondary School student James Marlatt attended the festival and was impressed with how he and others were challenged. “The festival challenges tested our skills and teamwork, but with the completion of each task the excitement grew in running around in the woods,” said Marlatt.

Added Jeynes, “The Watershed Festival was an inspiring and transformative experience for both students and staff. Witnessing the curiosity and passion for the environment was truly remarkable. We are proud to have created an event that nurtures a love for nature and empowers young minds to become guardians of our precious ecosystem while having a great time!”

Both days of the Watershed Festival provided an exceptional opportunity for students to connect with nature, deepen their knowledge, and foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Gratitude is extended to all the student participants, teachers, and volunteers who made this event a resounding success as they help to shape a future where natural heritage thrives and inspires future generations.

Organizers hope to have more students attend next year and make the festival a yearly tradition for the DDSB Outdoor Education and Environmental department.

DDSB offers day and night curriculum connected to outdoor learning at three educational centres in Durham Region: Duffins Creek Environmental Education Centre, Nonquon Environmental Education Centre, and the Durham Forest Environmental Education Centre.

For more information on Outdoor and Environmental Education at the DDSB visit our website.

Learning Preference Change Opportunity for September 2023

Mon, 16 Jan 2023 14:15:00 GMT

Further to the message sent on Wednesday, January 11, we are asking that families choose between in-person or virtual learning for next year by visiting the Parent Portal between Monday, January 16 and Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.

If you are satisfied with your child(ren)’s current mode of learning, you do not need to do anything further.

If you would like to change your child’s learning preference for next year:

Sign into the Parent Portal.
Click the “Learning Preference” tab located on the left-hand navigation bar.
Inform us if you would like to change their learning preference by selecting “In-Person Learning at a DDSB School” OR “Virtual Learning through DDSB@Home” and then click “Submit”.

The deadline to make a change is Friday, January 27 at 11:59 p.m.

We are asking that you to make this decision now for the 2023-24 school year as we need the time to ensure that we can appropriately staff schools and provide stability for learning once the year is underway. We recognize that this may be a difficult choice and ask that you consider your decision carefully as students will not have the opportunity to switch learning options throughout the year.

If a change is not made before the deadline of Friday, January 27 at 11:59 p.m., your child will automatically continue in their current learning mode.

Please note: The DDSB will continue to offer virtual online learning through DDSB@Home for students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 for the 2023-24 school year, subject to student enrollment. Should sufficient enrollment not be available at the elementary or secondary levels, students would need to attend their in-person designated home school. Communication to those families will occur after the registration process so that they are aware if the virtual school is viable.

DDSB@Home Elementary: Specialized programs will only be available through DDSB@Home Elementary?if there is sufficient enrollment to offer the classes. Those programs include French Immersion and Gifted Programming.

DDSB@Home Secondary: Specialized programs including French Immersion and Gifted Programming will not be?available?through?DDSB@Home?Secondary.

New DDSB Students: Elementary students who are entering Junior Kindergarten or are new to DDSB and secondary students who are new to DDSB can select DDSB@Home Elementary or DDSB@Home Secondary from the list of school options on the New Student Registration form.

For additional information, we have created a Frequently Asked Questions page to help answer student/parent/guardian questions. We encourage you to review this page before making your decision.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this communication and for your timely response. We appreciate your understanding that early planning is necessary in order to ensure a successful start to the 2023-24 school year.

If you are having trouble logging into the Parent Portal, please contact your home school’s office for assistance. For Parent Portal FAQs and login instructions please visit https://bit.ly/3ljX8MB.

DDSB Rolls Out Plan for Retrieval of Student Belongings

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 21:00:00 GMT

Durham District School Board (DDSB) schools are coordinating the retrieval of personal belongings for up to 70,000 students over the next few weeks. School principals are contacting families directly to organize the retrieval process that officially starts today, Wednesday June 3, and runs through to Friday June 26. Specific dates and times will vary from school to school.

The procedure will allow for the safe retrieval of students’ belongings and gives students the opportunity to return school owned materials such as musical instruments, library books, and Chromebooks for graduating Grade 12 students and those moving away from the district.

The plan has been approved by the Durham Region Health Department and maintains strict physical distancing measures, hand sanitizing protocols and requires individuals to conduct a self-screening prior to entering the school.

Students with pre-existing medical conditions and who are at a high health risk for susceptibility to illness will be prioritized and schools will work with those parents/guardians individually on arrangements to access personal items.

DDSB schools have been closed to the public since Friday March 13 to protect the health and safety of students, staff and community members. With the implementation of this retrieval process, this is the first time that families will be able to access schools to retrieve items.

If families have any questions about the process to retrieve items, they should contact their local school directly by email for more details.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Make Tomorrow Brighter Auction Raises Over $40,000 for Durham Students and Families

Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:45:00 GMT

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation, organizers of the Make Tomorrow Brighter Auction, are thrilled to announce the overwhelming success of this year's event, thanks to the incredible support from sponsors, donors, and auction participants within our community.

With gratitude, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the third-annual Make Tomorrow Brighter online auction. Your generosity helped us to raise more than $40,000, a remarkable achievement that will have a significant impact on children and youth throughout the Durham Region, during their time of need.

This year's auction highlighted more than 600 unique items, services, and packages generously donated by our vibrant local businesses and individuals. From coveted prizes like NHL tickets to Golf tickets and an exclusive Chef's Tasting Experience, the lineup was nothing short of extraordinary.

"We are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our community," said Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. "Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and kindness, making a tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most."

The success of the Make Tomorrow Brighter Auction underscores the unwavering commitment of our community to come together for a common cause. Through your generosity, our staff and community members have not only raised funds but also provided hope and opportunities for a brighter future for Durham's children and youth.

We extend our deepest gratitude to all sponsors, donors, and auction participants for your invaluable support. Your contributions have truly made a difference in the lives of others, and we look forward to continuing our mission of removing financial barriers to create equitable opportunities that empower students to achieve academic and personal success.

For more information or to get involved in future events, please visit Ignite Durham Learning Foundation.

Dunbarton Students Get Glimpse into the World of Work

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 16:00:00 GMT

What do you want to be when you grow up?

That is the question students at Dunbarton High School in Pickering are pondering as they listen to a variety of professionals from all walks of life in the world of work discussing their career during a monthly program called Working Wednesdays.

Working Wednesdays is a virtual program started last school year by teachers Aimee Nelson and Karen Papadopoulos and has been running on the last Wednesday of every month for students Grades 9-12.

“We have been having virtual meetings with a wide variety of people from the community so that we can show students a variety of careers and how often it is not straightforward to get to a particular career,” says Papadopoulos Head Librarian and Co-op Teacher at the school.

“Through personal contacts we have found people who are passionate about their job. Our guests talk about how they got to their current position sharing their educational background, previous jobs, the pros, and cons of their job and answer a ton of student questions.”

Seema Patel, a Senior Director, News Programs with CBC attended a recent Working Wednesdays with students. "I loved it! I think it is so important to give students time to hear about different jobs as they begin their high school years. It will help them pick their courses, possibly consider new career paths,” says Patel. “Its wonderful staff make the time to give students this opportunity and exposure to people in their community."

Andy Sue, a local Florist also sees the benefits of Working Wednesday. "I think it is a wonderful program. I wish this was available when I was in high school,” states Sue.

“To be able to hear what it is like in the real world regarding different jobs is beneficial, especially for students who might be doubtful about what is out there post secondary. I was very happy to be able to talk about what I do and the journey I took to get where I am today. To be able to engage with the youth of today also helps me to better understand what is going on in their minds too."

Grade 12 students Davina and Corey regularly attend the program and are pleased with the insights shared by professionals.

"Working Wednesday opens up many paths for high school students. It shows them real life examples of career experiences. It opens their eyes to many careers they may be interested in but didn't know about," says Davina.

"Working Wednesdays allows us to de-stress. I look forward to them as they are entertaining and bring the school closer as a community," states Corey.

Working Wednesdays has six Google Meets running simultaneously with teachers choosing a session for their class to login and learn. A recent Wednesday welcomed a Real Estate agent, a Florist, a television Senior Director of News/Programs, a Community Health Service Manager, a Rapper and a Plumber.

Each month sees a line up of a wide range of speakers sharing stories about their career, their education and the path that led to where they are today. Between 400-800 students participate asking questions of their guests regularly.

Community members who are interested in participating can reach out to the school if they are passionate about their careers and would like to participate.

Providing Food to Local Families in a Time of Need

Mon, 29 Jun 2020 12:00:00 GMT

DDSB and Student Nutrition Ontario Central East donate approximately 3,400 food items to Durham families, and Sinclair SS collects 2,978 lbs of food for Feed the Need

“As the Province of Ontario continues to take precautionary measures to keep us all safe, many of our Durham District School Board (DDSB) students and families were feeling the effects of school closures,” explains Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Senior Manager of Early Years, Poverty Strategy and Partnership Development at the DDSB.

The DDSB regularly receives food supplies for their schools’ breakfast and nutrition programs from Student Nutrition Ontario Central East (SNOCE).

With the recent school closures due to COVID-19, DDSB and SNOCE partnered to ensure families who rely on breakfast and snack programs still receive food supplies.

They accomplished this through two initiatives.

“Our first initiative, in partnership with Durham Child Nutrition Program (DCNP - the local partner of SNOCE) and the ‘Make A Difference – Students in Need’ fundraiser, is a grocery gift card program. Families identified as ‘in need’ are sent a grocery gift card to assist them with their grocery bills. To date we have mailed out over $27,000 in grocery gift cards and we are continuing to provide support as needs are brought to our attention,” says Lepine-Fisher.

The second initiative required a significant amount of teamwork.

“Our second undertaking was the donation of all of our bulk order breakfast and snack food items to local food banks,” describes Lepine-Fisher.

With the help of DDSB’s Facilities Services team and school staff, food items were collected from 31 DDSB schools and the Re-Source Depot (located inside Village Union PS). Upon collection, the items were sorted and dropped off at local food banks including St. Paul’s Community Food Bank, The Nourish and Develop Foundation, and many others.

Approximately 3,400 items were collected and donated. This number includes roughly 1,842 snacks, 719 fruits and vegetables, 699 bread/grains/pasta, 80 drinks and juice boxes, 29 condiments, 11 dairy products, and 11 canned goods.

“We’re so grateful to our student nutrition program funders, The Ministry of Children Community and Social Services, Breakfast Clubs of Canada, The Grocery Foundation and Durham Region Social Services for their flexibility and generosity in allowing us to direct the funds normally used in schools, into our communities instead. Together with our school board partners, we are working to ensure that students who would normally participate in nutrition programs at school are able to access safe and healthy food during the school closures,” expresses Nicola Lyle, Regional Manager of SNOCE and Peterborough Child & Family Centres.

Lepine-Fisher adds, “The breakfast and snack items are nutritious and necessary for the growth, development and well-being of our students and their families. We recognize that this is a very small gesture, however we know it will make a difference to those who currently need it.”

Sinclair SS Drive-Thru Food Drive

In May, Sinclair Secondary School in Whitby hosted a drive-thru food drive in the school parking lot with all donations going to Feed the Need in Durham.

While maintaining physical distancing measures, staff and students collected non-perishable donations via a drive-thru ‘no touch’ system. As members of the community pulled into the parking lot, a bucket was used to transfer donations from the vehicle to the collection bins.

Adam Grenon, Head of the Arts Department at the school, explains where the idea came from, “After the teachers made a video for the students and they returned the favour by making a ‘thank you’ video, we decided to work together. It was time to reach beyond the walls of our building and engage the greater Sinclair SS community.”

The event was promoted to the community through social media and posters were hung up in local neighbourhoods.

In total, they collected 2,978 lbs of food, which according to Robyn McKibbon, the Community Engagement Coordinator at Feed the Need in Durham, roughly translates to 2,480 meals. “It was five pickup trucks full! We couldn't be happier. The students and staff did an awesome job of keeping things moving, organized and safe” says Grenon.

He notes the importance of giving back in a time of social and physical distancing, “It’s important to support and share our energy with a group such as Feed the Need, as they do such incredible work within the Durham Region community, while supporting some of our Sinclair families directly.”

Grenon adds, “We believe that one of the ways you can stay mentally healthy and positive during this tough time is to work together to do good for someone else, whether that's sharing your artistic talents, your time, your energy, or making someone smile.”

Education Finance Committee Meetings

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 20:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) will hold its 2026-2027 budget deliberation meetings in the following upcoming public sessions. All meetings will be held in-person at the DDSB Education Centre and will be live-streamed on DDSB’s YouTube Live channel.

Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee
Overview of the 2026-2027 Core Education Funding

Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Presentation of the 2026-2027 draft budget

Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee
Presentation of the updated draft budget

Monday, June 8, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. (if required)
Presentation of the updated draft budget (if required)

Members of the public and DDSB community groups are welcome to prepare a written submission or make a public presentation to the Education Finance Committee at the April 13 or June 2 meetings. Please contact Kristin Talbot, Executive Assistant, at 905-666-6459 or by email at kristin.talbot@ddsb.ca.

Requests for the April 13, 2026, meeting must be received no later than April 7, 2026, at noon.

Requests for the June 2, 2026, meeting must be received no later than May 27, 2026, at noon.

Becoming Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable and Actively Anti-Racist

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 16:15:00 GMT

DDSB and DENSA celebrate Asian and South Asian Heritage Month with impactful virtual sessions and important conversations about race and identity

In recognition and celebration of Asian and South Asian Heritage Month, Durham Educators’ Network for South Asians (DENSA) hosted a series of virtual events throughout May.

The first two sessions focussed on yoga, well-being and Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) coding. The final session had Aubrey Noronha, a character education and safe schools speaker, join families to talk about why being “not racist” is not enough.

In the engaging session called, Colour Blind? Why Being "Not Racist" Is Not Enough, Noronha explained how saying you “don’t see colour” is not helpful and can cause more harm than good, “Just because we don’t see our biases doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Consciously or unconsciously, it can mess up someone’s future when we are blind to the consequences of colour.”

He added that when calling out racism, it is important to call the behaviour racist, not the person and he challenged attendees to become “comfortable with being uncomfortable” and to be actively anti-racist in stead of being “not racist”. Noronha concluded the session by sharing a resource for parents that includes recommended videos, articles and books to use on the journey to becoming actively anti-racist. The parent resource is viewable at the following link https://drive.google.com/file/d/19CXCapUiBSBfArTUHpURePjnWtX3bymm/view and more information about Aubrey Noronha can be found at https://www.hellohope.ca/.

Showcasing South Asian Personalities and Supporting Educators

On social media, DENSA highlighted a variety of personalities who identify as South Asian by posting infographics and videos that showcased the significant contributions of South Asian people around the world. Students from J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate and Pickering High School pitched in and created the videos and infographic posters for the social media posts. Check out the posts on Twitter: @DensaNetwork and on Instagram: @densaddsb.

The educator’s network also offered support and curriculum resources for the Durham community, “We have put together a South Asian bookshelf which includes picture books as well as novels written by South Asian American and Canadian authors and includes various websites that provide historical and cultural backgrounds of various South Asian peoples,” explained Kavita Kanavalli, Chair of DENSA. DENSA’s website also hosts many educational videos that have South Asian Canadian community members, including a few parents in Durham Region, sharing their expertise. Visit the DENSA website at https://densa.ca/ to learn more.

Kanavalli noted the importance of recognizing Asian and South Asian Heritage Month in Durham Region and across the country, “This month has always been a time to celebrate the contributions and achievements South Asian Canadians have made to our society. It is also important to bring awareness and recognition about the diverse and intersecting identities of South Asian students and staff.”

Durham Hairstylist Academy and CAS Partner on Caring for Natural Hair

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 13:30:00 GMT

DDSB’s Durham Hairstylist Academy partnered with Durham CAS to host an educational evening for Black and Black-biracial youth, their families, and their foster families on how to care for natural hair.

The Durham Hairstylist Academy located at GL Roberts CVI hosted the event for members of the community with the initiative growing out of the Youth Council at the Durham Children’s Aid Society.

“Durham CAS have a youth council that have been doing a lot of great advocacy work,” says Shailene Panylo, Durham CAS Diversity Initiatives & Community Engagement Lead and DDSB Oshawa Trustee. “[The council] are all youth who are in care or previously in care or involved in the CAS in some way. They are trying to improve the system for youth who are currently in care and coming after them. They are the ones who really pushed us to prioritize this initiative, especially for Black and Black-biracial, or racialized youth in care, making sure that we have appropriate education, products, and resources for children and families.

“Black, Black-biracial natural hair care has always been something that was lacking in our system in child welfare. It is important that we create a safe space for learning specifically with foster parents, kinship parents, and youth who are in care.”

Durham Hairstylist Academy Instructor Mykael Jackman was eager to make this event happen.

“I’m all about hair so I’m really enthused about this opportunity,” says Jackman. “I found out about the awesome things she (Shailene) is doing, and I thought it was great to partner.

“We were in contact with Shailene, who was once a student at Durham Hairstylist Academy. As she is working with CAS, we were excited to teach many families how to care for their children’s hair and help to provide them with product, provide them with skills, and provide them with the care like nighttime regimes and identifying the right products for their curl patterns and just answering the many questions people have to make sure their hair is well maintained.

“I really related to this idea because I know people want to do better in the hair care for their Black and Biracial children. The feedback from each student showed how grateful they are for the information.”

Nicoli Strickland attended the event and found it helpful.

“I want to learn how to do different cultures’ hair and how different everyone’s hair is,” says Strickland, a high school student who attended the evening and plans on pursuing further studies to become a hairstylist. “Some of the stuff I learned here today will help me when I go to hairstyle college.”

Panylo, who was also once a child in care and helped to organize the event, found it long overdue.

“I was involved in the CAS as a child and I was adopted and I grew up in a family that did not know how to do my hair,” says Panylo. “This was something my mom could have used. Hair is such a big part of everyone’s identity.

“Even at a young age we know children are treated differently at school depending on how they look. It means a lot,” says Panylo, as she recalls how one young participant expressed her gratitude. “At the very end, there was a little girl who came up to me and said, ‘My hair looks like you.’ Even at a young age, we know children are treated differently at school depending on how they look. An event like this means a lot.”

For more information on the Durham Hairstylist Academy visit: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/programs-and-learning/hairstylist-academy.aspx

Provincial COVID-19 Testing Update

Fri, 05 Jun 2020 19:15:00 GMT

The province released its COVID-19 testing plan, Protecting Ontarians Through Enhanced Testing. Ontario’s testing guidance now indicates that you should visit an assessment centre if you:

have at least one of the symptoms of COVID-19
do not have symptoms but are concerned you might have been exposed
do not have symptoms but think you are at risk through your employment (for example, if you are an essential or health care worker)
would like to be tested

To support Ontarians who have identified the need to get tested, as of May 24, 2020, people will no longer need a referral to go to any of the more than 130 assessment centres across Ontario for testing. No Ontarian will be declined a test.

Given this expanded guidance, if you do choose to get tested, here are a few important notes:

Testing is voluntary.
You do not need an OHIP card to be tested. It is a free service.
Some assessment centres may require you to book an appointment first or have certain restrictions (for example, some are unable to test young children). Find out more about an assessment centre near you.
You can also take an online self-assessment to help determine if you should get tested.
If you are free of symptoms and have not had contact with anyone confirmed to have COVID-19 when presenting for testing, you will not be required to self-isolate. However, you should self-monitor for symptoms for 14 days regardless of your test result. If you begin to develop symptoms, self-isolate and contact your local public health unit for further advice.

Stay informed and visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19. Local information is also available from your local public health unit.

Secondary Schools Take New Approach to Commencement Ceremonies

Mon, 30 Nov 2020 14:15:00 GMT

Secondary school administrators from Ajax, Oshawa, Cannington and Whitby share how they made graduation special amid COVID-19 restrictions

Since last March, Durham District School Board (DDSB) students and staff have adjusted their daily routines as they continue to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. One of those adjustments includes holding commencement ceremonies for the class of 2020 in October and November, instead of in June.

Secondary schools have made a concerted effort to make their students’ graduations a memorable experience, regardless of restrictions. Here are just a few examples of how this year’s commencement ceremonies were celebrated in the DDSB.

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Ajax

Jeffrey Maharaj, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. We celebrated our graduates by hosting a drive-thru graduation that was scheduled by appointment. Everyone wore masks and we handed out diplomas and J. Clarke Richardson-themed chocolate bars to students, while they remained in their vehicles. Cars were decorated with balloons, and everyone brought the JCR STORM spirit!

Click the following link to view a video of the drive-thru graduation celebration on the @JCR_Storm Twitter page: https://twitter.com/JCR_Storm/status/1316746557593653249

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year?

A. We had 444 graduates in total this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class?

A. Congratulations Richardson’s Class of 2020! We are so proud of you and we wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Maxwell Heights Secondary School, Oshawa

Melissa Hunte, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. In recognizing the importance of celebrating this important milestone, we opted for a ‘Commencement Drive-Thru’ event, which took place over three days and we encouraged families to sign up for a timeslot. We had a pick-up area designated for the grad cap, diploma, and gift. We also had a separate area decorated with balloons, where families could take pictures of and with their graduate. Everything was safe, effective, and efficient. The event was very well received – parents/guardians were over the moon proud and the graduates were happy to celebrate their achievement!

Check out more of our grad photos on the Maxwell Heights SS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/maxwell.heights.ss/?hl=en

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year?

A. We had approximately 380 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class?

It must be clearly stated and recognized that COVID-19 did not reduce, or take away, the multitude of experiences and varied accomplishments achieved during your four years of high school! Your Ontario Secondary School Diploma signifies an accumulation of hard work, dedication, fond memories, and perseverance from so many challenging, yet rewarding situations throughout your time at Maxwell Heights SS.

You all have a lot to be proud of! Congratulations and good luck!

Brock High School, Cannington

James Klodnicki, Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. We offered two ways for families to celebrate. First, we set up a drive-thru commencement ceremony. Families stayed in their vehicles, but students were able to walk the red carpet and get their photos taken by a professional photographer. Second, we presented a virtual commencement ceremony on our YouTube channel, that families could view from the comfort of home. This included remarks from Director Marsh, Chair Braney, Trustee Morton and our current Student Trustee Logan Keeler. After former Student Trustee Tyler West delivered his valedictorian speech, a slideshow with every single graduate’s photo and any awards they received was shown. Approximately 300 people have watched the virtual commencement video on our YouTube channel.

I think this new approach to a graduation ceremony made it far more impactful for students and their families. We were able to make every student feel valued and recognized.

The following link shows one of our graduates, Owen Scetto, walking the red carpet outside the school: https://twitter.com/BrockHighSchool/status/1314676243556691968.

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year?

A. We had 96 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class?

A. Despite the tremendous impact of a pandemic, you matter to us and continue to matter to us. We are so incredibly proud of your achievements and we are greatly anticipating your successes in the future.

Sinclair Secondary School, Whitby

Cheryl Rock, Vice Principal

Q. With the need to follow health and safety guidelines, how did your school celebrate your 2020 graduates?

A. Following social distancing protocol, Sinclair SS graduates were celebrated through a virtual commencement video which premiered on November 6 and is posted on our YouTube channel for families to view until the end of December. The pre-recorded video included greetings from Director Marsh and Chair Braney, special awards announcements, a slideshow showing each graduate and a speech made by 2020 Valedictorian Alexander Gallimore. Currently the video has over 800 views! Graduates received their diplomas and awards via a drive-thru pick up process organized by appointment and located at the main entrance of the school.

Q. Roughly how many graduates did you have this year?

We had 326 graduates this year.

Q. What overall message would you/your staff like to pass on to the 2020 graduating class?

A. We are proud of our graduating class of 2020! Their tenacity and dedication has brought them to the finish line. We wish them continued success in all of their future endeavours.

Update on Staggered Starts for Elementary In-Person Students

Wed, 19 Aug 2020 13:45:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

This message is to inform you of an update we received from the Ministry of Education yesterday (Tuesday August 18) in the late-afternoon.

The Ministry has informed us that staggered starts will be allowed for the first two weeks of school for students attending in-person. As a result, we will be implementing a staggered start for elementary in-person students for two weeks, instead of one week as outlined in our update yesterday. We believe that this will help provide flexibility for families and help ease the transition of your child returning to school, along with learning the health and safety protocols that we will have in place.

Your school principal will be in touch with you next week with more details on how the staggered start will work. At that time, you will have an opportunity to let the school principal know if your child(ren) require any special accommodations for the first two weeks of school. We kindly ask that you wait for your principal to outline next steps as their focus this week continues to be on re-timetabling and staffing the school.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work towards a safe and organized return to school, that starts on Tuesday September 8.

With thanks,

Norah Marsh

Acting Director of Education

Director's Update - December 2023

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 20:30:00 GMT

Dear Families,

This fall, we entered the school year with a focus on impact. Our renewed precision on learning experiences, particularly in the areas of mathematics and literacy, has been key to our work. Our school leaders and educators have invested time, energy, and intellect into refining instruction to improve student learning and success. As I have been visiting classrooms, I see the impact of this effort: students are learning from and with each other, educators are teaching with precision to student needs, classrooms are stimulating, and students are engaged.

These visits have been more than just a routine part of my role. They have been enlightening journeys into the heart of our educational community. It has been a chance to observe, listen, and understand the unique dynamics of each school, discovering what is working well, uncovering areas for improvement, and gaining insight into how we are preparing all learners for new challenges and opportunities.

In these interactions, I have been inspired by our inquisitive students as well as the dedication and innovation demonstrated by our educators and staff teams. Their commitment to fostering a nurturing and engaging learning environment is evident.

Each month at our Board meeting, we get a window into our students’ experiences across the District. Our students demonstrate incredible leadership, sportsmanship, creativity, intellect, citizenship, and care inside and beyond their classrooms. Please take a look at our most recent Good News from the System: youtube.com/watch?v=zCNZPH-H4NE.

As we reflect on this past year, our strength as a community resonates profoundly. We are not just a school board – we are a community that cares about one another. While the world around us may be unpredictable and complex, we continue to model for our young people that we have the capacity to control our actions. The DDSB is committed to taking actions that keep our communities whole, ensuring our spaces remain safe and respectful places to learn and work for everyone. As we support and care for each other, we contribute to the building of strength, safety, and a sense of belonging for every member of our community.

Going into the winter break, many of our students in Grade 12 will start thinking about life after high school. For families and students who are looking at post-secondary schooling options, be sure to get these applications in! The dates are coming up fast. For families whose little ones just completed their first term of Kindergarten, I am confident that you will be delighted by their emerging independence after just four months of school.

Looking ahead, the DDSB is entering an exciting phase as we work toward the establishment of a new multi-year strategic plan in early 2024. The development of this plan has been a collaborative effort, engaging with our community to understand what is truly important. It will represent a refocusing of our energies for the coming years, setting a clear path for the future of our education community. We look forward to sharing more details with you once the plan is adopted by our Board of Trustees.

Over the upcoming weeks, it is important for us all to take a minute to rest and recharge. Please remember to continue to prioritize your health and wellness as many of us will congregate with family and friends indoors over the holiday season.

On behalf of the DDSB, I extend my warm wishes to each and every one of you. May this time be filled with joy, warmth, and rejuvenation. Regardless of your holiday traditions, let this be a time of reflection, connection, and shared moments with friends and loved ones. Your continued support and partnership are appreciated.

Wishing you a joyous holiday season and a bright start to 2024.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Durham District School Board

DDSB welcomes new inductees to Definitely Durham Hall of Fame

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 17:00:00 GMT

Celebrating and showcasing the success of former students and public education in our community, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) is proud to announce the 2023 honourees inducted into the Definitely Durham Hall of Fame.

The 2023 Definitely Durham inductees include:

Stacey Jiggins, World-class volleyball player
Matthew Samuels (‘Boi-1da’), Grammy Award-winning record producer and songwriter
William Levine, Former DDSB Principal and philanthropist

The honourees were celebrated at the February 20, 2024 Board of Trustees Meeting. Following the meeting, a plaque for each inductee will be displayed on the Wall of Fame at the Durham District School Board Education Centre.

Quotes

“There are lots of thanks to give. I have my friends, my family, some teammates, and my children. As you heard earlier, obviously I retired back in 2013 to start a family, and low and behold they’re here to see mom get an award so that’s pretty cool. I want to congratulate first and foremost Bill and Matthew, this is a great honour that we’ll forever be attached from the 2023 Hall of Fame for Durham.”

Stacey Jiggins

“I just want to thank God, thank my family, and friends who always supported me. I want to thank the DDSB and all the great teachers. I would love to talk too, and look into expanding on the music curriculum, modernize it, and keep these kids interested and engaged. That’s a lot of my focus these days. I would love to create something and build and continue to keep the kids interested and keep going.”

Matthew Samuels

“I’d like to start by saying thank you to Valerie Koleski for nominating my father for this award. Thank you to the DDSB for recognizing my father’s contributions to serving this community and inducting him as one of the recipients of the Definitely Durham Award this year. To the other recipients honoured this evening, congratulations and thank you for everything you’ve done to honour this community. On behalf of my family and I, thank you again for recognizing my father for this award.”

Victoria Levine, Bill’s daughter

“At the DDSB, excellence is defined and celebrated in many ways through graduation, through participation, and through the leadership in our students, as our students demonstrate each and every day. As a community of leaders and learners, it is important that we take the time to acknowledge and celebrate excellence within the Board. The three new inductees into the Definitely Durham Hall of Fame exemplify the DDSB’s character traits of teamwork, responsibility, respect, perseverance, optimism, kindness, integrity, honesty, and courage. That speaks volumes. They are positive role models for our students and our whole community. These three individuals have achieved outstanding success in realizing their goals and are from all parts of Durham Region. We are extremely pleased and proud to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of three extraordinary individuals who have lived and learned within the walls of our great schools. We are proud to say that they are Definitely Durham.”

Christine Thatcher, Chair of the Board of Trustees

“To this year’s inductees, we say thank you for raising the bar high and providing us with examples and reminders of our collective goal that DDSB students can and will meet with great future success. We pay tribute to you as outstanding role models for our students of today and into the future. Thank you to the individuals who took the time to nominate someone to the Hall of Fame. You’ve presented the selection committee with a very difficult and unenviable task of selecting from the many nominations that we received.”

Camille Williams-Taylor, Director of Education

To view the 2023 inductees, visit our Definitely Durham Hall of Fame webpage.

Students Celebrate One Another at This Year's Abilities Track and Field Meet

Mon, 11 Jul 2022 14:30:00 GMT

Schools from across the DDSB participate in the Abilities Track and Field Meet

On June 17^th, 2022, elementary and secondary schools from across the Durham District School Board gathered at the Oshawa Civic Fields to participate in the Abilities Track and Field Meet. In partnership with the Durham Elementary Athletic Association (DEAA), the event brought in over 800 student athletes.

The Abilities Track and Field Meet is an annual event celebrating equity, inclusion, and athletic success for students of all abilities. The track meet is modelled after the DEAA Track and Field event with student athletes competing in 20m, 50m, 100m and 200m distance runs, softball throw, shot put and long and high jump.

The students experienced a full day of athletic accomplishment and team building within their own school group and with other schools. The Abilities Meet is an incredible day of friendly competition and unified celebration.

The last Abilities Track and Field meet took place pre-Covid-19 in 2019, where more than 750 student athletes from 83 DDSB elementary and secondary schools competed at the Oshawa Civic Field. Students, coordinators, families, and support staff alike were all elated to be reunited and cheering on those competing. This inclusive event brings pure joy to all those competing and in attendance.

Superintendent of Equitable Education Andrea McAuley lauded DEAA’s efforts in organizing the day. “DEAA does an outstanding job. They run it, and we support it.” A special thank you to Gina Waduck, Athletic Program Coordinator for the DDSB and member of DEAA, and the entire DEAA team for putting on such an incredible day.

Congratulations to all those that competed, what an amazing day shared by all!

Safety Week During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Thu, 08 Oct 2020 15:00:00 GMT

The DDSB holds annual safety week with a focus on learning and working safely during the pandemic

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) raised awareness for Safety Week from September 21-25, 2020. Staff and students used the week to focus on the new health and safety protocols and took time to do fire drills and have an open house online.

Over 100 attendees participated in DDSB’s virtual Safety Week Administrators’ Open House. The keynote speakers for the event were DDSB Mental Health Lead Steffanie Pelleboer and from Durham Region Health Department (DRHD), Program Manager, Regina Elliott and Public Health Nurse Sabrina Pirmohamed.

The presentations focused on the most recent health and safety procedures implemented due to COVID-19 in schools and how everyone can support the mental health and well-being of students and staff.

Pelleboer emphasized that well-being and mental health are fundamental to student achievement.

She said, “Now more than ever students and staff need a chance to learn, a safe place to risk. Someone who notices when something is wrong, someone who reaches out when they notice. Someone who listens and tries to find help for them and someone who believes in them and instills hope.”

Elliott and Pirmohamed informed attendees about how the DRHD is working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and how they are supporting the needs of schools and the community at large.

“We advise schools and school boards on COVID-19 prevention and preparedness strategies,” Elliott said.

As a public health nurse, Pirmohamed reminded everyone that each school has a nurse assigned to them and that they should be the first point of contact, if the school has a confirmed positive case of COVID-19.

Pirmohamed said, “Most importantly, our role is to work together to promote the health and safety of students and staff during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous communication and collaboration is key.”

The open house was recorded and can be viewed at: https://youtu.be/zVVsuKREZeU

Fire Drill at a Distance

Glen Dhu PS held their first official fire drill while following physical distancing measures on September 22^nd.

The students came out of their classrooms in an orderly fashion, with a minimum of one metre apart from each other, in addition to staff and students in Grades 4 to 8 wearing masks.

“I would say that the fire drill went well,” said Keith Wainwright, Principal at Glen Dhu PS. “The students were well prepared for it by their teachers and they took the drill seriously and calmly. It does take some coordination, extra instruction and more time than normal because of the need for physical distancing. However, it only took about 45 seconds longer than normal. The whole drill still was done in good time.”

You're Invited to the DDSB's Third-Annual Student Art Gallery!

Fri, 24 May 2024 19:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is thrilled to announce the third-annual Student Art Gallery, a district-wide art collection showcasing the incredible talents of our students. This year’s theme, “My Journey, My Joy, My Genius,” invites students from Grades 7 to 12 to explore and express their unique perspectives on connection and community.

Join us to celebrate the creativity and artistic achievements of our students through art and music. The gallery will feature a diverse array of artworks, all created and curated by students with the support of our dedicated staff.

Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024

Location: DDSB Education Centre, 400 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby

Event Highlights:

Inspiring artworks from students across the district
Interactive displays and artist statements
Opportunities to meet the young artists and learn about their creative processes

We look forward to seeing you there and celebrating the vibrant artistic community within the DDSB!

For more information, please contact:

Stephanie Aylesworth

Communications Specialist

Durham District School Board

905.666.6136

Stephanie.aylesworth@ddsb.ca

Operation Backpack: Community School Supply Drive

Thu, 29 May 2025 14:30:00 GMT

Durham Region, ON – Every child deserves to begin the school year with a backpack full of supplies and the confidence that comes with being prepared. But for more families than ever, back-to-school costs are a growing challenge, and some students are starting the year without the essentials.

This summer, six local organizations are working together through Operation Backpack to support children and youth heading back to school. The goal is simple: to ensure every student in Durham Region has what they need to feel prepared and confident on their first day of class.

The campaign includes a broad network of donation bins, supply drives, and community events. One highlight, the Stuff the Bus event in August, invites families, businesses, and supporters to help fill backpacks with school supplies for local students.

A First for Durham Region

This is the first time these organizations have coordinated their efforts in a unified way streamlining outreach, reducing duplicate asks, and increasing impact. By working together, the partners are making it easier for donors to give and ensuring more families get the support they need, when they need it most.

The partners include:

Durham Children’s Aid Foundation
Durham Community Health Centre
Ignite Durham Learning Foundation
Simcoe Hall Settlement House
St. Andrews Community Food Bank
United Way of Durham Region

Last year, over 6,000 backpacks were distributed across the Durham Region. This year, by working together, the partners hope to extend their reach and support even more children across the region.

What Partners Are Saying

“It’s not simply about supplies,” says Julie Van Hartingsveldt, Executive Director of Durham Children’s Aid Foundation. “It’s about giving kids the confidence to walk into school ready to learn. And when we coordinate our efforts, we can do that better—for more families.”

“Last year, we supported nearly 1,600 students, and we know the need is growing,” says Tiffany Kift, Executive Director of Simcoe Hall Settlement House. “Working in partnership means we can go further, reduce overlap, and make it easier for the public to support one coordinated effort. It’s about putting the needs of families first and finding ways to work smarter as a community.”

We see the impact that access to basic supplies has on a student’s confidence and ability to learn,” says Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. “When families are struggling to meet basic needs, something like a full backpack can make all the difference. It’s exciting to be part of a region-wide effort that puts dignity first and ensures we’re reaching as many students as possible, together.”

“We’ve seen year after year how generous our community can be,” says Cindy Murray, CEO of United Way of Durham Region. “By coming together, we’re creating one clear, united path for people to give and for students to receive the support they deserve.”

“St. Andrew’s has always believed in walking alongside our neighbours,” says Emily Fern, Director of the St. Andrew’s Community Food Bank in Whitby. “Being part of this shared initiative lets us contribute in a way that lifts up families across our region with real, tangible support.”

How to Help

Community members can get involved by:
Dropping off school supplies at public donation bins (locations will be posted online)
Donating online to help fund supplies
Hosting a donation bin at your workplace, school, or place of worship
Attending Stuff the Bus on:
Wednesday, August 6, 2025
12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Staples in the Oshawa Centre Parking Lot

To donate, get involved, or view the full supply list, visit:

https://idlf.givecloud.co/operationbackpack

backpacks@unitedwaydr.com

Operation Backpack.

Local kids. Local impact. Let’s get them ready.

Music Teacher Leads School Band to Perform at Toronto Jazz Festival

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 15:15:00 GMT

For Ms. Amy Peck, teaching music at Uxbridge Secondary School isn’t just a job—it’s a homecoming. Now in her 25th year of teaching, she’s returned to the school where her musical journey began, leading a new generation of students with the same inspiration she once received.

After building programs at O’Neill Collegiate, Donald A. Wilson, and Brooklin high schools, Ms. Peck leapt at the chance to return to Uxbridge Secondary School. “It’s such a special place,” she says. “It gave me my musical voice, and I feel so lucky to be back where it all started.”

That passion is clear in the success of the school’s jazz ensemble, the Third Avenue Jazz Band. An extracurricular group, the band earned a gold standard at a music fest in May and had the honour to be asked to perform at the prestigious Big Band Slam during the Toronto Jazz Festival—alongside top arts schools from across the province.

“This group is really like a family,” says Peck. “They’ve pushed themselves hard and created something truly special together.”

While many senior members are graduating this year, Ms. Peck is focused on celebrating the moment. “There’s something magical happening in our music room. Students are connecting, practicing, and growing—not just as musicians, but as people.”

She credits the strong arts team and supportive school community, including opportunities for students to perform in town festivals and work with guest artists. “It’s exactly what I hoped music education could be—creative, collaborative, and community-connected.”

Students Brandon Czmorek, Ewan Matthew, and Freddy Hall agree that the community feel and collaboration have led to creativeness and an unforgettable experience they have all felt as part of the music program and band over their high school career.

Brandon, currently graduating from Grade 11 says “Everything about this music community and program is great. We all help each other.”

“I wasn’t thinking about pursuing music, but hearing about Ms. Peck and the people in the program is what led me to stay in the program for the last three years,” says Brandon who currently plays the trombone and bass trombone.

Ewan, who along with Freddy will be graduating this year says he felt the community energy, and this was the reason why he became involved in the program.

Freddy agrees, stating “Ms. Peck was a big part of his getting involved in the band. He wasn’t sure if it was something he wanted to pursue, but he gives all the credit to Ms. Peck.

Freddy, like many other members of the Third Avenue Jazz Band, were really looking forward to the experience of performing at the Toronto Jazz Festival. “I think it’ll be really crowded, I think it’ll be a lot of pressure, but I’m really excited for it. it’s a pretty big honour.”

“I feel like this is our last performance with the band, and it’s going to feel different,” said Ewan prior to the Toronto Jazz Festival performance at The Rex Hotel.

Brandon will be returning to school next year and has plans to mentor newer and younger members of both the music program and the band.

Plans are already underway for next year’s various performances and student-led events, says Ms. Peck who is energized by what’s ahead. “The students have brilliant ideas, and I can’t wait to see what they come up with next.”

Appointment of Indigenous Trustee Chad Cowie

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad Cowie as First Nation Representative Trustee to the Board of Trustees for the remainder of the 2022-2026 term of the Board.

In accordance with Ontario Regulation 462/97 and Section 188 of the Education Act, Chad Cowie was selected for appointment by the Council of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. The Board of Trustees passed a motion approving the appointment on July 21, 2025, and Chad Cowie will be sworn in at a Special Board meeting expected to take place on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Once sworn in, Trustee Cowie will have the same rights, roles, and responsibilities as all other members of the Board of Trustees.

The appointment of an Indigenous Trustee aligns with DDSB’s commitments to upholding the principles of and responsibilities under the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action and the Board’s Indigenous Education Policy.

This appointment will support the continued growth of a meaningful partnership and will foster opportunities for ongoing, respectful collaboration to ensure DDSB students, families, staff, and community members who identify as First Nation, Métis or Inuit benefit from having a Board member who understands their perspectives, lived experiences, strengths, and needs.

Quotes:

"I am thankful and looking forward to assisting in the continued work that the DDSB has embarked upon over the last few years not only in relationship to UNDRIP and TRC recommendations, but also in relationship to treaty partners - including the Michi Saagiig Nishinbaabeg peoples and communities such as the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. As an Assistant Professor of Political Science, with focus on Indigenous politics, who is also a Michi Saagiig individual living in the district, I am eager to support and assist with not only a way to further understanding with Indigenous peoples but also one that assists with the path forward of reconciliation and strengthening the DDSB and surrounding community."

- Chad Cowie, Indigenous Trustee, DDSB Board of Trustees

“On behalf of the DDSB’s Board of Trustees, I want to express our gratitude to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and Mr. Cowie for their ongoing partnership. This appointment upholds the DDSB’s commitment and responsibility to Indigenous education, respects the distinct rights of Indigenous Peoples, and fosters inclusion through representation. We look forward to working alongside Mr. Cowie beginning in September.”

- Tracy Brown, Chair, DDSB Board of Trustees

About Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 12,000 staff in a wide variety of roles and is one of the largest employers in Durham Region. With 138 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 80,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram @ddsbschools and on YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Durham Region Cyber Breach Information and FAQ

Mon, 10 May 2021 14:00:00 GMT

The Regional Municipality of Durham has asked us to provide assistance in delivering their notice to Durham District School Board (DDSB) families about a cybersecurity incident that occurred with a third-party software provider used by the Durham Region Health Department.

Regrettably, this incident involved personal information of most DDSB students and their families. All school boards are required to share this personal information with their local public units, under the Immunization of School Pupils Act.

Please read the Regional Municipality of Durham’s notification letter that was sent to affected families by e-mail on Monday, May 10, 2021. Letters are also being sent to impacted families where we do not have an e-mail address on file. It outlines the nature of the cyber security incident and the steps the municipality has taken to address the situation.

The municipality has established a dedicated call centre to answer any questions you may have about the incident. Please call 1-833-526-0566, Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. with any questions you have. You can also visit durham.ca/CyberSecurity for any updated information.

We have been assured by the Regional Municipality of Durham that they have resolved the security vulnerability of their computer systems in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the school board send personal information about students to the health unit, and what does the health unit do with this information?

Under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, the Durham District School Board is required to share this student and family information with the Durham Region Health Department. Public health units use this information to maintain immunization records of students and to plan and prepare annual vaccination efforts in local schools. The information includes student OEN numbers, names, date of birth, address, school location, grade and class information, in addition to parent/guardian name and contact numbers.

How many students at the Board have been affected by the Durham Region cyber incident?

At the Durham District School Board, approximately 73,000 students and their families have been affected.

What is the Ontario Education Number (OEN) and how is it used?

The Ontario Education Number (OEN) is one part of the data shared with the public health unit. It is a student identification number assigned by the Ministry of Education to elementary and secondary students across the province. The number, which is unique to every student, is used as the key identifier on a student's school records, and it follows the student through their elementary and secondary education.

The OEN allows school boards and the Ministry of Education to maintain reliable records on the movement and progress of individual students through elementary and secondary school.

Will the release of my child’s OEN compromise their personal information security at the Board?

The unauthorized disclosure of a student’s OEN poses a relatively low security risk that is being addressed.

The DDSB uses OENs as part of our online authentication processes, to ensure parents and guardians have access to the information for their children only. For example, we use it for parents/guardians to set up an account to access to the parent portal and the online release of report cards in combination with other authentication steps.

In addition, as a result of the Durham Region cybersecurity incident, DDSB will no longer solely use OENs to authenticate any student information accessed by families.

Durham Student Transportation Services currently uses OEN and/or Date of Birth as part of their bus route look-up system. They are working on developing new, more secure authentication going forward.

Does the DDSB contact families asking for personal or credit card information?

No, the DDSB does not randomly contact families asking for personal or credit card information. While we do not have any reason to believe families will be contacted as a result of the cybersecurity incident, if you are ever unsure, please hang up or verify the e-mail received. You can always contact your child’s school at the contact information posted on the school website.

More information on phishing (a type of unsolicited e-mail) and how to protect yourself can be found in this helpful PDF explainer.

I have specific questions about the nature of the incident and the type of information released. Where do I go for answers?

The Regional Municipality of Durham has established a dedicated call centre to answer any questions you may have about the incident. Please call at 1-833-526-0566, Monday- Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET with any questions you have. In addition, please visit durham.ca/CyberSecurity for any updated information.

Information for the 2022-2023 school year

Sun, 27 Nov 2022 21:00:00 GMT

We are pleased to welcome students, families and staff back to another year of learning at the Durham District School Board. Please view current information for the 2022-23 school year on our website.

Brooklyn's Book Battles Bullying

Fri, 20 Jan 2023 13:45:00 GMT

Peer relationships often define a student’s school experience.

What do you do when a peer relationship goes south? This was the case for one student who turned her experiences into what she hopes can be a resource that could help others.

“I experienced bullying and thought that if I put my experience into a book or just some words to paper it may help someone else,” says Brooklyn Doucette who recently completed her Grade 9 year.

Brooklyn wrote her book “Navigating Life” while completing elementary school. In the book she writes about how to deal with bullying.

“The book uses a lot of metaphors to compare bullying to stages of driving. Like using fuel is like pumping you up and giving you the confidence to deal with bullies,” says Crystal Doucette Brooklyn’s mom.

“She received positive feedback from teachers at her elementary school as they saw her come into her own in understanding and overcoming this situation,” says Crystal proudly as she describes what the process had done for her daughter.

“It made me proud as a parent to see how far she has come and has developed,” says Crystal.

It was a struggle during COVID-19 to get the book published but they were able to get back on track. In all, it took almost a year to complete with help from family and others. Brooklyn describes the book as something for everyone who would like more strategies on dealing with bullying.

“I was really excited, when my family members and friends asked if they could have the book,” says Brooklyn. “My Vice Principal cried when she read the book. I knew it was a good cry and people were happy for me.”

“Brooklyn is an empathetic and kind young person who is using her own experiences with social conflict to help others,” says Lauren McPhee, a Psychometrist with the DDSB who worked with Brooklyn to overcome of the challenges she encountered.

“She hopes to send the message that students are not alone and that they too can get through difficult times. The analogy she uses in her book is relatable and hopeful,” says McPhee.

Since publishing the book Brooklyn moved on to high school and has enjoyed relationships that are more positive and uplifting, but it wasn’t the move to high school that changed her current and future relationships. Brooklyn implemented the strategies she worked on with her counsellors and others to better cope and succeed in managing her relationships.

All students within the DDSB are encouraged to reach out to someone at their school if they are struggling with the experiences of bullying or if it feels like they may be working through a mental health issue. A guidance counsellor, student success teacher, special education teacher or classroom teacher can help. We also have a team of psychological services and social work staff, someone like Lauren McPhee, who can provide professional support, along with mental health and addiction nurses and community-based mental health workers. Reaching out is easy and confidential, through this form: https://forms.ddsb.ca/Mental-Health/School-Based-Mental-Health-Support

Call For Artists 2026

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 16:30:00 GMT

DDSB receives funding for three new elementary schools

Wed, 22 May 2024 15:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has announced that it has been granted funding from the Ministry of Education for the construction of three new elementary schools, a significant investment that will address accommodation pressures and ensure accessible, high-quality education for all students.

Two of the new schools will be situated in Whitby, with locations at Maskell Crescent and Coronation Road, and Cisco Drive and Limoges Street, respectively. The third school will be situated in Oshawa, located at Symington Avenue and Steeplechase Street. Each of these schools will accommodate 634 pupil spaces, supporting the growing needs within the District.

“These new schools not only support our commitment to providing accessible education, but also underscore our dedication to creating spaces where all students can thrive,” said Christine Thatcher, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees. “We eagerly anticipate the positive impact these schools will have on our community.”

Added Ontario Minister of Education Stephen Lecce, “We are stepping up with a massive investment to build the homes, schools, and communities our province needs, and to ensure children have access to state-of-the-art schools close to home that gives them real life and job skills to succeed in the future.”

These new schools mark a significant milestone in the DDSB’s ongoing dedication to meet the evolving needs within the District. The new builds are responsive to the demographic shift occurring within Durham Region and will serve as educational hubs and inclusive spaces where all students can realize their potential.

The DDSB extends its gratitude to the Government of Ontario, the Ministry of Education, Education Minister Stephen Lecce, Whitby MPP Lorne Coe, Durham MPP Todd McCarthy, Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Durham Region Chair John Henry, and Oshawa and Whitby Trustees for their support and advocacy that have made these projects a reality.

Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural communities of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships and the cities and towns of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. We employ over 10,000 teaching and educational services staff in 135 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres. DDSB has more than 79,000 regular day students and thousands more who take continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Sewing Studio Visits David Bouchard PS

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 18:30:00 GMT

“In sewing, can I make a fanny pack?” asks Gabby, a Grade 4 student at David Bouchard PS, while walking up to one of the Sewing Studio facilitators at her school for the day.

Jay (Jonathan Goorbarry) let’s Gabby know that their class is making something different, but he’ll see if some of the materials will be left over, and if so, he’ll help with that fanny pack.

Jay is part of the Sewing Studio group visiting schools in Durham and across the GTA to not only help children learn valuable sewing skills and techniques, but to also break down stereotypes.

“Sewing is an avenue to breaking down barriers,” explains Matthew Boateng, a sewing facilitator with the program and former Toronto Argonauts defensive back who got involved in the program during an offseason.

“The best part of the program are the barriers that are being broken. Sewing is an avenue to breaking those barriers,” says Boateng. “The program is a great thing to do and a great opportunity while being around kids.”

The students are impacted by more than just the sewing, safety techniques, learning to backstitch and making pouches and fanny packs.

Boateng recalls the impact of an encounter he and his young family had with students he recently taught to sew. “I was at [Canada’s] Wonderland with my family and a group of kids ran up to me saying ‘You taught me how to make a bowtie’, while another one showed off the pouch we made in class.”

That encounter wasn’t just about the sewing, but the positive connection that was built with students while using sewing as the connector.

Many of the facilitators are former professional athletes and appear as people you would never peg as someone who would teach sewing, much less make their own garments explained Boateng. That is the draw and first step to breaking barriers.

Keegan, a Grade 8 student attending the day’s sewing activities, took the opportunity to make a fanny pack and brush up on his sewing skills.

“I learned something new in how to do a backstitch,” says Keegan, who made a pouch for his sunglasses. “I knew how to sew, but I learned how to use the sewing machine carefully and how to backstitch.”

The program provides an opportunity to have Sewing Studio staff speak with students to show them that it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from – you can do anything.

Information about The Denise Wild’s Sewing Studio

The Denise Wild’s Sewing Studio is a dynamic, engaging sewing workshop that breaks the creative mold! The Sewing Studio’s team of stereotype-busting mentors guide each student through to success, teaching everyone how to sew using a sewing machine.

Children gain confidence, develop their growth mindset, and complete their very own customized project from start to finish, all while being motivated and inspired.

New Surveys Available for DDSB Students and Families

Thu, 25 Jun 2020 13:45:00 GMT

(updated Monday, June 29, 2020)

As we plan for the re-opening of schools this fall, the Durham District School Board (DDSB) is soliciting feedback to help inform our approach. While much of the structure of learning and school operations will be directed by the Ministry of Education and public health officials, we have created two surveys to seek the feedback of students and parents/guardians on the re-opening of schools.

The DDSB would like to thank all survey participants in advance for their contributions, which will assist us in supporting students and families for the re-opening of schools this fall.

The student survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/School2020-21Student

The parent/guardian survey can be accessed at: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SchoolYr2020-2021

Participation in these surveys is voluntary, anonymous and very much appreciated! Both surveys close at 11:59pm on Tuesday June 30^th.

While there are still many unknowns regarding the upcoming school year, we have learned a great deal during the emergency school shut-down period to assist us as we move forward. The DDSB thanks our students, families and staff for their patience and understanding during what has been an unparalleled time.

Statement - Events in Saskatechewan

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 19:00:00 GMT

The DDSB would like to send our thoughts and support to all those affected by the tragic events in the James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, Saskatchewan. Although we realize that this is an ongoing situation, our sincere condolences go out to the loved ones of those who have been directly impacted by this tragedy.

As these events can be deeply upsetting, if your family requires support, please feel free to contact your child(ren)’s school, as there are resources available. Families/caregivers may also Connect-with-our-Mental-Health-Team. This is not a crisis service. If the need or risk requires immediate attention, contact 911 or call KidsHelpPhone at 1-800-668-6868.

Attention all Grade 12's!!!!

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 17:45:00 GMT

Remember to hand in your chromebook and charger in the Main Office after your last exams!!!!

Newcomers to Canada Find Employment with the Help of DDSB

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Arriving in a new country to start life over is a daunting task that many of us have never had to think about.

For many new Canadians, this is a life decision not taken lightly. They often spend years planning and considering how they are going to make it work for themselves and their family members.

Thoughts of being able to find a job in their career field and children being able to attend school can consume our new neighbours.

The Durham Continuing Education (DCE) program for internationally trained professionals tries to ease this worry and anxiety for new students by offering an Enhanced Language Training (ELT) course for newcomers. This course is designed to teach strategies for finding and keeping employment while matching the skills of the student to their next job.

The ELT program is funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and assists newcomers in finding work by teaching students about where and how to find employment, Canadian workplace culture, interview skills, resume writing, and more.

Staff recognize that newcomers to Canada, regardless of skill, education, and experience may face challenges finding meaningful employment and often take survival jobs to make ends meet. Programs like ELT at DCE increase opportunities for students by removing barriers and connecting newcomers like Mortilaine Riley with good employers in the Durham Region.

Mortilaine came to Canada from the beautiful island of Jamaica after deciding to join her family in Durham in 2020. She settled into her new country and started to look for work. Mortilaine had a good education, skills, and talent but says she was getting advice that was “not always ‘on point’.”.

One of the recommendations Mortilaine received was to enrol in the ELT program. The worker she met knew she would learn how to reconnect with her profession in Canada.

Mortilaine laughs when she compares the difference in her resume from back home to the standard here in Canada. “I certainly learned a lot. In Jamaica, the more you can put on your resume the better but that’s not so in Canada. It’s a different country, a different culture, and newcomers need help to understand the work environment.” says Mortilaine.

Mortilaine proved successful in learning quickly with guidance of her instructor Dorothy from the DDSB. “Dorothy was great! She has been the ELT instructor at Durham Continuing Education for five years and she has helped so many newcomers. It was not just a job for her,” says Mortilaine, “I could definitely see her passion and her heart to really help and that is something that is very rare. I felt like she was really invested in seeing the students succeed.”

Before coming to Canada Mortilaine was an Instructional Technologist and Digital Design Specialist, which means she designed content for online courses. Working with her ELT coordinator, she was able to secure an internship at Ontario Tech University in the Teaching and Learning Centre. Within days of beginning her internship, the Director asked Mortilaine to apply to a current job posting.

Mortilaine interviewed and was hired as an Educational Developer shortly afterwards. She is grateful for the friends met in class, the connections made and the generous help of dedicated employees like Dorothy and Maureen the ELT coordinator who helped her along the way.

If you would like to learn more about the Enhanced Language Training (ELT) reach out and have all your questions answered at DCE.ca

First Annual DASS Student Art Exhibit

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 14:30:00 GMT

Over 50 student works on display at Station Gallery until June 30

When Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS) Visual Arts teacher Ashley Chambers started working at the Pickering location in February, she knew she wanted to make a difference in her students’ lives and contribute to the changed narrative of her school.

“We are aware of the historical negative stigma associated with DASS, and I wanted an opportunity to showcase to the community the reality of how amazing DASS and our students are,” says Chambers.

Chambers connected with Principal Kim Stuart and the teachers at other DASS locations to brainstorm a special project that would shine a light on the incredible artistic journeys and creations happening in DASS Visual Arts classrooms.

Once the project received the green light, Chambers met with curator Olexander Wlasenko to secure an annual partnership with the Whitby Station Gallery who were delighted to showcase student art throughout June.

From March to the end of May, students from every DASS location, many who had never taken a Visual Arts class before, channeled their imaginations and created multiple inspiring art pieces. The art came to life as mixed media, photography, drawings, paintings, and sculptures.

On June 20, staff, students, families, and friends gathered at Station Gallery to celebrate with an opening reception.

Alexsia Crawford, a graduating DASS student, was intrigued by the photography lessons in Ms. Chambers’ class.

“I had never thought about photography before, but I started taking photos of everything. It just came naturally after that. It opened a whole new world in my mind,” says Crawford.

After graduation, Crawford plans to work for a year then pursue a photography program at a school in Montreal the following year.

Sarah Mansoor, a DASS student at the Regional Centre for Success, has always had a passion for drawing. In teacher Mary Beamer’s class at Durham College, she was able to continue drawing while learning.

“Art eases my mind and I’ve always been good at multitasking so being able to do both at school created a relaxed environment that helped me succeed,” says Mansoor.

Mansoor creates landscape drawings using a variety of pencils and techniques. Some drawings are of iconic Toronto landmarks, beautiful rolling hills and markets in Pakistan, and some are fantastical architecture straight from her imagination.

Her detailed drawings caught the eye of Wlasenko and Mansoor has now been offered her very own exhibit expected to open in October 2024.

Chambers says she is incredibly proud of all the students and is excited to see what they do next.

“This is about celebrating students who don’t have the same opportunities as their composite peers. It’s been amazing to see them discover, experiment, excel, and believe in themselves,” says Chambers. “They are packed with potential and deserve to be celebrated.”

View photos of the opening reception on the DDSB Facebook page.

To learn more about DASS visit their website.

View Global News Durham’s coverage of the opening reception.

Durham College CICE Program Information Night

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 13:30:00 GMT

Secondary Students Return to In-Person Learning on Monday, January 17

Thu, 13 Jan 2022 01:15:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Earlier today, the Ministry of Education officially announced that all schools in Ontario will return to in-person learning on Monday, January 17 and all in-person schools will resume a full-day schedule. We understand that this change may be stressful for some families and we acknowledge the uncertainty that some of you may be feeling during this period of continued change.

We know how important your child’s educators and school administration are to you in answering questions. With the move back to in-person learning, their first responsibility will be to support the health and safety of students who are in the school building. For that reason, there may be a delay in their communications with individual families. Please be patient as they focus on creating a safe and welcoming school environment.

We are sharing some updates with you below as part of this message to secondary families. Your school principal will be in touch with more updates later this week as they become available. We ask for your patience so that we can prepare up-to-date and accurate information to share with you.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

Testing and Masks

The Ministry has indicated that they are providing two COVID-19 rapid antigen tests for in-person students and staff and we will share more information on this as we receive it. They have also provided a supply of high-quality three-ply cloth masks that schools will be distributing to students. In addition, all staff are being offered non-fit tested N95 masks to wear while working in-person.

Sharing COVID-19 Data in Schools

Following a motion from the DDSB Board of Trustees, we are preparing to share data to the extent it is available, on confirmed and presumed cases of COVID-19 in DDSB schools, including self-reporting of COVID-19 test results. We will also be sharing information on school and class closures and unusual rates of absenteeism in schools. Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with families through this public reporting.

In addition, we have received direction from the Chief Medical Officer of Health to report absenteeism that is at or above 30% and the Durham Regional Health Department will then support the school in terms of any key steps families or schools need to take. However, we will be reporting out absenteeism publicly by school when it reaches 15%.

Potential Impact on School Staffing

With the spread of the Omicron variant, it is expected that more people will be required to self-isolate due to being in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 and this challenge, like in all employment sectors, will have an impact upon the staffing of schools. We will be taking additional steps to help reduce the possibility of school closures including combining classes or assigning students to different classes to ensure adequate and effective supervision. We will continue to be following class size standards in all scenarios.

While closing a school is our last option, we want to highlight the possibility that individual schools may need to close to ensure that children remain safe and have appropriate levels of supervision. While we will endeavour to provide as much notice as possible to parents/guardians, this may not always be possible and there may be times where parents/guardians are notified of a school closure on short notice.

Rotating Planned School Closures

As a strategy to mitigate the emergency closures of schools, the Ministry of Education has authorized up to one day/week where schools may do planned closures. At this time, the DDSB will not be implementing this strategy. However, we do anticipate that each elementary school will be closed for one day between now and Family Day Weekend to alleviate staffing shortages. More information will be provided from individual schools with notice.

Getting Vaccinated

Vaccination continues to be the most effective strategy to reduce COVID-19 transmission and the severity of symptoms. Please get vaccinated if you have not already done so, and if you are eligible for a second or third dose, please consider booking an appointment to help provide yourself with additional protection. Please read the notice below for an update from the Durham Region Health Department.

Increased Number of Vaccination Appointments

The Health Department has increased COVID-19 vaccine appointments at community immunization clinics in Durham Region. Over 10, 0000 appointments have been made available until January 17. This includes appointments for school staff over 30+ and children/youth 5 – 17 years old. The Health Department continues to open 200 - 400 additional appointments daily for those aged 30 and older related to late cancellations and no shows. To book an appointment, visit www.durham.ca/vaccineappointment

Lakeridge Health

Lakeridge Health offers immunization to individuals 5 years of age and older. The clinic is located at 2200 Simcoe Street, North Oshawa and operates from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Call 905-571-3344 for more information.

Grandview Kids Clinics

Grandview Kids is offering COVID-19 vaccine appointments for Durham residents 5 – 17 years of age. These clinics provide a child-friendly environment in an accessible building. Children and youth do not need to be a client of Grandview Kids to access this service. To book an appointment for your child or youth, visit Grandview Kids.

Carea Immunization Clinics

The south Oshawa location of Carea Community Health Centre (115 Grassmere Ave., Oshawa) is offering Moderna vaccine to individuals aged 30 and older, by appointment only. First, second and third doses are available between January 10^th and January 25^th. Call 1-877-227-3217 for more information and to book an appointment.

GO-VAXX Mobile Clinics

COVID-19 vaccines are also available for individuals ages 5 and older through the provincial GO-VAXX program. This program uses GO transit buses as vaccine clinics. These clinics are available by appointment only. Find out when, where and how to book an appointment to get vaccinated at a GO-VAXX bus clinic.

Pharmacies and Health Care Providers

Designated health care providers and pharmacy locations in the community are offering COVID-19 vaccines to individuals 5 years of age and older. Appointments are typically required. Check with the health care provider or pharmacy directly before you go.

For more information, please visit durham.ca/covidvaccines

Locker Information

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 18:30:00 GMT

Need a locker?

Lockers are assigned by your home room teacher or from the office for those on spare. Students who have claimed a locker not using this process are asked to vacate the locker. Lockers claimed without the proper process may be cut. Thank you.

DDSB Statement on Hate-Based Attack in London, Ontario

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 18:30:00 GMT

The terrorist attack on a Muslim family that occurred in London, Ontario on Sunday, June 6, 2021 is a horrific example of the ongoing events that continue to impact the lives of community members who continue to experience marginalization and stigmatization. The Durham District School Board extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and everyone impacted by this hate-based Islamophobic attack.

This is a stark reminder of the importance of the DDSB’s commitment to anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-colonial learning and working environments that centre human rights and equity, and are safe, welcoming, respectful, equitable, accessible, inclusive and free from discrimination. Islamophobia has no place in the DDSB and we are dedicated to ensure safe spaces for Muslim community members throughout the system.

The DDSB is committed to providing support for those impacted by recent events. For students, we encourage you to connect with a teacher, school administrator or our social work and psychological services teams by connecting with our mental health team. For staff, we encourage you to reach out to trusted colleagues or to contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

Leading the Conversation About Substance Use

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:15:00 GMT

Students participate in the 5^th Annual “The Leader in Me: Awareness to Action” Conference

For the past five years, the Durham Youth Drug Awareness Committee (DYDAC) has been hosting an annual student conference entitled “The Leader in Me: Awareness to Action.”

DYDAC is a collaborative committee comprised of representatives from the Durham District School Board (DDSB), Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB), Carea Community Health Centre, Durham Region Public Health, and Pinewood Centre of Lakeridge Health.

On October 22^nd,secondary students from the DDSB, DCDSB, and Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board (KPRDSB), and the French school board Conseil scolaire Viamonde, gathered at the Pope Francis Convention Centre in Oshawa to learn and share ideas about substance awareness initiatives.

Over the course of the day, students rotated through a variety of sessions that touched on topics from opioids and alcohol to vaping and cannabis, with the end goal being to brainstorm awareness campaigns to launch in their schools.

The Impact of Drugs and Alcohol

“We want them to gain an understanding of the key issues that impact substance use in adolescents, and be able to bring back some new campaign ideas to their schools,” explains Dan Hogan, Violence Prevention and Substance Abuse Coordinator at the DDSB.

In the session about alcohol consumption, Amy Rukaruck, a Health Promoter at Carea Community Health Centre, shared the importance of knowing what a substance use problem looks like. “In the case of binge drinking, the usual factors include having five or more drinks in one occasion and/or drinking very quickly to get drunk,” explains Rukaruck.

She adds that it is important to notice these things, because it could potentially save someone’s life if they become unconscious and need to be put in the recovery position. The recovery position is used to prevent suffocation via an obstruction of the airway, which can happen to an unconscious person.

Afterwards, students were able to attempt to walk a straight line, piece together a puzzle, and pour accurate measurements of drinks all while wearing fatal vision goggles.

Fatal vision goggles are a simulation tool that allows users to experience what it’s like to navigate simple tasks after alcohol or cannabis consumption.

Students quickly realized the impact impairment has on the eyes and brain, and why it is important to always consider the amount of consumption before doing anything that could potentially harm themselves or someone else.

By the end of the day, students identified the most pressing topics they wanted to address at their schools, and conceptualized health campaigns they thought would have significant impact on their peers.

Hogan notes that “The Leader in Me” Conference is the first step students can take in creating a greater awareness regarding substance use in their school community.

November 8 - All DDSB Schools Open

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:15:00 GMT

Earlier today, various announcements and media reports indicated that the Government of Ontario has confirmed in writing to CUPE that they will be repealing Bill 28 and CUPE has publicly announced that they will be ending their labour action today and returning to work tomorrow.

As a result, all DDSB schools will be open to in-person learning on Tuesday, November 8.

It is our understanding that negotiations with CUPE will continue and we are hopeful that an agreement can be reached. We will continue to provide families with updates should any relevant information come forward.

We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding over the last week and we look forward to seeing students at school tomorrow.

Students shine at 2nd Annual Inclusive Skills Competition

Fri, 08 Mar 2024 13:15:00 GMT

For the second year in a row, students of all abilities put their practical and culinary learning to the test for the Inclusive Skills Baking Competition. Hosted at Uxbridge Secondary School, students in the Practical Learning Program (PLP) at schools across DDSB brought their smiles and ‘A’ game for a fun day and some friendly competition.

Leading up to the competition, students with different abilities were paired up with Uxbridge SS culinary arts students. Together, they practiced kitchen safety, measuring, and decorating.

The result was as delicious as you can imagine with students baking tea biscuits, cookies, and soft pretzels. With huge grins, they proudly showed off their culinary creations to judges and their excited families who were cheering them on from the gallery.

After their hard work in the kitchen, every student was presented with a “Durham Skills Challenge” medal and a certificate of excellence.

Back again this year to judge was BBQ Naz of the Food Network, country singer Leah Daniels, Uxbridge SS alumnus Noelle Hobor, and Grade 11 student Ella Goodwill.

With this being Noelle’s second year volunteering to organize and judge the competition, she has seen first-hand the evolution from last year to now.

“This year we really prioritized relationship building between the pairs ahead of the competition to allow them time to bond and learn together,” says Hobor. “The best part is seeing all the big smiles and watching their skills and confidence flourish.”

Organizing the competition is a labour of love for David Brown, Head of Culinary Arts at Uxbridge SS, as well as for the student volunteers. “We wouldn’t be able to run this without the student volunteers. There’s no bigger heart than the heart of a volunteer,” says Brown.

As for the future of the competition, Inclusive Student Services Instructional Facilitator Geoff Tunnard says he hopes it inspires other schools to think about how they can incorporate inclusivity into programs that already exist like culinary arts.

“It'd also be great to see more inclusivity in other cooperative education trades programs in schools and at the provincial skills competition,” says Tunnard. “An event like this is everything we look for in education.”

Durham Region Health Department - Fall Newsletter 2023

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 17:45:00 GMT

This is a message being shared on behalf of the Durham Region Health Department.

Is your child up to date with their immunizations?

This winter, your child may receive an Immunization Notice from the Durham Region Health Department if they are missing records of vaccines required for school.

Here is what you should know:

The Durham Region Health Department will be enforcing suspensions for students overdue for required vaccines under the Immunization of School Pupils Act for the 2023-2024 school year.
If the Durham Region Health Department has not received record of your child receiving these required vaccines, they will be at risk of suspension.
Your child may have received these vaccines already through their primary healthcare provider, but they have not yet been reported to the Durham Region Health Department.

Here is what you should do next:

Talk to your health care provider to find out if your child is up to date.
Provide an up-to-date immunization record to the health department:

o Online at durham.ca/immunize
o Over the phone by calling (905) 666-6242
o By providing a copy to your child’s school
o By mail

If you receive a letter, compare the record on the letter with your health care provider’s record.
If your child needs vaccines, see if you can make an appointment with your health care provider.

o You can also make a plan with your health care provider to receive any missing vaccines in the future. If you do not have a health care provider, try calling walk-in clinics. Bring the letter with you to your appointment.

o If you do not have valid Ontario Health Insurance, or are having difficulty getting an appointment, please call us at (905) 666-6242 or visit durham.ca/immunize to book an immunization appointment.

You can view or report immunizations online using the Immunization Connect Ontario (ICON) tool. ICON allows you to report and view your child's immunizations online any time. Be sure to attach a picture of your child’s immunization record. Learn more about reporting immunizations online using the ICON tool at durham.ca/immunize.

DDSB Reaches Agreements with OSSTF (PSSP) and ETFO (DECE) Bargaining Units

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 01:30:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) has reached renewed collective agreements with Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP) and Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Designated Early Childhood Educators (DECE) bargaining units.

The DDSB ratified both agreements at a Special Board Meeting on November 2, 2020, while PSSP and DECE reached ratification of their agreements respectively on October 20 and October 28. The DDSB continues to collectively bargain with eight remaining bargaining units to reach an agreement.

Quotes:

“The Durham District School Board values the partnership that we have with our labour partners. We are pleased to reach an agreement with OSSTF Professional Student Services Personnel and ETFO Designated Early Childhood Educator bargaining units. The important role that these two employee groups play in serving students and the system is crucial to ensuring student success and well-being.“

– Chris Braney, Chair, Durham District School Board

"The Professional Student Services Personnel (PSSP) Bargaining Unit of District 13 OSSTF is happy to have reached a collective agreement with the Durham District School Board. We are grateful for the efforts of both parties to come together to reach an agreement that supports public education in Durham."

– Jennifer Seif, President, Professional Student Services Personnel (OSSTF District 13)

"After our members experienced a very challenging round of provincial bargaining this year, I am pleased to announce that we have reached and ratified a local agreement with the DDSB. Through many collaborative discussions with the Board over the last 5 months we believe that a fair agreement was reached that will meet many of the needs for our members.”

– Rayna Barrese, President, Designated Early Childhood Educators Local (ETFO Durham)

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Education Finance Committee Meetings regarding 2024-2025 Budget

Thu, 07 Mar 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Durham District School Board (DDSB) will hold its 2024-2025 budget deliberation meetings in the following upcoming public sessions. All meetings will be held in-person at the DDSB Education Centre and will be live-streamed on DDSB’s YouTube Live channel.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Overview of the 2024-2025 Grants for Student Needs
Presentation of the 2024-2025 draft budget

Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.
Presentation of the updated draft budget
Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. (if required)
Presentation of the updated draft budget
Budget Consideration and Recommendation to the Board of Trustees

Members of the public and DDSB stakeholder groups are welcome to prepare a written submission or make a public presentation to the Education Finance Committee at the April 16 or May 28 meetings. Please contact Kristin Talbot, Executive Assistant, at 905-666-6459 or by email at kristin.talbot@ddsb.ca.

Requests for the April 16, 2024 meeting must be received no later than April 10, 2024, at noon.
Requests for the May 28, 2024 meeting must be received no later than May 22, 2024, at noon.

Durham District School Board

Update to Provincial Health and Safety Guidance

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 23:00:00 GMT

Earlier today, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health announced several changes to province-wide public health and safety measures to live with and manage COVID-19 over the long-term. The changes in provincial guidance with respect to school boards are as follows:

As of March 14, the end of mandatory vaccination policies and the 3x a week rapid testing of staff who are not vaccinated/did not disclose vaccination status is no longer required.
As of March 21, provincial mask mandates are lifted in schools.
As of March 21, lifting of other measures in schools, including cohorting, distancing and daily on-site screening.
There are now no limits on indoor or outdoor social gatherings and organized public events.

We are consulting with the Durham Region Health Department on these updated procedures to confirm directions for staff and students. The Board of Trustees are also meeting tomorrow evening to discuss masking. We will provide further updates on this topic as they are available.

In addition, enhanced cleaning, optimizing air quality/ventilation and the DDSB’s absence reporting measures will remain in place. The province has indicated that they will continue to provide school boards with a supply of rapid tests that can be distributed to students and staff.

If your child is sick, please ensure that they stay home to protect everyone at school. We ask that families continue to complete the daily self-screening for accurate guidance on whether your child should attend school.

If you have not yet been vaccinated, please consider doing so to help protect yourself and your family. You can find out more information on vaccination from the Durham Region Health Department.

We understand that some of these changes will have an impact on individuals and schools will be doing their best to support families during this time. On behalf of our school teams, we ask that everyone approach these changes from a place of kindness and understanding as these decisions do not fall on school-based staff.

Thank you,

Durham District School Board

Open House Celebrates Success, Collaboration, and Support for All Staff

Fri, 15 Nov 2024 20:15:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) in collaboration with the Leadership and People and Culture departments welcomed staff from all corners of the district to the Education Centre on October 29^th for an evening filled with networking, collaboration, and learning. The event was designed to provide staff, whether new to their roles or with years of experience, with the tools, information, and connections they need to excel in their work and support the DDSB community.

The evening showcased a variety of resource tables staffed by key representatives and volunteers from departments and various groups from across the Board. Several Affinity Groups, Associations, and Union Partners dedicated their time to attend and host a booth to support members.” Attendees were able to ask questions, make connections, and learn about the wealth of resources available to support them on their journey with DDSB. Departments were represented by knowledgeable staff, eager to answer questions and offer guidance, demonstrating the DDSB's commitment to supporting every team member in their role.

Staff attending the event described it as an enriching experience, highlighting the value of speaking directly with department representatives. Many expressed that they left the Open House with a clearer understanding of the resources and support systems in place, equipping them to serve the DDSB community with confidence.

“The DDSB Open House was a wonderful opportunity to connect with colleagues, gain new insights, and see the many ways the Board is committed to our success,” said Grace Blamauer, Occasional Supply Teacher, new to the DDSB. “It was so helpful to speak with people from various departments and see firsthand how they can support us in our roles.”

The DDSB remains dedicated to fostering an environment where all staff feel welcomed, supported, and equipped to succeed. The Open House served as a testament to this commitment, reinforcing DDSB’s focus on collaboration and community.

For more information on DDSB events and initiatives, please contact: Leadership and People and Culture departments.

Forest View Public School students showcase Building for Humanity Project

Mon, 15 Apr 2024 20:30:00 GMT

Grades 7 and 8 students at Forest View Public School recently showcased their creativity, skills, and community spirit through the 'Building for Humanity' project. This initiative, inspired by the Regional Skills Ontario 7/8 Construction Competition, saw students partner with Habitat for Humanity to build model houses for a fictional client, incorporating specific design constraints.

The event took place at Forest View Public School's gym, where groups of students were stationed to present and discuss various aspects of their projects. The presentations included insights into the significance and community impact of Habitat for Humanity, details about their fictional client and the reasons for their selection, considerations for sustainable development in their designs, and an overview of the design and building process for their model houses.

One unique feature of the showcase was the incorporation of 3D virtual tours for each fully furnished house. Students demonstrated their technological prowess by providing an immersive experience for attendees, allowing them to explore the intricacies of the houses in a virtual space.

Forest View Public School's commitment to community engagement and skill development was evident throughout the event. By partnering with Habitat for Humanity, the students not only applied their construction skills but also contributed to a greater cause. The project aimed to instill a sense of social responsibility and environmental consciousness in the next generation of builders and designers.

Scott Clenchy and Robert Hendy teachers at Forest View Public School who orchestrated the event, expressed pride in the students' achievements, stating, "The 'Building for Humanity' showcase exemplifies our students' dedication to combining their skills with a sense of purpose. Through this collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, our students have not only honed their construction abilities but have also embraced the values of community service and sustainable development."

The event garnered positive feedback from attendees, including parents, teachers, and local community members. Forest View Public School continues to strive for excellence in education by fostering innovative and impactful learning experiences for its students.

FSL Programs Review Draft Recommendations

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 14:15:00 GMT

Public Feedback Opportunity on Draft FSL Review Recommendations

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) conducted a review of French as a Second Language (FSL) Programming throughout last year. A draft report and recommendations were presented to the Board of Trustees on January 4, 2021.

The draft report incorporated research into FSL programming, feedback received through public consultations and considered operational pressures in order to provide draft recommendations. The goal of the review is to ensure that as an English language school board, we can provide sustainable and quality FSL programming across the District, while ensuring the viability of English programming at dual track schools.

In order to ensure that community members have a final opportunity to share feedback on the draft report’s recommendations, the DDSB is seeking additional public feedback between January 8 and 18, 2021 that can be sent to fsl@ddsb.ca.

The major themes from this additional feedback will be considered by staff and shared with Trustees at an upcoming meeting of the Board of Trustees. The recommendations contained in the draft report can be found on pages 25 to 32 of the draft report.

More information may be found on our webpage: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/programs-and-learning/fsl-programs-review.aspx

Ensuring Student Success Remains at the Forefront of Education

Tue, 05 May 2020 17:00:00 GMT

DDSB and Ontario school boards are collaborating to support students

As we navigate through a time of uncertainty in education due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting school closures, educators across the province are working to ensure students are still able to reach their full potential.

Here are just a couple of examples of how the Durham District School Board (DDSB), Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) are working together, pooling their knowledge, expertise and resources to assist students. The DDSB is also working with all Ontario school boards to coordinate and share best practices through our participation in various associations including the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA).

Virtual College and University Tours

Recently, Jennette Walton (Community Connected Experiential Learning Facilitator, DDSB) and Lee Ann Armstrong (Leader of Experiential Learning, HWDSB) teamed up to create a series of one-stop shop documents where students can access virtual tours of college, university, and apprenticeship program facilities in Ontario.

“Lee Ann and I have collaborated on a number of initiatives, and we regularly share resources with each other and many of the Experiential Learning Leads from across the province,” notes Walton.

Organized as spreadsheets, there is a separate document for each section (colleges, universities, and apprenticeship programs) which includes the name of the institution, a list of campuses, a link to the virtual tour(s), and a link to the school’s main website.

Walton says she has shared the resource with every DDSB Guidance Department Head, and it has also been sent to all 72 public school boards across the province.

She concludes, “We know that student transitions require opportunities for students to get comfortable in their new environment. Many of our students take advantage of spring campus tours to help reduce anxiety about the upcoming change as well as to support their decision-making process. With the recent campus closures, we wanted to make sure our students were aware that there are other ways to learn about and ‘experience’ their potential new surroundings.”

You can find PDF versions of the college, university, and apprenticeship program lists on the DDSB website here: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/programs-and-learning/post-secondary-virtual-tours.aspx.

Sharing Necessary Materials

The Toronto District School Board recently realized that they had a surplus of boxes and bubble wrap that had been purchased for packing when distributing Chromebooks to their students.

Upon hearing about this, Rosalind Anthony (Senior Procurement Officer of Purchasing, DDSB), knew any extra materials would be extremely helpful to DDSB’s IT Services team. “This opportunity was a way to assist the IT Services department in their role of getting the balance of the Chromebooks to students,” explains Anthony.

Anthony called up Doug McArthur (Material Management and Business Specialist, TDSB) and they struck a fair deal that allowed DDSB to purchase the extra materials at a discounted rate. A TDSB truck delivered a total of 1400 boxes and 1500 units of bubble wrap to the DDSB Education Centre.

These materials will assist the IT Services department in delivering Chromebooks to students.

Jeff Klock, Asset & Infrastructure Manager for DDSB says the IT Services department is beyond grateful for the TDSB’s generous deal, “This gesture from TDSB exemplifies the spirit of comradery and collaboration that exists across Ontario school districts. We are all part of a larger community and are there to support each other in times of need.”

Warm Winter Wishes: Director's Update

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 19:00:00 GMT

It’s remarkable how quickly a year flies by! We have all had a busy fall, and the winter break lies before us again. For many in our community, November and December represent the time of year for personal reflection and contemplation of new things to come with celebration and gratitude. Our DDSB staff and community have joined together in some of these significant annual markers: whether it is lighting diyas for Diwali, applauding student performances at the Hindu Heritage Month celebrations, making latkes and lighting the Menorah for Hanukkah, or sharing in celebrating students at their Christmas or holiday school concerts, these experiences help us to learn about each other and to build strong, resilient communities.

I also recognize that this time of year can also be challenging for many. Some are missing loved ones, some are struggling with financial security or other personal impacts. If you can, take a moment to show some kindness to those around you, as we never know what others might be experiencing in their live.

Speaking of kindness, I have been so impressed by the generosity shown by so many of our students and staff across the District. Students are leading civic actions of kindness such as small business ventures aimed at raising money for the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), or David Bouchard Public School’s ‘Re-Gift’ Store initiative which allows students to select gently used gifts for the special people in their lives, ensuring that every child in that school can experience the joy of giving. These are but a few examples of how our students are giving back to their communities. These kinds of contributions and collective efforts contribute to a healthy, vibrant environment for learning and well-being.

In Durham, our population continues to grow and the DDSB is now the fastest growing school district in Ontario. With this growth comes new schools and a part of this process involves reviewing school boundaries. Currently, we have two ongoing boundary reviews for the Pickering Seaton and north Ajax areas and members of the public are invited to weigh in with questions or feedback. This consultation phase of the boundary review closes on Friday, January 10. Information about each can be found on our website.

Looking towards the new year, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. If there’s a creative or musical student in your home in grades 7-12, check out our Student Art Gallery call for submissions, and DDSB Massed Bands! As always, we remain committed to providing an inclusive, nurturing, and supportive environment for all our students to thrive.

December 21 marks the Winter solstice. While it is the longest night of the year and the official start of the Winter, for me it marks the beginning of our path towards longer days, increasing the sunlight little by little as each day passes. It is a time to reflect with gratitude and optimism. It is my sincere hope that this winter break provides an opportunity for our students and families to rest, recharge, and enjoy time with loved ones. On behalf of the senior team, I want to wish all who celebrate a joyous holiday season.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Selecting In-Person or Virtual Learning Options

Thu, 05 Aug 2021 14:00:00 GMT

DDSB families are invited to select between in-person or virtual learning for the 2021-22 school year from Thursday, August 5 to Wednesday, August 11, 2021. Please use the Chrome browser to ensure that your selection is recorded.

Returning Students: Select via the Parent Portal under “Learning Preference”.

New Students: New students such as those entering Kindergarten or who have recently moved to Durham should use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NewtoDDSB2021-2022

Please note: decisions are considered final on August 11, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.

More information:

Visit the Return to School webpage and FAQ for additional information about what to expect for the upcoming school year.

To book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment, please visit https://www.durhamvaccinebooking.ca/ or call 1-888-444-5113.

Need help? Contact: general.inquiry@ddsb.ca

On behalf of everyone at the DDSB, we would like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we plan a safe and healthy return to school. Our priority is to ensure that we provide your child(ren) with high quality learning opportunities in the safest way possible.

Budding Baseball Player at Gandatsetiagon PS

Fri, 17 Jun 2022 15:45:00 GMT

As the Toronto Blue Jays look for future talent, they don’t need to look any further than the budding talent at Gandatsetiagon Public School named Christopher DesLauriers.

To say Christopher eats, sleeps, and breathes baseball is an understatement. From all accounts he loves the game and has been playing since he was two years old, and by four, was in an organized league. By eight, he had already won a Rep Player of the Year title in Pickering.

Christopher is now 11 and in Grade 5, looking forward to this year’s baseball season.

“I play short stop, I play third base now, and I’m also a pitcher,” says Christopher. “I just love baseball.”

Christopher’s talent has not gone unnoticed as his 10U team won the Provincial AAA championship recently. He was awarded Pitcher of the Year for his team and Most Valuable Player (MVP). He was also the celebrated Rep Player of the Year for players under 13 for his club in Whitby and was recognized as the 2021 Eastern Ontario Baseball Association Rep Junior Player of the Year for 13U. The accolades continued with a recent Pickering Sports Award presented by the Pickering Mayor earlier this spring.

Kevin DesLauriers, Christopher’s father describes his son as very humble whenever he gets an award. “He loves it and I really love watching him play. As long as he wants to play, my wife and I will do anything to help him. We recently built a batting cage in our backyard to help him practice,” says DesLauriers.

“Christopher loves sports, he loves competition,” says his father. “We have been playing baseball since he was a really young kid, picking up ground balls or just hitting. As he got older and bigger, he started training every single day for a couple hours each day. It is great that he loves baseball and is also good at it.”

“At this point in his playing career, he gets the high-pressure games, and he embraces it,” explains Christopher’s father. “When things go well it’s awesome. When things don’t go well, he has shown that he is really good at dealing with it.”

As for the Blue Jays and their future prospects, Christopher is one to watch out for. His love of the game and humble approach are helping him thrive.

DDSB Appoints New Associate Director of Equitable Education

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:00:00 GMT

New Associate Director will continue focus on student success, well-being and equity initiatives

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jim Markovski to the position of Associate Director of Equitable Education.

Jim is an experienced educator that has been with the DDSB for over 20 years, starting his career as an elementary teacher. He was appointed Acting Associate Director of Academic Services in 2020 and has played an important leadership role to help the system navigate the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. His appointment is effective immediately.

Jim previously served as Superintendent of Education since 2016 where he was responsible for the Early Years, Poverty Reduction Strategy and Ignite Durham Learning Foundation portfolios. He has been the Staff Development Officer responsible for Equity and Inclusive Education, the New Teacher Induction Program, Parent Engagement and a variety of subject specific portfolios, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), along with serving as a vice principal and principal at multiple schools across the District.

In his role as Associate Director, Equitable Education, Jim will be supporting Family of Schools Superintendents and will guide both Leadership and Operations. This position replaces the previous position of Associate Director, Academic Services and serves to reflect the DDSB’s commitment to place equity at the heart of decision making.

Through his comprehensive experience across the DDSB and relying on his lived experience as someone who immigrated to Canada as a child and enrolled in a public education ESL program, Jim brings with him a commitment to support and enhance the District’s focus on equity, inclusion and combatting racism.

Jim holds a Honours Bachelor of Science in Environmental Chemistry (Specialist), a Bachelor of Education and a Masters in Educational Management.

With this appointment, Superintendent Erin Elmhurst will now transition from an acting capacity into a permanent appointment as Superintendent of Education. Erin will continue to oversee the Early Years, Poverty Strategy and Partnership Development portfolios and will share responsibility for Indigenous Education with Superintendent Mohamed Hamid.

Quotes:

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to appoint Jim Markovski as Associate Director, Equitable Education. Jim has a strong track record of achievement with the DDSB and has clearly demonstrated his leadership abilities in navigating the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past year.”

– Carolyn Morton, Chair, Durham District School Board

“Jim’s extensive experience within the DDSB, his focus on collaboration and problem solving will complement and strengthen the work being undertaken by our outstanding senior team. His deep commitment to poverty reduction, equity, inclusion and anti-racism will help expand the District’s efforts to address institutional racism and oppression. I look forward to continuing to work alongside Jim to put student success, well-being and equity at the forefront.”

- Norah Marsh, Director of Education

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 72,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Trustee Elections Announcements

Thu, 05 Dec 2019 14:30:00 GMT

DDSB Board Elects Officers for 2019-2020

At the Standing Committee Meeting of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) held on Monday, December 2, 2019, trustees elected officers for 2019-2020 term.

Pickering Trustee Chris Braney will now serve as Chair of the Board for the 2019-2020 term.

Chair Braney was first elected as a Trustee from 1994-1997 with the Scarborough Board of Education, where he served as Vice-Chair. With a young family and a move to Pickering, Chris was again elected as a Trustee in 2006, this time representing Pickering. He also served as the DDSB's Vice-Chair from 2013-2014, and again in 2017. Chris is now in his fourth term as a Trustee with the DDSB.

Additional results of the Internal Elections include:

Niki Lundquist, Trustee for Whitby, was voted Vice Chair of the Board
Christine Thatcher, Trustee for Whitby, was voted Vice Chair of Standing Committee
Darlene Forbes, Trustee for Oshawa, was voted Chair of the Education Finance Committee
Donna Edwards, Trustee for Ajax, was voted Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Voting Representative

The Board of Trustees hold internal elections annually each December.

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee Liaisons will be posted on the DDSB’s website, DDSB.ca

Chris Braney will take over the reigns as Board Chair from Trustee Michael Barrett, who held the role of Chair from 2005-2006, then again from 2015-2019.

“Education is the cornerstone of a forward-thinking society,” Braney states. “Here at the DDSB we will continue to focus on the success of our students and staff.”

DDSB Director of Education Lisa Millar adds, “We would like to thank Michael Barrett for his many contributions during his years as Board Chair. We look forward to continuing our work on Equity, Diversity, Innovation, Student Success and Well-Being with Chair Braney and our very strong team of Trustees.”

School Trustees are responsible for the operation of the public school system and represent seven of Durham Region’s municipalities. The Board also has three Student Trustees. Public School Trustees are the critical link between communities and school Boards. They ensure public schools meet the diverse needs of students in their communities. Together, Trustees are responsible to their communities for the quality of education provided in local schools within an approved financial framework.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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DDSB Expresses Grave Concern over Ontario's Plan to Reopen Schools

Wed, 12 Aug 2020 21:30:00 GMT

Board of Trustees writes urgent letter to Minister Lecce outlining the need for more funding to ensure a safe return to school

The Board of Trustees of the Durham District School Board have written an urgent letter to the Minister of Education, Stephen Lecce about the Government of Ontario’s Plan to Reopen Schools.

A copy of the letter is linked here.

Quote

“The Durham District School Board is using every available resource within provincial guidelines to make the return to school as safe as possible. We urge the Government of Ontario to step up and do more to help school boards address the concerns of parents and educators to ensure a safe return to school.”

- Chris Braney, Chair of the Durham District School Board

The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Webinar Series

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:45:00 GMT

Continues to Successfully Reach Black Male Students Virtually

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is dedicated to creating equitable, diverse and inclusive environments for students and staff. The annual Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Series has changed for this year and is running virtually in a webinar format. This virtual series is reaching more students, making it safe and convenient for attendees to participate and have meaningful conversations with classmates and teachers.

The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Series invites Black male students in Grades 6 to 8, to connect, network with Black male role models, explore a wide range of academic pathways, and help eliminate barriers to success. The webinar series started in February and the next events are scheduled for May 19 and 26.

The series aligns with the DDSB’s Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework and the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success, highlighting the importance of fostering a connection to the community, the need for Black male role models and opportunities that challenge the current Black male narrative.

More information and past webinars from this year have been posted online and interested students and parents/guardians can view them by visiting: https://sites.google.com/ddsb.ca/2021cypher/

Quotes

“The information empowered me, learning about all of the Black male stereotypes. I am now aware of Black male stereotypes and how I may be perceived in my community and North America. The Cypher Series also provided me with the tools I can use to succeed in the future and to inspire others to their full potential,” Carter Bryce, Grade 8 student from Southwood Public School

“It is important for Black male students to see successful Black men who broke the negative barriers that society has on the Black community. They have the opportunity to have resources and build mentorship to help them navigate their pathways. The Cypher supports the saying of “if I can see it, then I can be it”,” Lynda Dortelus, Cypher Co-Chair

“Students have an opportunity to network and hear the stories of Black men who experienced systemic racism yet persevered. This year, as a response to anti-Black racism, The Cypher Webinar Series helps Black students unpack their identity in the context of being a student in the Durham Region,” says Kokhulani Yasodaran, Cypher Co-Chair

“The Durham District School Board is dedicated to providing students with positive and equitable outcomes and the Cypher series, does that, by empowering young Black males. The event aligns with the priorities in the Compendium of Action for Black Student Success and we are happy to see that Cypher is continuing to have a great impact, especially during the pandemic.” Margaret Lazarus, Superintendent of Education.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Director's Update: Wishing You a Safe March Break

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 20:45:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

It is with great pleasure that I provide you with my first Director’s Update to Families. These updates will evolve over time and include my thoughts, important information for families and many exciting announcements and milestones that took place across the Durham District School Board (DDSB) over the past month.

Since starting as Director of Education two months ago, I have had the privilege to visit many schools and classrooms across the District. It was great to see the innovative efforts of school teams in providing learning for students from Kindergarten to Grade 12. One of my main priorities as Director is to focus our work as a system on the students we serve and to ensure that we support our staff. I try to highlight some of the incredible work I see with the Board of Trustees and those I speak to across the DDSB. I believe that it is critical to listen and be connected to the work of everyone throughout the District.

Across the DDSB, the past month was underscored by many good news stories that continue to reflect the DDSB’s efforts to uphold human rights and to create safe, equitable, and welcoming learning and working environments for all. On February 22, the DDSB celebrated Pink Shirt Day, an annual event that brings together the greater community as allies standing against all forms of bullying and discrimination. Schools also recognized Black History Month in many unique ways to honour, uplift and centre Black voices in our schools.

As we head towards March Break, beginning Friday, March 10, we are excited for the beginning of the spring season and the many key upcoming dates that will take place across the month and into April. We invite you to read below to learn more. I wish you and your family a safe March Break and we look forward to welcoming you back on Monday, March 20.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education

Interview with Parent Involvement Committee

I recently sat down for an interview with a Parent Involvement Committee parent member to discuss my return to the DDSB, parent engagement, race, mental health, as well as staffing shortages. I hope this serves as a bit more of an introduction of me to you.

Good News Stories

There is a lot of good news that takes place across the DDSB every month. Here are some of the many examples that have taken place.

Schools and workplaces across the DDSB recognized Black History Month and the many voices, past and present, to share knowledge and stories with all in our community. One such event was a SOAR: Sistahs Overcoming, Achieving, Rising panel discussion that featured six Black women who were nominated as part of the “100 most influential Canadian Black Women” in 2022. Students from Pine Ridge SS, GL Roberts CVI and Sinclair SS who are on their Black Student Unions or part of the Black Youth Peer Leader Group had the opportunity to attend.
Eastdale CVI student Bethany Findlay has been named a 2023 finalist for the Loran Scholarship among nearly 4,800 applicants. Canada’s largest undergraduate merit award on the basis of character, commitment to service, and leadership potential, Loran Scholars are community leaders who show a passion and commitment to serve.
Pink Shirt Day was celebrated across the DDSB on February 22. In an effort to stand against bullying, Pink Shirt Day reminds us of the importance of allyship and that we must always be ready to stand with each for what is right. Pink Shirt Day further underscores DDSB’s commitment to upholding Human Rights for all students and staff and to fostering learning and working environments that are safe, positive, and inclusive.
O’Neill CVI presented the SpongeBob Musical, with 45 students taking the stage and many more working behind the scenes. Staff and students selected a musical that reflected their joy in coming together, creating together, singing loudly, and laughing uproariously through the power of theatre. Additionally, the diversity of the musical styles reflected the compositions of the musical characters and student cast.

Upcoming Dates of Significance

The upcoming weeks bring more Dates of Significance to the calendar with March Break also taking place from Friday, March 10 to Friday, March 17. The upcoming month of April is recognized as Sikh Heritage Month, World Autism Month, and Genocide Awareness Month. Other upcoming dates include:

Wednesday, March 8: Holi – A popular festivals in Hinduism, Holi is also known as the Festival of Colours and celebrates the divine love of gods Radha and Krishna.
Wednesday, March 8: International Women’s Day – A global celebration of the women’s rights movement with a focus on current issues including gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence against women. The 2023 theme is ‘Every Woman Counts’.
Tuesday, March 14: Pi Day – An annual celebration of the mathematical constant Pi, also known as 3.14. Celebrations include eating pie and pi recitation competitions.
Friday, March 17: Irish Heritage Day – Also known as St. Patrick’s Day, this is a global celebration of Irish culture and the arrival of Christianity to Ireland.
Monday, March 20: Spring Equinox – The First Day of Spring, signaling the return of sunshine, warmer temperatures, and blooming flowers.
Tuesday, March 21: Shunki-Sorei-Sai (Shinto) – Also known as Shunbun no Hi, this holiday is a Japanese celebration of vernal equinox day.
Tuesday, March 21: Nowruz – Also known as Iranian New Year or Persian New Year, this festival celebrates the beginning of a new year on the Iranian Solar Hijri calendar.
Tuesday, March 21: World Down Syndrome Day – An annual observance of Down syndrome, a condition in which a child is born with an extra 21st chromosome.
Tuesday, March 21: UN International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – A United Nations led observance to eliminate all forms of discrimination. Held on March 21 in recognition of the Sharpeville Massacre that took place in South Africa on the same date in 1960.
Thursday, March 23: Ramadan Begins – The beginning of Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar is marked by fasting from dawn to sunset.
Thursday, March 23: Atheist Day – An annual observance celebrated by those who do not believe in a higher power.
Saturday, March 25: Earth Hour – A global movement led by the World Wildlife Fund that encourages everyone to disconnect from all non-essential lighting for one hour in an effort to conserve power and help achieve climate change initiatives.
Sunday, March 26: Epilepsy Awareness Day – Also known as Purple Day, this date of observance was created by Canadian-born Cassidy Megan with a goal to encourage conversation about epilepsy, dispel myths, and to inform those who experience seizures that they are not alone.
Friday, March 31: International Transgender Day of Visibility – An annual celebration worldwide of transgender people that aims to raise awareness of discrimination faced by this community.
Sunday, April 2: World Autism Awareness Day – One of seven United Nations health-specific days, this internationally recognized day strives to create awareness and improve the quality of life of individuals with autism.
Sunday, April 2: Palm Sunday – This Christian holiday prior to Easter celebrates the beginning of Holy Week marked by the entry of Christ into Jerusalem.
Wednesday, April 5: Passover – Also known as Pesach, this Jewish holiday celebrates the Israelites escape from slavery in Egypt.

Bus Cancellations: ALL ZONES - Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 10:45:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in ALL Zones, 1 (Brock), 2 (Uxbridge), 3 (Scugog) and 4 (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa Area), due to the forecasted poor weather and impacted road conditions.

All schools are open.

Buses will not operate in Zone 1, 2, 3, or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Elsie MacGill PS Spark Holiday Magic

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 21:00:00 GMT

Students from Elsie MacGill PS Spark Holiday Magic: Unleashing the Spirit of Giving with the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation!

In a remarkable display of leadership, compassion, and community spirit, five exceptional young girls from Elsie MacGill Public School have taken it upon themselves to rally their peers, school staff, and the wider community in support of the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. The initiative has resulted in an overwhelming collection of brand-new toys for the IDLF’s holiday campaign, as well as a substantial donation of food, toiletries, and winter essentials, to support DDSB families.

Motivated by a shared commitment to making a positive impact during the holiday season, these young leaders spearheaded a campaign to gather support for three critical causes: the Adopt-a-Family holiday campaign, the IDLF nutrition station, and the Make A Difference Depot, for essential items such as hats, mitts, and coats.

The response from the school community and beyond was nothing short of astounding. The initiative resulted in a multitude of donations pouring in, filling the depot with more than 225 kilograms of food and essential items. The sheer volume of contributions showcases the generosity and community spirit that thrives within Elsie MacGill Public School and its surrounding neighborhoods.

The girls, Eliana Abner, Rishayna Shaw, Aiman Saad, Ambika Jaikaran, and Ava Downey, demonstrated exceptional leadership skills by organizing and promoting the campaign. Their efforts extended beyond the school, reaching out to families, friends, and the community to maximize the impact of their initiative. The success of the campaign is a testament to the power for positive change when individuals come together for a common cause.

The DDSB is immensely proud of these five outstanding students for their dedication, empathy, and the positive influence they have had on the community. Their initiative not only brings joy to families in need during the holiday season but also reinforces the values of kindness, generosity, and community engagement amongst their peers.

Durham District School Board

Return to School Update for Families

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 12:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents and Guardians

In the week since the Government of Ontario announced their plan for the September return to school, DDSB staff have been working to confirm and finalize plans in order to be ready to welcome students in schools this September. From what the school day will look like, to health and safety protocols and how we are setting up a Virtual School for those choosing to learn from home, we want to make sure that your child(ren) are able to learn in a way that prioritizes their health and well-being, safety, and individual human rights.

Yesterday, DDSB staff met with the Ministry of Education to share our return to school planning. The meeting was helpful in confirming our approach in terms of what the school day will look like with health and safety measures in place, and gave us an opportunity to share the concerns of families with the Ministry. We are now able to share with you the draft school schedules we presented to the Ministry and pending any further information from them, this is what we anticipate will be our plan.

We would like to thank all the families who contacted us with questions about the return to school. Due to the volume of questions received, it is taking us some time to respond to all of you. We apologize for this delay in response times. Since our last communication to you, we have launched the Return to School Website and are continuing to update our Frequently Asked Questions to provide families with important information as quickly as possible. We encourage you to visit the website and the FAQ to see if any questions you may have are there and to receive timely updates on the return to school this September.

On behalf of everyone at the DDSB, we would once again like to thank you for your patience and understanding as we work through a very complex and challenging set of circumstances. Our priority is to ensure that we provide your child(ren) with high quality learning opportunities in the safest way possible during this unusual time.

With thanks,
Norah Marsh
Acting Director of Education

Draft Return to School Guide – Health and Safety

To support DDSB staff in safely welcoming back students for September, we have developed a Return to School Guide. The Guide is currently in its first edition and will continue to undergo revisions as we receive further direction from the Ministry of Education. We have shared the Guide with the Durham Region Health Department and it contains their feedback. The Guide helps provide a clearer picture of the different measures that we will be taking for a safe return to school. You can access the Guide here: https://www.ddsb.ca/en/whats-happening/resources/Documents/Return-to-School/DRAFT-Return-to-School-Guide-Edition-1-Final.pdf

It is important to know that classes and school will not look the same. Aside from the information in the Return to School Guide, we are working with the provincial association for each subject area (i.e. gym, music, art, etc.) and public health on the safest possible practices. We will be providing updated information on subject-specific areas in the coming weeks.

Elementary Schools

Elementary students will attend school five days per week, with students grouped together in a cohort for the full day, including recess and lunch. Students will still receive 300 minutes of face-to-face educator instruction. Enhanced health and safety protocols will be in place (i.e. enhanced cleaning, handwashing breaks, students eating lunch in their classroom, etc.) and the full range of the elementary curriculum will be provided. The school day will be very similar to what families and students are used to, with the exception of potential changes around bell times and staggered times for entry, exit and recess. While class sizes will remain the same, we will make every effort within available resources to ease any potential pressures on class sizes in order to create physical distancing of students where possible. Students in grades JK to 3 will be encouraged to wear masks and students in grades 4 to 8 will be required to wear a mask.

Here is a sample timetable for elementary schools (please note that some schools may have 40-minute periods):

Secondary Schools

Secondary schools in Durham will open with a hybrid model that combines in-person and remote learning. Students will be placed in cohorts of approximately 15 students, will attend every other day and on alternate Fridays. This will be delivered in a “quadmester” format which involves a four-semester school year for each quadmester. This limits the number of contacts students have in a day and provides the opportunity to earn two credits at a time. Each quadmester is approximately 45 days of instruction (9.5 weeks). Students will be required to wear masks while in school and the same enhanced health and safety protocols will be implemented.

Each day, students will have the opportunity to attend a Study Hall staffed by a teacher to provide additional assistance with independent work.

The DDSB will be reviewing programming for students with a high level of special education needs who may require daily attendance and instruction at the secondary level.

Here is a draft sample schedule of what the hybrid quadmester schedule will look like.

Remote Learning

Families can choose whether their child(ren) will learn in-person at school or remotely from home in a Virtual School. To help you with that decision, we are now able to provide additional information to families on what remote learning from home will look like.

The DDSB will be creating a separate “Virtual School” with a Principal and Vice Principals to manage this effort.
The day will be structured much like a regular class with periods.
DDSB educators will be providing instruction.
It is expected that students enrolled in the Virtual School attend class and participate in the same way that they would in an in-person school.

Elementary Remote Learning

For elementary families who choose to have their child(ren) learn remotely from home with programming based on the full Ontario curriculum. Educators will provide students with approximately 300 minutes of daily learning opportunities through RealTime (live as a large or small teacher-led group) learning and some FlexTime (independent) learning where they undertake activities that are provided by the teacher. A daily schedule will be followed that is age-appropriate. Students will be expected to attend daily and progress will be assessed on a regular basis as it would be in-person.

Secondary Remote Learning

Secondary students learning remotely from home will follow a schedule similar to in-person learning, but with students attending a virtual classroom daily. Student instruction will follow the same “quadmester” format as secondary students learning in-person, but without the need for students to be grouped into cohorts. Students will be assessed regularly as they would be in-person with a focus on both demonstrating an understanding of concepts and the collection of student work.

Each day, students will have the opportunity to attend a Study Hall staffed by a teacher to provide additional assistance with independent work.

Here is a draft schedule of what a virtual school day will look like for a secondary student:

Choosing Between Remote and In-Person Learning

As mentioned in an earlier communication, families will have until Wednesday August 12 to choose whether their child(ren) will be learning remotely from home or in-person at a school. We will be sending a follow-up e-mail to all families later today with instructions on how to make your selection.

Families will now be able to modify their selection by using the same student specific link prior to the August 12 deadline. There have been a few cases where families who have multiple child(ren) in DDSB schools have only received one link, instead of multiple. For those families, we ask that you first check your “spam/junk mail folder”. If you did not receive the link for your child, please e-mail parentportal@ddsb.ca with the specific details (Name, School, Parent Name, OEN Number, etc.) for your child(ren) and our IT Services Department will look into it and address.

With the need to establish a Virtual School to effectively deliver remote learning across the district for thousands of students, families may not be able to immediately transfer between remote and in-person learning as changes in enrollment will impact staffing and class sizes. As a result, moving between remote and in-person learning may take place at the end of an instructional period (i.e. each term at the elementary level and each quadmester at the secondary level). Individual requests to move between remote and in-person learning will be examined on a case-by-case basis pending class size availability.

We understand that it may not be an easy decision for some families to make. We encourage you to explore the DDSB’s return to school webpage, read the Draft Return to School Guide and visit the FAQ that we have developed before making your decision.

Bus Transportation Survey

Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) is the student transportation provider for both the DDSB and the Durham Catholic District School Board. Families who are eligible for student transportation are in the process of receiving a voice message from DSTS asking you to complete a survey to help them prepare for the upcoming school year.

The survey informs your school, your bus driver and DSTS if your child will/or will not be taking the school bus to school. This is necessary information to ensure that they have proper student counts on all bus routes. In order to be assigned to a school bus route, you must complete the survey no later than Tuesday, August 11^th. If you have further questions about bus transportation, please contact DSTS by visiting their contact us page.

For families who receive student transportation, please fill out the survey and read their specific FAQ at: https://www.dsts.on.ca/covid-19

Port Perry High School's Abigail Folk Shines at U18 World Championships

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 17:15:00 GMT

Port Perry High School is beaming with pride as one of its own, Abigail Folk, made waves on the international stage while competing with Team Canada at the U18 Women’s Water Polo World Championships in Chengdu, China. On August 15, 2024, Abigail set the tone for an exhilarating tournament by being named "Player of the Game" in Canada's opening match against Thailand. Scoring an incredible five goals on five attempts, she demonstrated the power of her skills, focus, and dedication.

Abigail, a utility, driver, and attacker on the team, brought her signature intensity and creativity to the water. She describes the game of water polo as “like playing chess in the water. It's all about positioning. I get a feeling about where I should go. I get creative in the water.” With a natural rhythm and flow for the game, Abigail is always thinking ahead. “It’s like playing Sudoku – the numbers just keep going,” she says, showing the sharp mental game that complements her athleticism.

Her relentless drive was evident in the high-energy game against Thailand, where she balanced precision and passion to deliver a stellar performance. “It feels satisfying to score goals,” Abigail remarked. “It’s always good to keep the intensity level high. This is not a lazy game.”

Abigail’s achievements extend far beyond the pool. As a dedicated student at Port Perry High School, she has mastered the art of balancing her academic workload with the demanding travel schedule that comes with competing internationally. Her strong work ethic, both in and out of the water, has inspired her teammates, coaches, and her entire school community.

“Abigail works hard both in and out of the pool,” her guidance counsellor commented. “She has strategized balancing a heavy schoolwork load while traveling abroad to compete in various water polo events. Setting high expectations and goals for herself always results in high scores for Abigail. We are very proud of her and love to live vicariously through her travels and sport.”

Port Perry High School couldn’t be prouder to see one of its own represent Canada on such a grand stage. Abigail’s journey is a testament to hard work, passion, and perseverance – values that inspire students and staff alike. The entire community is rooting for her continued success as she dives deeper into her promising future in water polo!

Information on the Return to In-Person Learning

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 21:00:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As a follow-up to the message shared on Wednesday evening, we are writing to share reminders and further updates that will support the return to in-person learning on Monday, January 17. Before coming back to school, please make use of the rapid antigen screening tests that were provided prior to the winter break if you have any left. If your child tests positive, please keep them at home and follow the instructions in the self-screening tool.

You are required to complete the updated self-screening tool by visiting Ontario.ca/SchoolScreening for your child every day and follow the instructions given. If your child is sick and/or not feeling well, please do not send them to school under any circumstances. Current provincial guidance is that if your child has certain symptoms of COVID-19, it is presumed that they may have COVID-19. Please help keep our school community safe by following this direction.

We are sharing additional updates based on the operational guidance we have received from the Ministry of Education and the Durham Region Health Department for the return to school on Monday, January 17.

Masks
All students in Kindergarten to Grade 12 are required to wear a mask while at school or on student transportation. Wearing a well-fitted high-quality mask is one way to help slow the spread of the Omicron variant. We will be distributing provincially supplied three-ply cloth masks as supply allows. The purpose of this measure is to encourage students to use a higher quality mask than some of the single or two-ply masks that some may currently be relying upon.

If your child is in kindergarten, please prepare them to wear a mask while at school. We have seen most kindergarten children successfully adapt to this practice and encourage you to have your child do so for their safety and the safety of others. Here are a few age-friendly activities to make mask wearing fun.

Daily Screening for COVID-19 Symptoms
All students and parents/guardians MUST perform a self-screening before leaving home for school. The self-screening questions have changed, and the screening can be accessed at Ontario.ca/SchoolScreening. You are required to complete the screening and answer the questions every morning. As an added measure, schools will be undertaking daily on-site confirmation that the screening has been done with all students. Anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive must self-isolate, regardless of vaccination status and follow the instructions of the self-screener.

The Chief Medical Officer of Health is also requiring that household members, including siblings, stay home until the household member experiencing symptom(s) is cleared from their isolation. If a student attending school is exhibiting any symptoms, they will be sent home along with the student’s siblings and you will be required to pick them up.

Access to COVID-19 Testing
The Ministry of Education has indicated that all students and staff attending school in-person will receive rapid antigen tests. The DDSB has not received enough tests for all in-person students and staff. We have contacted the Ministry of Education to tell them that we require more immediately. In the meantime, their direction has been for us to provide distribution beginning with kindergarten as those students do not yet have access to vaccination, and for staff to help keep schools open. We will distribute two tests per student and staff as soon as we receive enough tests from the Ministry of Education. Please do not contact the office enquiring about tests. These tests are only to be used if your child experiences COVID-19 symptoms while at home.

Please note that we have a very limited supply of take-home PCR self-collection tests that will only be distributed if a student or staff member becomes sick while at school and only if they meet certain provincially mandated criteria. Please remember that if your child is sick, do not send them to school. You should use the rapid antigen tests (if available) when directed by the COVID-19 screening tool.

Reporting of COVID-19 Cases
The Ministry of Education is no longer collecting COVID-19 case numbers from school boards. Starting Wednesday, January 19, the DDSB will be publicly reporting data on the COVID-19 Advisory page of the DDSB website on the following categories:

Number of Staff/Students Absent with Illness (Self-Reported by Staff/Students)
Number of Positive COVID-19 Tests Disclosed (Rapid or PCR) (Self-Reported by Staff/Students)
School Absenteeism Over 15%
Schools Closed Due to Operational Needs or by Durham Region Health Department

Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with families with this data. This data will be self-reported by parents/guardians and/or staff through normal absence reporting processes and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of it. It is meant to be a snapshot of the current COVID-19 situation and absences due to illness in schools and workplaces for the previous school day. We will be sharing specific instructions with you early next week on how to report if your child is sick or if you have a positive COVID-19 test result (from either a rapid antigen or PCR test).

When schools become aware of a positive case of COVID-19 through a self-reported PCR or rapid antigen test, we will be notifying the school community which class the positive result was from. The Ministry of Health has indicated that public health units will no longer be dismissing classes. Instead, parents/guardians and/or students must complete the daily COVID-19 screening tool to determine if they are permitted to return to school.

If absences exceed 30% of the school population, we are required by the Ministry of Health to inform the Durham Region Health Department who may provide additional direction to the school community.

Mental Health and Well-Being

We understand how challenging another transition between remote and in-person learning can be for students and families and we will continue prioritizing the mental health and well-being of all students. School Mental Health Ontario has provided a list of available resources for both students and families to refer to. As well, the following Ontario Help Lines for Mental Health are available:

Children and teens can speak with a counsellor 24/7 by calling Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.
The Black Youth Helpline offers support for all youth and specifically responds to the need for a Black youth specific service, positioned and resourced to promote access to professional, culturally appropriate support for youth, families and schools. Please call: 1-833-294-8650
The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous peoples across Canada. Please call 1-855-242-3310
The Métis Nation of Ontario (MNO) offers a 24-hour Mental Health and Addictions Crisis Line with culturally specific mental health and addiction supports for adults, youth, and families in Ontario in both English and French, please call: 1-877-767-7572.
Use Ontario 211 to look up the services available in your area.

Indoor High Contact and High Intensity Activities?

On the strong advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, indoor high contact and high intensity activities, such as wrestling or basketball, will be paused temporarily to ensure the health and well-being of students. Low-risk extracurriculars/clubs are permitted to continue.

Multi-Cohort Choirs and Wind Instrument Ensembles

Multi-cohort choirs and wind instrument ensembles will be paused temporarily.

Transferring to/from DDSB@Home <Elementary Only>
Families will have received a separate, learning preference-specific communication on Friday, January 14, outlining steps to be taken should you wish to transfer to/from DDSB@Home for the remainder of the school year. The deadline to inform us that you would like to change learning options is Friday, January 21, with the transfer expected to take effect the week of February 14.

Temporary Broadcast Learning and Technology Needs <Elementary Only>
During this time, we understand that some families may need to access temporary broadcast learning due to isolation related to COVID-19 symptoms, concerns about the level of COVID-19 cases, or while waiting for the opportunity to transition to DDSB@Home. We will be sharing more information with you mid-next week on this program that will be available until mid-February. Families who have received DDSB technology for use during remote learning will not be asked to return devices at this time.

Ventilation in Schools

Our efforts to improve ventilation and air quality in classrooms are ongoing. We have HEPA air filtration units in every kindergarten classroom and every classroom that is not fully mechanically ventilated. We are receiving additional units from the Ministry of Education and are also purchasing more units as funding becomes available. Information about ventilation in schools, including school-specific details are available on the DDSB website.

On behalf of everyone at the Durham District School Board we are looking forward to welcoming you back to school next week and thank you for working with us to support your child’s learning during this time.

Sincerely,

Durham District School Board

Director's Update

Fri, 17 May 2024 20:00:00 GMT

Dear Families,

As we embrace the rejuvenation of spring and anticipate the upcoming long weekend, I wanted to take a moment to touch base with you and share some important updates from the Durham District School Board. Amidst the flurry of activity as students complete final projects, prepare for graduation ceremonies, and celebrate their achievements, I am grateful for your continued support and partnership in your child’s educational journey.

In an exciting development, I am pleased to share that the Ministry of Education recently unveiled plans to allocate funding for the construction of three new elementary schools within our District. This announcement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to all students. With the ongoing population growth in the Durham Region, the demand for additional educational infrastructure has become increasingly evident. These new school additions respond to this demographic shift, ensuring that we accommodate the growing needs of our community. The new school builds will not only serve as educational hubs, but also as inclusive spaces where students can learn, grow, and thrive in an environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and academic excellence.

Earlier Friday, we recognized the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia. This day holds significance as it raises awareness that despite progress toward equitable inclusion, individuals within the 2SLGBTQI community continue to experience exclusion and unsafe environments. Under the theme “No One Left Behind: Equality, Freedom, and Justice for All”, we reflect on how we can collectively affirm the dignity and care of those with diverse sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Symbolizing our commitment to fostering inclusivity and acceptance, the Progress Pride flag has been raised at the DDSB Education Centre and all 135 schools as we have done since 2015 and will be flown until the end of June, coinciding with Pride Month. Additionally, our Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) will play a pivotal role in commemorating this important day through student-led initiatives, amplifying the importance of fostering understanding, acceptance, and support for all members of our school communities.

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to participate in two significant events: the Cypher Black Male Empowerment Conference and the Empower Her Conference for Black-identifying female students in Grades 6 to 8. Through interactive workshops, discussions, and networking sessions, participants gained insights and mentorship to navigate academic pathways and leadership opportunities. Rooted in our commitment to fostering safe, equitable, and inclusive learning environments, these conferences engaged students with a network of supportive peers, elders, and community partners, all working collaboratively to encourage them to embrace their potential to thrive.

Across the District, EQAO testing is ongoing or upcoming at the Grades 3, 6, and 9 levels. These assessments track student progress in literacy and numeracy relative to curriculum expectations. The results identify strengths and areas of growth and inform instructional strategies to promote student success and well-being. EQAO assessments serve as valuable tools for educators and policymakers, providing insights into the effectiveness of teaching methods and curriculum implementation, ultimately contributing to the continuous improvement of Ontario’s education system. The outcomes of these assessments are shared in the Fall.

During Children’s Mental Health Week (May 6 to 10), we focus on acknowledging and reinforcing efforts to support mental health in our schools. Each year, this week presents as an opportunity to prioritize the well-being of our students and promote positive mental health initiatives. Through awareness-raising activities and initiatives, we aim to reduce stigma surrounding mental health and empower our students to seek help when needed. Together, we will work toward creating a school community that prioritizes mental health and supports every child.

On May 30, the DDSB will host its third-annual Student Art Gallery, featuring a district-wide collection of artworks centered around the theme “My Journey, My Joy, My Genius.” Open to students in Grades 7 to 12, the gallery celebrates individual perspectives on connection and community. Students are encouraged to showcase their creativity through artwork and accompanying stories that reflect their personal journey, sources of joy, and expressions of genius. This theme invites students to explore the diverse facets of their experiences, highlighting the unique qualities that shape their identities.

Additionally, I am pleased to share with you that the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA) and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario have launched the Healthy Democracy Student Leadership Award, available to graduating high school students who will begin post-secondary learning in 2024. Applicants should demonstrate strong leadership, community involvement, and a commitment to civic engagement. More details on the application process are available on the OPSBA website.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your child’s education. Together, we are shaping the future for our students.

Warm regards,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education
Durham District School Board

Students' Lemonade Stand Initiative, for the Ignite Learning Foundation, Supports Fellow Students in Need

Thu, 31 Aug 2023 20:15:00 GMT

In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and compassion, a group of students led by Eliana Abner and her friends Rishayna Shaw, Madeline Sengthavy, Aiman Saad, Ambika Jaikaran and Ava Downey have set up a lemonade stand over the summer to raise funds for fellow students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB). This inspiring initiative, aptly named "Friends Making a Difference," aims to alleviate the challenges brought on by the increasing cost of living and ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to excel.

The motivation for this thoughtful endeavor sprung from a radio broadcast highlighting the rising cost of living, which directly affects families' ability to provide essential supplies for their children's education. Eliana and her friends, though young, recognized the significance of the issue and decided to take matters into their own hands.

The lemonade stand, a beacon of hope and unity, symbolizes the generosity that can flourish when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The students behind "Friends Making a Difference" not only raised over $700 for students in support of The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation's 'School Supply Drive' initiative but are also inspiring others to lend a helping hand to their peers. Their selflessness is awe-inspiring and serves as a powerful reminder that positive change can stem from even the smallest of actions.

The impact of their efforts extends beyond monetary assistance. These students embody the spirit of unity, compassion, and resilience that defines our community. Through this initiative, they are reinforcing the values of empathy and mutual support, creating an environment where every student feels valued and empowered.

The success of the lemonade stand will not only ensure that students have the necessary tools to excel academically but will also foster a culture of giving back, teaching invaluable life lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

As we witness Eliana and her friends' remarkable dedication, we are reminded that the younger generation has the potential to drive transformational change. Their actions exemplify the limitless impact that compassion and unity can have on a community.

Let us rally behind these extraordinary students as they stand up to make a difference in the lives of their peers. Together, we can amplify their impact and create a brighter future for all. Please visit IDLF website to learn how you too can help make a difference for students in need at DDSB.

Join Our Grounds Crew!!

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:45:00 GMT

Families Explore Tech and AI at DDSB's First CTRL+ALT+EDUCATE Event

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:15:00 GMT

Students participated in sessions to learn more about modern classrooms including how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) impact learning

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) welcomed hundreds of students and families to its Education Centre today for its first CTRL+ALT+EDUCATE event, drawing families from across the region to explore how technology and artificial intelligence (AI) are shaping modern learning.

The free event transformed the Education Centre into a hub of innovation. Families with children in grades K–8 explored interactive stations, creative activities, and practical learning sessions tailored to both students and caregivers.

Young learners engaged in activities that encouraged imagination, problem-solving, and collaboration. From coding challenges to AI-powered games, students experienced firsthand how technology can inspire creativity and support learning across subjects. Parents and caregivers also had the opportunity to attend sessions on topics ranging from AI in the classroom to supporting diverse learning needs and enhancing reading, writing, and math skills.

“Student learning is built on strong partnerships between families and educators. CTRL+ALT+EDUCATE gave families hands-on insight into how technology and Generative AI can empower students, support diverse needs, and inspire creativity in every classroom,” said Andrea McAuley, Superintendent of Education, Innovation & Leadership.

As part of DDSB’s commitment to local communities, the Ignite Learning Foundation was also onsite with its Holiday Van, collecting toiletries, gift cards, and new winter clothing for local students and families in need.

With the success of its first CTRL+ALT+EDUCATE, the DDSB plans to continue exploring ways to connect families with modern learning experiences with a focus on preparing students for a future where technology and creativity go hand in hand.

DDSB statement on hate-motivated attack in Waterloo, Ontario

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 16:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board is deeply saddened by the recent incident that took place in a university lecture room in Waterloo, Ontario. Three individuals were injured in an incident believed to be motivated by hate related to gender expression and gender identity. The timing of this incident during Pride month only compounds the tragedy.

While this incident did not occur within the Durham Region, the DDSB stands united with our partners in the education field, as well as the 2SLGBTQI community and all communities that continue to face marginalization and stigmatization. We acknowledge the trauma and harm that can result from such incidents, and we urge all those affected to employ the support resources that have been made available. Our heartfelt condolences go out to all those impacted by this senseless act of violence.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of the DDSB’s unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and fostering safe and inclusive learning and working environments for everyone, irrespective of background, race, ethnicity, gender, or any other aspects of identity. The DDSB vehemently condemns all forms of violence, intolerance, harassment, hate, homophobia, transphobia, and any other acts of harm.

The DDSB remains resolute in our commitment to fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and empathy within our schools and the broader community. Let us continue to work to build a future where every individual feels valued, respected, and safe.

Donna Edwards
Chair, Board of Trustees

Camille Williams-Taylor
Director of Education

Marketplace at Chris Hadfield P.S.

Thu, 09 May 2024 12:00:00 GMT

Marketplace at Chris Hadfield P.S. – Students Learn the Art of Marketing

Grade 8 students at Chris Hadfield Public School showed off their marketing, customer service, product design, and sales skills at the annual Marketplace earlier this spring.

“Marketplace is the culminating activity of a month’s worth of work where students hone in on an authentic learning experience. Students find a need and create a product to address that need or service,” says Mr. Hosier, a Grade 8 Teacher and developer of Marketplace.

The process is similar to Dragons’ Den as seen on television. Marketplace is a Grade 8 project but is a whole school endeavour that Mr. Hosier calls “authentic learning” with students having to be ready as it is a hard deadline.

Mr. Hosier started this learning experience as a Teacher at Sunset Heights PS with his teaching partner. At that time, it was just food, but not a bake sale. The focus was on the media aspect of how to market something and finding a target market and designing products to serve it.

Lauren and Isla, Grade 8 students participating in Marketplace as sellers for the first time, had a blast.

“It is a way to learn about the real world and how to deal with money and customers,” says Isla. “It is also a way for students to raise money to help go to the grad trip.”

Lauren really appreciated the experience not only for her, but younger students as well. “It also helps students in other grades because they can come and work on communication when they are buying,” says Lauren.

Lauren and Isla marketed and sold three different types of bracelets – string, beaded, and beaded with letters. “We have sport themes to choose from for each type of bracelet and a lot more,” says Lauren. Both girls agree that their target market was wide because a number of people love sports.

Isla and Lauren also capitalized on news from the Superbowl power couple of Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift by designing a bracelet specific to this duo because other students and staff may be interested in purchasing.

Isla says the process and experience stretched their creative juices. “Students had to create a product pitch and presentation that explains what the product is and how they think it would be beneficial to the school or students. We had to think about a target market, the number of products we need to make or design, pricing, guesstimate revenue and profit, and design a table for display,” says Isla.

Chris Hadfield PS Marketplace 2024 Photos

Luke and Gregory, also in Grade 8, participated this year from the sellers’ side of the table after being customers for many years.

The two teamed up to sell shaving cream stress balls in all different colours.

“Since we were once the customers, we thought we might take what we wanted when we were younger and use that experience to sell what younger kids would want,” says Luke.

“Most of our customers have been Grade 3s so far and a couple Grade 6s,” says Greg. “We have seen more boys than girls buying.” That’s different from what the pair thought they would see when they planned the project, assuming they would be selling to Grades 4, 5, and 6 students.

Students advertised their products and services using posters throughout the school as well as radio ads aired over the announcements.

This experience provides students with a lengthy skill set when looking for their first job. The process helps students to get creative and become confident. It gives them an avenue to learn what you don’t sometimes see in classroom work, explains Mr. Hosier.

Mr. Hosier encourages other teachers and schools to look into this initiative for their school. “This can be run at any school. It doesn’t have to be big and elaborate. Start small and hammer home the finer points because a lot of things can be made with school supplies that we already have: glue, popsicle sticks, things like that to mass produce for kids something they will want to buy.”

The efforts of Isla, Lauren, Luke, Gregory and their classmates helped to raise $9,500 toward their school graduation trips.

Two New DDSB Schools to open September 2026

Wed, 04 May 2022 20:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is thrilled to share with our community that the Government of Ontario has approved two new schools to open September 2026. They are a north Oshawa secondary school which will be located at Bridle Rd S and Windfields Farm Dr. E and new Pickering elementary school in the Seaton community.

The new structures will alleviate enrollment pressure on other schools due to rapid growth in the surrounding communities.

The DDSB identified the need and took many steps to advocate for these new schools as we grow as a community and support families and students.

Thank you to the Government of Ontario for recognizing this need and moving this project forward. We look forward to starting construction on this site, and welcoming students to the new school in September 2026.

The Unnamed North Oshawa secondary school to be located at Windfields Farm Dr. East & Bridle Road will accommodate 1,387 student spaces. School space will include 58 classrooms, with 2 Special Education rooms, 1 loaded Resource room, 3 seminar rooms, a triple gymnasium and library. The school will be approximately 16,450 square metres.

The unnamed new Pickering Seaton elementary school will be located at Burkholder Drive and Azalea Avenue. The school will accommodate 634 student spaces including a four room child care centre. It will include 6 Full Day Kindergarten rooms, 18 regular classrooms, 2 Special Education rooms, Science, Art and Music room along with a gymnasium and library. The school will be approximately 6,924 square metres.

“We are extremely excited to receive approval for construction of a new secondary school to better serve our rapidly growing region. The approval of this new high school is great news for families in Oshawa and will help address the growing pressures that we are experiencing. We look forward to seeing it open its doors to current and future secondary students. Building learning environments, like this one in North Oshawa, that support student achievement and well-being puts our students on a strong path to success.” - Michael Barrett, Darlene Forbes and Linda Stone, Trustees for Oshawa.

“The approval for construction of a new elementary school in the Seaton community is great news for students and families in Pickering and for the Durham District School Board as we continue serve more students and advocate to support them. As a growing school district, we look forward to providing local quality public education for children to continue their learning success journey. Thank you to the Government of Ontario for this timely investment that will have a positive impact for generations to come.” – Paul Crawford, and Chris Braney, Trustees for Pickering

Statement from the Chair and Director on Trustee Social Media Activity

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 22:15:00 GMT

The DDSB is aware of the recent public twitter activity of Trustee Linda Stone. The DDSB does not monitor or maintain this account. This social media activity does not reflect the work of, and is contrary to the commitment, values and actions of, the DDSB, the Board of Trustees and the Senior Team. Many trustees and staff have received concerns from the community on this topic and about the harm it is causing them or the ones they love.

School board trustees are elected by eligible voters in the municipal election. School boards do not have the power under the Education Act to remove a trustee for conduct.

This recent activity is a distraction from the work that the Board of Trustees and staff are undertaking to promote and uphold the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Board’s Human Rights Policy and centre the lived experiences and identities of students, staff and community members in the work that takes place every day across the DDSB.

The DDSB strives to create learning and working environments that are safe, equitable, inclusive, respectful and welcoming of all identities. We recognize the effects of historical and ongoing oppression, discrimination and hate because of ancestry, race, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, creed/religion and all other Human Rights Code protected grounds. We acknowledge past and current traumas and are committed to building a system that challenges all forms of discrimination and that supports, respects, affirms, and embraces the diverse identities of students, staff and community members.

This is in addition to some of the work that has recently taken place across the DDSB to support 2SLGBTQI communities including but not limited to the Board of Trustees approval to include inclusive washrooms in new school builds, the MyName Initiative, District-wide virtual GSAs and GSA clubs at schools, professional learning for staff led by the Visible Everyday Committee, the Board of Trustees passing of the District’s first Human Rights Policy and Procedures and updates to our Learning Resource Selection Policy and Procedures to be reflective of all identities, the sharing of resources with staff, and many other initiatives and activities across the District – including past public statements in response to a similar topic and on Transgender Day of Visibility.

The Board of Trustees and staff continue to actively address transphobia, racism and all other forms of discrimination and hate in our schools and workplaces.

Donna Edwards
Chair, Board of Trustees

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

School Bus Drivers Wanted!

Mon, 06 Jul 2020 16:00:00 GMT

Want to make a difference in your community? Interested in driving a school bus?

Local school bus operators are seeking qualified applicants to ensure delivery of students throughout Durham Region to school safely and on-time each and every day. The work involves approximately two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. Free training, including licensing, is provided.

There are several school bus operators located throughout the region seeking driver candidates.

Carrier contact information can be found on the Durham Student Transportation Services website.

Choosing between Remote and In-Person Learning

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 17:30:00 GMT

Families will be able to decide if their child(ren) will return to in-person learning at a physical school site or if they will be opting-out of in-person learning.

To help you with this important decision, we have developed a series of FAQs (listed below) related to remote learning. We also encourage you to learn more by exploring other sections of the Return to School webpage about the enhanced health and safety protocols and cleaning standards that we will be implementing in schools.

What if my child is learning in-person and the class is required to stay home?

It is possible that with the return to school the Durham Region Health Department will direct us to have all students in a class and/or in a school to stay at home. In this situation, we will transition to remote learning for that group of students until they can return to school.

What will remote learning look like?

Students who opt-out will receive instruction remotely at home and will receive both RealTime (live) learning and FlexTime (independent) learning during this period.
The program is intended to cover a similar amount of time that students would usually spend in the classroom learning and doing independent work with their teacher.

Will remote learning be the same as in-person learning?

It is important to understand that remote learning will not be the same as in-person learning but will be scheduled in a predictable manner and involve daily real-time opportunities.
We aim to ensure students can learn the required curriculum expectations and engage in learning with a teacher and other students through a variety of virtual platforms in a structured format.
The expectation of students engaging in remote learning will be that they are online and present.

Will my child be able to participate in remote learning with students and teachers from their home school?

Students engaging in remote learning may not be able to participate with students and teachers from their own school. We may be required to create virtual classrooms where students across the district in similar grades are attached to a teacher who will deliver online instruction.

Why do I need to decide by August 12^th if my child is going to be learning remotely from home?

To plan for the successful return to school on September 8^th, we need to know how many students will be opting for remote learning. We may have to adjust staffing across the system and some teachers will be assigned to provide remote learning for students at home. As a result, there may be less teachers assigned to physical classrooms at your child’s school.

Will students be able to switch between in-person and remote learning?

Direction from the Ministry indicates that students may not necessarily be able to move between remote and in-person learning, and families should anticipate the possibility to be wait-listed if they change their minds.
The opportunity for switching between remote and in-person learning will be dependent on an appropriate class placement being available. This may be at the end of an instructional period (i.e. each term at the elementary level and each quadmester at the secondary level). Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for students that have special circumstances.

Will technology be provided for my child?

Technology will be provided for students who are learning remotely and require it.
Families will receive more information in the coming weeks on how to request technology.

Brooklin High School's Zach: A Star on and off the Field

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 21:30:00 GMT

Brooklin High School is beaming with pride as they celebrate the extraordinary achievements of one of their own, Zach, whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. In the fall of 2023, Zach participated in a Special Olympics school soccer tournament with his classmates when an incredible opportunity arose: an invitation to try out for the Toronto FC (TFC) Unified team.

The TFC Unified program, a collaboration between Major League Soccer (MLS) and Special Olympics, brings together Special Olympics athletes and neurotypical athletes to compete as teammates. The program offers a unique schedule where Unified teams play games on the same day their MLS counterparts compete, fostering a deep sense of inclusion and camaraderie among athletes.

Zach embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm and determination. After a series of tryouts at TFC’s state-of-the-art practice facility in Downsview Park, Zach was selected to join the Unified team. His selection was a testament to his skill, dedication, and team spirit.

The highlight of the season was a thrilling trip to Montreal for a match against CF Montreal Unified. On July 19th, Zach and his teammates embarked on a memorable journey, traveling together to Quebec. The trip was filled with team bonding, from exploring downtown Montreal to sharing meals and laughter.

On game day, the team showcased their hard work and unity on the field. With Zach and his teammates giving it their all, TFC Unified secured a 2–0 victory against their Montreal rivals. The team’s energy carried over into the evening as they cheered on the MLS teams from their box seats, witnessing TFC claim another win with a 1–0 triumph.

Zach’s success is a shining example of the transformative power of sport. This program is more than just games; it’s about creating opportunities for neurodiverse athletes to grow, build confidence, and feel immense pride in their accomplishments.

We are also thrilled to acknowledge the contributions of two Durham District School Board (DDSB) educators who are integral to the program. Coaches Amanda Morra, a Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT) at J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, and Kaitlin Ireland, Department Head of Inclusive Student Services at Eastdale CVI, have been pivotal in guiding and mentoring the Unified team. Zach’s best friend, Devin Frogley from Donald A. Wilson, also joined the team as a rookie this year, further demonstrating the breadth of DDSB representation.

Congratulations, Zach—your school and community are in awe of you!

Film Industry Career Fair

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 14:45:00 GMT

On November 27th, approximately 400 secondary students from the Durham District School Board (DDSB) and the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) will have an opportunity to learn about the numerous career pathways in the film and television industry.

Students will learn about TV shows from script to screen to special effects, meet film and television industry professionals, and be introduced to the many well-paying high-quality jobs offered in this industry.

Students will gain helpful information about what it takes to make it in the film and television industry

Event: Film Industry Career Fair

Date: November 27, 2019

Time: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Location: DDSB Education Centre, 400 Taunton Road East, Whitby, ON L1R 2K6

Audience: Approximately 400 students from DDSB & DCDSB secondary schools

Preferred
Media Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Arrangements can be made in advance or on-site for interviews and/or photo opportunities.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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Exploring South and East Asian Heritage!

Fri, 17 May 2024 19:00:00 GMT

Join Us for Pathways of Asian Excellence: Exploring South and East Asian Heritage!

The Durham District School Board (DDSB), in collaboration with the Durham East Asian Network in Education (DEANE) and the Durham Educators Network for SouthAsians (DENSA), cordially invites you to join us for an enriching celebration of Asian/South Asian Heritage Month.

Event: Pathways of Asian Excellence: Exploring South and East Asian Heritage

Date: Friday, May 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Sinclair Secondary School, 380 Taunton Rd. E., Whitby

This event celebrates the rich heritage and contributions of South and East Asian communities through engaging workshops facilitated by local professionals, artists, and community members. From exploring STEM to delving into history, discovering authors, and immersing in art, dance, yoga, and tai chi, there will be something for everyone to enjoy and learn.

Evening highlights:

Workshops
Opportunities to engage with local professionals and artists
Snacks and refreshments will be provided
A chance to celebrate and learn about Asian/South Asian heritage

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate diversity and learn from our vibrant Asian and South Asian communities. We look forward to seeing you there!

Community Partnership Makes a Splash for Mary Street Community School Students

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:30:00 GMT

Smiles, splashes, and life-saving skills are making waves thanks to an incredible community partnership that is opening doors for students at Mary Street Community School.

Through the generous support of the Rotary Club of Oshawa, Grade 5 students at Mary Street Community School are participating in swimming lessons at the Oshawa YMCA, conveniently located across the street from the school. For many of these students, this marks their very first experience in the water, making the opportunity both meaningful and transformative.

The initiative was made possible with the support of the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF), which helped to connect with the Rotary Club of Oshawa, Mary Street Community School, and the YMCA. IDLF also ensured that every student had access to essential swimwear, along with snacks to enjoy after their initial swim session, removing barriers and ensuring all students could participate fully.

“We are incredibly grateful for this investment in children’s safety and well-being,” said Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of Ignite Durham Learning Foundation. “The smiles on the students’ faces and the opportunities being provided to them are what this is all about. These are experiences that build confidence, joy, and critical lifelong skills.”

Beyond learning how to swim, students are gaining critical water-safety knowledge, confidence, and resilience; skills that will benefit them for years to come. The joy is evident from the moment they step out of the pool, proud of what they’ve accomplished and excited for what comes next.

Kyrstin Orr, Grade 5 teacher at Mary Street Community School shared the impact this experience has had on her students:

“This opportunity has been truly incredible for my kiddos. Many of them were nervous at first, but now they walk into the YMCA with excitement. Watching them overcome their fears, support one another, and celebrate their progress has been so heart-warming. This experience means more than just swim lessons, it’s about inclusion, and showing our students that their community believes in them.”

The Rotary Club of Oshawa, IDLF, Mary Street Community School, and the Durham YMCA are proud to work together to create meaningful, joyful opportunities for students, demonstrating the powerful impact that community partnerships can have when they come together for children.

Together, this collaboration is not just teaching students how to swim; it’s helping them dive into new possibilities

DDSB Appoints New Associate Director, Academic Services

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 16:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Norah Marsh to the position of Associate Director, Academic Services.

Norah is a highly respected leader in public education with a lengthy track record of leadership, collaboration, and leveraging growth opportunities. This appointment is effective November 18, 2019.

Most recently, Norah was the Chief Executive Officer at the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO), having been hired in 2017 to lead its modernization. During her tenure at EQAO, the agency’s Equity and Inclusion Strategy was launched, positioning the organization to illuminate areas of greatest need within the province. Prior to leading at EQAO, she worked in senior roles at the Limestone District School Board, and the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board as Superintendent of Education, and Associate Director.

In her role as the DDSB’s Associate Director, Academic Services, Norah will be supporting Family of Schools Superintendents and will guide both Leadership and Operations. Through her expertise cultivated at other boards and educational institutions, Norah will provide a varied perspective earned through lived experiences.

“The Board of Trustees is pleased to welcome Norah Marsh to the DDSB as our new Associate Director, Academic Services,” says Board Chair Michael Barrett. “Norah is an accomplished problem-solver who brings a wealth of knowledge and abilities to our organization from a varied background of experience.“

“With Norah’s vast experience, knowledge, and stellar reputation within the education sector, she is a highly valued addition to the DDSB. We strongly believe that Norah will be a tremendous asset as a leader in our organization,” says Lisa Millar, Director of Education. “We are thrilled to bring her aboard to further strengthen and lead our outstanding Senior Team.”

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB

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DDSB Appoints Mark Jacula as New Trustee

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 15:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) announced today the appointment of Mark Jacula as Trustee.

Jacula’s appointment was finalized as part of the Trustee Vacancy Selection Process held May 28 where more than 30 local candidates presented before the Board. Following the presentations, the Board of Trustees voted to appoint Jacula to the vacancy. He was officially sworn in as Trustee at the June 17 meeting of the Board of Trustees.

“We are confident that Mark Jacula will be a valuable addition to our Board,” said Christine Thatcher, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees. “His dedication to education, combined with his commitment to human rights, equity, and anti-discrimination, aligns perfectly with our core values and operational goals.”

The appointment of Jacula underscores the Board’s commitment to fostering educational environments that are equitable, inclusive, respectful, and welcoming, and where every student can reach their full potential.

Monday, January 26, 2026: All DDSB Schools & Childcare Sites Closed

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 23:45:00 GMT

All Durham District School Board schools and work sites will be closed to students and staff on Monday, January 26, 2026.

This system-wide decision has been made due to the winter storm, significant snowfall forecasted to continue through the evening, and the anticipated storm aftermath, including snow clearing across communities.

All school-based childcare programs, including before- and after-school care, will be cancelled.

We appreciate your flexibility and understanding as we prioritize the safety of students, staff, and families. Further updates will be shared as needed.

Thank you

Uxbridge PS Stays Connected with Screencastify Lessons and Music Monday

Mon, 22 Jun 2020 19:30:00 GMT

Uxbridge PS teacher and students share their Distance Learning experiences

See below for a Distance Learning success story from Uxbridge Public School, featuring Teacher Lisa West, Grade 7 student Kaelyn, Grade 6 student Finn and Grade 5 student Ollie.

Lisa West, Grade 7 and Music Teacher

Q: Explain how the transition to Distance Learning has been for you?

A:There was definitely a learning curve at the beginning, although with the Grade 7 students already having Chromebooks, they were all familiar with Google Classroom. I had to be sure to provide clear instructions for everything we did. Recording ‘how-to’ videos and lessons with Screencastify has helped immensely. Also, setting up weekly Google Meets has made a huge impact for some students.

Q: What do you enjoy the most about this innovative type of teaching?

A:I think this experience has taught me how clear I need to be in my instructions, the lessons and the assignments. I’m also a music teacher, so I really wanted to do something to bring the school together with music somehow. For Music Monday we hosted a virtual assembly and I arranged for some student performances and I played some songs on the piano while everyone sang along.

Q: What type of reactions have you received?

A:At first some students were struggling with the video lessons and managing their time. We’ve all been growing together throughout this experience, discovering what works best. Some of my students have reported that they like the flexibility. If they’re able to get their work done at the beginning of the week, they can enjoy more free time later.

Q: Anything to add?

A:In many ways this experience has forced me to take pause and really look at the way I teach and to look at what is meaningful for students.

See here for an example of a Screencastify ‘how-to’ video created to help visual learners during Distance Learning https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFDQHOGnelqEFMvN-eXLaFUPO27VIatY/view?usp=sharing

Kaelyn, Grade 7 Student

Q: What’s the biggest difference between learning in a classroom and learning from home, for you?

A: I like the way Ms. West explains lessons through video because she shows the lessons on a white board while she explains our work and I find it’s easy to understand. This helps my learning because I find that it’s simple to follow along and I can easily take notes and pause/replay the lesson as many times as I need if I don’t understand something.

Q: Do you have any tips for other students about how to stay focused while learning from home?

A: My tips for other students to stay focused are to make sure your phone/device is turned off and you are in a place in your house where you are comfortable. If you’re still having trouble concentrating, take breaks to go outside before continuing your assignments.

Finn, Grade 6 Student & Ollie, Grade 5 Student

Q: What has been your favourite assignment from your teacher since Distance Learning began? Can you explain the assignment?

A: We performed a cover of the Hockey Night in Canada theme song with our clarinet and saxophone during the Music Monday assembly! We liked that we got to perform for Music Monday and see everyone in our school that we hadn't seen for a long time.

Q: Anything to add?

A:We were nervous right before but felt great after, and we enjoyed learning the Hockey Night in Canada theme song.

The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Webinar Series is Reaching More Students in the District

Thu, 13 May 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Connecting Black Male Students with Role Models and Creating Positive Outcomes for the Future

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is hosting The Cypher: Black Male Empowerment Webinar Series, but this year with a twist. The main purpose of Cypher remains the same, however this year instead of it being an in-person event, it is now a series of six webinars, some specifically customized to reach all Grade 6-8 students and staff, District-wide. This change is creating an opportunity to reach even more young Black male students, their peers and teachers than ever before. Cypher aims to break barriers and dismantle anti-Black racism in Durham. The organization of Cypher is a true collaboration of DDSB, the Equity Department, the Durham Black Educators’ Network (DBEN) as they strive to empower Black males.

“The purpose was to provide a platform and space for Black males, Grades 6 to 8, to connect with each other, network with Black male role models, explore a wide range of academic pathways all while eliminating barriers to success,” explains Co-Chair of Cypher Kokhulani Yasodaran.

One of the most important components of the Cypher series is the connection that is developed between the students and the role models.

“It is a safe place where they can be themselves, they can have a voice and relate to Black men who look like them, talk like them and understand their challenges,” says Co-Chair of Cypher Lynda Dortelus. “It is important for Black male students to see successful Black men who broke the negative barriers that society has on the Black community.”

Carter is a Grade 8 student from Southwood Public School and he participated in the Cypher Series. He said that in the beginning he felt uncomfortable having these conversations, but he understood why they were so important. He has learned a lot and he hopes that DDSB continues to engage in these conversations with Black students and staff.

“The information empowered me. I am now aware of Black male stereotypes and how I may be perceived in my community and North America,” Carter says. “This Cypher also provided me with the tools I can use to succeed in the future and to inspire others to their full potential.”

The series has created an opportunity for classes to have impactful conversations about, anti-Black racism, bias, microaggressions, allyship and so much more.

The first three sessions happened in February, in honour of Black History Month. The next sessions are planned for May 19 and 26 To view some of the previous webinars visit the Cypher website.

Leadership: DDSB Administrator Creates a Song to Help Fight Against COVID-19

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 17:00:00 GMT

Administrator and song writer composes a song to help students follow health and safety regulations

Since March 2020 the world has been coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, including Durham District School Board (DDSB) schools, families and staff. DDSB@Home Secondary Vice Principal Shaundell Parris, was inspired to write and produce a song to help students to follow the new health and safety regulations and stay safe.

“There were lots of signage and sanitizers in every corner of the school, but we decided it would be wise to enhance the visual reminders by adding an audio component to ensure we were meeting the needs of all learners. I put my creative juices into action.” said Parris.

Parris has been an educator for over 20 years, but her other passion is music. She is a professional singer, song writer, vocal coach and educator and she was the choir director of The Femtones; an all female acappella group that was based out of Pickering High School.

The song is called Stay Six Feet Apart (Fight COVID), and was written, composed and produced (with assistance from professional producer Towa) by Parris. Stay Six Feet Apart focuses on various ways students can stay safe, like avoiding hi-fives with friends, staying six feet apart when standing in line or walking down the hall when there isn’t a lot of people. It’s a catchy song that is being played in various schools across the board such as J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate, Carruthers Creek Public School, Valley Farm Public School and Cadarackque Public School. She has received great feedback from schools about the song.

“The song is relatable, friendly, informative and removes the fear that might surround people about COVID-19,” says Kay-Ann Sundiata a teacher from Carruthers Creek Public School.

Anyone interested in hearing Six Feet Apart (Fight COVID) can visit YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AvUCbcbzSE8. It is also currently being streamed on various platforms including: Tic Tok, Spotify, Amazon, iTunes, Apple Music, etc.

April 3 & April 6 - Schools Closed

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:00:00 GMT

All DDSB schools and offices will be closed on Friday, April 3 and Monday, April 6, 2026. Schools resume and will be open to students commencing Tuesday, April 7, 2026 in alignment with the 2025-2026 school year schedule. View the school year calendar.

A message from the Ministry of Education

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 18:15:00 GMT

Ontario’s Ministry of Education and Education Minister Todd Smith shares a special year-end message with families.

Click the below link to watch the video.

Watch Video

Oct 20th - PA Day

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 19:00:00 GMT

Expression of Interest: Human Rights Advisory Committee

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 14:45:00 GMT

The DDSB has established a new Human Rights Advisory Committee. This committee will act in a strategic advisory role to the Board of Trustees to support the DDSB in upholding commitments, objectives and responsibilities under the DDSB’s Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.

The DDSB is seeking expressions of interest from community members with demonstrated experience in advancing and protecting human rights for up to seven (7) volunteer community representative roles on this committee.

We are looking for community members who have:

Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Human Rights Code, human rights principles and related analytical frameworks (including and not limited to intersectionality, power, balance, analyzing and addressing systemic barriers and discrimination, and competing rights.)
Experience applying human rights principles and/or addressing systemic discrimination through professional and/or community service work (for example, in legal, public policy, educational, non-profit and/or community organizations, etc.)
Understanding of human rights issues and institutional barriers in public school boards and/or the education system to advise the Board of Trustees on effective ways to fulfill its commitments and responsibilities under the Human Rights, Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Racism Policy.
Demonstrated advocacy with regards to accessibility for people with disabilities.
Exemplary communications skills to engage in sensitive group discussions with empathy and care.
Community members must reside within the region of Durham.

Community members interested in this opportunity must submit an expression of interest that outlines their experience, expertise and commitment to the six above mentioned criteria to: humanrightsadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca by Friday, September 13, 2024 at 4:00 pm.

Selected community members will be invited to participate in a meeting to discuss their interest and experiences.

If you require accommodation under the Human Rights Code or Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act to submit an expression of interest, please contact: humanrightsadvisorycommittee@ddsb.ca.

Thank you for your interest in this exciting opportunity!

5 Questions with DDSB Staff Illustrator Shannon O'Toole

Tue, 17 May 2022 15:30:00 GMT

Shannon O’Toole is a Grade 6 teacher at Carruthers Creek Public School in Ajax. When she’s not in the classroom teaching, Shannon works as a freelance illustrator. Her most recent release is a book called The Math Kids: The Triangle Secret. It’s the sixth book in a series that Shannon has been illustrating for the last few years. The book is about a group of four Grade 5 students who have a math club that solves crimes and mysteries. Shannon also recently worked on a picture book called The Helping Rock and the cover of a fantasy novel called Lucy & Dee: The Silk Road.

We spoke with Shannon about her work as a freelance illustrator, her creative process, and hopes for the future.

Q. What inspires your art/illustrations?

For all my illustration projects I am inspired by my family and friends. My art is always people and character focused. I often think about people I've known in the past, clothing, facial expressions, and personality traits of the various characters I have met. I was originally a portrait artist, and love painting people and creating new characters. I also love hiding my family and friends into the backgrounds of my illustrations!

Q. What message do you hope audiences take with them after reading books with your illustrations?

To pursue their passions and recognize their strengths. Many of the books I have recently worked on center around this theme of believing in yourself, so I hope that message is something audiences take with them.

Q. Do you have any tips for aspiring illustrators or authors who are considering publishing their work?

I think for anyone who is interested in writing or illustrating books, I would recommend doing some research into the process of creating a manuscript or building your artist portfolio. For me, I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI) which has chapters in various cities. I attended a workshop, took notes furiously, and read all the resources they shared. I was able to ask questions of published illustrators, and have my portfolio reviewed by art directors. I got helpful feedback from established and new illustrators. I also joined the Canadian Society of Children's Authors, Illustrators and Performers (CANSCAIP) which provided me with great networking and learning opportunities. I would also suggest to just write or draw what you're passionate about and continue to build this portfolio of work with things you genuinely care about. It will reflect in your work and other people will feel that love.

Q. What’s next for you in the world of illustrations and storytelling?

I am continuing to illustrate the next books in The Math Kids series and have recently completed the third book in a picture book series called The Adventures of Grandmasaurus which will be released next spring. I am also currently working on the cover to the Lucy & Dee sequel. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to these series. I love illustrating characters over the course of a series and watching them grow and develop.

Q. Where can people go to learn more about you and your work?

My work can be found on my artist website shannonotooleart.com and some of the books I have worked on can be found at commondeerpress.com.

Parking Passes available in the Main Office

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 14:15:00 GMT

DDSB Staff and Students Spread Holiday Cheer Across Durham Region

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 13:00:00 GMT

From food drives and fundraisers to holiday cards and knitting scarves, staff and students are making sure everyone has an enjoyable holiday season

It’s December in Durham Region and staff and students at the Durham District School Board (DDSB) are hard at work doing their best to make sure families have a safe, warm and happy holiday. Here are just a few of the holiday giving initiatives happening throughout the Board.

Making a Difference

The Make a Difference (MAD) team at the DDSB is currently running a Fall/Winter Students in Need fundraiser to support students and their families with food security, appropriate clothing, toiletries and necessary school supplies. As of December 10^th, the campaign had raised over $6,500 and will run until March 12, 2021. Donations can be made at bit.ly/MADdonate.

The MAD team is also running a Giving Pantry at the Make A Difference Depot. They are in the process of collecting non-perishable food items that will be disbursed in the form of a food hamper to approximately 350 DDSB families. If you would like to donate non-perishable food items, please email MakeADifference@ddsb.ca to arrange deliveries. All food hampers will be delivered by the MAD team to families the week of December 21.

Sweet Success

Amantha, a kindergarten student at R.H. Cornish PS in Port Perry, raised $410 to buy toys for the Durham Regional Police Service annual toy drive by selling 68 jars of homemade jam. Find out more about Amantha’s story on the DurhamRegion.com website: https://www.durhamregion.com/news-story/10280794-sweet-success-scugog-girl-uses-jam-sales-to-support-toy-drive/.

Youth Leaders for Change

With help from over 200 volunteers and six elementary school classes, Pine Ridge SS graduate Noor Syed and current Grade 12 DDSB@Home student Keelin Eastveld organized the creation of over 1,000 handmade holiday cards for the residents of long-term care homes in Durham Region. Initially Noor and Keelin set the goal of creating 310 cards, but have far surpassed that goal, and will be delivering a total of 1,804 holiday cards to staff at Fairview Lodge and Taunton Mills in Whitby and Winbourne Park in Ajax. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, staff will distribute the cards to residents.

In September, Noor and Keelin started Youth Leaders for Change, with the goal of empowering youth in the community to work together to make change in the community and beyond. Check out their Instagram page to learn more about their initiatives: @youthleadersforchange.

Red Scarf Project

For the past five years, under the leadership of Durham Alternative Secondary School (DASS) teacher Laura Michaluk, students knit red scarves and wrap them around poles in downtown Oshawa so that community members may take them to stay warm. Each year Michaluk and DASS students knit 50 scarves to raise awareness about the impact of HIV. Learn more about the project here: https://www.redscarfoshawa.ca/

Holiday Cards for VIVA Retirement Residents

Dunbarton HS teacher and library head Karen Papadopoulos and her students took time out of their school day to write meaningful messages in holiday cards addressed to residents at the local VIVA Retirement Community in Pickering. See a few of their thoughtful holiday cards on the Dunbarton HS Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/p/CIlKNpmpKVg/.

Adopt-A-Family

Each holiday season, the Education Centre Staff Association and DDSB social workers team up to collect donations for families in need in the Durham Region community through the Adopt-A-Family initiative. This year, staff are supporting approximately 11 families. Check out the following story to learn more about Adopt-A-Family and some of the other initiatives organized by the Education Centre Staff Association in previous years: DDSB Staff Association donates funds to local organizations through weekly draws.

English Help Available Now

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 19:45:00 GMT

Return to School Updates

Wed, 02 Sep 2020 20:00:00 GMT

View recent updates on our Return to School page.

Uxbridge Secondary School hosts first-ever Inclusive Skills Competition

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 13:30:00 GMT

The aroma of freshly baked goods filled the air as students from all walks of life gathered in the culinary room at Uxbridge Secondary School for the first-ever Inclusive Skills Baking Competition. Excitement and nervousness were palpable as participants prepared to showcase their talents in a friendly competition that celebrated diversity and inclusivity.

For weeks leading up to the event, students with different abilities had been practicing their baking skills, from measuring and mixing ingredients to perfecting their decorating techniques. The PLP students involved in the competition were paired up with one of Uxbridge SS Head of Culinary Arts David Brown’s talented culinary students. The competition was open to everyone, regardless of their background, abilities, or experience level. Each participant was given an equal opportunity to showcase his or her unique baking style and creativity.

The competition caught the attention of many locals across the Township of Uxbridge and created quite the excitement in this small community. The competition featured a few star-studded judges such as Naz Cavallaro, a.k.a. BBQ Naz from the Food Network, Leah Daniels, country singer and Uxbridge Secondary School alumnus, as well as former culinary student Noelle Hobor. The judges were looking for not just great taste and presentation, but also creativity, and most importantly that the participants involved were having fun.

As the competition began, the contestants started whipping up their creations. The sound of whisks, mixers, and ovens hummed throughout the kitchen as the students raced against the clock to finish their pieces. The air was filled with excitement and positive energy as parents, staff, and peers cheered them on. The judges were amazed by the level of talent and innovation displayed by the students.

In the end, all participants were presented with medals and all left with a sense of pride and accomplishment, and most importantly a smile planted on their faces. The event was a success, not just in terms of the competition, but also in fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved.

The school’s first-ever Inclusive Skills Baking Competition set a new standard for celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity. It brought together students of different abilities, backgrounds, and experiences, and gave them an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Mr. Brown, who worked tirelessly to coordinate this event with 12 different schools across the DDSB, says, “The dream is for Skills Canada, which promotes careers and development in the skilled trades, to include more inclusive competitions for all of our students in the future.”

Statement on Recent Acts of Hate

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 14:00:00 GMT

Recently, we have witnessed through the media a rise in antisemitic and Islamophobic acts of hate, with new accounts occurring with alarming frequency. The Durham District School Board denounces these acts and all acts of hate, racism and discrimination in our society.

As a publicly funded school board, we are committed to anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-colonial learning and working environments that centre human rights and equity, and are safe, welcoming, respectful, equitable, accessible, inclusive and free from discrimination.

The DDSB also welcomes recent announcements from the Ministry of Education to combat ongoing acts of hatred through proactive educational programs that specifically address antisemitism and Islamophobia.

Support is available for those impacted by acts of hatred. During the summer months, students can connect with our mental health team and staff can contact the Employee and Family Assistance Program.

DDSB Elects Chair and Committee Membership for 2021

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 17:00:00 GMT

At the Board Meeting of the Durham District School Board (DDSB) held on Monday, December 7, 2020, trustees elected a new Chair and committee members for 2021.

Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge Trustee Carolyn Morton will serve as Chair of the Board for 2021, taking over from Pickering Trustee, Chris Braney who served as Chair for 2020.

Carolyn Morton is a retired Durham educator, having taught more than 36 years with the DDSB and was first elected as a Trustee in 2010. She has previously served as of Chair the Education Finance Committee for five years and has also been elected to the role of Vice Chair of the Board in the past. One of Chair Morton’s top priorities has always been the well-being of students and staff. She is extremely proud of the Mental Health Strategic Plan with her greatest satisfaction coming from working on the Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) committee. Chair Morton is in her third term as a Trustee with the DDSB.

Additional results of the Internal Elections include:

Christine Thatcher, Trustee for the Town of Whitby, was voted Vice Chair of the Board
Patrice Barnes, Trustee for the Town of Ajax (Wards 1 & 2), was voted Vice Chair of Standing Committee
Donna Edwards, Trustee for the Town of Ajax (Ward 3), was voted Chair of the Education Finance Committee

The Board of Trustees hold internal elections annually each December.

A complete list of Board Committees and Trustee Liaisons can be found on the DDSB’s website at https://www.ddsb.ca/en/about-ddsb/resources/Documents/Trustee-Committee-Membership.pdf

Quotes:

“As we face unique challenges in the middle of a global pandemic, I see our role as Trustees to utilize our skill sets and knowledge bases to help create safe and welcoming learning environments where our students and staff can grow and thrive. I look forward to working cooperatively and collaboratively with my colleagues on the Board and with staff to help carry out the critical work of the Durham District School Board and provide good governance. Together, we will work to Ignite Learning.”

Carolyn Morton, Chair of the Board

“We are grateful to Chris Braney for serving as Chair of the Board during this year of immense change and for his many contributions to a strong public education system in Durham. Working together with Chair Morton and the Board, we will continue our efforts to support the needs of the system as we stay focused on our strategic priorities of Student Success, Equity, Innovation, Engagement, Leadership and Well-Being.”

Norah Marsh, Director of Education

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 6,900 teaching and educational services staff. With 133 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 70,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at www.ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @DurhamDSB, Instagram @durhamschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

School Bus Cancellations: Thursday, January 26, 2023 - All Zones

Thu, 26 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT

Durham Student Transportation Services have cancelled buses in all zones, due to road conditions resulting from inclement weather.

Busses will not operate in Zone 1,2,3 or 4 in the morning or in the afternoon. All elementary and secondary schools remain open.

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting the Durham Student Transportation Services (DSTS) website or by clicking the links below.

Director's Update to Families - Summer Break Edition

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 18:30:00 GMT

Dear DDSB Families,

Congratulations to students and their families as we recognize the achievement of another year of learning! Many graduation and completion ceremonies have taken place this June, celebrating significant milestones for students who have completed another leg of their education journey. While big milestones and accomplishments are of course worth celebrating, we also want to commend all our students for showing up consistently and doing their best. The past 194 school days have been full of challenges, growth, and some fun for each of us – staff, students, and families alike – and I hope that when you reflect on the 2024-25 school year, you are proud of all the positive steps you have taken toward achieving your personal goals.

As summer break begins and student routines shift, it’s important to recognize that this transition can bring both excitement and challenges for young people. If you notice changes in your child’s behavior or they express concern, consider the supportive strategies and resources provided on our website.

Looking ahead to the fall, if you are interested in getting involved in the DDSB community and supporting your local School Community Council (SCC), consider joining our Parent Involvement Committee (PIC) for the 2025-26 school year!

If your family has a little one starting Kindergarten in the fall and you missed any of the Great Beginnings webinars, you can check them out anytime on our website. Also, students who are starting high school in September may be interested in the DDSB 2025 Getting Ready for High School program starting in August. The registration deadline is August 8^th at noon. Please visit our website for more information.

I want to extend a sincere thank you to our students, families, and volunteers for their efforts to make a positive impact on our school communities – whether it was sharing the gift of a smile or a helping hand in gestures large and small – your thoughtfulness, support, noticing, gratitude, affirming, and kindness made a difference.

Whatever your family is celebrating this summer, on behalf of all DDSB staff, we wish you a happy and healthy break ahead.

Take good care,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

Durham District School Board

PowerSchool Security Breach

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 22:15:00 GMT

DDSB Families/Caregivers,

We wanted to share an important update about a cyber incident experienced by the Durham District School Board involving PowerSchool – the application used by DDSB and many school boards across North America to store a range of student information and a limited amount of school-based staff information.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2025, PowerSchool notified the DDSB and other school boards in Ontario and across North America, that they had experienced a data breach between December 22 - 28, 2024.

Our cybersecurity team promptly activated our response plan, taking immediate steps to ensure that our critical systems remain operational.

Working with PowerSchool, we are conducting a thorough investigation to understand the nature of the incident and what personal information may have been affected. At this point in time, we are still assessing the exact information that may have been accessed or exported from the application. PowerSchool has informed us that it has received confirmation that the data accessed by an unauthorized user has been deleted and that no copies of this data were posted online.

If it is determined that any personal information has been affected, we will let anyone impacted know as soon as possible. We know this news may be concerning, but please know that we are doing everything possible to learn more from PowerSchool about what occurred.

We will continue to update staff and the community as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Durham District School Board

Update on Graduation Ceremonies

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 14:30:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Schools have been planning their virtual graduation ceremonies for many months. Given the recent relaxation of some safety protocols, schools have the option to supplement those virtual graduations with an outdoor in-person acknowledgement. This may take the form of graduating students participating in a “drive/walk through” ceremony with scheduled time slots for each graduate and strict health and safety protocols in place based on direction from the Durham Region Health Department.

We understand how important graduation ceremonies are and want you to know that your school will share more information on their plans directly with the families of graduating students. School staff are striving to provide engaging opportunities that close off this tumultuous year with deep appreciation for all that students have experienced. Secondary schools with a fall commencement will continue their planning for an event in the fall and in line with public health guidance at that time.

It is important for all of us to recognize that with a growing percentage of cases being the more transmissible Delta variant, along with the fact that one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine may only provide reduced protection, we need to continue to take all measures necessary to ensure the safety of students, families and staff.

Vaccinating eligible youth ages 12+ will reduce community spread of the virus and provide greater opportunities to resume in more regular activities.I have included below information related to the vaccination program for students 12 years of age and older.

Sincerely,

Norah Marsh
Director of Education

Two DDSB Staff Presented with Awards

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 13:45:00 GMT

At the October 21st Board meeting, DDSB staff members Michele Gordon and Robert Field were proudly presented with the Ontario Public School Boards Association (OPSBA) Achievement Award and the DDSB Educational Services Staff Award.

Michele Gordon Receives 2024 OPSBA Achievement Award

Each year, OPSBA’s Achievement Awards are presented to members of school communities across the province for their outstanding, exemplary, and unique contributions to the overall well-being of a school or community through in-school, board-wide, extra-curricular and/or volunteer activity.

Michele Gordon, an Education Assistant (EA) at Beaver River Public School, was nominated for the OPSBA Achievement Award by a former student of hers.

“I was surprised but then it felt nice to know that I made a difference in a student’s life. We rarely get to hear from students once they graduate and always wonder how they are doing,” says Michele.

The nomination summarized all the ways Michele has made a difference: “Her words of advice or encouragement on a tough day, support given when approaching a challenging assignment, or sometimes just with a smile that could be exactly what was needed in that moment on that day. Her actions in the classroom and within the school community contribute to the wellbeing of all students.”

Reflecting on how she strives to make a difference in her school community Michele says, “I greet my students every day with a smile and a hello and make sure that I am always a safe person they can come to at any point in the day, no matter who I’m working with or what class I am in. I always have time for them.”

Robert Field Receives 2023-2024 Educational Services Staff Award

The Educational Services Staff Award is an annual award presented to a CUPE staff member (or staff team) in Educational Services who have made an exceptional contribution to the support of students, schools, or the growth of others in the Durham District School Board.

In addition to the recognition of winning the award, each recipient receives $500 toward a project or initiative of their choice.

Robert Field, Lead Custodian at Southwood Park PS, received the award and decided to direct the $500 to the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) to support DDSB students.

“I wanted to support the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation for families to have access to school supplies, clothing, food, and a chance to perhaps participate in sports,” explains Robert.

The nomination summarized how Robert creates a warm and welcoming environment at school: “Robert’s approachable nature, willingness to assist others, and compassionate attitude create a welcoming environment that fosters positive relationships and enhances the overall experience for those who interact with him. Each day, students and staff are greeted with a cheerful and friendly smile and a willingness to chat.”

Robert says the best part about working at Southwood Park PS is that he feels valued, and that makes him want to give that feeling back to staff, students, and parents.

“What I love about my job is to keep the school clean and safe and interacting with staff and students. It's so nice to have a laugh and helps the day to go by smoothly. Coming into the school every day to hear my name from students makes my day. The students are even teaching me French!”

Rivalry Week heats up at DDSB

Mon, 25 Mar 2024 19:15:00 GMT

Rivalry Week between Henry Street HS and Anderson CVI has been running since 2009 with both schools vying to win the coveted Mayor’s Cup.

At this annual event, administrators, teachers, and students at both schools work together tirelessly to host an exciting series of athletic competitions and pep rallies.

Student-athletes flexed their skills in boys’ basketball, girls’ volleyball, and ended the week with a combination of girls’ and boys’ hockey. Throughout the week, students showed their school spirit by dressing up and decorating their respective schools.

“This year’s tickets sold out in less than eight minutes and we had almost 2,000 people attend our hockey games in Iroquois Park Sports Centre,” said Evan Williams, a teacher at Henry Street HS.

Henry Street HS came out on top in basketball in a tightly contested affair. When it came to volleyball, Anderson CVI got their revenge and evened out the score.

It all came down to hockey to find out who would bring home the Mayor’s Cup.

Both the girls’ and boys’ hockey games were won by Henry Street HS, allowing them to clinch their seventh of 12 Mayor’s Cup victories. Congratulations to students at both schools on the efforts, support, and love of their teams and schools.

Williams added, “Wins are great, but soon forgotten. It’s the energy and experience of the event that brings both schools together which creates memories that last a lifetime!”

Hunger Action Month: Rallying the Durham Region to Combat Hunger

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 19:45:00 GMT

September marked Hunger Action Month, and the Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) took this opportunity to spotlight the urgency of addressing food insecurity, particularly among students in the Durham District School Board (DDSB).

At the IDLF, our mission is clear: to support children and youth in need across the DDSB, reducing the stress of poverty and fostering a healthier, more inclusive community. We understand the direct link between proper nutrition and academic success.

The IDLF encourages residents of the Durham Region to get involved in dismantling hunger through our Chew Chew Train campaign. Let’s work together this year to achieve our goal to raise $50,000 worth of Food to fill the Depot and truly make a difference.

Ways the community can get involved:

Monetary donations
In-kind food donations (drop-off Monday – Friday, 8 am – 4 pm at 400 Taunton Road)
Volunteering
Raising awareness

Together, we can make a meaningful impact and ensure that no child goes hungry in our community.

In just the first few weeks of the school year, the IDLF has distributed more than 300 kg of food hampers to local schools and families, demonstrating our commitment to alleviating food insecurity across the region.

In September, IDLF events to combat hunger included a lunch for over 200 students and staff at Mary St. Community School and a breakfast for 300 at Lakewood Public School. These initiatives provided essential nutrition and fostered a sense of community.

Key Points:

15% of Durham Region households do not have enough money to buy food, and 1 in 4 children in Durham Region face some type of food insecurity.
The Chew Chew Train campaign, now in its 2nd year.
Thank you to all the DDSB schools, DDSB education centre staff, school community councils and student leadership teams that host food drives to support IDLF.
Thank you to Frank and Kim Auddino, Whitby Sunrise Rotary and Lear Corp for your financial support of in school meal programs.
Thank you to IDLF individual donors who support our Student Nutrition fund that provides food Access to Classrooms and Kids (S.N.A.C.K.) Pillar.

For more information on how you can support the IDLF and our mission, please visit: Ignite Durham Learning Foundation or contact 905-666-6000.

School Bus Cancellations: Secondary Schools

Thu, 26 Nov 2020 20:15:00 GMT

Cancellation of Buses to Secondary Schools Due to Winter Weather

With colder temperatures approaching, we are sharing information on how the DDSB is approaching the cancellation of buses due to winter weather in order to ensure everyone remains safe. There will be some changes for this school year.

In the event that transportation services are cancelled due to inclement weather, secondary schools within the affected cancellation zones will switch to a virtual learning day for all students. All secondary students will be required to stay at home. We are taking this approach as students are already learning virtually in their classes. In this situation, both cohorts will be taught virtually in RealTime by their teacher in the morning. If any students arrive at school, we will ensure that they can return home safely.

For small class placement classrooms, you will be consulted directly in order to determine if the class preference is to switch to virtual or remain in-person due to extreme weather.

How will I be notified if transportation services are cancelled and/or schools are closed?

Families will be notified as soon as possible (no later than 7:00am) through a posting on the DDSB website, social media and where possible, through local radio stations.

What zone am I in?

Students and families can find a list of schools within each weather zone by visiting Durham Student Transportation Services at https://www.dsts.on.ca/inclement-weather.

Zone 1 (Brock Area), Zone 2 (Uxbridge Area), Zone 3 (Scugog Area), Zone 4 (Southern Area).

Letters about Self-Reported COVID-19 Cases

Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Message to Families RE Letters about Self-Reported COVID-19 Cases
January 24, 2022

Subject Line: Update on Self-Reporting COVID-19 Cases

Dear Parents/Guardians,

We are writing to share with you an update on the self-reporting of positive COVID-19 test results that you can currently view through the DDSB COVID-19 Advisory Page.

In addition to this information, your school is planning on sending a letter at the end of each day if there are any self-reported positive COVID-19 test results by informing you of the class that the individual was in. Although the Durham Region Health Department is no longer doing contact tracing, we wish to provide you with this information. We are currently working on a system so that the letter will only be sent if the individual was in attendance during the previous 10 days. If they were not in attendance, they will still show up as a self-reported COVID-19 positive case on the public tracker but we will not send a letter home. We hope to be able to start sending this information home by the middle of this week.

We want to ensure that the data is as accurate as possible, within the limitations that self-reported data poses, and to avoid creating excess concern in a classroom if someone did not attend school in the past 10 days but did test positive.

Thank you in advance for your understanding as our teams work through a challenging process. We are including more information below on how to read and understand the COVID-19 tracker that is on the DDSB website and some reminders around the use of absence codes.

Details on the COVID-19 Public Tracker

The DDSB COVID-19 Advisory Page provides information on:

the number of student and staff absences due to self-reported illness;
self-reported positive COVID-19 test results from PCR or rapid antigen tests;
school absence rates due to illness; and
schools closed due to operational needs or by the DRHD.

For the purposes of this tracker, absences due to illness can be defined as students who are ill, students who have tested positive for COVID-19 and students who are quarantining due to COVID-19.

Our goal is to be as transparent as possible with families with this data. This data is self-reported by parents/guardians and/or staff through normal absence reporting processes and we cannot guarantee its accuracy. It is meant to be a snapshot of the current COVID-19 situation and absences due to illness in schools and workplaces for the previous school day only.

Reminders on Absence Codes

There have been three new absence codes created to help families navigate the current situation, in addition to the existing absence codes. We are including a listing of all absence codes below to help you decide which absence to put into the system.

(NEW) Illness – Covid Positive Test

If your child is absent from school because they tested positive for COVID-19 on a PCR or rapid test, please use this absence code.

Illness

Please use this code to inform us if your child is not attending school due to an illness that is not covered by the above noted code.

(NEW) COVID-Quarantine

This is a new absence code to notify us that your child is not currently ill, but is self-isolating due to provincial guidelines (for example: someone else in the household testing positive for COVID-19). If your child has tested positive, please use the “Illness – Covid Positive Test” code each day that your child is away to notify us.

(NEW) Temporary Broadcast Learning (Elementary Only)

This code is for elementary families not currently enrolled in DDSB@Home, but are either waiting to transition to DDSB@Home, or are simply delaying their return to in-person learning and choosing to take advantage of the Temporary Broadcast Learning program from home twice a day. This will ensure that your child’s attendance reflects that they are engaging in this learning opportunity and they will not be marked absent.

If your child is accessing Temporary Broadcast Learning and is either ill, has tested positive, or is at home isolating, families should use the corresponding absence code specific to each situation and not the code for Temporary Broadcast Learning.

Appointment

If your child is not attending school due to an appointment, please use this absence code.

Bus Cancellation

If your child’s bus was cancelled for any reason or by weather and schools are still open, please use this absence code.

Vacation

If your child is away on a vacation, please use this absence code

Parent or Guardian Approved Absence

If you have approved your child’s absence for any reason and the other codes do not apply, please use this absence code.

Religious Holiday

If your child is not attending due to a religious holiday, please use this absence code.

As a reminder, to communicate your child(ren)’s absence, please use the School Messenger app on your mobile device, notify us online (a link can be found on the school website under “reporting an absence”), or call 1-844-350-2646 to indicate an absence.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message and for your understanding as we work to be as transparent and open with you as possible, while managing through the challenges that this stage of the pandemic has had on school operations.

Thank you,

Durham District School Board

Emerging optimism as spring season begins

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 12:45:00 GMT

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As the days get longer and spring begins to unfold, many of us look forward to the promise of warmer temperatures and the renewal that happens at this time of year. The spring months are a very active time in our schools as we work to wrap up the school year, prepare for summer activities, and launch some of the planning for the fall term. As we approach the last three months of the school year, we look forward to the many other important days in our upcoming calendar and invite you to read below to learn more.

This is also the time of year when many of our families mark important times of significance including, but not limited to, the Spring Equinox, Ramadan, Eid, Passover, Easter, and Orthodox Easter, and we convey our best wishes to those who are participating in the recognition of these important days.

EQAO Assessments

This spring, our Grade 3 and 6 students will complete the provincial EQAO assessments in a digital test format. Both the primary and junior assessments are aligned to the Ontario curriculum expectations and provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning specific to reading, writing, and mathematics concepts and skills. School leaders will select administration dates within the timeline of May 10 to June 14 and will share that with students and families.

EQAO results (individual student, school, and board) will be available in the fall and will be used in conjunction with other data sources including report card data, classroom assessments, teacher observations, school climate data, and student voice and student feedback to inform next steps for classroom programming and school and board improvement planning. For more information, visit EQAO.com.

Summer Learning Opportunities

Secondary school students often draw upon the summer to enhance their program pathway planning. DDSB students have a variety of opportunities to do this, including co-op, e-learning courses, and some in-person opportunities. The DDSB offers these credit and non-credit opportunities for students during the summer as part of Durham Continuing Education. Course information is now available at DCE.ca.

Graduation Ceremonies and Year-end Celebrations

Schools have been busy preparing for their usual end-of-year celebrations, including graduation ceremonies, commencements, and other year-end events. These opportunities allow for experiences that are welcoming, respectful, safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone involved. We look forward to recognizing the milestones and achievements of all our graduates within our school community.

Durham Integrated Arts Camp

Focusing on the immersion of students in a creative outdoor culture where learning in, about, and through the arts encourages each child's voice to be heard, the Durham Integrated Arts Camp fosters a culture of inclusion and celebrates the diverse talents and skills that every child can nurture in this unique educational setting. Offering programming to Grade 7 to 12 students who are interested in music, visual arts, theatre, and dance, registration has now opened until April 28 at 4 p.m.

Explore Program

Explore is an intensive French language program that provides opportunities for English-speaking students to study French in a Francophone community in Canada. The programs are 31 to 33 days in length, with some offering course credits. Tuition fees and costs for instructional materials, meals, lodging, and cultural activities are covered by the program. Some programs are still accepting applications until the end of May. This is a great opportunity for high school students who are in Core French or in French Immersion programs. Visit Explore to learn more or sign up today.

Early Years Summer Programs

The ‘Great Beginnings School Success Program’ is being offered this summer for incoming junior kindergarten students and existing kindergarten across the DDSB. It operates for three weeks in August. Additionally, the ‘Great Beginnings Early Years School Success Program for Black Students’ is being offered this summer for incoming junior kindergarten students at Viola Desmond Public School. To learn more about the variety of early years programs supporting your child’s development, visit Early Years Programs.

Welcome to High School

This program is open to all students entering Grade 9 in Fall 2023, providing them with a brief introduction to the Grade 9 English and mathematics curriculum, as well as study skills, time management, and steps to success. The program also allows students to become familiar with their new school and prepares them for the transition from elementary to secondary school. It is especially helpful for students experiencing anxiety related to this transition. The program runs from August 21 to 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Registration will open in the coming weeks at DCE.ca.

DDSB Student Census 2.0

The communities that we serve are growing more diverse, which contributes to the ideas and perspectives enriching our school communities. The DDSB will be undertaking a Student Census in May 2023 to help us gain a clearer understanding of who our students are in order to uphold Indigenous and human rights, student achievement, and well-being. All responses will help us make changes to better support our students. You will receive more information in May when the student census is launched or you can visit our DDSB Student Census webpage to find out more.

Parent Engagement Speaker Series

Join us for our second Engagement Speaker Series event, featuring Dr. James A. Makokis, a Nehiyô (Plains Cree) Family Physician and winner of The Amazing Race Canada, as he shares his experiences, stories, challenges, and successes. This virtual event will take place on Tuesday, May 9 at 7 p.m. For more information and to register, visit bit.ly/3ZCBS8p.

Across the DDSB, the past month was highlighted by countless good news stories. These events included many charitable endeavours supporting our community partners, along with student athletic successes on the ice and on the court. Below you will find more examples of student and community engagement happening in our District as well as upcoming dates of significance.

You can stay up to date on various activities and events through your school’s newsletter or on our social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

Wishing all our families a pleasant long weekend.

Sincerely,

Camille Williams-Taylor

Director of Education

PowerSchool Security Breach Credit Monitoring & FAQ's

Wed, 26 Mar 2025 13:30:00 GMT

We are writing to provide an update regarding the cyber incident involving PowerSchool’s Student Information System – the application used by Durham District School Board (DDSB) and many school boards across North America to store certain student and staff information.

This incident has affected current and former students and staff.

PowerSchool is offering two years of identity protection services at no cost, provided by Experian, a consumer credit reporting company, to students and educators whose information was involved. In addition, for students and educators whose data was affected and have reached the age of majority, PowerSchool is also offering two years of credit monitoring services provided by TransUnion at no cost.

All students and educators, past and present, can sign up for Experian’s services. Only adults can sign up for TransUnion’s services. PowerSchool is not offering these services to parents, guardians or emergency contacts.

Since the incident, PowerSchool has monitored for signs of information misuse. They have reported that they are not aware at this time of any identity theft attributable to this incident. We encourage those who are eligible to sign up for these complimentary services.

PowerSchool has provided instructions for signing up for these services. For your convenience we have also copied the instructions below.

Offer: Experian Identity Protection Services – Available to All Involved Students and Educators

Enrolment Instructions for Experian IdentityWorks

Ensure that you enroll by July 31, 2025 (Your code will not work after this date at 5:59 UTC)
Visit the Experian IdentityWorks website to enroll: https://www.globalidworks.com/identity1
Provide your activation code: MPRT987RFK
For questions about the product or help with enrolment, please email globalidworks@experian.com

Details Regarding Your Experian IdentityWorks Membership

A credit card is not required for enrolment in Experian IdentityWorks. You can contact Experian immediately regarding any fraud issues, and have access to the following features once you enrol in Experian IdentityWorks:

Internet Surveillance: Technology searches the web, chat rooms & bulletin boards 24/7 to identify trading or selling of your personal information on the Dark Web.
Fraud Remediation Tips: Self-help tips are available on your member centre.

Offer: TransUnion Credit Monitoring Services – Available to Involved Students and Educators Who have Reached the Age of Majority in their Applicable Province or Territory

Enrolment Instructions for TransUnion myTrueIdentity

Ensure that you enroll by May 30, 2025
Please visit http://www.powerschool.com/security/canada-credit-monitoring/. There you will find a link to the validation website, https://CaCreditMonitoringValidationPage-PowerSchool.com/, where you will be prompted to validate your information by entering your first name, last name and year of birth.
Once you validate, ensure you write down or screen shot the activation code provided, as once you leave the page, you will not be able to retrieve it again.
If your identity is validated, a pop up will appear that provides an activation code and provides you a link to TransUnion’s myTrueIdentity site to enroll.

PowerSchool has provided a call centre to address questions regarding these services. If you have any questions or concerns about this notice, please call 833-918-7884, Monday through Friday, 8:00am through 8:00pm Central Time (excluding major US holidays). Please be prepared to provide engagement number B138905.

Should you have any questions about this notice, please do not hesitate to contact us at powerschoolincident@ddsb.ca

______________________________

January 20, 2025

We are writing to provide an update on the cyber incident involving PowerSchool’s Student Information System – the application used by Durham District School Board (DDSB) and many school boards across North America to store certain student and staff information.

This incident has affected current and former students and staff.

What Happened

On January 7th, PowerSchool informed DDSB and other school boards, both nationally and internationally, that it had experienced a cyber incident, and that this incident affected DDSB. Since then, we have been working with PowerSchool and internal and external experts to determine the precise information that was affected.

PowerSchool has reported that it received confirmation that the data acquired by the unauthorized user was deleted and that the data was not posted online. Nevertheless, DDSB continues to take this incident very seriously, and is working with PowerSchool to ensure an incident like this does not happen again in the future.

What Information Was Affected

We have worked with PowerSchool to determine that the following information was affected:

For students enrolled at DDSB from 2006 to 2025, student name, address, home phone number, date of birth, gender, grade, parent/guardian name, and Ontario Education Number were part of the data affected. For most students, the data also included their doctor’s name, doctor’s phone number, emergency contact name and contact information, and school transfer information.

For a small minority of students, guardian email address, custodial arrangements, some medical alert information, and a yes or no indicator if a student has an individual education plan (IEP), were also impacted.

For a very limited number of students enrolled from 1997 to 2005, similar information was affected.

With respect to medical alert information, if you provided information to your child’s school about your child’s allergies, medical conditions or injuries when completing the start of school year forms, this information was included in the data that may have been accessed or acquired. Please note that medical information provided to or by members of DDSB’s Inclusive Student Services/Special Education team (e.g. Psychological Services, Audiologist, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Social Workers), such as information related to Individual Placement Review Committee decisions (IPRCs) and Individual Education Plans (IEPs) – this information was stored in a separate database and not impacted by this incident.

For teachers, administrators, school office staff, superintendents and department staff who worked at DDSB from 2013-2025 and who have access to the PowerSchool student information system, affected data includes employee name, DDSB username and employee number, Board email address, and job title. For a small number of staff, home address and home phone number were also impacted.

Staff who do not have access to the PowerSchool student information system?were not affected by this cyber incident.

To be clear, DDSB does not store any Social Insurance Numbers, financial, or banking information in the PowerSchool Student Information System, so that information was not affected in any way.

The Board has notified and is working with the Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner in responding to this incident. While you are entitled to file a complaint, the IPC has advised that it is not necessary as they are already investigating the matter. You can visit the IPC’s website at www.ipc.on.ca.

Where Can I Find the Latest Information?

We will continue to provide additional updates as we receive them. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) can be found below, and we will continue to update the FAQs with any new or relevant information. You can also view FAQ's from PowerSchool on their website.

We also recognize that you may have questions about what has occurred. Should you have any questions, please contact powerschoolincident@ddsb.ca.

We appreciate your patience and understanding, and sincerely regret any concern this has caused you.

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Frequently Asked Questions - Updated March 26, 2025

What happened??

On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool, a third-party service provider used by the Durham District School Board (DDSB), became aware of a cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) information.

On January 7, 2025, PowerSchool notified DDSB of the incident and that personal information of our students and educators may have been impacted.?

What is PowerSchool???

PowerSchool is a software company utilized by many school boards internationally to store a range of student information and a limited amount of school-based staff information.

Who was affected?

Many public boards and private schools across North America who use PowerSchool SIS were affected by this incident.

What data was accessed?

We have worked with PowerSchool to determine that the following information was affected:

For students enrolled at DDSB from 2006 to 2025,?student name, address, home phone number, date of birth, gender, grade, parent/guardian name, and Ontario Education Number were part of the data affected.

For most students,?the data also included their doctor’s name, doctor’s phone number, emergency contact name and contact information, and school transfer information.

For a small minority of students, guardian email address, custodial arrangements, some medical alert information, and a yes or no indicator if a student has an individual education plan (IEP), were also impacted.

For a very limited number of students enrolled from 1997 to 2005, similar information was affected.?

The following was?NOT?part of the data accessed:

No academic records were part of the data set.
Social insurance numbers, banking or financial information was not compromised.
Medical information provided to or by members of DDSB’s Inclusive Student Services/Special Education team (e.g. Psychological Services, Audiologist, Speech-Language Pathologists, and Social Workers) such as IEP or IRC information is stored in a separate database and was not impacted by this incident.

DDSB Staff Information - all teachers, administrators, school office staff, superintendents and department staff who worked at DDSB from 2013-2025 and who have access to the PowerSchool SIS system:?

Employee name
Employee number
Job title
DDSB username
DDSB email address?

For a small number of teachers, administrators, school office staff, superintendents and department staff who worked at DDSB from 2013-2025 and who have access to the PowerSchool SIS system:

Home address
Home phone number

Please note that sensitive educator information, like financial information, was not compromised.

Other staff??

Staff who do not have access to the PowerSchool student information system were not affected by this cyber incident.

What steps are you taking to prevent this from happening again?

Following this incident, we are conducting a thorough review of our vendor retention practices and enhancing our protocols to ensure third-party providers meet best practices for data protection. We are committed to continuously improving our systems and processes to safeguard the privacy of our community. We have many measures in place to protect student, staff, and family data and will continue to implement industry best-practices and provide extensive training for our staff. As part of our commitment to digital transformation, DDSB is also adopting Microsoft Cloud Technologies to create a modern and secure technology ecosystem for our staff, and students.

Where can I learn more about the incident?

PowerSchool has?posted an FAQ on their website?to share information, which includes steps they have taken to address this incident and protect student, family and educator information moving forward.?

Did the Board notify the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner?

Yes, the Board has notified and is working with the?Ontario Information and Privacy Commissioner?in responding to this incident. While you are entitled to file a complaint, the IPC has advised that it is not necessary as they are already investigating the matter.

Was any credit card or banking information involved in this incident?

No. Both PowerSchool and the Board’s own internal investigation can confirm that there is no evidence of any credit card or banking information being compromised.?

Is there any indication that compromised information has been released?

There is no evidence of the compromised information having been released at this time.

Why were you keeping my student data if I was no longer enrolled in the board?

We keep information about former students in accordance with provincial requirements under the Education Act and to respond to former student information requests. We are taking this opportunity to assess our records retention practices to ensure that we are only keeping what is necessary to conduct the Board’s business.

I attended the DDSB many years ago. Was my information impacted?

Our PowerSchool SIS stores data for students who attended a DDSB school from 2006-2025, with very limited students impacted attending DDSB schools between 1997-2005. If you were a DDSB student prior to this, your information was not impacted as part of this incident.?

Is credit monitoring being provided?

Yes. PowerSchool is offering two years of identity protection services, provided by Experian, a consumer credit reporting company, to students and educators whose information was involved. In addition, for students and educators whose data was affected and have reached the age of majority, PowerSchool is also offering two years of credit monitoring services provided by TransUnion at no cost.

PowerSchool has provided instructions for signing up for these services. For your convenience we have also copied the instructions below.

Offer: Experian Identity Protection Services – Available to All Involved Students and Educators

Enrolment Instructions for Experian IdentityWorks

Ensure that you enroll by July 31, 2025 (Your code will not work after this date at 5:59 UTC)
Visit the Experian IdentityWorks website to enroll: https://www.globalidworks.com/identity1
Provide your activation code: MPRT987RFK
For questions about the product or help with enrolment, please email globalidworks@experian.com

Details Regarding Your Experian IdentityWorks Membership

Internet Surveillance: Technology searches the web, chat rooms & bulletin boards 24/7 to identify trading or selling of your personal information on the Dark Web.
Fraud Remediation Tips: Self-help tips are available on your member centre.

Offer: TransUnion Credit Monitoring Services – Available to Involved Students and Educators Who have Reached the Age of Majority in their Applicable Province or Territory

Enrolment Instructions for TransUnion myTrueIdentity

Ensure that you enroll by May 30, 2025
Please visithttp://www.powerschool.com/security/canada-credit-monitoring/. There you will find a link to the validation website,https://CaCreditMonitoringValidationPage-PowerSchool.com/, where you will be prompted to validate your information by entering your first name, last name and year of birth.
Once you validate, ensure you write down or screen shot the activation code provided, as once you leave the page, you will not be able to retrieve it again.
If your identity is validated, a pop up will appear that provides an activation code and provides you a link to TransUnion’s myTrueIdentity site to enroll.

Should you have any questions about this notice, please do not hesitate to contact us at powerschoolincident@ddsb.ca

Why is credit/identity monitoring not being offered to parents/guardians/emergency contacts?

Parents/guardians/emergency contacts mostly did not have sensitive data affected. These services are being offered to those who had more than name and contact information included in the affected data set. ??

Can I opt-out of PowerSchool?

Not at this time. DDSB is using this incident to review the information practices of all of its vendors.

Is the Board changing vendors?

Not at this time.

Were all PowerSchool products impacted?

No. Only PowerSchool SIS was impacted by this incident. Other PowerSchool tools were not impacted.?

I have additional questions not addressed by these FAQs.

A dedicated email address has been created where individuals can send any additional questions they may have. Please send any additional questions to?powerschoolincident@ddsb.ca??

DDSB Ventilation Measures Report

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 13:15:00 GMT

A big part of health and safety in schools is air quality.

Between 2020 and 2023, a total of 40 ventilation projects have been completed to upgrade the air quality in DDSB schools and buildings. This school year, an additional 3 ventilation projects are planned or already in progress.
We have invested in upgraded filters for all of our ventilation systems. These upgraded filters are highly effective at removing a broad range of particles, including bacteria and even some viruses. We use MERV 13 filters in our central air handling units and change these on an accelerated schedule.
Ventilation checks have been completed in every school.
We initially purchased 1,870 portable HEPA air filtration units, which have been installed, and as funding became available, ordered and received an additional 150 in
January 2022 and 180 in February 2022. These units will enhance ventilation and will be installed in various schools across the district. Furthermore, as of February 2022 we have received an additional 75 units supplied by the Ministry of Education on top of the 311 units they have provided already.
All of these individual units have HEPA-level filtration and filter the air within spaces that are not fully mechanically ventilated. All Kindergarten classrooms, regardless of ventilation type, have also been given improved HEPA-level filtration systems. Any additional units in schools are being placed to provide improved air quality in addition to the optimized ventilation system. In all, 2,492 standalone HEPA filter units have been deployed.
Duct cleaning is also being completed at schools to boost the efficiency of existing ventilation systems.
DDSB is in the fortunate position to have the majority of our buildings fully mechanically ventilated, which means they are equipped with a modern, robust ventilation system. As such, we are able to improve ventilation and air quality in several ways, including installing MERV 13 filters and changing them more frequently, increasing the volume of outdoor air, completing pre- OR post-occupancy air purges.

The Ministry of Education has mandated that school boards across Ontario post ventilation information to enhance transparency for students, parents and staff and provide consistent communication across the province about measures taken to improve air quality in schools.

In the spreadsheet provided, parents can search by school to see what improvements have been made to their child(ren)’s school(s).

Please click on the file below to access the DDSB Ventilation Measures Report.

Please note: When viewing this document you must click on the 'Enable Editing' button located at top of the spreadsheet to view contents of Tab 1 and Tab 2.

Empower Her Conference Inspires Young Females

Mon, 01 May 2023 19:30:00 GMT

Music, laughter, and dancing could be heard throughout the halls of the Education Centre of the Durham District School Board on March 30 as the second annual Empower Her conference took place.

Grade 6 to 9 female students who self-identify as Black were invited to join at the centre to learn from strong female leaders. The event helped to uplift, inspire, and give one another a voice within our community. The students who attended were nominated by their peers and teaching staff across the Board for showing leadership qualities within the classroom.

For a second time, the Empower Her conference was hosted at the DDSB by a group of educators and ambassadors. The Empower Her conference aims to teach the importance of setting goals to help achieve your fullest potential and encourage participants to become leaders and changemakers within the community. Guest speakers at the event come from various walks of life, each with their own story and barriers they have overcome to get to where they are today.

The event featured signature guests and speakers, each hosting an individual breakout room. Attendees started the day with an opening ceremony and listening to Maryanne Oketch. Maryanne is the second Black woman and second Canadian to win the reality television show Survivor, outsmarting the 17 other contestants to become the sole Survivor. Oketch spoke to the female students about overcoming boundaries and obstacles. The students broke into groups following the opening ceremony and were sent off to explore and learn from the other speakers and mentors.

The breakout rooms were designed to allow these young women to learn from mentors who work in various industries. Some keynote speakers included Constable Melanie Moulton, a Durham Region Police officer currently in her 14th year with the force, and Dr. Sash Black, a Jamaican immigrant who has practiced veterinary medicine for more than 20 years. Each speaker shared their journey and how they got to where they are today, allowing students to learn and ask questions about setting future goals.

After soaking in knowledge from the mentors and engaging with fellow peers, all students gathered to celebrate the day and stretch out their legs with an upbeat and engaging dance workshop. The Empower Her conference showcases the importance of providing future females with role models from various industries and career paths as well as working to inspire their goals and ambitions as they continue their education journey. The Empower Her conference is proud to return to the DDSB in 2024.

Transgender Day of Visibility: Statement from the Director of Education

Thu, 31 Mar 2022 13:00:00 GMT

Every day in the DDSB is a renewed opportunity to uphold and support human rights. On Transgender Day of Visibility, we celebrate transgender people and acknowledge their accomplishments, strengths and successes, as well as their stories and experiences of agency, courage and resistance. It is also an opportunity to learn more about historical and ongoing discrimination and issues that trans people face every day, the intersectionality of identities, and to commit to collectively naming, raising our voices against and addressing transphobia in our schools and workplaces.

I would be remiss if, as the director of education, I didn’t acknowledge that for too long school systems have not adequately recognized, supported or addressed the unique and intersecting identities, strengths and needs of trans people - and as a result have continued to be a source of potential harm.

Increasing our attention to and understanding of what trans voices are telling us about their lived realities and experiences means that we will need to intentionally interrupt some of our practices to uphold human rights and prevent and not perpetuate harm. It means that we may need to reflect on our own ideas about gender identity and expression, how this informs our practices and decisions and how we may be creating and upholding barriers. This is our ongoing work so that Two Spirit, trans, transitioning, gender non-conforming/non-binary and gender diverse students and staff feel welcome, safe and included in all DDSB spaces.

It is not enough to make a statement such as this one on Transgender Day of Visibility. As an organization, we are actively dismantling barriers to make our schools and workplaces inclusive and affirming spaces. We are educating staff and students about inclusive language. Our new construction projects feature inclusive washrooms and change rooms. Our student information systems are being changed to include chosen names. Our program offerings are challenging cisnormative and binary gender assumptions. We are taking a “nothing about us without us approach” in all we do.

And we have more work to do.

We call on everyone in both the DDSB and in the communities we serve to embrace this responsibility today and every day. We are dedicated to creating change so that every member of our community can be who they truly are and know that they belong in the DDSB.

Norah Marsh,

Director of Education

DDSB Honours Exceptional Volunteers

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 16:45:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) hosted its annual Volunteer of Distinction Awards Ceremony on October 17^th, celebrating the vital contributions of 115 volunteers whose dedication has impacted students, families, and staff across the district during the 2023-2024 school year. The awards recognized the tireless efforts of individuals whose time, talents, and generosity have become integral to the success of DDSB students.

“The success of our schools depends on a community effort,” said Jim Markovski, Associate Director of Equitable Education. “The commitment and compassion of our volunteers play a transformative role in helping our students reach their full potential. We are profoundly grateful for their willingness to make a difference.”

DDSB volunteers support schools in numerous ways—from leading reading groups, serving on school councils, and providing nutritious meals to organizing fundraisers, assisting in libraries, chaperoning field trips, and hosting family nights. These contributions make a profound impact on student success and well-being, fostering a positive and inclusive environment that fuels growth and learning.

The event also acknowledged the vital role of DDSB staff and community members in coordinating the awards ceremony.

Superintendent of Equitable Education, Family and Community Engagement, Kandis Thompson and her dedicated team organized a memorable evening to honour the exemplary efforts of these extraordinary individuals.

DDSB extends its heartfelt congratulations to all honorees, expressing deep appreciation for the countless ways they inspire and support students. As the district looks forward to the coming year, it remains committed to strengthening these essential community partnerships that are foundational to the success of all students.

Volunteer of Distinction Highlight Reel: https://bit.ly/4ectoMJ

Durham District School Board

DDSB announces agreement with ETFO Teachers

Tue, 07 May 2024 18:30:00 GMT

Media Release

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) announced today that it has reached a new agreement with the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) Teachers bargaining unit. The DDSB Board of Trustees and the bargaining unit have ratified the agreement.

“This agreement underlines our shared commitment to fostering positive learning environments and ensuring equitable conditions for our dedicated elementary teachers,” said Christine Thatcher, Chair of the DDSB Board of Trustees.

The agreement reflects a commitment to the betterment of education from both parties.

“With this agreement, the Board and the Union have a shared committed to creating safe and respectful workplaces for all – including teachers and students,” said Mary Fowler, President of ETFO Teachers, Durham Local. “We are pleased with the gains that have been made and believe there will be immediate improvements in schools for our members.”

Durham District School Board

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural communities of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog townships and the cities and towns of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa. We employ over 10,000 teaching and educational services staff in 135 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres. DDSB has more than 79,000 regular day students and thousands more who take continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

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For more information or media inquiries, please contact:

Cory Wilkins

Communications Manager

Durham District School Board

905.666.6313
cory.wilkins@ddsb.ca

Education Finance Committee Meetings

Thu, 03 Mar 2022 14:00:00 GMT

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) will hold its 2022-2023 budget deliberation meetings in the following upcoming public sessions. All meetings will be held virtually and will be live-streamed on DDSB’s YouTube Live channel.

Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. – 2022-2023 Preliminary Budget Analysis, and Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee.
Wednesday May 18, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. – Overview of the 2022-2023 Grants for Student Needs.
Wednesday June 1, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. – Public Deputations to the Education Finance Committee, and presentation of the 2022-2023 draft budget. DDSB’s 2022-2023 draft budget will be tabled for consideration and potential recommendation for approval to the Board of Trustees.

Members of the public and DDSB stakeholder groups are welcome to prepare a written submission or make a public presentation to the Education Finance Committee at the March 30 or June 1 meetings. Please contact Kristin Talbot, Executive Assistant, at 905-666-6459 or by email at kristin.talbot@ddsb.ca.

Requests for the March 30, 2022 meeting must be received no later than March 23, 2022, at noon.
Requests for the June 1, 2022 meeting must be received no later than May 25, 2022, at noon.

The Durham District School Board (DDSB) is responsible for public education in the rural settings of Uxbridge, Brock and Scugog Townships and the urban settings of Ajax, Whitby, Pickering, and Oshawa. The DDSB employs 7,000 teaching and educational services staff. With 136 elementary and secondary schools and learning centres, the DDSB accommodates more than 75,000 regular day students and thousands more who take advantage of a wide variety of continuing education and adult credit courses. More information can be found on the DDSB’s website at ddsb.ca. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @ddsbschools, Instagram @ddsbschools and YouTube at DurhamDSB.

Grade 8 Students at Julie Payette Public School Launch Picture Book

Mon, 26 May 2025 15:00:00 GMT

“Welcome Stars” is more than just a picture book—it’s a heartfelt project demonstrating collaboration, creativity, and community spirit.

A unique and inspiring new project has come to life at Julie Payette Public School. A group of Grade 8 students created a picture book in advance of the next school year to welcome incoming Grade 1 students to the school community. The project was led by Tashana Swaby-Scott, Teacher Librarian, and published author.

The idea took root after Swaby-Scott helped organize a school assembly focused on building positive self-image and encouraging students to reach for their goals. Her efforts to nurture students’ confidence and help them realize their potential resonated with both students and staff. This commitment led to the creation of the Grade 8 Girls’ book writing club. With a vision of offering a warm welcome to the school’s youngest learners, the group wrote and illustrated a picture book designed to ease the transition into elementary school life.

Throughout the school year, students engaged in the book-making process—learning how to write age-appropriate and engaging text, understanding the impact of strong imagery, and carefully crafting the right messages they wanted to share. The illustrated book features artwork by Paulina Brown, a Grade 8 student and their efforts were further enhanced by working alongside the school’s female-led graphic design team, who mentored their peers through the design and layout process.

The book also includes an audio version, recorded by students in the school’s own recording studio. A QR code printed on the inside cover lets young readers and their families listen along—a thoughtful and inclusive feature that reflects the care and attention that was put into every detail.

Over 300 copies of Welcome Stars have been printed, with plans to continue this project for years to come. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when students are empowered to lead, supported, and driven by a desire to lift others up.