Year End Message from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education

Posted On Thursday June 30, 2022
News_YearEnd Summer
Two people canoeing on a lake

Dear Families,

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to an end, we reflect upon the school year that started with the pandemic and over time transitioned back to in-person learning. We have joyfully embraced the opportunity to finally re-engage in person with one another for religious celebrations, social events and activities such as sports, field trips, proms, graduations and retirements.

Throughout the school year, our spiritual theme Community of Faith provided opportunities for students and staff to support one another in faith and mindfully participate in service of others. I invite you to watch the compilation video that highlights our Community of Faith in action.

Over the course of the year, we celebrated many remarkable achievements and milestones. Some of our most exciting news and initiatives included:

  • Ministry of Education approval to build a new Catholic elementary school on the Seaton land in Pickering, and a new addition for St. Anne Catholic School in Oshawa;
  • The grand opening and official school blessing of St. Anne Catholic School, in Oshawa and St. Marguerite d’Youville Catholic School, in Whitby;
  • The opening of three childcare facilities at Monsignor Philip Coffey, Good Shepherd and St. Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Schools;
  • Implementation of engaging experiential learning opportunities focused on Indigenous education to deepen students learning from Kindergarten to Grade 12;
  • The Stand Up, Be Counted, Be Heard Student Census;
  • The hiring of two Coach Advocates for Black Students who work within our schools to support the implementation of programs and services to meet the needs of underserved Black students and families, with a focus on student well-being and success; 
  • A 2SLGBTQ+ Student Summit;
  • And the establishment of a Multi-Year Strategic Planning Committee and process to guide us into the future.

During the Multi-Year Strategic Planning (MYSP) process, we heard from students, staff, families and community partners. Your feedback has informed the development of some draft mission statements and strategic priorities that have been reviewed by staff, the Board of Trustees and MYSP Committee for additional input. We invite you to view the Multi-Year Strategic Planning video to learn more about the proposed mission statement and themes that will help guide Catholic education in Durham Region. If you have any questions regarding the themes, please email strategicplanning@dcdsb.ca.  

As we look towards the 2022-2023 school year, we hope to continue to support our students and families, guided by our spiritual theme, “Listening with the Ear of the Heart”. We recognize that now, more than every we need to open our hearts and minds to listen to our families, colleagues, and partners, so we can break down barriers and foster welcoming and inclusive environments for all.

Throughout the summer break, we ask for God’s blessings in granting everyone a safe and peaceful summer. We thank each and every one of you for your partnership and contributions this year. 

Yours in Catholic Education, 

Morgan Ste. Marie                        Tracy Barill
Chair of the Board                        Director of Education