The DCDSB October bulletin is highlighting student recognition, arts applications, school safety work, community service and upcoming programs for families across Durham Region.
The Durham Catholic District School Board published the monthly update as schools move through the opening weeks of the 2026-27 academic year.
Awards, nominations and arts applications
The DCDSB Black Student Excellence Awards are scheduled for November 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Secondary School in Whitby. The event will recognize Grade 11 and 12 students who identify as Black or of African descent and have demonstrated leadership or a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
The board’s Anti-Black Racism and Black Excellence Advisory Committee is also accepting nominations for an interim chair and a vice-chair. Elections are expected at the committee’s October 29 meeting.
Applications have opened for the Regional Arts and Media Program for current Grade 6 and Grade 8 students seeking admission in September 2027. Program areas include dance, instrumental music, performing arts, visual arts and Grade 9 media arts. An information night is planned for October 27, and applications are due November 26.
School safety and community support
The bulletin advises families that Durham police, the Ministry of Transportation and the Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada are conducting Project B.A.S.S., or Before and After School Safety, during October. The initiative focuses on seat-belt and child-seat compliance around 208 primary schools in the DRPS area.
DCDSB also recognized St. Leo Catholic School for donating 900 pounds of food to Feed the Need Durham through its Tackle Hunger drive during the previous school year.
Other school updates include number-learning activities at St. Joseph Catholic School in Oshawa and information about Specialist High Skills Major programs that combine sector-focused learning with co-operative education.
Family session and October observances
A virtual Parent Engagement Series session on toilet learning is scheduled for October 21, with afternoon and evening options. The discussion will cover signs of readiness, practical strategies and questions from families.
The board also reminded families about World Mental Health Day resources, child eye examinations and regional e-bike and e-scooter safety rules. Its calendar includes committee meetings, World Teachers’ Day, Bus Safety Week and the October 27 regular board meeting.
Several items in the DCDSB October bulletin, including the board’s strategic-plan survey, Whitby pollinator garden and PSW Living Classroom, have already been announced separately. The monthly bulletin brings the remaining current notices together in one official update.
