DCDSB back-to-school preparations are entering their final stage, with Durham Catholic students returning to class on Tuesday, September 8.
The Durham Catholic District School Board has published class-placement, timetable, transportation and family-support information for the 2026–2027 school year. Parents and guardians are being encouraged to check their online accounts and school communications before the first day.
Class placements and bus routes are available
Tentative elementary class placements and secondary timetables can be viewed through Edsby. Families who cannot access their accounts or have questions about a placement are directed to contact their home school.
Durham Student Transportation Services has also released route information for eligible students. Parents and guardians can use the DSTS Family Portal or automated information line, with a child’s Ontario Education Number required for online portal access.
The board’s school-year calendar includes holidays, professional activity days, events and recognition dates. Families can report student absences through the SchoolMessenger Safe Arrival portal, mobile application or telephone service.
For transportation information, families should verify routes before the first morning because pickup details can change as registrations and schedules are finalized. The board directs transportation questions to DSTS, which operates the shared student-transportation system serving Durham schools.
New spiritual theme and recognition program
DCDSB’s spiritual theme for the year is “Shining Our Light,” based on a passage from the Gospel of Matthew. The theme will be used across schools to encourage service, compassion, leadership and positive contributions to the community.
A new recognition program called Called to Shine will celebrate students and staff whose actions reflect those values. Selected recipients are expected to be recognized at monthly board meetings and through school and board communications.
The board has also highlighted mental-health resources intended to help children and caregivers manage the mix of excitement and anxiety that can accompany a return to school.
Phones, volunteers and family communication
DCDSB is reminding families that provincial rules restrict personal mobile-device use during the school day. Kindergarten to Grade 8 students must keep devices out of sight for the full day unless an educator permits their use for learning, health or special-education needs. Secondary students must silence or turn off devices during instructional time except when an approved exception applies.
Parents, guardians and community members interested in volunteering at a school must complete a police record check with a vulnerable-sector screening and submit the original document within six months of receiving it.
The September bulletin also reminds school communities that smoking, vaping and cannabis use are prohibited in schools, on board property and within 20 metres of school property. Students found with prohibited products may face school discipline or enforcement under provincial law.
Families can use Edsby, SchoolMessenger, board social channels and individual school notices to follow operational updates. DCDSB says questions should first be directed to the staff member or school office closest to the matter, with additional family-support pathways available when an issue cannot be resolved locally.
Students are expected in classrooms September 8 following the Labour Day weekend.
Sources: Durham Catholic District School Board back-to-school update; DCDSB welcome message; Daily Durham
