Emerging optimism as spring season begins

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

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.