Witnessing symbols of hate like the confederate flag and swastikas in Canada over the weekend highlight the importance of our continued work in human rights to oppose racism, discrimination and hatred of every kind to create structures that are inclusive for all.
We are aware of a planned protest outside the DDSB Education Centre on Wednesday. The DDSB wishes to reiterate its unwavering support to upholding the human rights of Two Spirit, transgender, non-binary, gender diverse and all 2SLGBTQI students, staff, families...
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The flags at all DDSB schools will be lowered to half-mast on Monday for 215 hours (9 days) to honour the children found in a mass grave at the residential school in Kamloops. 1/3
DDSB Donates Medical Supplies to Lakeridge Health
Over 158,000 PPE items have been donated by DDSB to help support Lakeridge Health’s efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Visit link for more
#COVID19
#DurhamRegion
#FrontLineHeroes
We engaged in conversations with some local Indigenous community members the past week. Feedback received focused on the importance of making books by Indigenous authors available based on choice. The books will return to school libraries. Full statement:
As a show of support for members of the 2SLGBTQI community, DDSB schools and worksites will display the progress pride flag for the duration of this week.
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and communities.
We acknowledge that coverage of this may impact students, staff, and families, especially those who are members of 2SLGBTQI communities. We encourage any students requiring support to reach out to a trusted adult or a member of the school administration.
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Thanks to our facilities staff for their deep clean of all schools this week and their continued attention to our buildings.
@FSDDSB
#DDSBwellbeing
#WeAreDDSB
The DDSB is committed to equity & inclusion, & we stand in solidarity with the individuals & communities impacted by anti-Black racism. Recent events remind us why it is critical for us to speak up & continue working to eradicate racism, hate & oppression everywhere.
#DDSBEquity
All in-person schools are CLOSED.
In-person elementary students will not participate in remote learning.
In-person secondary students will transition to online learning for day.
DDSB
@Home
schools remain open and will proceed with a normal day of instruction.
DDSB &
@DurhamSTS
are monitoring potential snow impacts on school & bus operations for Tues, Jan 18. No decision has been made at this time. Should any decision be made to close in-person schools or shift to other modes of learning, we will post on DDSB social media & websites.
CORRECTION:
Buses are cancelled in all zones.
All Elementary schools will be CLOSED.
Secondary schools will be transitioning to online learning for the day.
Sinclair SS student Dylan Waduck has a lot to celebrate these days.
850 days after being diagnosed with cancer, he rang the bell at SickKids Hospital and this past weekend he ran the cross country championship race at OFSAA.
Read about Dylan's journey:
CUPE Settlement Reached – Schools Open
We're happy to convey the province & CUPE have collectively bargained a new labour agreement. All DDSB elementary & secondary schools will be open tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 7, 2019 & classes will proceed as normal.
Congrats to Chief Custodian Mike Carter from
@Carruthers_PS
who is this year's recipient for the 2020 Educational Services Staff Award.
Mike has been described as a caring, compassionate, dedicated & reliable person who leads many programs with teachers & students
Congrats Mike!
Today, on Tamil Genocide Remembrance Day, we recognize those lost & that today is a day of trauma & grief for the Tamil community. As a system, we are committed to creating safe learning environments that help all of us affirm the lived experiences of students, families & staff.
Attention DDSB Parents & Guardians:
School principals will be in touch with their families to outline resources currently available to help during the COVID-19 school closures. DDSB families please be sure to check your email.
There has been a recent & concerning rise of homophobic & transphobic actions in our community. The DDSB reiterates its commitment that discriminatory or harassing actions contrary to the Ontario Human Rights Code & DDSB policies/procedures will not be permitted on DDSB property.
DDSB Trustees and staff marched against anti-Black racism today. We are committed to equity & inclusion - standing in solidarity with the Black community.
#BlackLivesMatter
We are aware of an external event that places transgender identities at the centre of a discussion in a hurtful & discriminatory way. The DDSB condemns these activities & unequivocally supports human rights, including transgender rights & the dignity of all those we serve.
Shout out to all our DDSB educators and staff working to support our students and families through the return to remote learning!
We hope DDSB
@Home
& our secondary students had a great first day!
Reminder that elementary classes start tomorrow.
and communities.
We acknowledge that coverage of this may impact students, staff, and families, especially those who are members of 2SLGBTQI communities. We encourage any students requiring support to reach out to a trusted adult or a member of the school administration.
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We are aware of a planned protest outside the DDSB Education Centre on Wednesday. The DDSB wishes to reiterate its unwavering support to upholding the human rights of Two Spirit, transgender, non-binary, gender diverse and all 2SLGBTQI students, staff, families...
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To recognize
#OrangeShirtDay
&
#NationalDayforTruthandReconciliation
, we are dedicating our social media messaging today to focus on learning, reflection & action around the legacy of the residential school system & the ongoing impacts of colonization.
As the DDSB prepares to raise the Progress Pride Flag at our schools and work sites, we encourage our community members to join us in this celebration of diversity and acceptance.
Yesterday, our senior team gathered to celebrate the installation of a progress pride flag crossing at the DDSB education centre.
The DDSB celebrates The Freedom to love, while also drawing attention to the unacceptable violence and discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+people.
The
@DurhamDSB
community is in mourning for our
@DurhamCatholic
colleagues and family. Flags at the Education Centre will be at half-mast on Tuesday, September 8 in honour of those who were lost.
After careful consideration of the health & safety risks to both students & staff due to current road conditions, the Durham District School Board has made the decision to close all schools to in-person learning on Tuesday, January 18. Please do not send your children to school.
In October and throughout the school year let us continue to learn about the excellence of 2SLGBTQI people in our society and work actively to create safe and accepting environments that are free from discrimination.
We are pleased to announce that Camille Williams-Taylor has been appointed as the DDSB's next Director of Education and will officially assume the role in the new year.
Read More:
Brooklin HS student Jordan Dean, 16, is the youngest player on the 2019 Team Canada U19 roster.
She plays lacrosse with her high school team and has won two provincial OFSAA silver medals.
@brooklinhs
#DDSBsuccess
#WeAreDDSB
Today is the International Transgender Day of Visibility. On this day and every day we celebrate who you are and are committed to ensuring that you feel seen, heard, and valued.
The DDSB supports Well-Being for everyone, every day.
Our students and staff are gearing up for an impactuful day of raising awareness of
#mentalhealth
and talking about it.
Let's get the conversation going
#BellLetsTalk
#DDSBWellBeing
It has come to our attention that there is a chart circulating online about suspected/confirmed COVID-19 protocols in schools. We are committed to the health & safety of students & staff & will be following the professional direction of
@DurhamHealth
. Here’s where things stand:
Our thoughts are with those impacted by the storm this weekend. We are monitoring the aftermath of the storm in Uxbridge closely and should there be any changes to school operations for Tuesday, we will be contacting families directly.
Recognizing Orange Shirt Day today at the Education Centre with staff to honour the survivors of residential schools, in the spirit of recognition, recovery, and remembrance.
This includes at Board Meetings & all DDSB activities/events. We are committed to upholding & promoting Indigenous rights & human rights. Every member of our community has the right to feel safe, welcomed, respected & included in all DDSB learning & working environments.
The DDSB would like to congratulate Trustee Patrice Barnes on her recent election as Member of Provincial Parliament for Ajax and wishes her well as she continues to serve our community in a new role.
We raise the Rainbow Flag today at the DDSB Education Centre to honour our commitment to Human Rights on the upcoming occasion for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia on May 17.
Update on In-Person Learning for January 19
At this time, we anticipate that schools will be open.
Snow removal is ongoing across the Region. Please know that there is the possibility for delays to occur and it may take longer to get to school.
The Government of Ontario has announced that students will be learning remotely from home following the April break until further notice.
More information will be shared with families and staff later today.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and everyone impacted by the hate-based attack in London, Ontario on Sunday. Islamophobia has no place in our communities. We must stand together to ensure safe spaces for all Muslim community members
Premier Doug Ford announced today that schools will NOT be re-opening on May 4th. The DDSB will notify our students, families, and staff when more details are made available from the Ministry of Education.
At the DDSB we are committed to the Human Rights of all of our students and staff.
We need to constantly be ready and willing to stand with each other for what is right.
#PinkShirtDay
Thank you for your patience & understanding as we have sought to make the best decision for students who have experienced significant disruption to their learning during the pandemic & the impact that the current snow situation has had on our community & region the past 24 hours.
Update on In-Person Learning for Jan 19:
There are no zone-based bus cancellations. Some individual routes may be cancelled. Check for updates.
Schools will be open to in-person learning.
Today is National Indigenous Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans in the First and Second World Wars, as well as the Korean War. On this day, we express our gratitude for the contributions Indigenous veterans have made.
CUPE announced today that it intends to escalate job action from work-to-rule to a strike, effective Monday, October 7, should a deal not be reached. DDSB is confirming details and contingency plans are being considered. Information will be shared with families once available.
The DDSB is committed to prioritizing Indigenous Inherent Rights and the path of reconciliation as we take continued and collective action to positively transform outcomes for Indigenous youth and families. 3/3
We will be posting shortly about some schools that will be closed tomorrow. We are working to confirm these schools and locations so that staff, parents/guardians and students have certainty. Please standby.
The entire DDSB community is thinking of and praying for the health of our student currently in the hospital and his family. We are sincerely hoping for a quick recovery.
We are also grateful for the efforts of emergency services, community members and everyone's well wishes.
Members of the Collision Investigation Unit assisted investigators from
@DRPSCWDiv
in their parallel investigation with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development from yesterday's incident at Julie Payette P.S.
News Release -
Optional Continuous Student Learning at Home
There may be times when students, parents or guardians wish to independently access further learning opportunities and materials. DDSB is providing recommended resources for optional at-home learning tasks.
All DDSB schools will be closed for in-person learning starting on Friday to protect the health and safety of students. Please do not send your child to school. Full update below.
Parents/Guardians,
We are pleased to share that a tentative agreement between CUPE, the Council of Trustees Associations and the Government of Ontario has been reached.
All DDSB schools will be open to in-person learning tomorrow and operations will proceed as usual.
The DDSB welcomed critically acclaimed Indigenous author David A. Robertson to schools on Nov 2 & 3.
During visits to Quaker Village PS, Uxbridge PS, and Glengrove PS, he met with students to share the joy of reading, speak to his journey, and the importance of Indigenous books.
May 17 is International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia
Today, while celebrating the Freedom to love, we also draw attention to the unacceptable violence and discrimination faced by 2SLGBTQ+people.
Oshawa students review 'The Strombo Show' for class -- then Strombo himself shows up
George Stroumboulopoulos visits
#Oshawa
's
@BeauValleyPS
for Q and A session