Posted on: 7/12/16

Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board announces its Top Ontario Scholars for 2015-16

3,278 Grade 12 Dufferin-Peel students scored 80 per cent or higher

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s top Ontario Scholars for the 2015-16 school year are George Eisa from St. Marcellinus Secondary School and Daniel Sequeira from St. Francis Xavier Secondary School, who both scored identical near perfect averages of 99.33%.

George will attend the University of Waterloo in the fall, where he has enrolled in the Software Engineering program. Daniel will attend Western University, where he is enrolled in the Medical Sciences program.

The board’s top Ontario Scholar from a Brampton school is Nicholas Bianco from Cardinal Leger Secondary School with an average of 98.50%. Nicholas will be taking a double major in Business at Wilfred Laurier University and Computer Sciences at the University of Waterloo.

Luke Seewald from Robert F. Hall Catholic Secondary School is the board’s top Ontario Scholar in the Bolton/Caledon/Orangeville area with a 97.50% average. Luke is enrolled in the Computer Engineering program at the University of Waterloo.

“We congratulate and celebrate George, Daniel, Nicholas and Luke for their remarkable achievements,” said Marianne Mazzorato, Director of Education. “It takes tremendous dedication and focus to achieve marks like these and they deserve to be celebrated.”

Students must achieve an average of 80% or higher on their top six Grade 12 courses to be an Ontario Scholar. This year, 3,278 Dufferin-Peel students earned this distinction.

“At this time of year, we take the time as Catholic communities to celebrate all graduates, who have fulfilled the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations and are ready to take on a new journey outside the familiar walls of their schools,” added Marianne Mazzorato. “We are extremely proud of each and every one of them.”

A a list of top scholars from each Dufferin-Peel Catholic secondary school is attached.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of largest and most diverse school districts in Ontario, with approximately 83,000 students in 149 Catholic schools throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 11,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.

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Media Contact: Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer, 905-890-0708 ext. 24278 or 416-788-9367

August 8-25 - Summer Institute 2016
Come join us for our 21st year of Summer Institute! Dufferin-Peel’s Summer Institute provides an opportunity for all educators to grow professionally through self-selected professional development. Summer Institute offers a wide variety of professional development sessions built on the successes of previous years, aligned with current Ministry initiatives and focused on improved student well-being and achievement. The August time frame provides a relaxed and collegial atmosphere after summer vacation and prior to the beginning of the school year. The combination of engaging facilitators and the opportunity to network with peers in an informal, yet professional atmosphere, are consistently ranked as reasons for the continued success of Summer Institute. Registration is now open. For more information, visit the Summer Institute website.

August 27 - Young Rider Orientation Day
On Saturday, August 27 we will be holding our twenty-fourth annual Young Rider Orientation Day for ALL Kindergarten children. The intent of the day is to introduce children to school buses in an informal setting prior to the first day of school. We encourage you to participate by bringing your kindergarten children and elementary age siblings to a one hour program between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12 noon. Bus rides and a school bus safety video are only part of the informative fun. For more information, contact Student Transportation of Peel Region at 905-890-6000.

August 31 - 15th Education Mass of the Archdiocese of Toronto
All are invited to attend the Education Mass of the Archdiocese of Toronto to give thanks and prayers for the important role of Catholic educators in our education system. The mass will take place on  Wednesday, August 31, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul’s Basilica in Toronto. All Catholics from across the Archdiocese of Toronto who are involved in education are welcome to take part, from the pre-school to the post-secondary level, whether they are working in Catholic, public or private institutions. Our celebration is for teachers and all who work in the education system to support that vocation. Following the Mass, we will gather for dinner and fellowship.

Board Meeting Schedule

All regular board and committee meetings start at 7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in the Board Room at the Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Boulevard West, (Highway 10 and Matheson Boulevard) Mississauga.

 
Delegating the Board
Individuals or groups wishing to delegate the Board should contact the Board and Committee Information Officer at 905-890-0708 ext. 24433. Additional information about the delegation process is found on the Board Delegation Form.

• May 24, 2016
• May 11, 2016
• May 10, 2016
• May 9, 2016
• April 26, 2016
• March 29, 2016
• February 23, 2016
• February 1, 2016
• January 26, 2016
• January 4, 2016

2015

• December 8, 2015
• December 1, 2015
• November 24, 2015
• October 27, 2015
• September 29, 2015
• September 14, 2015
• August 25, 2015
• June 16, 2015
• May 26, 2015
• April 28, 2015
• March 24, 2015
• February 24, 2015
• January 27, 2015

2014

• December 9, 2014
• December 2, 2014
• November 25, 2014
• October 28, 2014
• September 8, 2014
• August 26, 2014
• June 17, 2014
• May 27, 2014
• April 29, 2014
• March 25, 2014
• February 25, 2014
• January 28, 2014

   

2013

• December 3, 2013
• December 10, 2013
• November 26, 2013
• October 22, 2013
• September 24, 2013
• June 18, 2013
• May 28, 2013
• April 23, 2016
• March 26, 2013
• February 26, 2013
• January 22, 2013

   

General Information about Collective Bargaining, Agreements and Negotiations 

• The collective agreement is a written contract of employment covering a group of employees who are represented by a teacher federation/trade union. The agreement contains provisions governing the terms and conditions of employment. It also contains the rights, privileges and duties of the employer, the teacher federation/trade union and the employees.
  
  
• Collective bargaining is a process in which a teacher federation/trade union and an employer negotiate a first collective agreement or the renewal of a previous collective agreement. The School Boards Collective Bargaining Act has now created a two-tiered bargaining process where certain items are negotiated centrally and other items are negotiated locally.
  
  
• If during the central or local negotiation process, the employer and the union do not agree on the terms of the agreement either party may ask the Ontario Minister of Labour to appoint a conciliation officer. Under the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act the conciliation process applies separately for central and local negotiations.
  
  
• Conciliation is a legally required step prior to job action.
  
  
• If following conciliation, a collective agreement is still not achieved, the conciliator reports to the Minister of Labour that parties were unable to reach an agreement.
  
  
• The Minister then issues a notice informing the union and the employer that he or she “does not consider it advisable to appoint a conciliation board.” This notice is known as the “no board” report.
  
  
• Issuance of a no-board report commences the statutory timeline to the parties being in a legal position to enact job action. Job action may legally begin on the 17th day after the issuance of the no-board report.
  
  
• Under the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, notice of job action must be provided at least 5 days prior to the commencement of job action. This 5-day notice can be provided within the statutory time period related to the no-board report.
  
  
• Under the School Boards Collective Bargaining Act, OCSTA is the bargaining agent representing the interests of Catholic school boards at the central negotiation table.

Links to Resources for More Information:

Ministry of Labour
Ontario Labour Relations Board

Background

In March 2015, the Ministry of Education released the new Pupil Accommodation Guideline. The guideline requires all school boards in Ontario to develop or revise their Pupil Accommodation Review policy. The Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline sets expectations for all school boards on managing and reviewing underutilized school space, including potential school closures, and for the greater coordination and sharing of planning related information between school boards and other community partners.

In response to the requirements outlined in the Pupil Accommodation Review Guideline, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board approved its current amended Policy 6.51 Pupil Accommodation Review on October 27, 2015.

Commencement of East Credit Mississauga
Pupil Accommodation Review

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is committed to providing quality education to students through programs and facilities that support academic achievement and well-being and to ensuing effective stewardship of the resources of the Board. In accordance with Policy 6.51 – Pupil Accommodation Review, all facilities of the Board are part of an on-going review to identify the most effective pupil accommodation review arrangements for the delivery of all elementary and secondary programs.

The East Credit Education Service Area has been identified in the Long Term Accommodation Plan as being significantly under capacity in 2015-16 with forecasted continued enrolment decline in the coming years, necessitating a Pupil Accommodation Review.

At the Regular Board Meeting on November 24, 2015, the Board of Trustees approved the commencement of the East Credit Mississauga Pupil Accommodation Review Process.

The schools that make up the East Credit Mississauga Review area are as follows:

• Our Lady of Good Voyage Elementary School
• St. Bernadette Elementary School
• St. Dunstan Elementary School
• St. Gertrude Elementary School
• St. Gregory Elementary School
• St. Herbert Elementary School
• St. Raymond Elementary School
• St. Valentine Elementary School

The inclusion of the above-noted schools in an accommodation review process does not mean that it will close. Accommodation reviews are designed to look at a grouping of schools to determine the best solution for everyone involved in the process. While the initial staff report may contain a proposed option that impacts these schools, the final decision by the Board to move forward with a recommendation will not take place until after the consultation period.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to review the following documents to gain a better understanding of the Pupil Accommodation Review Process and how they can provide their feedback and input.

• Initial Staff Report to the Board – November 24/15
  • Map 1 – Status Quo
  • Map 2 – Option 1 – Staff Preferred Option
  • Map 3 – Option 2
  • Map 4 – Option 3
• School Information Profiles:
  • Appendix 1 – Our Lady of Good Voyage Elementary School
  • Appendix 2 – St. Bernadette Elementary School 
  • Appendix 3 – St. Dunstan Elementary School 
  • Appendix 4 – St. Gertrude Elementary School 
  • Appendix 5 – St. Gregory Elementary School 
  • Appendix 6 – St. Herbert Elementary School 
  • Appendix 7 – St. Raymond Elementary School 
  • Appendix 8 – St. Valentine Elementary School
• Policy Information
  • Appendix 9 – 6.51 Pupil Accommodation Review Policy
  • Appendix 10 – Terms of Reference

Additional Information

• Guide to Pupil Accommodation Review
• Letter to Parents and Guardians – November 26, 2015
• Q and A
• General Administrative Procedures
• 2013 Long Term Accommodation Plan
• PAR Update - December 7, 2015 - Administration & Finance Committee Meeting
• ORIENTATION SESSION PRESENTATION: East Credit Review Area Accommodation Review Committee - January 6, 2016
• Ministry of Education Administrative Review of Accommodation Review Process
• East Credit Pupil Accommodation Review - Update Bulletin #3
• East Credit Pupil Accommodation Review - UPDATE BULLETIN #4
• Frequently Asked Questions

Public consultation is at the heart of the accommodation review process. A minimum of two public meetings are to be held by the Accommodation Review Committee, as well as a number of additional working group meetings. The goal is to engage a wide range of school and community groups to participate in the consultation in order to gather feedback on the proposed accommodation options, developed by staff, to present to the board of trustees for their consideration. Committee members include principals, parents and Board planning staff.

Important Dates

• November 24, 2015
  Board of Trustee Approval to Commence Pupil Accommodation Review Process
  


• January 13, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #1
  ARC working meetings are open to the public, however the public may not participate in such meetings.
  Agenda
  Orientation Session
  Proposed Schedule
  MOE: Consultation Summary
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received up to January 4 are included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #1 minutes.


• January 20, 2016
  Public Meeting #1 – St. Joseph Secondary School (5555 Creditview Road, Mississauga)
  Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  Invitation to Attend Public Open House Meeting #1 - January 20, 2016
  Invitation - Reminder and Update
  Presentation
  Information Slides
  Presentation Boards
  


• January 27, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #2
  ARC working meetings are open to the public, however the public may not participate in such meetings.
  AGENDA
  Meeting Slides
  ARC Requested Information
  St. Dunstan Presentation
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received between January 5 and January 12 are included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #2 minutes.
  


• February 3, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #3
  Location: Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga
  ARC working meetings are open to the public, however the public may not participate in such meetings.
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  Finance Presentation
  ARC Requested Information
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received between January 13 and January 22 are included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #3 minutes.
  


• February 11, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #4
  Location: Blessed Trinity Catholic Centre for Learning (2nd Floor Library), 2495 Credit Valley Road, Mississauga
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  Research Presentation
  ARC Requested Information
  St. Dunstan Option 5 Presentation
  Parking Lot Questions and Answers (Jan. 20 Open House)
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received between January 24 and January 29 are included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #4 minutes.
  


• February 24, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #5
  Location: Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  Program Department Presentation
  St. Gertrude Alternative Options Presentation
  ARC Requested Information
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received between January 30 and February 21 are included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #5 minutes.
  


• March 2, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #6
  Location: Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  Our Lady of Good Voyage - Presentation
  St. Valentine - Presentation
  St. Gregory - Presentation
  St. Herbert Presentation
  ARC Requested Information
  Approved Minutes (no correspondence*)
  * Correspondence was not reviewed at the ARC Working Group Meeting #7.
  


• March 9, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #7
  Location: Blessed Trinity Catholic Centre for Learning (2nd Floor Library), 2495 Credit Valley Road, Mississauga
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  St. Gertrude Presentation 2
  ARC Requested Information
  Approved Minutes and Correspondence
  Correspondence received between February 22 and March 7 (at 4 pm) will be included in the ARC Working Group Meeting #7 minutes.
  


• March 30, 2016
  Public Meeting #2 – St. Joseph Secondary School (5555 Creditview Road, Mississauga)
  Time: 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
  Invitation to Attend Public Open House Meeting #2
  Presentation Slides
  Information Slides
  ARC Identified Options
  


• April 6, 2016
  Accommodation Review Committee Meeting #8
  Location: Catholic Education Centre, 40 Matheson Blvd. West, Mississauga
  AGENDA
  Presentation Slides
  Survey Results Presentation
  St. Raymond Presentation
  ARC Requested Information
  OLGV Response to March 9 St. Gertrude Presentation
  Meeting Notes and Correspondence
  Due to the fact there are no further East Credit ARC Working Group Meetings there is no official approval of the minutes. The attached meeting notes have been reviewed by ARC members and amended as requested.
  


• April 26, 2016
  Interim Staff Report for Information Only – Regular Board Meeting
  Interim Staff Report to the Board – April 26, 2016
  MAPS 1-10
  APPENDIX 1: Comparison Chart of Modified Staff Options, ARC Preferred Options, Original Staff Options
  APPENDIX 2: Initial Staff Report (without appendices)
  APPENDIX 3: Correspondence from the Region of Peel
  APPENDIX 4: Correspondence from Father Marc-Andre, St. Joseph Parish Priest
  APPENDIX 5: Survey #1 Results Presentation
  APPENDIX 6: Survey #2 Results Presentation
  APPENDIX 7: Meeting Agendas and slides
  APPENDIX 8: Meeting minutes and correspondence
  APPENDIX 9: ARC Presentations
  APPENDIX 10: Resource staff presentations
  APPENDIX 11: ARC requested information
  APPENDIX 12: All options reviewed by ARC
  APPENDIX 13: Bulletins, meeting notices, Public Open House #1 and #2 slide decks
  APPENDIX 14: Parking Lot questions and answers from Public Open House Meeting #1
  APPENDIX 15: School Information Profiles
  


• May 9, 2016
  Delegation Night – Special Board Meeting
  AGENDA
  


• May 10, 2016
  Delegation Night – Special Board Meeting
  AGENDA
  


• May 11, 2016
  Delegation Night – Special Board Meeting
  AGENDA
  


• May 24, 2016
  Final Recommendation Report - Regular Board Meeting

At their regular Board Meeting on May 24, 2016, the Board of Trustees for the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board approved the following motion regarding the East Credit Mississauga Pupil Accommodation Review:

“That the board of trustees approve the closure of St. Dunstan and St. Gertrude schools effective June 2017. That St. Dunstan students residing north of Eglinton Avenue be directed to St. Herbert; that St. Dunstan students residing south of Eglinton Avenue be directed to St. Bernadette; that St. Gertrude regular track students be directed to St. Valentine and that St. Gertrude French Immersion students be directed to St. Gregory”

Copies of all reports, correspondence, presentations and other related materials generated throughout this pupil accommodation review process are posted on the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board website at www.dpcdsb.org.

Request for Administrative Review

The Ministry of Education provides for an Administrative Review process if individuals believe that the board did not follow its accommodation review policy.  The steps in requesting an Administrative Review are outlined on the Ministry of Education website and as per the Administrative Review of Accommodation Review Process document.

The ministry received two (2) petitions for an Administrative Review as a result of the East Credit Pupil Accommodation Review process.  Documents associated with these petitions are available as follows:

• St. Dunstan Request for Administrative Review
  -  Request for Administrative Review
  - Appendix 1a - PAR Policy
  - Appendix 1b - GAP 718.00
  - Appendix 2 - Signed Petition
  - Appendix 3 - PAR Guidelines
  - Appendix 4 - Father Marc Andre Correspondence
  - Appendix 5 - FINAL REPORT East Credit PAR 24May16
  - Appendix 6 Ministry Vision
  - Appendix 7 Sample Email and Response
  - Appendix 8 Email from DPCDSB to St. Dunstan Parent
  - Appendix 9 Procedural By-law 101
  - Appendix 10 Agenda and Reports Open Session Jan. 26, 2016
  - DPCDSB Response to the Ministry of Education

• St. Gertrude Request for Administrative Review
   - Request for Administrative Review
   - DPCDSB Response to the Ministry of Education

Please note that the Ministry of Education has 60 days from the date the petitions were submitted to decide whether to appoint a facilitator to undertake an Administrative Review.

As indicated on the Ministry of Education Frequently Asked Questions page, “The Ministry of Education has no legislative mandate to overturn a school board decision regarding a school closure or to control the decisions of the democratically elected trustees of the school board.”

For further information on administrative reviews please refer to the Ministry of Education website or contact the ministry directly.

Accommodation Review Committee (ARC)

The ARC is an advisory committee established by the Board that represents the school(s) involved in a pupil accommodation review and acts as the conduit for information shared between the Board and the school communities. All committee meetings are open to the public and materials such as meeting dates, agendas, minutes and all information shared with ARC members are available through this website.

As per Ministry Guidelines, the final decision regarding the future of a school or group of schools rests solely with the Board of Trustees.

Ministry of Education Documentation

The following documents and website are also available for review and reference:

• Ministry of Education Pupil Accommodation Review Guidelines
• Ministry of Education School Board Efficiencies and Modernization Consultation Summary
• Ministry of Education Website 

SUMMER INSTITUTE 2016

August 8-25, 2016
Registration NOW OPEN!

Come join us for our 21st year of Summer Institute!

Dufferin-Peel’s Summer Institute provides an opportunity for all educators to grow professionally through self-selected professional development. 

Summer Institute offers a wide variety of professional development sessions built on the successes of previous years, aligned with current Ministry initiatives and focused on improved student well-being and achievement. 

The August time frame provides a relaxed and collegial atmosphere after summer vacation and prior to the beginning of the school year. The combination of engaging facilitators and the opportunity to network with peers in an informal, yet professional atmosphere, are consistently ranked as reasons for the continued success of Summer Institute.

For more information, visit the Summer Institute website.

Updated May 17, 2016

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will update Frequently Asked Questions as questions arise from the community through the trustees and staff related to the East Credit Pupil Accommodation Review process. Points of clarification will also be addressed in the FAQs. Correspondence received by trustees will be included as part of the Final Report submitted to the Board of Trustees for consideration on May 24, 2016.

Research shows that children with special needs who transition from one school to another school poses additional challenges as well as can delay the learning that is designed for the child. How many Special Needs students attend schools in the East Credit Review area?

The number of students enrolled in special education resource classes are identified in each of the School Information Profiles. The Board has a practice in ensuring smooth transitions for all students, in particular, for those students who may require special supports. Students with special needs will continue to be supported to reach their fullest potential, regardless of the school in which they are registered.

Why does St Gertrude Elementary School not appear on the list of schools suspected of containing asbestos and constructed before the year 2000?

St. Gertrude was not included on the list because it had undergone a partial survey prior to renovation work done in the past. Following the board’s Asbestos Management Protocol, it was deemed that it was unlikely the remainder of the school contained asbestos. Nevertheless, following protocol, should any renovation or construction work be initiated at St. Gertrude in the future, the board would again conduct a survey prior to any work being done.

Why were original staff options 1 and 3 from the Initial Staff Report not considered and developed further to be presented as alternative for new staff options?

Keeping school communities together is the most important rationale identified by the community at large through Survey #2. With respect to Initial Staff Option 1, none of the schools in the East Credit review area would be able to accommodate the entire St Gertrude population as a whole (regular track and French Immersion), nor can St Gertrude accommodate any other school communities as a whole without the need for a significant number of portables. In Initial Staff Option 3, the distribution of the remaining receiving schools is such that the new boundaries created cross over major roads such as Britannia Road and Eglinton Avenue. This rationale is also true for regular track students being directed from St Gertrude to St Valentine school in Option 1, potentially requiring some students to cross Mavis Road. Furthermore, the distribution of the remaining schools in Option 3 does not represent an even distribution of schools within the review area.

What is the cost of installing and maintaining portables? What about surveillance of portables for student safety?

The board has a surplus of portables. The relocation of portables could be approximately $20,000/unit, depending on the site, the scope of work required and the number of portables needed. It is not the board’s practice to provide surveillance of portables.

Appendix 1 of the Interim Staff Report indicates that ARC Option 5 “Maintains Catholic Presence: ALL Areas of East Credit)”, however this option eliminates any presence west of Creditview Road and east of Mavis Rd. Can you explain?

The wording in Appendix 1 is directly extracted from the ARC Options as they were identified by the individual ARC groups that selected the option and as presented at Public Open House #2. Catholic presence is subject to interpretation in all options.

How are transportation costs calculated?

A number of factors are used to calculate transportation costs: the annual cost to operate a large school bus (approximately $45,000/year), the number of students being transported, where students live, bus routes and the number of runs a single bus can achieve during the morning and afternoon drives. Transportation costs are NOT calculated on a per pupil basis.

Why is a newer school like St Valentine being proposed to close, with students being directed to an older and smaller school like St Herbert?

St Valentine was built in 2001 with a capacity of 651. Recommended Modified Staff Option A proposes directing all existing students to St Herbert which was built in 2000 with a capacity of 533. The final boundaries would redirect any new students moving into the St Valentine area who live north of Bristol Road to St Raymond. St Raymond was built in the same year (2001) and has the same capacity (651) as St Valentine. These three schools are the youngest schools in East Credit. Directing students to St Herbert and St Raymond makes the most sense when determining an accommodation solution for the entire East Credit review area because they are the schools directly to the west of the St Valentine catchment area and central to the new proposed catchment areas.

How will St Herbert be able to accommodate additional traffic from new students?

St Valentine has a unique site and traffic circulation because of the narrow frontage; the site has limited bus accommodation, allowing for up to 3 busses at one time. St Herbert is a more typical site design which would accommodate up to 5 busses at one time. St Valentine and St Herbert both have 59 on-site parking spaces.

St Valentine is a newer, larger, fully air-conditioned school – why would it be a logical solution to consolidate children to St Herbert?

St Herbert already has limited parking for the current population. How will it accommodate the new student population?

St Herbert and St Valentine each have 59 on-site parking spaces. The design of the school is such that the number of parking spaces meet municipal by-law requirements and can accommodate staff and visitor parking for the capacity of the building and beyond.

In the "New Staff Option #1", St. Valentine is supposed to be moved to St. Herbert. BUT St. Valentine is the only school with significant growth in the 10-year enrolment projections. If St. Valentine students are directed to St. Herbert, immediately, the school will be 18% overpopulated. In 10 years, this school will be 30% overpopulated. It will require portables to house 158 students - that's about 6 portables. Why is this option even being considered?

While the status quo enrolment projections for St Valentine are projected to increase, the projections shown in Modified Staff Option A actually show projected enrolments declining at St Herbert after consolidation with St Valentine. St Herbert is projected to be over-capacity by 11% in 10-years, or over-capacity by 59 students, with the potential for 2 portables based strictly on a mathematical formula. Staff has identified that while portables are based on a mathematical formula, there are other factors that determine the number of portables required at a school such as class size requirements and classroom organization.

Was an evaluation completed with respect to the traffic congestion from parent drop-off and pick-up in the St Herbert area, with two other public schools in the area?

The design of the school is such that the parking lot and Kiss and Ride can accommodate busses for the capacity of the building and beyond. The start times of St Herbert, Fallingbrook Middle and Sherwood Mills are purposely staggered to alleviate traffic congestion in the interest of student safety. St Herbert is designed with a standard Kiss and Ride to accommodate busses and student drop-off and pick-up.

What forecasting numbers in new enrolment does the board anticipate for St Herbert?

St Herbert enrolment is projected to be relatively stable over the next 10 years between 230 to 247 students.

St Valentine is a new school compared to St Herbert, and is eco-friendly. Is this a consideration for non-closure?

St Valentine is one year newer than St Herbert. According to Ontario Eco-School Standards, all schools in the East Credit Review area are 100% eco-certified.

Posted on: 8/10/16​

'Young Rider Orientation Day' reinforces school bus safety for new students and their families

A free Young Rider Orientation Day on August 27 will help new students feel more comfortable taking the school bus. This year, approximately 62,000 Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board students will ride the school bus each day. Both boards have provided joint busing service since 1994.

"Now in its 24th year, this orientation will give children confidence when riding the bus to and from school and will reinforce the importance of bus safety," says Tom Howe, manager of Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR). “Parents and children will watch a bus safety video, discuss their bus safety concerns and ride on a school bus.”

The program, designed for kindergarten children and their elementary-aged siblings, as well as eligible French Immersion students, will run every hour between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.

To help children feel more at ease with their first school bus experience, parents can:

• talk about bus rides as fun adventures. Parents should try not to be anxious in front of their children. 
• establish a routine by taking a few walks to the bus stop before the first day of school. 
• keep children organized. A backpack is easier for students to carry than many small items. 
• make sure children recognize their bus stop location and carry identification in case they get lost. 
• teach bus safety rules - listen to the bus driver’s instructions, stay seated on the bus and respect other students 
• teach traffic safety. If children must cross the street to get to the bus stop, remind them to wait until the bus stops, activates its flashing lights and the stop arm before they look in both directions and cross.

The school bus orientation sessions are available at six locations throughout Peel Region. To confirm your attendance and preferred time slot, please call one of the bus companies listed below:

East Mississauga:

Philip Pocock S.S.
4555 Tomken Road
Mississauga, ON

First Student Canada
905-270-0561

Central Mississauga:

Fr. Michael Goetz S.S.
330 Central Parkway W.
Mississauga, ON

Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc.
905-276-2224

West Mississauga:

West Credit S.S.
6325 Montevideo Road
Mississauga, ON

Attridge Transportation
905-855-7771

Bramalea:

Chinguacousy S.S.
1370 Williams Parkway
Brampton, ON

Parkview Transit
905-857-9894

Brampton:

Turner Fenton S.S.
7935 Kennedy Road S.
Brampton, ON

Switzer-Carty Transportation Inc.
905-362-1967

Caledon/Dufferin:

Humberview S.S.
135 Kingsview Drive
Bolton, ON

Parkview Transit
905-584-0400

Additional bus safety information is available at www.stopr.ca.

STOPR is a consortium formed by an agreement between the Peel District School Board and the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board for the purpose of providing a common administration of transportation services for students residing in Peel Region.

For more information, please contact one of the transportation service providers or STOPR at 905-890-6000.

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Media contact: Tom Howe, Manager, Student Transportation of Peel Region (STOPR), 905-890-6000

Posted on: 8/24/16

Dufferin-Peel offers iFun Orientation Program for newcomer secondary students

On September 1, the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold an iFun Orientation Program at six secondary schools in Mississauga and Brampton. The one-day school-based orientation program for secondary students who are new to Canada is facilitated by the Multicultural, Settlement and Education Partnership (MSEP), and includes teachers, settlement workers, and peer leaders/fellow students who were newcomers in previous years. The program is funded by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) under the Settlement Workers in Schools program.

“The iFun Orientation Program gives newcomer youth a head start in their new school by familiarizing them with the school building and routines, linking them to students already attending the school, and orienting them to sources of help, as well as the “culture” of the Ontario educational system,” said Joanna Kubica, student settlement support officer.

The iFun program will be offered at Father Michael Goetz, Ascension of Our Lord, St. Francis Xavier, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and John Cabot Catholic Secondary Schools in Mississauga and at Notre Dame Catholic Secondary School in Brampton. The program is available to all newcomer students registered at a Dufferin-Peel Catholic secondary school. Students from other schools in the district will be bused to the closest participating school to participate in the program.

Program activities include: group discussions on strategies for success, a school scavenger hunt, dramatic presentations by peer leaders on what helped them adjust to their new school, a simulated timetable exercise and discussions about graduation requirements and support systems in the school. There will also be an opportunity for newcomer parents to meet with the schools’ administrators and guidance counsellors.

Newcomer students interested in participating in the iFun Program in Dufferin-Peel Catholic Schools, should contact the Newcomer Reception and Assessment Centre at 905-361-2344.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of largest and most diverse school districts in Ontario, with over 81,000 students in 150 Catholic schools throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 11,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.

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Media Contact:
Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
905-890-0708 ext. 24278
416-788-9367
nancy.marshall@dpcdsb.org

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Posted on: 8/24/16

Over 7,200 Grade 9 students prepare for their transition to high school

Over the next two weeks, many of the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board’s 7,200 Grade 9 students are preparing for their transition to high school by participating in the board’s Get Ready! for Secondary School transition program, among others.

The Get Ready! for Secondary School program, which is a joint project between the board’s Program and Continuing Education Departments, blends 25 hours of literacy and numeracy-focused instruction with secondary school readiness activities that help welcome and prepare students for their secondary school experience.

“Ensuring the success of students as they transition from elementary to secondary school is one of the key strategies of the board’s Student Success Program,” said Carmel Murphy, principal of Secondary Program and Student Success. “These transition programs provide students with opportunities to feel welcome, make connections, and develop relationships with other students and Senior Peer Leaders.  Students get the opportunity to learn about their secondary school, teachers and their own personal learning styles before attending classes in September.”

Grade 9 students will participate in a variety of activities during their transition program, including school tours, information sessions, motivational speakers, orientation games, picnics and barbeques. The Get Ready for Secondary program eases the Grade 8-to-9 transition for students and parents alike, as their confidence, comfort level, and awareness of secondary programs and pathways are significantly amplified before they enter secondary school.

For more information, students and parents/guardians should visit their school website.

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario. It serves over 81,000 students in 150 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 11,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.

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Media Contact:
Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
905-890-0708 ext. 24278 
416-788-9367
nancy.marshall@dpcdsb.org

​

New Catholic elementary school opens in Brampton this fall

School year begins September 6 for over 81,000 Catholic students in Peel Region and Dufferin County

On September 6, summer vacation ends for over 81,000 Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board students, as the 2016-17 school year gets underway at the board’s 150 schools.
This year, Dufferin-Peel will open a new elementary school located at 60 Olivia Marie Road in Brampton. St. Alphonsa Catholic Elementary School, is a 57,221 square foot facility that can accommodate up to 553 students and features two outdoor learning spaces. Staff and students will celebrate the official opening of the school on September 6 with a ceremony at 9:15 a.m.

The board will also break ground this fall on an additional new elementary school in the Mississauga Road and Sandalwood Parkway area of Brampton. The new school (name to be determined) will open in September 2017.

“We look forward to working with our schools, parishes, families and communities to actualize the strategic direction the board of trustees has established,” says Marianne Mazzorato, director of education. “As always, we strive to provide our students with a positive learning environment that is rooted in our faith; an environment that is safe, caring, inclusive, engaging, and academically challenging.”

The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board is one of the largest and most diverse school boards in Ontario. It serves over 81,000 students in 150 schools located throughout Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon and Orangeville. With over 11,000 employees, the board is also one of the largest employers in the region.

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Media Contact:

Nancy Marshall, Communications Officer
Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board
905-890-0708 ext. 24278
416-788-9367
nancy.marshall@dpcdsb.org

​

​​Poste​d on: 9/14/16

Dufferin-Peel Catholic Board announces its 2016 Distinguished Alumni

​Posted on: 9/19/16

Annual United Way Walk/Run/Roll event slated for Sunday, September 25

On Sunday, September 25, commencing at 10:00 a.m., the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will launch its 2016 United Way Campaign with one of its most popular United Way fundraisers, the annual Wilf Hartzenberg Walk/Run/Roll event.  

Posted: 9/21/16​

EQAO results indicate Dufferin-Peel Catholic board students continue to demonstrate high achievement in literacy

The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) has released the results of the 2015-16 annual assessments completed in Grades 3, 6, 9 and 10. The EQAO assessments and the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) provide an indication of each student’s achievement in reading, writing and/or mathematics at key points throughout formal schooling. 

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​Posted on: 9/26/16​

Dufferin-Peel hosts Orientation Day for International Students

​The Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board will hold a series of public information sessions for Grade 8 students and their parents/guardians interested in enrolling in a Dufferin-Peel Catholic secondary school for the 2017-18​​ school year. ​

Dufferin-Peel’s secondary school public information sessions will take place throughout October and November. A schedule of the Secondary School Information Sessions is listed below. For more information about the information sessions, parents/guardians should contact their local school​ directly.​​

​Posted on: 10/3/16

Dufferin-Peel Catholic Secondary Schools to Hold Public Information Sessions for Grade 8 students and parents