Autumn Message of Gratitude from the Chair of the Board and Director of Education

Canada is a country that is blessed to experience four beautiful, awe-inspiring seasons each year. As we begin to see the green of summer make way for the vibrant colours of fall, we traditionally pause with family and friends to gather and give thanks.  

As a Community of Faith, there is so much to be thankful for this October. Our students are back in school, learning either in-person or virtually. While the pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on everyone’s lives, we now take notice of the small things like the sound of students’ voices playing in the yard at recess and the joy of being able to reconnect with friends, and colleagues. 

Our students and staff have demonstrated their commitment to community by echoing Jesus’ call to serve through participation in social justice initiatives, supporting charitable fundraisers such as the Terry Fox Run and respectfully considering the experiences and needs of others through learning and action.  

Through Orange Shirt Day activities and the Tulips for Truth initiative, students, families and staff across the Board honoured the Indigenous peoples and victims of the residential school system while raising funds for First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. We are grateful for your continued compassion and support as we walk the path together in truth and reconciliation. 

With the long weekend approaching when we traditionally celebrate Thanksgiving, we are reflecting in a new way on the history behind this holiday. While many of us may hold fond memories of gathering with family and enjoying delicious feasts, we also understand that for the Indigenous community, traditional lore associated with Thanksgiving can be a painful reminder of colonization. With our core commitment to equity, as a school board, we need to think carefully about how to maintain a spirit of thanks, and the joy of family while honouring and respecting the truth of our past. 

As Catholics, our central sacrament is the Eucharist which literally means “thanksgiving”. This October, let us all give thanks, for our many blessings, our family and friends, for the Indigenous peoples, and for the land that here in Durham Region, is the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island. 

On behalf of the Board of Trustees and Senior Administrative Team, we wish our Durham Catholic families, staff, parishes, and community partners a safe and blessed autumn.

Yours in Catholic education,

Morgan Ste. Marie                           Tracy Barill
Chair of the Board                           Director of Education