The Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) is delighted to introduce the Beacons of Hope recognition program. Beacons of Hope is connected to the 2024-2025 Spiritual Theme, Living in Hope, and will recognize two elementary students, two secondary students, and two staff members each month. Throughout the year, themes have been assigned based on the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations (OCSGE) and Catholic virtues. The selected nominees will be recognized at the monthly Board Meeting for a special award presentation, and will also be featured in the DCDSB News, school websites, and DCDSB social media.
Families, students, and staff are welcome to nominate a DCDSB student or staff member that exemplifies and embodies the theme for the month. Nominations will be taken via Microsoft Forms.
Click here to Nominate a Student
Click here to Nominate a Staff Member
Please see below for the monthly themes, nomination criteria and nomination deadlines.
A Discerning Believer is an individual formed in the Catholic Faith community who celebrates the signs and sacred mystery of God’s presence through word, sacrament, prayer, forgiveness, reflection and moral living.
Courtney was nominated by St. Joseph Catholic School (Oshawa) Principal, Ms. Principe. Ms. Principe said: “Courtney models what it means to live as a follower of God. She is dedicated to our most vulnerable students in her care and treats her colleagues, students, and parents with the utmost respect and dignity. She encourages and nurtures students daily. Courtney is an active member of her church and devotes her free time to giving back to others who are less fortunate. Courtney plays a pivotal role within our school community through her actions to encourage students to become who they are meant to be. She strives to help students to be seen as created in the image and likeness of God as modelled in Jesus Christ."
Manfred was nominated by Ms. Remiz, the Principal at St. John XXIII Catholic School, and Mr. O’Neill, a secondary teacher at Monsignor John Pereyma Catholic Secondary School. They said: “Mr. von Vulte actively engages with scripture, church teachings, and the sacraments to strengthen his faith. He is very involved in his Catholic church community and is the Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Newcastle. Mr. von Vulte is committed to supporting the faith journeys of his students where classroom discussions and shared experiences enrich his students' spiritual growth and often focus on social justice and the dignity of the human person. Mr. von Vulte strives to align his life - both personally and professionally - with God’s will, fostering both personal and communal faith.”