Select the folders below to learn more about the Durham Catholic District School Board:
Elementary and high schools in the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) are located within Durham Region. Less than a 45-minute drive from Toronto (Canada’s largest city), Durham Region also provides excellent transportation and access to even more universities and colleges, cultural, academic and employment opportunities.
Durham Region is a thriving, creative and dynamic community where international students can experience the best that Canadian culture has to offer. These communities include:
DCDSB wants to ensure that the digital revolution that has taken place in every aspect of our lives is reflected in our classrooms, and in our teaching and learning models. By creating spaces that integrate technology with learning, and encourage collaboration, our school board can help to effectively develop the critical thinking skills that international students need to be successful.
The 21st Century Learning Commons is a hub for learning that everyone in the schools at DCDSB can use to access state-of-the-art technology in order to inspire deep learning. In this multi-functional space, students and teachers can work on building knowledge together in an interesting and engaging way that optimizes the use of technology.
During your study at DCDSB, you can bring your own electronic device to school for educational purposes. You are expected to use devices responsibly, and only with the permission and direction of teachers or other staff. Students are required to use the school's wireless network, which can be accessed at no cost while at school. If you are bringing your own device to school, be sure to protect it with a secure password and purchase a protective case.
Catholic schools are different. Each DCDSB student in our Catholic learning community embodies excellence and equity by embracing the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations. Our schools focus on the guiding principles that you seek in quality Catholic education: Excellence, Equity and Engagement. DCDSB offers 21st century learning, academic results, faith formation and a safe, caring community that accepts and respects international students.
We welcome international students of all faiths at our elementary and secondary schools.
SWIS Program
Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) is a school-based program that provides information and referral services to assist international students and newcomers.
International students and their parents can contact teachers or IE staff if they require support from the SWIS worker.
Experiencing a new culture can be a rich learning opportunity. Our International Education Program provides planned activities to help students get together and learn about Canadian culture, meet new Canadian friends and practice English. From maple syrup festivals in the spring, and live music or food festivals in the summer, to fall fairs, snow sports and ice fishing in the winter, Durham Region has many Canadian cultural experiences for international students.
-From Mrs. Z, a Service Provider
I’d like to thank DCDSB International Education Program’s great effort to accommodate all the requests from our students and their parents.
-From Mrs. L, a Service Provider
Excellent team from the head office to the individual schools and teachers. They are always very attentive, respond promptly, and process applications quickly.
-From Mr. H, a Service Provider
Our daughter has conveyed to us every day the good treatment received by all her teachers, the efforts made by them to make her feel one more in your classes, which will be perfectly integrated among her new classmates. We have the feeling that for her the experience has been unforgettable and has helped her grow and mature as a person, and her teachers have been an invaluable support.
Both in the heart of our daughter and in our own, there is a special place for all of you, since an experience that could be difficult has been incredible thanks to your affection and professionalism, so we will always be grateful.
-From Mrs. and Mr. Javier, an International Student's Parents