Faith & Education at RCCDSB
Pillars of Our Catholic Identity
Pillar | How We Live It |
Liturgical Life | Daily prayer, regular school Masses, and the celebration of the Liturgical Seasons (Advent, Lent, Easter). |
Social Justice | Actively supporting local food banks, global charities, and environmental stewardship as an expression of our faith. |
Curriculum Integration | Bringing a Catholic worldview to all subjects, from Science and Math to the Arts and Physical Education. |
A Partnership of Home, School, and Parish
We believe that a child’s faith flourishes best when there is a strong “triad” of support. RCCDSB works closely with our local parishes and families to ensure that the values taught at home are echoed in the classroom and nourished in the Church.
Quick Links and Resources:
- Parish Finder: Connect with your local church community.
- The OCSGEs: Learn more about the seven expectations for our graduates.
- Mental Health & Well-being: Access support rooted in compassion and care.
- Religious Education: View the curriculum for our elementary and secondary programs.
Catholic Graduate Expectations
Catholic Graduate Expectations in Action at RCCDSB
A Discerning Believer
A discerning believer is formed in the Catholic faith community and is someone who sees the signs of God’s presence in their daily life. They live a life of faith, guided by a moral compass and a commitment to Gospel values.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will see your child participating in prayer, school liturgies, and social justice projects. They will learn about Scripture and sacraments, growing in their ability to make life choices that reflect their faith.
- For Students: You will explore your faith through religion classes, retreats, and community service. You learn to ask important questions, understand the roots of our Catholic traditions, and see how faith connects to every part of your life.
- For Staff: We are committed to modelling a life of faith and creating a Christ-centred learning environment. We integrate Gospel values into our teaching and daily interactions, supporting the spiritual development of every student.
An Effective Communicator
An effective communicator speaks, writes, and listens honestly and sensitively, responding critically in light of Gospel values. They can articulate their beliefs and ideas clearly and respectfully.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will notice your child becoming a more confident speaker and a more thoughtful listener. They will learn to express their ideas clearly in writing and presentations while learning to value the perspectives of others.
- For Students: You will learn how to present your ideas to an audience, engage in respectful debate, use technology to share information responsibly, and listen actively to understand different viewpoints.
- For Staff: We foster clear, open, and respectful communication with students, parents, and each other. We teach media literacy and digital citizenship to help students become responsible communicators in a modern world.
A Reflective, Creative and Holistic Thinker
A reflective, creative, and holistic thinker solves problems and makes responsible decisions with an informed moral conscience. They think critically, creatively, and with a view to the common good.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will see your child approaching challenges with creativity and resilience. They will be encouraged to ask “why,” connect ideas from different subjects, and evaluate situations from a place of fairness and justice.
- For Students: You will be challenged to solve complex problems, to think outside the box, and to see issues from multiple perspectives. You will learn to make decisions that are not just smart, but also good and just.
- For Staff: We design learning experiences that challenge students to think critically and creatively. We encourage inquiry-based learning and thoughtful reflection, preparing students to be adaptive and ethical decision-makers.
A Self-Directed, Responsible, Lifelong Learner
A self-directed, responsible, lifelong learner demonstrates a confident and positive sense of self and respect for the dignity and welfare of others. They take ownership of their learning and growth.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will see your child develop strong work habits, taking more initiative for their homework and long-term projects. They will learn to set personal and academic goals and understand that learning is a lifelong journey.
- For Students: You will learn how to manage your time, set achievable goals, and track your own progress. You will be encouraged to explore your passions and develop the skills you need to take charge of your own future success.
- For Staff: We empower students by gradually releasing responsibility, creating an environment where they can build independence and self-advocacy skills. We model lifelong learning through ongoing professional development.
A Caring Family Member
A caring family member is someone who acts lovingly and responsibly in their relationships with their family, school, parish, and the wider community. They relate to others in a healthy, Christ-like manner.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will see a school community that treats your family as essential partners in education. Your child will learn the importance of respect, compassion, and responsibility, starting with how they treat their own family members.
- For Students: You will learn what it means to be a good friend, a respectful classmate, and a loving family member. You will be part of a school family that cares for you and teaches you to care for others.
- For Staff: We strive to create a safe, inclusive, and nurturing school environment that feels like a family. We build positive relationships with students and their families, modelling the care and respect that are central to our faith.
A Responsible Citizen
A responsible citizen acts morally and legally as a person formed in Catholic traditions. They accept accountability for their own actions, respect the environment, and contribute to the common good.
What this looks like in our schools:
- For Parents: You will see your child learning about their role in the local and global community. They will participate in food drives, environmental initiatives, and projects that help them understand issues of social justice.
- For Students: You will learn about Catholic social teachings and your responsibility to care for others and for God’s creation. You will have opportunities to volunteer, stand up for the vulnerable, and make a positive difference in the world.
- For Staff: We model active and responsible citizenship, bringing community and global issues into the classroom. We empower students to become leaders who will serve their communities with compassion and integrity.
A Collaborative Contributor
A collaborative contributor finds meaning, dignity, and fulfillment in work which respects the rights of all and contributes to the common good. They share their God-given gifts and work effectively within a team to build a more just and compassionate society.
Students: They work effectively in teams by sharing their unique “God-given gifts,” respecting the ideas of their peers, and completing their fair share of work to ensure the whole group succeeds.
Parents: They act as essential partners in the “Home-School-Parish” triad by engaging respectfully with staff and modelling for their children how to contribute to the common good of the school community.
Staff: They foster a collaborative culture by sharing expertise with colleagues and creating inclusive learning environments where every student is empowered to find meaning and dignity in their work.
Virtues of the Month
- September: Respect
- October: Gratitude
- November: Justice and Peace
- December: Patience
- January: Responsibility
- February: Compassion
- March: Forgiveness
- April: Stewardship
- May: Empathy
- June: Faith
Prayer and Virtue Calendar
A Year at a Glance
MONTH | PRAYER AND VIRTUE FOCUS | CATHOLIC GRADUATE EXPECTATION | PRINCIPLE OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING |
SEPTEMBER | The Angelus Hospitality | An Effective Communicator | Human Dignity |
OCTOBER | The Rosary Gratitude | A Self-Directed Responsible Life-Long Learner | Rights and Responsibilities |
NOVEMBER | Intercession Peace | A Responsible Citizen | Promotion of Peace |
DECEMBER | Advent Charity | A Caring Family Member | Option of the Poor and Vulnerable |
JANUARY | Personal Prayer Courage | A Responsible Citizen | Solidarity |
FEBRUARY | Lent Love | A Caring Family Member | The Common Good |
MARCH | Silence & Petition Forgiveness | A Discerning Believer | Role of Government |
APRIL | Divine Mercy Justice | A Reflective, Creative, Holistic Thinker | Stewards of Creation |
MAY | Lectio Divina Compassion | A Collaborative Contributor | Dignity of Work and Rights of Workers |
JUNE | Thanksgiving and Adoration Faithfulness | A Discerning Believer | Participation |