Student Agenda

Durham Catholic District School Board's Mission
We are called to celebrate and nurture the God-given talents of each student as we serve with excellence in the light of Christ.
St. Christopher - Patron Saint of Motorists/Travellers
There are many legends concerning St. Christopher that are confusing and contradictory. One of the most popular legends holds that St. Christopher was a giant who helped people across a raging stream. It is believed that he carried the Christ Child across this same stream, hence, his name Christopher, Christ-bearer. He is the patron of travelers, and is invoked against storms, plagues, etc. He died a martyr during the reign of Decius in the 3rd century. The Feast Day for St. Christopher is July 25th.
School Prayer
God our Father keep us safe at St. Christopher Catholic School. Help us to use our special gifts to grow in knowledge and to make our school a place where peace, love, caring and friendship can be seen and felt in all our words and actions so that we can be faithful followers of Jesus and good examples to others. Amen.
Our School Community
St. Christopher Catholic School is a vibrant school community of approximately 540 students and 50 teachers and support staff. We are supported in our educational efforts by the parish of St. Mary of the People Church and Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic Secondary School. These partnerships are consolidated with open and regular communications and the sharing of numerous events and celebrations. Home, school and parish cooperate in forming the heart and spirit of our school community. 

At St. Christopher Catholic School, every day begins with prayer. School Masses and Liturgies are scheduled regularly throughout the school year to celebrate the gift of our school and its uniqueness as a Catholic community of living and learning.

 

 Born of the Spirit/Believe in Me/Stand by Me
These religion programs are developed and approved by the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops and builds on the essential faith education that families provide. The program is an initiation into a lifetime of growing in faith.
Fully Alive
Fully Alive is the Family Life program that is taught from Grade 1-8. Fully Alive is organized into five major themes: Created and Loved by God, we are created in the image of God and loved as special creations; Living in Relationship, the bonds of family and friendship are central to our identity and development; Created Sexual Male and Female, the gift of sexuality is intended for love and life and is an integral part of our identity and development; Growing in Commitment, we are called to be faithful and fully human in our promises, choices and decisions; Living in the World, we are members of human society and have a responsibility to care for each other and our World. 
 Our Parish - St. Mary of the People

Our school parish is St. Mary of the People.

  • 570 Marion Avenue, Oshawa, ON L1J 3B9
  • 905-728-2212

The parish invites you to celebrate the sacred Liturgy each weekend and to take part in all parish social events. In this way, we are a truly caring, Christian community.

Pastor: Fr. Jorel Pabilona

Mass Schedule 

Parish masses are held on the following dates: 

  • Saturday: 5:00 p.m.
  • Sunday: 9:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

 

Growing in Faith
The Staff of St. Christopher Catholic School facilitate the child’s spiritual development in partnership with the family and the church. At all times every effort is made to integrate the Religion and Family Life programs, and the sacraments within the total curriculum. Integral to the students’ growth in faith are the celebration of school masses, special liturgies and the preparation for reception of the sacraments.

In addition, we support community charities with a variety of activities including: ShareLife, Christmas Stars & Angels and food drives.
Preparation and Reception of Sacraments

It is the responsibility of parents, assisted by catechists and by our parish priest, to assess their child’s readiness for the Sacraments. 

Since parents are the primary educators of their children, their responsibility is to nourish faith growth within the family context. The local parish, members of the home and school become partners in the faith journey of our students.  

Consequently, it is essential that all sacramental celebrations be centred within the parish community.  Children in Grade 2 and Grade 7 will need to show proof of Baptism in the Catholic Church, prior to receiving the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Holy Communion and Confirmation.
School Procedures
Our school hours are as follow: 
  • 8:50 a.m. - Supervision Begins
  • 9:05 a.m. - Entrance Bell
  • 10:30 a.m.  - Morning Recess
  • 11:50 a.m. – 12:50 p.m. - Lunch Hour    
  • 2:15 p.m.  - Afternoon Recess
  • 3:35 p.m.  - Dismissal                                          


Arrival and Dismissal

All walkers are required to enter and leave the property through Fernhill Blvd. gate. There are some exceptions for Kindergarten students, please refer to procedures sent home by your child’s Kindergarten educators.

If you are driving your child to school, please use the Drop n' Ride program located in the centre circle in front of the school. If you park your car to escort your child(ren) please note the no parking restrictions on the roads that surround our school. you may be ticketed. 

Following our Access to Premise policy, parents are asked not to be on the school yard at any time during the school day as well as during school arrival and departure times. 
Inclement Weather
Any decision to withdraw school bus service or to close the school will be made by the Director of Education or designate. When this occurs, radio bulletins will commence from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. on the local television and radio stations. If you require further information you may visit Durham Student Transportation website at www.dsts.on.ca, call 905-666-6940 or simply follow the school on Twitter: @St_Chris_dcdsb
 

In the event that weather and/or road conditions force the cancellation of transportation services in the morning, it must be understood that services will be considered cancelled for the day. Parents who elect to transport their children to school in the morning are responsible for providing transportation home.     
Lunch Procedures
Our lunch hour is from 11:50 - 12:50pm. Students are expected to remain on property for the duration of lunch unless they are picked up by a parent; or have pre-established arrangements in EDSBY to go home for lunch on a consistent basis. 
School Information

We are a GOLD Certified Eco-School! As such, all school information that was previously sent home via monthly newsletters and calendars will be exclusively available through our school website or will be emailed directly to parents/guardians. Visit the website to subscribe to the monthly calendars and various news items. 

It is essential that the school has the most current and valid email address for every family as the school will often use email to communicate with families rather than sending home notices on paper. Also, for the most up to date information, families are encouraged to follow the school on Twitter: @St_Chris_dcdsb
School Cash Online

School Cash Online is the preferred method of submitting payments to the school, including paying for this agenda. Please register online at the following link: http://durhamcatholic.schoolcashonline.com 

You will need your child’s OEN number which can be found on his/her report card.
Parent Involvement Committee

Our Parent Involvement Committee is a group of dedicated, hardworking parents, community members and staff who devote time and energy into making St. Christopher a safe and vibrant community. 

This is a great way to be involved in your child's school. All parents are welcome to join our meetings whether they area member of the school council or not. The school council is always looking for extra voices and volunteers. 
Guidelines For Appropriate School Attire

Comfort and safety

  • Students should wear clothing that is comfortable and allows them to participate fully in school activities, including physical education and recess. 
  • Footwear should be secure and supportive. Open toed shoes, sandals without back straps and flip flops can pose safety risks during active play. 

Modesty

  • Strapless and halter tops are not suitable for school.
  • Shorts, skirts and dresses are discouraged.
  • Clothing should cover undergarments at all times.

Dress for the Weather

  • We encourage the use of hats and sunglasses when students are outside in warm weather for extended periods. However these should be removed when inside the building. 
  • Applying sunscreen before coming to school is recommended to protect against sunburn.
  • In cold weather, hats gloves/mitts warm clothing and winter boots are required. If your child wishes to play in the snow, snow pants are required.

Appropriate Graphics and Messages

  • Clothing with inappropriate language images or messages is not permitted. This includes references to any content that is not suitable for a Catholic school environment.

We believe that these guidelines will help maintain a safe, positive and respectful learning environment for all students. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact the school office. 
School Code of Conduct
Click here to read our Code of Conduct.