THE DURHAM JOURNAL
The life of a school, in its own moments.
Learning, discovery and the moments that bring our community together.
THE DURHAM JOURNAL
A school full of stories.
STEM November 3
Coding a track of their own
Grade 5 students designed tracks, programmed eBot robots and tested their ideas in a hands-on endurance racing workshop. Working together, they practised problem-solving, teamwork and creative thinking.
STEM November 3
Exploring robotics with Ontario Tech
In a workshop delivered by Ontario Tech University, Grade 7 students programmed Sphero robots to explore fundamental STEM concepts through practical experimentation.
School life October 30
Sharing poems and science projects
At the monthly assembly, students in Grades 5 to 8 presented poems and Science Fair projects, sharing their learning with the school community.
Student voice October 30
The art of persuasion
The first Debate Club meeting brought together students from Grades 6 to 11 to explore the art of persuasion. The club introduces debate, weighing different arguments and advocating for oneself and others.
Community learning October 27
A STEAM workshop with Oshawa Library
Grade 7 students explored microscopes, Cubelets, Ozobots, scratch-art bookmarks and an Uzzle puzzle game in a STEAM workshop delivered by Oshawa Library.
Student projects October 23
Science on display, Grades 5 to 12
Durham Elementary Private School and Durham Academy Secondary School held their annual Science Fair for Grades 5 to 12. Students presented projects using models, display boards, 3D printers, Smart boards and robots.
Beyond the classroom October 22
Learning through artefacts at Oshawa Museum
The Grade 1 class visited Oshawa Museum for an artefact-analysis workshop, practising careful observation and critical thinking about objects and their original uses.
STEM October 22
Big questions, young scientists
Casa 2 through Grade 4 shared projects at their STEM and Science Fair, exploring volcanoes, dinosaur fossils, the solar system, trains, structures and habitats. Students presented their ideas through models and classroom displays.
STEM October 20–21
Designing a warmer habitat
Grades 3 and 4 explored heat retention through hands-on engineering workshops. Students built model habitats, tested their ideas and learned how materials and design can help reduce heat loss.
STEM October 20
Coding for an ocean clean-up
A UOIT workshop introduced Grade 1 to robotics through an ocean-floor clean-up theme. Working in groups, students used iPads to code robots and connect technology with an environmental challenge.
Athletics October 19
A day at the cross-country meet
Students in Grades 3 to 8 participated in an annual cross-country meet, with the school thanking gym teacher Mr. Johnson for arranging the visit.
Secondary life October 8
A different kind of challenge
After a busy week of classes, tests and projects, Durham Academy Secondary students headed out for rock climbing. The outing offered time to be active, challenge themselves and enjoy being together.
Beyond the classroom October 8
Learning to navigate the everyday
Grades 2 to 4 visited Safety Village to learn about fire safety and responsible pedestrian behaviour. Students practised outside, taking turns on a scavenger hunt and driving the village’s small cars.
Early years October 8
Stories, songs and new discoveries
Oshawa Public Library brought learning into the Casa classrooms. Casa 1 explored transportation through books, songs and movement, while Casa 2 learned about bats in preparation for its science fair.
Community September 30–October 1
Learning, reflecting and caring for the land
Students marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with reflection and practical learning. A joint elementary and secondary assembly featured poems and posters, while a recycled-paper workshop encouraged care for the land.
Beyond the classroom September 26
Wildlife beyond the textbook
A visit to Jungle Cat World connected science learning with wildlife conservation. Students observed different animals and discussed why protecting natural habitats matters for the species that share our planet.
Beyond the classroom September 23
Habitats come to life at Oshawa Zoo
An Oshawa Zoo visit brought animal learning outdoors. Grade 4 discussed habitats and how animals adapt, while Casa 3 enjoyed seeing and feeding animals on its first class trip of the school year.
Outdoor learning September 22–23
A classroom beside the lake
Second Marsh offered outdoor science learning for both younger and older students. Grades 9 and 10 explored the meadow, plants and wildlife before walking to the lake; Grade 1 also visited as part of its science curriculum.
Outdoor learning September 14
Following clues, finding confidence
At Claremont Conservation Park, students used GPS coordinates and geocaching clues to navigate between locations. The outdoor activity brought together navigation, problem-solving and teamwork.
Community August 12
A community choice for Montessori
Great Beginnings Montessori School shared its 2026 Best of Oshawa Readers’ Choice certificate: Gold Winner in the Best Montessori School category. The recognition celebrates support from the local community.
Summer learning July 20
A playful introduction to French
The school shared moments from Casa 1’s Introduction to Montessori French Camp. Its photographs show children exploring hands-on materials, painting and making discoveries together.
Summer learning July 15
Summer days, curious minds
Durham Elementary Private School shared photographs from its Coding Camp. Children worked around activity boards and robot tracks, exploring ideas together through hands-on play.
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