St. Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School

Bosco Vision

The Vision of the Waterloo Catholic District School Board is to provide all students with a place to learn where each can achieve success. At St. Don Bosco, our motto is “Success for Each, A Place for All”.

We believe that all students learn differently and may require a different environment to achieve their academic and personal goals. This program provides students who may struggle with learning in a traditional school setting with an alternative, supported learning environment where they can work on the independently selected credits.

This program provides an opportunity for students to:

Understand that they are valued members of a caring Catholic Faith Community;
Demonstrate the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations;
Develop the skills and attitudes to be successful in school, work, and the larger community;
Progress academically through credit attainment; and
Contribute to the community through service learning activities.

Trauma-Informed Programming

Trauma informed alternative education program adapts learning to support students affected by trauma. It prioritizes safety, equity, and wellbeing through a flexible, relationship-based, and culturally responsive environment. By combining trauma-informed teaching with alternative education structures, the program removes barriers, reduces harm, and helps students heal and re-engage with learning at their own pace.

Learn about Trauma-Informed Programming

SAL Programming

Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) is an Ontario program for students aged 14–17 who have not found success through traditional in-school programs, offering a personalized learning plan to keep them on track toward earning their secondary school credential. It is initiated through a collaborative process involving school staff and is designed to re-engage students who face significant challenges with school attendance and participation.

Learn about SAL Programming

Registration Process at St. Don Bosco

Students cannot register directly at St. Don Bosco. Students must be registered at one of the WCDSB’s six secondary schools and be on a Supervised Alternative Learning (SAL) program. Students on a SAL may be referred to St. Don Bosco by the school administration.

Once a student is accepted at St Don Bosco, they, along with a parent, guardian or caring adult, will be invited to an intake meeting where they can learn more about the programs, work with their teacher and the CYCW to identify strengths, needs, learning styles and preferences for courses.

Explore St. Don Bosco

Programming

Program Scope and Sequence

Cooperative Education

Testimonials

Location and Video Tours

Community Connections

Contact Us

Carla Santomero
Principal
519-578-3660, ext. 2537
Email: Carla.Santomero@wcdsb.ca

Judy Merkel
Superintendent
519-578-3660, ext.
Email: Judy.Merkel@wcdsb.ca

St. Don Bosco Code of Conduct

The Bosco Code of Conduct applies to the entire school community whether you are on school property, at school-related events or activities, in the larger community where actions could have an impact on the school climate, or in a virtual learning environment.

As members of the St. Don Bosco community we will:

Demonstrate honesty and integrity.
Respect the rights of others.
Treat one another with dignity and respect, both in person and online.
Respect and treat others fairly, regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, family status, or disability.
Show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.
Take appropriate measures to help those in need.
Refrain from using abusive language or swearing at another person.
Respect the needs of others to work in an environment that is conducive to learning and teaching.
Not use personal mobile devices during class time unless given permission by a staff member.
Follow all applicable federal, provincial, and municipal laws.
Follow all Ministry of Education, school board and school policies.