How We Meet The Diverse Needs of Our Students
Spiritual Life
Chaplancy Program:
“The Chaplains of the Toronto Catholic District School Board strive to live an active Christian faith which embodies the theological virtues of faith, hope and charity. This vocation calls us to work as witnesses to the gospel values of justice, peace, reconciliation and compassion. We encourage students and staff on their faith journey.”
From “Chaplaincy in Secondary Schools”, 2003
The Chaplaincy program at St. Joseph’s College School provides all staff and students with opportunities to grow in their Catholic faith through experiences of prayer, the sacraments, social action and Catholic leadership. The school chaplaincy team leader and the student chaplaincy team organize the student retreat program; plan all aspects of school liturgies; contribute to the annual Remembrance Day Assembly; and facilitate many other school projects, including the Pink Ribbon campaign, Thinkfast, Catholic Education Week, Respect for Life Week, Social Justice Week, Social Justice Outreach program and the Catholic Student Leadership Impact Team.
A Well-rounded education
At St. Joseph’s College School, students are encouraged to combine their academic curriculum with extra-curricular activities. The staff at St. Joseph’s College offer a wide range of after-school activities and students are strongly encouraged to choose an activity which meets their talents and interests.
The Athletic Program:
The Physical and Health Education Department and the Girls’ Athletic Association together run many intramural and competitive sports programs. Over the years, our teams have enjoyed much success in the TDCAA leagues. Many of our graduates have continued their athletic success at the University and College level.
The Arts:
The Arts Department at St. Joseph’s offers a full range of drama and visual arts courses along with an opportunity to explore the subject of vocal music. Drama students have showcased their dramatic talents by taking part in the Sears Drama Festival. Visual Arts students have worked in set design for the drama festival, have provided logos and posters for many school board endeavours and have enhanced the school hallways by creating murals and displaying their work.
Individual Attention
Student Services:
The Student Services Department of St. Joseph’s College School provides support to students in their transition from elementary school; throughout the secondary school years; and to college, university or the workplace. We have two dedicated full-time counsellors, two Child and Youth Workers and a secretary. Together, they support students in making appropriate course selections and providing information on graduation requirements, post-secondary planning, and career opportunities. Counsellors also support students in dealing with personal issues, making sound life choices, and balancing study and part-time work.
Resource Department:
At St. Joseph’s College School, students who need additional academic support can access the services of the Resource Department which consists of six full-time teachers and three educational assistants. The Department assists students in variety of ways: working with students within a particular classroom, providing a place for students to write tests and exams in a smaller setting, offering the Learning Strategies course, and developing students’ reading levels through Academy of Reading. An Individual Education Plan is developed for any student requiring additional support.
Enriched/ Gifted Program:
The Gifted/Enriched program at St. Joseph’s College School is open to any student who wishes to participate in the many activities offered. These include Encounters With Canada, U of T Mentorship Program, Student UN Conferences, Canadian Club Luncheons, Social Justice Week, Queen’s University Enrichment Week, and the TCDSB Gifted Conference. Gifted students assist in running the following school-wide initiatives: Teens Taking Action Against Impaired Driving, In the Driver’s Seat, Violence Awareness Week, Grade 8 visits, and the Grade 9 Orientation.
Library Information Centre:
Our students live in a new era known as the Information Age. The focus on information and technology has profoundly affected the nature of society and the world of work. More information is accessible to all people in our society, and more businesses are seeking employees who are proficient in information retrieval, analysis, and communication, in conjunction with highly developed technological skills. The focus of the Library Information Centre at St. Joseph’s College School is to encourage our students to become information literate and lifelong learners.
The Library Information Centre at St. Joseph’s College is fully automated and secure. Students and staff are encouraged to use the library for academic purposes. The focus of the library information centre is to teach students to research efficiently and effectively. The teacher librarian works in partnership with the classroom teachers in planning, teaching and delivering programs that best suit student needs.
Enrollment
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