MISSION STATEMENT

We believe in providing a positive school environment that enhances its members to grow spiritually, emotionally, socially, and intellectually to their fullest potential. We believe in the development and sharing of Christian values as witness in the Catholic tradition. We believe in fostering a mutually cooperative relationship among the home, school and parish to develop the full uniqueness of the individual; We believe in individual dignity, encompassing age, gender, race, capability and culture. We believe in the constant growth in the preparation for the future, while cherishing the richness of our past.

CATHOLIC FOCUS

In 1961 the separate school board for the Township of Chinguacousy, Roman Catholic School Section No. 24, Chinguacousy Township, founded St. John Fisher Separate School, which today is called St. John Fisher Catholic Elementary School. When the school first opened, students were housed in three different locations: a portable borrowed from the public school board, in a Protestant church, and in a factory wing loaned by a local developer. The school board worked with the Archdiocese of Toronto to purchase two properties, one for the school at 220 Balmoral Drive and one next door for St. John Fisher Church. The school was completed in November 1962 and its close relationship with the parish continues.

St. John Fisher, after whom the school was named, was born in 1459 in England. In 1483 at the age of fourteen, he entered Cambridge University and eventually became its chancellor for life. For years, John Fisher was a friend and counsellor of Henry VIII, but their differences over the Church led to Fisher being executed for high treason on June 22, 1535, a month after becoming a cardinal. At the time, many saw learning and belonging to the Church as ways to gain money and power, but Fisher valued learning as a way to come closer to God and others.

Today the school of 575 students is representative of rich diversity of cultures of new immigrants and families that have settled in the area for several generations. For many families, English is the second language and the socioeconomic status varies widely in the community. The staff, students, parents and parish community work in partnership to support the diverse academic, social-emotional and spiritual needs to develop the gifts and talents of our students to their fullest God-given potential.