St. Elizabeth Catholic High School

Infobox Education in Canada
name= St. Elizabeth Catholic High School


imagesize= 350px
motto=
motto_translation=
streetaddress= 525 New Westminster Drive
city= Thornhill
province= Ontario
postalcode= L4J 7X3
areacode= 905
phone= 882-1460
[phone] (attendance office)
fax= 882-5074
email=
url= [http://seh.ycdsb.ca St. Elizabeth Catholic High School]
schoolnumber=
schoolboard= York Catholic District School Board
affiliation= Roman Catholic
superintendent=
trustee=
principal= Catherine Rosenberger
viceprincipal
administrator=
schooltype= High school
grades= 9-12
language= English
area=
mascot= Panther
teamname= Panthers
colours= Black & White
founded= 1987
enrollment= approx. 1,600
enrollment_as_of=

St. Elizabeth Catholic High School is a high school in Thornhill, Ontario, Canada. St. Elizabeth CHS was founded by the York Catholic District School Board in 1987, celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2007. St. Elizabeth is the home of Regional Arts Program for drama, dance, visual arts, and music students in York Region. The enrollment averages between 1300 and 1500 students per school year.

In the beginning, the school consisted of (and was only open to) grade nine students. However, the school added the tenth grade for the 1988-1989 school year and the eleventh grade for the remainder of 1989. Due to the overpopulation of school enrollment, a change of location was announced and the current location began construction in 1988. Once completed in January 1990, it was officially opened to students and staff in February 1990. The high school's original location (located at 21 Mullen Drive in Thornhill) was changed to Holy Family Catholic School, and officially opened in September 1990.

On February 2006, the school opened a $10 million theatre despite many criticisms from teachers and students alike. Many opposed the construction of the theatre because many felt that the money would have been better spent on more important educational purposes.Fact|date=October 2007

Councils

* Art Council
* Dance Council
* Music Council
* Student Administration Council

Clubs

* Animation Club
* Global Culture Club
* The Edge
* Investment Club
* Social Club
* Politics Club

Animation Club Animation Club is a student-run club that was started in 2004. Starting with few members, it now has over 25 active members. Many activities include drawing anime, reading anime, watching anime and playing videogames.

Global Culture ClubA club devoted to promoting different cultures and ethnicities through activities.

The EdgeThe school's official newspaper featuring school news, events, cartoons, teacher interviews and games.

Events

* Variety Night
* Sweet Music (Karaoke Night)
* Staff-Student Hockey Game
* Sharelife
* Thinkfast
* Grade 11 Semi Formal
* Grade 12 Prom

Variety NightA show wherein the participants exhibit their talents in music, drama and dance. Hosted by the Student Council.

Sweet Music A new event that started in late 2006 that used karaoke as a means to raise money for a school trip.

Staff-Student Hockey GameA annual hockey game between the staff body and student body held at Garnett Williams arena.

SharelifeA charity event where the money raised goes to the Sharelife foundation. It has annually been the best fundraiser, though in the past year the amount of money raised decreased significantly due to administrative decisions.

YearbookActually consists of a class.

Sports

* Curling
* Basketball
* Snowboarding
* Skiing
* Soccer
* Badminton
* Volleyball
* Ultimate Frisbee
* Curling
* Golf
* Baseball
* Hockey

Ultimate Frisbee

One of the most interesting sports team is the ultimate Frisbee team. The team was established in the summer of 2003 despite the lack of talent of the squad. However, as years passed by, new talent emerged and the team quickly became a strong, dominant force in their division. In 2006, the team finished with 5 wins, 2 losses and 1 tie. At regional, the team finished with 2 wins and 2 losses placing 3rd overall. This was by far their best season on record.

Soccer

The team is undefeated in season play and is in the semi-finals of OFSAA.

Hockey

The hockey team made a strong run this year after a re-building stage and finished the regular season with a 6-4-0 record. One of the highlights of the season was capturing the York University Cup in November.

Peer Ministry

A student group that helps with day to day student activities, problems and events through the ways of Jesus.

Mural

To celebrate the opening of the theatre, a group of students created a 20 foot mural of a peacock. The project took 4 months to complete with many of students missing classes, staying late nights after school and coming in on Saturdays to work on the mural. It is one of the most interesting sites to see when visiting the school.

Regional Arts Program

Starting in 2003, The Regional Arts Program at St. Elizabeth Catholic High School offers an integrated approach to learning through the Arts in a Christ-centered learning environment. Students specialize in Dance, Drama, Instrumental or Vocal Music or Visual Arts. Our Regional Arts Program encourages students to appreciate all areas of the Arts and to seek a balance between academics and the Arts. Students are able to enhance and develop their artistic talents through participation in workshops, and Master classes with professional guest artists. Students in the Regional Arts Program will also be afforded many opportunities to perform, as part of an ensemble and in solo work, in front of an audience at a variety of events and in partnership with community groups through the run of the four year program.

Famous alumni

*Roberto Giacomi, Professional Soccer Player, Kristiansund BK

A unique student from this program includes Francis Caracas. Francis had joined the arts program back in 2005 ultimately becoming a clarinet player. As his skills became more professional, he began to crave for a deeper level of skill in music. In his last year of high school, he decided to switch to the bass clarinet which lead him to a 1st place finish in the Aurora Woodwinds competition. "I always knew that Francis had such great potential in him...it was just too bad that he couldn't of switch earlier so that we could have used his talents," says Mr. Lettieri, his music instructor. Francis will pursue his interest in music post secondary education and hopes to be a Pokemon Master.