Trafalgar Castle School

Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario is a private day and residential school for girls and young women in grades 6 through 12 . It was founded in 1874 as Ontario Ladies' College, making it one of the oldest independent schools in Canada.

The castle was built by Nelson Gilbert Reynolds, Sheriff of Ontario County, as a private residence in 1859. Reynolds was named after Lord Nelson and named his castle Trafalgar in honour of the Battle of Trafalgar.

The castle was the largest private dwelling in Canada until Casa Loma was built. It cost Reynolds $70 000, which was an exorbitant sum; a home at that time was built for $2000, and a bank complete with vault could be built for $5000 to $7000. Reynolds was a colourful character and a gambling man, and indeed it was gambling losses that reportedly forced him to sell his beloved home to the Methodists in 1874 for the sum of $30 000.

The Methodists of that day were very interested in establishing higher learning institutions for young women. Rev. J. E. Sanderson convinced the Town of Whitby that this would be extremely beneficial to its economy. James Holden, Esq. founder of the Dominion Bank, a local politician and businessman (with 5 daughters of his own) supported this idea. Sanderson and Holden were instrumental in raising the money and shares for the purchase of the castle and the establishment of Ontario Ladies' College.

Trafalgar Castle hosted its share of royalty and dignitaries through the years. Both as Reynolds' residence, then as Ontario Ladies' College and now as Trafalgar Castle School.

Student Life

The school has about 240 day and boarding students; girls from Grade 6 to Grade 12,. The boarding program starts in grade 7, and boarders come from all over Canada and the world. While the school was historically Methodist, students are from all faiths.

Students gather in the Chapel each morning for student anoucements and daily events. At lunch, everyone gather for a communal meal in the Dining Hall.

House system

Trafalgar Castle School is split into four houses: Maxwell (blue), Farewell (green), Hare (yellow,) and Carter (red). Each house was named after a prominent member of OLC/Trafalgar’s history: Annie Allison Maxwell, dean of OLC for 29 years, Reverend Francis L. Farewell, 2nd principal of OLC, Reverend John James Hare, OLC’s first principal, and Jessie May Carter.

Each student is assigned to a house upon arrival at Trafalgar, where they are to mingle and meet students within their house. Students accumulate house points for participation in academic and extracurricular activities. At the end of the year, the house with the most points win the house cup.

Athletics

Trafalgar has teams of various age levels in the following sports:

Basketball

Cross country running

Field hockey

Gymnastics

Ice hockey

Rugby

Soccer

Softball

Swimming

Synchronized Swimming

Track and Field

Tennis

Volleyball

Clubs

Trafalgar offers many after school clubs such as:

Stained Glass

Swat

Amnesty

ZAP

Video Club

Math Club

Robotics Club (USFIRST Robotics Competition FRC Team 1547 [http://www.usfirst.org] )

External links

• Official Trafalgar Castle School website - http://www.castle-ed.com

• Trafalgar’s Robotics website – Team 1547 - http://www.castle-ed.com/team1547

• Alumnae Directory - http://www.netdirectories.com/~castle/login.cgi

• Wedding Rentals - http://www.castle-ed.com/weddings

• [http://images.ourontario.ca/whitby/Results.asp?grd=193 Historic Photos of Trafalgar Castle] at [http://ourontario.ca/whitby Whitby Public Library and Archives Digital Photo Collection]

ee also

* Branksome Hall School
* Hawthorn School for Girls
* St. Andrew's College
* St. Clement's School
* Crescent School
* St. Michael's College School
* Royal St. George's College
* Bishop Strachan School
* Upper Canada College
* Havergal College
* Ridley College
* Trinity College School
* Lakefield College School
* CISAA