St. Joseph's College School

Infobox Education in Canada


imagesize= 295px
name = St. Joseph's College School
motto = Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor
motto_translation=The love of Christ has gathered us together into one
established = 1864
schooltype = separate
affiliation = Roman Catholic
principal = Luisa Cangelosi
city = Toronto
province = Ontario
campus = Urban
enrollment = 707
streetaddress = 74 Wellesley Street West
faculty = 50
mascot = Bear
colours = Gold and Brown

St. Joseph's College School is an all girls, Catholic high school in downtown Toronto. It turned 150 years old in the school year 2004-2005, and is renowned for its academic excellence.

History and tradition

St. Joseph’s College School was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in 1854 on Power Street. Originally called “St. Joseph’s Academy for Young Ladies” the name changed to “St. Joseph’s College School, a Residential and Day School for the Higher and Primary Education of Young Ladies and Little Girls” when the school moved to Bay and St. Alban’s Street in 1863. In 1927, the school was renamed “St. Joseph’s College School” when it was established as a separate building. The present school was built in 1960 on the north side of Wellesley Street across from the old school when the original property was appropriated by the government for the erection of the MacDonald Block.

St. Joseph’s College School has a long tradition of educating young women by focusing on their intellectual, physical, social and creative abilities in a Catholic, faith-filled environment. Within the framework of the school’s motto, “Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor --The love of Christ has gathered us together into one”, respect for the rights and dignity of all and a focus on service to others are emphasized.

Currently the school enrolment is 707 students. A dedicated staff of 50 teachers, several of whom are graduates of SJCS, along with 10 support staff serve the needs of all students. All courses are semestered and are offered at the Academic and Applied level in the junior years and at the University and College level in Grades 11 and 12. Students can also take enriched courses in math and science in Grade 9 and 10 leading to Advanced Placement courses. The Gifted/Enriched program is stimulating and challenging, providing students with opportunities to participate in a variety of enrichment experiences. Graduates of St. Joseph’s College School frequently return to the school and remark on how well prepared they have been for post-secondary studies.

The location of St. Joseph’s College School allows teachers to enrich their curriculum by accessing the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Toronto, the Toronto Reference Library, the law courts and, of course, the many theatres and entertainment venues.

St. Joseph’s College School is a diverse, progressive community where every attempt is made to meet the needs of all students. It has provided 150 years of tradition and excellence in education to the young women of Toronto and they invite any young woman who wishes to maximize her talents and leadership abilities to join their school community for her high school career.

Well-rounded education

At St. Joseph’s College School, students are encouraged to combine their academic curriculum with extracurricular 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.

Athletic program

The Physical and Health Education Department and the Girls’ Athletic Association together run many intramural and competitive sports programs. Over the years, teams have enjoyed much success in the TDCAA leagues. Many of the school's 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.

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.