About Us
At Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
One of the key elements in meeting the needs of the students in each class is to know the ability of each student. A variety of expectations for each student is established by the teacher based on the student's abilities.
Students with special needs are considered by the School-Based Support Team (SBST), which meets with the classroom teacher to make program recommendations for these students. If further assistance is required, the student's case is reviewed at a Joint Team Meeting (JTM). Further information from assessments may be obtained. Students' cases may be referred to the Identification, Placement and Review Committee (IPRC) process. At this time, needs are formally identified and special class placement recommendations are made. Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School serves many children with very special needs. There is a commitment to serving all students within their community school whenever possible.
Students participate in a variety of extracurricular activities such as W5H, an academic competition for junior and intermediate students, school choir and the sports programs which include junior and senior volleyball, basketball, baseball, cross-country and track and field. The primary division staff have activity days for their students on themes of Halloween and Christmas. Before the season of Lent, the entire school enjoys the activities of a winter carnival, “Bon Homme Carnival”. In June, the entire school enjoys an activity day which involves many physical activities. Our teachers give generously of their time to ensure that co-curricular activities are available to students.
School History and Tradition
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School was opened by the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB) - now the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) - in April, 1959. This new school relieved the overcrowding which had occurred at St. Dunstan and St. Theresa Shrine Catholic Schools during a period of rapid growth. Being adjacent to Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, it was given the same title. The Vincentian Fathers, who are responsible for the parish, honour the blessed Virgin in a special way under the title of Immaculate Heart of Mary.
The first principal, Sr. St. Andrea Marie, C.N.D. was appointed from the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame who were teaching Sunday school in the parish at the time. Principals continued to be drawn from the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame until the appointment of Keith Currie, the first lay principal, in May of 1971.
The relationships between the parish and school community have always between strong and positive. Before his retirement in June of 1994, Father Wolbang showed great interest in the school, and Father Albert continued this interest in the school community after him.