At Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.
Masses are celebrated quarterly at Our Lady of Victory Church, as well as on special occasions, in keeping with the liturgical calendar. Students are major participants through the choir, readings, and the offertory procession. At each mass, students from Grades 2 to 8 are present with all staff and some parents.
In addition to regular class programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, our school offers English as a Second Language (ESL), and programs for special education, learning disabled and language impaired students. All exceptional students are integrated into regular programs and withdrawn for individual or small group assistance as required. Program modification is also provided for those students who require remedial assistance. All programs follow Ontario Ministry of Education and Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) guidelines.
Additional programs include French as a Second Language (Grade 1 to 8), vocal music, instrumental music for Grade 7 and 8 students, and a program for academic, artistic and athletic programs. Computer literacy is an area of the curriculum which continues to expand and develop.
Our Lady of Victory Catholic School conducts a safe arrival program for students. If we have not heard from parents, office staff call to verify the reason for absence.
The TCDSB strives to create school communities where a sense of belonging, of ownership and of caring for one another prevails. TCDSB policies governing violence prevention are followed and enforced in determining the school code of behaviour and safety for all students. We have a student leader/conflict resolution program, which trains student leaders in conflict resolution and assists other students in finding positive solutions to conflict or problems they may encounter.
During the planning of our 50th anniversary celebration, we developed the school crest, logo and motto, which is "Be the best you can be." Our celebration in 1994 provided us with community contacts - political, business and service friends - who continue to assist us and provide support to the school.
On January 2, 1944, His Grace Archbishop McGuigan blessed and formally opened Our Lady of Victory Catholic School. The original school had 3 classrooms, 93 students and 3 teachers. A Sister of Loretto, Mother Camilla Schwalm, was the founding principal of this fledgling school.
In 1951, the school came under the direction of the Faithful Companions of Jesus, with Mother Eleanor Wilson as the principal for the next 25 years.
As the population of Mount Dennis increased, various renovations and additions continued to be made to the school. Today, Our Lady of Victory School, under the guidance of our Pastor, Father John Papagno and the assistance of our parents, serves an urban community with a rich multicultural and ethnic mix of students representing a variety of languages and countries.
On June 5, 1994, the school celebrated its 50th anniversary. Well over 2,000 people took advantage of this opportunity to reflect on happy memories and celebrate accomplishments.
A new school facility was completed and officially opened in 2004.
Our staff pledges to uphold the traditions we have inherited. We strive to instill pride in personal effort, the value of respect for others and commitment to our faith.