At St. Charles Catholic School, we take great pride in the accomplishments of our students in all of the following areas: academics, arts, athletics and leadership development. Walking into our school, you will see our Virtue of the Month posters which identify our commitment to developing the wellbeing of our students and our focus on the importance of educating our students to be concerned, caring and responsible citizens in our community. Students clearly understand the monthly virtues and work towards Catholic graduate expectations in their daily interactions. Our goal is to engage our students in learning that is based on innovation, critical thinking, and skilled problem solving.
We are most fortunate to have a supportive and involved community of parents and volunteers. Working together, we are confident that all our students at St. Charles can achieve their highest potential. Staff members believe in the importance of collaboration and communication, and welcome the opportunity to work with all members involved in the lives of their students. Through the use of agendas, newsletters, school events, this web site and conversation, we are able to work as a team in the growth and success of our students.
At St. Charles Catholic School, our mission is to educate students to their full potential by providing a safe, welcoming and Catholic integrated learning environment, exemplary of a community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions.
Students at St. Charles not only share much in common but also bring their unique characteristics and needs to the school. Our focus is to meet the needs of our students and to cultivate and celebrate a diverse and safe community built on the foundations of respect and our Catholic faith. It is a sacred place where we ensure that learning takes place as we work to develop each person as a whole.
At St. Charles the diverse needs of students are met by varying program expectations, content, and/or delivery and by providing a wide variety of educational tools. The offerings, as detailed below, are designed to better meet individual and group needs. Individualized programming involves early identification and classroom teacher referrals.
Individualized Programs
In-class program modifications.
Remediation.
English as a Second Language (ESL) in the school.
Special education classes such as speech, learning disabled, behaviour.
Enriched/Enhanced Programming
Extended-day International Language Program (Italian).
All Day Kindergarten.
In-school programs/presentations (Scientists In School, Dairy Farmers, Street and Bus Safety, Reptilia, Toronto Zoo).
Hands On Experiences (Live Theatre, field trips).
Educational Assistance Tools
Use of library.
Use of computer.
Use of technology in-class (SMART board, internet).
As a Catholic school, we work to establish a strong faith community by reflecting monthly on the virtues of hospitality, gratitude, peacemaking, charity, courage, love, forgiveness, justice, compassion and faithfulness. We also celebrate student achievement each month at the Pride Award assembly, where teachers recognize students who have made significant contributions to their class and the community.
Students are expected to show respect for authority, for self and others, and for property. Our discipline code encourages self-discipline, where students learn to take responsibility for their actions. Some of our expectations include:
Speaking with courtesy and without reference to appearance, colour or family.
Being truthful and honest with others even when we are at fault.
Doing our very best, always and in everything we do.
Showing respect for God’s Church, traditions and truths.
Protecting our environment and all of God’s creation.
In recent years, St. Charles Catholic School has taken measures to ensure the safety of students. A safe arrival program exists whereby parents can contact the school 24 hours a day. If the school does not hear from the parent, the home will be contacted. Students receive safety training, and our discipline code promotes self-discipline and safety for all.
Opened in the fall of 1952, St. Charles Catholic School was one of the first Catholic schools established in the south central area of North York. At the time, it served a newly established development in a rural setting. During the late 50s, 60s, and 70s and well into the 80s, the school met the needs of a predominantly Italian Canadian community, but now reflects a more diverse group of approximately 250 students.
St. Charles Borromeo, the patron saint of our school, devoted his life to the welfare of the church. He was instrumental in reassembling the Council of Trent in 1562. His feast day is celebrated November 4.