About Us
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School is a friendly, challenging, and exciting school. We have a rich tradition as a spirited, forward-looking educational community that is a vital member of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB).
We offer programs for Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 that are consistent with the expectations of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1 to 8. We strive to provide an exceptional education that will foster a passion for learning, creativity, and independent thinking. Participation in a variety of activities in class and beyond will help students to develop the desire to use their gifts in service to the community, and the confidence to pursue their goals and dreams.
On this strong foundation, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic school prepares its students to embrace the future!
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
Catholic Environment
Throughout the years, St. Vincent de Paul Church has developed a close bond with staff and students within the community and the parish priests make regular visits to all the classes.
Catholic beliefs, doctrines and values form a strong foundation for our students to build upon. Through religious instruction and family life programs, the faith development of the students becomes an integral part of their lives. Students' spiritual growth is further encouraged through liturgical celebrations, food drives, fundraising for various charities including ShareLife, and performing community service. The teaching of conflict resolution in a reconciliatory manner is a part of the curriculum at all levels.
Safe and Welcoming Environment
To ensure the safety of all our students, parents/guardians are requested to call the school when their child will be absent or late.
Students are not permitted to leave school grounds during school hours without permission properly dated and signed each time by a parent or guardian.
The school has developed, through consultation with parents and teachers, a code of behaviour. It is included in the Student Agenda and is also available through the school office.
Curriculum Initiatives
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School offers programs from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 that are consistent with the expectations of The Ontario Curriculum, Grades 1 - 8. Opportunities for enrichment as well as individual differentiation are provided for students at all levels as part of classroom programming.
The school offers an integrated special education model and the Empower program. The Empower program offers intense reading support for students who are struggling with decoding skills. Our integrated special education model allows students to work at their own level within the framework of curriculum requirements and in co-curricular activities.
Our extended French (Grades 5 through 8) and Instrumental Music programs feature prominently in the school's course profile. Computers (both networked and stand alone) are used in lab and individual settings to enhance curriculum and to assist in developing computer literacy.
Co-Curricular Activities
An important part of the curriculum is offered through field trips to outdoor education centres, provincial destinations and day trips within the city and community. Special events also play an important part in the students' lives. Participation in concerts, festivals, musicals and drama presentations help develop students' self-concept and confidence. Optional activities such as W5H, Mathematics contests, spoken and visual arts, chess and athletic activities are available to students who so desire. Parent-sponsored after school programs include art, soccer and drama.
School History and Tradition
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School had a modest beginning in 1914, in a store-front on Roncesvalles Avenue, with an enrollment of 35 students.
In 1918, the Sisters of Loretto came to St. Vincent de Paul Parish. A new building, with the date "1917" chiseled into the gable, opened its doors to students on April 18, 1918 on Westminster Avenue. In the early 1920's, the "new school" opened on Fermanagh Avenue.
Over the decades, these two sites have known many changes of buildings, but school personnel have remained steadfast in their dedication to providing education for the students in a solid, Catholic tradition.
"Strive to live content in the midst of those things that cause your discontent. Free your mind from all that troubles you, God will take care of things. Trust in him, and you will have the fulfillment of what your heart desires" - St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent School Prayer
O Holy St. Vincent
Patron Saint of love and charity
Come to our assistance.
Ask Jesus to help us appreciate God’s gifts of family and friends;
Gifts of food and shelter; gifts of love and joy;
and the gift of our school community.
As we grow, fill us with a special love and mercy for
those who are poor, sick, lonely or afraid.
Help us to see Jesus in the faces of those we meet.
Give us the courage to share our gifts with others so that we may bring
Christ’s light and peace to our school, our homes and the world.
Dear Lord Jesus guide us in the footsteps of St. Vincent De Paul.
Amen.