Francis Libermann Catholic High School
| Francis Libermann Catholic High School | |
|---|---|
 Inter Mutanda Constantia Steadfast in the midst of change |
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| Address | |
| 4640 Finch Avenue East Scarborough, Ontario, M1S 4G2, Canada |
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| Public transit access | TTC: North/South: 21 Brimley West/East: 39 Finch East, 139 Finch-Don Mills, 199 Finch Rocket Rapid Transit: Scarbrorough Centre |
| Information | |
| School number | 524 / 707708 524 / 706078 |
| School board | Toronto Catholic District School Board |
| Superintendent | Barbara McMorrow |
| Area trustee | Garry Tanuan |
| Principal | Brian Hunt |
| Vice principals | Ryan Peterson, Laila Velocci |
| School type | Catholic High school Catholic Elementary school |
| Grades | 7-12 (Non-Semestered) |
| Language | English |
| Team name | Libermann Falcons |
| Colours | Blackwatch plaid, Blue, Light blue, and Green |
| Founded | 1977 |
| Enrollment | 879 (2012-13) |
| Parish | Prince of Peace |
| Specialist High Skills Major | Energy |
| Program Focus | Math, Science and Technology Advanced Placement |
| Homepage | francislibermann.tcdsb.org |
Francis Libermann Catholic High School (alternatively known as Francis Libermann CHS, Libermann High, FLCHS, FL, Francis Libermann, or Libermann) is a Catholic secondary school (as of 2003, an elementary school as well) located in Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. The school is named after the Venerable Father Francis Libermann.[1] It is part of the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) and occasionally referred as the Falcon's Nest.
It is the only school in Toronto providing the non-semestered program in grades 7 to 12 and one of three schools in the TCDSB with elementary and secondary focus (the other being Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts and St. Michael's Choir School).[2]
Contents |
History [edit]
Story [edit]
Francis Mary Paul Libermann (born Jacob Libermann) was a 19th-century Jewish convert to Catholicism who was a member of the Spiritan order. He is best known for founding the Congregation of the Sacred Heart, which later merged with the Congregation of the Holy Ghost. He is often referred to as "The Second Founder of the Holy Ghost Fathers". He was born into an Orthodox Jewish family in the ghetto of Saverne, Alsace, France in 1802. As a young man, Libermann prepared to follow in the footsteps of his father, the Chief Rabbi of Saverne. He would later relate how he lost his faith in Judaism after entering a yeshiva. Treated with disdain by two of the professors there, he began to read French literature, especially Rousseau, with the result that he became an agnostic.
Libermann suffered from epileptic seizures, which prevented his ordination for nearly fifteen years. It was only when these seizures ceased in 1841 that he was able to become a priest. After his ordination, Libermann created a small religious order centered around missionary activity towards newly freed slaves in Réunion, Haiti, and Mauritius. He died on February 2, 1852 and was subsequently declared venerable in the Roman Catholic Church on June 1, 1876, by Pope Pius IX.
Foundation [edit]
Francis Libermann was founded by Father John Geary in 1977 to serve the students in the developing Northern Scarborough (although Neil McNeil and Blessed Cardinal Newman were the first schools serving southern Scarborough) in the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB) (later Toronto Catholic District School Board). Originally, Libermann High was intended to be a middle school in the city of Toronto. The idea for the school usage was changed after the school was built and was instead to be used by students of grades 9 to OAC.
Because the building was designed to accommodate a smaller student body, the school had to deal with perpetual overcrowding, requiring the construction of additions and alterations. Portables were built for the surplus of students. Over a period of many years, the school underwent additional construction projects such as expanding the gymnasium, adding an annex, and adding an entire new section containing an office, atrium and cafetorium.
Overview [edit]
Surroundings [edit]
The school is surrounded by the Brimley Woods forest to the north, Charles O’ Bick Police Academy and a fire hall to the west, a ravine to the east, and an arterial road, Finch Avenue East to the south. Across the ravine lies two apartment buildings, and Woodside Square mall lies beyond. The school is also within walking distance to Albert Campbell Collegiate Institute, a public high school.
Uniforms [edit]
[3] During normal classes, students are expected to wear the school uniform – a combination of: gray dress pants, a white dress shirt, a golf shirt, a polo sweater, a knit sweater, a knit sweater-vest, a kilt with school colours, and black shoes. It is supplied by R.J. McCarthy's.
Campus [edit]
Libermann High accommodates a library and computer labs; some of the computers were donated through a Bill Gates program. It is also a closed campus similar to TCDSB high schools.
Student body [edit]
The student body is racially diverse in comparison to other cities.[citation needed] The number of students varies year to year from 750–1000, currently home to grades 7 to 12. The FL Catholic Elementary School program began in 2003; this added grade-gifted students in grade 7 and, eventually, students in grade 8 to attend the school. Graduates may stay for a fifth year even after the termination of OAC.
Programs [edit]
Francis Libermann offers the required courses to obtain the diploma, as well as other elective courses. Apart from having many different courses, the majority of them have different teaching and grade levels – some are prerequisite to others. Currently, Libermann High is not particularly famous for any one subject area; however the sports programs (namely track and field, volleyball and badminton) do bring the school fame.
Math, Science & Technology (MST) [edit]
Math, Science & Technology (MST) is a program for students who enjoy and excel in the subject areas of Mathematics, Science, Technology and English who enjoy the challenge of working in an enriched classroom environment with other like-minded students. Students who successfully complete the requirements of the MST Program from grades 9-12, is awarded the Francis Libermann MST Program Certificate.
Students will meet Ministry of Education curriculum requirements by working on interdisciplinary projects. The depth, not quantity of assignments distinguishes this program from the regular academic stream. MST students move as a cohort (grades 9-11) in the following classes:
- MST Grade 9: MPM1D2, SNC1D2, TGJ102, END1D2
- MST Grade10: MPM2D2, SNC2D2, ICS3U2, ENG2D2
- MST Grade11: MCR3U2, SPH3U2, ICS4U2, ENG3U2
- MST Grade12: Students cannot travel as a cohort but must complete at least two credit courses in Mathematics, Science, Technology and English.
Advanced Placement [edit]
An internationally recognized program fostering success in higher education, an Advanced Placement course offers university-level content and exams and allows students to earn university credits or placement while still in high school. Admission committees of the most competitive universities are aware of the high standard of A.P. exams and view the A.P. experience as a reliable indicator of future success at the post-secondary level. Exams are recognized by universities throughout Canada, the United States and Europe.
Providing participants with the opportunity for further academic enrichment through Advanced Placement (AP) courses continues the tradition of excellence at Francis Libermann AP content is taught concurrently with the school’s curriculum and complements the university preparation courses. The following AP courses are being offered in the 2007/2008 school year: Biology, Calculus AB and English Literature. Last year 55 exams AP exams were written in May and this year approximately 60 exams will be written by Francis Libermann students.
Other Programs [edit]
The Libermann community takes great pride in students who grow through their various gifts and take time to explore their strengths and needs through the full range of co-curricular offerings. Our students have achieved high levels of success at Science and History fairs, Mathematics and Business competitions and in Skills Canada participation in Robotics. Further, our students excel in leadership activities such as CSUNA, Me to We and Camp Olympia. We are also very proud of the school’s representation and participation in community service projects and the school retreat program.
In a student-centred environment, we focus on active learning, reflection and collaboration. At Francis Libermann there is an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, extensive co-curricular programs and service projects. Staff develop curriculum and plan learning opportunities in a collaborative and professional environment.
A student-centered focus coupled with an understanding of multiple intelligences and learning styles staff at Francis Libermann employ a range of instructional methodologies including lectures, seminars, labs, small group work, independent study and one-on-one instruction help staff best provide for the academic needs of each student. Supported by cutting edge and innovative classroom technology (i.e. Smart Technologies and e-class), a variety of special programs are offered to meet the diverse needs of students in the community. Special programs include the following at Francis Libermann:
- Grade 7/8 Full-Time Gifted Program
- Gifted/Enrichment
- Developmentally Delayed/Multiple Exceptionalities
- PHAST Paces
- Co-Operative Education
Available to students in Grades 7 & 8 five days a week, the Grade 7/8 Full-Time Gifted Program provides students are offered a variety of extension activities. This program provides a differentiated curriculum to meet the individual needs of identified students, and provides an opportunity for a smooth transition to high school. Students enrolled in Gifted/Enrichment program have undergone an Identification Placement Review Committee process. This non-credit program provides many differentiated learning experiences beyond those typically provided in the regular school program. The gifted learner has many opportunities to develop an individualized program tailored to her/his personal interests.
The PHAST Paces reading program is a reading intervention program developed by the Learning Disabilities Research Program at The Hospital for Sick Children. This reading program has been developed specifically for high school students who possess poor word identification, decoding and/or reading comprehension skills, teaching them these skills and strategies to become competent and independent readers.
The Developmentally Delayed/Multiple Exceptionalities provides students with disabilities to achieve their learning potential are enrolled in courses that include life skills, computer adaptations, nutrition, math for everyday life and literacy development. Integration is arranged according to peer appropriate levels, interest and needs.
Crest [edit]
Based on the Rockwell College emblem in Ireland, the emblem was designed in 1977 with the dove in its own four rays descending in white colour, symbolising the shield is divided in quarters amid in the purple border. The top of the crest read "LIBERMANN CATHOLIC H.S.". In the first a field of green is a book, while the second quarter has the white, blue, green waves. In the third quarter, on a blue field is a Canadian maple leaf as the fourth quarter represents a laurel leaf.
In a rapid changing world, the motto means: "Steadfast in the midst of change". It indicates the resolute adherence to Faith and other Gospel values, and to the traditions of the school which should characterize every member of the Francis Libermann Catholic High School Community and the young people confided to their care.
As of 2012, the crest underwent a major redesign with a modern look and the top of the crest only reads "Francis Libermann Catholic High School" in a 2D drawing.
Feeder Schools [edit]
- Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati Catholic Elementary School
- Holy Spirit Catholic Elementary School
- Our Lady of Grace Catholic Elementary School
- Prince of Peace Catholic Elementary School
- Sacred Heart Catholic Elementary School
- St. Aidan Catholic Elementary School
- St. Barnabas Catholic Elementary School
- St. Bartholomew Catholic Elementary School
- St. Bede Catholic Elementary School
- St. Columba Catholic Elementary School
- St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Elementary School
- St. Florence Catholic Elementary School
- St. Gabriel Lalemant Catholic Elementary School
- St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Elementary School
- St. Marguerite Bourgeoys Catholic Elementary School
- St. Rene Goupil Catholic Elementary School
- St. Sylvester Catholic Elementary School
- The Divine Infant Catholic Elementary School
See also [edit]
References [edit]
- ^ "TCDSB Francis Libermann". Retrieved 28 January 2012.
- ^ http://www.tcdsb.org/ProgramsServices/ContinuingEducation/InternationalStudents/School%20Information/Documents/Secondary%20Map.pdf
- ^ "TCDSB Francis Libermann". Retrieved 28 January 2012.
External links [edit]
Coordinates: 43°48′26″N 79°16′27″W / 43.807109°N 79.274281°W
