St. Joseph's College School

St. Joseph's College School
"Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor" The love of Christ has gathered us (together) in one
Address
74 Wellesley Street West Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Information
Religious affiliation	Roman Catholic
Principal	Helen Lesniak
Faculty	50
School type	Separate
Campus	Urban
Mascot	Bear
Colours	Gold and Brown
Established	1864
Enrolment	746

St. Joseph's College School is an all girls, Catholic high school in downtown Toronto. It turned 150 years old in the school year 2004-2005, and is renowned for its academic excellence.

History and tradition

St. Joseph’s College School was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto in 1854--just three years after the first nuns from the order came to the city. Originally called “St. Joseph’s Academy for Young Ladies,” the name was changed to “St. Joseph’s College School, a Residential and Day School for the Higher and Primary Education of Young Ladies and Little Girls” when the school moved to Bay and St. Alban’s Street in 1863. In 1927, the school was renamed “St. Joseph’s College School” when it was moved to a building separate from the convent.

St. Joseph’s College has a long history of promoting girls’ and women’s education. In 1911, the school requested to be affiliated with the University of Toronto--a request the then-president of the university, Sir Robert Falconer, granted. St. Joseph’s was officially tied to St. Michael’s College, the Roman Catholic college of the University of Toronto, in 1912. This resulted in women being able to take courses at St. Michael’s College for the first time.

A Well-rounded education

At St. Joseph’s College School, students are encouraged to combine their academic curriculum with extra-curricular activities. The staff at St. Joseph’s College offer a wide range of after-school activities and students are strongly encouraged to choose an activity which meets their talents and interests. The school also offers a full time Extended French program.

Athletic Program

The Physical and Health Education Department and the Girls’ Athletic Association together run many intramural and competitive sports programs. Over the years, teams have enjoyed much success in the TDCAA leagues. Many of the school's graduates have continued their athletic success at the University and College level.

The St. Joseph's College School crest. It reads "Congregavit nos in unum Christi amor"--The love of Christ has gathered us (together) in one.

The Arts

The Arts Department at St. Joseph’s offers a full range of drama and visual arts courses along with an opportunity to explore the subject of vocal music. Drama students have showcased their dramatic talents by taking part in the Sears Ontario Drama Festival.

Gifted/Enriched Program

The Gifted/Enriched program at St. Joseph’s College School is open to any student who wishes to participate in the many activities offered. These include Encounters With Canada, the University of Toronto Mentorship Program, model United Nations conferences, Canadian Club Luncheons, Social Justice Week, Queen’s University Enrichment Studies Unit, and the TCDSB Gifted Conference. Additionally, students are able to take a variety of enriched-level and Advanced Placement courses to further advance their education.

The Chaplaincy Program

The Chaplaincy program at St. Joseph’s College School provides all staff and students with opportunities to grow in their Catholic faith through experiences of prayer, the sacraments, social action and Catholic leadership. The school chaplaincy team leader and the student chaplaincy team organize the student retreat program; plan all aspects of school liturgies; contribute to the annual Remembrance Day Assembly; and facilitate many other school projects, including the Pink Ribbon campaign, Thinkfast, Catholic Education Week, Respect for Life Week, Social Justice Week, Social Justice Outreach program and the Catholic Student Leadership Impact Team.