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Monsignor Fraser College
(adult
education)
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| Total enrollment | 1010 |
| Principal | Phillip Prospero Tel: 416-393-5533 Fax: 416-393-5912 |
| Superintendent | Loretta
Notten Tel: 416-222-8282 ext. 5370 |
| Parish | Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church 11 Earl Street Toronto, Ontario M4Y 1M4 |
| Local Trustee | Catherine
LeBlanc-Miller Tel: 416-512-3411; Fax: 416-513-3411 e-mail: catherine.leblanc-miller@tcdsb.org |
| CSAC Chairs | Suzette Marsh csac.msgrfraserislington@tcdsb.org csac.msgrfraseralternate@tcdsb.org
csac.msgrfraserscarborough@tcdsb.org |
History &
Tradition
Monsignor Fraser College opened in October 1975 to respond to the needs of adult learners seeking grade 8 standing. Opened with just four students at Albert Campbell Library, it quickly moved to Scarborough Foreign Mission Society quarters and, in recognition for their generous hospitality, the school was named after the founder of the Society, Monsignor John Mary Fraser.
As the program expanded, physically and intellectually challenged adults were added. A variety of TCDSB departments claimed ownership of the program including elementary, continuing education and special curriculum. Students meeting grade 8 standard, began to ask for secondary school credits. These were granted in collaboration with Cardinal Newman High School. Senior level credits were soon needed and as full funding arrived, the Board designated the school as secondary in 1986. In 1988 its first graduates emerged.
From Scarborough beginnings, the school added Toronto campus in 1977, Malvern in 1982, North York in 1984, Parkdale in 1986, ESL Orientation Centre in 1988, La Salle (Alternative) in 1993, Curzon (Alternative) in 1994, and in 1994 merged the two small west end campuses, Parkdale and North into Islington Campus. The Scarborough and Malvern campuses were merged in 2000. Scarborough and Toronto retained, in addition to the adult credit program leading to a high school diploma, a small non-credit 3-year program for intellectually challenged adults.
It is still meeting the urgent need of the day for marginalized adults and teenagers, who have not been successful in the regular system. Many re-entry students and new Canadians from war-torn and other countries, leave staff in no doubt that Fraser College is true mission territory.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs
of Our Students
Monsignor Fraser College responds to the needs of a diverse population.
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Adults returning to complete their secondary school diploma requirements.
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New Canadians seeking high school completion, skills, English and work experience.
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Intellectually challenged adults seeing the dignity of employment or volunteer work or, in some cases, classroom training for fuller adult living.
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Teenagers experiencing halted learning and at risk of dropping out.
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Teenagers new to Canada seeking orientation, assessment and placement in Toronto Catholic secondary schools and intensive credit courses until placement is achieved.
For all groups, a common need is for confidence, renewed self-esteem, a purpose in life, a fresh start and determination to strive for goals in an atmosphere of non-judgmental acceptance.
Though many are from faiths other than Catholic, the distinctly Catholic environment of the school is respected and welcomed. It is enhanced by an active chaplaincy team, an itinerant chaplain, liturgical celebration, a faith at work cooperative education courses, Gospel values-infused curriculum, and a genuine appreciation of diversity.
The willingness to acknowledge both rights and responsibility is formalized in the mutually agreed on code of behaviour for each group served. Small campuses, an attentive staff as mentors, and generous volunteers help to add a welcoming atmosphere and remove barriers to success. Students respond to a sense of Christian community and are quick to help others in the current crisis of budget cuts. With staff, they have created a breakfast club, food bank, a clearinghouse for information on community resources, and fund-raising projects to subsidize transportation for students experiencing hardship.
Through the action planning committee, impetus is given to encourage staff and student computer literacy. The Catholic School Advisory Committee (including representatives from business, industry, social agencies, higher education, Toronto Catholic District School Board, various government ministries and the school) attempts to smooth transitions through its long term support, linkage to college and university, and employment generation sub-committees. The prior learning assessment courses, offered through guidance in partnership with Seneca College originated from this network.
Regularly curriculum offerings are tested for relevance and for potential to best prepare students for their next step both in skills acquisition and in general education needed to cope.
Community-based learning is important and well planned
field trips are frequent. Leadership is recognized and developed through campus and school
student councils. Assemblies, an annual Multicultural Festival, College Connections Day,
and Fraser games are school-wide showcases of the hopes and talents of our students.
Orientation Centre:
Assessment and placement centre for students who are new to Canada.
783 Bathurst Street, Toronto
416-393-5500