Archbishop Romero
Catholic Secondary School (secondary)

99 Humber Boulevard, York, Ontario M6N 2H4

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History & Tradition

Established in 1989 as the first Catholic high school in the City of York, the original school consisted of 200 grade 9 students, 18 teachers and three support staff members housed in what was previously York Humber Secondary School. November 1992 marked the start of a $12-million construction project that transformed the original building into a state-of-the-art facility. At a special ceremony on May 7, 1995 the school was officially opened and blessed. 

We look to Archbishop Oscar Romero, our patron, as an example of the good news in action. Like Jesus Christ, he challenged and questioned the injustices and the suffering of the poor in his country. Through his writings, we can come to understand this man who is a role model for all students in our school community.

Principal's Message

We invite and welcome your interest in Archbishop Romero Catholic Secondary School. We hope that this information will inspire your curiosity and encourage you to pay us a visit and find out more about our vibrant community housed in a modern state-of-the-art facility that is unequalled in the TCDSB.

Our program of study is designed to provide our students with an education experience that will fully develop the skills and attitudes supported by the Mission statement of the TCDSB.

At Archbishop Romero we strive to maintain an environment that is pleasant, safe and conducive to reaching one's potential---where every student can grow to be a caring, productive, responsible member of society where every student experiences school to be a place of worship, challenge, hard work and discipline. In 1989, Archbishop Romero opened its doors in the City of York (now Toronto) to serve families in our community. Since then, our goal has not changed. We are a community school dedicated to serving the needs of all students within our boundaries. I invite you to visit and experience our school for yourself.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

The Archbishop Romero community recognizes that education must address the multi-dimensional needs of all students. This responsibility involves providing Catholic education directed at developing the spiritual, physical, intellectual, social and emotional well-being of each student. It is therefore understood that all students have the right to a quality education that develops their potential. 

Our common goal is to provide for our students an education that will best equip them to live successfully and responsibly in a complex and changing world.

The individual needs of our students are met through the following:

Academics:

It is our goal that each graduate will be an independent, resourceful and adaptable learner, who will earn entrance to, and succeed in, the post-secondary institution of his/her choice. To achieve this, our program of study is rigorous and structured, but flexible enough to recognize the diversity of individual abilities and interests.

At Archbishop Romero, the "basics" coupled with the Arts are important tools of learning and development. The music, art and drama tradition is alive and well at our school to enhance and enrich each student's educational experience.


The multicultural makeup of our school creates a dynamic environment for students to further develop self-esteem, confidence and leadership skills. We offer an extensive Cooperative Education program and a fully integrated English as a Second Language (ESL) and Special Education program. Recently introduced this year is a differentiated program for gifted students and students with advanced capabilities.

• 4 or 5 year high school program
• semestered program 9 – 12 (OAC)
• Ontario Academic Credit (OAC) offered in 23 subjects
• diverse high school program with a variety of optional courses
• Advanced placement standing in Canadian and American Universities

Grade 9 Program:

• English
• Geography
• Mathematics
• Science
• Religious Studies
• Physical Education (1/2 credit)
• Modern Languages
• Computer Applications (1/2 credit)
• one of: Instrumental Music, Art or Drama

Technology:

We are in an age where exposure to technology is critical at all levels of education. At Archbishop Romero our main objective is to develop competence in computer technology for all our students. Our four computer labs are open all day, with experienced and qualified staff available to assist students.

• Four fully networked computer labs
• fully networked school facility
• 12 CD-ROM stations in the library
• one student per machine in all computer classes
• half-credit course of all grade 9 students providing exposure to the basics of computer applications
• full credit optional course from grade 10 to OAC in applications and / or programming
• application courses in all curricular areas
• school - wide network access to the Internet and the World Wide Web

Athletics:

Athletics is regarded as a vital part of everyday life of our students and all are given opportunities to participate according to their own interest and ability. We endorse the idea that fitness and competition are essential to teamwork and the development of a sound mind and body.

There is a variety of athletic activities available at Archbishop Romero. These may change from time to time, but the following is a representative sample:

• Badminton
• Ball Hockey
• Baseball
• Basketball
• Cross-Country
• Golf
• Hockey
• Soccer
• Softball
• Swimming
• Table Tennis
• Tennis
• Track and Field

Co-Curricular Activities:

All students at Archbishop Romero are encouraged to pursue their own interest and personal talents through the clubs and extra-curricular activities. Some of the activities available are:

• Afro-Romero Club
• Art Club
• Athletic Council
• Choir
• Drama Club
• Fashion Show
• Fishing Club
• Grad/Prom Committee
• Leadership
• Math League
• Media Club
• Music Band
• Newspaper Club
• Peer Counselling
• Theater Club
• Weight Training Club
• Yearbook

Chaplaincy at Romero:

All of our students are required to take a course in Religious Studies each year, but our faith formation does not end there. We have a very active chaplaincy program that organizes numerous and varied retreats for every grade level. As well, our chaplaincy team provides many opportunities for our staff and students to continually develop their faith life through worship as a community both in small and large group settings.

As a Catholic community, we are committed to fostering the Christian values and   principles inspired by our patron Archbishop Oscar Romero.

School News

November 5, 2008
7:00 p.m.
Grade 8 Open House

PA Days 2008-2009

• October 24
• November 21
• February 13
• April 24
• June 25, 26

Exam Dates 2008-2009

• January 27, 28, 29, 30
• June 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24

School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008

EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics:

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT):

The OSSLT shows the extent to which Ontario students are meeting the minimum literacy standard expected by the end of Grade 9. The test assesses the reading and writing skills as they apply to all subjects as out-lined in the Ontario Curriculum. Students must pass the OSSLT as one of the 32 requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.