Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha
Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

70 Margaret Avenue, North York, Ontario M2J 4C5

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History & Tradition

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic School celebrated its official opening in 1983.

The school is named for Kateri Tekakwitha, a native North American, born in 1656 near Auriesville, New York. When she was young, her parents and brother died of small pox and she was adopted by her two aunts and uncle. She first learned about Jesus from the Jesuit missionaries and was baptized in 1676.

On the priest's advice, she left for a Christian colony in Canada and arrived in 1677. She made her first holy communion on Christmas day that same year. Through prayer and personal sacrifice she devoted her life to Christ.

On April 17, 1680, Kateri died. Her last words were, “Jesus, Mary, I love you.”

On June 22, 1980, Pope John Paul II declared Kateri Tekakwitha "blessed'. She will be the first Native North American saint.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Maintaining a Catholic environment is of paramount importance in our school. It is why we exist as a Catholic school system and what makes us a “school with a difference”.

While the teaching of the formal religious education program at all grade levels is central to this process, the creation of a Catholic environment is much more than this. Our attitudes and interactions with others are predicated on each individual's infinite value in the sight of God. Therefore dignity and respect for others are the hallmarks of our interactions.

Our school community is made aware of the Gospel message in many different ways. Formal and informal prayer are integral parts of school life whether in the classroom, before meetings or in our liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations either in the church or in the school. Displays within the school, the tone of assemblies, our involvement in charitable endeavours, our emphasis on the importance of being models of peacemakers, all challenge us as a community to develop and model these Catholic value.

We are constantly striving to provide a safe and welcoming environment throughout our community. Health and safety issues are highlighted in our communication with staff, students and their families.

Modifications in program continue to be important given the diversity of language, learning needs, and social considerations. These are addressed in the regular program and through our special education services program.

Our building was changed to accommodate our multiple exceptionality class for the 2000-2001 school year.

Three portables have been added to our school site, to accommodate increasing enrollment. Kateri Kids Childcare operates provides on-site daycare for our parent community.

The individual needs of our students are met in a variety of ways, including:

• access to special education programs
• access to enrichment and gifted programs
• access to instrumental music programs
• access to French as a second language, beginning in grade 1
• access to English as a second language

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