Holy Cross Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

299A Donlands Avenue, East York, Ontario M4J 3R7

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History & Tradition

Holy Cross Catholic School had its modest beginnings in 1928 in a one room portable on Mortimer Avenue in East York. In April of 1944, the first four classrooms of the present Holy Cross School opened their doors at 299A Donlands Avenue beside Holy Cross Church. From its inception to 1978, our school was closely allied with the Sisters of Notre Dame who provided Holy Cross with many of its teachers and principals. We have detailed accounts in our archives of school life at Holy Cross during those years. Holy Cross continues to revere its history and maintain its traditions while looking forward to the future in educating its students to take their place in tomorrow's society. Our school was renovated and celebrated its 60^th Anniversary in September of 2004. We had a large turn out of staff and students coming back “home” as our school song states: “There is a school in our hearts; No matter where we roam; That we will always treasure; Holy Cross is home.”

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Catholic Foundation

Holy Cross is a member of the Toronto Catholic District School Board community which is formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions. As such, our students are part of a learning community environment where models of Gospel values, Catholic tradition, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of their daily life at the school. The Holy Cross lesson that staff instill in our students is to work hard, be self-disciplined, have a sense of fairness, and learn to have a sense of fun into our lives. Our school community models courage, commitment, and Catholicity at home, school and in our parish lives. We have a close working relationship with our Parish Priest. We are very thankful to Father William Swift for his religious guidance and support

Religious Instruction

Our Holy Cross goal is to continue to create a positive, enthusiastic and caring learning environment educating the mind, body and soul modeling Catholic School Graduate Expectations formed within a Catholic Faith Perspective. In fact, we will be drawing on the Ontario Catholic School Graduate Expectations that focus and affirm the work that our Catholic schools have been doing for 170 years. Family life programs and values education provide students with a firm foundation in their faith development. The following are “living the faith” activities planned throughout the year: organizing liturgical celebrations, preparing for the Sacraments, participating in food drives and Share Life campaigns. Our monthly school masses and school celebrations are an important and vital part of our school life. We really try to ignite our children’s Catholic Imaginations.

Literacy/Numeracy

The ongoing commitment to Literacy and Numeracy as a TCDSB system priority is a plus for Holy Cross. It is realized daily through many activities like: Math Manipulative lessons, team teaching strategies for Math/Language, Balanced Literacy and Literacy in the Middle Grades assessments and/or Literature Circles, Learning opportunity grants and Success for All, our Fifth Block. Holy Cross staff supports this development of literacy and numeracy as an important components of programming throughout the school. Parent and community volunteers help support our Teaching Staff’s numeracy and literacy initiatives.

Computer Literacy

We have a small Computer Lab located in our Library. There are also computers in each classroom providing the students with the opportunity to become more computer literate in such areas as the revising and editing of published work and in broadening research opportunities in subject areas, such as, social studies and science.

Science and Technology

The teachers use the TCDSB provided science binders and curriculum support materials to implement the science and technology aspects of the core curriculum. Through generous CSAC funding each class participates in the “Scientist in the classroom” programme which provides an opportunity for hands on experiences.

Co-Curricular Program

We value the assistance of parents who volunteer as coaches, who volunteer with various activities within the school and most importantly, who lend their support to the children at the many activities and events throughout the school year. Exciting CSAC run events like the Theme Raffles, Apple Program, Healthy snacks, Skate Night and Family BBQ point to a community that works together as a team to bolster students on their educational journey. Holy Cross staff always endeavors to be kind and fair, approachable, understanding, supportive and professional trusting in God’s inspiration to give light and example for our students. We support and facilitate TCDSB initiatives of Catholicity, Literacy, and Mathematics.

Several large culminating activities are planned during the year. Confirmation and Communion celebrations, Christmas and Spring concerts, Family Skate Night and Year End Family Barbecue to name a few.

Individual students are recognized and honoured at our student of the month assembly. The children's birthdays are announced daily. Our school newsletter acknowledges the achievements of the children in all areas of school life at Holy Cross and we have  student editors who co-write. School teams, house leagues, student council, and our student newsletter editors, are an integral part of our well rounded education!

Safe Arrival Program

To ensure student safety, parents/guardians will be contacted if a student is absent and the school has not been notified prior to morning and afternoon sessions. Students must have a signed note by a parent or guardian to leave the school during school hours. All visitors to the school are asked to report to the office.

Code of Conduct

School News

PA Days 2009-2010

• September 2, 3

• November 13

• December 4

• March 5

• June 30

Volleyball success
Congratulations to the girls volleyball team from Holy Cross for winning the regional championships. They went on to represent the south region at the city finals.

Holy Cross staff, students, and parents as well as Father Bill continue to make our school a great place to be!
We continue the strong tradition of Holy Cross Catholic School and its sense of integrity and generosity of spirit.  Staff and parents run a lot of activities that encourage students to become involved in all facets of their education at Holy Cross – sports teams, chess club, W5H …. We are always looking for parents to become involved in our CSAC endeavors. We have a particularly active and wonderful group of parents that work in partnership with staff. Together we run a lot of activities like:

• Holy Cross Annual Fundraiser Halloween Dance-a-thon

• Annual Family Barbecue held each June

• School/Parish Family Mass first Sunday of each month starting in November

• School Nutrition Committee serves healthy snacks every Thursday

• Winter Fun Family Skate Night held in January

• Food Drives for Thanksgiving and Christmas

We are very fortunate to have such a hard working Staff and creative CSAC that work together to create a vibrant learning community.

School Learning Plan -- 2008-2009

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: