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

141 Close Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M6K 2V6

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History & Tradition

Holy Family Catholic School was built in 1902. Additions to the school were made in 1923, 1957 and 1965. Over the years the Parkdale area has changed, with many family homes being replaced by large apartment buildings. This greatly increased the population of the area and consequently another fairly large section was added to the front of the school in 1982. The school also houses a community centre which is open year-round to serve the needs of the whole community. In 2001, construction on a new addition was completed. This new addition consists of five additional classrooms and a new community centre. The official opening occurred in May 2001. The Holy Family Community Centre is open year-round to serve the needs of the whole community.

The students at Holy Family School come from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds. They learn and grow in a caring school and community environment which stresses acceptance of others, tolerance, commitment to our Catholic faith and high academic standards.

Our school was named after the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph. Holy Family School is a true family of dedicated teachers, priests, parents and students who pray, work and learn together.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

The teachers at Holy Family strive to meet the individual needs of our students by providing comprehensive programming and a safe learning environment.

Catholic foundation

Holy Family School provides a learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of the school.

Religious instruction, family life programs and values of education provide students with a firm foundation in their faith development. The following are living the faith activities planned throughout the year: paraliturgical celebrations, masses, participating in food drives, the ShareLife campaign, performing for and working with the sick and elderly in hospitals. Our peace education/peer mediation program offers students the opportunity to resolve conflicts in a reconciliatory fashion.

Holy Family School is developing programs from junior kindergarten to grade 8 which are consistent with Ministry of Education documents. Programs consist of a combination of teacher-directed and student-centered activities in small and large group settings. Programs are planned for exceptional and English as a second language students.

Enrichment

Enrichment activities are part of classroom programming. These provide students with the opportunity to work at advanced levels not only in the classroom but in co-curricular activities as well.

Science & technology

Hands on experiences with building materials, manipulative and other technological tool provide our students from junior kindergarten to grade 8 with the opportunity to apply mathematical and scientific principles to their day-to-day activities.

Computer literacy is a major focus in all classes at Holy Family. Computers can be found in every classroom where students integrate computer activities and work processing with their daily work.

Co-curricular program

Work and activities in the immediate and extended community form a vital part of our experiential approach to teaching. Overnight trips to Quebec City and outdoor facilities have been part of our grade 7 and 8 programs.

Several large cross-curricular activities are planned during the year and rotated among the divisions on a yearly basis. These include science, mathematics and technology fairs, arts festival, concerts, musical or drama presentations.

Other optional activities are planned on the basis of student interest and availability of staff. These may include entry into athletic tournaments such as volleyball, baseball, basketball, cross-country, track and field and soccer or academic tournaments or festivals such as W5H, Parlons Juste, spoken arts, visual arts, vocal and instrumental music presentations.

Safe arrival

Our safe arrival program assist us in making sure all our students are accounted for. Parents are asked to call the school to inform us of their child's absence. Students must have a note signed by a parent or guardian in order to leave the school during school hours.

Code of conduct

A code of conduct, developed by a committee of staff, students and parents, is available upon request form the principal.

School News

PA Days 2009-2010

• September 2, 3

• November 13

• December 4

• March 5

• June 30

Healthy Active Schools
Holy Family was pleased to host a visit recently by the Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne and Minister of Health Promotions Margarett Best, as well as Olympic high jumper Tabia Charles. The special event was the launch of this year's Healthy Active Schools Program, and the focus was on good nutrition and physical activity.

Trustee Barbara Poplawski and members of the CSAC greet Minister Wynne.

The Education Minister chats with students about health and nutrition.

CSAC members pose with (left to right): Minister of Education Kathleen Wynne, Trustee Barbara Poplawski, Superintendent of Education Dr. Jim Saraco, Olympian Tabia Charles, Principal Carolyn Thomson, Director of Education Les Nemes and Minister of Health Promotions Margarett Best.

Tabia Charles puts the students and the Ministers through their paces.

Special guests take a moment to pose with the students at Holy Family.

School Learning Plan -- 2008-2009

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: