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 2008-2009

• October 24

• November 14

• December 5

• February 13

• March 13

• June 26

The widely talked-about awards are based on an analysis of the historical data of each school included in the Fraser Institute’s annual Report Card on Ontario’s Elementary Schools. Out of 2,786 English and French, public and separate elementary schools from across Ontario, only the top one per cent (30 schools) in each category are invited to participate in the awards.

Awards were presented in three categories, each reflecting different aspects of academic success. Improvement in Academics recognizes schools that have experienced the fastest, most consistent improvement in their academic performance over the past five years. Academic Achievement in Excess of Expectations recognizes schools that ensure that their students succeed regardless of the hurdles they may face. This award challenges the notion that only schools in rich neighbourhoods do well academically. The award for Overall Academic Achievement recognizes schools whose students have achieved remarkable, ongoing academic success over the last five years.

St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School of Toronto won the award for Improvement in Academics along with a $3,000 prize.

The Fraser Institute is an independent research and educational organization with offices in Calgary, Montreal, Tampa, Toronto, and Vancouver. Its mission is to measure, study, and communicate the impact of competitive markets and government intervention on the welfare of individuals. To protect the Institute’s independence, it does not accept grants from governments or contracts for research.

TCDSB List of Weston Award-winning Schools

Academic Achievement in Excess of Expectations
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Schools of Distinction
Transfiguration of our Lord Catholic School, Toronto
Holy Family Catholic School, Toronto

Improvement in Academics
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Winner
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School Toronto

Schools of Distinction
Blessed Margherita of Citta di Castello Catholic School, Toronto

Overall Academic Achievement
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Schools of Distinction
St. Henry Catholic School, Toronto
Prince of Peace Catholic School, Toronto
St Pius X Catholic School, Toronto
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School, Toronto
St. Clement Catholic Elementary School, Toronto

School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: