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| Total enrolment | 663 |
| Principal | Margaret Gardonio Tel: 416-393-5527 Fax: 416-397-6062 |
| Superintendent |
Doug Yack Tel: 416-222-8282, ext. 2267 |
| Parish | St. Wilfrid's Parish 1675 Finch Avenue West North York, Ontario M3J 2G8 416-638-0313 |
| Local Trustee |
Mary Cicogna Tel: 416-512-3404; Fax: 416-512-3404 e-mail: mary.cicogna@tcdsb.org |
| CSAC Chairs | Ana Ramon Voice Mailbox: #88527 csac.jamescardinalmcguigan@tcdsb.org |
History & Tradition
James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Secondary School was established in 1982 under the direction of the Franciscan Fathers, in order to meet the needs of students in the Keele/Finch area. It is founded on the ideology of St. Francis and we abide by their motto “Ambulate in Dilectione”--walk in fraternal charity. This was the vision of hope that guided Cardinal McGuigan's ministry and personal life. This is the legacy that the students of Cardinal McGuigan have inherited. The school's motto is “Deus Meus et Omnia”--My God and My All.
From an initial project of 14 portables to our present complex of building (1984) and portable structure, James Cardinal McGuigan has grown in physical size and population, to reflect the ebb and flow of local demographics. The school is at present maximizing the classroom space available, reorganizing and remodeling rooms as exigencies occur. Additional science labs, computer labs and communication labs give evidence to an increasing emphasis on scientific and technological studies.
The centre for our school and the focal point of our education is the chapel. The Franciscan Fathers' commitment to Catholic education is exemplified by the prominence and use of this more important area of our facility.
Strong ties have been maintained with St. Wilfrid's parish and with the various elementary schools in our catchment area. McGuigan is the school of the Keele/Finch community. We respond to the needs of our ever-changing cosmopolitan community. A vibrant student council, an active Catholic School Advisory Council and a dedicated staff and student body ensure this.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
James Cardinal McGuigan, a school founded by the order of the Franciscan Fathers, is committed to Catholic education. Education is the process though which our students develop an awareness of themselves, of their responsibilities to others, and of their role in the community. Catholic education is an extension of this, whereby students learn a way of living which embodies the life of Christ.
Thus, Catholic education is the focus for our chaplaincy team, our religious studies department and our guidance department. Programs and activities which enable students to develop a sense of self-worth and of their responsibility to society are implemented throughout the school year. Our peer ministry and peer tutoring programs develop students' skills in conflict resolution, social interaction and independent and creative thought.
Career education is also an integral part of the learning experience. Students are assisted in making important career and post-secondary education decisions through:
- Career counseling
- Career exhibits/presentations
- Job shadowing
- Interest inventories
- Cooperative education
Each grade level receives an individualized career education program in order that students may acquire lifelong career decision-making skills.
In addition to our academic program, the individual needs of our students are met in a variety of ways:
- Access to gifted programs
- Access to special education programs
- Access to ESL programs
- Access to computer education
- Access to peer tutors
The spirit of community within the school is enhanced by co-curricular activities ranging from discipline-related clubs such as business and art to athletic and non-athletic programs such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, mock-trial, drama and chess.
Our goal as a community is to provide our students with an environment that is conducive to spiritual and intellectual growth. This internal strength and discipline, coupled with the knowledge and skills acquired, will enable our students to meet the challenges of a complex society in a confident and responsible manner.
School News
November 11, 2008
Grade 8 Open House
7:00 p.m.
Principal of the Year
Congratulations to Margaret Gardonio for being selected as a
Principal of the Year by the Catholic Principals' Council of
Ontario. She was recognized at the annual dinner in April.
Toronto
Catholic District School Board Celebrates Exemplary Practices
Each year, the Toronto Catholic District School Board
is proud to acknowledge innovative programs and special projects at
local schools with the TCDSB Exemplary Practice Award. The winners
of the ninth annual awards were honoured at a special ceremony and
reception in April. Among the winners is:
James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School (North York): Leadership through Environment, Experience and Diversity (L.E.E.D) in the Community—Two-credit, full semester experiential learning program paired senior student mentors with junior at-risk students in an effort to re-engage students in school and maximize their credit accumulation.
“Each year we are impressed with the
variety and quality of submissions that we receive for consideration
for the Exemplary Practice Awards. It reminds us of the amazing
things that can be accomplished when the many partners in Catholic
education focus their energies on a common goal,” says Director of
Education Kevin Kobus. “These winners have distinguished themselves
by boldly daring to implement new approaches to learning, and who
have succeeded in their endeavours. It is our hope that others will
be inspired in their pursuit of new and innovative ideas that will
continue to build upon the quality of education in our Catholic
schools.”
ACE, a partnership between James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic Secondary School and York University, is an opportunity for students to experience university life first-hand. McGuigan is the first TCDSB school to take advantage of this new learning opportunity. It provides secondary school students with a post-secondary education experience in a supportive environment, which encourages them to think critically and work independently. Ultimately it is intended to build confidence in students who do not perceive university or college as an attainable goal. A maximum of 20 students are chosen for the ACE program each year.
One graduate says: “It has taught me that success is measured in determination and initiative. It has also taught me to sharpen my work habits which I can later apply to other areas of my life.”
“The ACE program has allowed me to experience university life with all its advantages and responsibilities,” says another. “I have become more independent and aware of the dedication I must give to my studies to succeed in my goals.”
Student Human Rights Award Winner
Congratulations to Kandace Brown for winning first prize in the senior
category of the B'nai Brith Canada Student Human Rights Awards. Her winning
essay was entitled "Racism Within, a moving study of how systemic racism and
stereotypical depictions of young black women affect the experiences of the
author in the classroom."
School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008
EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics:
Academic Year | Academic | Applied |
| 2006 - 2007 | ||
| 2005 - 2006 | ||
| 2004 - 2005 | ||
| 2003 - 2004 | ||
| 2002 - 2003 | ||
| 2001 - 2002 Description | ||
| 2000 - 2001 | ||
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.
| Year | Grade 10 |
| 2006 - 2007 | |
| 2005 - 2006 | |
| 2004 - 2005 | |
| 2003 - 2004 October | |
| 2002 - 2003 October Description | |
| 2001 - 2002 February | |