Notre Dame High School (Catholic Secondary School)

12 Malvern Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4E 3E1

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History & Tradition

Notre Dame High School was founded by the Congregation of Notre Dame in 1941 to provide excellence in education for young Catholic women. The Sisters of the Congregation have been teaching at the school throughout its 65-year history.

Since 1941, the school has grown. In 1963 O'Connor Hall was built and then in the 70's with enrollment at 1,111, Notre Dame moved into the second and third floors of the neighbouring St. John' Catholic School. At present all three buildings are in use.

These years also saw the canonization of Marguerite Bourgeoys, the founder of the Congregation of Notre Dame and now the school's patron saint. Her feast day is celebrated annually with special events coordinated by the school's chaplaincy team. An educator herself, Marguerite's legacy lives on as she serves as an important role model for staff and students alike.

Most recently, Notre Dame has entered into an arrangement with its brother school, Neil McNeil to share courses at the grade 12 level.

History and tradition are important at Notre Dame and the involvement of the members of the alumni association in the life of the school attest to this.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

We believe in the success and leadership of young women in the family, in the Church and in the global community.  Founded on Gospel values, the school’s annual theme becomes a rallying point for the ongoing discussion of relationship with God, of self-respect to mutual respect and of personal right to social responsibility.

We are committed to guiding students so they not only achieve their academic potential, but that they also discover their talents and gifts, which in turn will help them select  a school program pathway that enables them to make a smooth transition to the post-secondary destination of their choice. 

The Success for All initiative addresses the needs of those students who require additional help in a credit intervention situation or in credit recovery. Thus students who are at risk of falling behind in accumulating their credits toward graduation are given sustained support.  

Technology is integrated into the curriculum, which offers a balance of courses ranging from science and mathematics to physical education and the arts. With the support of the Guidance counselors, chaplaincy team, student and teacher tutoring and student mentors, the girls find encouragement as they pursue their interests and future plans.

The schools comprehensive program offers a full range of programs that prepare students for university, college and the world of work.  Programs and support services are offered to special education students. Programs are also available to students who are designated gifted and enrichment courses are also offered.  Teachers also prepare students to write examinations in various subjects for equivalency standing and advanced placement at major Canadian and U.S. universities a 

Curriculum initiatives

The transition to high school initiative welcomes grade nine students to our school with the assistance of student leaders (M.O.S.T.) who help mentor them through the first few weeks of school. Student mentors also offer after-school tutoring, help new students prepare for formal examinations and provide opportunities for community building. 

Grade nine students are also engaged in a three-day orientation/retreat program at an outdoor facility.  Student leaders under staff supervision conduct activities and workshops that focus on faith development and spiritual reflection, school spirit, leadership skills, self-advocacy and outdoor education, as well as the Safe Schools program.  

The school’s EQAO preparation initiatives in Grade 10 Literacy and Grade 9 Numeracy have resulted in a consistent three-year performance that has exceeded both the provincial scores and TCDSB scores.  The 2005 Mathematics results placed the school with the highest Grade 9 scores in the TCDSB. 

The Women’s Health, Wellness and Nutrition program is an initiative that encompasses the school’s funded breakfast program (a consistent, nutritious menu alternative offered in the school cafeteria) and a student-run fitness program.  The annual Girls’ Night Out event involving the Department of Health and many health and wellness professionals from the school community supports the school’s commitment to encouraging a healthy, active life style for young women.

Co-curricular programs

A number of students have excelled at mathematics and essay-writing contests, science fairs, Canada Skills and robotics competitions.  Students with an interest in the arts have received outstanding performance awards at the Sears Festival Drama competition and visual arts competitions and have celebrated their talents at the annual Arts Night.  Other clubs and activities include: Yea God Club, yearbook, photography, band, Multicultural Club, school newspaper, math league, Debating Club, Knitting Club, Social Justice Club, Black History Club and M.O.S.T.   

The school offers a broad spectrum of team and individual sports such as: cross-country, hockey, basketball, volleyball, softball, soccer, badminton, tennis, track and field, swimming and golf.  Numerous gold medals and participation at OFSSA in various sports attests to the success of the school’s sports program.

School News

Grade 8 Open House
November 2, 2010
7:00 p.m.

PA Days 2010-2011

• September 2, 2010 (Provincial Education Priorities)
• June 28, 29, 30 (System priorities and local goals articulated in school Learning Improvement Plans)

Notre Dame Students Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive
Students and staff helped to organize the school’s annual Thanksgiving Food Drive for Rosalie Hall and the Christmas Basket drive that has been taking place in the school since 1941, this is the school’s 68th Christmas Basket drive!  The school just recently received a letter of thanks for our fundraising efforts for the people of Cameroon, Africa.  Students raised money by promoting almsgiving during the season of Lent with the theme “Let your Change make a Change”. Each year, students at the school hand-knit items for Covenant House.

Notre Dame Experience Awakens Passion for Music in Student
Annie Faiella, a Grade 12 student attending Notre Dame High School credits her school community for awaking in her a passion for music.  Annie recently won first place result at a “Battle of the Bands” competition at Toronto’s El Mocambo on November 21st. 

“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to play at various Notre Dame assemblies.  It was these occasions that made me realize that my love of music had blossomed into a devotion and passion” says Annie.  The accomplished composer and pianist hopes to turn this passion into a career.  She plans to pursue radio and television at Ryerson University as well as continue to record her songs.
 
“We are proud of Annie’s accomplishment.  I think that the all girls’ atmosphere at Notre Dame allows young women to share their gifts in an environment of acceptance and encouragement” says principal Oksana Kawun. 

Annie will receive 12 hours of recording time for placing first in the competition.

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2009-2010

Safe School Plan -- 2009-2010

EQAO Grade 9 Assessment of Mathematics:

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.