Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

444 Sherbourne Street, Toronto, ON M4X 1K2
416-393-5221 (Phone) 416-393-5806 (Fax)

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History & Tradition

The school is named after the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared to St. Bernadette at Lourdes in France in 1858. 

In 1989 the school was moved from its location at 146 Isabella Street to its present location.  The buildings which it now occupies previously belonged, at different times to both Sacre Coeur Catholic School, and St. Joseph Commercial School. 

The original location for the school was 138 Winchester Street, built in 1891 with a new school built in 1895 and named St. John’s School.  It was renamed Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in 1913.  In 1919, a new school was built on the site at 146 Isabella, which was to remain the location of the school for 70 years.  Overcrowded conditions called for additions in 1953 and 1979; the temporary moving of the grade 7 and 8’s back to the old Winchester location, now called St. Martin Catholic School; the eventual move to its present location in 1989; annexation to St. Martin’s in 1994; and the redefining and closing of its boundaries in 1995. 

The Parent Council of Our Lady of Lourdes worked with the Toronto Catholic District School Board to have the two buildings on Sherbourne Street joined to ensure the safety of our students.  It was determined at the time, that a new school needed to be built.  The location would remain the same on Sherbourne, just south of Wellesley Street. 

In the meantime, St. Martin’s school was closed and the students became a part of Our Lady of Lourdes school community.  The staff and students moved into the newly built modern facility in 2005. 

Children continue to move to the area of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish from all parts of the world, including the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Poland, Africa, Hong Kong and South America.  Through the efforts of the parish priest and his team of youth ministers, school and parish life have definite and strong ties.   

The  children come in greatest numbers from the St. Jamestown apartments which stretch from Wellesley Street to just south of Bloor and east of Sherbourne.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Caring and concern for students at Our Lady of Lourdes comes through very clearly in the implementation of curriculum at the School.  The programs at all levels reflect not only adherence to Ministry of Education and Toronto Catholic District School Board guidelines, but are also adapted effectively to the needs of the students.  Teachers are very aware of the curriculum needs in their own divisions and across the divisions as well.  A variety of teaching strategies is evident, including the use of program modification for individual students as well as cooperative learning strategies. 

Our Lady of Lourdes School has two full-time and two full-time ESL teachers whose students are integrated into the regular classroom, while at the same time receiving intensive assistance as needed.  The active liturgical committee coordinates both Liturgical and Para liturgical celebrations within the school.  The school staff and administrators work closely with Our Lady of Lourdes Church in preparing students for the sacraments of Confirmation, Reconciliation and First Communion.  The Catholicity of the environment is further evidenced by displays and activities within Our Lady of Lourdes School. 

Our school provides a safe and welcoming environment for both staff and students.  A guidance counselor, available 20% of the time, provides necessary support to staff and students.  In addition to the guidance counselor, a social worker has been assigned to our site for one day per week.  We also have a full-time Child Youth Worker on site. Many of our families need the additional support in dealing with their daily concerns.   Our Lady of Lourdes School has an established code of behaviour which clearly outlines expectations for students and the consequences for failure to meet these expectations.  The safe arrival program ensures that students arrive safely at school each day.  Parents are contacted and unexpected absences are verified by the office staff. 

Our Lady of Lourdes School has an established computer site administrator who ensures in-service opportunities are available to the staff, and that new and upgraded technologies and software applications are available for use by staff and students. 

Long and short range planning by teachers and administrators reflect the expectations of each grade.  Using CAT2 and EQAO assessment results as a baseline, new materials continue to be added in the areas of Science, Language Arts and Mathematics which reflect the needs of our students.  A new Mathematics program has been ordered by central office to assist all our staff in implementing the new curriculum changes.  Within a framework of an integrated curriculum, Our Lady of Lourdes School is committed to providing the necessary resources to help our students further their comprehension, vocabulary and problem solving skills across the curriculum. 

Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School has an effective, caring administration and staff with an innovative approach to teaching and learning which is based in the diverse needs of our students.  What has been created in our school is an atmosphere which is truly conducive to learning. 

School News

School Learning Plan -- 2008-2009

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: