Pope John Paul II Catholic
Secondary School (secondary)

685 Military Trail, Scarborough, Ontario M1E 4P6

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History & Tradition

To say that Pope John Paul II Catholic Secondary School opened its door to its first students on September 6, 1983, would be true but misleading. On that day 135 students arrived at 685 Military Trail to begin their academic careers at PJPII. But there were many doors to open. The school community of that day was housed in the former St. Bede's Catholic School and in a dozen temporary portable classrooms. In 1984 the student population doubled as did the number of portables. Portables were to be our reality as we watched the construction of the new school.

The birth of the school in a tangle of temporary portables and the upheaval of construction fostered a community that was spirited, full of humour, close, supportive and caring. Despite the growth, there remains a commitment to maintaining these values of a balanced and caring community.

Growth and expansion have been key elements in the intervening years. The physical structure took six years to complete. In the spring of 1989 the building was officially blessed and opened.

One of the first Catholic high schools to be built under extended provincial funding, our school is a modern facility built in a circle enclosing a beautifully landscaped courtyard. The school has 41 classrooms, four science laboratories, three gymnasiums, a large library, a student services area, a drama room, two music rooms, a drafting room, two tech shops, and two art rooms. At the heart of the school is the chapel. The design and decorating of the chapel were paid for from monies raised by the students for this purpose.

PJPII has established a fine reputation for academic excellence. Ninety percent of our graduates go on to successful post-secondary education. Each year an average of 4.7% of graduates receive scholarships from the province, universities and foundations.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Pope John Paul II is an ideal setting in which to learn. Our bright, cheerful, well maintained plant provides the framework for a safe environment and a sense of belonging, key components in the learning process.

To assist students in this process, our in-school support systems supply a detailed course calendar, a school agenda and a clearly defined behaviour code. These guidelines serve as parameters for students engaged in the self-directed, self-motivated process of the lifelong learner.

Academic programs

• Strong academic programs in English, math, sciences and social sciences
• English as a second language
• Extended French program
• Innovative and extensive gifted program with approximately 90 students involved each year
• Business programs in accounting, marketing, management and administrative studies
• Computer network and technology programs with state of the art equipment
• Excellent art, music and drama programs
• Family studies program in food and nutrition, parenting, fashion arts and housing and design
• Extensive cooperative education program with approximately 80 students involved each year
• Team taught physical education and health programs available in every grade
• Religious studies program in each year

In-school support systems for our academic programs

• Student services support in career information and choices, interest inventories, and university and college information and application procedures
• Resource-support for students with special needs
• Academic challenge program for students whose needs are not met in a regular classroom
• Extensive library service
• Computer labs available before and after school
• Learning centre program to teach fundamental learning skills
• Chaplaincy team who plan liturgical events and retreats at all grade levels
• English writing clinic
• French help centre
• Math help centre
• Junior and senior math leagues
• Involvement in University of Toronto mentorship program
• Opportunity to write preliminary SAT (PSAT) and SAT I and II
• Opportunity to do advanced placement tests
• Peer helper program
• Literacy program in conjunction with Frontier College

School News

School Learning Plan -- 2008-2009

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.