St. Alphonsus Catholic School (elementary--Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8)

60 Atlas Avenue, York, Ontario M6C 3N9

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History & Tradition

St. Alphonsus Catholic School was founded in 1969 in order to serve an expanding Catholic community in this residential section of midtown Toronto. The older Catholic schools in the St. Clair West area, Holy Rosary and St. Clare, were bursting at the seams, so it was excellent foresight on the part of the school board to purchase the property and build a new school. The solemn and official blessing of the new building took place on November 22, 1970.  

The school is located on a quiet side street off St. Clair Ave. It is a well-maintained facility, with spacious classrooms and three separate play areas – one for kindergarten children, one for the primary and junior grades and one for intermediates and seniors. The school board, the City of Toronto, and the parent council have been working together over the last few years to redevelop the property surrounding the building. So far, two of the three play areas have received a facelift, including a new play structure, basketball hoops, benches and an outdoor amphitheatre.  

Our Parish 

Our affiliate parish is also called St. Alphonsus. The church is located on the north-east corner of St. Clair Ave. and Vaughan Road. We are the only school in its jurisdiction and therefore enjoy a close relationship with the pastor, Father Jim Reposkey, and the rest of the parish community. For more than 25 years the Carmelite sisters have operated a Day Care Centre on site and some of our students are bussed to and from school from the day care centre throughout the school year. The parish is under the auspices of the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, an international order of priests and brothers. Brother Antony Canterruci is highly involved in a mission in Tanzania and operates his fundraising efforts out of the rectory office. Over the years the mission has helped dig wells, build windmills, hospitals and schools in Tanzania. St. Alphonsus School often contributes to these projects, providing excellent opportunities for students to play a positive role in the global community.  

About Our Patron Saint 

The school was named after St. Alphonsus Liguori, born in Italy in 1696. As a young man he was a lawyer, but then he became a priest in 1726. He founded a religious community called the Redemptoriststs. During his long lifetime he became Bishop of Saint Agata dei Goti, visited the sick, wrote theology books and expressed a great love for the Blessed Sacrament. He died in 1787 and was canonized in 1839. He is a Doctor of the Church. He is the patron saint of sinners and moral theologians. His feast day is August 1^st.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

A Catholic Environment

    Ongoing efforts to develop home/school/parish relationship

   Regular school masses at St. Alphonsus Church

   Marion devotion - monthly rosary sessions in intimate classroom setting

   Preparation for the sacraments – First Holy Communion, Confirmation, and Confession

   Daily prayer in the classroom

   Religious education - includes formal instruction in church doctrine, traditions and beliefs

   Fully Alive Family Life Program - reinforces positive Christian values

   Faith in Action  - charitable activities (Food drives, Hospital fundraising, Missions, Relief, Sharelife

A Safe and Welcoming Environment

   Spring welcome for fall Junior Kindergarten students

   Meet the Teacher Night in September

   CSAC sponsored Community Barbeque                                                     

   Safe arrival program –call home for late or absent students

   Graduation for Senior Kindergarten and Grade Eight Students 

Curriculum Initiatives 

   Balanced Literacy

   Literacy in the Middle Grade

   Developmental Delayed Class

   Special Education

   ESL (English as a Second Language)

      Arrowsmith

      International Languages

   Fifth Block

   Gifted Program

   Early Identification through School Based Support Team Meetings for students experiencing difficulties

   Joint Team Meetings for students experiencing difficulties

   Regular consultations with our Support Team

Drama in the Classroom

   Scientists in School

   Artists in School

   Plays

   History Fair

   Technology – Computer Programs as part of the Curriculum

   Core French

   International Languages – Italian

   Vocal Music (J.K.- Grade 6)

   Instrumental Music (Grade 7 & 8)

   Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy Intervention

Co-curricular Activities

   Student Council including Grade 1 to 8

·        Charity Fund Raisers

·        Pizza Lunch

·        Valentine Candy Grams

   School Choir

   Christmas Concert

   Curriculum related excursions to enhance classroom learning

   Out door Education and Over Night Trips

   Sports Teams  

·        Intermediate Girls and Boys Soccer

·        Primary Girls and Boys Soccer

·        Intermediate Girls and Boys Basketball

·        Intermediate Girls and Boys Volleyball

·        Junior Girls and Boys Volleyball

·        Cross Country

·        Track and Field

·        Girls and Boys Softball

   Skating

   Running Club

   Swimming

   W5H

   Health Action Team

   Toronto Raptors Reading Time Out

   Student Assemblies

   Halloween Dances with Costume Contest

   Visits from High Schools for Grade Eights

   Regular visits to Oakwood Library

   Remembrance Day Service

   Black History Presentation

   Carnival

   Play Day

   Fund Raisers for Charity

     Open House for New Registrations

   Book Fairs

   CSAC Involvement

   Special visits from Father Reposkey for First Holy Communion and Confirmation

   Rosary Program

   Host for Students from High School Co Op Programs

   Host for Students from Faculty of Education

   Chess Club

   Arts Express

   Math Club

School News

PA Days 2008-2009

• October 24

• November 14

• December 5

• February 13

• March 13

• June 26

School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: