St. Charles Garnier Catholic School (elementary)

20 Stong Court, North York, Ontario M3N 2X9

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History & Tradition

St. Charles Garnier Catholic School is located in a busy multicultural North York community. The school first opened in 1973 as a collection of portables where farm fields used to be. The school building was completed for the opening of the 1975-1976 school year and the student population grew very rapidly. At one time there were over 730 students!

Our graduates often return and express appreciation and pride in having attended Garnier. There are a number of our present children whose parents are former graduates themselves. One of our students, Joe Barbieri, has become a priest and is now working in Rome.

Our school is dedicated to St. Charles Garnier who was one of the renowned group of Canadian Martyrs. A Jesuit priest from Paris France, Father Garnier arrived in the mid-17th century to a land of forests and small native villages. He worked to spread the Christian faith among the tobacco tribe of the Huron community. They lived in the valleys of the Blue Mountains near present-day Collingwood, Ontario.

During an attack by a fierce Iroquois tribe, Father Garnier was shot and then clubbed with a tomahawk as he tried to help others. He gave his life trying to help others hear and believe the teaching of Jesus. It is an important tradition at our school to honour this Canadian Martyr during a celebration on his feast day, September 26.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

Traditionally, St. Charles Garnier Catholic School has had the reputation of offering a welcoming and safe Catholic environment for our students. In the 1989 School Review 97% of parents agreed that they felt welcome in the school. Strategies that are successful include:

• The staff acts as Christian role models.
• Sacramental life and religious instruction permeate all instruction.
• Liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations are continuous and relevant for our children.
• Safe arrival program is in place.
• The development of a new code of behaviour will enhance the safety and well being of the children.
• The conflict managers program enable students to solve their own problems and work out difficulties with trust and respect.

Programming is another important area of classroom life. The changing needs of students are reflected in the curriculum and the ever expanding area of technological literacy. A central component of instruction includes modification of programming to meet the diverse educational needs of our children. Special education and English as a second language programs as well as many co-curricular and extra-curricular activities service these many needs.

School News

June 26
PA Day

Remembrance Day dedication--Details

TCDSB Opens Parenting and Family Literacy Centres
The Toronto Catholic District School Board has opened eight new Parenting and Family Literacy Centres in its schools. An opening ceremony took place take place on November 20th at St. Dorothy Catholic School with Open Houses taking place at all locations the same day.  A large gathering of families from the St. Dorothy centre, TCDSB superintendents, trustees, Ministry representatives and the school’s parish priest were on hand to show support for the program.  The literacy centre prepares children, up to six years of age, for entering a formal school setting.  The program also enthusiastically encourages families to be active members of their children’s learning experiences.  These centres focus on language, numbers and social skills through play, music and reading. The following schools now have Parenting and Family Literacy Centres: Blessed John XXIII Catholic School, Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School, St. Barbara Catholic School,  St. Barnabas Catholic School, St. Charles Garnier Catholic School, St. Dorothy Catholic School, St. Wilfrid Catholic School, St. Francis de Sales Catholic School.  Parenting and Family Literacy Centres are school based programs where parents/caregivers and children, birth to six years of age, participate in play-based activities that focus on the development of early literacy and numeracy skills.  Regular centre hours vary from location to location. Centres at Blessed John, Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Barbara, St. Barnabas, St. Charles Garnier, St. Dorothy and St. Wilfrid are generally open in the mornings on regular school days, while the centre at St. Francis de Sales is open in the afternoons.

TAPCE Commissioning Ceremony and presentation of Principal of Excellence Award
The Toronto Association of Parents in Catholic Education recently hosted its annual TAPCE Commissioning Ceremony of Catholic School Advisory Council Liaison Representatives to the Toronto affiliate of the Ontario Association of Parents in Catholic Education. This celebration of Catholic education focuses on the support and encouragement TAPCE provides to parents and guardians of children in the school system. One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the 2006-2007 Principal Award of Excellence to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to their school to help ensure a quality education for his/her students. This individual is one who works collaboratively with parents, and who combines passion with the ability to lead, challenge and support dignity for an inclusive environment. This year’s nominees are: Rosanne Morris from St. Louis, Pasquale Tari from Blessed John XXIII, Linda Alonzi from St. Charles Garnier, Lenore Wesierski from Transfiguration of Our Lord, Gerard MacNeil from St. Agatha, Bill Zyla from Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, Jane Cramer from St. Victor, Wendy Agnew from St. Dorothy, Thad Baker from The Divine Infant, John Shea from St. Clare, Dianne Parwicki from Father John Redmond, Carmela Giardini from Mary Ward and Lillian Kurnik from Holy Angels.

School Learning Plan -- 2007-2008

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: