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

101 Van Horne Avenue, North York, Ontario M2J 2S8

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History & Tradition

St. Matthias Catholic School began as a relocatable portable school in 1972 with a total enrollment of 94 pupils. In 1974, a permanent building was erected. Our community takes great pride in the appearance of the school and property. In 1995 the Catholic School Advisory Council purchased trees for the yard to provide beauty as well as shade for the children during the warm summer months.

The school was named for the apostle Matthias. Following the ascension of Jesus into heaven, the apostles met in Jerusalem to choose a replacement for Judas, the traitor. After much consideration, they narrowed the choice to two men, one of whom was Matthias. The apostles prayed and asked the Lord to help them choose wisely. They then drew lots and the decision was made. Matthias became the new apostle and worked hard to spread the word of God to many people. The enemies of Christ, however, became furious at the successful endeavours of Matthias and put him to death. The school always remembers his feast day, May 14, with special celebrations.

Over the years, St. Matthias School has established strong ties with St. Timothy Parish to which it belongs and the other neighbouring schools of the parish. Many of our student graduates continue with their secondary education at Brebeuf College or St. Joseph Morrow Park Catholic Secondary School.

How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students

St. Matthias School provides a learning environment where models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teachings and beliefs are an integral part of the daily life of the school. A Catholic environment is evident in the religious education and family life programs at all levels, both formal and informal daily prayers, displays throughout the school, liturgical and paraliturgical celebrations and participation in a variety of charitable endeavours. All members of the St. Matthias School community are expected to interact with each other respectfully and in a peaceful manner. Our school is also developing programs from junior kindergarten to grade 8 which are consistent with Ministry of Education documents. All of the classroom curriculum is adapted by the teachers to meet the varying needs of our pupils. Programs consist of a combination of teacher-directed and student-directed instruction as well as large, small group and individualized instruction.

The individual needs of our pupils are met through the modification of the regular program within the class setting, the delivery of special education programs, family studies and technology, instrumental and vocal music classes, computer literacy programs, French as a second language instruction and English as a second language classes. A computer centre in the library and computers in individual classes provide the students with the opportunity to become computer literate and to use the computer as a tool in their daily lives.

St. Matthias Catholic School also offers a rich co-curricular program which includes public speaking celebrations, science, math and technology fairs, entry into a variety of sports tournaments such as baseball, volleyball, basketball, cross-country and track and field events; participation in academic tournaments such W5H, town hall meetings and poetry in the park, visual arts and music presentations and chess.

Our Parent Handbook outlines a code of behaviour and a dress code as well as other valuable information which pertains to the organization and operation of the school. Our safe arrival and dismissal policy assists us in ensuring that all our students are accounted for.

As a school community, we are committed to providing all our students with learning experiences that will best equip them to live productive and happy lives in a complex and challenging world and to apply Catholic values in their choices and opportunities.

School News

Japan Professors Visit St. Matthias
On November 5, three professors from the University of Hyogo, Japan, met with Marilena Antonini and Tony De Ciantis, day principals and also Supervising Principals for the International Languages Program, Elementary. 

The professors are conducting a study on International Languages and the model of delivery. They were interested in observing " best practises" in order to design programs that achieve high levels of student proficiency. They were particularly interested in the teaching of the Chinese, Vietnamese and Tagalog languages.

In Japan, the model of International Languages has recently emerged and there is a believe that in order to address 21st century global leadership it is also necessary to provide students with access to foreign languages beginning at a young age. The experience was very positive for them as they had a chance to observe many teaching practises.

It was also a positive experience for us because it allowed an opportunity to reaffirm that we are indeed stimulating excellence even in the area of foreign languages.

School Calendar 2012

Professional Activity Days 2012

• January 27, 201
• February 17, 2012
• June 1, 2012
• June 29, 2012

PA and Exam Day Calendar 2011-2012

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2011-2012

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2010-2011

School Learning Improvement Plan -- 2009-2010

Safe School Plan -- 2010-2011

EQAO Assessment Results

EQAO: