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

Both vocal and instrumental students participate in performances at the school level, and in Board and City-wide festivals. Our choirs sing for the residents of St. Paul L’Amoreaux Seniors Centre during Advent, an event which is a treat for both the seniors and the students. As well, weekly choir practice includes preparation for the songs we will use at mass.

St. Maximilian Kolbe does not only provide a rich arts curriculum. In keeping with our mandate to teach the whole person, we also are involved in a number of inter-school athletic activities, from badminton to volleyball. In addition, we have a strong tradition of involving all students in our House League program. This allows every student to develop game and sports skills in an environment which stresses active and co-operative involvement. In support of the recently mandated Daily Physical Activity, St. Max has created a Health Action Team involving staff and students. Our Team’s continued goal for this year is to improve the health and fitness level for the entire school. This involves goals in physical, social and emotional health for all of the children here.

As part of our DPA, the whole school meets every morning in the gym for real opening exercises. Led by student members of the HAT, we all, staff, students and any visitors, move in a variety of ways – to different music and exercise videos, or to a set of activities. Each division is also involved in special presentations by health officials, on topics touching nutrition, games and self-esteem.

Our students also have a history of high achievement in provincial standardized testing, significantly exceeding Board and provincial averages. Indeed, for the EQAO tests of May 2006, our school ranked highest in all of the Scarborough schools in our Board. This reflects their dedication to learning, as well as the consistent striving for excellence from our parents and staff. 

While we have a small student population, we have a very full and rich learning and living environment, and are able to offer our students relatively smaller class sizes. Because of our numbers, each student is known to all staff, creating a safe and welcoming place for young people to grow. At St. Maximilian Kolbe, all students are invited to “Maximize the Mind” in a caring and Christian community. Along with our parents and parish, we prepare our students to experience life in all its fullness, and to become active citizens as adults. We exemplify the old adage:  

Good things come in small packages.

 Much of our activities incorporate physical activity into other aspects of the curriculum. Some examples are our Houseleague system, and the number of school competitive teams we are able to field in spite of the limited numbers of students at St. Max. Staff feel that the involvement in the sport, the joy movement and exertion give to the body, the camaraderie which builds on any team and the sense of well-being which comes from achieving personal athletic goals, make the investment in time and energy all worthwhile. Thanks so much to all our staff volunteers!

Activities Throughout the Year