About Us
Founded by the Franciscan Fathers, James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School is deeply committed to Catholic education. Our mission is to help students grow in self-awareness, understand their responsibilities to others, and recognize their role in the broader community. Catholic education extends this mission by guiding students to live in a way that reflects the life and teachings of Christ.
Faith and Personal Development
Catholic values are at the heart of our chaplaincy, religious studies, and guidance programs. Throughout the year, students participate in activities that build self-worth and social responsibility. Programs such as peer ministry and peer tutoring help students develop skills in:
Conflict resolution
Social interaction
Independent and creative thinking
Career Education
Career planning is an essential part of the student experience. Each grade receives a tailored program to help students build lifelong decision-making skills. Support includes:
Career counseling
Exhibits and presentations
Job shadowing
Interest inventories
Co-operative education
Academic and Individual Support
We offer a range of programs to meet diverse student needs:
Gifted education
Special education
English as a Second Language (ESL)
Computer education
Peer tutoring
Co-Curricular Life
Our vibrant school community is enriched by a variety of co-curricular activities. Students can participate in:
Academic and creative clubs (e.g., business, art, drama, mock trial, chess)
Athletics (e.g., soccer, volleyball, basketball)
Our Commitment
Our goal is to provide an environment that nurtures both spiritual and intellectual growth. With strong values, discipline, and a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, our students are prepared to face the challenges of a complex world with confidence and responsibility.
Our School History
James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School was established in 1982 by the Franciscan Fathers to serve students in the Keele and Finch area. Founded on the values of St. Francis of Assisi, the school embraces the motto “Ambulate in Dilectione” — “Walk in Fraternal Charity.” This guiding principle reflects the vision of hope that shaped Cardinal McGuigan’s ministry and personal life, and continues to inspire our students today.
The school began as a modest project with 14 portables, eventually expanding into a permanent building in 1984, along with additional portable structures. Over the years, the school has grown in both size and population, adapting to the changing needs of the local community.
To meet increasing academic demands, classroom spaces have been reorganized and remodeled. New science labs, computer labs, and communication labs highlight our commitment to scientific and technological education.