Michael Power - St. Joseph Catholic High School is a co-educational school with an enrollment of over 1900 students. The school was founded by two religious communities: the Basilian Fathers and the Sisters of St. Joseph. In our school community, students meet Christ sacramentally in school and class liturgies, and come to know the "good news" in their theology classes. In pursuing scholarship, they come to an awareness and appreciation of God's creation.
The school year is divided into two full semesters. Our Special Education program is based on an inclusive model of support for students with a wide variety of learning needs including ME/DD students, students with a wide variety of identifications, and gifted students. Other noteworthy programs include the Extended French Program, the International Baccalaureate Program, our Co-operative Education Program, and our English as a Second Language (ESL) Program.
The athletic program encourages physical fitness and desirable attitudes towards sports and recreation. Art and Communications Technology students have several opportunities to participate in exhibits and performances. The student newspaper, the yearbook, peer ministry are popular activities. Students participate in many other clubs and a variety of sports. Involvement is characteristic of this school and new students should plan to participate.
Students wear a grey, white and navy uniform. The school colours are maroon and gold.
Both at the local department level and at the school level, programs and courses at Michael Power - St. Joseph are continually assessed and reviewed. Modifications are made to best serve the diverse needs of the student body. The historical Catholic tradition of service and commitment to Gospel values as demonstrated by our founding orders is clearly visible in all aspects of school life. Theology classes are a yearly requirement for all students from Grades 9 to 12. Each day begins with the anthem, morning prayer, and land acknowledgement. Grade level masses are held in the chapel at various points throughout the liturgical year, giving all students the opportunity to celebrate God's word with their peers at a more intimate and personal level. Peer tutoring, peer minister and mentorship programs for staff and students are available for those who are called to volunteer through Christian service to others. These programs are not limited to the school but reach out to others in the community as well.
A relevant and practical behaviour code is reviewed annually with input by student, parent and staff representatives. Modifications are made if needed and are communicated to all parties with clear and defined expectations. The physical layout of the school facility extends a warm and friendly invitation to all who enter. The chapel within the larger forum was intentionally designed as the focal point of the school. The colours and decor, the principal's gallery, the graduate's hall, the athletic wing, the honour roll and the scholarship list all contribute to the celebration of positive student achievement.
Michael Power - St. Joseph offers a multitude of program pathways to meet the needs and interests of students. Courses are offered at the Locally Developed and De-Streamed levels in Grade 9. Courses are offered at the Locally Developed, Applied, Open and Academic levels in Grade 10. Courses are offered at the Locally Developed, College, Mixed (College and University), and University levels in Grades 11 and 12.
The Special Education Department services to a wide range of students. The Resource Department oversees our MEDD Program, Learning Skills courses for students with an IEP, monitoring of students with an IEP, and enrichment opportunities for gifted students.
In addition, a number of specialty programs are offered at MPSJ. Our Extended French and International Baccalaureate Programs are renowned throughout the city.
Each year, discussions are held with all department heads and teaching staff to review and assess programming and to offer suggestions regarding new course proposals.
High standards of excellence are the tradition and continue to be the norm at MPSJ. The athletic and extracurricular achievements are too numerous to list. In 2018-2019, the school celebrated its 500th TCDAA championship. From swimming to skiing, golfing to wrestling, from the African-Canadian Heritage Collective to the science club, robotics to weightlifting, there is a sport or activity that is sure to catch the interest of the most discerning student. The list is almost endless!
Extracurricular activities and involvement play an important role in the development and education of a Power student. They promote a spirit of cooperation, teamwork, competitiveness, achievement and Power pride! Every student is encouraged to take part in at least one extracurricular activity.