About Us
At St. Andre Catholic School, we are strongly committed to literacy and numeracy, which provide a foundation of skills for future learning. The diversified needs of our students are defined by culture, economics, multicultural, social and emotional needs. Our intent is to provide a community where the Gospel teachings form the core of what we do every day.
Our mission is To Love, To Learn, To Serve the Lord.
At St. Andre, we strive to nurture:
A Catholic, safe, and welcoming environment.
A Code of behaviour and social skills program, so that our students know what is expected of them.
Technology and computer literacy skills that will serve our students well in their learning journey through the years.
Diverse co-curricular programs that reflect the diverse interests of our students.
Catholic environment
Daily prayer in classroom, class and school liturgies.
Religious centres in each classroom.
Banners, crucifixes and other visual reminders of our faith tradition.
Use of new revised standard Bibles in upper grades.
Culturally diverse staff and clergy provide role models for students.
Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) Mission and Vision statements are prominently displayed.
Safe arrival program provides for a phone call home if a student is absent.
Well coordinated supervision by staff before, during and after school.
Code of behaviour
Focuses on self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others and the environment.
Developed through consultation with students, parents and staff.
Reflects gospel values and a positive healing approach to discipline.
Classroom rules are discussed each term and are displayed in each classroom.
Social skills programs provide students with opportunities to develop positive responses and responsibilities when dealing with feelings, conflict and problem-solving.
Services of child and youth workers, part-time guidance counselor, social worker.
Technology, computer literacy
Program modification such as paired reading, remedial groups, classroom volunteers.
Ongoing school-based support team assists staff with modifications.
Respectful of cultural differences through the use of multicultural materials.
Staff meets regularly to discuss and update curriculum initiatives.
Integration of computer skills within the regular school program on class computer.
Co-curricular programs
Participation in all aspects of TCDSB athletics (including volleyball, baseball, track and field).
Involvement in public speaking, young authors celebration, W5H, science exposition.
Visits to local businesses, firestation, historical sites (Gibson House, Pioneer Village).
Excursions to reinforce science, social studies and language arts themes to places such as Ryerson Theatre, Puck's Farm, Bata Shoe Museum, Midland and Ontario Science Centre.
Our School History and Tradition
On October 5, 2014, the students and staff of St. Philip Neri and St. Gerard Majella Catholic Schools said farewell after 61 years and 44 years of Catholic education. Families gathered at St. Philip Neri Church for the closing Mass, which was followed by receptions at each of the schools. The students would be moving their studies to a new home at St. Andre Catholic School.
St. Gerard Majella Catholic School: St. Gerard Majella Catholic School was first built as a relocatable school and opened in the fall of 1971. It was a 12-room complex, including four classroom pods, a library, as well as a kindergarten and administrative area. In response to population growth, a permanent building was constructed as one of the first “open area concept” schools, with two large classroom pods downstairs and one large area upstairs. The building was completed in time for the commencement of the 1971 school year. The official opening ceremony and solemn blessing of the school took place on June 4, 1972.
St. Philip Neri Catholic School: St. Philip Neri Catholic School opened in 1953 on 20 Wardlaw Avenue. In response to population growth, a new school building was opened in 1960, with an addition in 1966. The older building is affectionately named the Annex. Students from St. Philip Neri and other schools were taught there until it was closed a few years ago. With area development, the street name was changed to Beverly Hills Drive. The current school houses 20 classrooms, a gymnasium and a library.
