About Us
At St. André Catholic School, we are committed to fostering strong foundations in literacy and numeracy that support lifelong learning. We celebrate the diversity of our students and strive to meet their academic, social, emotional, cultural, and economic needs.
Our mission is: To Love, To Learn, To Serve the Lord.
St. André is dedicated to providing:
A safe, inclusive, and faith-filled Catholic learning environment.
Clear behavioural expectations that promote self-discipline, respect, and responsibility.
Strong technology and digital literacy skills to support modern learning.
A wide range of co-curricular opportunities that reflect student interests and talents.
Catholic Environment
Catholic faith is woven into daily life at our school through prayer, liturgies, religious symbols, and a strong commitment to Gospel values. Guided by the teachings of the Gospel, we aim to build a welcoming Catholic community where faith is central to daily life.
Student Behaviour and Well-Being
Our Code of Behaviour emphasizes self-respect, respect for others, and care for the environment, while positive behaviour and restorative approaches help students build healthy relationships and resolve conflicts. Student safety and well-being are supported through daily attendance monitoring, staff supervision, and access to child and youth workers, guidance staff, and social workers.
Teaching and Learning Support
We use differentiated instruction and targeted supports, including small-group learning, paired reading, and remediation, to meet diverse learning needs. Our School-Based Support Team works with staff to develop appropriate strategies, while multicultural resources and technology help create an inclusive and engaging learning environment.
Co-Curricular Programs and Experiences
Students are encouraged to participate in a wide range of athletic, academic, and creative opportunities, including volleyball, baseball, track and field, public speaking, Young Authors, W5H, and science fairs. Excursions and community experiences further enrich learning, with visits to local businesses, historical sites, cultural institutions, and destinations such as Gibson House, Black Creek Pioneer Village, the Bata Shoe Museum, and the Ontario Science Centre.
Our School History and Tradition
On October 5, 2014, the communities of St. Philip Neri and St. Gerard Majella Catholic Schools came together to say farewell after many decades of Catholic education. A closing Mass was held at St. Philip Neri Church, followed by school receptions, as students prepared to continue their education at St. André Catholic School.
St. Gerard Majella Catholic School first opened in 1971 as a relocatable facility before moving into a permanent open-concept building that included classroom pods, a library, kindergarten, and administrative spaces. The permanent school was completed in time for the 1971 school year and was officially blessed and opened on June 4, 1972.
St. Philip Neri Catholic School opened in 1953 on Wardlaw Avenue and expanded in 1960 and 1966. The original building, affectionately known as “the Annex,” continued to serve students as the neighbourhood developed and Wardlaw Avenue was renamed Beverly Hills Drive. Over time, the school grew to include 20 classrooms, a gymnasium, and a library.