About Us
At St. Anselm Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.
St. Anselm Pride
Our school is named after St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury (c. 1033–1109), whose feast day is celebrated on April 21. Born in Aosta, Italy, St. Anselm was renowned for his deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. As a theologian, philosopher, and Church leader, he is remembered for his pursuit of faith seeking understanding, a principle that continues to inspire our school community. His legacy of scholarship, wisdom, and courage remains at the heart of St. Anselm Catholic School's rich tradition.
Our Philosophy
St. Anselm is a small school located in the Leaside area of Toronto. Our philosophy is based on the fundamental principal of fostering positive feelings of self-worth in the people. We take Pride in our school. We expect that all students will Participate in the school community, assume Responsibility for their actions, show Initiative, test themselves with Dignity and demonstrate concern for our Environment.
St. Anselm Virtues of the Month
September - Hospitality
October - Gratitude
November - Peacemaking
December - Charity
January - Courage
February - Love
March - Forgiveness
April - Justice
May - Compassion
June - Faithfulness
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
Our school contributes critically to the formation of our children in their faith life. In partnership with the home and parish, our students grow in knowledge of prayer, scripture and Catholic teaching.
Catholic Foundation
At St. Anselm Catholic School, Gospel values and the teachings of the Catholic Church are woven into every aspect of school life. Religious education, Family Life programs, and faith-based learning help students grow spiritually while developing a strong foundation in their Catholic faith. Throughout the year, students and staff participate in liturgical celebrations, food drives, daily prayer, and other acts of service. The school also welcomes regular visits from the parish priest and the Rosary group, strengthening the partnership between home, school, and parish.
St. Anselm offers programs from Kindergarten to Grade 8 that are aligned with the Ontario curriculum. We are committed to meeting the diverse needs of learners.
Enrichment
Enrichment activities, supported by a financial contribution by the Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) and significant community involvement, are a part of regular classroom programming. School trips, visiting theatrical and science groups are examples of enrichment in the school.
Special Education
St. Anselm Catholic School is committed to providing inclusive learning opportunities that support the diverse needs of our students. Through differentiated instruction, accommodations, and program modifications, students are supported in the learning environment that best promotes their success. The School-Based Support Team works collaboratively with families and specialized staff to identify student needs, develop appropriate strategies, and determine when additional assessments or supports may be beneficial.
Students with exceptional learning needs may receive support from special education teachers, educational assistants, and other specialized staff through classroom-based or small-group programming. Students who have been formally identified as “Gifted” attend a specialized program once a week at St. Monica Catholic School.
Fixed attendance boundary
Please note that St. Anselm Catholic School has a fixed attendance boundary. Schools with Board-established attendance boundaries do not permit registration of students outside those defined attendance areas. There is no waitlist for these schools.
Our School History and Tradition
St. Anselm School was opened in September 1939 with two classrooms. Miss Mary Breen was the first principal. The school is named after St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury. This renowned saint is an excellent role model for the students, as he personifies great courage and outstanding scholarship. Additions were built in 1943, 1947 and 1951. The library and gymnasium were added in 1966.
In 1997, the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) approved funds for the demolition of the 1938 and 1943 wings and the construction of a two-story addition. During the construction, all of the students were transported to 1107 Avenue Road, now the location of Marshall McLuhan High School. Staff and students moved back to the newly built and renovated school in May 1998.
St. Anselm Catholic School has a long tradition of excellence and continues to maintain strong ties with St. Anselm Catholic Church. We celebrate mass on a monthly basis, each classroom teacher takes the responsibility to organize a monthly mass.
