About Us
At St. Anselm Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.
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
Catholic Foundation
We support students’ faith formation in partnership with the home and parish, helping them grow in their knowledge of prayer, Scripture, and Catholic teaching. Gospel values are woven throughout school life through Religious Education, Family Life programs, daily prayer, liturgical celebrations, service activities, and other faith-based initiatives. Food drives, parish visits, and Rosary group activities further strengthen our Catholic community.
Enrichment
We extend classroom learning through engaging experiences supported by our Catholic School Parent Council (CSPC) and local community. Opportunities include school trips, visiting theatrical groups, and science presentations.
Special Education
We provide inclusive learning opportunities that respond to students’ diverse needs through differentiated instruction, accommodations, and program modifications. Our School-Based Support Team works with families and specialized staff to identify learning needs and develop appropriate supports. Students may receive assistance from special education teachers, educational assistants, and other specialized staff through classroom-based or small-group programming. Students formally identified as Gifted attend a specialized program once a week at St. Monica Catholic School.
Fixed attendance boundary
We have a fixed attendance boundary established by the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB). Students must live within the designated attendance area to register at our school. Students living outside the boundary are not eligible for registration and are not placed on a waitlist.
School History and Tradition
Opening in September 1939 with two classrooms and Miss Mary Breen as our first principal, St. Anselm Catholic School expanded over the years with additions in 1943, 1947, and 1951. In 1966, a library and gymnasium were added. A major redevelopment began in 1997, replacing the original wings with a new two-storey addition. During construction, students were temporarily relocated to 1107 Avenue Road before returning to the newly built and renovated school in May 1998.
We are named after St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, whose feast day we celebrate on April 21. Born in Aosta, Italy, St. Anselm was a theologian, philosopher, and Church leader known for his deep faith, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. His pursuit of “faith seeking understanding,” along with his courage and dedication to scholarship, continues to inspire our students and school community.
We have a long tradition of excellence and strong ties with St. Anselm Catholic Church. Monthly Masses are an important part of our school community, with students actively participating in celebrations organized by classroom teachers.
