About Us
St. Barnabas Catholic School is a dynamic, faith-filled community that provides diverse learning opportunities and supports the growth and well-being of every student. Our dedicated, caring, and professional staff work collaboratively to foster student achievement, while our parent community plays an essential role in helping children grow intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Our mission is to nurture 21st-century learning, strengthen our environmental initiatives, and sustain a positive Catholic school culture. We strive to create a welcoming, eco-conscious learning environment where students are supported through clear learning goals, success criteria, and meaningful feedback.
At St. Barnabas, we believe that educating a child is a shared responsibility. Through the partnership of students, families, staff, parish, and the broader community, we work together to nurture a school culture rooted in Catholic values. We strive to live out our faith through our relationships with God, ourselves, and others, demonstrating compassion, respect, and a commitment to excellence in all that we do.
How We Meet The Diverse Needs Of Our Students
St. Barnabas Catholic School is a diverse and inclusive community where students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8 are supported in their growth as learners, people of faith, and responsible citizens. We celebrate the unique gifts of every student while nurturing their spiritual, academic, social, and emotional development through a strong partnership between home, school, and parish.
Faith is at the heart of school life. Through daily prayer, Religious Education, Masses, liturgical celebrations, Rosary recitations, and service opportunities, students are encouraged to live the Gospel values of compassion, respect, and responsibility. These values guide our relationships, learning, and approach to building a caring Christian community.
Academic excellence is a priority at St. Barnabas. Our dedicated staff work collaboratively to provide engaging, inclusive instruction that meets the diverse needs of all learners. Through differentiated teaching, ongoing assessment, and support programs such as Special Education and English Language Learner (ELL) services, every student is encouraged to achieve their full potential. As a Professional Learning Community, our staff continually refine instructional practices to enhance student learning and well-being.
Students benefit from a rich and balanced curriculum that includes literacy, numeracy, Science, Social Studies, the Arts, Health and Physical Education, and daily French instruction from Grades 1 to 8. Learning is enhanced through hands-on experiences, field trips, performances, special events, and a wide range of extracurricular opportunities.
Our athletic and music programs provide students with opportunities to develop teamwork, leadership, creativity, and school spirit. Through sports, clubs, and the arts, students build confidence while discovering and developing their individual talents.
Creating a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment is fundamental to everything we do. Our Safe Arrival Program, Code of Conduct, and progressive discipline approach promote responsibility, self-discipline, and positive relationships, ensuring that every student feels valued, supported, and included.
St. Barnabas also supports families through community-based programs and services that strengthen learning and well-being beyond the classroom. Together with our students, families, parish, and community partners, we continue to foster a caring, faith-filled school where every child is encouraged to grow, succeed, and thrive.
Our School History and Tradition
St. Barnabas Catholic School has proudly served families in the Markham Road and Sheppard Avenue area since 1973. Built during the early development of the Malvern community, the school grew alongside its neighbourhood. As enrollment increased, portable classrooms were added to accommodate students until a major expansion was completed in 1997. The addition included a new gymnasium, an expanded library, and a redesigned main entrance, providing enhanced learning spaces for the school community.
Our school is named after St. Barnabas, an early Christian disciple and missionary who worked alongside the Apostles and St. Paul to spread the Gospel. Described in Scripture as "a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith," St. Barnabas was known for his generosity, courage, and unwavering encouragement of others. Originally named Joseph, he was given the name Barnabas, meaning "Son of Encouragement," in recognition of his dedication to the early Church.
The example of St. Barnabas continues to inspire our school community. We encourage students to live with kindness, generosity, and compassion, supporting one another in faith and learning. His feast day is celebrated on June 11.
Prayer of St. Barnabas
Grant, O God, that we may follow the example of your faithful servant Barnabas, who seeking not his own renown but the well-being of your Church, gave generously of his life and substance for the relief of the poor and the spread of the Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.