About Us
At St. Charles Garnier Catholic School, we encourage children to develop their individual gifts and talents and, at all times, to seek to promote Gospel values. Through a Christ-centered vision and in partnership with our parents, parish and local community, we continue to embrace our goal: a welcoming school community where all members can learn, grow, and succeed.
Our Vision
Developing the literacy and numeracy skills of our students is the focus of our academic programs. We are part of a learning community that must provide a safe and secure environment, and foster character attributes such as respect and responsibility while improving student achievement. Teachers, students, parents, Parish, administrative staff and school partners all work together to create activities that enhance children's learning.
Nurturing Our Catholic Faith Community
As a community of faith and learning, we pride ourselves on nurturing the spiritual, intellectual, physical and social growth of each community member. We have a strong connection with our local parish, St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church, and we engage in daily prayer, monthly masses, Virtue of the Month, the Living Rosary, school assemblies, and various other liturgical activities to develop and nurture our Catholic Faith Community.
Supporting Student Learning
At St. Charles Garnier, we strive to create a safe, welcoming, and supportive school environment based on our Gospel values, where our students can flourish. Our students, have various learning styles, interests, needs, and skills; as a result, we strive to create meaningful and authentic learning opportunities and experiences for our students so that everyone can achieve success. Our goal is to create a school environment where all students can mature in academic and interpersonal skills, supported by staff and by each other. We value a collaborative and student-centered approach to teaching and learning, where students are able to showcase their skills, motivated to learn, and strive to achieve their goals.
Our School History and Patron Saint
St. Charles Garnier Catholic School first opened in 1973 as a collection of portables where farm fields used to be. The school building was completed for the opening of the 1975-1976 school year and the student population grew very rapidly. At one time there were over 730 students! We recently celebrated our 50th Anniversary and it was a wonderful time to come together as a St. Charles Garnier Catholic School family, both past and present.
Our school is dedicated to St. Charles Garnier, who was one of the renowned group of Canadian Martyrs. A Jesuit priest from Paris, France, Father Garnier arrived in the mid-17th century to Canada. He served for the rest of his life as a missionary among the Huron, never returning to France. Father Garnier was killed during an attack on the Petun village where he was living, as he tried to help others. He gave his life trying to help others hear and believe the teaching of Jesus.