About Us
At St. Denis Catholic School, a Catholic environment permeates the daily life of the school. Formal religious instruction occurs daily. Beyond this, dignity and respect for each other is fostered in ongoing interactions.
How We Meet the Diverse Needs of Our Students
The school responds to the varying needs of students (i.e., intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional, social) in the following ways:
Incorporation of gospel values into the daily life of the students.
A focus on maintaining a safe, welcoming school environment through a positive behaviour code.
Peer mediation, conflict resolution and guidance programs, and a safe arrival program.
Instrumental music program, strings and ukulele.
An outstanding vocal music program.
An extensive co-curricular and extracurricular program such as choir, swim team, hockey team, soccer, volleyball, basketball, flag football, chess club, W5H, house leagues and more.
Participation in Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) inter-school sports events.
An effective homework policy that supports academic growth.
An active group of parent volunteers whose work supports students and teachers.
Host school placement for students at the Faculty of Education, University of Toronto.
Effective communication through school and classroom newsletters, student agendas, curriculum evening, school performances.
Modified programs, use of computers to facilitate writing, open ended activities to meet varying learning styles, and cross-peer tutoring.
Alternate programs (gifted program, resource room).
Strong technology supports:
netbooks in intermediate classes, computer lab, computers and smart boards in all classrooms.
The curriculum is enriched for all students through a variety of educational excursions including: overnight stays for the intermediate division, artist-in the-school programs, theatrical experiences and more.
At St. Denis Catholic School, we continue to develop and promote initiatives to ensure a high level of success for students in literacy and numeracy which include:
Direct instruction in phonics, grammar, spelling and reading strategies as well as reading and writing buddies and daily reading.
A primary grade book bag program which promotes shared reading.
The use of the arts and computer technology to enhance reading and writing skills.
Increased direct instruction time in math.
School History and Tradition
St. Denis Catholic School opened in September 1966 and is named after St. Denis, the first Bishop of Paris and patron saint of France, who was martyred for his faith at Montmartre. At the school's official opening on March 22, 1967, it was also dedicated to Rt. Rev. Denis O'Connor, a devoted pastor, educator, and former Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board) trustee who served St. John's Parish from 1932 to 1966.
For decades, St. Denis Catholic School has built a strong reputation for providing a well-rounded Catholic education that integrates Gospel values with academic excellence. The school is committed to strong literacy and numeracy instruction while offering a balanced curriculum in the arts, science, technology, social studies, and other subject areas, helping students develop the knowledge and skills needed for lifelong learning.