
Our School
About Us
St. John Catholic school serves students from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8. We are a faith-filled school community committed to nurturing both academic excellence and social development.
Rooted in Catholic values, we strive to create a supportive environment where students can reach their full potential while embracing the Gospel message of peace, compassion, and social justice.
Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment
At our school, we believe that children thrive in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment. We foster a positive school culture where students of all abilities and backgrounds feel valued and supported. Our commitment to Catholic values is reflected in:
Building school life on Gospel values and Catholic teachings.
Integrating faith through religion, family life, and peace education programs.
Celebrating a strong sacramental program and meaningful liturgical events.
Encouraging student leadership and mentorship through cross-grade activities like shared reading.
Promoting peer mediation and anti-bullying programs.
Upholding a clear code of conduct with consistent expectations and consequences.
Teaching problem-solving and responsibility, supported by student role models.
Partnering with public health, police, and community educators to build awareness of media influence and Christian decision-making.
Supporting charitable efforts through fundraising, food drives, and community service.
Involving parents as active partners through the Parent-Teacher Community, who support and lead initiatives.
Supporting Individual Student Needs
We recognize that every student brings unique abilities, interests, and learning styles. To meet these diverse needs, we:
Use classroom assessments to identify individual learning needs.
Modify programs to support personalized learning.
Collaborate with the School-Based Support Team (SBST) to address concerns.
Provide individualized programs and support for exceptional students.
Use the Identification, Placement, and Review Committee (IPRC) process to establish appropriate special education services.
Integrate technology into the curriculum to enhance learning in math, science, and other subjects.
Expand access to technology-based learning and continue to build our digital resources.
Extend our computer literacy plan, supported by community-donated devices.
Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities
We offer a wide range of enrichment opportunities that support learning beyond the classroom:
School excursions and overnight trips.
Vocal and instrumental music concerts and festivals.
Musical and dramatic performances in school and the community.
Academic competitions, including chess and spoken arts.
A strong athletics program featuring soccer, volleyball, hockey, basketball, cross-country, track and field, and softball.

School History
In 1909, the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board) approved the opening of a classroom at 21 Main Street, East Toronto, initiated by Rev. George Williams. With just one teacher and 60 students, a tradition began—one rooted in faith, academic excellence, and strong partnerships between educators and families.
Key Milestones in Our History
1910: A new school building opens at 780 Kingston Road.
1918: The Sisters of St. Joseph join the teaching staff.
1949: The Congregation of Notre Dame assumes leadership with 350 students. Rev. Denis O'Connor plays a key role in advocating for a larger facility.
1952: The new school site is officially opened by Cardinal McGuigan.
1961: A new wing is added to accommodate a growing student body of 1,006.
1968: With enrollment at 1,300, a gymnasium and 12 classrooms are added.
1970s: Enrollment declines; Notre Dame uses the third floor.
1984: The school celebrates its 75th anniversary.
1995: Joint funding from the Metropolitan Separate School Board and the City of Toronto supports a schoolyard renewal.
2000: Corpus Christi Catholic School is consolidated with St. John.