The front of the St. John Henry Newman school building.

About Us

We are proud to welcome students and families to St. John Henry Newman Catholic High School, a vibrant Catholic learning community committed to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personal development.

Our Mission

We are committed to nurturing the intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development of every student. Rooted in Gospel values, our school fosters a Christ-centered community that encourages students to:

  • Grow in faith and truth

  • Embrace the values of Jesus Christ

  • Live a life of service guided by the Holy Spirit

  • Become responsible, compassionate, and engaged citizens

Academic Excellence and Student Support

We offer a wide range of programs to meet the diverse needs of our students:

  • Enriched Courses, Advanced Placement, Extended French, English as Second Language, and Gifted Programs

  • Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM)

  • Strong Technological Studies and Science programs

  • A tradition of excellence in the Arts: Drama, Music, and Visual Arts

  • Comprehensive Athletics Program

  • Cooperative Education and OYAP opportunities

  • Individualized education planning and resource support

  • Leadership development through:

    • Chaplaincy

    • Student Council

    • Athletic Association

    • Grade 9 Orientation Retreat

    • Camp Olympia

    • Peer Helping

    • Community outreach

The front of the school building

Co-Curricular Life

Our vibrant co-curricular programs are central to student life and development:

  • Peer counselling and tutoring to support personal and academic growth

  • Competitive sports teams (e.g., rugby, basketball, racquet sports) and inclusive intramural programs

  • Diverse clubs and activities: Hype Dance, Reach for the Top, snowboarding, skiing, and more

  • Strong Arts involvement:

    • Art shows

    • Annual music concerts

    • Drama productions ranging from Broadway musicals to serious theatre

These opportunities allow students to explore their talents, build confidence, and contribute to a dynamic school community.

Living Our Faith

Faith is at the heart of everything we do. Our Catholic vision is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is reflected in:

  • Daily prayer and monthly Eucharistic celebrations

  • Religious education integrated across the curriculum

  • School-wide service initiatives such as:

    • Christmas food baskets

    • Scar Trek

    • Respect for Life Week

We encourage students to live out their faith through acts of compassion, justice, and service.

Our Campus and History

Located on a stunning 45-acre campus overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario, our school shares its grounds with St. Augustine’s Seminary.

  • Opened in 1973 as Cardinal Newman Catholic High School, it was one of the first Catholic high schools in Toronto to be fully staffed by lay Catholic educators.

  • Renamed to St. John Henry Newman Catholic High School in honour of our patron saint.

  • A pioneer in inclusive education, Newman was one of the first schools in the TCDSB to pilot integration programs for students with special needs.

A Tradition of Innovation

We have a long-standing reputation for innovation in Catholic education:

  • Among the first to introduce peer counselling, mediation, electronic keyboarding, and communications technology.

  • Featured in a video by the Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association for excellence in integrating Catholic values into curriculum.

Our Namesake

Our school is named after St. John Henry Newman, a renowned author and founder of the Oxford Movement, whose life and work inspired many to the Catholic faith. His legacy of faith, intellect, and service continues to guide our mission.