About Us
St. Norbert Catholic School is dedicated to excellence in education and to the spiritual, intellectual, emotional and physical development of the whole child within the framework of Gospel values, in the tradition of the Catholic Church.
Nurturing Catholic Community: Through prayer, worship, liturgy, and action, we will encourage and strive to strengthen the children’s relationship with God and with one another as respected and responsible members of society.
Learning and Achievement: Through the unique talents and learning styles of each child, we will teach fundamental skills while promoting critical thinking, teamwork and ownership of learning.
Building Capacity to Lead and Learn: Through stewardship education, social justice teaching, creative and expressive arts, academic and athletic participation, leadership training, technology integration, and community service projects, we will strive to promote the growth and development of the whole child.
School History And Tradition
St. Norbert Catholic School first opened its doors to 126 students on Tuesday, September 7, 1965. As the school was not yet fully completed, students were bused daily to St. Robert Catholic School on Bainbridge Avenue. Both schools were part of St. Charles Borromeo Parish. In early November, 128 students, the principal, secretary and four teachers (Grades 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8) moved into the completed St. Norbert Catholic School.
The school was officially opened and blessed on March 16, 1966, along with a statue of St. Norbert obtained from the Norbertine Monastery in De Pere, Wisconsin, U.S.A. The statue remains in the school's front hall. St. Norbert Church celebrated its first Mass in 1968, and the school was named School of the Year in 1969. During the 1970s, enrolment exceeded 400 students. In 1990, the school celebrated its 25th anniversary, recognizing the many accomplishments of its students.
Many graduates return to express their appreciation and pride in attending St. Norbert, and a number of current students have parents who are alumni. The school is named after St. Norbert, who devoted his early life to worldly pleasures before experiencing a change of heart and becoming a priest. He preached penance, founded the Premonstratensian order at Premontre, became Archbishop of Magdeburg in 1125, led significant reforms, and died on June 6, 1134. The school honours St. Norbert each year on his feast day, June 6.
St. Norbert Catholic School is located in an established North York community bordered by the DeHavilland Air Force Base and near Yorkdale Shopping Centre. Bus transportation is provided for many students living south of Wilson Avenue and north of Highway 401.