About Us

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PA Day Activities

At St. Sebastian Catholic School, we pride ourselves on the strong partnership that exists among the home, the school and the parish.

In a school community formed by Catholic beliefs and traditions, our mission at St. Sebastian Catholic School is to educate students to their full potential by providing:

• Leadership in the shared responsibility for education that exists among school, students, families, parishes, and community.

• A safe and welcoming learning environment that is an example of Christian community.

• Role models of Gospel values and Catholic doctrines, teaching and beliefs.

• Guidance in what students need to learn.

• Instruction in the learning process itself.

• Religious, academic, and technological instruction.

• Integration of Catholic, Christian beliefs into the total learning experience.

• Feedback on students’ proficiency and performance.

Daily prayers, liturgies, masses, mission projects, Advent, Christmas, Lenten and Easter activities are some of the public manifestations of our Catholicity. The visible externals such as religious murals, papal flag, crucifixes, icons and prayer centres indicate to students, parents, staff and visitors our Catholicity. Ongoing activities involving building bridges, peace education and peer mediation enhance the Catholic dimension.

Safe arrival procedures are in place and a code of behaviour for all students has been approved by parents and staff. New and innovative programs related to technology are envisioned. Staff has been in-serviced in a new school-wide mathematics program. Computer activity is being increased as additional funds are expended, and staff take both formal and informal upgrading programs.

Staff have developed social studies and science school plans for all grades and grade combinations from Grade 3 to Grade 8. Program outcomes are designed to meet the learning needs of the students collectively and individually. Techniques such as employing peer tutoring, cooperative learning, small group instruction, cross-divisional tutoring and team teaching allow for beneficial program modifications.

The specialized talents and resources of the teacher librarian, English as a Second Language and special education staff are employed to assist all staff, students and parents. Activities such as video club, chess club, instrumental music, computer club and drama club, provide opportunities for enrichment and learning in areas of personal interest.

 Many of the diversified needs of our students are met by agents and agencies representing Catholic Children's Aid Society, Toronto Board of Health, Earlscourt, Toronto Art Therapy Institute and Student Services Personnel.

The congregation of the Sons of the Immaculate Conception arrived in Canada from Italy in 1968, with a mission to serve the rapidly growing Italian community in Toronto. Its ministry began in the Bloor-Dufferin area, working from St. Anthony Church with hopes of establishing its own parish nearby as soon as possible. In 1970, the order purchased a former Protestant church and the parish of St. Sebastian was created at 20 Pauline Avenue. Shortly afterwards, the clergy enlisted the assistance of the Metropolitan Separate School Board (MSSB) - now the Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) - to build a separate school to accommodate the high number of Catholic children living in the vicinity - primarily the area northwest of Dufferin and Bloor Streets.

 In 1972, St. Sebastian Catholic School began its first year of teaching, operating from and sharing facilities with J.J. McGrand (now St. Mary Catholic Academy). The students were all bussed from within the boundaries of Dufferin, Lansdowne, Bloor, and Dupont.

The construction of a permanent building for St. Sebastian began in 1978, and in 1979 the student population was being educated in its own self-contained structure, sharing the school grounds with Pauline Public School. The official school opening was in May 1980. The school proudly celebrated its 25th anniversary in May 2005.

Over the years the enrollment increased, with the majority of children being of Italian and Portuguese backgrounds. However, many diverse cultures have contributed to and enriched St. Sebastian’s identity. Since its earliest years, St. Sebastian has offered its students the International Language Program, a program which develops and instills pride in one’s ancestry and culture. In fact, St. Sebastian was the first school to administer an International Language program, initially funded by the Italian Consulate and then by the Ministry of Multiculturalism.

As well, St. Sebastian was one of the first schools to successfully operate a shared facility site with a public school. Throughout its years, St. Sebastian has consistently striven to provide a well-balanced and solid education to its students, and to meet the needs of the Catholic children in the area.