About Us
Affectionately known as The Shrine, our school has been a second home to students, families, and staff for over 70 years. As the first Catholic school in Scarborough, we are proud of our long-standing tradition of excellence in Catholic education.
Academic Excellence
Our dedicated staff deliver curriculum in line with Ministry of Education guidelines, with a strong focus on mathematics, science, and technology. We work closely with parents to support each child’s academic growth.
Co-Curricular Activities
We offer a wide range of extracurricular programs to enrich student life:
Athletics:
Softball
Soccer
Volleyball (Junior and Intermediate)
Basketball
Primary Indoor Soccer
Cross-Country
Track and Field
Clubs & Activities:
W5H (Junior and Intermediate)
ECO Club
Spirit Movers Dance Troupe
STS Showstoppers Drama Club
Living Our Catholic Values
St. Theresa Shrine fosters a vibrant Catholic community where academic, artistic, and athletic pursuits are grounded in Gospel values. Catholic teachings are woven into daily life through:
Religious instruction and family life education
Liturgical celebrations (Mass, Reconciliation, Stations of the Cross)
ShareLife campaigns and food drives
Spirit Movers spiritual dance club
Christmas Adopt-a-Family program
Parish sacramental preparation
School History
St. Theresa Shrine Catholic School opened in September 1952. Many of the first students came from the closing St. Joseph’s Convent School on Cathedral Bluffs Drive. Sister Yvonne, who had served as principal at St. Joseph’s, became our first principal.
At the time, St. Theresa was Toronto’s easternmost Catholic school, with some students commuting by Greyhound bus from Highland Creek and Pickering.
Early Milestones
The school’s first year was filled with memorable moments. Two blue spruce trees were planted in the front yard and named after students Patricia and Paul. A hedge was also planted around the school’s perimeter—parts of which still remain today.
In 1966, a new addition was built to meet the needs of a growing community, including a gymnasium and library.
Our Patron Saint
Our school is named after St. Theresa of Lisieux, also known as The Little Flower of Jesus. Her feast day, October 1, marks our first school Mass each year.
A cherished tradition at St. Theresa Shrine is the Grade 8 Graduation Mass, where students honour their mothers with a rose in tribute to St. Theresa’s legacy of love and humility.