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 variety of co-curricular activities that enrich student life, including softball, soccer, volleyball, basketball, indoor soccer, cross-country, and track and field. Students can also participate in W5H, ECO Club, Spirit Movers Dance Troupe, and 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, welcoming many students from the closing St. Joseph’s Convent School. Sister Yvonne, its former principal, became St. Theresa’s first principal. At the time, it was Toronto’s easternmost Catholic school, with some students travelling by Greyhound bus from Highland Creek and Pickering.
The school’s early years included the planting of two blue spruce trees named after students Patricia and Paul, as well as a perimeter hedge, parts of which remain today. In 1966, a new addition with a gymnasium and library was built to support the growing community. Named after St. Theresa of Lisieux, known as The Little Flower of Jesus, the school celebrates her feast day on October 1 with its first school Mass. A cherished tradition is the Grade 8 Graduation Mass, where students honour their mothers with a rose in recognition of St. Theresa’s legacy of love and humility.