St. Joseph's College School is an all girls, Catholic high school in downtown Toronto

Toronto

Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...

. It turned 150 years old in the school year 2004-2005, and is renowned for its academic excellence.

History and tradition

St. Joseph’s College School was founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph

Sisters of St. Joseph

The title Sisters of St. Joseph applies to several Roman Catholic religious congregations of women. The largest and oldest of these was founded in Le Puy-en-Velay, France...

 of Toronto in 1854--just three years after the first nuns from the order came to the city. Originally called “St. Joseph’s Academy for Young Ladies,” the name was changed to “St. Joseph’s College School, a Residential and Day School for the Higher and Primary Education of Young Ladies and Little Girls” when the school moved to Bay and St. Alban’s Street in 1863. In 1927, the school was renamed “St. Joseph’s College School” when it was moved to a building separate from the convent.

St. Joseph’s College has a long history of promoting girls’ and women’s education. In 1911, the school requested to be affiliated with the University of Toronto

University of Toronto

The University of Toronto is a public research university in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, situated on the grounds that surround Queen's Park. It was founded by royal charter in 1827 as King's College, the first institution of higher learning in Upper Canada...

--a request the then-president of the university, Sir Robert Falconer

Robert Falconer

Sir Robert Alexander Falconer, KCMG was a Canadian academic and bible scholar. He was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the eldest child of a Presbyterian minister and his wife. He attended high school in Port of Spain Trinidad while his father was posted there and won a scholarship to...

, granted. St. Joseph’s was officially tied to St. Michael’s College

University of St. Michael's College

The University of St. Michael's College is a college of the University of Toronto, founded in 1852 by the Congregation of St. Basil of Annonay, France. While mainly an undergraduate college for liberal arts and sciences, St. Michael's retains its Roman Catholic affiliation through its postgraduate...

, the Roman Catholic college of the University of Toronto, in 1912. This resulted in women being able to take courses at St. Michael’s College for the first time.

A Well-rounded education

At St. Joseph’s College School, students are encouraged to combine their academic curriculum with extra-curricular activities. The staff at St. Joseph’s College offer a wide range of after-school activities and students are strongly encouraged to choose an activity which meets their talents and interests. The school also offers a full time Extended French program.

Athletic Program

The Physical and Health Education Department and the Girls’ Athletic Association together run many intramural and competitive sports programs. Over the years, teams have enjoyed much success in the TDCAA leagues. Many of the school's graduates have continued their athletic success at the University and College level.

The Arts

The Arts Department at St. Joseph’s offers a full range of drama and visual arts courses along with an opportunity to explore the subject of vocal music. Drama students have showcased their dramatic talents by taking part in the Sears Ontario Drama Festival.

Gifted/Enriched Program

The Gifted/Enriched program at St. Joseph’s College School is open to any student who wishes to participate in the many activities offered. These include Encounters With Canada

Encounters With Canada

Encounters With Canada is a youth program operated by the Canadian Unity Council in cooperation with numerous Canadian government departments...

, the University of Toronto Mentorship Program, model United Nations conferences, Canadian Club Luncheons, Social Justice Week, Queen’s University Enrichment Studies Unit, and the TCDSB Gifted Conference. Additionally, students are able to take a variety of enriched-level and Advanced Placement courses to further advance their education.

The Chaplaincy Program

The Chaplaincy program at St. Joseph’s College School provides all staff and students with opportunities to grow in their Catholic faith through experiences of prayer, the sacraments, social action and Catholic leadership. The school chaplaincy team leader and the student chaplaincy team organize the student retreat program; plan all aspects of school liturgies; contribute to the annual Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day

Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth...

Assembly; and facilitate many other school projects, including the Pink Ribbon campaign, Thinkfast, Catholic Education Week, Respect for Life Week, Social Justice Week, Social Justice Outreach program and the Catholic Student Leadership Impact Team.