Trafalgar Castle School
Encyclopedia
Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby, Ontario
is a private day and residential school for girls and young women in grades 5 through 12, but available for boarding since grade 7 . It was founded in 1874 as "Ontario Ladies' College", making it one of the oldest independent schools in Canada
.
, as a private residence in 1859. Reynolds was named after Lord Nelson
and named his castle Trafalgar in honour of the Battle of Trafalgar
.
The castle was the largest private dwelling in Canada until Casa Loma
was built. It cost Reynolds $70,000, which was an exorbitant sum; a home at that time was built for $2,000, and a bank complete with vault could be built for $5,000 to $7,000. Reynolds was a colourful character and a gambling man, and indeed it was gambling losses that reportedly forced him to sell his beloved home to the Methodists
in 1874 for the sum of $30,000.
The Methodists of that day were very interested in establishing higher learning institutions for young women. Rev. J. E. Sanderson convinced the Town of Whitby that this would be beneficial to its economy. James Holden, Esq. founder of the Dominion Bank, a local politician and businessman (with 5 daughters of his own) supported this idea. Sanderson and Holden were instrumental in raising the money and shares for the purchase of the castle and the establishment of Ontario Ladies' College.
Trafalgar Castle hosted its share of royalty and dignitaries through the years; both as Reynolds' residence, then as Ontario Ladies' College and now as Trafalgar Castle School.
Students gather in the Chapel each morning for presentations based on different themes, such as values or oral presentations with speakers for each theme each week, and singing on Fridays. At lunch, everyone gathers for a communal meal in the Dining Hall where announcements about student sports and daily events are made.
The current Head of School is Adam de Pencier. He holds a BA and MA from Queen's University, an MA from the University of Chicago, and an M.Ed from Columbia University.
Each student is assigned to a house upon arrival at Trafalgar, where they are to mingle and meet students within their house. Students accumulate house points for participation in academic and extracurricular activities. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins the House Cup.
In the 2009-2010 school year, the House Cup was won by Farewell. Over the past 5 years, the succession of House Champions has been Hare 05-06, Hare 06-07, Hare 07-08, Carter 08-09, Farewell 09-10, Hare 10-11
Whitby, Ontario
Whitby is a town in Durham Region. Whitby is located in Southern Ontario east of Toronto on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and is home to the headquarters of Durham Region...
is a private day and residential school for girls and young women in grades 5 through 12, but available for boarding since grade 7 . It was founded in 1874 as "Ontario Ladies' College", making it one of the oldest independent schools in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
.
History
The castle was built by Nelson Gilbert Reynolds, Sheriff of Ontario CountyOntario County
Ontario County is the name of a county in New York, and two historic counties in the Canadian province of Ontario as well as the former name of a county in Pennsylvania.*Ontario County, New York*Ontario County, Ontario*Bradford County, Pennsylvania...
, as a private residence in 1859. Reynolds was named after Lord Nelson
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson
Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, 1st Duke of Bronté, KB was a flag officer famous for his service in the Royal Navy, particularly during the Napoleonic Wars. He was noted for his inspirational leadership and superb grasp of strategy and unconventional tactics, which resulted in a number of...
and named his castle Trafalgar in honour of the Battle of Trafalgar
Battle of Trafalgar
The Battle of Trafalgar was a sea battle fought between the British Royal Navy and the combined fleets of the French Navy and Spanish Navy, during the War of the Third Coalition of the Napoleonic Wars ....
.
The castle was the largest private dwelling in Canada until Casa Loma
Casa Loma
Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style house in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, that is now a museum and landmark. It was originally a residence for financier Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. Casa Loma was constructed over a three-year period from 1911–1914. The architect of the mansion was E. J...
was built. It cost Reynolds $70,000, which was an exorbitant sum; a home at that time was built for $2,000, and a bank complete with vault could be built for $5,000 to $7,000. Reynolds was a colourful character and a gambling man, and indeed it was gambling losses that reportedly forced him to sell his beloved home to the Methodists
Methodism
Methodism is a movement of Protestant Christianity represented by a number of denominations and organizations, claiming a total of approximately seventy million adherents worldwide. The movement traces its roots to John Wesley's evangelistic revival movement within Anglicanism. His younger brother...
in 1874 for the sum of $30,000.
The Methodists of that day were very interested in establishing higher learning institutions for young women. Rev. J. E. Sanderson convinced the Town of Whitby that this would be beneficial to its economy. James Holden, Esq. founder of the Dominion Bank, a local politician and businessman (with 5 daughters of his own) supported this idea. Sanderson and Holden were instrumental in raising the money and shares for the purchase of the castle and the establishment of Ontario Ladies' College.
Trafalgar Castle hosted its share of royalty and dignitaries through the years; both as Reynolds' residence, then as Ontario Ladies' College and now as Trafalgar Castle School.
Student life
The school has about 200 day and boarding students; girls from grade 5 to grade 12, boarding students from many countries including Mexico, Korea, China, England, Spain, Nigeria, Jamaica, and Japan. The boarding program starts in grade 7. While the school was historically Methodist, students today are from all faiths.Students gather in the Chapel each morning for presentations based on different themes, such as values or oral presentations with speakers for each theme each week, and singing on Fridays. At lunch, everyone gathers for a communal meal in the Dining Hall where announcements about student sports and daily events are made.
The current Head of School is Adam de Pencier. He holds a BA and MA from Queen's University, an MA from the University of Chicago, and an M.Ed from Columbia University.
House system
Trafalgar Castle School is split into four houses: Maxwell (blue), Farewell (green), Hare (yellow,) and Carter (red). Each house was named after a prominent member of OLC/Trafalgar’s history: Annie Allison Maxwell, dean of OLC for 29 years, Reverend Francis L. Farewell, 2nd principal of OLC, Reverend John James Hare.Each student is assigned to a house upon arrival at Trafalgar, where they are to mingle and meet students within their house. Students accumulate house points for participation in academic and extracurricular activities. At the end of the year, the house with the most points wins the House Cup.
In the 2009-2010 school year, the House Cup was won by Farewell. Over the past 5 years, the succession of House Champions has been Hare 05-06, Hare 06-07, Hare 07-08, Carter 08-09, Farewell 09-10, Hare 10-11
Athletics
Trafalgar has teams of various age levels in the following sports:- Basketball - U20 - undefeated season 2010
- Running Club
- Field hockey
- Ice hockey
- Soccer
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Track and Field
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Clubs
Trafalgar offers many after school clubs such as:- FIRST Robotics(USFIRST Robotics Competition FRC Team 1547 http://www.usfirst.org
- FIRST Lego League Robotics Team (FLL)
- S.W.A.T. (Science Women And Technology)
- Z.A.P. (Zealous Art Promoters)
- Culture Club
- Knitting Club (Sit and Knit)
- Peer Mediation
- Bookworms
- GirlTalk
- Debating Society
See also
- Branksome Hall School
- St. Andrew's College
- St. Clement's SchoolSt. Clement's SchoolSt. Clement's School is an Anglican independent school for girls in Toronto, Canada. The school was founded in 1901 by Reverend Canon Powell, and was originally co-ed...
- Crescent SchoolCrescent SchoolCrescent School is an independent elementary and secondary boys school in Toronto, Canada. Established in 1913 by John William James, the school was situated in several locations in its early years. In 1933, Susan Denton Massey, the aunt of Governor General Vincent Massey, gifted land to the...
- St. Michael's College SchoolSt. Michael's College SchoolSt. Michael's College School is a private, all-boys Roman Catholic day school in Toronto, Canada. Currently administered by the Basilian Fathers, it is the largest school of its kind in Canada, with an enrollment of approximately 1,080 students from grades 7 to 12. St...
- Royal St. George's CollegeRoyal St. George's CollegeRoyal St. George's College is an independent school for boys located in The Annex neighbourhood of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The school admits boys from Grades 3 through 12. Founded in 1961 as an Anglican choir school in the tradition of the great collegiate and cathedral choir schools in England,...
- Upper Canada CollegeUpper Canada CollegeUpper Canada College , located in midtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada, is an independent elementary and secondary school for boys between Senior Kindergarten and Grade Twelve, operating under the International Baccalaureate program. The secondary school segment is divided into ten houses; eight are...
- Havergal CollegeHavergal CollegeHavergal College is an independent boarding and day school for girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Named for English hymn composer, author and humanitarian Frances Ridley Havergal, the school was founded in 1894 by a group of men led by The Honourable H...
- Ridley CollegeRidley CollegeRidley College is a co-educational boarding and day university-preparatory school located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, 20 miles from Niagara Falls...
- Lakefield College SchoolLakefield College SchoolLakefield College School is a coeducational boarding school located north of the village of Lakefield, Ontario, Canada.The school's motto is Mens Sana In Corpore Sano...
- CISAA