Principal's Welcome
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Principal’s Welcome Dear Parent or Guardian, Welcome to Loretto College School (LCS)! I am pleased that you have taken this time to explore our school as your daughter’s future secondary school. This is an opportunity for us to highlight the incredible academic and extra-curricular activities that LCS offers its students. In our 100-year history, we have a tradition of providing students with a safe, welcoming environment that challenges them academically, shapes them emotionally, and guides them spiritually. In keeping with the vision of the Sisters of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary – the Loretto Sisters – we pride ourselves on nurturing young women by affirming the words of Mary Ward, “There is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things… women in time to come will do much.” We are committed to preparing students for success in secondary school and their post-secondary ventures. Recognizing that grade nine, the first year of high school, is critical in building foundational skills, LCS students have the advantage of a deliberate focus on literacy and numeracy skills development, including a math clinic that runs daily. Additionally, through the work of our peer men- tors, each grade nine student is paired with a student mentor who supports her throughout the school year. This mentorship program begins in the summer before grade nine during a Reach Ahead Program that LCS offers incoming grade nines to prepare them for secondary school. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce, the Ministry of Education has selected Loretto College School to provide the Specialist High Skills Major in the area of Health and Wellness. Our state-of-the- art facility and program planning allow students who are interested in Health and Wellness to specialize in this field while in secondary school, earning unique diploma distinction and certifications. Additionally, our Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) program, offers subject enrichment in grades nine and ten to our students. Most recently, we have embarked on the path toward Advanced Placement with the goal of offering our incoming grade nine students the opportunity to write Advanced Placement Exams in grade 12. Truly the opportunities at LCS are exciting! I invite you to spend some time perusing the information you have received here and encourage you to contact me should you have any questions. I look forward to welcoming your daughter to the Loretto College School community in September 2018. Sincerely, Vince Russiello Principal Open House Agenda “There is no such difference between men and women that women may not do great things… women in time to come will do much.” ~ Mary Ward Welcome Ms. R. Leone Prayer Ms. M. Denisco “O Canada” LCS Band Principal’s Welcome Mr. V. Russiello Reflections of Grade 9 Cristiana Fernandes, Grade 9 Student Reflections of LCS Paolina Loseto, Grade 12 Student Panel Presentation LCS staff members Closing Comments Ms. R. Leone School Tour: We hope you enjoy the opportunity to visit different classrooms, talk with faculty and students, and learn more about all that Loretto College School has to offer. Specialist High Skills Major (SHSM): Health and Wellness Main Entrance Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Cooperative Education Main Entrance Communication Technology Room 129 Dance Studio (Gymnasium) Drama Room 120 English Learning Commons English as a Second Language Learning Commons French Learning Commons Geography and Family Studies Room 118 History Room 117 Library Room 215 Mathematics Room 128 Music Room 105 Physical Education Gymnasium You will also find displays highlighting the following: Religion Room 106 Science—Biology and Health Care Room 208 Chaplaincy Chapel Science—Chemistry and Physics Room 207 Leadership Atrium Special Education—ME/ID Room 116 School Action Team Atrium Special Education—Resource Room 303 Student Council Atrium Visual Arts Room 102 Me-to-We Room 303 The Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Loretto Sisters From the earliest years of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our founder, Mary Ward, and her companions engaged in the works of edu- cation, particularly education of women. The five Loretto Sisters who first came to Toronto from Ireland in 1847 opened the first Loretto School in North America with nine initial boarders. The traditional “free school” for the children of St. Paul’s Parish followed soon after. The Loretto Sisters became known for excellence in education and went on to establish private schools in vari- ous areas of Ontario. Schools were established in Toronto, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, and Lindsay and in Sedley, Saskatchewan. After the Separate School Act of 1863, the Loretto Sisters went out daily to teach in a variety of urban and rural Separate Schools throughout Ontario and Saskatchewan. Today, the IBVM ministry of education continues to evolve in response to the needs of the times. Loretto Sisters continue to be educators in very diverse settings; these include: Education for justice, peace and integrity of creation, Educating for personal growth and leadership through workshops and presentations in various community and parish settings, Serving the Catholic Community as Diocesan Directors of Religious Education, Teaching in University and Seminary settings, Educating for Christian formation through RCIA and scripture study, Teaching English as a second language to refugees and newcomers to Canada Loretto College School is very proud to be part of this over 400 year educational legacy and are proud to be partnered in sisterhood with over 100 schools worldwide. Truly, Mary Ward continues to inspire and challenge young women today.1 1Quote from http://www.ibvm.ca/about/mary-ward What Do Girls' Schools Do Best? A lot. Whether they want to be astronauts, ambassadors, or accountants, girls need to know — not just think, but really know, deep down in their gut — that nothing can stand in their way. Girls' schools send that message to girls every day.1 Girls can learn math, science and computers just as well as boys do. An all-girls’ school is designed to support girls and offers the following advantages for your daughter2: 1. Academic Success 2. Identity Awareness and 3. Shattering Glass Ceilings A school’s curriculum that is Confidence At all-girls’ schools, the role designed to complement girls’ While many young girls are models for leadership and citizen- learning styles helps young caught up in doubt, gossip and ship in all aspects of school life— women attain academic self-consciousness, an all-girls’ academics, athletics, arts and achievement in a wife array of school an provide an community—are girls. This sets subjects. Studies have shown that environment to foster sisterhood high expectations for students girls in single-sex schools perform and elf-expression. Girls are able and provides limitless 2 better than girls in co-ed schools, to pursue areas of their choice opportunities. regardless of socio-economic and and interests, surrounded by 2 2 ability levels. strong role models as examples. “Accomplishments—whether big or small, public or private—are The Proof of Peers valued by everyone,” says By subtracting boys, an all-girls’ Simply put, girls’ Elizabeth Falco, Canadian Liai- education adds opportunities. At schools teach girls that son for The National Coalition of a girls’ school, a girl occupies Girls’ Schools. “Girls have a strong every role: every part in the play, there is enormous sense of themselves and their ca- every seat on the student pabilities and are determined to government, and every position potential and power in make a difference.”3 on every team. Not only does she being a girl.1 have a wealth of avenues for self- exploration and development, she also has an abundance of peer role models.1 1Quoted paragraph from http://www.ncgs.org/CaseForGirls.aspx 2Quoted paragraph from http://www.ourkids.net/school/top-benefits-of-all-girls-schools.php 3Quoted paragraph from http://www.ourkids.net/school/discover-the-benefits-of-all-girls-education State-of-the-Art Facilities Completed in 2005, “Loretto College School was designed to replace a historic downtown Toronto Catholic Girls Secondary School, serving as the new home” to accommodate the growing student population. It was at this new building that Loretto College School celebrated it’s 100th anniversary in 2015. “The design emphasis is on being “transparent” and “visible”, and therefore, “secure”. This fosters co-operative excitement about learning and showcases all programs and opportunities available for its students.” The layout minimizes our ecological footprint enabling students to appreciate God’s firmament as they learn. Our “Atrium is visually connected to the surrounding classrooms, student amenities, administration, and teacher/community resources. The school provides a comforting level of security, as well as a sense of drama in a nurturing, academic environment.”1 Our science labs, gymnasium, Atrium, Chapel, arts studio and brightly lit classrooms provide students with a rich environment where nothing is impossible. 1Images and quotations from http://scottarch.ca/portfolio/loretto-college-school/ Supporting Student Success The Loretto College School community is built on our Catholic Gospel values, which are the foundation of our school philosophy – Cruci dum spiro fido – Throughout my life, I shall place my hope in the Cross. It is for that reason – our commitment to being witnesses of our faith – that we nurture the spiritual and religious development of all members of our community. Our commitment to our religious journey is marked by several important community-building traditions, including daily prayers, regular school masses, and liturgies. In addition, we have an active Chaplaincy Team and Peer Ministry that provide support to our community as we nurture the development of the whole child. In conjunction with our Chaplaincy Team, Loretto College has an active Student Success Team. This team is comprised of Administrators, Guidance Counselors, our Student Success Teachers, and Literacy and Numeracy Lead Teachers.