Join the Legacy of the Loretto Sisters FROM THE EARLIEST YEARS of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary (IBVM), our founder, Mary Ward, and her companions engaged in the works of education, particularly education of women—no easy feat in the 1600s! 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 “There is no such difference between known for excellence in education and went on to establish men and women that women private schools in various areas of Ontario. Schools were may not do great things… established in Toronto, Guelph, Niagara Falls, Hamilton, and women in time to come will do much.” Lindsay and in Sedley, Saskatchewan. ~ Mary Ward 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, the Venerable Mary Ward continues to inspire and challenge young women today. OUR LORETTO STUDENTS cherish the crest that they proudly don everyday. The crest is kept close to their hearts as a reminder of their mission in their academics and in their lives, reflected in our motto cruci dum spiro fido—In the Cross, while I breathe, I trust. Principal’s Welcome Hello and welcome to all our prospective students and their families. My name is Erica Wilson, and I am the Principal at Loretto College School. Located in the heart of St. Clair and Dufferin, we are a small, yet vibrant community. Choosing the right high school is an important decision for our young people who are discerning about and navigating which path will be the best course of action as they continue to on their educational journey. Loretto College School is a small community with a big heart. In our 100 plus year history, we have a tradition of providing students with a safe, caring, and welcoming environment that challenges students academically, shapes them emotionally, and guides them spiritually. We are committed to preparing students for success in secondary school and their post-secondary destination. Recognizing that grade nine, the first year of high school, is critical in building foundational skills, LCS students have the advantage of working with excellent teachers and support staff to further develop their academic skills in the areas of literacy, numeracy and critical thinking. Our S.T.E.A.M. specialty program for example, offers students in Grades 9 and 10 with enrichment opportunities in specialized subject areas such as Math, Science, Technology and the Arts. New this year, we are excited to announce a new S.H.S.M. program to students in Grades 11 and 12. We now offer a S.H.S.M. program in both Health Care and Arts and Culture industries. At Loretto College School, the well-being of all our students is paramount. Given our small size, Grade 9 students benefit directly from the support of our senior leadership students who facilitate multiple opportunities and activities that help to further build community amongst the students. Finally, LCS is steeped in rich history and tradition. 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 to excel and meet their God-given potential to become well-rounded and productive citizens in society. I invite you to spend some time perusing the information that you receive from this booklet and encourage you to contact me if you have any questions. On behalf of the Loretto College community, I hope that what we have to offer at LCS is what you are looking for in a high school. 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 An all- girls’ school is designed to support girls and offers the following advantages for your daughter2: 1. Academic Success 3. Science, Technology, 4. Shattering Glass Ceilings A school’s curriculum that is Engineering, Arts and Math At all-girls’ schools, the role designed to complement girls’ (STEAM) models for leadership and citizenship learning styles helps young Girls’ school grads are 6 times more in all aspects of school life— women attain academic likely to consider majoring in math, academics, athletics, arts and achievement in a wide array of science and technology compared to community—are girls. This sets high subjects. Studies have shown that girls who attend coed schools. expectations for students and 3 girls in single-sex schools perform Compared to their coed peers, girls’ provides limitless opportunities. better than girls in co-ed schools, school grads are 3 times more likely regardless of socio-economic and to consider engineering careers. “Accomplishments—whether big or ability levels.2 Girls’ Schools are a key factor in small, public or private—are valued lessening the declines in by everyone,” says Elizabeth Falco, 2. Builds Self-Confidence performance and attitudes in Canadian Liaison for The National An all-girls’ education adds many subjects such as Math when Coalition of Girls’ Schools. “Girls have 4 opportunities to shine and to foster compared to coed schools. a strong sense of themselves and sisterhood and self-expression. At a their capabilities and are 3 girls’ school, a girl occupies determined to make a difference.” every role: every part in the play, every seat on the student government, and every position on every team. Not only does she have a wealth of avenues for self- Simply put, girls’ schools teach girls exploration and development, she that there is enormous potential and power in also has an abundance of peer role 1 models.1 In addition, “93% of girls’ being a girl. school grads say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than peers at coed schools and 80% have held leadership positions since 2 graduating from high school.” 1http://www.ncgs.org/CaseForGirls.aspx 2Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools 3http://www.ourkids.net/school/discover-the-benefits-of-all-girls-education 4Megan Murphy, Executive Director of National Coalition of Girls’ Schools https://goo.gl/bHkkha 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 its 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. The team focuses on meeting the needs of students by bridging the gap between elementary and secondary school, forging mentoring relationships, and providing students with academic and emotional support. Resource Personnel, Child and Youth Workers, and Educational Assistants, all of whom are committed to student success, complement this team. We believe that all students, including those who have been identified with exceptionalities, have the right to full and active participation in our community. Our inclusive model facilitates this, allowing all of our students to develop to the best of their abilities. Through the necessary accommodations and, or modifications, our students are successful, whether their goal is apprenticeship, college, community living, university or workplace.