St. Michael's College School - Viewbook 2024-25

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VIEWBOOK

WHY SMCS?

We Have Been Turning Great Kids Into Good Men Since 1852.

Great gets all the glory. Good makes the world better. St. Michael’s College School educates the whole boy. It is not enough to be the smartest. Or the best athlete. The St. Michael’s boy learns to care for his community and its well-being. The St. Michael's boy strives to be a force for good in the world.

It's good to be great. But it's greater to be good. BE THE GOOD

“It’s changed who I am as a person, everything about this school. It’s made me a better student, it’s made me a better man, a better sibling, a better friend, a better son, and I couldn’t be happier to be where I am today.”

’24

THE GOOD UNDERSTAND THE ONLY WAY TO MAKE THE WORLD BETTER IS TO LEAN INTO EVERY DAY AND BE THE GOOD IN THE WORLD.

STUDENT LIFE

“If it wasn’t for St. Mike’s I wouldn’t have known that I could build such friendships across all grade levels, know so many people that I continue to be in contact with and how they really affected my life so much throughout this time here. St. Mike’s to me, is somewhere that I really found who I want to be and who I could become.”

XIAO ’24

“As

a SMCS mom of two boys, I am always so proud to tell people how fortunate they both are to be part of such an amazing brotherhood for the rest of their lives. Our graduating son Daniele will always stand proud as a St. Michael’s alumnus.”

MELISSA PAOLICELLI, parent

CLASS OF 2024

$360,000

University

University

THE GOOD KNOW HARD WORK, RESILIENCE, AND SELF-DISCIPLINE.

STUDENT BODY

750 Number of Students

80% Live in Toronto

20% Live in the Greater Toronto Area

105 Schools New Students Come From

78% Honour Roll (all grades)

X Aurora X Barrie X Bolton X Brampton X Brooklin X Burlington X King City

X Markham X Mississauga X Newmarket X Nobleton X Oakville X Pickering X Port Carling X Thornhill X Toronto X Unionville X Uxbridge X Vaughan X Whitby X Woodbridge

FACULTY & STAFF

“My experience at SMCS was invaluable and incredibly fulfilling. Our dedicated teachers consistently went above and beyond to cater to our academic needs, offering office hours and presenting us with thought-provoking

“We

believe our son is in good hands at SMCS, and we look forward to him achieving his best during his time as a student, to equip him with the requisite skills (both technical and soft skills) for his future career pursuits!”

THE GOOD HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND THE CURIOSITY TO NEVER STOP EXPLORING.

RIGOROUS ACADEMICS

We prepare our students for university success with a challenging and diverse curriculum featuring a Our programme is focused on educating the whole person

X Arts

X Biology

X Business Studies

X Canadian and International Politics

X Chemistry

X Civics

X Classical Civilization

X Computer Engineering and Robotics

X Computer Science

Music

Musical Theatre

Philosophy

Physical Health Education

Physics

X Guidance and Career Education

X History

X Integrated Technologies

X International Business

X Italian

X Latin

X Law

X Mathematics

X Media Arts

X Politics

X Religion

X Science

X Spanish

X Sports and Business Marketing

X Studies in Catholic Literature

X Technological Design

X Visual Arts

X Writer’s Craft

*Advanced Placement (AP): College level courses and exams as approved by the College Board, and which align to the Ontario curriculum.

“St.

Michael’s competitive atmosphere and challenging athletic teams have inspired me to become the best athlete I can be. The school has motivated me to achieve a higher level in sports and taught me to never give up on my goals and always keep pushing.”

’24

DIVERSE ATHLETICS

The athletics programme at St. Michael’s College School features 19 different inter-school sports and fields 50 competitive teams. In addition to competitive sports, students also have the opportunity to participate in many different intramural sports

X Alpine Skiing — U14, Varsity

X Badminton — Varsity

X Baseball — Varsity

X Basketball — U14, Junior DI & DII, Senior

X Curling — Varsity DI & DII

X Cross Country — U13, U14, Novice, Junior, Senior

X Football — U14 Flag, Junior, Senior

X Golf — Junior, Senior

X Hockey — U14 (Blue, White), Junior (Blue, White), Senior

X Lacrosse — U14, Junior, Senior

X Rugby 7s — Junior, Senior

X Snowboarding — U14, Varsity

X Soccer — U14, Junior, Senior

X Softball — U14

X Swimming — U14, Varsity

while the tennis programme has instilled teamwork, resilience, and determination. Together, they’ve shaped me into a well-rounded individual ready to take on the many challenges of university.”

’24

“I decided to take a risk and transfer to SMCS at the beginning of Grade 11, hoping that a change in environment would reignite my passion for music. This decision proved to be the right one, as the energy in the room was vibrant and alive, completely reactivating my motivation to practice music.”

NATHAN SMITIUCH ’24

THE ARTS

Our arts programme develops a student’s sense of culture, creativity, and independence. It encompasses the departments of media art, music, visual art, and dramatic arts.

MUSIC

X Grade 8 Band

X Grade 9 Beginner Band

X Grade 9 Advanced Band

X Grade 9 and 10 Trip Band

X Grade 10 Symphonic Band

X Intermediate Jazz Ensemble

X Liturgical Choir

X Liturgical Ensemble

X PEP Band

X Sr. Concert Band

X Sr. Drumline

X Sr. Jazz Combo

X Sr. Jazz Ensemble

X Sr. Trip Band

DRAMATIC

X Drama Production (Fall)

X Broadway-Style Musical

MEDIA

X Photography

X Filmmaking

X Advertising

X Mass Media

X Communication Techniques

X Social Media *For Grades 11 and 12 only

VISUAL

X Media and Digital Art

X Painting

X Sculpture

X Drawing

X Art History

“I joined the VEX Robotics Club as it provided me with an opportunity to continue to develop my passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The club also allowed me to develop my creativity, teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills in a supportive environment.”

12

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES

Clubs and activities at St. Michael’s College School provide an opportunity for everyone to engage with their peers outside of the classroom, with more than 60 options from which to choose. Whether it is learning something new or honing an existing skill, students explore, discover, build confidence, share ideas, make new friends, and have fun!

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

X African Canadian Youth Group

X Anime Club

X Art Club

X Asian Association

X Aviation Club

X Blue Angels (Altar Serving)

X Blue Anglers (Fishing)

X Blue Beacon (Student Newspaper)

X Blue Knights (Chess)

X Blue Pixels (Video Gaming)

X Blue Theologians

X Blue Tunes (Music/Record Club)

X Board Games Club

X Business Leadership

X Challenge Award (Gr. 7 & 8)

X Common Earth

X Computer Science Club

X Croatian Club

X Debate Club

X DECA

X Diversity, Anti-Racism, and Inclusion Student Committee

X Duke of Edinburgh Award

X Dungeons and Dragons

X ESports

X Financial Literacy

X French Club

X Global Ideas Institute

X Good Shepherd Refuge

X Greek Club

X Guitar Club

X Human Dignity Project

X Irish Club

X Italian Club

X M Squad

X Mahjong Club

X Media Arts/Photography

X Milk Bag Mat Club

X Model United Nations

X Modern Man Movement

X Music Production

X Peer Tutoring

X Politics Club

X Prefects

X Reach for the Top

X Reading Olympics

X Rock Climbing Club

X Scottish Club

X Senior Math Club

X SMCS Cuisine

X South Asian Association

X Spanish Club

X St. Michael’s Mechanics

X St. Mike's Study Buddies

X Stock Market Club

X Student Ambassadors

X Student Government

X Theatre Stage Crew

X Toastmasters Club

X Tower Media (Live Events)

X Tower Media (Video Announcements)

X VEX Robotics

X Wellness Team

X Yearbook Club

THE GOOD KNOW THERE'S SOMETHING BIGGER THAN THEMSELVES.

FAITH & SPIRITUAL LIFE

The teachings and traditions of the Catholic faith form the foundation of school life at St. Michael’s College School. Spiritual Life is present, prioritized, and practiced in a myriad of ways and is embodied in the presence of the Basilian Fathers.

FAITH & SPIRITUAL LIFE RESOURCES

X Basilian Priests

X Spiritual Life Coordinator

OBSERVANCES & LITURGICAL

CELEBRATIONS

X Advent in the Courtyard Prayer Service

X Advent Mass

X Ash Wednesday Mass

X Daily Mass

X Daily Morning Reflection & Prayer

X Feast of St. Michael Mass

X Graduation Masses

X Mother & Son Masses (Gr. 7-11 & Gr. 12)

X Outdoor Education Masses

X Reconciliation (Advent & Lent)

X Staff Masses

X Student Retreat Masses

X Turkey Roll Alumni Reunion Mass

X Virtues of the Month

X Year-End Mass (Blessing and Commissioning Mass)

“SMCS has had a large impact on my commitment to serve. Serving our community is what makes us a great school. Everyone at SMCS believes in giving back. At SMCS, teachers and administration are very involved within the community, and they set a great example for all students.”

JAMES SIMONE ’24

THE GOOD SEE ALL PERSPECTIVES AND HAVE THE COURAGE TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT.

COMMUNITY & CHRISTIAN SERVICE

Service to others, whether through big acts or small, is a key focus at St. Michael’s College School. Our programme offers each student an unfiltered view of the world, expanding their knowledge and deepening their understanding of their neighbourhood, local and broader communities, and society at large.

40 Required hours of Community Service

20 Required hours of Christian Service and a Christian Service Project

“As a student at St. Mike’s, discovering that OOTC (Out of the Cold) originated from my school gave me a

IN 2023-24

750 Student Participants

400 Parent Participants

60 Staff Participants

35 Total Events

SINCE 2017

5,666 Student Participants

2,050 Parent Participants

514 Staff Participants

179 Total Events

“It was inspiring to witness the collective resilience and determination in the room, and I left feeling empowered

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & LEARNING

The Community Engagement and Learning programme at St. Michael’s College School actively builds on the rapidly evolving world by further fuelling discovery, exploration, deeper student

X Dwight Donald ’90 — Career Day Speaker

X Gerald Commissiong ’01 — Science Breakfast Keynote Speaker

X John Donkor — Moot Court Judge

X Adrian Bilyk ’01 — Moot Court Judge

X Roman Mamalyga ’76 — Motivational Speaker (Career Studies)

“Our family cannot say enough about the support this past year from the staff, alumni, and student body at St. Michael’s College School. It is truly a special place filled with enthusiastic teachers, devoted, staff, generous alumni, and a compassionate student body.” THE ANNESE FAMILY

THE GOOD LOOK INWARD AND FIND STRENGTH. THEY LOOK AROUND AND SHOW RESPECT AND EMPATHY.

STUDENT WELLNESS & LEARNING SUPPORT

Prioritizing student well-being is integral to how we form young men at St. Michael’s College School. While academic success is important and a contributing factor to student wellness, overall well-being is much more than assignments, assessments, and exams.

RESOURCES

X Arts

X Athletics

X Guidance Counsellors

X Intramurals

X Learning Enrichment Centre

X Learning Strategists

X ParenTalks

X Principal Blogs

X Wellness Team

X Clubs and Activities

X Safe Officers

X School Social Worker

X Spiritual Life Coordinator

X Student Affairs Department

X Teacher Advisory Groups (TAG)

STUDENT WELLNESS

Social and emotional support

(individuals and groups)

Crisis and safety planning

Consultation with community resources and outside professionals

Classroom programmes

Facilitative teaching

SCHOOL-WIDE PROGRAMMING

Bullying Awareness and Prevention Week

Respecting Differences

Anti-Racism Committee

Mental Health Awareness Week

Cellphone Disconnect to Connect Week

CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMMING

“Every

single teacher and coach that I interacted with at SMCS had an enormous impact on helping me become the person that I am today.”

MENTORSHIP & LEADERSHIP

Education today no longer takes place solely in a classroom. Rapid technological advances, digital tools and smart devices have expanded the learning arena in new and novel ways.

St. Michael’s College School has several programmes that develop key skill sets for student success in post-secondary pursuits and beyond within a rapidly evolving world.

MENTORSHIP

X Enhances experiences and knowledge

X Provides structured initiatives, interactions, and opportunities

X Optimizes educational experiences, social growth, and confidence

X Leverages SMCS talent and resource pool

X Reinforces belonging to the school and community

X Provides opportunities to learn and refine networking and presentation skills

X Allows exploration, research, and pursuit

Community Engagement and Learning

SMCS Alumni Association

SMCS Parents’ Association

Student Affairs Department

Teacher Advisory Groups (TAG)

Alumnus-athlete to student-athlete
Outdoor Experiential Education
Archangel’s Den Alumni Entrepreneur Contest

“St. Michael’s provided me with a great education, an incredible athletic experience, and countless memories, but most of all, it gave me access to an exclusive community. The St. Michael’s network is one of the greatest resources a graduate has at their disposal. These networking events allow graduates, both young and seasoned, to leverage this network for mentorship, friendship, or business purposes.”

ANDREW GIDARO ’02

ALUMNI

SMCS Alumni Association Connects Past with the Present. Alumni Relations is a core component of the Office of Advancement and serves as the first point of contact between the alumni and St. Michael’s College School. It offers the chance to reconnect with the school and fellow alumni.

INTERESTING FACTS

16,876 Alumni

34 Countries where alumni live

5 Alumni Association past presidents continue to serve

6 Alumni Association directors are current or past parents

6 Alumni City/Country Chapters (3 in North America/3 International)

5 Alumni Canadian University Chapters

61 Alumni Volunteers

4 Alumni Association directors are sons of alumni

ALUMNI EVENTS

X Alumni bi-monthly meetings

X Alumni Information Series

X Alumni Networking

X Alumni Spring Reunion & BBQ

X Alumni Turkey Roll & Reunion

X Archangel’s Den Alumni Entrepreneur Contest

EVENTS

Whether it’s at Homecoming or Advent in the Courtyard, the St. Michael’s College School community has countless opportunities to connect with each other through many special events happening throughout the year.

X Academic Awards Night

X Advent in the Courtyard

X Athletic Awards Banquet

X Big M Lottery & 50/50 Raffles

X Blessing & Commissioning Mass

X Career Day (Grade 11)

X Christmas Concerts

X Club Bluenote

X Fall Drama

X Father & Son BBQ

X Graduation Formal

X Grade 12 Graduation Exercises

X Grade 12 Retreat

X Grade 7 & 8 Dance

X Grade 8 Graduation Exercises

X Homecoming

In 2023-24, 85 parents and 61 alumni volunteered their time and expertise to assist with the multitude of school events.

X Mother & Son Mass and Brunch

X Open Houses

X Order of St. Michael

X ParenTalks

X Parents’ Association Fundraiser

X Parents’ Association monthly meetings

X Prospective Family Breakfasts

X Shadow Days

X SMCS Annual Golf Tournament

X Spring Concerts

X Spring Musical

X University Information Fair

X Welcome Days

Philanthropy at St. Michael’s College School plays a key role in supporting a wide range school experiences, opportunities, and events for the students for years to come.

Donations from SMCS families, alumni, and community keep us at the forefront of the students’ education. We truly appreciate all our donors, alumni, families, and friends.

IN 2023-24

$1.7 Million awarded in financial assistance

51% of all donations were from new donors

67% of all donations were to named financial assistance awards

50% of all donations are from alumni

53 Donors who have consecutively donated for 10+ years

31 Number of years one donor has consecutively donated

2,864 Number of financial assistance awards since 2002

122 Students who received financial assistance in 2023-24

$31.6 Million awarded in financial assistance since 2002

ARENA

45,000 square feet

Single-pad

1,000-seat capacity

CENTRE FOR THE ARTS

440-seat capacity

23,000 square feet

Lobby & event space

Muzzo Art Gallery

CAMPEAU LECTURE HALL

CHAPEL

Spiritual hub for staff and students

50-seat capacity for daily Mass and quiet reflection

ENZO MONTEMURRO FITNESS FACILITY

Strength and conditioning centre

ATHLETIC STADIUM

Eugene Melnyk Sports Field

Artificial grass

1,000-seat capacity

30,000 square foot winterized dome

Side practice field

400-metre rubberized track

Shot put and Discus area

CAMPUS & FACILITIES

St. Michael’s College School updates and enhances the facilities available to students and faculty across campus on a regular and continual basis. Many of these spaces feature state-of-the-art technology, relevant resources, and equipment within bright, inviting workspaces. This engaging environment allows students to better create, collaborate, think critically, and enhance their communication skills to become future-ready learners.

300,000

Learning space square footage

11 Acres of campus

GYMNASIUM

Paul Dignan regulation sized basketball court

Double gym

14,000 square feet

500-seat capacity

FULL-SERVICE CAFETERIA

Hot and cold breakfast and lunch options

MPORIUM School Store

shopSMCS.com

ODETTE LIBRARY LEARNING COMMONS

3,400 square feet

12,000+ circulating books

400+ e-books

3 collaboration rooms

FR. HENRY CARR, CSB FARM

100-acre property

Farmland and retreat house Conference Centre

Chapel

“St. Michael’s is a lifelong community of supportive individuals who help each other achieve their goals. It’s a brotherhood in every sense of the word. The school focuses on developing and educating well-rounded young men. It’s a place where you can develop life-long friendships and relationships. Most of my best friends today were among my best friends at St. Mike’s.”

KEVIN ’92 & RYAN ’97 WILLIAMS

HISTORY & TRADITION

The storied history and tradition that laid the foundation for St. Michael’s College School as we know it today began in another country two centuries ago.

MISSION

In the tradition of the Basilian Fathers, we educate young men in Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge for a life of leadership and service in faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

VISION

We graduate young men who will change the world through lives of faith, character, and service.

MOTTO

Psalm 118:

“Teach me Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge”

ST. BASIL

4th Century Greek bishop, teacher and theologian known for his work with the poor

VOCATION

Education and evangelization

MODEL OF TEACHING

Educate the whole person in mind, body, and spirit

3 BASILIAN HIGH SCHOOLS

SMCS, Detroit Catholic Central (Detroit), and St. Thomas High School (Houston)

Congregation of St. Basil founded in France

Formal affiliation with University of Toronto

1950 Relocated to Bathurst St. and St. Clair Ave.

1967 Partners with Metropolitan Separate School Board

1985 Returned to fully independent high school status

1990s Facility expansion

1998 Reintroduction of Grades 7 & 8

2010 Centre for the Arts opens

2015 SMCS acquires Fr. Henry Carr, CSB Farm

“SMCS is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I cannot describe how grateful I am for the opportunity to attend the school. The school teaches you to think independently, be confident, be a good person, stand up for what you believe in, create a plan and execute it.

St. Mike's gives you the tools to create a path for a successful future but allows you to create the path that you choose. They let you make mistakes to teach you responsibility and accountability for all your actions.”

ADMISSIONS & APPLYING

GET TO KNOW US

X Family Meetings

X In-person Tours

X Online videos

X Open Houses

X Shadow Days

X 3D Virtual Tour

EXPERIENCE OUR SCHOOL

X Centre for the Arts events

X Homecoming

X ParenTalks

"Over the course of our months-long process, St. Michael's made our entire family feel wanted; inviting us to many school events throughout the academic year including one-on-one opportunities for our son.

St. Michael's presents itself as a well-rounded school which considers the whole boy and his individual development. In the end, we couldn't justify sending our son anywhere else."

SMCS parents of Grade 9 student

US

BE THE GOOD

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