A Community of Learning
The
objective of the London District Catholic School Board is to develop in our
students a love of God, people and self, an appreciation of prayer and a moral
foundation to assist them as they journey through life.
Catholic schools provide a complete academic program in an environment
that integrates learning, religious instruction, Gospel values, and spiritual
formation into all aspects of the curriculum.
The schools have strong links to parishes.
The administrative, teaching and support staff are dedicated to teaching learners in a student-centered educational community. This philosophy nurtures values, skills and the ability to learn based on each student’s potential and is directly linked to well defined and measurable outcomes.
The London District Catholic school system has 50 elementary and 8 secondary schools providing a full range of education experiences from Junior Kindergarten through to the completion of secondary school. In addition, Continuing Education for adult learners is available. 23,000 students in the counties of Middlesex, Oxford and Elgin, including the cities of London, St. Thomas and Woodstock are educated in this school system.
The Board office is located in the City of London, a city of more than 350,000 people, in the heart of Southwestern Ontario. It is home to one of the country’s leading universities, the University of Western Ontario, and its affiliated Colleges, King’s, Brescia, Huron and Elborn and the Althouse Faculty of Education. It is also home to Fanshawe College and a world-class medical community.
In St. Thomas, can be found, some of this country’s finest manufacturers including Ford’s renowned “Crown Victoria” auto plant, Sterling Trucks, Magna Corporation and Canadian Timken.
Woodstock is known as the ‘Dairy Capital of Canada’ and is a thriving city in Oxford County. Strathroy Caradoc located in Middlesex is now the fastest growing community in that county.
Special Features of the School System
Early French
immersion is available at Holy Family French Immersion School (JK-Grade 8) in
Woodstock. A middle French
immersion is offered at St. Joseph French Immersion Program, London for Grades
4-8, with a secondary school immersion program available at Catholic Central
High School.
Artistically
and musically inclined students can attend grades 5-8 at St. Mary Choir and
Orchestra School, which offers a concentrated music and arts program.
The Centre for Excellence is the home of gifted education in the London District Catholic School Board. With a clear focus on inclusive education, this program promotes enrichment activities in the regular classroom setting, and assistance to teachers and school communities through meetings, workshops and presentations.
Students with special needs are welcomed and provided for in our school communities.
Special education programs and services are available in the system. A ground breaking ‘Early Identification Project’ identifies students who may require additional support in their early years in order to achieve success. English as a second language programs are also available.
Special emphasis is placed on programs for those who plan to go directly to the workforce. This includes programs like Aviation Technology, Communication Technology and the Construction Technology Work Experience Program.
Catholic Central High School offers an International Baccalaureate Program, and is one of only 76 schools in Canada approved to offer the prestigious program.
All
schools are equipped with audio visual, computer and library resources that
reflect today’s high-tech society and need for information.
Lifelong Learning Centres, located in London, provide adult learners with opportunities to pursue further studies in academic credit courses. English as a second language, heritage language, computer studies upgrades, and the adult basic education. Learning is a lifelong process.
Through the Religious Education and Family Life Program, a wholesome attitude toward life and learning is cultivated whereby values are derived from the rich traditions of the Catholic faith based on the teachings of Christ.
School Board Trustees and system employees serve on many municipal, charitable, social and institutional committees thus linking education more directly with the broader community. The Board’s Catholicity Advisory Committee, the Communications Advisory Committee and the District School Council, all with direct access to the Board of Trustees, have community representation.
Local Catholic School Councils are an integral part of the system whereby parents, teachers and members of the school community become involved in the education of students. As part of the decision making process, they bring their wisdom, knowledge and insight to the school.
The Catholic Church, through its many parishes, plays a significant role in connecting local schools with all parishioners thus strengthening the belief that the home, the school and the Church share equal responsibility for the education of the child.
The Board of
Trustees meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m
during the school year. The
public is welcome to attend.
Community Use of Schools
Some facilities are available outside of school hours. Permits are required. Please contact your local Catholic school for further information.
The Board provides efficient transportation in areas established throughout the school system. For further information, contact your local Catholic School Principal.
Assessment
All
Roman, Ukrainian and Greek Catholics may be Catholic School supporters.
In cases where a husband or wife is not Catholic, arrangements can be
made to enable the Catholic
spouse to direct taxes to the Catholic School System.
For assessment information, contact 663-2088.
Superintendents
Superintendents responsible for Finance, Program, Student Services, Information Technology and Secondary Schools are located at the Monsignor Feeney Centre for Catholic Education. They can be reached by calling 663-2088.
Trustees
For names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses for all current Trustees, please visit the Boardroom page on this site. Should you require additional information we invite you to call our administrative office at (519) 663-2088 or contact your parish priest or the school closest to where you live.
