School type Catholic High school Area trustee Angela Kennedy
Ward 11 Principal Jolanta Hickey Province Ontario Number of students 698 (2016–2017) | Superintendent John Shanahan
Area 6 School number 501 / 738115 Phone +1 416-393-5501 Founded 1941 | |
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Motto Leadership, Excellence and service in a dynamic environment
Ubi Honor Ibi Sum
(Where there is honour, there am I) Address 12 Malvern Ave, Toronto, ON M4E 3E1, Canada District Toronto Catholic District School Board School board Toronto Catholic District School Board Similar Neil McNeil High School, Jean Vanier Catholic, Francis Libermann Catholic, Loretto Abbey Catholic, Marshall McLuhan Catholic | ||
Notre Dame High School (also known as NDHS, Notre Dame H.S., Notre Dame, or simply Dame) is an all-girls Roman Catholic secondary school in Toronto founded by the Sisters of the Congregation of Notre Dame. Notre Dame is one of 31 high schools run by the TCDSB and one of six all-girls schools, and currently has an enrollment of 698 students. The school's patron saint is Marguerite Bourgeoys.
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History
In 1941, the Congregation of Notre Dame founded Notre Dame High School to provide excellence in education for young Catholic women. Up until recently, the Sisters of the Congregation have been teaching at the school throughout its long history. The school has grown over the years such as in 1963, O’Connor Hall was built as the second building of the school; the first being the main building. In the 1970s, Notre Dame had a total of 1,111 students, and moved into the second and third floors of the neighbouring St. John Catholic School. Currently, the school uses three buildings, but only part of the third floor of St. John’s.
In 1967, the school reached an agreement with the Metropolitan Separate School Board (now the Toronto Catholic District School Board), placing the Grade 9 and 10 students would be under the publicly funded separate school system and Grades 11, 12, and 13 would continue by the Congregation. In 1984, the government started funding the last three years of high school and by 1987, Notre Dame was ceased as a private school, joining the board in the process.
Notre Dame underwent two accommodation reviews due to excessive overcrowding and its site size of an acre due to lack of playing field and the use of St. John's third floor. First in 2001 when the board attempted to acquire additional land for the construction of a larger school, then again in 2009 when the board attempted to relocate and/or consolidate Notre Dame with either St. Patrick or Neil McNeil with the building demolished and the school yard being expanded back to St. John. Subsequently, the board attempted to relocate the school and Neil McNeil to the closed Midland Avenue Collegiate Institute and the options were unsuccessful.
Overview
Best known for their film productions, dramatic arts department, and specialities in math and science. In 2014, two senior students advanced to the provincial level at the Skills Canada Competition for TV/Video Production with a gold medal in all rounds prior to Nationals where they represented Ontario. Notre Dame is the "Sister School" of Neil McNeil located not far from Notre Dame. Notre Dame is a school renowned for their elaborate and spirited school assemblies and tight knit community.
Tradition
The most notable tradition that has been held at Notre Dame are the white dresses that are worn at the Prom. Though many senior students in the past have fought with the parent council to change, it has yet to happen.
School song
We sing of Notre Dame, the school we cherish.
Exalt its noble spirit, it ne'er shall perish.
Raise high its duple colours, to show the glory of Notre Damian girlhood in song and story.
Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Notre Dame, our hearts are yours, Your majesty and honour our love assures.
Beloved Alma Mater, Our Lady's Bower. May she love you, bless you, keep you. E'er in her power.