St. Francis Catholic Secondary School

Academics

There is a strong academic focus at St. Francis. In standardized provincial testing, St. Francis usually places among the highest in the Niagara Region.

Athletics

St. Francis has a full range number of athletics. The teams it currently has are baseball, badminton, basketball, cross country, curling, football, golf, hockey, lobball, rowing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field, lacrosse (boys and girls) and volleyball. As well, Student Council runs an annual Dodgeball Intramural Tournament during its Recognition Day in June. The winners of the first annual Dodgeball Tournament was a team named the "Dog Pound". The team was seeded 4th out of 16 teams

In the 2006/2007 year, St. Francis football had a perfect season of 10-0. St. Francis also does well in basketball, as for the past few years it has sent its senior boys basketball team to OFSAA, where they usually finish among the top teams. The rowing program has done well in past years, winning several golds, silvers and bronzes at the prestigious Schoolboy regatta officially named the Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Championships.

Extracurriculars

The extracurricular program at St. Francis is very strong, with many different clubs, such as: Art Club, Badminton Club, Band - House and Jazz/Funk, Book Club, Chess, Choir, Eco-Schools, Magazine, Musical, Pilgrimage, Pit Crew, Reach Team, Ski Club, Student Council, Tech ClubTeen Life Savers, Weight Room

The Art Club traditionally does an event each fall. In past years, they have run a Haunted House at the end of October, a few days before Pilgrimage, to raise additional money for Haiti. The Haunted House managed to raise hundreds of dollars each year. In 2007, the Sidewalk Chalk Festival took its place. Students drew large pictures with sidewalk chalk on the back parking lot, and there were games and food as well. As well, they participate in projects throughout the year to beautify the school, such as the mosaic in the front or murals on the walls. These activities continue to be embedded as cultural pieces at Saint Francis.

The school band and the choir generally play during school masses and assemblies. Furthermore, they perform in many events throughout the year, such as the Christmas Concert or Arts Night. They have gone to Chicago to perform.

The drama department runs either a musical or a play for the Drama Festival each year. Some past performances have been Into the Woods, Jack and Jill, Grease, Competition Piece, Guys and Dolls And Little Shop of Horrors. With a new play each and every fall. Musicals are typically performed at Ridley's Mandeville Theatre .

The school also publishes a newspaper once a year, it is called the "Phoenix 411". A large part of the content is produced by the Grade 12 Writer's Craft class, but newspaper staff members are also quite involved.

St. Francis also has a beautiful new chapel where classes take part in prayer services and staff meet for faith formations.

Uniform

The uniform is currently Maddalena Uniforms. St. Francis has been known to have a consistent and fair uniform policy focusing on equality and professional dress. All shirts are emblazoned with the "SF" St. Francis logo. The uniform options consist of a short-sleeved or long-sleeved white Oxford shirt, a white polyester short-sleeved shirt, a navy blue sweater, cardigan or vest (to be worn from Thanksgiving to Easter), and grey dress pants or kilt. Completely black shoes are to be worn. Grade 12 students have the option of wearing the "Grad Hoodie."

Notable alumni

Jordan Nolan - Stanley Cup winner with the LA Kings of the NHL.