11300 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
675 Sheppard Avenue, East, Toronto, Ontario, M2K 1B6, Canada
11300 Bayview Avenue, Richmond Hill, Ontario, L4S 1L4, Canada
675 Sheppard Avenue, East, Toronto, Ontario, M2K 1B6, Canada
350.5 km
340.7 km
1981
1975
788
32
JK to 12
JK to 12
Coed
Coed
Day
Homestay, Day
English, French
English
Academic
Academic
Progressive
Traditional
18 to 24
Varies
In-class adaptations
$30,075
$8,000 to $12,000
Yes
No
2%
0%
SK to 12
None
$5,000
$0
53
2
0%
0%
45%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
information not available
information not available
information not available
Since it was founded in 1981, Holy Trinity School has sought to promote the values—respect for self and others, strength of character, encouragement, and insight—that are expressed by the Anglican tradition. Families are drawn to the student-centred instruction, the community feel, the dedication to academic development and innovation, as well as the school’s proximity to green space. The program is designed to reward curiosity, and to develop well-rounded learners who are adept and engaged in a broad range of literacies. The ideal student is one who will thrive within an academically challenging environment, as well as one that is intellectually, culturally, and philosophically diverse.
SCS was formed in 1974 as an expression of the surrounding community, and created by a group of parents who wanted a school that would offer a strong academic program within a values-based environment. The name has changed, and enrollment has grown, though that focus remains. The school isn’t affiliated with a specific denomination, and attracts students from any and all, as well as those that don’t belong to a specific faith tradition. There are many ways that schools express Christian ideals, and in the case of SCS it’s very much those of inclusion, service, and ethical behavior. The school has a very close, community feel, and what it might lack in terms of extra-curriculars it gains in individual attention and a sense of belonging within the school community.
Leaders in Learning, Holy Trinity School (HTS) is a co-ed, JK-Gr. 12, independent day school. Our safe, structured, supportive environment develops character and values such as respect, integrity, leadership, and confidence. We are rooted in academic excellence and are committed to innovative practices that prepare life-long learners to thrive in an ever-changing world. This is complemented by sports, music, drama, art and co-curricular programs that provide a well-rounded experience for all students.
Experience superior learning in a culture that fosters relationships and personal development. At Signet, students are immersed in an authentic Christian experience so values such as Kindness, Perseverance Wisdom, Integrity, Purposeful, Discipline, Joy, and Respect are taught and celebrated. Our classrooms give ample room for each student to innovate and explore and so academics leads to superior Signet greatness! A Signet education, sealing Christ-centered education, purposefully impacting lives – established in 1974.
HTS is an exceptional community; a vibrant, caring home to students from JK to Grade 12, whose talents are developed by committed and caring teachers using innovative and creative approaches to learning.
Our outstanding academic program enables students to thrive and thoroughly prepares them for success at university and beyond. This is complemented by extensive sports, music, drama and art programs that provide a rich and well-rounded school experience for students of every age. What truly sets HTS apart is our focus on character and values – respect, integrity, leadership and confidence – to help our young people develop exceptional capabilities and a strong moral compass.
Life at HTS is multi-dimensional and no website or prospectus can fully capture the spirit of this wonderful school. The only way to get a genuine feel for what we believe in and what we do is to visit and meet the people who are the beating heart of the school – our students. Happy and confident, and characterized by their open and welcoming manner, our students will offer sincere words of welcome when they greet you. They are proud of their school.
Please take the next step and contact our Admissions Office to arrange a tour of the school. I know you will be struck by the happy, purposeful, and friendly atmosphere. HTS is no ordinary school and I am confident you will like what you see.
I look forward to meeting you.
Helen Pereira-Raso
Head of School
Welcome! It is always a pleasure to meet people who are interested in Signet Christian School, and we encourage you to contact us via email during the Covid-19 situation and we will return your call as soon as possible.
To find out what Signet is up to during this Covid situation, please visit our Remote Learning update on our website.
Signet has been offering Canadian and international students superb education since 1974. Our school is a place of safety and order, where lives are transformed with Christ’s love. We are blessed to have wonderful teachers — seasoned, caring Christians who are trained to inspire young minds and infuse the curriculum with Christian values. God’s Grace is evident everywhere in our school — in classrooms, in chapel, and on the playground. We offer innovative instruction so that students can excel in academics as well as athletics, musical theatre, and art.
The strength of our school has always been found in God, and all our efforts are focused on following Him. Our foundational core values are Honour, Discipline, Confidence, and Kindness. These values are more relevant than ever in today’s world and have helped us create a cohesive, strong school that produces graduates who are ready to positively impact the world.
As you browse this profile and our website, you may see the photos in our gallery of many happy, smiling faces of our students. The joy of the Lord is our strength! We are infused with the joy of learning and a sense of belonging and fellowship. Our students beam with confidence, knowing that they are part of a safe, caring community. The Word of God really rings true: Train every child in the way they should go so that when they are old they will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6).
That is part of our passion and our guiding mission at Signet, and as caring, loving parents no doubt you understand and share this hope for your children. We do believe that you will find the kind of education you seek at Signet. Come sign up for a tour!
Catherine Dumé, MBA, MA Ed, (Honours), is an educator, ordained minister, and head of school since 2014. Mrs. Dumé, an international education consultant, has held posts as a Director of a Bible College and teacher of a Special Education Unit. She was educated at Oral Roberts University, OK, USA. Mrs. Dume is passionate about child development and building schools. She has her level 1 Educational Therapy Certification from the National Institute of Learning Development in Toronto. She is wife to Frantz and a mother of three teens.
Traditional
Information not available
Progressive (sometimes called "in- quiry-based") curricula attempt to place children's interests and ideas at the heart of the learning experience. Instead of lessons being driven by predetermined pathways, progressive curricula are often "emergent", with learning activities shaped by students' questions about the world. Instead of starting with academic concepts and then tying it to everyday experience, progressive methods begin with everyday experience and work back to an academic lesson. Teachers provide materials, experiences, tools and resources to help students investigate a topic or issue. Students are encouraged to explore, reflect on their findings, and discuss answers or solutions.
Traditional curricula tend to be very content-based and rooted in the core disciplines. It is a structured approach that involves the teacher delivering a unified curriculum through direct instruction. Students usually learn by observing and listening to their teacher, studying facts and concepts in textbooks, and completing both tests and written assignments - which challenge students to not only demonstrate their mastery of content but their ability to analyze and deconstruct it critically. Class discussions are also used to create critical dialogue around the content of the curriculum.
Not applicable
At Holy Trinity School, our goal is to help students find and develop their interests and then provide them opportunities to build a rich portfolio of experiences in the classroom, on the field and in their community. Our remarkable staff encourage and motivate our students to be the best they can, and work with them through successes and challenges to achieve their goals. We welcome you to visit our campus to feel the positive spirit and atmosphere that truly makes Holy Trinity School a place where students and their families feel right at home.
The Signet Christian curriculum is carrying out our mission to impact lives purposefully with their Christ-centered education. This means we focus on academic and personal development. There is an emphasis on knowledge acquisition and theoretical and academic learning. Extracurricular activities include visual, musical, and dramatic arts which are available at all grade levels. French and coding are part of the curriculum from kindergarten onward. Sports and Gym are favorites and each class has access to computers to enhance learning. As well, our focus is to create an environment where each heart is open to build faith and a relationship with Christ. This solid foundation enhances learning and growth in and beyond the classroom. How we focused on the Christian lifestyle is through the lives of our staff. At Signet, we are supportive of the student's whole person.
Traditional Math
These math programs feature an equal balance of “Traditional” and “Discovery” methods.
Traditional Math typically teaches a method or algorithm FIRST, and THEN teaches the applications for the method. Traditional algorithms are emphasized and practiced regularly: repetition and drills are frequently used to ensure foundational mastery in the underlying mathematical procedures. The traditional approach to math views math education as akin to building a logical edifice: each brick depends on the support of the previously laid ones, which represent mastery over a particular procedure or method. Traditional Math begins by giving students a tool, and then challenges students to practice using that tool an applied way, with progressively challenging problems. In this sense Traditional Math aims to establish procedural understanding before conceptual and applied understanding.
We encourage frequent repetition and drills to ensure mastery in the procedures. We then borrow a few new concepts form Discovery Math where the children spend some quality time in critical thinking and number sense but not before understanding. This goes according to our belief that discovery is not random, but once you establish procedural understanding then conceptual and applied understanding will follow. In the higher grades, students teach each other to consolidate understanding and enrich application to real problems. At these grades, although traditional math is used the students are taught how to logically arrive at their solutions and can articulate this. Higher grades lean more heavily on Traditional Math methodology.
Discovery Math, Nelson Math, MathSmart
Calculators are allowed when specified by the teacher. All calculator use must be proved on paper in the higher grades and in lower grade calculator use is to discover numerical patterns.
Phonics-intensive
Balanced reading programs are typically Whole Language programs with supplementary phonics training. This training might be incidental, or it might take the form of mini-lessons.
Systematic-phonics programs teach young children to read by helping them to recognize and sound out the letters and syllables of words. Students are then led to blend these sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. While other reading programs might touch on phonetics (either incidentally or on a “when needed” basis), systematic phonics teaches phonics in a specific sequence, and uses extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
Our Early Reading approach is phonics based. As a base young child read by recognizing and sounding out the letters and syllables of words; blending sounds together to sound out and recognize the whole word. However, we have found that we need to use Whole language at times because of age or stage of development. So in the Kindergarten years and Grade 1, we teach phonics in a specific sequence and use extensive repetition and direct instruction to help readers associate specific letter patterns with their associated sounds.
No
NO. We use Abeka Phonics - US Christian Curriculum
Equal balance
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
Programs that balance systematic and process approaches equally likely have an emphasis on giving young students ample opportunities to write, while providing supplementary class-wide instruction in grammar, parts of sentences, and various writing strategies.
We teach the beginner writer to start writing “real things” as much as possible and as soon as possible. We create an inspirational environment which conditions and encourages a love of writing and a motivation to write well. With children invested in the writing process -- through assignments children find meaningful -- students are then given feedback on how they can improve. Students learn to express their thoughts, feelings, experiences, opinions, and/or ideas in a written composition using standard forms of writing and grade specific conventions for intended purposes. They develop into a systematic writing process leading to editing checklists to proofread and revise their work so that they may complete their good copy. Creative writing and story composition are encouraged at all grade levels.
Equal Balance
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Science programs that balance expository and inquiry learning equally will likely have an equal blend of tests and experiments; direct, textbook-based instruction and student-centred projects.
Our science curriculum in the lower grades is organized into four strands which are Understanding Life Systems, Understanding Structures and Mechanisms, Understanding Matter and Energy, and Understanding Earth and Space Systems. Students are not only taught the basic concepts of science but inquiry skills through experimentation. They are also encouraged to relate what they have learned to society and the environment. As they enter the higher grades they add more "doing" as they work on projects, and experiment in labs as interactive and engaging in simulations. They enjoy the annual Science fair for Grades 3 and above.
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Evolution as consensus theory
Evolution as one of many equally viable theories
Evolution is not taught
Physics
Equal Balance
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
These literature programs draw in equal measure from “Traditional” and “Social Justice” programs.
At Signet, we expose students to different styles and a variety of genres. We pick examples that will spark student interest. We teach students research and critical thinking skills and as they read, they should jump in, and engage in the social issues pertaining to the wider community.
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Ancient lit
English lit
World (non-Western) lit
European (continental) lit
American lit
Canadian lit
Core Knowledge
The Thematic approach organizes the curriculum around certain themes or cultural universals. Students might spend time focused on food. Then they might focus on transportation or government, and so on.
Usually focused on teaching history and geography at an early age, the core knowledge approach uses story, drama, reading, and discussion to teach about significant people, places, and events. Breadth of content and knowledge is emphasized. The curriculum is often organized according to the underlying logic of the content: history might be taught sequentially, for example (as students move through the grades).
Information not available
The expectations for the social studies curriculum are divided into two strands which are Heritage and Identity and People and Environments for the lower grades. Students are taught to investigate and explore events, developments, and/or issues that occurred in history and determine their impact by making connections between the past and the present.
Equal Balance
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
These programs represent an equal balance between the perennialist and pragmatic approach to teaching the humanities and social sciences.
Information not available
We use research and inquiry skills to analyze the significance of the past for today. We allow students to engage in thoughtful reflection and expression as well as to analyze situations from different perspectives.
Equal Balance
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
These programs feature an equal blend of the audio-lingual and communicative styles of language instruction.
Information not available
A balance of Audio-Lingual and Communicative is used group work, games, authentic texts, and opportunities to learn about the cultural background of the language. Drills and quizzes are used but we also expect students to correctly imitate the teacher in French.
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Hebrew
ESL
Spanish
Russian
Latin
Japanese
Italian
Greek
German
French
Chinese-Mandarin
Chinese-Cantonese
Information not available
Equal Balance
Creative arts programs are studio-driven. While historical works and movements may still be taught to add context to the program, students mainly engage in making art (visual, musical, theatrical, etc). The goal is use the actual practice of art to help educate students’ emotions, cognition, and ethos.
These programs have an equal emphasis on receptive and creative learning.
We provide an Equal Balance approach between Receptive and Creative/Studio-work in our arts programs. We cover art history and appreciation as well as spending time Expressive methodology creating or “making” art. Students learn about various artistic works and movements, and are asked to reflect on their underlying aesthetic features and principles. We aim to develop their cognitive, emotional, and aesthetic sensibilities by doing and from a knowledge of the history and appreciation of the art form. For the lower grades students are taught grade specific elements that relate to each of the art disciplines. They are then given the opportunity to use these forms to create or perform works that convey or express thoughts, feelings, and or ideas through the arts. They are also encouraged to make connections, analyse, and communicate the meaning or the message of their own work or the works of others.
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Acting
Dance
Drama/Theatre
Graphic Design
Music
Visual Arts
Light integration
Effort is made to integrate the development of digital literacy through the curriculum. However, this is not a dominant focus.
Computers are used in the classroom from time to time, but integrating technology into everything students do is not a dominant focus. Digital literacy is understood to be a legitimate skill in the 21st century, but not one that should distract from teaching the subject at hand, or more fundamental skills and literacies. The idea is today’s students, being “digital natives”, are likely exposed to computers and new media enough outside the classroom: the role of the school, rather, should be to develop competencies that may otherwise get missed.
Information not available
In the lower grades, there is a light integration of Computers and Technology. Computers are used to support subject-based learning through the use of videos, interactive websites, and word processing skills. However, as we look at Grades 3 and up, we use more integration as Medium. Here, computers are used in the classroom from time to time but they are not a dominant focus. Teachers provide various opportunities for the student to engage in research as well as to produce work via this medium. We ensure safe practices on the internet. Students may sign up to bring their own device if they need it for the accommodation of the curriculum. During Coding class all students from Grade 3 up get hands-on with laptops, tablets, and other devices. Some basic programming of robots is taught here.
Web design
Robotics
Computer science
Information not available
At Signet our curriculum for Gym and Health education reflects Christian values. We teach skills such as teamwork, sports skills, how to be healthy (spiritually, mentally and physically). We encourage students to participate in a range of Sports and physical activities.
Academic
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Academic-based preschools and Kindergartens are the most structured of the different types, and have a strong emphasis on math and reading readiness skills. These programs aim to expose children to what early-elementary school is like. While time is still allotted to free play, much of the day is built around explicit lessons guided by the teacher. Classrooms often resemble play-based ones (with different stations set up around the room), but at an Academic program the teacher leads students through the stations directly, and ties these activities to a whole-class lesson or theme.
Our Kindergarten classrooms are physically located at the heart of our school. This allows every member of our community an opportunity to engage and be role models for our youngest learners. Students in our Lower School, including Kindergarten, work with specialist teachers that offer a rich and engaging experience that allows children to explore, create and discover.
Our Kindergarten is unique because we use Christian Curriculum as we focus on Academics to prepare the child with the foundation for learning. Lead by experienced teachers, our Christian curriculum is designed to teach multiple subjects in both seated and kinesthetic modes. (ABeka Curriculum). We believe that understanding truth and values start from very young ages. Character training and leadership of self and others are introduced through creative teaching methods. As core values are laid, kindergarten is such a fun phase and lessons are stepping blocks for life.
Standard-enriched
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Broadly-speaking, the main curriculum -- like that of most schools -- paces the provincially-outlined one. This pace is steady and set by the teachers and school. The curriculum might still be enriched in various ways: covering topics more in-depth and with more vigor than the provincial one, or covering a broader selection of topics.
Our Elementary has paired grades so we group and stream to teach both ages and stages. Our Grades 9 - 12 curriculum supports the Ministry of Education guidelines offering OSSD. Our courses are enhanced due to the smaller class sizes and we offer guided independent study with opportunities for research.
Supportive
A school with a “rigorous” academic culture places a high value on academic performance, and expects their students to do the same. This does not mean the school is uncaring, unsupportive, or non-responsive -- far from it. A school can have a rigorous academic culture and still provide excellent individual support. It does mean, however, the school places a particular emphasis on performance -- seeking the best students and challenging them to the fullest extent -- relative to a normal baseline. High expectations and standards – and a challenging yet rewarding curriculum – are the common themes here. Keep in mind this classification is more relevant for the older grades: few Kindergarten classrooms, for example, would be called “rigorous”.
A school with a “supportive” academic culture focuses more on process than short-term outcomes: academic performance is a welcomed side-benefit, but not the driving focus. This does not mean the school lacks standards, or has low expectations for its students: a school can have a supportive academic culture and still light the fire of ambition in its students. It does mean, however, the school provides a less intensive culture than schools with a “rigorous” academic classification, and is focused more simply on instilling a love of learning and life-long curiosity.
At Signet Christian we have a strong academic culture, however, it is seated in a supportive environment. Signet's academic focus is to achieve excellence and to do this we believe this is reliant directly upon the presence of a solid foundation of character and positive support from teachers and family. So we remain close to families to ensure the student's high academic performance. We believe a balanced life bears the fruit of true success. Children who have cultivated these core values are thus successful in all their endevours, not just academics.
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
"We honour and distinguish our brightest students, using them as examples for other students to follow."
Balanced
"Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."
Spiritual
The goal is to cultivate "individuals with inner resourcefulness, strong faith and respect for God or a higher power."
Intellectual
The goal is to cultivate "academically strong, creative and critical thinkers, capable of exercising rationality, apprehending truth, and making aesthetic distinctions."
Balanced
"Equal emphasis is placed on a balance of priorities: intellectual, emotional, social and physical cultivation."
As a holistic school, we want all students to grow in mind, body, and spirit. However, children come to us with a variety of needs and strengths. Over the years Signet graduates speak of not only the academic growth but of preparedness for an ever-changing world, As God's "signet ring" we believe we are His signature making an impact where we go. With students from different faith background we are able to share our faith within an environment where everyone feels loved and belongs.
Holy Trinity School |
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RecreationalRec. |
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Softball |
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Squash |
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Tennis |
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Track & Field |
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Volleyball |
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Weightlifting |
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Wrestling |
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Archery |
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Curling |
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Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
Ballet and Classical Ballet
Yoga
Yearbook
Student Council
Scouting
Science Club
School newspaper
Round Square
Robotics club
Radio club
Poetry/Literature club
Photography
Paintball
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Club
Online Magazine
Musical theatre/Opera
Math Club
Jazz Ensemble
Habitat for Humanity
Foreign Language Club
Environmental Club
Drama Club
Debate Club
Dance Club
Computer Club
Community Service
Choir
Chess Club
Band
Audiovisual Club
Astronomy Club
Art Club
Animation
SK - 12
JK - 12
2%
20%
$5,000
$2,000
45%
100%
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
JK, SK, K, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Rolling
Rolling
Not available
Not available
Yes: grades JK - 12
Yes: grades JK - 12
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
At HTS, we value and develop the whole child. While our commitment to academics is our number one priority, students are not selected based on their academic results alone. We are looking for students who are also passionate and curious about the arts, athletics, leadership, and service to the community. The interviews and teacher recommendations are also of great value. Ours is an incredible learning community and we want students to flourish and grow to their greatest capacity.
Eager to learn, happy to meet new students and teachers.
Applications are welcome at any time. It is recommended that parents apply in the fall before the entry year. Please contact the Admissions Office when you are ready to begin the process.
Initial offers of acceptance will be sent out during the month of January. Applications will continue to be accepted throughout the year.
Please call to get specific information as High School and International Admission Policies are different from Elementary Admissions policies.
