St. Joseph Secondary School, colloquially known as St. Joe's, is a Catholichigh school located in the East Credit community of Mississauga, Ontario. The school is administered by the Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board. It is one of few schools in Ontario to offer Pre-Advanced Placement courses starting in grade 9; most schools offer the option of Advanced Placement (AP) level classes in grade 12.[2] Students who graduate in any course with an AP level exam completed will earn university-level credits in the course. The school is also a provider of the Business and Transportation Specialist High Skills Majors (SHSM), granting students who complete the major with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma including a recognized seal for employment opportunities after graduation.[3]
Like other members of the district, students who attend the school receive teaching on religion, family life, and prayer, in addition to the standard curriculum found in public schools. The school is linked with the St. Joseph's Parish in Streetsville, which is a part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto. Its scriptural motto is "Be Not Afraid... Come Follow Me".
Some extra-curricular programs include Model United Nation (MUN), Future Business Leaders Association (FBLA), The Mirror (school newspaper), Culture Shock, Green Team, L.I.F.E. Ministry, SafeSpace, Yearbook Committee, Annual Christmas talent Show, Artsapalooza, Artsfest, School Musical, Peer Tutoring, Jazz and Marching Band and the Nicaragua Project. Also, the school LINK Crew Ambassadors are a successful widespread organization, and assist with tours and parent evenings. The school is built almost exactly like Philip Pocock Catholic Secondary School also in Mississauga. The school was attended by Trooper Marc Diab, who was killed by a roadside bomb while serving his country in the War in Afghanistan. The park behind the school was renamed Trooper Marc Diab Memorial Park, in his honour.[4]
In June 2013, the school was awarded the 2012–13 Premier's Award for Accepting Schools on behalf of Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. The Premier's Awards for Accepting Schools are awarded annually and recognize schools that have demonstrated initiative, creativity, and leadership in promoting a safe, inclusive, and accepting school climate. Bob Delaney, MPP (Mississauga-Streetsville) made a presentation in the school library on Monday, June 17, 2013.
Feeder schools
Our lady of good voyage
St. Bernadette
St. David of Wales
St. Raymond
St. Herbert
St. Valentine (residents west of Mavis Road)
Athletics
The St. Joseph Jaguars have many sports teams, which are known locally as some of the most competitive in the school board, such as the following:
Swimming (junior and senior)
Hockey (senior and junior boys and varsity girls)
Cross-country Running (senior, junior, and midget)
On June 17, 2009, at least two students and one teacher were stabbed after they attempted to stop a fight between several students on school property. Two students suffered severe stab wounds and were rushed to Credit Valley Hospital. Peel Regional Police said they received the initial call at around 8:30 a.m. After reports of multiple stabbings, the school was placed in lock down between 8:30 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Shortly after the lock down was lifted, the school was evacuated and remained closed for the rest of the day while police continued their investigation into the stabbings.[5] Later in the day, Peel Regional Police announced that two suspects aged 16 and 17 were arrested and charged with attempted murder.[6]