St. Michael’s College School
WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT
Welcome to the 2024–25 St. Michael’s College School annual report. As always, our focus remains on our students and the collective efforts of the staff, alumni, parents, and the wider SMCS community that supports them.
This year, we turn back the clock to a more traditional presentation of the annual report to better reflect the diverse stories of student and programme success.
Each of you has played a role in shaping the experiences we offer to our students. We are grateful to our parents, alumni, and community for your generous contribution of time, talent, financial resources, and ongoing presence—you continue to make a meaningful impact on our school.
This year was defined by opportunities to enhance student growth through extended learning beyond the classroom, an enhanced commitment to leadership and service opportunities, and an unwavering belief in prioritizing character education throughout our programming.
We are fortunate to have a talented, dedicated faculty and staff who are not only experts in their respective fields but also truly care about our collective mission to graduate young men prepared for lives of faith, character, and service.
St. Michael’s has engaged Urban Strategies to assist with a master campus plan for the school to ensure the needs of today and the future are addressed, positioning SMCS for the next 173 years. Completing this work now will prepare us for the future projects that help keep the school viable and relevant in teaching young men to Be the Good as they live out the school motto—Teach me Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge.
On behalf of the Basilian Fathers, our students, faculty, and staff, thank you for your continued trust and generosity—we are humbled and blessed by your unwavering support of St. Michael’s College School. Your commitment makes a lasting difference, and we deeply appreciate the role you play in advancing our school’s mission and strengthening our community’s spirit.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Andrew Leung, CSB President
ACADEMICS
The 2024–25 school year at St. Michael’s College School was defined by exceptional academic, athletic, and arts achievement, and the continued formation of students into young men of faith, character, and service.
Our students once again distinguished themselves with outstanding academic results. Seventy-five per cent of the student body achieved honour roll status. The graduating Class of 2025 achieved a 100% postsecondary acceptance rate, with 85% of students receiving offers from their first-choice university programmes.
Our curriculum continues to challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage deeply with complex ideas. Students enrolled in Advanced Placement (AP) Calculus, Physics, European History, and English Literature achieved results that surpassed both provincial and global benchmarks.
Students also developed a range of future-ready skills by participating in academic and cocurricular competitions and challenges, including VEX Robotics, the U of T Global Ideas Institute, the Rotman School of Management Challenge, Impact X at St. Francis Xavier University, Model United Nations, Debate, and Moot Court.
On stage, St. Mike’s students participated in a fall dramatic production and a spring musical, performed in Christmas and spring concerts, at school events, and at Masses, and further showcased their talents at our annual Club BlueNote.
We continue to serve the broader community in our commitment to Be the Good. In addition to a service trip to Peru, our students continued to support charitable organizations in the GTA, including Good Shepherd Ministries, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and Out of the Cold.
Students competed in 50 teams across 19 different inter-school sports, winning numerous CISAA titles and OFSAA gold medals in golf and snowboarding. Graduating student-athletes have committed to competing at schools across Canada and at Georgetown, Dartmouth, High Point, and Clarkson University in the United States.
Our successes in 2024–25 reflect the strength of the SMCS community—students, faculty, staff, families, and engaged alumni—all working together to pursue excellence. Guided by our Basilian roots, we remain committed to providing an education that is intellectually rigorous, spiritually enriching, and grounded in purpose. Thank you for your ongoing support of our St. Mike’s students.
Mr. Pat Daly Principal
ATHLETICS
Before the 2024–25 academic year began, the Athletics Programme was underway, with August training and tryouts for Junior Basketball, U14 and Junior Soccer, and Junior and Senior Football. The fall season saw 321 student-athletes compete across 16 teams in five sports.
The season also included two OFSAA championships in Cross Country and Golf, a U14 Soccer silver medal, a Senior Soccer Basil Bowl against St. Thomas (Houston), volleyball medals at multiple levels, a Junior Football championship, and the inaugural season of the Kerry Blues’ entry into the Football Toronto Super League.
Our Cross Country programme continued its remarkable tradition of excellence. The novice, junior, and senior teams each captured CISAA championships, extending their 46year league title streak. The U14 team won CISAA gold in both the U13 and U14 divisions. An individual team member finished third at the McQuaid Invitational, first at CISAA, and won Senior Boys silver at OFSAA, while our five-member Novice Boys won OFSAA team gold. Varsity Golf added to the successful fall season with OFSAA gold in Timmins for the second time since 2019.
The winter season featured more than 260 student-athletes competing across 14 teams in six sports. The Blue Raiders Basketball programme fielded four teams, with the Senior team winning the Dan Prendergast Invitational and the Vic Juzenas Oakville Invitational, reaching the semi-finals of the Heinbuch Classic and the All-Ontario Catholic Tournament, and claiming the OFSAA consolation championship. Junior D1 Basketball captured the Silverthorne Invitational, earned CISAA silver, and finished sixth out of 28 teams in the North Pole Hoops U16 Rep League.
The SMCS Hockey programme fielded five teams across multiple age groups. Senior Hockey posted a perfect 4-0 record at the North American Prep Hockey League Tournament and hosted U18 Team Hong Kong, China. U16 Blue finished second in their league and narrowly lost the CISAA final, while U14 White earned CISAA bronze.
Varsity Swimming produced a seventh place CISAA finish, while one swimmer won two U14 silver medals, and the U14 boys earned bronze in the 200 Free Relay. Alpine Ski won the U14 team title, securing a second consecutive CISAA title, while an individual skier finished first overall, and the Varsity skiers qualified for OFSAA. The Varsity Snowboard team claimed its second consecutive OFSAA championship.
Spring competition capped off an exceptional year, with 225 studentathletes competing across 15 teams in 10 sports. Badminton won CISAA gold, with a pairs team claiming the Doubles 1 title. Baseball finished as CISAA finalists.
The Volleyball Teams went undefeated across four tournaments, and select athletes trained in Cuba with the Cuban Junior National Team. Junior Golf won CISAA bronze, and for a third consecutive year, Senior Golf won CISAA gold. U14 Lacrosse finished 8–0 and won CISAA, while the Varsity team earned CPLL silver. Rugby, Tennis, Softball, Track and Field, and Ultimate all showcased growth, resilience, and competitive success, culminating in another outstanding year for SMCS Athletics.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
This year, our school continued to deepen its community partnerships, creating meaningful experiential learning opportunities that connected classroom learning to the world beyond our walls. Through university visits, international travel, arts and culture experiences, civic engagement, mentorship, and equity-centred conferences, students broadened their perspectives. They strengthened connections with alumni, post-secondary institutions, and local organizations.
BUSINESS PATHWAYS: UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN & NOTRE DAME
Senior business students visited two top-tier institutions: the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business and The Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame. At Michigan, students explored business pathways, case-based learning, and leadership development, and engaged with current students about internships and academic expectations. At Notre Dame, they learned how service, ethics, and global perspectives shape the university’s business programmes. Both visits demonstrated how teamwork, innovation, and classroom theory translate into real academic and professional opportunities.
MENTORSHIP AND SERVICE: SENIOR FOOTBALL & ROSETHORN JUNIOR PUBLIC SCHOOL
Our senior football players extended their leadership through a mentorship visit to Rosethorn Junior Public School. Working with junior kindergarten students on STEM activities, they encouraged curiosity, problem-solving, and confidence. The partnership allowed young learners to connect with positive role models while reinforcing for our athletes that leadership includes service, patience, and community engagement.
GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES: MARCH BREAK BUSINESS TRIP TO EUROPE
During March Break, students participated in a multi-country business and cultural tour through Hungary, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. They examined how history, politics, and economic transitions influence European markets, explored local enterprises, and reflected on tourism, branding, and consumer behaviour. Meeting alumni working abroad provided real examples of global career pathways and demonstrated how communication, adaptability, and ethical decisionmaking translate into international opportunities.
MEDIA ARTS IN DETROIT: ART, CULTURE, AND STORYTELLING
Media Arts students travelled to Detroit for an immersive exploration of visual culture. They visited a major art gallery to analyze how artwork reflects social and historical narratives. They toured the Motown Museum to gain insight into how creativity and entrepreneurship shaped cultural change. Attending a Detroit Red Wings game added a practical lens, allowing students to observe sports branding, fan engagement, and in-arena media production. The trip highlighted how art, music, and sport work together to tell stories and shape communities.
BRILLIANCY RESILIENCY CONFERENCE: BLACK STUDENT LEADERSHIP
At the third annual Brilliancy Resiliency Conference hosted at UTS, Black students engaged in workshops on identity, wellness, leadership, and post-secondary planning. The conference offered a supportive environment for students to share experiences, build networks, and see their identities reflected in the presenters. Participation in this event underscores our commitment to equity, representation, and student voice.
GRADE 11 CAREER DAY: PATHWAYS AND PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT
Over 150 Grade 11 students participated in Career Day, beginning with an improvbased session led by Rob Nickerson, who emphasized collaboration, adaptability, and communication. Students then met with professionals from business, law, health sciences, media, technology, engineering, and public service, helping them connect present choices to future pathways and strengthen partnerships with parents, alumni, and community leaders.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT: GRADE 8 TRIP TO QUEEN’S PARK AND CITY HALL
Grade 8 students strengthened their civic literacy during visits to Queen’s Park and Toronto City Hall. At the Legislative Assembly, they learned about provincial governance, parliamentary procedure, and the responsibilities of elected officials. City Hall provided insight into municipal decision-making and local services, helping students understand how civic institutions shape daily life and how citizens can participate in democratic processes.
EXPANDING PARTNERSHIPS
Across university visits, arts programming, civic experiences, mentorship, global travel, equityfocused conferences, and career exploration, one theme is clear: learning is most powerful when it is relational and community-rooted. These partnerships expanded students’ academic horizons, deepened cultural understanding, nurtured leadership, and strengthened connections between our school and the wider world. As we look ahead, we remain committed to growing these partnerships and creating new ones that support student learning and well-being.
FINANCIALS
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR FISCAL 2025 FROM THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
St. Michael’s College School Current Fund
Overall, the Current Fund, which funds the school’s operations, continued to be in a strong financial position largely due to the receipt of $8.9 million (2024 - $8.8 million) of non-operating revenue, comprised of grants from the SMC High School Foundation, the Scholarship Fund, and the School’s Investment and Property Rental Income as summarized in the following table.
St. Michael’s College School Current Fund Investment and Grant Revenue
Year Ended June 30, 2025
These key sources of income enabled the school to provide $2.0 million (2024 - $2.0 million) in scholarships and bursaries and to increase spending to support the school’s academic and co-curricular programmes by nearly 5%.
The core school programme incurred a shortfall of $4.1 million (2024 - $3.6 million) as costs of school operations exceeded tuition and incidental fee revenue generated from the school programme. This shortfall was addressed by Current Fund Investment Income and Grant Revenue, with remaining funds used for capital asset acquisitions, including a shock pad installation and full turf replacement for the Eugene Melnyk Sports Field.
The following table summarizes the Current Fund financial results before the Current Fund Investment income, Grant Revenue and amortization.
St. Michael’s College School Current Fund Operating Revenues & Expenses
Year Ended June 30, 2025
Looking ahead, enrollment for September 2025 is 763 students, up from 751 in the prior year. Recent admissions inquiries and Open House attendance indicate increased enrollment in the coming years. The school is also planning to increase bursaries to support attendance for deserving students whose families would otherwise be unable to afford full tuition.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Thanks to the generosity of benefactors and alumni, the school maintains and is actively expanding a separate Scholarship Fund to provide ongoing funding for several named bursaries in perpetuity. In 2025, $614,850 (2024 - $514,038) was transferred from this fund to the Current Fund as a contribution towards the school’s total cost of bursaries. In addition, due to both donations received and strong investment returns, the value of net assets in the Scholarship Fund increased to $7.6 million as of June 30, 2025 (2024 - $7.1 million), as summarized in the table below.
St. Michael’s College School Current Fund Net Assets
Year Ended June 30, 2025
Williams & Partners, Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, have audited the school’s financial statements and have expressed an unqualified opinion on their fair presentation. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Mr. Alexander Cassar ’99 Chief Financial Officer
THE ST. MICHAEL’S COLLEGE HIGH SCHOOL FOUNDATION
ANNUAL REPORT FOR FISCAL 2025
The St. Michael’s College High School Foundation was established in June 2005 to raise, manage, and invest funds for the benefit of general charitable purposes carried out by St. Michael’s College School. The Foundation funds encompass the Basilian Fathers’ endowment, the Odette Arts Scholars Bursary Fund donation, and the Bathurst and St. Clair land proceeds.
The Foundation endeavours to grow the fund capital while contributing annually to the school’s charitable purposes. This is accomplished by maintaining investment policies that will generate annual returns exceeding the legally mandated 5% disbursement quota (the returns for fiscal 2025 were 8.6%) through prudent investment strategies. To date, $36.7 million has been gifted to the school, including $7.0 million in fiscal 2025. As of June 30, 2025, Foundation assets available to support future school needs were valued at $153.3 million (2024 - $147.6 million).
Williams & Partners, Chartered Professional Accountants LLP, have audited the Foundation’s financial statements and have expressed an unqualified opinion on their fair presentation. The Foundation is overseen by an independent Board of Directors separate from the school.
Mr. John Piccininni ’77 Chair, St. Michael’s College High School Foundation Board of Directors
DONOR & VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Thank you to every donor who generously shared their time, talent, and resources with St. Michael’s College School. Your contributions make a real difference—funding financial assistance for deserving students and supporting programmes that enrich their academic and co-curricular experience. Because of you, students who might otherwise be unable to attend can thrive here, continuing the Basilian mission of Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge.
Beyond financial contributions, our community plays a vital role through volunteering and mentoring current students. Each year, dedicated volunteers support initiatives within the Alumni Association and Parents’ Association, strengthening connections and enriching student experiences.
These efforts are essential to the success of major events, including the Annual Golf Tournament, the Parents’ Association Gala, and the Father & Son BBQ. It takes many hands and generous hearts to bring these gatherings to life, and we are deeply grateful for the time and talent our
Our alumni and parents participated in many events, including the Science and Technology Mentor Breakfast and the Grade 11 Career Day. They moderated various clubs and activities and coached teams in hockey and football. The wealth of experience and knowledge of our volunteers is valued by the Basilian Fathers, faculty, staff, and especially our students.
Thank you for your donations and for sharing your time and expertise with us.
OUR MISSION
In the tradition of the Basilian Fathers, we educate young men in Goodness, Discipline, and Knowledge for a life of leadership and service in faithfulness to Jesus Christ.
OUR VISION
We graduate young men who will change the world through lives of faith, character, and service.