Frequently Asked Questions
Does my student need to be Catholic in order to attend a Catholic school?
No. Our schools welcome students and families of all faiths. Our curriculum incorporates religion courses pertaining to our Catholic faith, along with other faith traditions and world religions. Values and virtues are interwoven throughout the curriculum.
How do I register?
You can register online, or by calling our Board Office (625-1555).
What age does my child have to be, in order to attend school?
If your child turns 4 by December 31, 2024, they are eligible to start Kindergarten this September.
How do I enrol my student in your French Immersion programming?
Our K-6 French Immersion Schools are St. Bernard (North) and St. Martin (South). Registration forms are available online, or you can contact the school Administrative Assistant for assistance. The new French Immersion program begins in Year 1 Kindergarten.
Do I need to be able to speak French if my student is in French Immersion?
No. Parents are encouraged to enrol their student in French Immersion regardless of what language is spoken at home. French Immersion is an excellent way to expose your child to a second language and improve their academic performance.
Do I need to re-register my student for Senior Elementary or High School if they are currently in the system?
No. If your student is already in the system, they will automatically be enrolled in their new school. Senior Elementary Students entering High School will have to complete a registration confirmation and course planning form.
KinderGrow!
Your child’s journey begins with us in Kindergarten and concludes graduation day in High School. They will be cheered on by educators and staff during their milestones and accomplishments but most importantly, they will grow and flourish in a loving and caring family environment. Because family isn’t just at home, it’s also at school.
Visit our Kindergarten Portal or call your neighbourhood school to register today!
Deep Learning
What is Deep Learning?
When students and educators are engaged in the Deep Learning process, the Elements of the Learning Design support students in creating and using new knowledge to solve global challenges in order to be thoughtful contributors to society, develop global competencies and flourish in a complex world. The 6 global competencies are at the heart of what is critical for our students as Catholic graduates.
Childcare
We are pleased to celebrate our partnerships with numerous child care providers, located within our schools!
French Immersion Programming
At Thunder Bay Catholic our French Immersion program offers students to learn and explore in our other official language. Our shared vision along with the Ministry of Education is to enable our students to have confidence and the ability to use French in their daily lives. We aim to provide our students with the capacity to communicate and interact in a variety of social settings; post-secondary education, part-time, or professional work environments, travel and leisure.
French Immersion can help children become excellent communicators and creative thinkers. Being able to think and live in two different languages opens up the mind to more possibilities, helping foster creativity. Our commitment is for students to communicate and interact with growing confidence in French, while developing an appreciation of Francophone cultures and perspectives in order to participate fully as Canadian and global citizens.
Our French Immersion program starts in year 2 Kindergarten and is offered until graduation where students will receive a bilingual certificate.
Senior Elementary School
Welcome to Senior Elementary!
Our curriculum integrates inquiry-based approaches, culture rooms and outdoor classrooms, fostering critical thinking, cultural appreciation, and environmental stewardship.
From immersive STEM experiences to bilingual education in French immersion, we prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving world. Our athletic programs promote teamwork and resilience, while our faith-based learning nurtures spiritual growth and moral development.
In our inclusive and supportive environments, every student is empowered to thrive academically, socially, and spiritually.
Design Technology
A rewarding program that offers a hands-on approach to learning, with real-life, practical applications for students
A full range of co-curricular activities
Whether you’re interested in sports or drama, our senior elementary schools have something for you!
Innovation and Creativity
The latest software and hardware: Smartboards, laptops, Chromebooks and iPads are just the beginning of our Board’s commitment to student success through leveraging digital.
Culinary Arts
Sound nutrition, proper food handling and appropriate cooking techniques form the basis of this program.
Guidance and Indigenous Counsellors
We know that each child is different and we strive to provide individual guidance and resources to meet their needs.
High School is Next!
Our Grade 7 and 8 schools operate on a rotary timetable, which helps our students prepare for secondary school.
High School
What makes our schools different and unparalleled?
- Dedicated and passionate educators
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff and administration
- Countless extracurriculars ranging from athletics to social justice programming
- High academic achievement, resulting in test scores above the provincial average
- Superb facilities, which include: large gymnasiums, FIFA certified outdoor fields, large culinary kitchens, music rooms, modern chemistry laboratories, auditoriums, woodworking, automotive and welding shops/classrooms, media arts facilities, chapels, cultural spaces and cosmetology rooms
- A welcoming environment, open to all religions and faith backgrounds – where spirituality and faith are expressed candidly
Our schools cultivate inclusivity, spirituality and a love of learning. We offer our students a place to grow and thrive – honing their passions while providing them with incredible learning opportunities.
Both our high schools offer SHSM (Specialist High Skills Major) programming, offering our students a chance to earn college credits and specialize in their career field before attending post secondary education.
Busing
Register for Busing
Accessing the Parent Portal:
- Log in or Create Account
Go to ststb.ca and navigate to “Parent Portal”
If this is your first time using the new Parent Portal, click Create Account - Add Student to Your Account
Enter each student’s 9-digit OEN, which can be found on their report card or by visiting their school, Date of Birth, School and Grade - Select My Students
Under My Students you will find a list of all students you’ve added to your account - Select Name from List
Select student name from the list of your added students to display their busing inform
Find us on Social Media!
Looking to learn more!?
As they say, a picture’s worth a thousand words, and we tend to agree! Come check us out, and see what makes us different!
