"It was an opportunity to find out if there really was an interest. Now we know that there is a strong interest. Many took flyers with them to take home to their friends," said Margaret DeCourcy, St. Michael's College School counsellor. In January she will become the project director for the independent Catholic girls' school initiative.  

The girls' school will be separate yet affiliated with St. Michael's College School for boys. The Basilian Fathers will sponsor the school and have a presence on the board of directors.

The school's location is undecided. At the meeting, it was suggested that it be built close to St. Michael's College School's midtown Toronto location so that families can easily send their children to either school.

The purpose of the school will be "to provide girls with an enriched academic education and to demonstrate Catholic leadership through social justice issues. To allow them to have the opportunity to be good role models and good Catholics," said DeCourcy.

The school is scheduled to open September 2008 for Grades 7 to 9 and it will eventually include Grades 10 through 12. Tuition will be on par with St. Michael's College School, approximately $13,000 for tuition, textbooks and incidentals. Students will be required to take the SSAT and demonstrate a minimum solid B average in the two grades prior to the year of admission.

Fr. Joseph Redican, CSB, president of St. Michael's College School, is directing the project. Other committee members include: Joseph Brisbois, St. Michael's College School principal, Margaret Caravaggie, retired Toronto Catholic District School Board superintendent, David Dean, a retired principal, Claudia Dieder, urban planner and past president of St. Michael's College School parents' association, Fr. William Irwin, CSB, St. Michael's College School board of directors member, Cathy DiNunzio, St. Michael's College School administrative assistant, and Reg Quinn, a Toronto businessman.

In January, DeCourcy will send out a letter with more information. Visit www.stmichaelscollegeschool.com for more information about the new school. To be part of the mailing list call DeCourcy at (416) 653-3180 ext. 235.