I want to begin by saying that I truly believe Saint Joseph's has outstanding learning opportunities, strong academic programs, and some incredible teachers. However, I feel the school's administrative staff--including the principal and vice principals--have failed to effectively support the potential of these programs, particularly for students with unrecognized learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or those simply in need of greater communication and understanding.
Throughout my time at Saint Joseph's, I often felt unheard and dismissed by office staff. I enrolled in 2023 specifically for the GCL program. Unfortunately, due to my own struggles, I fell behind and transferred to Cardinal Collins. However, I was told I would be able to return to Saint Joseph's for Grade 11.
While I was there in Grade 10, I was placed in the foods program--a class that became overwhelming for me due to sensory overstimulation. I asked to be transferred to a different class because I had floor all day other then my foods clad at the end of the day, but my request was ignored by the office. Despite explaining my challenges, they didn't consider it a valid reason to change my schedule. They also don't let students in general change there schedules unless it's a within a certain timeframe but I believe it's not enough time for actual figure out if you like that class
Along with that in grade 10 a girl who happened to be on the spectrum took a picture up my skirt, along with many other girls with picture proof of her, taking pictures of others up their skirts AND the school found pictures on her phone up many girls skirts/dresses and we were simply told that they cannot make a criminal case out of it because she is autistic and doesn't understand the social rights and she went completely unpunished and was walking around the school with her phone the next day I wasn't looking for a criminal case I was looking for punishment discipline, some type of action to show her it's not right because the only way they will learn is by being taught that that is not right I was violated. I felt extremely violated and many other girls felt violated because of this girl. when my parents called about it, they were simply told we can't give information about other students away even though said student took a picture of my skirt.
Returning in Grade 11, my parents had to advocate on my behalf to get me back into Saint Joseph's, specifically for the cosmetology program. That year, I also faced issues in my English class (a Grade 10 course), where my teacher did not support my use of Student Services--even though I struggle with reading, writing, and anxiety. A meeting was held with my parents, teacher, and a vice principal, and while we created a plan, it ultimately didn't help me much.
In Science 24 during second semester, I experienced ongoing harassment from another student, who was 18 (I'm 16) despite making it clear I wanted to focus on learning. I brought this to my teacher as well as Student Services, but they had no authority to intervene. I then brought it to the office staff multiple times, and nothing was done to protect my learning environment.
There were also instances where I needed space to emotionally regulate, and instead of being supported, I was punished being sent home at the very beginning of the day despite asking to calm down in student services and then go to my class
Along with that a male was in the female bathroom and even after I brought a picture proof to the school, the school constable talk to this person, and the person simply said I'm trans and the cop told us that they cannot do anything about it (same one who said that about the girl who took pictures up skirts) now I am not trans phobic but saying you're trans so you can be in the female bathroom with your female friends so you can vape and yap WHAT THE F**K and it's not like he was trying to put effort in to make himself look trans He was gay. He was very openly gay. read more