“Studere est Excellere.” Does anyone know what that means? It is the motto of George S. Henry Academy. It means “To Strive is to Excel”.
George S. Henry Academy is a public high school. It is located in North York, Toronto. The Toronto District School Board operates it. The school’s address is 200 Graydon Hall Drive.
Originally, the school was to open on September 7, 1965. A workers’ strike delayed the opening. Some workers returned after the summer. Despite this, the school could not open on time. Students shared space at Don Mills Collegiate Institute and Victoria Park Collegiate Institute. Don Mills students attended in the morning. George S. Henry Academy students attended in the afternoon.
Finally, George S. Henry Secondary School opened on December 6, 1965. The official opening was held on January 27, 1966. Mr. John Foote, the principal, spoke at the opening. Mr. John Robarts, the Premier of Ontario, also spoke.
An addition to George S. Henry Academy opened on February 16, 1972. This included two floors of classrooms. These were on the west side of the school. A new gymnasium and a pool were also added.
The school is named after George Stewart Henry. He was a farmer, businessman and politician. He was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario in 1913. He was a Conservative. The school was built on his estate’s Home Farm portion. His Georgian-style mansion had ornate gardens, statues, and fountains. Early students used its nine-hole golf course. The mansion still stands as a social center.
George S. Henry Academy once had a strict uniform policy. It started in the 1997–98 school year. Before that, uniforms were not required. In 1996, students voted to bring back uniforms. Students wore polo shirts with the Henry crest. The shirts were black or white. Sweaters were also available in black or grey. In 2013, the school relaxed the uniform policy. Students could wear any type of pants. In 2022, uniforms were no longer required.
In 2015, George S. Henry Academy celebrated its 50th anniversary. Former students and teachers were invited to a reunion. It took place on May 29 and May 30.
Today, George S. Henry Academy continues to educate students. The school aims to create a safe and healthy learning environment. It motivates students to become responsible citizens. It promotes unity in a diverse world. George S. Henry Academy covers 14.28 acres. The building is 57 years old. Its facility size is 151,223 square feet.