“In Cruce Vinco” or “In the cross I conquer.” That is the powerful motto of The Bishop Strachan School. This Anglican day and boarding school for girls is located here in Toronto. Bishop Strachan School is more commonly known as BSS. It stands as a beacon of education and empowerment for young women.
Founded in 1867 by John Langtry, the school was named after John Strachan. He was the first Anglican bishop of Toronto. Langtry’s vision was clear. He wanted to educate girls to become leaders in their communities and beyond. For over 150 years, BSS has remained committed to this mission.
Originally, Bishop Strachan School occupied several temporary locations. It first opened in September 1867 at Pinehurst. Pinehurst was previously Mrs. Forster’s Girls School. It was located on McCaul Street. Then, in 1868, the school moved to John Strachan’s Bishop’s Palace. This was on Front Street. Later, in 1870, BSS relocated to Wykeham Hall near Bay and College Streets.
In September 1915, Bishop Strachan School finally found its permanent home. It moved to its current location at 298 Lonsdale Road in Forest Hill. The large gothic-style structure is made of Credit Valley limestone.
In 2017, the school completed a significant renovation. The 35 million dollar project added new classrooms. It also added a fitness centre and a full gymnasium. Underground parking was created as well. This new wing preserved the outdoor playing field and tennis courts. It also brought the school into the 21st century. In 2021, the front facade of Bishop Strachan School was restored.
Today, Bishop Strachan School is home to approximately 950 students. This includes 70 boarding students. Girls from Junior Kindergarten to Grade 12 attend BSS. The school offers a wide range of courses. These include traditional subjects as well as Media Arts and Design Technology. Bishop Strachan School also offers Advanced Placement courses in some subjects.
Bishop Strachan School boasts a long list of notable alumni. These include actresses Viola Allen and Thea Andrews. TV personality Caroline Cameron and model Lin Chi-ling are also alumnae. Canadian novelist Marina Endicott and actress Laurie Holden attended BSS. Other notable graduates include women’s rights activist Emily Murphy. Prima Ballerina Veronica Tennant also went to Bishop Strachan School. The first female computer scientist in Canada Beatrice Helen Worsley was a BSS graduate.
The Bishop Strachan School experience is about academics. It seeks to instill a sense of belonging by affirming its diverse community. BSS inspires students to be fearless. The school educates them to be leaders in all walks of life.
The current head of school, Dr. Angela Terpstra. She emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassionate citizens. Dr. Terpstra encourages students to engage with the outside world. She believes that topical issues have a place in the classrooms of Bishop Strachan School.
As you leave Bishop Strachan School, remember its motto: “In Cruce Vinco.” May this spirit of conquering through the cross inspire you. May it guide you on your own path to leadership and success.