Lakeshore Collegiate Institute

Knowing whispers followed us as we approached Lakeshore Collegiate Institute. Did the stones remember the echoes of Alderwood Collegiate and New Toronto Secondary School? Lakeshore Collegiate Institute isn’t just a school. It’s a phoenix, risen from the ashes of these two older institutions in 1983. The need for this merger arose from declining enrolment in the 1980s. Many Catholic families transferred their children to the fully funded Catholic school system. This led to the closure of several schools, including Alderwood and New Toronto. Lakeshore Collegiate, opened on September 6, 1983, consolidated the student bodies. The school stands on the northwest corner of Kipling Avenue and Birmingham Street in Etobicoke. It serves the New Toronto, Long Branch, Alderwood, and Mimico neighbourhoods. The motto, “Futurum Doctrina et Concordia Prospice,” translates to “Look to the future with knowledge and friendship.” This embodies the school’s mission. Lakeshore Collegiate Institute prides itself on offering a diverse range of programs. From academics and arts to technology and athletics, there’s something for everyone. The school’s technology program is particularly impressive. It includes courses in culinary arts, cosmetology, transportation, construction, and WoodLINKS (fine furniture making). Students can also explore CyberARTS, graphic design, photography, and video production. Lakeshore Collegiate Institute’s history is intertwined with the history of its predecessors. New Toronto Secondary School, established in 1951, focused on technical trades, sciences, and mathematics. Alderwood Collegiate Institute, opened in 1955, leaned toward a more academic focus. Today, Lakeshore Collegiate carries the torch, offering a comprehensive education. Imagine the halls bustling with students pursuing their passions. The sports teams, including hockey, baseball, soccer, and a recently revived football team, compete with fierce Phoenix pride. The drama department, headed by Gregory Danakas, puts on annual stage productions, from Shakespeare to Stoker. Lakeshore Collegiate Institute isn’t just a building. It’s a testament to the power of community and the enduring importance of education.