Established in 1964 Silverthorn Collegiate Institute stands proudly in Toronto. Its name echoes the Silverthorn Woods a historical landmark. This area was once part of the Silverthorn Mill Farm. The school’s founding was a direct result of the Markland Wood area’s growth in the early 1960s. The Etobicoke Board of Education recognizing the need for a secondary school chose this significant name.
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute opened its doors in September 1964. A small team of 24 teachers and 7 support staff welcomed the first students. Initially only grades 9 10 and 11 were offered. Grades 12 and 13 were added within two years. The school’s original design came from Dunlop Wardell Matsui & Aitken Architects. Murray Young served as the first principal.
The school’s expansion was significant. In 1968-69 Silverthorn Collegiate Institute doubled in size. New additions included an auditorium a library science labs and facilities for technical and business studies. A second gymnasium was added later. Today Silverthorn Collegiate Institute is a vibrant hub for students. It offers a comprehensive education that includes a strong focus on arts and athletics. The school boasts a High-Performance HP sports program. This program allows students to excel athletically while maintaining academic excellence.
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute’s dedication to the arts is also noteworthy. It features a Specialist High Skills Major SHSM in Arts and Culture. The SHSM program provides students with specialized training. It enhances the transition to college apprenticeships or the workplace. Students engage in hands-on learning and creative projects. The successful completion of the SHSM program results in a special designation on the Ontario Secondary School Diploma.
Silverthorn Collegiate Institute is more than just a school. It’s a community a place where students learn and grow. It is a place where legacies are made and futures are shaped. The school’s proud motto Nil Veretur Veritas meaning The Truth Fears Nothing. This motto perfectly captures the spirit and values of Silverthorn Collegiate Institute.