The big picture on Athol Murray College of Notre Dame
We summarized the school ourselves
The school began its life in 1920 as a convent school, though came into its own—and gained the present name—after Father Athol Murray arrived in 1927. Murray is one those great Canadians that we all should know more about. Charity was a guiding principle, and he believed that quality education was to be offered to all, if they wanted it, whether they could pay for it or not. Indeed, many students he admitted couldn’t, and he took them anyway. It was on that basis that he was invested into the Order of Canada.
Still, Murray is more remembered today due to his influence in regional and professional hockey. He once said, “I love God, Canada and hockey—not always in that order.” He built the Notre Dame Hounds into a force, and in time the program attracted students for that reason, many of who went on to professional careers. Olympic medalist Delaney Collins is an alum, as is Wendell Clark and of course many others. That said, there is far more to the school than hockey. The program is based in the Catholic tradition, and attention to values is a particular attraction, both for students who share that tradition as well as those who don’t. Character is important, too, and while we tend to look first at the hockey program, the list of notable alumni would be impressive even without the NHL players. The ideal student is one looking for a strong foundation for their careers at university and beyond.
We questioned the school adminstration
1. Who are you, as a school?
"Athol Murray College of Notre Dame is a private, independent, co-educational boarding high school, rooted in Catholic tradition and open to students of all faith backgrounds. Athol Murray College of Notre Dame is dedicated to the development of intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and physical qualities of our students with a passion for lifelong learning. Through a balance of strong academic, athletic and spiritual growth in a safe and caring prairie environment, we prepare our students for life as leaders."
Private, independent, co-educational boarding high school, on 50 acres of land, founded in 1920
Home to 300 students, grades 8 - 12, with 90% boarding from up to 20 different countries
Exceptional academic standards, offering Honours & AP Stream or Advanced Courses
80% of all students are on Honour Roll with 100% graduation rate
Christian teaching in a Catholic environment, all faith backgrounds are welcomed
Safe and caring prairie environment, develop life long friendships with students around the world
Leadership & character development, exceptional boarding life
Outstanding athletic & hockey programs with 12 hockey teams and 15 high school sports to choose from
21st Century academic learning program
Outstanding fine arts programs with elite music, art, drama, multi-media and choral teachings
2. What do you do differently and uniquely well?
"Athol Murray College is more than just a school, it is a way of life. The College is located on 50 acres within the small rural Village of Wilcox, surrounded by endless skies and...(more)
"Athol Murray College is more than just a school, it is a way of life. The College is located on 50 acres within the small rural Village of Wilcox, surrounded by endless skies and expansive views, with breath-taking sunsets and ocean like wheat fields. This physical location allows for our students to feel safe, secure and part of a local community. It provides an unique atmosphere free from the distractions, but still connected to the global world with our 21st Century Education Learning Plan."
3. What tradeoffs has your school made to serve families in this way?
Information not yet available.
4. What key junctures in your school's history have most shaped its present?
Information not yet available.
5. What type of student is a good fit for your school?
Information not yet available.
6. Under what conditions would you advise a family against choosing your school?
Information not yet available.
7. To your knowledge, why do families choose your school over others?
"Families will choose Notre Dame because of the proven success of our challenging academic, athletic and spiritually balanced lifestyle. Notre Dame develops leaders who are...(more)
"Families will choose Notre Dame because of the proven success of our challenging academic, athletic and spiritually balanced lifestyle. Notre Dame develops leaders who are equipped with the emotional, physical, mental and social tools needed to become successful and contributing members within their own communities. The developmental growth within ND students is the most noticeably distinguished character commented on by our parents and guardians."
8. How would you characterize your school's image amongst the public?
Information not yet available.
9. What aspect of your school is underappreciated?
"One of the aspects of our school that is often overlooked is the convenience of all essential amenities located in one location. Our university style campus provides everything...(more)
"One of the aspects of our school that is often overlooked is the convenience of all essential amenities located in one location. Our university style campus provides everything you need with no more long hours spent driving to location for sports or clubs. It's all right outside your doorway. We are not just a hockey school, we have 15 high school sports including ND Alumni competing professionally in football and rugby and a new Esports Athletic Program (Canada's 1st Prep-College Program)."
10. What might families find surprising about your school?
"Families might find surprising that no other high school in the world has developed more elite junior, collegiate, USPORTS, NCAA, National, Olympic, NHL and professional hockey...(more)
"Families might find surprising that no other high school in the world has developed more elite junior, collegiate, USPORTS, NCAA, National, Olympic, NHL and professional hockey players than Notre Dame with over 215 NHL drafted players alone. ND graduates also receive more than twice as much in post-secondary scholarships and 50% more scholarships that the average Canadian high school. 80% of all students are on the Honour Roll with 100% graduation rate."
11. What improvements or changes has your school made recently?
Information not yet available.
12. How will your school change in the next 5 years?
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