Humanities

Becoming More Worldly at St. Joan of Arc

Meet Ms. Fracassi

Ms. Fracassi is the Head of the CWS Department. She has been teaching at St. Joan for over 15 years.


The best education prepares students to think critically and actively about the sorts of problems and possibilities they will encounter in their lives and future careers, as employees, as participants in their community, and as citizens of Canada and the world. By studying humanities and social sciences, students cultivate a broader knowledge and understanding of the world, which enables them to engage in the most important issues of today such as climate change, social justice and ethics and national and international policy.

Courses in the Canadian and World Studies department develop

  • critical thinking,

  • communication

  • creative problem solving

  • self-expression

  • innovative research

  • and lifelong learning

These are all skills that are central to a great career and a well-lived life. Developing a skill set that is broad, and being able to read, write, think, and speak—those are enduring skills that every student needs to be successful.

Experiential Learning in Canadian and World Studies









  • Student Vote

  • Mock trials

  • Student Connect, municipal election jobs for students

  • Debates

  • Superior Court visit

  • Rep Day with our Member of Parliament

  • Guest Speakers

  • Supply Line Artifacts from WWI

English Department: "Books are mirrors of the soul."

English and Language Teachers at St. Joan know that the study of literature is just about the most powerful thing you can do to improve your life. Did you know that reading is the best predictor of educational achievement and life success - better, even, than your parents' socioeconomic standing? You become more empathetic, develop better thinking skills, and know more about the world.

Beyond Books at St. Joan of Arc

  • Poetry Recitations and Dramatizations

  • Poetry Writing Contests

  • Author Visits and Writing Workshops (including Screenplay focus in Writer's Craft)

  • Theatre field trips

  • Multimedia creation

  • Arts-based literacy

English Department Media Studies Example.mp4

A Feast for the Senses

This video adaptation is from Salma A, a grade 10 student in the AP English program.

Salma's multimedia poem demonstrates the impact of powerful words, tone, and carefully chosen images.

Meet Mr. Howley

English Department Video.MOV