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This October marks a special milestone for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Toronto, as it celebrates the 20th anniversary of its onsite school. Recognized by the Ministry of Education, RMHC Toronto School is a lifeline for families who must travel far from home for a child’s medical treatment, offering both in-class and virtual learning options for patients and siblings staying at Ronald McDonald House in downtown Toronto.
As Canada’s only school of its kind, RMHC Toronto School is more than a classroom. It provides an essential academic, emotional, and social bridge for children whose lives have been disrupted by illness, making it possible for families to stay together when a child is seriously ill.
A Safe Space for Learning
The RMHC Toronto School welcomes children from junior kindergarten to grade 12, helping them maintain their studies while navigating complex medical schedules. The school adapts to each student’s unique needs, creating a warm, supportive environment that fosters stability, routine, and socialization during uncertain times. Three options are available: full-day learning for elementary students, tutoring for secondary students or immunocompromised students who need individual support, and preschool programming for children aged 2.5-4 years.
“For us, this place has been a game-changer,” shares Aimee, a mom whose family has relied on RMHC Toronto School. “Having a school here has been such a big help, allowing our sons Ashton and Alister to stay on track with their education while their brother is in the hospital.”
“Our middle son Ashton is thriving. He’s really into dinosaurs, and the school staff tailor the curriculum to include his interest in dinosaurs. If he was at a regular school, he’d be worrying about his brother, but here, the staff know how to support him. They keep him engaged and happy, even during difficult times.”
Two Decades of Learning and Community
On Saturday, October 26, RMHC Toronto School hosted a special 20th-anniversary celebration for alumni and community members. The event featured interactive activities, engaging learning opportunities, a House tour, and a BBQ lunch.
Guests heard from Interim CEO Christina Scicluna, Principal Katie Doering, School Alumni Daniella Trotta and Iederf Carreon, VP of Development and Marketing Allison Urowitz, and Mayor Olivia Chow.
“It’s not just about learning, it’s about caring,” Chow remarked. “It’s really everything—you get to play, get to learn, get to have good food, and this is what Ronald McDonald House is all about.”
Principal Katie Doering, who was instrumental in the school’s founding in 2004, shared, “To see the school grow to where it is today, with dedicated staff, a purpose-built space and schooling options tailored to fit each family’s needs means so much to me. I am proud to be leading this school.” Katie, who holds a PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Learning, has dedicated her career to ensuring children facing medical challenges receive the highest quality education. Her award-winning dissertation on children’s literature featuring characters with cancer and her own children’s book, Evabel, about childhood cancer, showcase her dedication to this mission.
Daniella Trotta, who attended the school for three months in 2012 while in Grade Eight, spoke about how RMHC Toronto School influenced her career path. “Even after I moved back home and returned to my original school, my experiences at RMHC school stuck with me,” she shared in her speech. “Eventually, I became an elementary school teacher, and to this day I strive to cultivate a classroom environment that mirrors the welcoming and accepting atmosphere at RMHC Toronto School.”
By aligning with the Ontario Curriculum, RMHC Toronto helps families relieve one of the many burdens that come with prolonged hospital stays, allowing children to continue learning and growing during their most challenging times.
