On Friday, November 17, we came together as a community to celebrate a special occasion—HTS Founder’s Day. This annual event is dedicated to honouring the remarkable legacy and story of the seven visionary individuals who made the dream of Holy Trinity School a reality. It all began at Holy Trinity Church in Thornhill, where a small group of dedicated parents had a shared vision to build an independent school that would not only benefit their children but also serve the surrounding community for generations to come.
Our seven Founders—Bob Harvey, John Langton, Carol Matson, Ken Matson, Les Parker, Richard Simpson, and John Stanford—each brought unique expertise and talents to the table. Together, they embarked on an ambitious journey, overcoming numerous challenges as they laid the foundation for what we now know as HTS. With their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment, they worked collaboratively to create a school rooted in academic excellence, moral integrity, and community values.
We are forever indebted to our Founders, who took a courageous leap of faith, driven by a belief that they could create something extraordinary. The humble beginnings of HTS can be traced back to the basement of Holy Trinity Church in Richmond Hill in the late 1970s. What started as a small initiative has grown into the vibrant and dynamic institution we cherish today. From its modest start with 66 students and a small faculty—many of whom wore multiple hats, even taking on janitorial duties—the school has flourished, becoming one of the leading independent schools in Canada. The HTS building we know today stands as a testament to the Founders’ vision and perseverance, representing their dedication to education and community.
Each year, as we celebrate Founder's Day, we are reminded of the values and principles that guided the school’s establishment. Through various events and commemorations, the HTS community reflects on its deep connection to Holy Trinity Church and the Anglican roots from which the school was born. Although the school’s demographics have evolved over time, with fewer students identifying as Anglican, HTS remains committed to upholding the Christian and Anglican values of compassion, respect, and service that have been central to its mission from the very beginning.
Founder's Day serves as a time not only to look back at our rich history but also to celebrate the strong community that has grown from that original vision. It’s a day of reflection, gratitude, and pride in how far we’ve come, while also reaffirming our commitment to the ideals of our Founders, who believed in the transformative power of education and the strength of a close-knit community.
As we continue to move forward, we remain deeply grateful for the courage, foresight, and dedication of our Founders, whose dream has become a lasting legacy. HTS continues to thrive, with their pioneering spirit inspiring generations of students, faculty, and families.