Traditions

Ontario Ladies’ College and Trafalgar Castle School was established in 1874 and through the years has endured countless changes. We’ve recently launched a full laptop programme and remain at the forefront of information technology and communication in educating university-bound young women. Yet one thing remains unchanged and that is our inherent respect and love for tradition. Trafalgar Castle honours tradition and embraces the ever-changing future in a most unique way.

Student Fellowship Bazaar

This event dates back to the early 1900’s and has remained an integral part of the Trafalgar Castle Community’s traditions. Every fall, the event is organized by our Student Community Service Co-ordinators in partnership with the student population, alums, parents, faculty and staff.

The Castle Christmas Bazaar is held to raise funds for local, national and international charities. Last year’s bazaar was an overwhelming success, raising an incredible $14,085.11 for such charities as Child Find Ontario, World Vision, The Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Denise House, Charles H. Best Diabetes Centre, MADD, Habitat for Humanity International, Cornerstone Community Association and Parkinsons Durham. This year's bazaar was better than ever, raising an overwhelming $15,000.

Every dollar raised is directed to charity.

Christmas Dinner

Christmas Dinner at the Castle is a treasured tradition where students, parents and staff all gather in harmony to celebrate the festive Season. It is predicted that the Christmas Dinner dates back to the late 1800's in commemoration of the end of the examination period and the beginning of the Christmas holiday. 

The Castle's ornate structure is only enhanced on this festive evening with the beautiful sparkling Christmas decor and the joyous sound of Christmas carols echoing through the halls. In years past, students would dress in page costumes by candlelight and sing the "Boar's Head Carol", followed by a special processional during which the boar's head, all roasted and brown, was carried in on a platter while everyone sang.  

Trafalgar Day

Trafalgar Day represents the highest regard for academics and school life at Trafalgar Castle School. First introduced in 1874 by Ontario Ladies' College's first Principal, Dr. Hare, Trafalgar Day honours our graduating class, recognizing their outstanding achievements and exceptional contributions to school life throughout their stay.

Until 1991, Trafalgar Day was known as Commencement and was held on a Friday evening, early September. Aware that many of our graduates go on to universities all across the country and abroad, Commencement was changed to Trafalgar Day and is now held at the end of each School year.

Graduating students wear black academic gowns and mortarboards to commemorate the occasion and are all linked together by a daisy chain. As each grad reaches the stage, the daisy chain is cut representing her graduation and symbolizing the start of a new phase in her life.