About Us

J. Clarke Richardson Collegiate serves students in grades 9-12 in Ajax, Ontario.

Mission statement

Commit, Learn, Thrive

Principal's 2024-2025 Message

For my second year as Principal, I’m thrilled to be back home at Richardson.  To all our new students, welcome home and to those returning, welcome home!

The Richardson community makes JCR such a wonderful place to be.  In addition to our core courses, we are lucky to offer a variety of specialty programs – culinary arts, business, tech, fashion, dance, musical theatre and many more.  The positive relationships you build with your teachers, EA’s, support staff and your peers are so important to your success and well-being.  Be sure to make connections in your classes and to join at least one of our many clubs and teams.

This is your home and you are here to learn and thrive, so be sure to commit to yourself and your studies by showing up physically and mentally.  Learn - do the work.  You can do hard things.  You are here to learn, and it should be challenging.  However, if you are struggling, the Richardson staff is here to support.  There are many ways to get help if you need it.  Your teacher is your first go to person.  You can also check in with Guidance and our counsellors can steer you in the right direction or can make connections with local supports such as Mental Health Nurses or Social Workers.  Student Success and Academic Resource are here to assist with your academic needs and learning skills – like organization and time management.  Your Admin team will always have a helping hand to offer.

The people in our community make our home a warm and caring place to be, but we also have a fantastic physical space.  Our library has been newly renovated, and we have a new roof over our heads.  Our theatre sound and light systems were updated last year as well.  Our gymnasium, tech rooms, and outdoor classroom are all well kept and wonderful learning spaces.  Be sure to treat your learning spaces, the washrooms, the halls and the cafeteria – your Richardson home - with respect and care and keep them clean and in good order.

Commit, Learn,Thrive is more than a motto.  We really want you to commit, learn and THRIVE.  Make sure you make time and space for joy, laughter and peace.  Make time and space to connect with the outdoors.  Make time and space to connect with loved ones.  Challenge yourself to make someone smile (including yourself) everyday - with a compliment, with kind words, with gratitude or with a simple smile.  

Welcome Home Richardson!

Have a fantastic year!

Ms. Fletcher

Principal