About Us

The Mission of Our School

In order to support the Board's mission, Langstaff S.S. aspires to be a community of learners born of respect, trust and courage.  This envisions a school which is personal, warm, caring dynamic and inviting.  At Langstaff, diversity is recognized and celebrated.  The development of a strong community and student learning are our primary focus.

At Langstaff we endeavour to:

• ​Engage and support an individual's unique gifts, passions and intentions
• Develop and empower the mind, body and heart
• Create an environment that nurtures leadership, ownership and the capacity to embrace change
• Challenge and expand the comfortable limits of thought, tolerance and performance
• Instill and support a life long passion for learning
• Encourage excellence in all areas of school life

History

Langstaff S.S. is named after Dr. James Langstaff, a son of John Langstaff and a grandson of Abner Miles. James Langstaff provided a link with Richmond Hill's earliest beginnings as a community. Born in 1825 at the Langstaff family home at today's Yonge Street and Highway 7, young James studied medicine in Toronto and in England. He first practised in Unionville, then moved to Richmond Hill in September 1849. 

From his stately home on the west side of Yonge Street just north of the village core, Langstaff healed the sick and patched up accident victims for the next half-century. Like many small-town doctors of the day, he also served his community in other ways - as town councillor, active Presbyterian layman, and temperance advocate.

Langstaff was also a link with the future. His son Rolph and daughter-in-law Lillian, both doctors, took over the medical practice, carried it into the twentieth century, and eventually handed it on to their son, another Dr. James Langstaff. Today, the Langstaff home still exists, although it has been moved to the rear of the property and now faces Hall Street.

School Spirit