The school offers a Broad-based technology centre, cooperative education program and one of the largest visual arts studios in the city.

During his entire term as Archbishop, he fought tirelessly for the extension of funding for Catholic secondary schools.

He demonstrated in both words and deeds the school motto “Fidelitas in Arduis”, which translates to “Faith In Hard Times”.

[2] The school's parent council co-chair Nicole Waldron said the group was opposed to one of the three options presented by the board for students from Neil to be relocated from Victoria Park and Kingston Road near the Scarborough Bluffs to St. Patrick (on the former Lakeview Secondary School grounds) in the Greenwood and Danforth Avenues area.

However, both the sites of Jean Vanier and St. Patrick are currently owned by the Toronto District School Board via the Toronto Lands Corporation (TLC) realtor arm if returned while the Newman property and land is owned by St. Augustine's Seminary.

[6] Since then, the school board agreed with the Spiritans to make every effort possible to maintain the Neil facility for the next 50 years.

[4] Every Friday morning, the school song is sung, replacing the singing of O Canada on other weekdays.

Since the 2011-2012 academic year, Student Council has had autonomy over their affairs, reporting directly to the Principal.