Dear Parents and Students,
 
Today is election day.  I would like to take a minute to say a prayer of thanks for living in such a peaceful and safe country where even our most heated political debates rarely end in violence or tragedy.  I am thankful for our democratic process and the trust that smooth transitions in leadership happen at all levels of government. 
 
We have a very busy week.  Student led conferences, literacy and numeracy exams, and the work that must take place for the transition to full days for senior students are but a few things happening at Vanier this week.  I look forward to seeing you all at our Student Led Conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.

Prayer
Dear Lord, Thank you for the gifts of freedom, democracy and peace.  Help us to never take our privileges for granted and help us to be better members of our community.
He has told you what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?  Micah 6:8
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
Monday April 12

• Senior School - Day 2
• Territorial Elections Will Be Held In The Large Gym All Day
• Literacy Exams in The Cafeteria: off shift for grade 10s and 11s who are registered
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Sr. GSA + Equity and Diversity Club @ 11:30 upstairs

 
Tuesday April 13

• Senior School - Day 1
• Numeracy Exams in the Learning Commons: off shift for grade 10s and 11s who are registered (Students need to check their Teams messages if they are not sure.  Each student who is registered has been sent a message).
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC

 
Wednesday April 14

• Senior School - Day 2
• X block = 4
• Senior Social Justice Club @ 11:30 in LC
• Make up Literacy and Numeracy Exam Day (if needed)
• Student Led Conferences for Grade 8 & 9: 3:30-6:30 pm (Please come to Pick up Report Cards)

            If possible, please time your visit as follows:        Last names A-L 3:30 - 5:00
                                                                                           Last names M-Z 5:00 – 6:30
            If this is not possible, please come when you are able.
 
Thursday April 15

• Senior School - Day 1
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Students in Grades 10-12 Will Be Working On Assignments Away from School
• Student Led Conferences For Grades 10-12 @ 3:30-6:30 pm (Please come to Pick up Report Cards)

 
Friday April 16

• Senior School - Day 2
• Students in Grades 10-12 Will Be Working On Assignments Away from School

 
Monday April 19

• Senior School - Day 1
• All Students Will Be in School All Day
• GSA+Equity & Diversity Club @ 11:30 - upstairs
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 pm in LC

 
Back to School Full Days for Grades 10-12 Starts Monday, April 19th
There is a bell schedule/timetable posted below for parents or students who missed it in last weeks email.  We have copies of this form for all grade 10-12 students if they wish to have one.  Since our bell schedule has not changed, students should be well acquainted with our schedule.
 
Senior School Bells
School starts at 8:45
Lunch is from 11:25-12:35
Afternoon class starts at 12:35.
We dismiss grades 10-12 at 3:15.
 
We made the decision at Vanier to keep our long lunch so that senior students will have time to meet with their teachers, meet with counsellors or learning assistance tutors or access resources in the learning commons.  Because we will have around 20 minutes of overlapping times for our junior and senior lunch, we will be asking grade 10-12 students to vacate the cafeteria by 12:00 so that tables can be cleaned and made ready for the grade 8-9 students.
 
School Name Change
We have only received a few suggestions for the school name change.  It’s not too late!
Please see the attachment with information regarding the name change suggestion process.
Please send your form to : ianjmdavis@gmail.com

Dear Parents and Students,
 
Welcome back after the long Easter weekend.  I hope everyone had a relaxing and restorative weekend.  Things are going to get very busy from now on.  Communication between parents, teachers and students is of the utmost importance.

Prayer
Dear Lord, May my family flourish in your love. May it be well with them all. Bless them with your amazing grace. Amen.
May God give you more and more mercy, peace, and love. ~Jude 1:2
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
Monday April 5

• Easter Monday – No School

 
Tuesday April 6

• Senior School - Day 2
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball Practice – Girls - Afterschool

 
Wednesday April 7

• Senior School - Day 1
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
• Alpha @ 12:15 in Room 26
• Junior PLC – Dismissal at 2:15 if all work completed
• Basketball Practice - Boys - Afterschool

 
Thursday April 8

• Senior School - Day 2
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball – Girls – Afterschool

 
Friday April 9

• Senior School - Day 1
• Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games – Grade 10-12 – Afterschool

 
Next Week:
Monday April 12

• Senior School - Day 2
• Territorial Elections will be held in the large gym all day
• Literacy Exams in the cafeteria: off shift for grade 10s and 11s who are registered
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Sr. GSA + Equity and Diversity Club @11:30 upstairs mezzanine

 
Tuesday April 13

• Senior School - Day 1
• Numeracy Exams in the cafeteria: off shift for grade 10s and 11s who are registered
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC

 
Wednesday April 14

• Senior School - Day 2
• Senior Social Justice Club @ 11:30 in LC
• Make up Literacy and Numeracy exam day if needed
• Student Led conferences for grade 8 and 9: 3:30-6:30 pm

 
Thursday April 15

• Senior School - Day 1
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Students in Grades 10-12 will be working on assignments away from school
• Student Led conferences for grades 10-12: 3:30-6:30 pm

 
Friday April 16

• Senior School - Day 2
• Students in Grades 10-12 will be working on assignments away from school

 
Monday April 19

• Senior School - Day 1
• All students will be in school all day

 
Important information regarding grade 10-12 students returning to full days
Please see the special attachments below for students in grades 10-12 and their parents.

Dear Parents and Students,
Welcome back to school!  Hopefully everyone had a restful spring break.  Time will fly by now- only 10 weeks of school left for the year.  Let’s make sure everyone makes good use of that time.
This is Holy Week- Christians observe this special time as the centre of their faith. We will have a Stations of the Cross Liturgy on Wednesday and Friday and next Monday are school holidays. 
John 3:16: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
 
Important Information Regarding Grade 10-12 Students Returning to Full Days
The principals, superintendents, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister and members of PC, FH and Vanier school councils have met again to discuss details about the return to full days for grade 10-12 students.  We are still waiting on confirmed dates. Our best prediction is that the transition will happen sometime in mid-April.  At this time, students remain on their current half-day schedules.  We will pass on information as soon as we are able.
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
Monday March 29

• Senior School - Day 2
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Sr. GSA + Equity and Diversity Club 11:30

Tuesday March 30

• Senior School - Day 1
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC

Wednesday March 31

• Senior School - Day 2
• Stations of the Cross Liturgy
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC

Thursday April 1

• Senior School - Day 1
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC

Friday April 2

• Good Friday
• No School

Monday April 5

• Easter Monday
• No School

Tuesday April 6

• Day 2
• Back to School

 
Reminders to take note of:
DELF Exams-For grade 11 and 12 French students
- from Hélène Saint Onge, Yukon Department of Education DELF Exam Centre Chief
A letter was mailed to your child Monday a week ago about the DELF exam that will take place on April 13 (B1).
If this letter does not reach you by the end of the week, please feel free to email me to let me know.
B1 DELF practices will occur in Ms. Hamel at the bell at lunch time (11:25) on March 30 and April 6th. Please remind your child about those practices. This will help him/her to better succeed to the exam.
If you have questions about this exam please contact Ms. Hamel or Hélène Saint Onge by email:
edu-delf@yukon.ca

Scheduling for Next Year
A few students who will enter grades 10-12 next year have not yet input their course selections for 2021-2022.  Please make an appointment with Ms. Segriff or Ms. Campbell to complete this process as soon as possible.

Numeracy 10 and Literacy 10 Exams
April 12-14
For students who missed or were not yet scheduled for these exams earlier in the year, this will be the final opportunity to take the Numeracy or Literacy 10 exams.  Ms. Wallace will be contacting students who still need to take their exams and she will let you know what day you will be taking them.

As always, please contact us for any questions or concerns.  Have a beautiful week and Easter weekend.
Katrina Brogdon, Principal, and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

Dear parents and students, 
Good News! Many of you may have heard the news this morning regarding the return to full days for grade 10-12 students sometime in April.  There are many details that have not been worked out yet.  The enclosed letter explains what we know at this point.  Please understand that I will not be able to answer any other questions.  I have exactly the same information that you do.  
Thanks and remember-spring break is only 2 days away! 
Sincerely,
Katrina Brogdon
Principal

Dear Parents and Students,
Today is March 8th, which means it is International Women’s Day. This is a global day of recognition celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work left to be done.  Read more about International Women’s Day at: International Women's Day information
 
'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.' (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV)
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
Monday, March 8

• Senior School - Day 1
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Sr. GSA + Equity and Diversity Club 11:30 in room 31
• Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school

Tuesday, March 9

• Senior School - Day 2
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school

Wednesday, March 10

• Senior School - Day 1
• FADS (Fashion, Art and Design) program information sessions for grade 9 students in morning classes
• Wood Street Programs – applications due today
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
• Alpha @ 12:15 in Room 26
• Jr. PLC @2:15 Early dismissal only for grade 8/9 students who are completely caught up on their work.
• Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school
• Grad meeting 7:00 pm on Zoom- link will be sent to all grads and their parents

Thursday, March 11

• Senior School - Day 2
• Homeroom 801 and 804 will be attending mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral from 9:00-11:00
• Next year’s grade 12’s- course input at Senior skills room during your off shift.   
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool

Friday, March 12

• Senior School - Day 1
• Spring Fever Day!  Wear the brightest, most colourful clothing possible!
• Next year’s grade 11’s – course input at Senior skills room during your off shift
• Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games – Grade 10-12 – Afterschool

March Break: Saturday March 13-Sunday March 28.

​FIRST DAY BACK  -  Monday, March 29th
 
Important Reminders:
 
City Bus Passes
Many students are not picking up their bus passes from the office. We had almost 40 passes that were not picked up in February.  This is a big expense so if you no longer need a bus pass, please tell the office.  If you do not pick up your March bus pass before the end of the week, we will not be ordering you a bus pass for April.  Please let us know if there is a reason you cannot pick up your bus pass.
 
Masks
A few students are asking for masks from the office 3-4 times a week!  By now, everyone should have a supply of reusable masks.  They wash and dry very easily.  The disposable masks are not environmentally friendly, so please remember your reusable masks. Thanks to everyone who remembers and wears their masks every day.
 
Booster Card Money
We are waiting for a few students to bring in their booster card money.  Try to get this done before the end of this week.
 
White Hatter Program
This organization’s primary focus is on internet and digital safety for youth.  They are well resourced and researched, with many law enforcement agency partners.  They have given presentations for years to parents, youth and communities.  Please read the following information and mark your calendars for the free information sessions.
 
For information about The White Hatter program go to: The White Hatter
 
Whitehorse RCMP is proud to partner with The White Hatter to provide Yukon parents the opportunity to participate in two webinars. The White Hatter is a company based out of Victoria, BC who specializes in Internet Safety presentations. In recent years, the RCMP have seen a drastic increase in child pornography, extortion and child luring type offences. Whitehorse RCMP believes that it is beneficial to provide parents with extra information on how to keep children safe online. These webinars are free for participants and offered to all parents and caregivers, in the Yukon.
 
March 23rd, 2021, from 7PM to 9 PM: Internet Safety and Digital Literacy for Parents and Caregivers.
 
LINK: https://app.sli.do/event/15b0r8iy
PASSWORD: Yukonparents2021
 
March 25th, 2021, from 7PM to 9PM: Online Sexual Predation and Exploitation: What is the threat and what can caregivers do to help minimize the risks.
 
LINK https://app.sli.do/event/su6f1te6
PASSWORD: Yukonparents2021
 
And finally…
We are in our last week before Spring Break.  Students will be pushing to get work finished so they can have a real “break” from school.  The week we return from Spring Break is a short one, and teachers are submitting their marks on April 1st for the mid-term report cards.  Please put in a big effort on to get your work completed and have a good mid-term report.  For grade 12 students, these mid-term marks can impact some post-secondary admissions, so ask for help if you need it!
 
Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns.  Have a wonderful Spring Break! 
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

Dear Parents and Students
 
Happy March!  Spring is on its way and although the snow is lots of fun, maybe it could stop for a bit?
Congratulations to our Grad class of 2021 on their great show of spirit and skill during this weekend’s Rendezvous activities.  Though they didn’t come in 1st place, I think they had the best school spirit by far! 
 
Thoughts of optimism-the days are getting lighter and hopefully moods are as well.  I hope students and parents can be optimistic and know that it is possible to be successful with the effort, support and positivity. Please ask for help if you need it.  We are here for you and want all students to have a successful semester.
 
And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! ~Psalm 90:17
Dear Lord, Thank you for showing me the way. I can always count on you. I am believing in a victorious outcome. Amen
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
 
Monday, March 1
Senior School - Day 2
Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school
 
Grade 7 Parent Meeting 7:00pm on Zoom
Topic: VCSS Grade 7 Parent meeting
Time: Mar 1, 2021 07:00 PM Edmonton
Join Zoom Meeting
Vanier Future grade 8s Parent meeting
Meeting ID: 956 3359 6950
Passcode: kx9E4q
 
Tuesday, March 2
Senior School - Day 1
Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school
 
Wednesday, March 3
Senior School - Day 2
Grade 9 Retreat- All Day
Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school
 
Thursday, March 4
Senior School - Day 1
Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool
 
Friday, March 5
Senior School - Day 2
Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games – Grade 10-12 – Afterschool
 
 
Reminder about the school name change- this was in last week’s email.  This is a very important area of growth that has lasting consequences for our school.  Please give your feedback.
 
A time for change
 
The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community.  As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school.
 
Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community.
 
Changing our school name
 
Who can propose a new name?
 
While we have sought and appreciate the input of the wider Catholic community into the decision to change the name, Council will only be inviting all current VCSS students, teachers and administration to submit a proposal for changing our school name.
 
Council will donate $200 to a charity of the choice of the person who nominates the chosen new school name.
 
How do I propose a new name?
 
You can download the School Name Proposal Package from the School Council portal on the VCSS website. Follow the instructions in that package and then email your proposal by March 31st 2021 to ianjmdavis@gmail.com
How will a new name get chosen?
 
Once all proposals have been submitted, council and a small support group will review and evaluate the proposals. Once a new name has been selected council will ask the Episcopal Corporation for a blessing on the new name and then work with the Department of Education to put forward that name to the Government of Yukon who will make the final decision.
 
Once the government has made its decision the name will be announced along with the name of the person who proposed it.
 
It is council’s hope that a new name can be selected and in place for the 2021/22 School calendar year.
 
And finally….
Vanier enjoyed a delicious Cabane à Sucre on Thursday! Merci to the French Department for organizing this very popular event! Yearbook 2021 staff were on hand taking photos. Yearbook orders will be taken in early April so stay tuned for details!
 
Have a great week!
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

Dear Parents and Students,
 
This week is a short one - we have Heritage Day on Friday, Feb 26th.  Heritage Day in Yukon is a fun way to celebrate the history of this beautiful place we all call home.  We hope you are able to get out and enjoy the long weekend coming up!
 
A prayer of reassurance during stressful times:
He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. ~Psalm 107:29
Dear Lord, When the oceans rage and the winds are fierce, you are the one that brings peace to my soul. Despite the trials, your light shines brightly into my heart and keeps my hope alive. Amen.
 
Week-At-A-Glance:
Monday, February 22
Senior School - Day 2

• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school

Tuesday, February 23
Senior School - Day 1

• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school

Wednesday, February 24
Senior School - Day 2
Grade 8 Retreat- All Day
            *Grade 8 students will not have early dismissal today

• Jr. PLC/early dismissal @ 2:05 for grade 9 students who are caught up with their work
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
• Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school

Thursday, February 25
Senior School - Day 1

• Cabane à sucre-Sugar Shack:
  • classes are schedule to visit throughout the day
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool

Friday, February 26

• Heritage Day – No School

Enjoy your weekend!
 
Important Events for Next week:
 
Monday, March 1
Grade 7 Parent Meeting 7:00pm on Zoom
 
Topic: VCSS Grade 7 Parent meeting
Time: Mar 1, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse
Join Zoom Meeting
Vanier Future grade 8s Parent meeting
Meeting ID: 956 3359 6950
Passcode: kx9E4q
 
Course Selection Forms        
Forms can still be submitted to the office! Please do so at the earliest time possible.
 
Interim Reports Home This Week
Senior students should be getting reports on Behaviors for Success, which include areas such as handing in assignments in a timely manner, class attendance, and engagement and study habits. 
Junior Students in year-long courses will only get interim reports if there is a sudden change in a students’ learning or output, or if there are other concerns such as attendance.  Junior students in electives should get a Behaviors for Success report. 
 
All students will be receiving a mid-term report in early April.
 
Please take note of the following information from our school council: 
A time for change
 
The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community.  As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school.
 
Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community.
 
Changing our school name
 
Who can propose a new name?
 
While we have sought and appreciate the input of the wider Catholic community into the decision to change the name, Council will only be inviting all current VCSS students, teachers and administration to submit a proposal for changing our school name.
 
Council will donate $200 to a charity of the choice of the person who nominates the chosen new school name.
 
How do I propose a new name?
 
You can download the School Name Proposal Package from the School Council portal on the VCSS website. Follow the instructions in that package and then email your proposal by March 31st 2021 to ianjmdavis@gmail.com
 
How will a new name get chosen?
 
Once all proposals have been submitted, council and a small support group will review and evaluate the proposals. Once a new name has been selected council will ask the Episcopal Corporation for a blessing on the new name and then work with the Department of Education to put forward that name to the Government of Yukon who will make the final decision.
 
Once the government has made its decision the name will be announced along with the name of the person who proposed it.
 
It is council’s hope that a new name can be selected and in place for the 2021/22 School calendar year.
 
Have a great week and let us hear from you with any questions or concerns,
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

​Dear Parents and Students,
 
Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday.  Tradition tells us that Shrove Tuesday became the day of feasting because people wanted to use up their rich and fatty foods before the season of Lent began.  As in many historical traditions, something simple has turned into something very festive and extravagant in many places in the world. (Though perhaps not so much this year!)  The Lenten season is a time for reflection, fasting, positive spiritual habits, and for some people it means giving something up.  Whatever makes the season of Lent meaningful to you and your family, a time to slow down, cut out distractions, and focus on our relationships with God and each other is always a good thing.
For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
                                                Matthew 6:21
 
What’s happening at Vanier this week:
Monday, February 15
Day 1
Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school
 
Tuesday, February 16
Day 2
Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school
VCS School Council meeting @ 7:15 pm via Zoom – invitation is on our website
 
Wednesday, February 17
Day 1
Ash Wednesday Liturgies all day by grade groupings
Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
Alpha @ 12:15 in Room 26
Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school
 
Thursday, February 18
Day 2
Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool
 
Friday, February 19
Day 1
Writing Effective Post-Secondary Grant and Bursary applications @11:30 in the LC
Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games-Grades 10-12 after school
 
Grade 11 students-Shad Canada programs are still open for application.
If you are in grade 11 and are interested in a high-level academic challenge this summer, Shad Canada might be for you.  Even though the website says applications are closed, as of today, February 15th, there is still a chance to apply by contacting:  Cheryl Thompson, student coordinator  cheryl@shad.ca
tel: 519-884-8844 x 222                         https://www.shad.ca/about-shad/shad-2021/
 
Course Selection Forms
Most students have been given course selection forms.  A few grade 9 classes will have class presentations on Tuesday for counsellors to go over course requirements for grade 10s.  If parents or students missed last week’s presentation about the graduation program, you can find it on our website: vcss.ca
 
Course descriptions and new curriculum
The past couple of years has seen a big change in BC/Yukon courses.  If you have a question about a course you see on the course selection sheet, please refer to the curriculum guides found at https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/
 
We ask that all students get their course selection forms turned in to the office by Friday, February 19th
 
 
As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
 
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

The Every Student, Every Day Attendance Initiative is inviting proposals for 2021-2022 funding to support project and ideas that will help improve attendance at Yukon schools.  For the 2021-2022 school year, they will distribute $150,000 amongst successful applicants.  More than one proposal per school or community may be submitted and the successful applicants will be announced in April 2021.  Deadline for proposals is March 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m.