​Here are the winners of this year's Bookmark design contest.  It was a very difficult decision for the judges make their choice as this year had some exceptional entries.  
 
From left to right:
 
Shai W. (3rd place - tie), Johan G.(2nd place), Daniel T. (3rd place - tie) and Morgan I. (1st place)
 
The new bookmarks will be available this week so ask your student to pick one up for you!
 
Happy Reading!

Here is the permission form to allow your child to ride with another parent/guardian to collect food for the annual Whitehorse Schools Food Drive or to offer your services as a driver.  We are grateful for all the help!

September 23rd, 2019

Dear Vanier families and friends,
Here is this week’s update.
Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of school information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note:

• Tuesday, September 24 – Grade 8s on retreat.
• Wednesday, September 25 – Hat day to raise money for Terry Fox Cancer Research Foundation – A minimum donation of $5.00 is required to wear a hat.  Vanier staff and students will also participate in our Crusader’s Day Spirit Rally before lunch.
• Thursday, September 26 – Current Religion 10 students on retreat.
• Monday, September 30th – Orange Shirt Day.  A day to listen, learn, act and focus on reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples related, especially, to Indian Residential Schools.
• September 30 – October 4 – First informal report from teachers.  All parents/guardians can expect emails from each of your child’s teachers during these days.
• Thursday, October 3 – Grade 9 Immunizations.
• Thursday, October 10 – Individual school photos, please return envelopes with payment to Ron Wilson this day.  Envelopes will be distributed at the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday, September 24).
• Friday, October 11 – PD Day: All-Secondary Schools.  Enjoy your day off – the staff will be here working hard!

Other Notes
Forms - A large package from VCSS should have arrived in your mailbox last week.  Please review the forms carefully and submit all requested information and fees. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  Be sure to submit all forms and fees by October 4 to be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card!
​
Attendance – If you are planning a vacation during school time, or know of a planned absence for your student, please make sure to inform the office (not just the teachers).  This will ensure your student is marked excused and you won’t receive a call and/or email at the end of the day.  Either call 867-667-5901 or email vcss@gov.yk.ca to let us know!

Office 365 – As part of the mail-out package mentioned above, you will see information regarding “Office 365,” which is an online suite of programs that students can access through Yukon Education. Vanier believes this is an excellent tool and resource. We hope that all students “opt-in” for Office 365. This form only needs to be filled out if you choose to OPT-OUT.  If you have any questions, please call us.

Tutoring -  Through the Skills Room, all Vanier students can access a free tutoring program. If your child needs support with their school work (academics, organization etc), please encourage them to pick up a form requesting tutoring in the Skills Room.  All concerns and questions can come to Ms. Cann.  At this point in time we have many tutors available, but as the school year picks up there tends to be less availability.

Autumn Prayer
God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn.
We thank you
for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy,
for the coloring of trees that shows the creativity of the Divine Artist,
for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches,
for the hues of fields that bring peace to our souls,
for the smiles on pumpkins that bring joy to children,
for the fall harvest which that brings us gratitude for the bounty of our land,
for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life.
God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by your Spirit.
Amen
— Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J.
 

The memorial service for Sgt. James (Jim) Giczi will take place in the Large Gym at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 21.  If planning to attend, please take extra time to find parking as it may be difficult to park near the school.

Donations of snacks or desserts for the reception afterwards in the Small Gym would be gratefully accepted.   They can be dropped off at the school starting Friday afternoon (if not needing refrigeration) or taken directly to the Small Gym prior to the service.

On September 17, 2019, the Vanier Catholic Secondary School Council approved our updated school handbook which can be found on our School Documents page.

September 16th, 2019

Dear Vanier families and friends,

​Here is this week’s update.

A large package from VCSS will land in your mailbox any day (if it hasn’t already!)  Please review the forms carefully and submit all requested information and fees. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  Be sure to submit all forms and fees by October 4 to be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card!

Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of school information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note:

• Tuesday, September 17 – Vanier Catholic School Council regular monthly meeting – 7 pm in the Learning Commons.
• Wednesday, September 18 – Vanier Catholic School Council and Catholic Education Association of Yukon annual general meeting – 7 pm in the Learning Commons.
• Friday, September 20 – Yukon College and St. F.X. University recruiter visits.  All Grade 12s will attend, Grade 11 students may register to attend by visiting Ms. Brogdon.
• Friday, September 20 – Current World Religions 12 students on retreat in Carcross.
• Saturday, September 21 – Memorial service for Sgt. James (Jim) Giczi at Vanier Catholic Secondary Large Gym at 2 pm.  Reception to follow in the Small Gym.
• Tuesday, September 24 – Grade 8s on retreat.
• Thursday, September 26 – Current Religion 10 students on retreat.
• Monday, September 30th – Orange Shirt Day.  A day to listen, learn, act and focus on reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples related, especially to Indian Residential Schools.
• September 30 – October 4 – First informal report from teachers.  All parents/guardians can expect emails from each of your child’s teachers during these days.

Other Notes

Staffing Updates – Ms. Sylvie Ouimet is retiring from Yukon Education on Friday, September 20 after nine years of valued service to Vanier Catholic Secondary.  Ms. Hilary Seymour, formerly from Holy Family Elementary School, will be taking over Ms. Ouimet’s position for the remainder of this school year starting next week.  Félicitations, Mme. Ouimet!

​Ms. Janice Durant, our Library Technician, has taken a new job at the Department of Education.  We thank Ms. Durant for her service to the school and wish her the best in her new position.  Michiko Profeit Charman, one of our Office Assistants, will assume the Library Technician duties.

Office 365 – As part of the mail-out package mentioned above, you will see information regarding “Office 365,” which is an online suite of programs that students can access through Yukon Education. Vanier believes this is an excellent tool and resource. We hope that all students “opt-in” for Office 365. This form only needs to be filled out if you choose to OPT-OUT.  If you have any questions, please call us.

Tutoring -  Through the Skills Room, all Vanier students can access a free tutoring program. If your child needs support with their school work (academics, organization etc), please encourage them to pick up a form requesting tutoring in the Skills Room.  All concerns and questions can come to Ms. Cann.  At this point in time we have many tutors available, but as the school year picks up there tends to be less availability.

​News from the Canada Games Centre –  Here at the Canada Games Centre we are thrilled to announce that the ever-popular Youth Lounge is starting up again for the school year! Youth Lounge is a FREE, drop-in program for ages 9-18 that offers youth their own safe space with food and a variety of activities such as ping-pong, foosball, board games, videogames, arts & crafts, movie nights, and more! This program runs every Friday and Saturday from 6-10pm from September to May. We can be found in the Kids Club at the far end of the CGC.
We are having a Youth Lounge Kick-off party on September 20th and want to spread the word! To celebrate we have local breakdancing crew Groundwork Sessions giving a Hip Hop performance and workshop.

September 9th, 2019
Dear Vanier families and friends,
Here is this week’s update.
Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note:

September 9-13 – School Wide Writes – Grades 8-12 students will participate in the SWW during their Humanities and English class. Teachers score the student responses collaboratively and use the information to establish directions for instruction. We can also use the information to check in with how specific groups of students are doing, for example, students who are ELL or those who have IEPs.

September 3-6 – DARTs – Last week, students in grade 8 and 9 participated in the “District Assessment of Reading Test,” which involves reading a non-fiction text, answering comprehension and analysis questions, and having a short oral interview with a teacher. This information is used in much the same way as the SWW information. Our goal is to ensure students have effective reading strategies as they encounter more difficult text in their high school courses.
Parents / guardians can view a child’s SWW and DART during student-led conferences on October 29, or by setting up an appointment with their child’s teacher.

Wednesday, September 11 -  Students will participate in a “Home Room” class with the goal of inspiring students to consider how they are using the core competencies in their classes every day. Each student will need to complete a “Core Competency Self-Assessment” by the end of the school year, so this session will be an initial foray into reflecting on these matters. The groups will meet with this focus again in November and finally in May. The core competencies are: Communication, Critical and Creative Thinking, Positive Personal and Cultural Identity, Personal Awareness and Responsibility, and Social Responsibility.

Coming Soon! – A large package from VCSS will land in your mailbox. Please review the forms carefully and submit all requested information and fees. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Office 365 – As part of the mail-out package mentioned above, you will see information regarding “Office 365,” which is an online suite of programs that students can access through Yukon Education. Vanier believes this is an excellent tool and resource. We hope that all students “opt-in” for Office 365. If you have any questions, please call us.
 
Monday, September 30th – A day to listen, learn, act and celebrate First Nations’ Culture
Orange Shirt Day is a legacy of the St. Joseph Mission residential school commemoration even held in Williams Lake in the spring of 2013.  It grew out of Phyllis’s account of losing her pretty new orange shirt on her first day of school at the Mission, and it has become an opportunity to keep the discussion on all aspects of residential schools happening annually.  The date was chosen because children are back in school and teachers have time to plan, and to set the stage for anti-racism and anti-bullying policies for the year.

​Tutoring -  Through the Skills Room, all Vanier students can access a free tutoring program. If your child needs support with their school work (academics, organization etc), please encourage them to pick up a form requesting tutoring in the Skills Room".  All concerns and and questions can come to Ms. Cann.  At this point in time we have many tutors available, but as the school year picks up there tends to be less availability.

Reporting Schedule for Semester 1

Informal (email/phone call)
September 30 – October 4
A “heads-up” about how the student has settled into the school year. The focus will be on work habits and a “predictive” performance evaluation. Some teachers may also send paper interim reports home with students. There will be a follow-up phone call to students’  who are not doing well in their classes.

Student Led Conference
October 29
Students to share how they are doing in classes, supported by evidence of learning and time for reflection and goal-setting. (Nothing will be mailed home – students are expected to attend these conferences with a caring adult.)

Informal (email/phone call)
November 25 - 29
A check-in to describe how students are doing as they head into the final weeks of the course; including what they need to do to be (more) successful. The report will provide a “predictive” performance evaluation. Again, there will be a follow-up phone call to students who are not doing well.

Formal Written Report
January 17
For senior level courses, this will be a final evaluation of learning performance in the course. This is an overall summary mark/performance evaluation. The comment will refer to strengths, areas for development, and possible course recommendation for future courses.
For grades 8-9, this is a mid-year report. Parents will be informed about how their child is doing, with comments about strengths, areas for improvement, and next steps.

​September 3, 2019
Dear Vanier families and friends,
Here is this week’s update.
Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note
Thursday, September 5 – Whitehorse Transit Show and Tell during the lunch hour.  Come and find out more about riding City Transit, including how to take your bike with you!
Thursday, September 5 – Fire Drill #1
September 9-13 – School Wide Writes
 
Vanier Learning Commons News
The Vanier Learning Commons is a vital part of the school!  The Commons is open from 8:00 am to 4:15 pm every day.  You can read books from our amazing collection, get help to complete your assignments, do research using our print or digital resources, use the green screen room, record a podcast, use a laptop, borrow our coding supplies, play chess or just hang out with friends.  Teacher - librarian Ms. Clarke is always available to help…just ask!
Ms. Clarke’s recipe for a great school year:

1. Eat a good breakfast
2. Floss daily
3. RETURN YOUR OVERDUE TEXTBOOKS AND LIBRARY BOOKS

 
These textbooks are needed for courses being taught this year.  Don’t deny other students the chance to learn all of the fantastic things that you did.  Remember: overdue books will remain on your record until the book is brought back or payment is made.  Start this year off with a clean slate!
 
MAKE YOUR MARK - enter our bookmark contest!
The Vanier Learning Commons is holding a contest to choose a new school bookmark.  You have until Wednesday, September 18th to doodle, draw or paint your way to fame.  The winner will be announced on Friday, September 23 and will receive a gift certificate from Mac’s Books.  October is Canadian Library Month so BOOK it down to the Learning Commons and pick up an entry form today!

Vanier Clubs
The Vanier Social Justice Club, Drama Club, and Chess Club welcome all students from all grades to drop in and check us out!.

​Theatre Club – Tuesday and Thursday @ lunch in Room 12.   Mr. Skelton is the teacher facilitator of this club and it is going to be epic!

Social Justice Club – Wednesday @ lunch in Room 15.  Bring a lunch, bring a friend and be part of making positive change in Whitehorse and beyond!  This year the SJ Club has plans to work on our edible garden, help out at Whitehorse Connects, put up accessibility stickers at school and ensuring that the city of Whitehorse makes accessibility a priority and that is just the beginning of the rewarding, interesting and amazing things that we can do!  Come see Ms. Hamel or Ms. Clarke for more information.

​Chess Club – Thursday @ lunch  Chess Club meets every Thursday at lunch.  If the weather is nice, we will play outside!  At some point, we can invite other schools to Vanier for a tournament!  It doesn’t matter if you are a novice or an expert…just come play!

Dear Vanier families and friends,
Welcome back!  We have had a smooth start to the school year.  Throughout this year, we will try and email all our families weekly with events and relevant information at the start of each week.  Here is this week’s update.
Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note

• Wednesday, August 28th  BBQ and Honour Roll - Vanier Catholic Secondary School at 6pm.​​​  All students and family members are welcome to attend!
• Monday, September 2nd  Labour Day – NO SCHOOL, have a great long weekend!

Student Tutoring Program
All Vanier students can receive tutoring from other students for assistance in course work, assignments or organizational skills.  The students requesting tutors are self-identified or identified by parents or teachers.
To receive tutoring the student simply needs to fill in an application in the Skills Room (Room 3).
Students in Grade 10, 11, or 12 can apply to be a tutor. Tutors can either earn service learning hours or an hourly wage.   Peer tutors are paid on a graduated scale, which increases with grade level and number of hours tutored. Potential tutors need to come in person to the Skills room and fill in an application. Students will be matched one on one by the Learning Assistance Teachers. 

​Attendance Procedures
Attendance in classes is the biggest contributor to student success and we take attendance tracking seriously.  It is the responsibility of all Parent/Guardians to inform the office of all excused absences from school. The office will call home for unexcused students missing 1st block.  Automated phone calls are generated to call home for any unexcused absences after the school day has finished.  We anticipate these automated calls beginning later this week.  
Please inform the office of any absences by calling 667-5901 and speaking with any office staff, if you call after school hours you can leave a voicemail.  Or, If it’s more convenient, please feel free to email us at vcss@gov.yk.ca.

Service Learning Hours
As members of a Christian community we are called to work together to build a world of peace, justice, and compassion.  To accomplish this, we must reach beyond ourselves.  Jesus tells us in Matthew’s Gospel: “I tell you as you, what you do to the least of my brothers, you do to me” (Matthew 25:40).  It is in this spirit that the religion program at VCSS includes a service learning component.
As part of religion courses, students are required to complete a number of volunteer/service hours as well as a small reflection assignment in order to receive their religion credits.  These hours must be completed outside of class time and during the current school year of each grade.  Extra hours over and above what is required will not count toward future years.  Students must not receive compensation in any form for their time and effort.  These hours are to be voluntary.
School staff will remind and encourage students to seek contacts and opportunities for service, but ultimately it is the responsibility of each student to find a way to meaningfully reach out to their community.

• For students in Grade 8 and 9, their hours are due at the beginning of January.  If a student does not complete their hours by then, they must meet with one of the Religious Education Coordinators to ensure a plan is in place to complete the hours before May 1st.
• For students in Grade 10, 11, and 12: Those taking their religion course in the first semester, logged hours and reflections are due at the end of the semester.  (For students taking their religion course in the second semester, this requirement is due two weeks prior to final exams.)

The requirements are as follows:
Grade 8:               5 hours
Grade 9:               10 hours
Grade 10:             15 hours
Grade 11:             15 hours
Grade 12:            Students need a total of 30 hours between grades 10, 11 and 12.  Therefore, if they have met the requirements in grade 10 and 11, they will not need to log hours in grade 12.                       

The AGM will be held on Wednesday Sept. 18, at Vanier Catholic Secondary School starting at 7:00 pm. This is a good opportunity to meet school council members from all three Catholic schools as it also serves as the Annual General Meeting for the Catholic Education Association of Yukon.  For information contact ceayukon@gmail.com