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.

Let’s protect people and the environment! Remember to wear your mask at school, while waiting and on the school bus, and remember to grab your reusable masks when you leave for school.

Most disposable and single-use masks are mostly made of plastic. Growing quantities of disposable and single-use masks are being discarded in the regular garbage as there's little to no opportunity for recycling. This increases the amount of:
           unrecycled waste going to landfills; and
           plastic pollution in the environment or water sources. 

By choosing reusable masks and face coverings, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also reducing your environmental impact.
​
If you must use a disposable mask, always make sure that you dispose of it properly in a garbage container.

Join us this evening for a discussion about the graduation program and required courses for grade 10s.
 
Katrina Brogdon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Next year's Grade 10s
Time: Feb 8, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse
Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98753726026?pwd=dzc4cjZ5YStTWGpTN0tDRjVYL0l4QT09
 
Meeting ID: 987 5372 6026
Passcode: RKx8Ek

Dear Parents and Students,
 
Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities.
The 2021 theme for Black History Month is: "The Future is Now". Throughout our school, we have been and will continue to enrich our lives with the legacy and future of Black Canadians.  “The Future is Now” is a chance to celebrate and acknowledge the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now.
 
Ever present God, you called us to be in relationship with one another and promised to dwell wherever two or three are gathered. In our community, we are many different people; we come from many different places, have many different cultures. Open our hearts that we may be bold in finding the riches of inclusion and the treasures of diversity among us. We pray in faith.
        - Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
 
Week-at-a-Glance
Monday, February 8

• Senior School - Day 2
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball Practices - All Boys Teams - After School
• Next year’s Grade 10 student and parent information session 7:00 pm on zoom

 
Tuesday, February 9

• Senior School - Day 1
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball Practices - All Girls Teams - After School

 
Wednesday, February 10

• Senior School - Day 2
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
• Junior PLC/Early Dismissal @2:15 pm for Grade 8/9 students who are caught up with work
• Basketball - Grade 8/9 Boys - After School

 
Thursday, February 11

• Senior School - Day 1
• Skills Canada representatives will do a presentation on Yukon Apprenticeships 11:30 in the LC
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball - Grade 8/9 Girls - After School

 
Friday, February 12

• Senior School - Day 2
• Valentine’s Photo Booth
• Wear Pink or Red
• Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games-Grades 10-12 After School

 
TONIGHT
Monday, February 8, 2021
7:00 pm
 
We will be hosting a zoom meeting for all parents and students who will be entering Grade 10 next school year.  Grade 9 students and parents should have received an email invitation with the Zoom link. If not, please see it down below. The presentation information will also be put on the website for anyone who is not able to attend the Zoom meeting. 
 
Topic: Next year's Grade 10s
Time: Feb 8, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98753726026?pwd=dzc4cjZ5YStTWGpTN0tDRjVYL0l4QT09
Meeting ID: 987 5372 6026
Passcode: RKx8Ek
 
Course Selection Forms
It’s that time of year already!  Students will be given course selection forms later this week.  Please review these forms.  A parent needs to sign them before they are brought back.  Students please return these forms to the office.
 
As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
 
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal

The Class of 2021 will be starting our first fundraiser with Mom’s Pantry! With over 200 diverse items, from spices, tea, fruits & veggies, and superfoods to cookie dough, frozen ready to bake treats, and snacks, it’s easy to accommodate everyone’s tastes! All of Mom’s Pantry Fundraising Programs are always peanut-aware, meaning they no longer stock any products that contain peanuts as an ingredient. They also offer several 100% peanut free selections.

For more information about the fundraiser you can contact vcssgrad@gmail.com

You can follow the link and place your order and pay online:
http://www.momspantry.ca?passcode=42310&fund_order_id=325888

Dear Parents and Students,
 
We welcomed February today!  The light is coming back and we celebrate the longer days.
 
I’ve been thinking a lot about compassion these days.  Our English word compassion has its roots in Latin-“pati” means to suffer, and the prefix “com” means with. Compassion, originally from “compati” means to suffer with another person.  Compassion is not sympathy, feeling sorry, or pity for someone, but to feel with them.  I believe it is the root of empathy.  It seems we are often good at showing compassion for others, but compassion for self can be harder to cultivate.  I see so many people around us trying their best, and not feeling the self-compassion that is needed in these times.  We are all fallible, beautifully imperfect people.  Please take care of yourselves the way you take care of others.  
 
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
 
Week-at-a-Glance
Monday, February 1

• Senior School - Day 1
• Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball Practices-All Boys Teams-Afterschool

 
Tuesday, February 2

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

 
Wednesday, February 3

• Senior School - Day 1
• Junior School X block = 3
• Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC
• Alpha @ 12:15 in Room 26
• Basketball practice- Grade 8/9 Boys-Afterschool

 
Thursday, February 4

• Senior School - Day 2
• Board Games Club @12:15 in LC
• Basketball-Grade 8/9 Girls-Afterschool

 
Friday, February 5

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

 
Meeting For Parents and Students Entering Grade 10 in August, 2021

• Monday, February 8, 2021
• 7:00 pm

We will be hosting a zoom meeting for all parents and students who will be entering Grade 10 next school year.  You will receive an invitation later in the week with the link for the meeting.  We realize that this is not the ideal way to have a parent meeting, but it is necessary at this time.  The information will also be put into paper form and posted on the school website for anyone who is not able to attend the zoom meeting.  Please be on the lookout for the zoom meeting link later this week.
 
Report Cards
Report cards were mailed late last week.  Please wait until Wednesday to see if your report card arrives at your house before asking the school for a digital copy.  We know the mail has been a bit slower lately.   Students in grades 10-12 will be receiving a letter about credit recovery options if they have courses that qualify.  Most students eligible for credit recovery have been contacted already by Mr. Comeau or Mr. Biss.
 
Numeracy and Literacy Exams
Over 100 students in grades 10 and 11 took numeracy exams and several others took literacy exams last week.  We had a “life in the North” incident on Wednesday afternoon with a school wide internet outage that lasted well over an hour.   Students who were in the middle of the exam were able to come back on Thursday afternoon and finish the exam where they left off. Any student in grade 10 or 11 who still needs to write a literacy or numeracy exam will be able to do so in April.  All of those students will be contacted.
 
As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
 
Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal