Dear Lynx families/Chères familles Lynx
Thank you to Mme. Gillespie and Ms. Ramos for organizing our Remembrance Day assembly. The student MCs did a fantastic job leading the presentation, and our band students should be proud of their performance. Also, thank you to Dr. Aniekan Udofia for taking the time to craft and share her messages around the role of the Canadian Armed Forces in protecting and supporting others.
Friday all the staff around the CBE engaged in “Matoomsi Pookaiks”. This is a professional learning day designed for all staff, regardless of role, to participate in developing foundational knowledge of Indigenous ways of being, belonging, doing and knowing. This day of learning is part of the commitment to acknowledging and supporting the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) 94 Calls to Action specific to education.
Parents, just a reminder that Friday was the start of the CBE’s fall break. Students will return to classes on Thursday, November 14.
Families, please see below for a welcome message from Mme Cindy Chin who will be joining Vanier as the acting Assistant Principal upon return from the fall break. I have known Mme Cindy professionally for a few years, and I am looking forward to her taking up this new role.
Finally, I would like to wish the best of luck to Mme. Laurelle in her new role as the System Assistant Principal of Languages. Laurelle and I started together 3 years ago and I could not have chosen a better partner to help shape the vision and culture we wanted at Vanier. She has worked tirelessly with teachers, families, and most importantly, students to help make Vanier a better place. Mme. Laurelle and I have spent the last week reflecting on our time together at Vanier; what we are proud of, what work still needs to be done, and what we have learned along the way. I can say that she is more than ready for her new position, that she will thrive in supporting the language programs across the CBE and that she has made me a better principal.
Bonne "fall break”,
Mr. Chad Edmonds – Principal Georges P Vanier School
Introduction letter from Acting AP Cindy Chin
Dear GP Vanier community,
I would like to take a moment to share a little bit about me. My name is Cindy Chin, and I’m thrilled to be joining the George P. Vanier community as your Acting Assistant Principal. I am first generation born Canadian to Guyanese parents. They immigrated to Canada in the early 1970's. My parents enrolled me in French immersion, where I learned the skills and knowledge to become bilingual in both French and English. My parents supported and encouraged my journey in language acquisition and I am forever grateful.
After completing my degree at U of T, I moved on to the University of Ottawa. We moved to Calgary in 2009 and never left, it is now our home. I am proud to be raising my family here in Calgary (including a 14-year-old fur baby named Laylabear), alongside my husband (who is also an educator). In my career I have been fortunate to work across grade levels ranging from k - 9, most recently as the system French learning leader for the Languages department. I am thrilled to support, collaborate and work alongside the students, staff, families, and community here at GP Vanier. Over the entirety of my 15+ year teaching career, each position has taught me something new, I enjoy working alongside my colleagues and I continue to love what I do each and every day. Please feel free to reach out to me anytime. I look forward to meeting you in the near future.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Cindy Chin
High School Tours
Grade 9 families, please continue to check your email for updates from the school around the various high school tours. These evenings will be starting soon. For more information, please reach out to Mr. Cheng (mscheng@cbe.ab.ca) or contact the high school directly.
Parents/Guardians Anti-Bullying Parent Presentation
On Nov 14, Tad Milmine, founder of Bullying Ends Here, will be offering a session specially for our parent community. Last year, students at JGD were able to hear his message at assemblies. The session will be virtual on the Nov 14 at 6:30 pm. If you have questions, please reach out to jgdschoolcouncil@gmail.com.
A link to the virtual presentation will be sent on the afternoon of November 14 to people registered for the presentation.
School Fees
A reminder that all Semester 1 Course Fees have been added to all Grades 7 – 9 Students. Please check your MyCBE account and make payments accordingly. Sport Teams fees and Field Trips can also be found on your account.
November Cafeteria Menu
Please see the daily hot menu items with all our delicious food that will be offered for the month of November.
Upcoming Sports Dates
Monday: no sports scheduled
Tuesday: no sports scheduled
Wednesday: no sports scheduled
Thursday: no sports scheduled
Friday: no sports scheduled
Upcoming Dates
Nov 11-13: Fall Break – no school
Nov 14: Students return to school
Nov 14: Grade 6 Immunizations
Nov 15: Healthy Hunger – Booster Juice, Order here
Nov 18-20: Grade 6 to Camp Chief Hector
Nov 19: Grade 7 and 8 Outdoor Education Class to Fish Creek Park
Nov 20: Band Camp Parent Meeting 6:00-7:00
Nov 26: School Council and Band Parent Association Meeting
Nov 28: Grade 9 Leadership class to Mount View
Nov 29: Non-Instructional Day (no school for students)
Dec 4: Band Feeder Concert 9:00am