Dear Lynx families/Chères familles de Lynx, 

I wanted to start this weekly message with an update on some construction around the building. Our exterior doors continue to be replaced and this project will be into the new year. This means use of the visitor lot for storage and disposal. Parents/guardians, if you could please continue to be patient and avoid using the staff parking lot, that would be much appreciated. 

Our outdoor lights are also being replaced, so hopefully this will mean a safer, more visible parking lot and outside area in the early winter evenings. 

As I write this, our grade 9 students are returning from outdoor school. The students have all been speaking very highly of the trip, echoing much of what Mr. Cheng shared during the trips in his updates. As it is part of my goals for the school, I was particularly pleased to hear how students have had the opportunity to meet and interact with other Vanier students who they wouldn’t have normally. The importance of relationships in a student’s life can’t be underestimated, and trips like these, facilitated by teachers and supported by parent volunteers are crucial in giving students a chance to do this. 

I also very much enjoyed reading/hearing that the ability to disconnect from technology was positive. In fact, many relished the fact that they did not have their phones at all. We repeatedly hear this message from students when we go on extended trips and cell-phone use is not permitted. Student recognition and “buy-in” is one of the steps that needs to happen as we move Vanier to being a completely “Away for the Day” school!  

A reminder to all students that being a student at GP Vanier does not end with the 3:38 dismissal. I want the students in this building to represent us well both in, and out of, school. Students, and this school, are a key part of the fabric of this neighbourhood and the people who live and work here are generally full of praise for our students. Local restaurants and shop owners have commented to staff, and myself, how well behaved our students are. On field trips, guides and counsellors look forward to hosting us due to the behaviour and engagement of our students and this often leads to our school being invited on more extensive tours or being one of the first schools invited to unique learning opportunities when they become available. One or two students standing up and encouraging their peers to do the right thing, or at least not do the wrong things, does make a difference; it helps their friend become a better student and it sets an example for the whole. I want to acknowledge the families and local citizens who have brought to my attention some recent issues in the community involving Vanier students. We will continue to support students in making the right choices and recognizing their role as citizens of Vanier, Calgary and Canada. 

Finally, I want to share some work that was completed by a grade 9 student here. I am constantly impressed by the skills and stories that so many of our students here exhibit. We have elite athletes who compete at the provincial and national level, and we have musicians who work with local artists. Often these accomplishments and passions do not get the recognition they deserve as much of this does not occur within these walls. However, the skills and lessons learned outside constantly transfer over inside and support student learning. Attached is a picture of a model dragon that was built, completely independently, by one of our students. It is made completely out of cardboard and fabric. It has moving hinges and operates like a full-size puppet. This project alone has connections to curricular outcomes in mathematics, industrial arts, fabrication, art and fashion. The student then creates home-made movies with their creations which links in Drama, Language Arts and Technology. Perhaps most importantly, the success a student experiences and the confidence and pride they feel lasts long after they leave this building. 

Bonne fin de semaine, 

Chad Edmonds – Principal GP Vanier. 

MyCBE / PowerSchool Support for Parents  

Parent and legal guardian support on accessing attendance, assignments and assessment information is available through Technical Support for Students & Parents. This includes two videos that clarify how to access student achievement information, including report cards:   Kindergarten – Grade 9 Parent / Legal Guardian Support Video   

Holiday Hampers 

Hello Parents and Guardians!  

It is time to start our Second Annual Holiday Hamper drive! Last year we were able to support 14 families in our community and we have a goal to beat that this year. As you may know this year has been difficult for some families and also hard on the agencies that support them. This holiday season many agencies are having to turn down requests due to lack of donation. We are so grateful for the outpouring of support during last year’s drive, it was great to see our school community come together. I’ve attached what goes in each hamper and it is each homerooms goal to fill 1 hamper! Of course, we have to put in some competition… the homeroom with the most points in each grade will receive a hot chocolate and cookie bar in the staff room the week before we leave for break. Our drive started yesterday (Monday November 20) and will go until December 7, 2023.  

Thank you to our school community in advance for helping us support families in the community. 

French PD Day Opportunity for Students- Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 10am-5pm 

In this French workshop, students will learn how to use a 3D printer, create their own website, and create digital content using artificial intelligence. 

Follow this link for more information and for registration: 
https://centredappuifamilial.ca/produit/ateliers-mentorat-pour-les-13-17-ans/ 

If you would like help with registration (as the website is in French), or have questions, please email Mme Sophia Aristou at sjaristou@cbe.ab.ca. 

Upcoming Sports Dates

Wrestling season has started 

• Monday, November 27 – No sports scheduled 
• Tuesday, November 28 – No sports scheduled 
• Wednesday, November 29 – No sports scheduled 
• Thursday, November 30 - No sports sched uled 
• Friday, December 1 – No sports scheduled 

Students, please continue to check the schedule outside of the gym for updates. 

Upcoming Dates 

Nov. 27-30: Kernel Popcorn Sales at lunch hour ($3.00) 
Nov. 28: School Council Meeting: Click here to join the meeting 
Nov 30: School Development Plan posted to GP Vanier website 
Dec. 7: Wrestling at Bob Edwards 
Dec. 8: Last day to order upcoming Healthy Hunger - https://healthyhunger.ca/ 
Dec. 8: Non-Instructional Day (no school for students) 
Dec. 13: Winter Band Concert 7:00pm start 
Dec. 14: Wrestling at Sir Wilfred Laurier 
Dec. 15: Healthy Hunger - Jelly Modern Donut 
Dec. 22: Last Day of classes before Winter Break 
Jan. 8: Classes Resume – Welcome Back!