Dear Vanier Families,

Next week marks Lunar New Year, an important cultural celebration observed by many families in our community. We encourage families who would like to share stories about how they recognize this date to connect with the school and their child’s teacher. Some of these messages will be shared through our internal announcements.

We also continue to recognize Black History Month as both a country and a school community. As mentioned last week, we invite students and families to share stories and experiences connected to this important cultural month. One of our students recently created a short research project on Black History Month, which you can view here. We hope this work sparks meaningful conversations between students and adults and leads to deeper understanding and appreciation.

Continuing our focus on community-building, we received an invitation from the Winston Heights Community Association to contribute to their newsletter. We hope this becomes a valuable opportunity for Vanier students and families to share their stories with the broader neighbourhood.

Grade 9 Student Information

Edmonton English Class Trip (Interest Survey)

We are exploring the possibility of offering a school trip to Edmonton for Grade 9 English classes, designed to mirror some of the learning experiences our French students receive through the Eastern Canada trip.

Families who are interested are asked to RSVP to Mr. Cheng (mscheng@cbe.ab.ca) by February 20. If sufficient interest is expressed, a parent information meeting will be scheduled in the coming weeks to review details and costs.

CBE Transfer Process

For students and families considering applying to a high school outside their designated school, the CBE transfer process is now open. Additional information can be found on the Transfers section of the CBE website.

Semester 2 Option Changes

For students who requested option changes for Semester 2, all requests have been reviewed and changes have been made where possible. Students whose requests were approved will receive updated timetables Tuesday morning in their Period 1 class, and changes will take effect immediately.

Staffing Update

We would like to share a staffing update with the community. As shared earlier this week with Grade 6 students, Mme Anna will be returning from maternity leave at the beginning of March. As a result, Mme Emma will be leaving our school.

We would like to sincerely thank Mme Emma for her outstanding contributions and the positive impact she has had on our school community.

Winter Band Concert

A heartfelt thank you to Ms. Ramos for organizing a highly successful Winter Band Concert. Our gym was filled with spectators enjoying performances by nearly 160 students. We were also delighted to welcome former Vanier students, now attending William Aberhart, who joined our Grade 9 band performance.

Community Support Following Events in Tumbler Ridge

Following the tragic events in Tumbler Ridge earlier this week, a message from the Superintendent was shared with families outlining available supports.

Like many Canadians, I have followed these events closely and have reflected on the importance of community—knowing one another, supporting one another, and caring for one another during difficult times.

I hope that over this Family Day long weekend, our community can find time to connect with neighbours, friends, and family, strengthening these important bonds.

Bon long-weekend,

Mr. Chad Edmonds
Principal, École Georges P. Vanier School

School Information & Links

30 Years of Black History Month in Canada

This February marks an important time in our history and is reflected in this year’s Black History Month theme in Canada, “30 Years of Black History Month: Honouring Black Brilliance Across Generations — From Nation Builders to Tomorrow’s Visionaries.”  

With February around the corner, we are pleased to share both our internal CBE resources and City of Calgary resources. As well as some events that are taking place across Calgary and Alberta.  

  • February 13 — Black History Month 2026, Orange Hub Theatre (Edmonton)
  • February 28 — Black Professionals Canada: Black History Month Event, C-SPACE Marda Loop

Lunar New Year

February 17 marks Lunar New Year, a significant celebration observed by many communities worldwide. Known by various names such as Spring Festival, Chinese New Year, Tết, or Seollal, this celebration holds deep cultural meaning.

This year, we welcome the Year of the Horse and encourage meaningful conversations, learning opportunities, and community connections that honour cultural traditions and diverse ways of knowing.

Winston Heights Community Newsletter

Share Your Stories

The Winston Heights Community Association invites community members to contribute content to their newsletter. Submissions may include:

  • Short reflections or stories about neighbourhood life
  • Local history or “Did You Know?” features
  • Resident-written columns on hobbies or passions
  • Photos from community events (with captions)
  • Creative submissions such as poems, puzzles, or cartoons
  • Letters to the editor or thoughtful opinion pieces
  • Helpful, non-promotional how-to articles or seasonal tips

Submission Guidelines:

  • Approximately 300–600 words
  • Shorter articles if photos are included
  • Photos must be high-quality and relevant
  • No advertising, self-promotion, links, or calls to action

The newsletter team reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity and length.

Message from CBE Regarding Tumbler Ridge

The Calgary Board of Education extends its condolences to those impacted by the tragic events at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School. Families are encouraged to access available support services if needed:

  • Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868
  • Calgary Distress Centre: 403-266-HELP
  • Suicide Crisis Help Line: 9-8-8
  • Alberta Help Line: 2-1-1
  • Health Link: 8-1-1

Families may also contact the school if additional support is required.

Healthy Hunger Is Back

Upcoming Healthy Hunger lunch dates:

  • February 20 — Modern Jelly Doughnuts
  • March 13 — OPA
  • April 17 — Coco Brooks

Orders can be placed at https://healthyhunger.ca/ and close five days prior to each lunch date. Unclaimed lunches will be donated.

Vanier Community Corner

Outdoor Education Donations

We are accepting gently used outdoor equipment for our Outdoor Education program, including:

  • Cross-country ski gear
  • Snowshoes
  • Daypacks and multi-day backpacks
  • Hiking boots
  • Tarps, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags

Please contact Mr. Eitzen (mdeitzen@cbe.ab.ca) for details.

Hall Pass Items

We are seeking unique, easy-to-carry items to use as classroom hall passes. For example, one class has a rubber duck, another has a small hub cap.  We use these passes to minimize student traffic during class time, and it lets teachers quickly identify which students have permission to be in the hallway and what class they are from at a distance. If you have any items that fit this description, please send them to school and we will gladly put them to use. 

Yearbook Information

Yearbooks are now available for purchase at:
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09700335

  • Current price: $30
  • Price increases to $35 on January 1

Upcoming Sports Dates

  • Monday — No sports scheduled
  • Tuesday — Boys’ Volleyball @ SJAM (Seniors only), 4:00 PM
  • Wednesday — Girls’ Volleyball @ T.B. Riley, 4:00 PM
  • Thursday — Boys’ Volleyball @ SPB (Seniors only), 4:00 PM
  • Friday — No sports scheduled

Volleyball Season Expectations

To promote safety, respect, and positive experiences, the following expectations apply to all games:

  • Students must leave the school at dismissal unless supervised by staff
  • Players remaining on site must stay in the gym
  • No food or drink in the gym
  • Parents/guardians must accompany students to away games
  • No re-entry privileges for spectators
  • Visitors must enter through main doors only
  • Unsanctioned entry may trigger security protocols
  • Spectators must demonstrate respectful behaviour at all times
  • Parents are responsible for supervising younger children

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a successful and positive athletics season.