Dear Vanier Families,
This week brought some very cold temperatures, which we hope will ease a bit next week.
This week also marked the beginning of both Ramadan and the Lunar New Year. We have many students recognizing one of these important events, and I would like to wish all families who celebrate Ramadan or the Lunar New Year health and happiness during these festivities.
There is a special Lunar New Year message from Alberta Chung Wah School, the Chinese language school that uses Vanier on weekends. They are inviting all Vanier families to their celebration at our school this weekend. Please see below for more details.
A reminder that report cards go live on Tuesday, February 24. They can be accessed through your MyCBE accounts.
Finally, with tax season approaching, families are reminded to visit MyCBE if they need to access any tax receipts. Additional information is included below.
Stay warm.
Bon weekend,
Mr. Chad Edmonds
Principal
École Georges P. Vanier School
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.”
We are pleased to share both internal CBE resources and City of Calgary resources, as well as events taking place across Calgary and Alberta.
February 28
Black Professionals Canada: Black History Month Event
Location: C-SPACE Marda Loop
Understanding Ramadan
The month of February marks the beginning of Ramadan for Muslims around the world. This sacred month is a time of reflection, compassion, generosity, and gratitude for many CBE families and communities who observe it.
The estimated start date is February 17, marking a month-long period of spiritual commitment and community connection. It is an opportunity to deepen understanding, honour the diverse traditions of Muslim students, staff, and families, and continue fostering welcoming, caring, respectful, and safe learning environments for all.
Lunar New Year Wishes
Kung Hay Faat Choi. Gong Xi Fa Cai. Happy Year of the Horse.
You are cordially invited to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse.
Saturday, February 21
10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: GP Vanier School
The celebration will feature:
- Lion Dance
- Chinese Calligraphy
- Games
- Crafts
- Snacks and refreshments
For more information, please see the provided link.
Child Care Tax Receipts – Lunch Supervision
Child Care Tax Receipts for CBE Lunch Supervision (January 2025 – December 2025) are now available through MyCBE.
Please download or print your online receipt to include with your 2025 tax return. Paper copies are no longer provided.
If you do not already have a MyCBE account, please create one to access your receipt.
MyCBE Pathway:
MyCBE > Fees, Waivers and Service Registrations > Menu (three lines) > Tax Receipts
Winston Heights Community Newsletter
Share Your Stories – We’d Love to Hear From You
One of the things that makes our community special is the people who live here. Their stories, talents, experiences, and moments—big or small—bring our neighbourhood to life. We are inviting community members to contribute content for future issues of this newsletter.
If you enjoy writing, photography, history, or sharing something interesting or uplifting, we would love to consider your submission.
We are looking for content that is informative, educational, or entertaining and reflects community life, such as:
- A short story or reflection about life in the neighbourhood
- A local history piece or “Did You Know?” article
- A resident-written column on a hobby, skill, or passion
- Photos from a recent community event (with a short caption or story)
- A creative contribution such as a poem, puzzle, cartoon, or game
- Letters to the editor or thoughtful opinion pieces on community topics
- Helpful, non-promotional how-to articles or seasonal tips
Submissions may not include links, self-promotion, advertising, calls to action, or content promoting paid programs, services, businesses, or events. The focus should be on sharing information or stories—not selling or promoting.
Length and Format Guidelines:
- Articles should be approximately 300–600 words
- If photos are included, the written word count should be shorter
- Photos should be clear, high-quality, and relevant
The newsletter team reserves the right to edit submissions for clarity, tone, content, and length.
We look forward to reading your submissions.
Shannon Smith
Newsletter Editor
Healthy Hunger Is Back
We are excited to announce upcoming Healthy Hunger lunches:
March 13 – OPA
April 17 – Coco Brooks
Orders can be placed online at:
https://healthyhunger.ca
Orders close five days before each lunch date. Any lunches not picked up on the day will be donated.
Thank you for supporting our school.
Vanier Community Corner
1. Outdoor Education Donations
Our growing Outdoor Education program is accepting donations of outdoor equipment in good repair. We are looking for:
- Cross-country ski gear (boots, skis, poles)
- Snowshoes
- Daypacks
- Multi-day backpacking backpacks
- Hiking boots
- Tarps
- Sleeping pads
- Sleeping bags
Please contact Mr. Eitzen at mdeitzen@cbe.ab.ca for more information.
2. Hall Pass Donations
We are looking for interesting and unique items to use as classroom hall passes. Examples include a rubber duck or a small hub cap. These passes help minimize student traffic and allow teachers to quickly identify students who have permission to be in the hallway.
If you have suitable items to donate, please send them to the school.
Yearbook Information
We have begun the design and production of this year’s school yearbook.
To order a yearbook, please visit:
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09700335
The price is currently $30 until the end of the school year. It will increase to $35 on January 1.
Upcoming Sports Dates
Monday
Girls’ Volleyball at SPB – Seniors only
Start time: 4:00 PM
Tuesday
Boys’ Volleyball at TB Riley
Start time: 4:00 PM
Wednesday
Girls’ Volleyball vs. Queen Elizabeth at Vanier
Start time: 4:00 PM
Thursday
Boys’ Volleyball vs. Queen Elizabeth at Vanier
Start time: 4:00 PM
Friday
No sports scheduled
Volleyball Season Begins
This year, we are in a division with SJAM, Queen Elizabeth, Colonel Irvine, Senator Patrick Burns, and TB Riley. As a division, we have agreed upon expectations for games that promote safety, respect, and a positive experience for players, coaches, spectators, and host schools.
Expectations:
- All students (spectators and athletes) must leave school at the end of the day before games begin at 4:00 PM. Students wishing to stay to watch Vanier play must have staff permission and supervision.
- Players remaining at the school must stay in the gym and may not wander the school. Food and drink are not permitted in the gym.
- For all away games, students must have their own parent or guardian accompany them. Supervision by another adult is not permitted.
- There are no in-and-out privileges for spectators. If you leave the building, you may not re-enter.
- All visitors must enter through the school’s main doors only. Use of alternative doors may trigger security protocols and result in consequences.
- Student spectators without parental supervision will be directed to leave immediately.
- All spectators are expected to support players, coaches, and referees in a positive manner.
- Disrespectful behaviour will be addressed by both the hosting school and home school administration. The student and parent code of conduct applies at all times. Spectators may be asked to leave depending on severity. Parents may also be asked not to return.
- Parents or guardians bringing younger children are responsible for direct supervision at all times. The rest of the school is closed and off-limits. Children should not be in hallways, on the stage, or using school equipment.
Thank you for your attention to these expectations. We appreciate your ongoing support and look forward to a successful athletics season.