Dear Vanier Families,

This week’s update highlights many of the exciting activities happening at Vanier now and in the weeks and months ahead. Please be sure to review the calendars at the bottom of this message for important upcoming dates and events.

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of joining Mme. Dunn and her student teacher Mr. T at Nakiska with our Grade 9 Sports Excellence students. Beyond enjoying the scenery, it was wonderful to see another example of the rich learning opportunities our teachers provide for students. Unfortunately, recent weather changes melted much of the snow in the foothills, and Mr. Eitzen had to cancel several outdoor education trips. We will work to reschedule these in Semester 2, with plans to offer them to Semester 1 students as well.

Over the past few weeks, Mr. Cheng has welcomed high school guidance teams into Vanier to meet with prospective students. Many high schools are hosting open houses this month, and if you have not yet attended one, these are excellent opportunities to learn more about your child’s future school.

Next week marks the start of volleyball season for our girls’ and boys’ teams. Thank you to all coaches — teachers and parent volunteers — who make this possible. Schedules have been shared with student athletes, and upcoming games are listed below.

I am also pleased to announce that, for the first time in many years, Vanier will be hosting a full school drama production. Auditions have begun for “Murder on a Train” (Middle School Edition). A huge thank you to Mme. Gillespie for leading this production and Ms. Richardson for serving as Associate Producer. More information, including performance dates, will be shared soon.

I would like to end with a story that made me especially proud. Earlier this week, a Calgary Transit driver stopped by the school to return a binder left on his bus by one of our students. He shared that in his 38 years driving the No. 4 and No. 5 routes, Vanier students have always been respectful and kind — and that he knows many of them by name. As we walked through the school, several students greeted him warmly, confirming his story.

Vanier represents over 40 neighbourhoods across Calgary, and moments like this remind us how far our community reaches. It is these everyday connections that truly define who we are — and why I am proud to be part of Vanier.

Bonne weekend,

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

School Information

Healthy Hunger Is Back

We are pleased to offer upcoming Healthy Hunger lunches:

  • Friday, February 20 – Modern Jelly Doughnuts
  • Friday, March 13 – OPA
  • Friday, April 17 – Coco Brooks

Orders must be placed five days in advance and can be completed online at:
https://healthyhunger.ca

Any lunches not picked up on the day will be donated. Thank you for supporting our school.

Vanier Community Corner

Crochet Club

Our crochet club has grown quickly and is already running low on yarn. Donations of extra wool are greatly appreciated. Students will also be selling some of their creations at lunchtime to raise funds for additional supplies.

Find out more about Vanier's Student Clubs.

Outdoor Education Donations

Our Outdoor Education program continues to accept gently used equipment, including:

  • Cross-country ski gear (boots, skis, poles)
  • Snowshoes
  • Daypacks
  • Multiday backpacking backpacks
  • Hiking boots
  • Tarps, sleeping pads, and sleeping bags

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

Yearbook Information

Yearbook production is underway. Orders can be placed online at:
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09700335

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

Calgary Transit Contact Information

For questions or concerns related to Calgary Transit, families are asked to contact:
403-262-1000

This ensures inquiries are properly logged and directed.

Upcoming Volleyball Schedule

  • Monday: Girls’ Volleyball vs. SJAM @ Vanier (4:00 PM)
  • Tuesday: Boys’ Volleyball vs. SJAM @ Vanier (4:00 PM)
  • Wednesday: Girls’ Volleyball @ Colonel Irvine (4:00 PM)
  • Thursday: Boys’ Volleyball @ Colonel Irvine (4:00 PM)
  • Friday: No sports scheduled

Volleyball Season Expectations

Vanier is competing alongside SJAM, Queen Elizabeth, Colonel Irvine, Senator Patrick Burns, and TB Riley. Shared expectations include:

  • All students (spectators and athletes) must leave school at the end of the day, before the games start at 4:00 PM. Students who wish to stay to watch Vanier play need to have permission from the staff to stay to supervise. 
  • Players who remain at the school must remain in the gym and are not to be wandering the school. Also, food and drink are not permitted in the gym.
  • For all Away games, students must have their own parent or guardian accompany them to all games. They may not be supervised by someone who is not their parent/guardian.
  • There are no in and out privileges for spectators. If you leave the building you should not re-enter. 
  • All visitors must enter our building through the schools main doors only. Entrance through an alterative door may trigger security protocols and result in significant consequences for students letting others in the school. This would be a significant security risk for everyone in the building. 
  • Student spectators without parental supervision will be directed by the hosting school administration to leave the building immediately. 
  • All spectators are expected to cheer and support the players, coaches, referees, etc. in a positive manner. 
  • Disrespectful behaviour from students or spectators will be addressed by the hosting school administration as well as your home school administration as a follow up. The student and parent code of conduct applies at all times. Spectators may be asked to leave the school depending on the severity of the issue. Parents also may be asked not to return. 
  • Parents/guardians who bring younger children are responsible for direct supervision at all times. The rest of the school is closed and off limits. Please ensure children are not in the hallways or playing on the stage or with any school equipment. 

Thank you for supporting a safe, respectful, and positive athletic environment.

Upcoming Dates

  • Monday, January 26 – Volleyball season begins
  • Tuesday, January 27 – End of Semester 1
  • Tuesday, January 27 | 7:00 PM – Parent Council Meeting
  • Wednesday, January 28 – Start of Semester 2
  • Friday, January 30 – System Professional Development Day (No students)
  • Wednesday, February 4 | 6:30–8:00 PM – GP Vanier Open House
  • Wednesday, February 11 | 7:00 PM – Winter Concert
  • Thursday–Friday, February 12–13 – Teachers’ Convention (Schools closed)
  • Monday, February 16 – Family Day (Schools closed)
  • Wednesday, February 18 – Student teachers return
  • Tuesday, February 24 – Report cards available on PowerSchool