Hello Lynx families,

It has been a busy start up here Vanier, both in terms of welcoming new students and the start of activities.

This year, for the first time that I can remember, we had cross-country, soccer and basketball all start at the same time. Teachers have been busy organizing try-outs and making teams, and our cross-country team had their first meet of the season on Wednesday at Annie Gale school.

Congratulations to all the student-athletes who made their respective teams, I wish you the best of luck representing Vanier at competitions across the division. I also want to share a message to those student-athletes who tried out but were not selected. It takes a lot of bravery to try out for a team when there is the possibility you may not be selected. Then, being able to deal with this circumstance is difficult, for adults as well as students. To those students not selected, I hope that you will try out again in future years, but also take an opportunity to speak with your coaches about what steps you could take to improve your chances to make a team in future.

We have our first PD of the year next Friday and this will focus on creating learning plans for students. If you have a child on an Individual Program Plan (IPP), and you haven’t yet heard from your child(ren)’s teacher please reach out and arrange a time to meet about these plans.

Finally, start-up is a time when first impressions are made, relationships are formed, and cultures are set. This is such a crucial time for teachers to learn about and from their students, and to give them time to learn about one another. Here at Vanier we will be focusing on relationships and the role they play in class dynamics throughout the year. In fact, we believe it to be so important that it will be part of our school development plan that we will release later this year.

Unfortunately, I make this statement after having had to deal with several students making comments that are racist, homophobic and flat out inappropriate both at, or about others. Not only do these comments hurt the student they are directed at, but they ripple through the community and create a place that for many, is not safe or welcoming. I don’t make this comment to lay blame; as teachers we know that students are here to learn. When Laurelle and I speak with students making these comments, the why is so important, and it is often entangled in backstory. If we are going to teach the students to do something differently, instead of making them, it is this backstory that needs to be addressed.

The reason I am making this comment is to let families know that if we are going to address, and change, this behaviour, this language and this mindset, it needs to be done holistically, which is why families play such an important role in school. We need to empower students to let each other know when language is inappropriate and hurtful, to connect with trusted adults in the building about what is happening and to report this so that we can help address the situation, and we need parents to speak to their children about what is appropriate and what to do when they hear language like this. I want this change to be educative, not punitive, as I believe this is what will make life-long change. I know that we are moving in the right direction, but it is a process, it is difficult, and it takes time.

As always, my office is always open.

Bonne fin de semaine,
Chad Edmonds – Principal GP Vanier

French Courses for Parents

By helping parents, we help our CBE learners.

Chinook Learning Services offers courses specifically designed for parents and caregivers of CBE French Immersion students. For Fall 2023, Chinook Learning Services is once again offering French for Parents – Level 1 classes. This eight-week course will help parents of bilingual students learn or refresh their French language skills, build their network of bilingual parents and support their children’s learning at home.

• Here is the link on the Chinook Learning Services website: French For Parents Level 1
• Check out the course content at Outline French For Parents Level 1

G.P. Vanier Apple Fundraiser with Davison Orchards

We will again be offering a Vanier fundraising opportunity – Davison Orchard Apples will be available through the school with proceeds going to support our off-campus programs. Order forms are available for students to pick up from the office and are attached below, along with the flyer. Each box of apples sold earns $10 towards trips.

See flyer and spreadsheet under Resources.

Call out for Indigenous Student Dancers

We are looking for CBE student dancers to be part of a presentation for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We are asking students to arrive in regalia by 9:00 am. Location: Fort Calgary 750 9 Ave SE Gift card will be given to each dancer and a tent will be provided for dancers with snacks. For more information about this event visit: www.calgary.ca/events/orange-shirt-day.html

To pre-register, please contact Cheryl McPherson at cjmcpherson@cbe.ab.ca

See flyer under Resources.

Don’t Forget to Order Your School Swag!

• Please visit the following link to access the Online Spirit Wear Store https://vanierfall2023store.itemorder.com/shop/home/
• The store will close Saturday September 30, 2023 at 11:59pm
• Orders are typically completed in 4-5 week after the store closes and delivered to the school
• All school store sales are custom made and cannot be returned
• If this order is meant as a gift please contact us and we will hold the order for parent pick up

Please note all orders must be placed on line. The school does NOT carry Spirit Wear at the school. If you want to show your school spirit, be sure to order your spirit wear online before September 30. No late orders will be accepted.

For more information of questions regarding the online spirit wear, please contact Sherri Nickle at sanickle@cbe.ab.ca

Kiwanis Volunteer Opportunity

Chinook Kiwanis has a volunteer opportunity. This organization sponsors the “Kiwanis Watch Awards” at the end of the school year. These awards are given to students who have made positive contributions to their school community. Please see the attached Flyer for information on this opportunity.

See flyer under Resources.

Upcoming Sports Dates

Monday Sept 18 – Junior girls’ basketball callback tryout (AM), Cross country, boys’ and girls’ soccer practice (PM)
Tuesday Sept 19 – Cross country meet @ Confederation Park, Boys’ soccer at SJAM
Wednesday Sept 20 – Girls soccer vs TBR (@ Our Lady of Assumption)
Students, please continue to check the schedule outside of the gym for updates.

Upcoming Dates

Sept. 20: Beginner Band Clinics 4:00pm
Sept. 21: Terry Fox Day (PM)
Sept. 22: Non-Instructional Day (No Students)
Sept. 26: School Council Meeting 7:00 pm: Click here to join the meeting
Sept. 28: Orange Shirt Day
Sept. 29: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (No School)
Oct. 4: First morning Band Rehearsal grades 8 & 9 7:45am