Dear parents and students, Good News! Many of you may have heard the news this morning regarding the return to full days for grade 10-12 students sometime in April. There are many details that have not been worked out yet. The enclosed letter explains what we know at this point. Please understand that I will not be able to answer any other questions. I have exactly the same information that you do. Thanks and remember-spring break is only 2 days away! Sincerely, Katrina Brogdon Principal
Dear Parents and Students,
Today is March 8th, which means it is International Women’s Day. This is a global day of recognition celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and girls, and raising awareness of the work left to be done. Read more about International Women’s Day at: International Women's Day information 'Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.' (Proverbs 31:8-9 NIV) Week-At-A-Glance: Monday, March 8
FIRST DAY BACK - Monday, March 29th Important Reminders: City Bus Passes Many students are not picking up their bus passes from the office. We had almost 40 passes that were not picked up in February. This is a big expense so if you no longer need a bus pass, please tell the office. If you do not pick up your March bus pass before the end of the week, we will not be ordering you a bus pass for April. Please let us know if there is a reason you cannot pick up your bus pass. Masks A few students are asking for masks from the office 3-4 times a week! By now, everyone should have a supply of reusable masks. They wash and dry very easily. The disposable masks are not environmentally friendly, so please remember your reusable masks. Thanks to everyone who remembers and wears their masks every day. Booster Card Money We are waiting for a few students to bring in their booster card money. Try to get this done before the end of this week. White Hatter Program This organization’s primary focus is on internet and digital safety for youth. They are well resourced and researched, with many law enforcement agency partners. They have given presentations for years to parents, youth and communities. Please read the following information and mark your calendars for the free information sessions. For information about The White Hatter program go to: The White Hatter Whitehorse RCMP is proud to partner with The White Hatter to provide Yukon parents the opportunity to participate in two webinars. The White Hatter is a company based out of Victoria, BC who specializes in Internet Safety presentations. In recent years, the RCMP have seen a drastic increase in child pornography, extortion and child luring type offences. Whitehorse RCMP believes that it is beneficial to provide parents with extra information on how to keep children safe online. These webinars are free for participants and offered to all parents and caregivers, in the Yukon. March 23rd, 2021, from 7PM to 9 PM: Internet Safety and Digital Literacy for Parents and Caregivers. LINK: https://app.sli.do/event/15b0r8iy PASSWORD: Yukonparents2021 March 25th, 2021, from 7PM to 9PM: Online Sexual Predation and Exploitation: What is the threat and what can caregivers do to help minimize the risks. LINK https://app.sli.do/event/su6f1te6 PASSWORD: Yukonparents2021 And finally… We are in our last week before Spring Break. Students will be pushing to get work finished so they can have a real “break” from school. The week we return from Spring Break is a short one, and teachers are submitting their marks on April 1st for the mid-term report cards. Please put in a big effort on to get your work completed and have a good mid-term report. For grade 12 students, these mid-term marks can impact some post-secondary admissions, so ask for help if you need it! Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns. Have a wonderful Spring Break! Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal Dear Parents and Students
Happy March! Spring is on its way and although the snow is lots of fun, maybe it could stop for a bit? Congratulations to our Grad class of 2021 on their great show of spirit and skill during this weekend’s Rendezvous activities. Though they didn’t come in 1st place, I think they had the best school spirit by far! Thoughts of optimism-the days are getting lighter and hopefully moods are as well. I hope students and parents can be optimistic and know that it is possible to be successful with the effort, support and positivity. Please ask for help if you need it. We are here for you and want all students to have a successful semester. And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful! ~Psalm 90:17 Dear Lord, Thank you for showing me the way. I can always count on you. I am believing in a victorious outcome. Amen Week-At-A-Glance: Monday, March 1 Senior School - Day 2 Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school Grade 7 Parent Meeting 7:00pm on Zoom Topic: VCSS Grade 7 Parent meeting Time: Mar 1, 2021 07:00 PM Edmonton Join Zoom Meeting Vanier Future grade 8s Parent meeting Meeting ID: 956 3359 6950 Passcode: kx9E4q Tuesday, March 2 Senior School - Day 1 Board Games Club @12:15 in LC Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school Wednesday, March 3 Senior School - Day 2 Grade 9 Retreat- All Day Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school Thursday, March 4 Senior School - Day 1 Board Games Club @12:15 in LC Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool Friday, March 5 Senior School - Day 2 Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games – Grade 10-12 – Afterschool Reminder about the school name change- this was in last week’s email. This is a very important area of growth that has lasting consequences for our school. Please give your feedback. A time for change The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community. As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school. Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community. Changing our school name Who can propose a new name? While we have sought and appreciate the input of the wider Catholic community into the decision to change the name, Council will only be inviting all current VCSS students, teachers and administration to submit a proposal for changing our school name. Council will donate $200 to a charity of the choice of the person who nominates the chosen new school name. How do I propose a new name? You can download the School Name Proposal Package from the School Council portal on the VCSS website. Follow the instructions in that package and then email your proposal by March 31st 2021 to [email protected] How will a new name get chosen? Once all proposals have been submitted, council and a small support group will review and evaluate the proposals. Once a new name has been selected council will ask the Episcopal Corporation for a blessing on the new name and then work with the Department of Education to put forward that name to the Government of Yukon who will make the final decision. Once the government has made its decision the name will be announced along with the name of the person who proposed it. It is council’s hope that a new name can be selected and in place for the 2021/22 School calendar year. And finally…. Vanier enjoyed a delicious Cabane à Sucre on Thursday! Merci to the French Department for organizing this very popular event! Yearbook 2021 staff were on hand taking photos. Yearbook orders will be taken in early April so stay tuned for details! Have a great week! Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal Dear Parents and Students,
This week is a short one - we have Heritage Day on Friday, Feb 26th. Heritage Day in Yukon is a fun way to celebrate the history of this beautiful place we all call home. We hope you are able to get out and enjoy the long weekend coming up! A prayer of reassurance during stressful times: He calmed the storm to a whisper and stilled the waves. ~Psalm 107:29 Dear Lord, When the oceans rage and the winds are fierce, you are the one that brings peace to my soul. Despite the trials, your light shines brightly into my heart and keeps my hope alive. Amen. Week-At-A-Glance: Monday, February 22 Senior School - Day 2
Senior School - Day 1
Senior School - Day 2 Grade 8 Retreat- All Day *Grade 8 students will not have early dismissal today
Senior School - Day 1
Important Events for Next week: Monday, March 1 Grade 7 Parent Meeting 7:00pm on Zoom Topic: VCSS Grade 7 Parent meeting Time: Mar 1, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse Join Zoom Meeting Vanier Future grade 8s Parent meeting Meeting ID: 956 3359 6950 Passcode: kx9E4q Course Selection Forms Forms can still be submitted to the office! Please do so at the earliest time possible. Interim Reports Home This Week Senior students should be getting reports on Behaviors for Success, which include areas such as handing in assignments in a timely manner, class attendance, and engagement and study habits. Junior Students in year-long courses will only get interim reports if there is a sudden change in a students’ learning or output, or if there are other concerns such as attendance. Junior students in electives should get a Behaviors for Success report. All students will be receiving a mid-term report in early April. Please take note of the following information from our school council: A time for change The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community. As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school. Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community. Changing our school name Who can propose a new name? While we have sought and appreciate the input of the wider Catholic community into the decision to change the name, Council will only be inviting all current VCSS students, teachers and administration to submit a proposal for changing our school name. Council will donate $200 to a charity of the choice of the person who nominates the chosen new school name. How do I propose a new name? You can download the School Name Proposal Package from the School Council portal on the VCSS website. Follow the instructions in that package and then email your proposal by March 31st 2021 to [email protected] How will a new name get chosen? Once all proposals have been submitted, council and a small support group will review and evaluate the proposals. Once a new name has been selected council will ask the Episcopal Corporation for a blessing on the new name and then work with the Department of Education to put forward that name to the Government of Yukon who will make the final decision. Once the government has made its decision the name will be announced along with the name of the person who proposed it. It is council’s hope that a new name can be selected and in place for the 2021/22 School calendar year. Have a great week and let us hear from you with any questions or concerns, Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal Dear Parents and Students,
Tomorrow is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday. Tradition tells us that Shrove Tuesday became the day of feasting because people wanted to use up their rich and fatty foods before the season of Lent began. As in many historical traditions, something simple has turned into something very festive and extravagant in many places in the world. (Though perhaps not so much this year!) The Lenten season is a time for reflection, fasting, positive spiritual habits, and for some people it means giving something up. Whatever makes the season of Lent meaningful to you and your family, a time to slow down, cut out distractions, and focus on our relationships with God and each other is always a good thing. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 What’s happening at Vanier this week: Monday, February 15 Day 1 Jr. Social Justice Club @12:15 in LC Basketball practices-all boys teams-after school Tuesday, February 16 Day 2 Board Games Club @12:15 in LC Basketball practices-all girls teams-after school VCS School Council meeting @ 7:15 pm via Zoom – invitation is on our website Wednesday, February 17 Day 1 Ash Wednesday Liturgies all day by grade groupings Sr. Social Justice Club @11:30 in LC Alpha @ 12:15 in Room 26 Basketball practice- grade 8/9 boys-after school Thursday, February 18 Day 2 Board Games Club @12:15 in LC Basketball-grade 8/9 girls-afterschool Friday, February 19 Day 1 Writing Effective Post-Secondary Grant and Bursary applications @11:30 in the LC Basketball Winter League/Intramural Games-Grades 10-12 after school Grade 11 students-Shad Canada programs are still open for application. If you are in grade 11 and are interested in a high-level academic challenge this summer, Shad Canada might be for you. Even though the website says applications are closed, as of today, February 15th, there is still a chance to apply by contacting: Cheryl Thompson, student coordinator [email protected] tel: 519-884-8844 x 222 https://www.shad.ca/about-shad/shad-2021/ Course Selection Forms Most students have been given course selection forms. A few grade 9 classes will have class presentations on Tuesday for counsellors to go over course requirements for grade 10s. If parents or students missed last week’s presentation about the graduation program, you can find it on our website: vcss.ca Course descriptions and new curriculum The past couple of years has seen a big change in BC/Yukon courses. If you have a question about a course you see on the course selection sheet, please refer to the curriculum guides found at https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/ We ask that all students get their course selection forms turned in to the office by Friday, February 19th As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal The Every Student, Every Day Attendance Initiative is inviting proposals for 2021-2022 funding to support project and ideas that will help improve attendance at Yukon schools. For the 2021-2022 school year, they will distribute $150,000 amongst successful applicants. More than one proposal per school or community may be submitted and the successful applicants will be announced in April 2021. Deadline for proposals is March 10, 2021 at 4:30 p.m. Let’s protect people and the environment! Remember to wear your mask at school, while waiting and on the school bus, and remember to grab your reusable masks when you leave for school.
Most disposable and single-use masks are mostly made of plastic. Growing quantities of disposable and single-use masks are being discarded in the regular garbage as there's little to no opportunity for recycling. This increases the amount of: unrecycled waste going to landfills; and plastic pollution in the environment or water sources. By choosing reusable masks and face coverings, you can help prevent the spread of COVID-19 while also reducing your environmental impact. If you must use a disposable mask, always make sure that you dispose of it properly in a garbage container. Join us this evening for a discussion about the graduation program and required courses for grade 10s.
Katrina Brogdon is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Next year's Grade 10s Time: Feb 8, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98753726026?pwd=dzc4cjZ5YStTWGpTN0tDRjVYL0l4QT09 Meeting ID: 987 5372 6026 Passcode: RKx8Ek Dear Parents and Students,
Every February, people in Canada are invited to participate in Black History Month festivities and events that honour the legacy of Black Canadians and their communities. The 2021 theme for Black History Month is: "The Future is Now". Throughout our school, we have been and will continue to enrich our lives with the legacy and future of Black Canadians. “The Future is Now” is a chance to celebrate and acknowledge the transformative work that Black Canadians and their communities are doing now. Ever present God, you called us to be in relationship with one another and promised to dwell wherever two or three are gathered. In our community, we are many different people; we come from many different places, have many different cultures. Open our hearts that we may be bold in finding the riches of inclusion and the treasures of diversity among us. We pray in faith. - Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Week-at-a-Glance Monday, February 8
Tuesday, February 9
Wednesday, February 10
Thursday, February 11
Friday, February 12
TONIGHT Monday, February 8, 2021 7:00 pm We will be hosting a zoom meeting for all parents and students who will be entering Grade 10 next school year. Grade 9 students and parents should have received an email invitation with the Zoom link. If not, please see it down below. The presentation information will also be put on the website for anyone who is not able to attend the Zoom meeting. Topic: Next year's Grade 10s Time: Feb 8, 2021 07:00 PM Whitehorse Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/98753726026?pwd=dzc4cjZ5YStTWGpTN0tDRjVYL0l4QT09 Meeting ID: 987 5372 6026 Passcode: RKx8Ek Course Selection Forms It’s that time of year already! Students will be given course selection forms later this week. Please review these forms. A parent needs to sign them before they are brought back. Students please return these forms to the office. As always, please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Katrina Brogdon, Principal and Alethea Wallace, Vice-Principal |
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