GP Vanier Students and Families Celebrate Community at Winterfest Pre-Grad

G.P. Vanier Secondary School recently hosted its annual Winterfest Pre-Grad celebration, bringing together students, families and community partners for a joyful evening of connection, fun and gratitude.

The Class of 2026 extends sincere thanks to the many parents, guardians and community members whose generosity and time helped make this much-anticipated event such a success. From decorations and set-up to clean-up, food preparation, prize donations, and running gaming tables, families worked together to create a welcoming and festive atmosphere.

The evening was filled with laughter and reconnection, as parents reunited with others who have been supporting this cohort for the past 13 years. Students eagerly moved between gaming tables to win tickets for donated prizes, while others enjoyed the photo booth, dance floor, buffet and mocktail bar. The result was a fun-filled celebration that reflected the strong sense of community surrounding GP Vanier.

The school also extends heartfelt appreciation to the many local businesses and organizations that contributed prizes and sponsorships, helping to make Winterfest a memorable experience for students and families alike.

GP Vanier would lie to thank all generous donors and sponsors:

Brown’s Social House, Bumper to Bumper, Mudsharks, Plates, Early Bird Café, Foundation Hair Salon, WIP Climbing, Hot Chocolates, Freya, Big Foot Donuts, Great Canadian Oil Change, North Island Creations, Edo Japan, Thrifty Foods, Garden Works, Fountain Tire, Milano Coffee, Waypoint Insurance, Dairy Queen, Rhodos Coffee & Bistro, Hen’s Den Yoga, Kitty Coleman Campground & Boat Launch, Bosley’s Courtenay, Bosley’s Comox, High Tide Dental, Petite Nail Spa, Church St. Bakery, Blue Toque, Design Therapy, Old Farm Market, Canadian Tire, Chrystal Clear Photography, Tayco Paving, Rexall Comox, Foveo Running, Front Runners, Coastal Marine, Black Creek Community Center, Caterpillar Inc., Hart of the Matter Heating & Cooling, Above & Beyond Tree Service, Maade With Love Hornby Tie Dye, Briar Rose Beauty Boutique, Your Nooks & Crannies, Clinic 5 Laser & Beauty, Jonathan Ellerby Books, House of Colour, Always Be Strong, Aiki Electrical Contracting, Balanced Paw Veterinary Care, Tower Fencing, Ski Tak Hut, Uranus, Westview Ford, I-Hos, Curse the Darkness Candles, Syren Ocean Solutions, The Party Hub, Oyster River Fire Department, Broken Squirrel Wellness, and Crown Isle Golf Club.

Events like Winterfest highlight the powerful role families and community partners play in supporting student experiences and creating lasting memories.