Gr7 VANIER TRANSITION VISIT – MAY 8TH

WELCOME to VANIER!
Information for NEW Gr. 9-12 Students & Parents
Welcome!
We are looking forward to having our new students join us in September. The transition from elementary
school to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their parents/guardians. Students typically
look forward to a new school, new friends, and new opportunities, and are quite hopeful and confident in
their abilities to cope with the changes that a new school brings. While most students’ perceptions of this
life transition are positive, it is also quite normal for students and parents/guardians to express anxiety
and unease about the transition.
The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with information and resources that will help ease any
concerns you have about coming to Vanier. We look forward to working with you and your children in this
next stage of their lives!
About Vanier
G.P. Vanier Secondary is a school of more than
1200 learners with nearly 120 teachers and
support staff. We are a vibrant, diverse learning
community which supports and encourages
excellence in all aspects of school life. At Vanier,
we:
• Honour diversity.
• Connect with community.
• Respect and treat others with dignity.
• Encourage excellence.
• Provide opportunities for students to
grow as global citizens.
• Celebrate accomplishments.
• Foster positive relationships.
• Value parents and co-educators.
-The Vanier Transition Team
THE TIMETABLE
Vanier runs on a semester system,
offering 4, 80 minute classes per day.
Monday through Thursday we have a
weekly schedule, while Friday rotates
each week. Check MYED for the block
rotation.
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Joining an extracurricular club, team or
group is a great way to have fun, meet
new people, and gain and improve skills.
Students who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to do better
academically and have reported that
they enjoy high school more. We are
proud to offer a wide variety of extracurricular and sports opportunities for
students to choose from.
Opportunities range from arts programs
like Improv, to sports like Basketball,
Soccer, Volleyball, Wrestling, Disc golf,
Climbing, Weight training, Ski &
snowboard team, Golf, and Rugby to
clubs like the Gender Sexuality Alliance,
Mental Health Advocacy, Interac,
Dungeons and Dragons, Rubik’s Cube,
Indigenous Leadership, Student
Government, and Environment Club.
More information about clubs can be
found at clubs day during lunch in the
beginning of September. Stay tuned to
announcements!

SCHOOL FEES
Student fees have been $25 for many
years. However, the 2024/2025 School
Fees have paid by the Student and
Family Affordability Funds. Depending
on what activities students are involved
in or projects they choose to create
there may still be activity or project
fees. Many students and families
purchase yearbooks in September as a
permanent memento of their year at
Vanier.
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
The first day of school is a half day for
new students only. This includes grade
8’s, new grade 10’s and all other new
students to Vanier. Students arrive at
school in the morning to find their
homeroom listed on the entrance doors.
Staff are there to help students find
their homerooms. When students get
to their homeroom, they will be given a
copy of their timetable and if school
fees are paid, they are given locks and
assigned lockers. Next, they proceed to
each class on their timetable in order
that it occurs where they will meet their
teachers and do some getting to know
you activities. Students do not need to
bring any supplies with them other than
a binder, paper pen and pencils.
Information about the first day will be
sent to parents by email in August.

LUNCH HOUR
Students have a few different options for lunch.
They can bring a lunch or bring money and buy
food at the cafeteria. Students can eat in the
cafeteria, hallways, outside or in any open
classrooms. The cafeteria typically opens up in
the 2nd week of classes.

ABSENCES
Please report an absence on the GP Vanier
website or email or call the school if your
student will be absent or sick so that they can be
excused.

LOCKERS
All students are assigned a locker and lock for
their own use. Locks are provided by the school
Students cannot use their own lock from home.
It’s important that students keep their lock
combination private and not share it with
friends.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
On the first day, students should just bring basic
supplies:
 3-ring binder
 Lined paper
 Pens, pencils & eraser
 Dividers
Individual teachers will let students know on the
first day of classes if any additional supplies are
needed.
MYED PARENT PORTAL
Using the MYED parent (and student) portal on a
daily or weekly basis will let you see student
schedules, marks and missing assignments. It’s a
valuable tool to stay on top of student progress.
The portal can be accessed from the GP Vanier
website. Contact the office if you are having
difficulty logging in. The link is available below
under the “Tips for Parents.”

FLEX DAY OPPORTUNITIES
Flex Days are designed to meet the needs of our
diverse learning community. For some students
this means coming to school and getting extra
help. For others, Flex days are about taking part
in enrichment opportunities in the school, at
home, or in the community.
If your child is getting less than 60% in a class or
has been asked to come in for a Flex day, they
must attend. If a student is getting above 60% or
hasn’t been told by a teacher or parent to come
in on a flex day, we’d love to see them, but they
won’t be marked absent. Students who choose
not to come into the classroom are encouraged
to take part in enrichment learning
opportunities at home and in the community.
Work experience, passion projects, online
learning, clubs, mentorship, peer-tutoring, are
some of the many activities students work on
during Flex time.

KNOW YOUR SUPPORT TEAM
LEARNER SUPPORT
If your student has an IEP you can expect to be
contacted by a learning support teacher by mid September. You are also invited to connect with
them in advance if you have concerns you would
like to address or information you want to make
sure is passed along.
Learner Support Teachers are organized by
student (last name) alphabet. Check the website
for contact information and to see which
teacher to communicate with and connect by
phone or by email.

SCHOOL COUNSELLING
Counselling Services are a personal service for
students and a resource for teachers and
families. Counsellors are teachers that have a
Master of Counseling degree and are specialized
to assist youth and their families in the areas of
mental health, academic counselling and postsecondary planning.
Counsellors are often the first point of contact
for new students and students who are
struggling academically or personally. Students
or parents may make an appointment with the
school counsellor by using the booking system
on the G.P. Vanier website. They can also drop
by the counselling office or call to book a time to
meet. Counsellors are organized by student (last
name) alphabet. Check the website to see which
counsellor to communicate with.

YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAM
WORKER
Vanier has a Youth and Family Program Worker
who provides support to students and families.
Students who are struggling with mental health
and addiction issues can reach out. The Youth
and Family Program worker also provides
support to teachers and staff by making
classroom presentations and facilitating small
groups on addiction and mental health related
topics. The Youth and Family program worker’s
office is in the counselling department.
Students or parents may make an appointment
with the Youth and Family Program Worker by
using the booking system on the G.P. Vanier
website. They can also drop by the counselling
office or call to book a time to meet.

INDIGENOUS EDUCATION
This is a program of inclusion for all students
with a focus on students of Indigenous ancestry
(First Nations, Metis or Inuit). Student ancestry
is determined on a voluntary basis through self-identification and includes Status and Non-Status students and may extend several
generations back in your family history.
The Indigenous Education Program provides
academic, cultural, leadership and personal
support to students and families.

WORK EXPERIENCE/TRADES OFFICE
Vanier has dedicated teachers and support staff
who provide work experience and volunteer
opportunities for students. Students begin
exploring Trades opportunities in grade 10 and
will learn more about these opportunities as the
years go on. Dual-Credit courses and programs
through North Island College are also
coordinated through the Work
Experience/Trades Office. For more information
on anything Career, Trades, Dual-Credit,
Volunteer or Work related, drop by the Work
Experience office.
ADMINISTRATION TEAM
The Principal and Vice Principals (listed on the
website by last name/alphabet), provide
educational leadership and co-ordinate the day to-day operations of the school. The admin are
master problem-solvers and seek to find
collaborative solutions when problems arise.
Facilitating school goals, providing program
support and leading celebrations are some of
the many roles our admin team takes on.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD BE SUCCESSFUL AT VANIER
TIPS FOR PARENTS
0 Monitor your child’s marks and progress on the MYED Parent Portal
https://www.comoxvalleyschools.ca/mark-isfeld-secondary/wpcontent/uploads/sites/44/2021/08/Parent-Portal-Handbook.pdf
0 Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations.
0 Work together with the school. If you have questions or concerns about a class, email or call the
teacher.
0 For other concerns, contact a school counsellor or principal.
0 Monitor your child’s social media use, and encourage healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits.
These are key aspects of positive mental health & positive high school experiences.

TIPS FOR STUDENTS FROM STUDENTS
0 Join school clubs and teams to meet people & make friends
0 Ask questions
0 Do your homework & study for tests
0 Skipping out is not cool
0 Do not be late
0 Don’t blow off studying – It will catch up with you!
0 Don’t worry about the older kids… they are mostly concerned with their own schoolwork & friend
group
STAY CONNECTED
• Check your email for important updates and information from the school.
• GP Vanier Website: https://www.comoxvalleyschools.ca/gp-vanier-secondary/
Staff directory, bell schedule, course selection handbook, parent portal
Daily announcements and weekly calendar, search “Vanier Announcements”
www.comoxvalleyschools.ca/gp-vanier-secondary/