WELCOME to VANIER!
\nInformation for NEW Gr. 9-12 Students & Parents
\nWelcome!
\nWe are looking forward to having our new students join us in September. The transition from elementary
\nschool to secondary school is an exciting time for students and their parents\/guardians. Students typically
\nlook forward to a new school, new friends, and new opportunities, and are quite hopeful and confident in
\ntheir abilities to cope with the changes that a new school brings. While most students\u2019 perceptions of this
\nlife transition are positive, it is also quite normal for students and parents\/guardians to express anxiety
\nand unease about the transition.
\nThe purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with information and resources that will help ease any
\nconcerns you have about coming to Vanier. We look forward to working with you and your children in this
\nnext stage of their lives!
\nAbout Vanier
\nG.P. Vanier Secondary is a school of more than
\n1200 learners with nearly 120 teachers and
\nsupport staff. We are a vibrant, diverse learning
\ncommunity which supports and encourages
\nexcellence in all aspects of school life. At Vanier,
\nwe:
\n\u2022 Honour diversity.
\n\u2022 Connect with community.
\n\u2022 Respect and treat others with dignity.
\n\u2022 Encourage excellence.
\n\u2022 Provide opportunities for students to
\ngrow as global citizens.
\n\u2022 Celebrate accomplishments.
\n\u2022 Foster positive relationships.
\n\u2022 Value parents and co-educators.
\n-The Vanier Transition Team
\nTHE TIMETABLE
\nVanier runs on a semester system,
\noffering 4, 80 minute classes per day.
\nMonday through Thursday we have a
\nweekly schedule, while Friday rotates
\neach week. Check MYED for the block
\nrotation.
\nEXTRA CURRICULAR
\nJoining an extracurricular club, team or
\ngroup is a great way to have fun, meet
\nnew people, and gain and improve skills.
\nStudents who are involved in extracurricular activities tend to do better
\nacademically and have reported that
\nthey enjoy high school more. We are
\nproud to offer a wide variety of extracurricular and sports opportunities for
\nstudents to choose from.
\nOpportunities range from arts programs
\nlike Improv, to sports like Basketball,
\nSoccer, Volleyball, Wrestling, Disc golf,
\nClimbing, Weight training, Ski &
\nsnowboard team, Golf, and Rugby to
\nclubs like the Gender Sexuality Alliance,
\nMental Health Advocacy, Interac,
\nDungeons and Dragons, Rubik\u2019s Cube,
\nIndigenous Leadership, Student
\nGovernment, and Environment Club.
\nMore information about clubs can be
\nfound at clubs day during lunch in the
\nbeginning of September. Stay tuned to
\nannouncements!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
SCHOOL FEES
\nStudent fees have been $25 for many
\nyears. However, the 2024\/2025 School
\nFees have paid by the Student and
\nFamily Affordability Funds. Depending
\non what activities students are involved
\nin or projects they choose to create
\nthere may still be activity or project
\nfees. Many students and families
\npurchase yearbooks in September as a
\npermanent memento of their year at
\nVanier.
\nFIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
\nThe first day of school is a half day for
\nnew students only. This includes grade
\n8\u2019s, new grade 10\u2019s and all other new
\nstudents to Vanier. Students arrive at
\nschool in the morning to find their
\nhomeroom listed on the entrance doors.
\nStaff are there to help students find
\ntheir homerooms. When students get
\nto their homeroom, they will be given a
\ncopy of their timetable and if school
\nfees are paid, they are given locks and
\nassigned lockers. Next, they proceed to
\neach class on their timetable in order
\nthat it occurs where they will meet their
\nteachers and do some getting to know
\nyou activities. Students do not need to
\nbring any supplies with them other than
\na binder, paper pen and pencils.
\nInformation about the first day will be
\nsent to parents by email in August.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
LUNCH HOUR
\nStudents have a few different options for lunch.
\nThey can bring a lunch or bring money and buy
\nfood at the cafeteria. Students can eat in the
\ncafeteria, hallways, outside or in any open
\nclassrooms. The cafeteria typically opens up in
\nthe 2nd week of classes.<\/p>\n
ABSENCES
\nPlease report an absence on the GP Vanier
\nwebsite or email or call the school if your
\nstudent will be absent or sick so that they can be
\nexcused.<\/p>\n
LOCKERS
\nAll students are assigned a locker and lock for
\ntheir own use. Locks are provided by the school
\nStudents cannot use their own lock from home.
\nIt\u2019s important that students keep their lock
\ncombination private and not share it with
\nfriends.
\nSCHOOL SUPPLIES
\nOn the first day, students should just bring basic
\nsupplies:
\n\uf0fc 3-ring binder
\n\uf0fc Lined paper
\n\uf0fc Pens, pencils & eraser
\n\uf0fc Dividers
\nIndividual teachers will let students know on the
\nfirst day of classes if any additional supplies are
\nneeded.
\nMYED PARENT PORTAL
\nUsing the MYED parent (and student) portal on a
\ndaily or weekly basis will let you see student
\nschedules, marks and missing assignments. It\u2019s a
\nvaluable tool to stay on top of student progress.
\nThe portal can be accessed from the GP Vanier
\nwebsite. Contact the office if you are having
\ndifficulty logging in. The link is available below
\nunder the \u201cTips for Parents.\u201d<\/p>\n
FLEX DAY OPPORTUNITIES
\nFlex Days are designed to meet the needs of our
\ndiverse learning community. For some students
\nthis means coming to school and getting extra
\nhelp. For others, Flex days are about taking part
\nin enrichment opportunities in the school, at
\nhome, or in the community.
\nIf your child is getting less than 60% in a class or
\nhas been asked to come in for a Flex day, they
\nmust attend. If a student is getting above 60% or
\nhasn\u2019t been told by a teacher or parent to come
\nin on a flex day, we\u2019d love to see them, but they
\nwon\u2019t be marked absent. Students who choose
\nnot to come into the classroom are encouraged
\nto take part in enrichment learning
\nopportunities at home and in the community.
\nWork experience, passion projects, online
\nlearning, clubs, mentorship, peer-tutoring, are
\nsome of the many activities students work on
\nduring Flex time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
KNOW YOUR SUPPORT TEAM
\nLEARNER SUPPORT
\nIf your student has an IEP you can expect to be
\ncontacted by a learning support teacher by mid September. You are also invited to connect with
\nthem in advance if you have concerns you would
\nlike to address or information you want to make
\nsure is passed along.
\nLearner Support Teachers are organized by
\nstudent (last name) alphabet. Check the website
\nfor contact information and to see which
\nteacher to communicate with and connect by
\nphone or by email.<\/p>\n
SCHOOL COUNSELLING
\nCounselling Services are a personal service for
\nstudents and a resource for teachers and
\nfamilies. Counsellors are teachers that have a
\nMaster of Counseling degree and are specialized
\nto assist youth and their families in the areas of
\nmental health, academic counselling and postsecondary planning.
\nCounsellors are often the first point of contact
\nfor new students and students who are
\nstruggling academically or personally. Students
\nor parents may make an appointment with the
\nschool counsellor by using the booking system
\non the G.P. Vanier website. They can also drop
\nby the counselling office or call to book a time to
\nmeet. Counsellors are organized by student (last
\nname) alphabet. Check the website to see which
\ncounsellor to communicate with.<\/p>\n
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAM
\nWORKER
\nVanier has a Youth and Family Program Worker
\nwho provides support to students and families.
\nStudents who are struggling with mental health
\nand addiction issues can reach out. The Youth
\nand Family Program worker also provides
\nsupport to teachers and staff by making
\nclassroom presentations and facilitating small
\ngroups on addiction and mental health related
\ntopics. The Youth and Family program worker\u2019s
\noffice is in the counselling department.
\nStudents or parents may make an appointment
\nwith the Youth and Family Program Worker by
\nusing the booking system on the G.P. Vanier
\nwebsite. They can also drop by the counselling
\noffice or call to book a time to meet.<\/p>\n
INDIGENOUS EDUCATION
\nThis is a program of inclusion for all students
\nwith a focus on students of Indigenous ancestry
\n(First Nations, Metis or Inuit). Student ancestry
\nis determined on a voluntary basis through self-identification and includes Status and Non-Status students and may extend several
\ngenerations back in your family history.
\nThe Indigenous Education Program provides
\nacademic, cultural, leadership and personal
\nsupport to students and families.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
WORK EXPERIENCE\/TRADES OFFICE
\nVanier has dedicated teachers and support staff
\nwho provide work experience and volunteer
\nopportunities for students. Students begin
\nexploring Trades opportunities in grade 10 and
\nwill learn more about these opportunities as the
\nyears go on. Dual-Credit courses and programs
\nthrough North Island College are also
\ncoordinated through the Work
\nExperience\/Trades Office. For more information
\non anything Career, Trades, Dual-Credit,
\nVolunteer or Work related, drop by the Work
\nExperience office.
\nADMINISTRATION TEAM
\nThe Principal and Vice Principals (listed on the
\nwebsite by last name\/alphabet), provide
\neducational leadership and co-ordinate the day to-day operations of the school. The admin are
\nmaster problem-solvers and seek to find
\ncollaborative solutions when problems arise.
\nFacilitating school goals, providing program
\nsupport and leading celebrations are some of
\nthe many roles our admin team takes on.
\nHOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD BE SUCCESSFUL AT VANIER
\nTIPS FOR PARENTS
\n0 Monitor your child\u2019s marks and progress on the MYED Parent Portal
\nhttps:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/mark-isfeld-secondary\/wpcontent\/uploads\/sites\/44\/2021\/08\/Parent-Portal-Handbook.pdf
\n0 Set a regular time and place for homework to be done. Give and reinforce clear expectations.
\n0 Work together with the school. If you have questions or concerns about a class, email or call the
\nteacher.
\n0 For other concerns, contact a school counsellor or principal.
\n0 Monitor your child\u2019s social media use, and encourage healthy sleep, exercise, and eating habits.
\nThese are key aspects of positive mental health & positive high school experiences.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
TIPS FOR STUDENTS FROM STUDENTS
\n0 Join school clubs and teams to meet people & make friends
\n0 Ask questions
\n0 Do your homework & study for tests
\n0 Skipping out is not cool
\n0 Do not be late
\n0 Don\u2019t blow off studying \u2013 It will catch up with you!
\n0 Don\u2019t worry about the older kids\u2026 they are mostly concerned with their own schoolwork & friend
\ngroup
\nSTAY CONNECTED
\n\u2022 Check your email for important updates and information from the school.
\n\u2022 GP Vanier Website: https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/gp-vanier-secondary\/
\n\uf0e0Staff directory, bell schedule, course selection handbook, parent portal
\n\uf0e0Daily announcements and weekly calendar, search \u201cVanier Announcements\u201d
\nwww.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/gp-vanier-secondary\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":62,"featured_media":2367,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1974","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"publishpress_future_action":{"enabled":false,"date":"2026-04-21 11:41:57","action":"change-status","newStatus":"draft","terms":[],"taxonomy":"category","extraData":[]},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1974","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/62"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1974"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1974\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2466,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1974\/revisions\/2466"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2367"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1974"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1974"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.comoxvalleyschools.ca\/denman-island-community-school\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1974"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}