Dear Vanier Families,
I want to start the weekly update sharing about a few successful field trips. First off, Mr. Eitzen and the grade 7 outdoor education class went to the Confederation golf course with our new class set of cross-country ski sets for a day of urban activity. Secondly, Ms. Ramos joined our grade 9 Band program out at Camp Evergreen for 3 days/2 nights. Experiences like this are only possible with family support, whether it is financial, time, or trust. So, thank you to all those families who support my staff in offering these opportunities.
Secondly, we have been reminding the student population to continue to check our tv screens and listen to morning announcements for the growing list of clubs and extra-curriculars. After the winter break we will see the start of the dinosaur club, the creative writing club and yearbook/school photography will really begin to ramp up work.
Finally, a special recognition for all the Vanier students who will be representing our school at the System Student Wellness meeting at Mount Royal on Monday.
Please read the messages below for some important information about Holiday Hampers and some volunteering opportunities for students.
Bon weekend,
Mr. Chad Edmonds – Principal École Georges P Vanier School
Georges P. Vanier School website has information as well:
https://georgespvanier.cbe.ab.ca.
GP Vanier Cafeteria Menu:
https://gpvanier.cbe.ab.ca/cafeteria-menu
Holiday Hampers at Vanier
Our school is launching our Holiday Hamper Drive to support families in our community. We will begin collecting items from Monday, December 8 to Wednesday, December 17. We warmly welcome donations of non-perishable food, toiletries, small toys, gift cards, warm outerwear (mitts, toques, socks, etc...). Every contribution big or small helps bring comfort, dignity, and joy to families who need it most this season. Please have your students bring their donations to school starting Monday. Thank you for making Vanier a better place.
Walk During Physical Education
Ms. Dunn would like to notify all PE classes on Monday that they will be going on a community walk. Please dress appropriately for the weather (coats, gloves, boots, etc...) The weather forecast looks good, remember to dress warmly!
GP Vanier/William Aberhart student opportunity
I would like to inform you both about the Breakthrough Junior Challenge that I am competing and have been selected as one of the 30 finalists out of 5000 contestants globally.
My project examined the science of lab-grown organoids—miniature, laboratory versions of human organs that are aiding in the study of diseases and the development of safer, more precise treatments.
The Breakthrough Junior Challenge is an international science video competition that recognizes students who creatively explain complex scientific ideas. The winner receives a $250,000 university scholarship, their teacher mentor receives $50,000, and their school receives a $100,000 science lab grant, so it’s an incredible opportunity that benefits the entire school community.
Since I’ve advanced to the Popular Vote round of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, I wanted to request your support by clicking the like button on the video links below, and also helping to share the voting links to the Vanier school community and social media platforms. Sharing it would not only help me win the grand prize, but also highlight the contributions that GP Vanier teachers have added to the work I am able to do today.
Here are the links:
Thank you again for all your support and I look forward to bringing this win home!
Best regards,
Anie
Heritage Park Volunteer opportunity
Heritage Park is looking for volunteers to help our Kids Only store shoppers find the perfect gifts for their loved ones, all while sticking to their budget!
Every year during the Once Upon a Christmas event, we transform our red barn into a magical shopping experience for children looking for the perfect gifts and stocking stuffers for Mom, Dad, and all of their loved ones. No grown ups allowed!
If you enjoy working with children, sharing the magic of Christmas, and are a savvy shopper, this could be a great opportunity for you!
We are looking to fill 2 Volunteer Group shifts to help out in the Kids Only Store.
- Sunday December 21 and Tuesday December 23rd.
- Shift time is 1PM -4PM
- Lunch and Costume/Volunteer Gear provided.
- Check in and lunch will be between 11:30AM and 12:45PM, then the group will head to the barn to start shopping with our guests.
For more information please contact acharles@heritagepark.ca.
Education Matters Resources for families
EducationMatters is pleased to announce a fundraising partnership with Castle Rock Research, an Alberta-based leader in providing high-quality educational resources for the past 30 years.
This partnership has been established to provide Calgary Board of Education students and families with access to premier learning materials at a significantly reduced cost, directly supporting our commitment to student success, and raise funds for EducationMatters.
Exclusive Pricing for CBE Families:
Through this agreement, the following resources will be offered at an exclusive CBE price:
- Print Study Guides (e.g., The Key): Reduced from $34.95 + $8 shipping to a flat rate of $30 per book, with all shipping and handling included.
- SOLARO Digital Study Platform: Reduced from $200 per student/year to $30 per student/year.
Middle School Sales Window
This initiative will begin with a dedicated sales window for all CBE Middle Schools, running until December 5, 2025.
Yearbook information
With the resumption of school, we have started the design and build of our school yearbook. Thank you to all the students who have joined. Please click on this poster for information on ordering.
Vanier Community Corner
Our crochet club has been hooking students in faster than we expected! It’s sew much fun—but we’re starting to run low on wool. If you have any extra yarn at home, we’d love a thread of support. Every ball helps us keep the creativity going!
The crochet club will also be selling some of their creations at lunchtime to raise money for more resources!
Healthy Hunger is Back!
We’re excited to announce our upcoming Healthy Hunger lunches!
- December 12: COBS Bread
- January 16: Booster Juice
You can now place your orders online through Healthy Hunger. Please remember that orders close 5 days before each lunch date, so don’t miss out! Orders can be placed at: https://healthyhunger.ca/
Any lunches that are not picked up on the day will be donated.
Thank you for supporting our school and enjoying a tasty lunch or snack at the same time!
2026 Prime Minister’s Awards
The nomination period for the 2026 Prime Minister’s Awards is now open, and we’re looking for your help in recognizing outstanding educators who empower Canada’s youth. The Prime Minister’s Awards are a chance to celebrate educators for their leadership and exemplary education practices. Any person or group (i.e. parents, colleagues, principals, board members or students) can nominate educators in three different categories:
- Teaching Excellence
- Teaching Excellence in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
- Excellence in Early Childhood Education
For more information, please click on the link in the message.
Upcoming Sports Dates:
Monday: no sports scheduled
Tuesday: no sports scheduled
Wednesday: no sports scheduled
Thursday: no sports scheduled
Friday: no sports scheduled
Upcoming Dates:
Dec 8: Students to Leadership Symposium
Dec 11: Student Teachers last day of semester 1
Dec 16: Grade 9 Vaccine Presentations
Dec 17: Outdoor Education trip (weather dependent)
Dec 19: Last day of classes before winter break
Jan 5: Classes restart
Jan 5: Volleyball season starts (Try-out scheduled to be released)