Greetings,
I sincerely hope all staff and students have a had a restful break. The sun feels warm and the daylight now exceeds the darkness. Wonderful.
These past months have seen a share of hardship for everyone. Our absences per day since the beginning of second semester have been well over 100 students a day. I urge all those who can return to school to now do so. I hope that online work has continued despite the absences, and that students have not fallen too far behind. This semester is not even half over, so there is time.
I lay this sorry state at the feet of COVID. The Community Medical Office of Health (CMOH) has signalled it is now time to move on with our lives. Amen, I say.
COVID NEWS
Masks are still a thing, for now. While the rest of the territory and government service is going maskless, we at school must keep them on in classrooms and all other areas inside the building. Good thing it is so nice outside. I don’t expect this state of affairs to last longer than a couple of weeks until the CMOH can evaluate the situation and give us the go-ahead to take the masks off. If students wish, they may continue to wear masks after (and when) the mandate is lifted.
My understanding of the current orders is that competition between schools for this basketball season may now commence. I’m really looking forward to that.
We may also meet as a school in the gym for assemblies, celebrations, and liturgies. Masks on, though, for now.
FOOD PROGRAM
On the last Friday before break I got a call from the Yukon First Nations Directorate (YFNED) that sponsors our food program at Vanier. The cafeteria contractors, JUST4MNU, have enjoyed a good working relationship since the program began, but some changes are now required. I outlined those in a message to all families on Friday, March 4, but to recap…
The cafeteria will continue to operate as before for this week. On Friday, the cafeteria will be closed at lunch so that the Grads of 2022 may host a pizza lunch fundraiser. Please bring cash to buy pizza at lunch on Friday, March 25 as that is the only lunch option available. Starting Monday, March 28 the cafeteria will no longer provide free breakfasts at morning break and meals at lunch. Many students have punch cards with remaining meals. These will be honoured until they run out.
The program was always meant to provide food for Indigenous students and those needing support. We will continue in this effort. If your student is Indigenous or in need of a punch card, please contact the office at vcss@gov.yk.ca and put in the subject line Food Program. We will be discrete. Students may purchase food cards through the cafeteria.
DROP OFF ZONES
Many parents are pulling in to the teacher parking lot by the main entrance to drop off students. I ask that you use the drop off zone from off of the student parking lot (first right turn on Duke coming from Lewes). The congestion, speed, and numbers are making the drop off in the main parking lot dangerous for staff and students alike. I’ll start coming out to remind folks about this.
School Council Elections
Nominations for our two-year term school council elections open on Monday, April 11. If you are interested in supporting Catholic Education and want to get involved in entry-level politics, this may interest you.
School Council Elections april 22.docx
To be eligible, candidates must be:
o Being a resident in the attendance area for three months or more and a registered member of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish or Out Lady of Victory parish; and/or
o Having received written approval from the Bishop of the Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Whitehorse.
I will post more information on our school’s website, vcss.ca
IMMUNIZATIONS
On Thursday, March 31, students in grades 9 and 10 will be offered opportunities to receive the following immunizations at VCSS: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertusiss (Tdap) booster, and Meningoccal Quadrivalent. The COVID vaccine will not be administered at school. Details to follow. Maybe this link will work for more information:
https://yukonimmunization.ca/diseases-vaccines/grade-6-9-school-based-immunization#Grade9.
I sincerely hope all staff and students have a had a restful break. The sun feels warm and the daylight now exceeds the darkness. Wonderful.
These past months have seen a share of hardship for everyone. Our absences per day since the beginning of second semester have been well over 100 students a day. I urge all those who can return to school to now do so. I hope that online work has continued despite the absences, and that students have not fallen too far behind. This semester is not even half over, so there is time.
I lay this sorry state at the feet of COVID. The Community Medical Office of Health (CMOH) has signalled it is now time to move on with our lives. Amen, I say.
COVID NEWS
Masks are still a thing, for now. While the rest of the territory and government service is going maskless, we at school must keep them on in classrooms and all other areas inside the building. Good thing it is so nice outside. I don’t expect this state of affairs to last longer than a couple of weeks until the CMOH can evaluate the situation and give us the go-ahead to take the masks off. If students wish, they may continue to wear masks after (and when) the mandate is lifted.
My understanding of the current orders is that competition between schools for this basketball season may now commence. I’m really looking forward to that.
We may also meet as a school in the gym for assemblies, celebrations, and liturgies. Masks on, though, for now.
FOOD PROGRAM
On the last Friday before break I got a call from the Yukon First Nations Directorate (YFNED) that sponsors our food program at Vanier. The cafeteria contractors, JUST4MNU, have enjoyed a good working relationship since the program began, but some changes are now required. I outlined those in a message to all families on Friday, March 4, but to recap…
The cafeteria will continue to operate as before for this week. On Friday, the cafeteria will be closed at lunch so that the Grads of 2022 may host a pizza lunch fundraiser. Please bring cash to buy pizza at lunch on Friday, March 25 as that is the only lunch option available. Starting Monday, March 28 the cafeteria will no longer provide free breakfasts at morning break and meals at lunch. Many students have punch cards with remaining meals. These will be honoured until they run out.
The program was always meant to provide food for Indigenous students and those needing support. We will continue in this effort. If your student is Indigenous or in need of a punch card, please contact the office at vcss@gov.yk.ca and put in the subject line Food Program. We will be discrete. Students may purchase food cards through the cafeteria.
DROP OFF ZONES
Many parents are pulling in to the teacher parking lot by the main entrance to drop off students. I ask that you use the drop off zone from off of the student parking lot (first right turn on Duke coming from Lewes). The congestion, speed, and numbers are making the drop off in the main parking lot dangerous for staff and students alike. I’ll start coming out to remind folks about this.
School Council Elections
Nominations for our two-year term school council elections open on Monday, April 11. If you are interested in supporting Catholic Education and want to get involved in entry-level politics, this may interest you.
School Council Elections april 22.docx
To be eligible, candidates must be:
- A Canadian citizen; and
- At least 18 years of age; and
- Be qualified based on:
o Being a resident in the attendance area for three months or more and a registered member of Sacred Heart Cathedral parish or Out Lady of Victory parish; and/or
o Having received written approval from the Bishop of the Episcopal Corporation of the Diocese of Whitehorse.
I will post more information on our school’s website, vcss.ca
IMMUNIZATIONS
On Thursday, March 31, students in grades 9 and 10 will be offered opportunities to receive the following immunizations at VCSS: Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertusiss (Tdap) booster, and Meningoccal Quadrivalent. The COVID vaccine will not be administered at school. Details to follow. Maybe this link will work for more information:
https://yukonimmunization.ca/diseases-vaccines/grade-6-9-school-based-immunization#Grade9.
| grade_9_and_10_immunization_program_-_parent_school_letter.pdf |
STAFFING
Alex Sullivan, our Office Administrator is back at VCSS and we are thrilled. We have also been fortunate enough to hire 1.5 Educational Assistants.
FINALLY,
Hang in there everybody. Remember God loves you.
Blessings,
Kyle Janzen, Principal VCSS
Alex Sullivan, our Office Administrator is back at VCSS and we are thrilled. We have also been fortunate enough to hire 1.5 Educational Assistants.
FINALLY,
Hang in there everybody. Remember God loves you.
Blessings,
Kyle Janzen, Principal VCSS
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