September 2022
“St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School” is the new name for Vanier Catholic Secondary School.
This name was picked after accepting suggestions from students and families. The name “St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Secondary School” was chosen because it encompasses the mission and values of the school community. The dedication to St. Francis embodies the school’s focus on Catholic faith, respect for the land, animals, and natural resources, and social, economic, and environmental justice.
St. Francis of Assisi is a canonized saint. He was born in 1181 and died in 1226. He is the patron saint of the natural environment and animals, and a champion for interfaith dialogue, particularly with Islam, which is more relevant now than ever.
Pope Francis (who chose to be named after St. Francis of Assisi) has always exemplified a renewed focus of serving those “on the margins” and social, economic, and environmental justice. This is something the school promotes and encourages on a daily basis.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this renaming process.
February 2021 - School Name
A time for change
The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community. As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school.
Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community.
The school council knows that the name of our school is part of what drives the culture and ethos of our community. As most of you know recent events involving one of the Vanier family members has led to a reflection on the current name of our school. Council would like to thank everyone for their input and advice on the where we should go with the name of our school.
Having listened to input from teachers, students, parish members and the diocese, council has determined that it is the right time for us to change the name to reflect more accurately the mission and values of our community.