News from Vanier - September 23-27

September 23rd, 2019

Dear Vanier families and friends,
Here is this week’s update.
Our website – www.vcss.ca – is a great source of school information, too!

Sincerely,
Ryan Sikkes, principal

Dates to Note:

• Tuesday, September 24 – Grade 8s on retreat.
• Wednesday, September 25 – Hat day to raise money for Terry Fox Cancer Research Foundation – A minimum donation of $5.00 is required to wear a hat.  Vanier staff and students will also participate in our Crusader’s Day Spirit Rally before lunch.
• Thursday, September 26 – Current Religion 10 students on retreat.
• Monday, September 30th – Orange Shirt Day.  A day to listen, learn, act and focus on reconciliation with Canada’s Indigenous peoples related, especially, to Indian Residential Schools.
• September 30 – October 4 – First informal report from teachers.  All parents/guardians can expect emails from each of your child’s teachers during these days.
• Thursday, October 3 – Grade 9 Immunizations.
• Thursday, October 10 – Individual school photos, please return envelopes with payment to Ron Wilson this day.  Envelopes will be distributed at the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday, September 24).
• Friday, October 11 – PD Day: All-Secondary Schools.  Enjoy your day off – the staff will be here working hard!

Other Notes
Forms - A large package from VCSS should have arrived in your mailbox last week.  Please review the forms carefully and submit all requested information and fees. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school.  Be sure to submit all forms and fees by October 4 to be entered to win a $250 Visa gift card!
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Attendance – If you are planning a vacation during school time, or know of a planned absence for your student, please make sure to inform the office (not just the teachers).  This will ensure your student is marked excused and you won’t receive a call and/or email at the end of the day.  Either call 867-667-5901 or email [email protected] to let us know!

Office 365 – As part of the mail-out package mentioned above, you will see information regarding “Office 365,” which is an online suite of programs that students can access through Yukon Education. Vanier believes this is an excellent tool and resource. We hope that all students “opt-in” for Office 365. This form only needs to be filled out if you choose to OPT-OUT.  If you have any questions, please call us.

Tutoring -  Through the Skills Room, all Vanier students can access a free tutoring program. If your child needs support with their school work (academics, organization etc), please encourage them to pick up a form requesting tutoring in the Skills Room.  All concerns and questions can come to Ms. Cann.  At this point in time we have many tutors available, but as the school year picks up there tends to be less availability.

Autumn Prayer
God of all seasons, we thank you for Autumn.
We thank you
for the touch of coolness in the air that gives us a new burst of energy,
for the coloring of trees that shows the creativity of the Divine Artist,
for the falling leaves that reveal the strength of the branches,
for the hues of fields that bring peace to our souls,
for the smiles on pumpkins that bring joy to children,
for the fall harvest which that brings us gratitude for the bounty of our land,
for this change of seasons that reveals the circle of life.
God of all seasons, as you transform the earth, transform us by your Spirit.
Amen
— Rev. Doug Leonhardt, S.J.