Statement from Vanier Catholic Secondary regarding Jean Vanier

​The Vanier Catholic Secondary school community is shocked and saddened by the recent news of credible allegations of sexual abuse released by the L’Arche organization against Jean Vanier.  Our thoughts and prayers are with the women who suffered this abuse and who have been living for many years with its consequences.  
 
In no way will we minimize these allegations.  We strongly condemn any actions that violate the emotional and physical well-being of others.
 
We wish to clarify that our school community is named after the Vanier family: Georges Vanier, Canada’s first Canadian-born francophone Governor General and his wife Pauline, founder of the Vanier Institute of the Family – along with their children, including Jean.  Their family name was chosen for our school community for their sense of public duty and public service.
 
We pray for the women who have suffered sexual abuse.  We pray for the soul of Jean Vanier.  We also pray that the thousands of residents, volunteers, and staff of L’Arche communities around the world do not experience additional discrimination or a reduction of community support due to the personal failings of their organization’s founder.
 
We also hope that the wider community will demonstrate empathy and understanding towards our students and staff during this difficult time as we all come to terms with this terrible news.
 
For further information, please contact Cynthia Lyslo, Chair of Vanier Catholic Secondary School Council ([email protected]) or Ryan Sikkes, Principal of Vanier Catholic Secondary ([email protected]).