Academics / Arts / Athletics / Technology In the Service of the Community

PrinciPal’s Message

Dear parents and guardians:

This edition of the Vision marks the completion of our first semester for the 2013-14 academic year. This has been a very exciting semester at the school in both athletics and the arts.

Our athletics department has had a very successful athletic season. Highlights include our Junior Girls basketball team winning the league championship, our Senior Boys volleyball team making it to the finals, the Jr. Boys Basketball team capturing our own Steve Hnatiuk Memorial Tournament, the Sr. Girls Volleyball team who finished first in their pool at the Libermann Invitational Tournament and the Senior Boys Basketball team who were finalists at the Festival of Lights Tournament in Niagara Falls.

The Drum Line, Marching Band and Dance Crew were invited to participate in a number of parades around the greater Toronto area, winning the Fan Favorite award at the Brampton Santa Claus Parade and the Best Band at the Markham Santa Claus Parade. We had a full house for our fall Festival of Sight and Sound, and expanded our chorale sections in response to student demand, and in the spring we will be launching the dramatic presentation “Get Smart”.

Looking forward, there is much to be excited about.

Students are busily preparing for our Black History month assembly, Reach for the Top has just started their season, and our clubs are engaging a higher number of students than during the last two years. Our Literacy Team is working hard to prepare our grade ten students for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, our grade 9 mathematics students have

just completed the Winter mathematics EQAO assessment, and the spring season of athletics is about to get underway.

Our CSAC is developing into a thoughtful and effective parent voice. Please try to attend the next CSAC meeting – dates are published on the website. Be sure to visit www.tcdsb.org and scroll down until you find Jean Vanier CSS. As well please consider following me on twitter @vanierprincipal to keep abreast of school events and information. The website has just undergone a substantial renewal. Please visit for useful information and news items.

As always, we appreciate the trust you have placed in us to educate your children, and it is not a responsibility taken lightly. As we await the start of the Lenten season, and perhaps pause to consider our own commitment to our faith, may I wish you a contemplative and peaceful journey, and although it may be a little premature, a joyous Easter celebration.

Mr. John Brady Principal

Trustees 2013-2014 • Peter Jakovcic • Ann Andrachuk • Sal Piccininni • Patrizia Bottoni • Maria Rizzo • Frank D’Amico • John Del Grande • Garry Tanuan • Jo-Ann Davis • Barbara Poplawski • Angela Kennedy • Nancy Crawford

student Trustee: William Lawrence, Enrique Olivo

catholic school advisory council: Lily Mendoza

school superintendant: Nicola D'Avella

student council • President: Katrina Lorenzo • Vice President: Kent Penaranda • secretary/Treasurer: Michelle Valenzuela • csliT representative: Katie Maitland, Hilary Naluz • Technology representative: Pierre Paul, Kian Tadjbakhsh • senior social representative: Diego Mendoza • Junior social representative: Gayle Tumampos • spirit representative: Chelsea Anirood • grade 12 representative: Kazandra Pimentel • grade 11 representative: Levi Guallar • grade 10 representative: Meghan Garvida • grade 9 representative: Denise Mendez Gavin Estacion

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Vanier Vision

The adMin TeaM (lefT To righT) Vice-Principal: Anne Louise Bannon, Principal: Mr. John Brady, Vice-Principal: Mr. Reginald Ramlogan

academics

are The incoMing gr 8s ready for The challenge?On October 8, many of the Gr 8 students and their parents joined our community for the 2013 Jean Vanier Open House. There were some mathematical activities planned for the students to attempt to provoke their critical thinking . In the picture, two Gr 8 students are trying the Pythagorean Theorem Tangram activity posted on the board in room 254. Their task was to help Mr. Sarkissian come up with visual proof for the theorem that states, the sum of the squares of the two sides of any right triangle equals to the square of the hypotenuse. Other Mathemagics activities, such as birthday predictions, kept students and their parents mentally and socially engaged .

need assisTance wiTh your MaTh hoMework? The Math Club meets every Tuesday after school in room 249. All are welcome!

The Mathematics Department Mr. Sarkissian

guidance uPdaTesExams at the end of the month, and another semester almost complete! Where does the time go? It has been a very busy few months and things will be just as busy in the coming months.

The beginning of the semester always brings timetable changes. We hope that all students made the necessary changes in September and

that there will be minimal changes for semester 2. All changes must be requested with a form signed by a parent or guardian. These forms are available in the Guidance office.

Our Wall of Excellence has recently been updated. Student achievements were celebrated in October and those names now occupy a prominent place on our Wall. Please encourage your child to work hard and set a goal of having his/her name on our Wall for next year. The names displayed on the Wall of Excellence signify high achievement in individual courses, attainment of honour roll status or induction into the Funky 40 Club. The Funky 40 Club honours students who complete their community service hours before the end of grade 11. Students can strive to be gold, silver or bronze members. With hard work and dedication, your name can be there too.

Our school portal is a wonderful source of Guidance information. This is especially so for potential graduates as we post very important information for parents and students to see. One can also access very important documents and information pertaining to course selection for next year. Be informed! Visit our school portal: http://www.tcdsb.org/SCHOOLS/JEANVANIER/Pages/default.aspx and follow the link to the Guidance Department.

During the month of February, we will start our course selection process for the year 2014-2015. Once again, we will be using myBlueprint to choose courses. Visit our portal for all the course selection information you require to make the correct decision for next year.

Could your son or daughter benefit from financial assistance to complete high school or pursue post-secondary education? Are they doing their best? The Merit Award Bursary Program provides bursaries to senior high school students as an incentive to continue their studies. It recognizes those who demonstrate a commitment to their school work, extra-curricular activities and communities. Whether your child is returning to high school next year or continuing to a post-secondary program, they may be eligible for this bursary. Contact your Guidance department for more details or visit the website at meritaward.ca. Application deadline March 31, 2014. Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter: JVCSSGuidance

Mr. Corallo

enrichMenT newsVanier at the Annual CSUNA Conference From November 20 to November 22, nine Vanier students took part in the Toronto Catholic School Board's annual CSUNA conference. This mock United Nations allows students the opportunity to become more educated on international issues and concerns with a strong opportunity to debate fellow peers on such topics. This CSUNA conference has become a vital part of our Gifted/Enrichment Programme and all students represented the Vanier community exceptionally well. The students represented the following countries: Cameroon, Thailand, Palestine, Nepal and Oman. Good job everyone!

Mr. D. Fisico

Mr. Sarkissian with G8 visiting students

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Left to right: Sylvia Lorico (G10), Jessie Lo (G10), Rafael Repato (G9), Sara Dhurjon (G12), Karine Mwamba (G12), Natalie Stravens (G12), Barbara Majcherczyk (G12), Andrew DeMelo (G10), Katie Maitland (G10)

ingenuiTy and innoVaTion aT Play: science TriPs, clubs and conTesTsAs always, semester one has been a busy and fun-filled one in the Science department. No semester is complete without trips (Science Centre, Ripley’s Aquarium, Hot Doc’s festival, Sunnybrook P.A.R.T.Y program), presenters (Toronto Region Conservation Authority, Toronto Zoo) and clubs (Cardboard Boat Race, EcoClub and Robotics). Many of our students have had their lessons in class supplemented with these activities and it has really helped to expand their horizons!

Robotics is a new club which started this year with Mr. McCowan and Mr. Jorge at the helm. The first competition will be held March 28 and 29at Francis Liebermann and in the spirit of ingenuity, on which science is founded, an electric wheelchair has been purchased and disassembled and will provide the base for our hockey-puck shooting robotic monster!

The Cardboard Boat race was held on December 4, 2013 at Bishop Marrocco Merton. It included two parts; a building of a cardboard boat to race through a pool and a making of a video at the event. The students involved in the building of the boat were: Chelsea Dela Cruz, Paul Roach, Roinza Sawh and Rositha William. Charlotte Lucas and Rizzelle Arrogante were involved in the video competition. They were given 2 hours to go from original plans to completed boat using only two 4'x8' cardboard sheets and 1 roll of duct tape. The Intimidator (our boat’s name) was built and floated successfully, 3/4 of the way down the pool! Like a proud captain, Paul Roach stayed at the helm of his ship, even as it sank. With Semester two fast approaching there promises to be another number of trips and extension activities to come!

Mr. Jorge

cooPeraTiVe educaTion: new and noTeworThy PlaceMenTsCooperative education is a program that allows students to earn secondary school credits while completing a work placement in the community. The program gives students the opportunity make connections between school and work and to “try out” a career of interest before finalizing plans for postsecondary education, training, or employment.

Some of the advantages of taking cooperative education is to gain work experience to help build their resume for postsecondary programs and future employment; students may be hired by the placement for part-time employment during the school year and full-time employment in the summer.

This semester, students were placed in a number of different placements ranging from elementary schools, specialty and retail stores, an employment agency, Eggsmart restaurant and the Catholic Education Centre ( C.E.C.)

For the first times, students were placed in the offices of two elementary schools. These students experienced the daily machinations of a busy and varied working environment. Both students became invaluable members of the office staff and have been great ambassadors for the school and our Cooperative Education program. They will be especially missed by their supervisors.

A number of students were placed at specialty and retail clothing stores. One of these students working in a retail placement has been hired for a part-time position during the school year. Another student made such a great impression during her placement at an employment agency that she

was hired to work over the Christmas Holidays and has been offered a full-time summer job.

Another noteworthy placement was for Kazandra Pimentel, a grade 12 Vanier student. Her Coop placement was with Greg Rogers at the Catholic Education Centre. Mr. Rogers is the Coordinator of Student Leadership and Course Director of the York University Faculty of Education Catholic Teachers’ Option.

During her time with Mr. Rogers, Kazandra helped organize the “Me to We Conference", the “We Day” Teacher In-Service retreat for teacher candidates at O.I.S.E. (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto), the Past Leadership Camp for students with autism, the CSLIT Retreat at L’Arche and is currently placing the final touches on the" Voices that Challenge" Leadership Conference that will be held in March – to name but a few of her activities while at the C.E.C.

Kazandra has impressed Greg Rogers and the rest of his team with her enthusiasm and organizational skills. Praise from Mr. Rogers' administrative team include comments regarding her positive attitude and the many skills and assets she brings to the work environment.

Kazandra is planning to study to become a secondary school teacher. She has all of the enthusiasm and passion to be an excellent teacher and mentor to her future students.

It is so encouraging to hear from employers and placement supervisors that a student has made a great impression in the work placement. These students help to propel the great reputation of the students at Jean Vanier C.S.S. and of the Cooperative education program.

Ms Foley

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Field trip to Ripley's Aquarium Robotics

arts

Visual arTsThere are some exciting upcoming events in store for the new semester in Visual Arts, which include:

• the grade 11 Industrial Design class trip to the Toronto Auto Show in February and a tour of Toronto’s downtown architecture in May,

• an information tour of OCADU for grade 11’s,

• a guest artist to demonstrate the use of a pottery wheel to the grade 12 class and a trip to Queen Street and its art scene,

• the grade 11 Industrial Design class will be designing and building the props and set for this year’s comedy, Get Smart

• a gallery exhibit at Jean Vanier’s Festival of Sight and Sound in May.

It’s going to be a very busy and very fun semester.

Mr. Zachar

draMaIt has been a busy first semester for the Drama classes! Ms. Heit’s grade 9 drama class attended a First Nations dance production, “A Story Before Time” at YPT and Mr. Stevenson’s senior drama class was treated to a great production of “Moss Park” at Theatre Passe Muraille. Mr. Stevenson’s grade 11 drama class enjoyed a workshop with Shakespearience, focusing on making Shakespeare accessible to teenagers, while the grade 10 drama class took part in an intensive three day workshop with Studio 180. The central theme was standing

up for marginalized groups in our society through personal statements and character development. The whole semester culminated with each drama class participating in a celebration of the Arts at Vanier at the biannual Festival of Sight and Sound. Thanks to all who attended for their continued support of the talented artists at Vanier.

The focus has shifted for second semester to the school play, a hilarious stage version of the popular 1960’s television show, Get Smart. With a cast of 28 talented Vanier students from all grades, this production promises to be one of the highlights of Spring here at Vanier. Curtain rises May 14th 2014… See you there!

Mr. Stevenson

MusicTCDSB Memorial Mass

Last November, a Memorial Mass was held at the Catholic Education Centre, in honour of the souls who passed away during the past year within the TCDSB. By special request, the Vanier Music Department provided the music for this event. Mr. Fanning conducted the ensemble of intrumentalists who performed before the mass. Ms Cormier conducted the Choir who performed all of the music for the mass. The musical accompaniment was so beautiful, it brought people to tears. Amongst those attending were families, loved ones, superintendents, principals, and the Director of Education.

Ms. Cormier

Music department

TCDSB Memorial Mass

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Sight and Sound

athletics

Vanier aThleTics uPdaTesThe fall athletic season was a successful one, with our Sr. Boys Volleyball team and our Jr. Girls Basketball team winning TDCAA championships. Our Sr. Girls Basketball team were TDCAA finalists. The winter season is turning out to be just as successful.

Our Sr. Girls Volleyball team have recently won the Danforth Tech. Invitational Tournament Championship and are establishing themselves as one of the top teams in the TDCAA.

Mr. Gonsalves and Mr. Resanovic organized the Steve Hnatiuk Memorial Basketball Tournament which featured Jr. Basketball teams from across Toronto. Fittingly, the Championship game featured Mr. Hnatiuk's two former schools-Cardinal McGuigan and Jean Vanier. In an exciting game, our Jr. Mavs won a hard- fought game to win the championship. Mr. Hnatiuk would have been very proud.

The Junior Mavericks are having an outstanding season and have been invited to the Ontario Provincial Championship Tournament in March. This tournament only extends invitations to the very best junior teams in the province.

During the Christmas Break many of our junior and senior basketball players participated in the first annual 'Gabriel Zapanta' Basketball Tournament, an event that honoured our former student/athlete. The day commenced with a Memorial Mass that was attended by many of our teacher/coaches, as well as many of Gabriel's teammates from Vanier. This was

followed by the basketball tournament. Once again, the spirit of our school was evident.

Our Senior Boys basketball team is having another strong season. The Sr. Mavs won the Silverthorn Invitational Tournament and were finalists at the Father McGivney Tournament and the St. Paul's Tournament in Niagara Falls. This team has had wins over J. Clarke Richardson, Blessed Mother Teresa and Blessed John Paul II as they defend their TDCAA Championship. Presently, the Sr. Mavs was named one of the TOP TEN teams in the GTA.

Our junior girls volleyball team is working extremely hard and has made great strides as they push towards a playoff spot . We also have a record number of students who are preparing for the upcoming badminton season. Our track team will commence their indoor season shortly.

As January comes to an end, our Junior Boys Basketball team, the Sr. Girls Volleyball team and the Sr. Boys Basketball team are all in first place in their respective divisions.

We are very proud of the record number of students who are participating on our athletic program and how they proudly represent our school. It is also important to acknowledge the tremendous fan support we get from our student body and staff. There is no better place to play a home game than at Vanier, where our Mascot and fans show amazing spirit each and every game. GO MAVS!

Mr. Marchione

TDCAA Girls Basketball TDCAA Girls Basketball

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technology

Jean Vanier coMMunicaTion Technology Since the start of the Communications Technology program in 2000, many of Jean Vanier students have had an opportunity to learn an array of skills in desktop publishing, graphic design, video production and more. Many students get to appreciate their talents by expressing their ideas through a variety of visual forms and arrangement.

In December, Communications Technology students showcased their work in the Festival of Sight and Sound. Works included Cartoon Illustration, Navi portrait, corporate branding, and a 10 page magazine. These projects required but were not limited to the use of Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software.

Not only did students work on the curriculum but also showcased their work in the extended level, such as competing in contests. In the past, a number of entries had competed successfully and many students had extended their academic knowledge by proceeding in the post secondary level.

This year, grade 11 students worked on the “work safety video”under the leadership of Ms. Lee. This contest was organized by the Ministry of Labour, and was open to all current Ontario secondary school students. The objective was to illustrate the importance of working safely on the job through a video format. From the stop

motion technique to traditional narrative style, students had a chance to express their ideas in a powerful and meaningful way to inform the viewer.

Lastly, because of the re-imaging of the computer lab, which took place last fall, students are working in a more productive atmosphere with the use of up-to-date facilities. Stay tuned for all the amazing works Vanier Communication Technology students have to offer.

Ms. Lee

connecTiViTy: Technology as a Teaching and learning Tool aT VanierAs the world continues to increase its connectivity at exponential rates, the Jean Vanier community has been embracing online education for the value it can provide for its students. Over the last four years, 10-15 teachers on staff have built their classrooms, not only at the school but online as well. They have utilized a free social media site that is similar to Facebook but has clear privacy rules and maintains appropriate boundaries between student and teacher.

These Edmodo pages offer students a specialized opportunity through a student- friendly and familiar social media platform. Edmodo is an online community that enables student voice and connects minds outside of the classroom through

building student communication and learning on a united front: via teachers, students, and parents. Teachers offer an array of Edmodo’s beneficial features which include: access to teachers and classmates for homework help and knowledge development outside of the normal classroom hours; uploaded course syllabus and sets of course notes, upcoming assignment guidelines and rubrics; consistent mark updates; calendars outlining course activities and expectations; access to supplementary videos from websites like khanacademy, YouTube and student text book supplier websites. Students can talk with their peers, or observe and read about the day’s activities and learning materials if they are absent from class. They may use Edmodo to go over the notes and videos outlining that missing piece they may have not have understood fully during the lesson. Students with accommodations and modifications have their notes provided in a secure online "binder", limiting in-class distraction and allowing for their full attention to visual cues during the lesson.

Many students even take advantage of Edmodo’s feature where they can upload a digital copy of their assignments to teachers directly for assessment and evaluation. These digital submissions can then be edited, evaluated and discussed by the course instructor on the document itself; allowing for instant teacher feedback on student work. All of these important

Computer Lab

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Left to right: Navi Portrait- Lorraine Asafo-Adjei, Mia Longley, Charnz Reyes (G11)

supplementary resources help our student population build a self-directed approach to concept development and community-based education; emulating the style of learning currently utilized at universities and colleges throughout Canada. Edmodo also has a feature to allow parents access to their child’s progress.

If that wasn't enough to entice you towards further inquiry, Edmodo now offers a free smartphone app, granting the user most features offered on the website version. Jean Vanier Catholic Secondary School will be seeing 35-40 more of its teachers utilizing Edmodo as a classroom tool over the next year. The staff feels that, as a community-building platform, not only does Edmodo grant parents access to the courses their son or daughter are currently undergoing, but it plays a key role in helping to further the development of our Jean Vanier students as uniquely prepared young minds, who are sure to thrive in their post-secondary endeavours.

Mr. McCowan & Mr. Gilmor

digiTal PhoTograPhyIn the words of the artists...

Lester Ruiz, Gr 12

Motion Blur-"Patience, timing and inspiration was needed to accomplish this motion blur effect, taken at Yonge/Bloor station."

Charlote Lucas, Gr 12

Free Choice-"Digital Photography meets traditional photography: a traditional effect (Sabattier) is achieved through Photoshop."

Single portrait 4/Reading- "Using several colour filters to create a 'dream-like' effect, I wanted to capture my own love for reading."

Portrait 1/Jumping- "Inspired by my love for ballet. I wanted to capture grace and fluidity of movement through combining continuous shots in one photo."

Digital Photography

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community

esl PrograM aT Jean Vanier css & uniTy and diVersiTy clubDuring this 2013-2014 school year / Semester 1, our ESL Program has welcomed 60 new ESL students from 15 different countries with various English abilities placed in 5 language levels and distributed in 3 multilevel classes from Levels A to E.

Our ESL Program and Unity & Diversity Club have organized different activities for our ELL/ESL students to provide the opportunity for successful integration of our newcomers into academic and social life of the school and, as result, Canadian society.

The ESL Teacher, Mrs. Quintana works collaboratively with other teachers and school staff to help our ESL students better. Thanks to Mrs, Tamas, Mrs, Sisca, Ms. Lee, Ms. Maher, Mrs. Mendez, our Settlement Workers, Mrs. Garcia, Ms. Sarcilla and our school administrators who provide their continued support.

Our peer buddies also played an important role in helping their peers every week with their school work and the students' transition into the new school environment.

Some of the activities we have done through this school year are:

Now Program Last August, the Settlement Workers Organization organized the Now Program, a Newcomer Orientation Program for more than

35 participants from Jean Vanier and various Scarborough high schools.

As a feeder school, we have the responsibility of organizing and delivering a weekly program to help our newcomer students adapt better to their new school environment. Ms, Tapas, Mrs Garcia, Mrs Quintana and 10 Peer Leaders organized and supervised the activities for our new students during 4 days.

Our Principal, Mr. Brady, welcomed the students and encouraged them to actively participate in this Program.

By the end of the week, students celebrated their achievements acquired during the program with a final celebration which included a nutritious lunch, games, prizes and certificates!

ESL Homework Club Every Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. more than 30 students gather in our ESL/ELL Homework Club in Room 311 under the supervision of Mrs. Quintana on Tuesdays, and Ms. Lee on Thursdays.

Peer Buddies help our newcomer students in their academic endeavours; the social aspect of the interaction allows for community-builidng.

Drop In Club If you are new to Canada or you are a new student to the school, you have a chance to make new friends every Wednesday in our Drop In Club organized by Mrs. Garcia. and Ms. Sarcilla.

Once a week, the ELL/ESL students gather

to practice the English language through games and activities. The goal is fun through interraction. Everybody is invited to come to room 311during first lunch!

Anti Bullying Presentation On October 15, 2013, the ESL class and our Settlement Worker, Mrs. Garcia invited Police Officer, Marc Rainford to talk to ESL students about Anti- Bullying issues and important information about this topic.

The presentation included 65 ESL and Geography students from Mrs. Quintana’s and Mrs Tamas’s classes.

At the end of this Presentation, Officer Rainford encouraged our students to support any Anti- Bullying initiative in the school, and addressed student queries.

ESL Trip to Eaton Centre and Queen's Park On December 9, 65 ESL and Geography students with Mrs. Quintana, Mrs. Tamas and Ms. Maher had the opportunity to enjoy a trip to downtown Toronto.

During the first part of the trip, the students explored the Toronto Eaton Centre, one of Toronto's touristic sites, followed by a visit to the Queen's Park Legislative Building. Students were impressed by the opportunity to be in the Parliament Chamber. Furthermore, they witnessed the Premier of Ontario and MPPs at work.

Although long and tiring, it was nonetheless a rewarding trip!

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Christmas Party Christmas Party

Now Program Christmas Party On December 10, more than 35 ELL and ESL students participated in a Christmas Party with games, activities, music, and food to share the Christmas spirit together

We concluded this activity with a presentation about Volunteerism delivered by Andrew Kowalchuk, of the YMCA Regionalist Specialist Program.

The informative session was followed by a Q and A session.

Christmas Party This year our Christmas Party, as always, was a great success. On December 17, Merry-makers shared the Christmas spirit with other friends and for many of our ESL students it was their first Christmas in their new country.

Some teachers came by to share in the festivities (Mr. Meahan, Mr. Correia, Mrs. Tamas, Ms. Lee) and our Vice Principals, Mr Ramlogan and Mrs. Bannon enjoyed the great pot luck party with music, songs and games organized by our ESL teacher, Mrs. Quintana and our Settlement Workers, Mrs. Garcia and Ms. Sarcilla. And, of course, Santa Claus came to town!

sac rePorTThe Student Council’s aim is to provide every student with an opportunity to become involved in school and community activities. At Jean Vanier, we believe in holistic education that not only feeds the mind, but also the body and spirit. While students are hard at work achieving good grades, we are here to make their experience more enjoyable and to build community spirit. Student Council plays a large role in providing activities for student involvement suitable for any grade level. We do this by hosting a variety of events throughout the school year.

This year, Student Council kicked off the school year with our annual Pep Rally, which showcased a lot of the amazing talent Vanier students have to offer. Grade 9 elections were also held during this assembly, welcoming two new members to Student Council, Denise Mendez and Gavin Estacion. On October 18th, ninety students participated in our annual trip to Canada’s Wonderland to celebrate Halloween. It was a success and a great way for students to interact outside of school. Our annual Semi-Formal, “Candyland” was held on November 29th at Qssis Banquet Hall, with 125 students participating. This night featured dinner, dancing, and for the first time, a photo booth and late-night sweet table. We then switched gears to prepare for our annual

Christmas basket drive, where the Vanier community reached out and helped 22 families in need within our community.

As second semester approaches, SAC is looking forward to hosting an Anti-Violence Against Women campaign featuring members of the Toronto Argonauts. Student Council is also looking forward to our annual 30 Hour Famine in April as well as a Spring Dance.

Ms Barbitta & Ms Avecillas

reach for The ToPThe Reach for the Top trivia team has just begun another season of play. The competitive trivia challenges are proving to be a fun learning experience for all team members. The Vanier team is consistently challenged by much more experienced teams from other schools, but have been rising to the challenge. It is safe to say that the roots have been planted for a future trivia powerhouse from Vanier. Go Trivia Mavs, Go!

Team members: Dannie Charles, Jover Aldovino, Kenneth Hortaleza, Rositha William, Barbara Majcherczyk, Matthew Waterson (alternate)

Team coaches: Mr. Fisico & Ms. Maher

Legislative Trip to Queens Park ESL Homework Club

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Faith

VirTue of The MonTh reciPienTsThe September Virtue Medallions were awarded to Jonathan Braga and Gem Doctolero. They have exemplified the Virtue of Hospitality by being welcoming and helpful.

The November Virtue Medallions were awarded to Darren Gomes and Fatima Rodrigues. They have exemplified the Virtue of Peace. "Blessed are the Peacemakers" (Mt. 5:9) The virtue of peace begins within ourselves and is an inner state of wellbeing and calm. People of peace believe in cooperation to solve problems. (TCDSB)

The October Virtue Medallions were awarded to Kazandra Pimentel and Chantelle Samuel. They have exemplified the Virtue of Gratitude. "The virtue of gratitude is the channel through which we become aware of the sacred, and the many blessings of our lives." (TCDSB)

The December Virtue Medallions were awarded to Cleo Tapo and Andrew Luk. They have exemplified the Virtue of Charity. The virtue of charity allows us to be generous and give freely without expecting anything in return. (TCDSB)

faiTh in acTionOn November 25, 2013, the Vanier Youth Group made a mission trip to the streets of downtown Toronto to distribute snacks, glove, mittens and socks to people in need .

In the spirit of Christmas, Jean Vanier volunteers offered their help at the Good

Shepherd Refuge on December 3, 2013.

Chaplaincy Team

a Prayer for The Vanier coMMuniTyIn the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Loving Lord, At the beginning of the school year, on our journey of spiritual development, our school community promoted the virtue of hospitality. As we begin the second semester, we promote the virtue of love with Your words:

“’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” Matthew 22:37-40

You taught us to love each other, “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” John 13:34-35

May You bless our community and may Your Holy Spirit guide and inspire our students and staff to continue to grow in Your love.

Our Lady of Peace, pray for us.

We ask this in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Mission trip to streets in Downtown Toronto on November 25, 2013 Good Shepherd Refuge on December 3, 2013

Top-November Virtue Recipients with Mr. Brady Middle-October Virtue Recipients Bottom-September Virtue Recipients with Ms Tedesco

PortFolios (comm. tech. & PhotograPhy)

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cartoon illustration: Clockwise -David Nguyen, Alvira Estepa, Mia Longley, Diennel Canlas (G11)

Photography: Left to right -Kyla-Anne Ewart, Katie Dewling, Diane Galapon

branding (logo, Product, & ad): David Nguyen

Jean Vanier c.s.s. 959 Midland Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M1K 4G4

Phone: 416.393.5554 / Fax: 416.397.6152 Web: http://www.tcdsb.org/schools/jeanvanier/pages/default.aspx

Vanier book clubThis year, we have a new Book Club at Vanier. The club is participating in the Forest of Reading Program offered by the Ontario Library Association. As part of this program, we will read ten novels selected by the OLA. These novels are written for high school students by Canadian authors. While we are reading the novels, we will be voting on which ones we like best. In April, we will take part in a provincial-wide vote and each club member will have their say, and vote for which novel they believe should win the White Pine Award. As members of the reading program, we may also participate in various other activities, including opportunities to meet the authors or attend workshops. The Book Club meets Monday after school. Here, we have casual discussions about the novels, complete surveys on the books, and share our own thoughts and ideas. New members are always welcome!

Ms Dobrovolski

aniMe club The Jean Vanier Anime Club kicked off the school year with a Halloween contest. The club honoured Remembrance Day with a viewing of the classic “Grave of the Fireflies.” In December, the club celebrated Christmas by exchanging Anime-themed cards and a whole-club Kris Kringle! A festive potluck party complete with pizza, profiteroles, and a chips buffet was enough to warm up all the members in preparation for a group expedition in the snow. What a great way to end 2013!

If you're interested in joining the fun, please join us on Tuesdays after school in room 134.

Power of The sPoken word: PoeTry- in- Voice conTesTSince October, poetry enthusiasts and students interested in improving their verbal communication skills have met once a week for the Vanier Poetry Club. Students have shared their chosen poems and have practiced recital through fun and engaging dramatic prep. activities such as tableau, character voice, improvisation.

Participants are now engaged in a preparatory process as they rehearse for the school-wide competition for the Poetry- in -Voice contest. A finalist chosen by the contest committee will fly to Vancouver in a nation-wide competition, possibly winning up to $5000. Stay tuned for alerts through edmodo. Watch for signs about the upcoming competition in February 2014 to feed Jean Vanier’s literary spirit!

Ms Santiago

Vanier's own Published wriTerThe school is proud to recognize Sara Dhurjon, Grade 12 student, whose fictional piece, "Chasing Rainbows" has been published in the Canadian Literary Anthology, The Sun Shall Rise. Sara's story is one of the top 33% of entries chosen to be included in the narrative collection which has become part of The Canadian Archives. Sara joins the ranks of a group of writers whose works exemplify a diversity of Canadian voices.

Her latest forays in fiction include a short story submitted for Wings of Hope last November, which is a collection of poetry and stories to inspire children and families coping with cancer. Currently, this aspiring young writer is working on a narrative piece for the Catholic Teacher's Union Writing Contest . We wish her the best in her creative endeavours.

Ms Mikailian

extracurricular actiVities & recognition