Important Note :: To make sure you view the entire news, we suggest that you click on
« View as Webpage Link ».Some sections may not display correctly in the email. | | A WORD FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL | | |
Dear Parents/Legal Guardians,
Spring break is just around the corner... and I hope you will be among the lucky ones who can take a few days off with your children. Several boroughs, such as the Quartier des Spectacles, offer free activities that are accessible to everyone. Participating as a family will not only create wonderful memories, but it will also help nurture your children's interest in cultural and sports activities. This is a precious legacy to pass on to them.
Have a great week, everyone!
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Annie Lamarre
Director General
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TWO WEEKS BREAK IN THE 2026-2027 SCHOOL YEAR
Following last month's survey on the possibility of having two weeks of break for the 2026-2027 school year, we reiterate that the intention behind this change to the school calendar is to promote better learning and living conditions for all. This additional break during the school year can only be beneficial for our young people.
Of the 349 respondents from both sectors (Francophone and Anglophone), 66% were in favor of a two-week break. However, we need to continue to reflect on this issue on our end.
We will get back to you with the official 2026-2027 calendar as soon as possible.
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RECONSTRUCTION WORKS ON THE 520 HIGHWAY STARTING MARCH
As announced in our special bulletin on February 4, major reconstruction work on the Highway 520 (Côte-de-Liesse) overpass above Cavendish Boulevard is scheduled to begin in March. This will cause major traffic disruptions until spring 2027. However, the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility recently informed us that there will be no obstructions on Isabey Street.
Please note:
- Detours will be clearly marked with temporary signage.
- Periods of congestion are to be expected. It is recommended that you allow extra time for your trips, especially to the airport.
- The start of work may be postponed in the event of adverse weather conditions or operational constraints.
- Before traveling, consult Québec 511 to plan your trips accordingly.
Rest assured that we will keep you informed of any new developments in this matter.
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AI IN SCHOOL - EXPLORATORY STUDY (parents' perspective)
The MEQ commissioned Obvia, in collaboration with CIRANO, to conduct an exploratory study to measure the level of social acceptability among Quebec parents regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education.
This survey focuses on:
- Quebec parents' level of understanding and familiarity with AI;
- their perceptions of the associated benefits and risks;
- the trust they place in the various societal actors involved in the deployment of AI in schools.
| | INDIVIDUAL PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS | | Individual parent-teacher meetings will take place on March 19th and 20th. In her communication, the elementary school principal, Ms. Chagnon, provides details on how to make appointments with homeroom teachers and specialists, depending on your situation. | | |
WORKSHOP FOR THE 5TH GRADERS WITH
THE CENTRE POUR L'INTELLIGENCE ÉMOTIONNELLE EN LIGNE (CIEL)
| Through role-playing and group discussions, the Centre pour l'intelligence émotionnelle en ligne will offer, on March 17, a workshop that will encourage reflection on digital well-being by addressing various topics: image sharing, assertiveness, social comparison, and sedentary lifestyles. | «SHINE» WORKSHOP WITH MISSING CHILDREN NETWORK | During the last week of March, the organization Missing Children Network will offer a consent workshop to all elementary school groups. The content, vocabulary, approaches, and activities will be adapted to the age of the children. The principles of self-image, equality, and healthy relationships will be addressed. | MARCH BREAK FREE ACTIVITIES PROPOSITION | | |
DAYCARE - PEDAGOGICAL DAYS
Mark your calendar for the upcoming pedagogical days!
Price : $ 26,55
Registration : on COBA activities.
| | INDIVIDUAL PARENT-TEACHER MEETINGS | | |
The Individual Parent-Teacher Meeting will be held in person on March 19th and 20th. You will soon be able to schedule appointments with your child’s advisor as well as your child’s subject teacher for our upcoming parent-teacher meetings.
We encourage you to read the communication, in which you will find the link to schedule your meeting as well as important reminders.
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Hungry for new stories and want to support a great cause? Join us for our book sale benefiting the Costa Rica Project!
It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up your bookshelves at low prices while helping us make this community service trip a reality.
- WHEN? March 19, during the PII parent-teacher meetings
- TIME? From 9:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- WHERE? At the high school entrance
Hundreds of titles for every taste: Novels, thrillers, children’s books, non-fiction, and much more!
| | 2026 STUDENT EXCHANGE PROGRAM | | | | |
The YMCA is offering the Summer Student Exchange Program from June 27 to August 8, 2026.
This program is a six-week Canada-wide exchange for 16 and 17-year-olds (18-year-olds may be eligible for Vanguard School students) to allow them to discover another Canadian community, practice their English, and work.
| | COSTA RICA COMMUNITY TRIP - REGISTRATION | | |
Registration for the community project is now officially open for students in grades 9 and 10!
When: March 2027
Cost: $4,500 (approximately)
Length of stay: 12 days
Registration: on COBA Activities
Read the information sheet for all the details about the trip.
| | ACTIVITIES FOR ALL THE SCHOOL | | Uniform pants or skirts are mandatory on these special days. | |
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St. Patrick's Day crafts: March 16 to 18 in the arcade during lunch hour
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Sentinel activity: March 23 in the elementary school gym for 6th grade graduates
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Golden egg hunt: for all elementary school students from March 30 to April 2 in the school. The chocolate will be given to the student who finds it.
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Easter egg hunt: April 2 in the elementary school playground.
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Special “Girls” activity: March 9 at the arcade
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Outing to Mount Royal: March 11 for FilleActive members
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Bingo Hitster: March 13 at the arcade
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Game day with your best friend: March 18 for high school students
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Special spring activities: March 30 to April 2
| | SECONDAIRE EN SPECTACLE REGIONAL FINAL | | | | |
When? March 31
Where? At Félix-Leclerc School.
Who? The two winners of our local final: Mya Henripin and Liam Prentis, as well as the audience favorite, who will have the chance to perform again: the group “Bohémienne,” composed of Simone Bigras, Éléonore Henripin, Laurie Corbeil, Maïté Lamarre-Girard, and Audrey-Anne Massé.
| | LAUNCH OF THE 2026 SAMIRA GAUDREAU CONTEST | | | | |
How to participate?
- Be a high school student at Vanguard School (French-speaking or English-speaking).
- Create a work of art using a traditional medium such as pencils, paint, sculpture, or engraving. (Digital art and photography are not eligible.)
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Submit your artwork by email to fondationvanguard@vanguardquebec.qc.ca before May 1, 2026.
Winners will be announced at the Meritas Awards ceremony.
| | SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED BY THE FOUNDATION | | Did you know that every year, the Foundation awards several scholarships to students in honor of former students or teachers of Vanguard School? These scholarships are made possible thanks to the support of their families, who wish to perpetuate their legacy. | | |
Yvan taught in 9th grade (french sector), which is partly why one of the awards is for that grade level. The other award, for 11th grade, aims to support students' motivation and commitment at a pivotal moment in their academic journey.
Indeed, halfway through, efforts can be significant without always being reflected in results, which can be discouraging. This award therefore aims to give momentum and recognition to these young people who persevere despite the challenges.
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In tribute to Thuy Bui, a dedicated teacher and exceptional woman, the Thuy Bui Scholarship recognizes Vanguard School students in Secondary 4 who have distinguished themselves through excellence in mathematics, despite the challenges associated with learning disabilities.
Through this scholarship, the Bui family wishes to honor Thuy’s memory by supporting her passion for mathematics, intellectual rigor and academic perseverance. She firmly believed that, with the right encouragement, every young person can shine and achieve his or her full potential.
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In honor of Joshua Goldsmith, a Vanguard School graduate who focused on his strengths in mathematics and overcame his obstacles. The Vanguard Foundation is proud to present the Rapoport-Goldsmith Scholarship.
This scholarship recognizes a Vanguard Secondary 5 student, secteuranglophone, who has distinguished himself through excellence in mathematics and who intends to pursue his studies in science, despite the difficulties associated with his learning disabilities.
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THE $10,000 GOAL HAS BEEN EXCEEDED!
Thank you to everyone who helped us reach our initial goal of $10,000 in donations.
With a few weeks still to go, we have raised it to $15,000! We are confident that our community will help us reach this new goal!
With less than two months to go before the race, a donation and a word of encouragement can be motivating for our 43 runners!
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