Comox Valley School District 71 (CVSD71) - Georges P. Vanier Secondary School

Approximately 1100 students from grade eight (8) to twelve (12) attend G.P. Vanier  each year.  It is located next to the Comox Valley Track and Field Center, Comox Valley Regional Sports Center, which includes a swimming pool, two ice arenas, an outdoor artificial turf, and weight room.  G.P. Vanier is surrounded by rural farmland and the Comox Valley Exhibition Grounds providing an excellent learning environment and picturesque international student experience.  All academic courses leading to a BC graduation certificate are offered at G.P. Vanier.

This year Vanier is pleased to be hosting 75 students in Grades 8-12 from 12 different countries around the world. Current international students represent Germany, Spain, Mexico, Vietnam, Korea, Italy, Japan, Brazil, Colombia, Thailand, Kenya, Hong Kong, and China. While some students are just at Vanier for a short-stay (1-3 months), most are here for a semester, a year, or through to graduation. The international students are encouraged to be involved in all aspects of the school, including extra-curricular activities such as sports teams, clubs, and drama productions.

During their time in the Comox Valley students are given the opportunity to take part in many field trips. These include whale watching trips to Tofino, day trips to Victoria, as well as hiking and skiing at Mt. Washington. While attending Vanier, students are placed with a host family in the Comox Valley.  By living with a local family, students are able to get a true feel for the Canadian way of life. In return, the host family is given an opportunity to learn about another culture and build an international connection of their own.

Why Georges P. Vanier Secondary School

• Unique programs: G.P. Vanier offers the EXPLORE Outdoor Education Program, a Hockey Academy Program, Cafeteria and Culinary Training Program, and Metalwork, Electronics, and Robotics Skills Canada Programs. The school runs on a linear schedule for grades 8-9, and a semester schedule for grades 10-12.
• Extracurricular activities: G.P. Vanier has a number of clubs and activities for students to get involved with, including book, dance, environmental, jazz, choir, and weightlifting, to name just a few. Sports teams include volleyball, soccer, cross country, swimming, basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, ski and snowboarding, track and field, mountain biking, rugby, and golf.