Vanier students back at it already

School's back.
Students of Vanier Collegiate returned to school last week, two weeks earlier than the rest of the high schools in the city.
"The students are ready to come back and get back into sync with their friends," said Rose Mary Hartney, vice-principal at Vanier. "I think the students are ready for the social aspects of school and the extracurricular activities like drama and football."
Hartney said the school year has been busy so far.
"It is always extremely busy at the beginning of a new school year. We have to deal with schedule changes, new students, new registrations, making sure we accommodate everyone and that students new to the school have a positive experience."
Hartney said attendance is up this year and she attributes this to a increase in the Grade 9 population.
"We had a bigger crop of Grade 9 students this year and a few new families have moved in and are attending the school," said Hartney.
The school is not at full capacity yet as some students are away at sport, music and military camps and baseball tournaments.
"The world does not revolve around us. We know that some students will miss the first few weeks of school because of other obligations," said Hartney. "It's just a matter of being responsible for their school work when they are not here."
The first semester of the school year ends in late December which means the students have fewer days for classes.
"We have longer days in the first semester. Classes are 65 minutes," said Joan Stumborg, chaplain at Vanier. "It's a good fit academically because when the students return from Christmas break they start a new semester instead of trying to recap what they learned before the break."
The second semester has more days but shorter classes, said Stumborg.
Hartney said this type of school year is popular with the students.
"The Grade 9 students are short changed at the beginning, but make it up at the other end," said Hartney.
Audra MacDonald, a Grade 10 student, said she enjoys coming back to school early to start a new grade and meet her new teachers.
"It makes the summer shorter, but by the time we return, I am starting to get sick of it and want to be back at school," said MacDonald.
Grade 9 student Ann Marie Stewart who just started at the school also likes the idea of starting early.
"If we start earlier than everyone else it means we are out earlier as well. That way we have the first pick of jobs in the summer," said Stewart.

Colin Dewar can be reached at 691-1263.