About Us

On September 8, 1969, Georges Vanier Catholic School opened for the first time. It became a model school for the Hastings-Prince Edward County Roman Catholic Separate School Board. The school was special because of its unique design and new way of teaching, inspired by Maria Montessori.

Sister Barbara Thiffault, the school's first principal, believed that children learn best when they have the freedom to grow physically, intellectually, and spiritually. At that time, the school used an open-concept design with movable walls. This made it easy for students to learn in different groups and for teachers to work together. Today, Georges Vanier continues to follow these ideas through Universal Design for Learning.

Georges Vanier Catholic School is named after Georges Vanier, one of Canada's most respected citizens. During his life, he lived through two world wars and the Great Depression. He served as a soldier, a diplomat and Canada's Governor General. He was the first French Canadian and the first Roman Catholic to hold this position.

Georges Vanier and his wife, Pauline, worked hard to help refugees whose lives were affected by World War II. Georges Vanier passed away in 1967, the year Canada celebrated its 100th birthday. 

An interesting fact about the school is that, when viewed from above, its shape looks very similar to Canada's national symbol, the maple leaf.