Students

We all learn differently, and sometimes things feel harder than they should. That’s where learning support comes in—to help you find the right tools to succeed. Your job? Try your best, communicate what works (and what doesn’t), and show up with a growth mindset. Mistakes and challenges are just learning opportunities!

What You’ll Find Here:

• • • •     Learning Supports at Vanier

      •     The Access Centre & Access Blocks

      •     Strengthening Your Mind & Building Skills

      •     Technology Tools

Learning Supports at Vanier

Your Teachers: Your first stop when you're stuck! They want to help.

Learning Support Teachers (Room 192): If school feels harder than it should, we help identify challenges, communicate with                  teachers, and find strategies to support your learning.

Educational Assistants: Found in many classes, they help with focus, organization, and understanding assignments, either one-on-                                               one or in small groups.

Indigenous Support Program: More information HERE 

Homework Club: Mondays & Thursdays after school in the Access Centre for extra help. Educational assistants are available, and a late                       bus is provided for students who need it.

Flex Days: Extra support available for students who need to work with their teachers on an as needed basis.  The Access Centre and              learning support teachers are also available.

Most Important: YOU! Regular attendance and a positive mindset make all the difference.

The Access Centre & Access Blocks

The Access Centre provides a quiet space for extra support, assignment work, tests, and scheduled learning blocks.

Ways to Use the Access Centre:

• • • •    Drop-in Support: With teacher permission, you can work on assignments in a quiet space.

      •    Tests & Quizzes: Some students take assessments here for extra focus or support.

      •     Scheduled Access Blocks: A dedicated class for skill-building and assignment support.

Access Block Expectations:

• • • •    Attendance: Just like any other class, show up consistently.

      •   Technology: We follow the “No cell after the bell” cell-phone policy. Laptops, iPads, and calculators are available instead.

      •    Productive Time: If caught up, use time for skill-building activities (e.g., reading, math practice, typing, or mindful activities                             like drawing or knitting). No video games or social media.

      •   Quiet Environment: Respect others who need to focus.

      •   Effort Matters: The more you put in, the more you get out!

Strengthening Your Mind & Building Skills

Use Access Blocks to build essential skills beyond assignments. Here are some great tools:

•   IXL: Targeted math practice. Sign up with a teacher : HERE 

•   Khan Academy: Free lessons in math & science: HERE 

•  Typing Pal: Improve your typing. Get an account from your teacher: HERE 

•   Audiobooks: Audiobooks can support your learning. They can improve your reading skills. Find them: HERE 

Other Strategies for Success:

•   Focus: If you struggle with focus in class and completing assignments, talk to a learning support teacher for strategies.

•   Technology Balance: Minimize distractions—social media and gaming can harm focus, motivation, and mental health. A little                               boredom is actually good for your brain!

•   Sleep: Teens need 8-10 hours a night for better focus, learning, and mood.

Technology Tools

Laptops and iPads are available in the Access Centre. Great tools include:

Assistive Tech Resources: Check out  LEARN 71 Assistive Technology Your learning support teachers can also help you learn how to       use technology to help with reading, writing, spelling, organizing your ideas and much much more!

Built-in Apps: School laptops and iPads have great educational apps—ask your learning support teacher how to use them!

Good computer tools to focus on when getting started: