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User:Meters/Vimy Ridge Academy

Coordinates: 53°31′28″N 113°27′12″W / 53.52444°N 113.45333°W / 53.52444; -113.45333
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Vimy Ridge Academy
Location
Map
8205 90 Ave NW Edmonton, Alberta

Canada
Coordinates53°31′28″N 113°27′12″W / 53.52444°N 113.45333°W / 53.52444; -113.45333
Information
Former namesBonnie Doon High School, L'Academie Vimy Ridge Academy
Opened1958[1]
School boardEdmonton Public Schools
Area trusteeSaadiq Sumar [2]
PrincipalJill Marino
Faculty51.42 (on an FTE basis) [1]
Grades7–12[2]
Enrollment1,151[2] (2021–2022[2])
Area16,675 square metres (19,943 sq yd) [3]
Athletics conferenceMetro Edmonton High School Athletic Association[4]
Team nameRaiders[5]
Budget$7.192 million[1]
Websitevimyridge.epsb.ca

Vimy Ridge Academy opened as Bonnie Doon High School in 1958, and from 1999 to 2011 was known by the bilingual name L'Academie Vimy Ridge Academy.

History

[edit]

The school opened in 1958 as Bonnie Doon High School, and was named for the adjacent Bonnie Doon neighbourhood; although, it is actually in the Idylwylde neighbourhood.[6]

The original two-storey building was 11,590 square metres (13,860 sq yd), and a 1,120 square metres (1,340 sq yd) two-storey addition was added in 1959. A 4,230 square metres (5,060 sq yd) three-storey addition was constructed in 1970, with an elevator added to this section ca. 1990. Minor modernizations were made to small areas in 1982 and 1984, and cosmetic modernization of walls and floors was done in 2000.

The lower floor of the three-storey section is the cafeteria and the two upper floors are used by the ballet school.

In September 1999 regular high school programming was discontinued, and the school was renamed L'Academie Vimy Ridge Academy. Programming was introduced related to Canadian Studies, in partnership with the Department of National Defence and Cadets Canada, with the goal of attracting students who either were Cadets or considering it. The Dance (Ballet) Program was also introduced in 1999, in partnership with the Edmonton School of Ballet.[7] The city's only school pipe and drum band program, introduced with Vimy Ridge Academy's military emphasis, was shut down in 2012 due to reduced student enrolment.[8]

The Sports Alternative Programming was added a few years later. (rewrite... sports emphasis has already started before 2012, but need to find ref for actual start date of Sports Alt Prog)

The school name was formally changed to Vimy Ridge Academy on February 8, 2011.

Full-school renovation

[edit]

A $32.5 million full-school modernization started in 2015.[9] Before the renovation the school had a total area of 16,675 square metres, including 440 square metres of decommissioned space and 2,094 square metres of partner space.Cite error: A <ref> tag is missing the closing </ref> (see the help page). This preliminary completion target was later revised to June 2017, with all major work having been completed by May 2017.[10][11] The work included demolishing one wing of the school,[12] and adding a gender-neutral washroom.[13] The school remained open throughout the renovation project.

Covid-19 outbreak

[edit]

During the COVID-19 pandemic Vimy Ridge Academy was one of the first schools in Edmonton to experience multiple cases of COVID-19 following the September start of the 2020–2021 school year. The first case was reported on 14 September 2020,[14] and by 17 September the school had two cases (considered an outbreak).[15] By 21 September the school had six confirmed cases and was one of the first three schools in Alberta to have been placed on Alberta Health Services' COVID-19 watchlist of outbreaks of five or more cases.[16][17] By 27 September there were seven confirmed cases.[18] It was one of six schools in Alberta that were on the watchlist by the end of September.[19] Alberta schools with COVID-19 outbreaks remain on the Alberta Health Services COVID-19 watchlist until they have not had a new case in more than 28 days. Vimy Ridge Academy's outbreak was declared over sometime before 14 November,[20] and the school was still off the watchlist when all Alberta middle and high schools moved to at-home learning on 30 November.[21][22]

Academics

[edit]

Vimy Ridge's high school completion rate was 87.9% in 2015–16. This is classified as "very high", and is significantly higher than the provincial average of 76.5%. The drop out rate is classified as "extremely low" at 0.3%, compared to the provincial average of 3.2%.

The school was the first in Edmonton to participate in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award program [23]

Programs

[edit]

Vimy Ridge Academy is now an Alternative Program Site featuring Sports Alternative programming and a Dance Program. It is not a designated high school for any neighbourhoods and it does not offer regular academic programming.[24]

  • Professional Dance (by audition only, in partnership with the Edmonton School of Ballet):[25][26] 52 students[2]
  • Sports Alternative (rigorous competitive or recreational sport-specific training):[27] 1079 students [2]
  • Individual Support (functional and communication skills for students with severe to profound developmental disabilities):[28] 12 students[2]
  • Advanced Placement:[29] 78 students[2]

Sports alternative programs

[edit]

Vimy Ridge is the only Edmonton Public Schools (EPS) junior high and one of only two EPS high schools offering the Sports Alternative program.[27] The programs include:[30]

  • Baseball (AAD)
  • Softball (AAD)
  • Hockey (AAD)
  • Hockey (Okanagan Hockey Academy)
  • Lacrosse (AAD)
  • Outdoor pursuits (AAD)
  • Ringette (AAD, added in 2019)
  • Sport fit (AAD)
  • Soccer (Green & Gold Athletic Academy)
  • Dance (Edmonton Ballet) (professional dance)
  • Elite athlete
  • Golf (AAD)
  • Brazillian Jiu-jitsu (AAD)
  • Esports (AAD, added in 2022–2023)[31]

in 2003 Junior high school hockey program moved from Donnan to Vimy, and a senior high hockey program was started . Lacrosse program started 2005. The Sport Recreation program started 2006.[32] Ringette will be offered starting in 2019.[33]

  • "first school of its kind in Canada to provide a rigorous academic program for students grades 7 through 12 with an emphasis on Sports Programming (baseball, elite athlete, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, sport fit), Outdoor Pursuits and a Professional Dance Program."

99/00 building details, renos etc capacity 1680[34][35][36]

Partnerships

[edit]
  • University of Alberta Green & Gold Soccer Academy[37]
  • Edmonton School of Ballet[38]
  • Okanagan Hockey Academy Edmonton (part of the Penticton, BC, based Okanagan Hockey Group) moved its Edmonton Bantam Prep (AAA Grades 8–9) and Midget Prep (AAA Grades 10–12) teams to Vimy starting 2016-2017.[39] A Midget Elite team (AAA Grade 10) was offered by 2018.[40]
  • Academic and Athletic Development (AAD): The parent society for the Vimy and Donnan sports programs. Started 1996, prior to the loss of Bonnie Doon name. http://www.aadie.ca/
  • working note...not a partnership as such, but many of the students at Western Canada Prep Academy, Edmonton's first basketball prep academy (opened in 2021), attend Vimy Ridge.[41]

Athletics

[edit]

Vimy Ridge competes in the Edmonton Metro High School Athletic Association of the Alberta Schools' Athletic Association (ASAA). Sports team include: cross country running, volleyball, basketball, track and field, badminton, softball, and golf.[5] Individual students may also compete in sports for which Vimy does not have a team as individuals (wrestling, for example) or by joining teams from other Edmonton high schools.[42]

Ironically for a sports school, the only championships found are Boys 2A Zones (i.e city) golf in 2005-6 and 2006-7. Can't seem to find the provincial championship results for golf. Recheck

Facilities

[edit]
  • The school's exterior fields are Dermott District Park (formerly Bonnie Doon Campus Park). This park had a shale running track around a multi-use field, a soccer field, and a small soccer field, but was reconstructed in 2017. One of the preferred plans called for twin indoor ice arenas adjacent to the school; however, this option was not funded.[43] The field immediately adjacent to the school was completed for the start of the 2018 school year, with the rest of the fields and the outdoor fitness equipment completed in 2019.[44]
  • two gyms[45]
  • climbing wall[45]
  • lacrosse shooting cage[45]
  • fitness centre[46]
  • spin bike room[47][46]
  • skating treadmill with artificial ice[46]
  • hockey shooting cage with artificial ice[46]
  • two floors of dance studios (shared with Edmonton School of Ballet)

The school also makes use of non-school board facilities such as hockey arenas and RE/MAX Field, Edmonton's baseball stadium, which was leased for use by the baseball academy in 2017 three days a week in winter and five days a week in fall and spring.[48]

Nearby amenities

[edit]

Class sizes

[edit]

A 2018 freedom of Information investigation by Postmedia News found that 57% of Edmonton Public Schools (EPS) high school classes were larger than recommended by the Alberta Commission on Learning's guidelines, and that 12% of EPS's high school classes had more than 35 students. Vimy Ridge Academy had one class which was large enough to warrant mention in the report, an English 20-1 class with 41 students.[50][51]

Alumni

[edit]

Faculty

[edit]

In addition to their teaching qualifications most faculty members have majors, dual degrees, or second degrees in sports-related areas. Many have participated in high level athletics as players, coaches, or managers.[53]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c "Vimy Ridge Academy 2020-2021 Revised Budget" (PDF). SCHOOL BUDGET, PLAN AND RESULTS REVIEW. Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 3 December 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h "Vimy Ridge Academy". EPSB.ca » Schools. Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  3. ^ "Vimy Ridge Academy 2014–15" (PDF). SCHOOL BUDGET, PLAN AND RESULTS REVIEW. Edmonton Public Schools. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 March 2015. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  4. ^ "Member Schools". Metro Edmonton High School Athletic Association. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  5. ^ a b "Raiders Athletics". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  6. ^ Kostek, M. A (1992). A Century and Ten: The History of Edmonton Public Schools (PDF). Edmonton Public Schools. p. 486. Retrieved 6 March 2016.
  7. ^ "This principal is over the top". ATA News. 33 (12). The Alberta Teachers' Association. February 1999. Retrieved 11 August 2020.
  8. ^ "Vimy Ridge Academy pipe band falls silent". CBC News. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  9. ^ "Vimy Ridge Academy Modernization". Major Projects. Government of Alberta. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  10. ^ "Vimy Ridge Academy Modernization". Alberta Major Projects. Government of Alberta. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  11. ^ French, Janet (27 August 2017). "Province: school renos on track". Edmonton Sun. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  12. ^ The Workun Garrick Partnership (5 February 2015). "Vimy Ridge Academy Floor Plans" (PDF). Vimy Ridge Academy Modernization. Edmonton Public School Board. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  13. ^ Holoiday, Leah (4 February 2015). "Gender-neutral bathrooms planned for Edmonton Public Schools". Edmonton Metro. Retrieved 18 March 2017.
  14. ^ "COVID-19 outbreak declared at Ross Sheppard High School". CBC News. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  15. ^ Devlin, Megan (17 September 2020). "Coronavirus outbreaks declared at two Edmonton schools". Daily Hive. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  16. ^ "34 CASES OF COVID-19 REPORTED AT EDMONTON SCHOOLS OVER THE WEEKEND". CTV News Edmonton. 21 September 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  17. ^ Boothby, Lauren (22 September 2020). "COVID-19 believed to have spread at second Edmonton school, 3 new school outbreaks in Edmonton". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  18. ^ Labine, Jeff (25 September 2020). "Alberta reports 153 new COVID-19 cases, no additional deaths". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  19. ^ Villani, Mark (29 September 2020). "Canyon Meadow School placed under COVID-19 watch status after 5 or more cases identified". CTV News Calgary. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  20. ^ "List of school outbreaks by region". COVID-19 school status map. Government of Alberta. Retrieved 14 November 2020.
  21. ^ "List of school outbreaks by region". COVID-19 school status map. Government of Alberta. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  22. ^ "Enhanced public health measures". COVID-19 info for Albertans. Government of Alberta. Retrieved 1 December 2020.
  23. ^ Nadeem, Sharon (23 December 2016). "Vimy Ridge high school students awarded Duke of Edinburgh Awards". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 5 March 2017.
  24. ^ "Regular Program". EPSB.ca » Programming. Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  25. ^ "Vimy Dance". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  26. ^ "About Us". Vimy Dance. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  27. ^ a b "Sports Alternative". EPSB.ca » Programming » Athletics. Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  28. ^ "Individual Support". EPSB.ca » Programming. Edmonton Public School. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  29. ^ "Advanced Placement". EPSB.ca EPSB.ca » Programming » Teaching Philosophy » Advanced Placement. Edmonton Public School. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  30. ^ "Vimy 2022-2023 Program Guide:". Edmonton Public Schools. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  31. ^ Black, Morgan; Gibson, Caley (4 April 2022). "Game on: Edmonton's Vimy Ridge Academy to offer Esports program". Global News. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  32. ^ "About Us". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  33. ^ "VIMY RINGETTE". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  34. ^ "School Facility Evaluation Project: Vimy Ridge Academy" (PDF). Alberta Infrastructure School Facilities Branch. 6 April 2000. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  35. ^ "School Facilities Evaluation Project: Vimy Ridge Academy Executive Summary" (PDF). Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  36. ^ Shafraaz Kaba, Bacz Engineering (11 April 2011). "Vimy Ridge Academy" (PDF). School Facility Condition Evaluation. Alberta Infrastructure. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  37. ^ "Green & Gold Soccer Academy at Vimy Ridge Academy School". University of Alberta. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  38. ^ "About Us". Edmonton School of Ballet. Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  39. ^ "OHA Edmonton Heads to Vimy Ridge Academy". BC Hockey Hub. 25 January 2016. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  40. ^ "OKANAGAN HOCKEY ACADEMY". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 2 January 2019.
  41. ^ Kornik, Slav (27 October 2022). "Edmonton's first prep program changing student basketball landscape". Global News. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  42. ^ Cummings, Madeleine (19 October 2016). "High school football squad welcomes players from schools without senior teams of their own". Edmonton Examiner. Retrieved 8 August 2017.
  43. ^ "Dermott District Park Renewal: Preliminary Design" (PDF). City of Edmonton. February 2016. Retrieved 6 September 2017.
  44. ^ "Dermott District Park Renewal". Parks and Recreation >> Current Projects. City of Edmonton. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  45. ^ a b c "Phys. Ed. Department Summary". Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 8 March 2017.
  46. ^ a b c d "Facilities at Vimy Hockey". Academic and Athletic Development. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  47. ^ "Our Edmonton at Vimy Ridge Academy". CBC News. Retrieved 7 March 2017.
  48. ^ Barnes, Don (24 February 2017). "New life for Edmonton's ball park". Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 9 September 2017.
  49. ^ "Route Map". TransEd LRT. Retrieved 15 March 2017.
  50. ^ French, Janet (19 June 2018). "Alberta class sizes: Here's where the province's largest cities are overflowing with students". The Edmonton Journal. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  51. ^ "Infographic: Where class sizes are failing to meet targets in Alberta's largest cities". The Edmonton Journal. Postmedia News. 19 June 2018. Retrieved 29 July 2018.
  52. ^ a b Gazzola, Paul (18 January 2018). "Lowe and Simpson go full circle". EdmontonOilers.com. Retrieved 20 August 2018.
  53. ^ "Staff Directory" (PDF). Vimy Ridge Academy. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  54. ^ a b ""Staff Directory" (PDF). Vimy Ridge Academy. September 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2017.[dead link]
  55. ^ "Rush Fire Head Coach Jeff McComb". Inside Lacrosse. 3 April 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.


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