About Us
Capt. Michael VandenBos P.S. is located in Whitby, Ontario and serves students in Kindergarten through Grade 8.
Mission statement
Our school community will create a safe and motivating learning environment that empowers student to become successful learners and to acquire the skills needed to become responsible citizens of tomorrow.
Principal’s message
Welcome to Captain Michael VandenBos! Captain Michael VandenBos is a dual track school, meaning both English and French Immersion programmes are available at this site. Our school doors opened on January 22, 2001 with a population of 435 students from grades JK - 8. Over the years, Captain Michael VandenBos has continued to experience growth in both programs. This year, student enrollment in both the French Immersion and English program sits at approximately 325 in each and our Full Day Kindergarten includes 90 students. Regardless of the program, teachers and students can be seen interacting collaboratively within the school environment.
Every first day of school since 2001, the skies above Whitby have echoed with the roar of the jets of Canada's elite flying team, the Snowbirds. Excitement is in the air as the children, staff and many of our neighbours gather in the schoolyard around 11:00am as we anticipate the arrival of the familiar red and white airplanes. As the nine jets do their swoop over our school in tight formation, everyone jumps up and down waving enthusiastically at the pilots overhead. This annual "flyby" means as much to the members of the Snowbird team as it does to the students, staff, parents and neighbours of Captain Michael VandenBos Public School.
Why are we so honoured each year? Why are we alone allowed to use the symbols of this special group with our students? The answer lies with our namesake, Captain Michael VandenBos.
Michael VandenBos grew up in Whitby. He was a young man with a childhood dream to become a member of the Snowbirds. He worked hard to achieve this goal and was in line to become the commander of this group. Tragically, he died in a routine training mission south of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on December 10, 1998. The Durham District School Board decided to honour his memory by naming a new school after this remarkable young man. The Snowbirds pay homage to a member of their own each first day of school with the "flyby".
The children of the school are encouraged to develop positive life skills in academics as well as extra-curricular activities by following Michael's example. The children can display the "VandenBos Spirit" by participating in reading programs, sports, Spirit Days and other activities at the school. Perhaps one day, one of our students will be a pilot zooming over the school on the first Tuesday after Labour Day with new little ones waving enthusiastically at the Canadian Snowbirds!
The school and its community work together to meet the academic, physical, emotional and social needs of our students. Staff dedicate each day to providing effective academic programs, delivered in a safe, nurturing environment for all children. It is our goal for each student to be a cooperative and productive member of society, and to live by the Snowbird motto, Flying High for Excellence. Each term an assembly is held to recognize our students learning successes, leadership and citizenship. Parents play a very active role at Captain Michael VandenBos Public School. Strong partnerships between home and school are developed through a variety of ways. Our School Community Council, and numerous parent volunteers work cooperatively with our dedicated staff to help students realize their potential and achieve their goals. A true community atmosphere exists at Captain Michael VandenBos Public School.
