Christmas is coming quickly and the boys are looking forward to a break from classes. The fall has been a very busy time at Vancouver College and much has been accomplished in the classrooms, playing fields and our many artistic programs. We have also made tremendous progress in the construction of the first phase of our campus redevelopment, Manrell Hall. We remain on schedule and expect to be open next September.
The concrete forming work is complete and you can see the placement of the steel studs and insulation sheathing on the exterior walls. Soon the windows and exterior brick will be installed on the concrete frames. All the while plumbing, wiring and other interior works are proceeding.
Manrell Hall provides our new cafeteria, generously sponsored by the Vancouver College Parents Association through its annual events. It will also house the Middle and Senior School Library, Learning Assistance and counseling rooms, 18 modern and dynamic classrooms with the latest in education technology, and outdoor learning spaces.
But Manrell Hall is just the first of two buildings in our master plan. We must address the seismic imperative to replace Lannon and McCormack Halls. Our second phase will house Elementary classrooms, gymnasium and library, administrative offices, a chapel and re-sized Brothers Residence. We will keep the landmark façade of Lannon Hall and the original 1927 heritage doorway of McCormack Hall.
In the spring the Board of Directors will decide whether to commence the second phase immediately after the first is finished, based on the progress of our fundraising. We have made tremendous progress so far but we need every family in the VC community, along with support from our alumni and friends. If you have not made a gift to Our Next Century Campaign, I ask you, indeed I urge you, to do so.
As we move into Advent and then Christmas, we look forward to a time of closeness with family and friends. We also contemplate the many gifts and blessings we have received over the past year and show our gratitude to others and to God. Vancouver College is a gift, a legacy from all those parents, alumni and friends of the school who contributed since 1922 to making VC the great school that it is today. Those of us here in this time and place are grateful for their foresight and their sacrifices as we enjoy the benefits of this wonderful faith and learning community.
I wish you and your family a very merry and blessed Christmas and a wonderful 2018!
John H. Nixon, VC'69, President