George Vanier Catholic Elementary
School Information
Address:
2782 Dafoe Road
Combermere, ON K0J1L0
Principal:
Wendy Klawitter
School secretary:
Nicole Villeneuve
Superintendent:
Derek Lennox
Principal's Message
Nestled along the banks of the Madawaska River in beautiful Combermere, Ontario, George Vanier Catholic School provides a welcoming, inclusive, and faith-filled learning environment for students from Kindergarten to Grade 8. We are neighbours with the Madonna House community and with Holy Canadian Martyrs’ Church.
As a lifelong Killaloe resident of Kashubian heritage, I am honoured to lead a school community distinguished by its dedicated staff, motivated students, and supportive families. My leadership is centered on the integration of academic excellence and spiritual growth, with a focus on fostering compassionate, faithful, and contributing citizens. Beyond my professional role, I reside in Killaloe with my husband and three young adult children, where I enjoy reading, exploring the outdoors, and a lifelong appreciation for animals.
– Wendy Klawitter
Meet The GVSC Team
Gerard Olsheskie
Custodian
For the past 14 years, I have been the proud custodian at GVCS, where I truly enjoy the daily routine of seeing all the students' faces as they enter the building each morning. Working in such a beautiful location allows me to appreciate the natural scenery of the Madawaska River every day. A lifelong resident of Killaloe, I spend my spare time staying active by kayaking, biking, and swimming. Most importantly, I am filled with excitement as I look forward to starting a wonderful new chapter: becoming a grandfather this coming March.
Rachel Enright
Kindergarten
My name is Rachel Enright, and I am in my first year of teaching at George Vanier Catholic School. I have greatly enjoyed becoming part of such a faith-filled, supportive, and welcoming school community in Combermere. It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated staff and families who are committed to fostering both academic success and spiritual growth in students. I live in Cobden with my family and in my personal time, I enjoy staying active and spending time outdoors.
Diana Hughes
Grade 1/2/3
Hello everyone! I’m Diana and I'm thrilled to be part of the warm and welcoming community at GVCS. I recently moved to the area after teaching in South Korea for 5 years and have been enjoying exploring the local community with my husband and pets. I enjoy live theatre, working with animals, and traveling.
Maura Whalen
Grade 4/5/6
This is my third year teaching at George Vanier, and I couldn't be happier to be part of such a wonderful community. I live in Eganville with my husband, and when I'm not in the classroom, I’m usually heading to our family cottage at Lake Clear. It’s my favourite place to recharge and enjoy the outdoors!
Mitchel Holly
Grade 7/8
Born and raised in Brudenell, ON I spent my elementary and high school years in the RCCDSB before journeying to Kingston where I completed my degree in Physics at Queen’s University. I was eager to return to my roots where I spend my free time swimming, hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors. My goal is to ensure my classroom is a place of warmth, hospitality, good humour, and joy where we learn, laugh, and pray together. I am also the organist for my two local parishes in Brudenell and Killaloe and love to bring my music and faith into the school!
Jake Lawless
French
Born and raised in St. Joseph’s Parish in Grimsby, ON. A former fitter-welder and professional driver, a workplace injury left me partially paralyzed. I studied Geography and French when I returned to University. I have been teaching at GVCS since 2024. I have been a Maynooth resident since 2016. I love sport shooting, the outdoors, playing poker, raising Irish Wolfhounds and singing in choir. I love teaching French and the Golden Rule. I hope to teach at GVCS until I retire.
Carolyn Cannon
Special Education Resource Teacher (SERT)
Hi, I’m Carolyn Cannon, the current SERT at GVCS. I grew up in Combermere and was a student at both GVCS and MV, so it’s especially meaningful to be teaching in the same community where I was raised and where my children now attend school. This is my sixth year teaching at GVCS. I have a passion for teaching math and for helping students build strong fundamentals in sports, as staying active is very important to me. Outside of school, I enjoy running, skating, reading, and cheering on my children at their hockey games. I’m also an active member of the community and can often be found volunteering at local events.