A Message from our Head of School - Jerry Salvador

The end of the year is upon us, and we have had a week of wrapping things up at Brookes Westshore. I was delighted to see so many of you out at our Winter Celebration on Wednesday – and so proud of our amazingly talented students. It was such an enjoyable evening, and I hope we can build on its success next year – I know we have some students who didn’t showcase their talents this time around!  

On the night we heard an extract from 'Under a Brookes Moon' - a community service play of voices celebrating who we are, with all our differences, scripted and performed by our grade 9 students. You can read the full script here: https://tinyurl.com/tb2wd9m

Talking of talent – we have also had a very successful run of fundraising success. The Winter Celebration raised $700 for Out of the Rain in support of local homeless youth, and our Movember team raised $1,121 to support men’s wellness and mental health. I am so glad to be able to shave again! When our school community comes together, we can really make positive things happen.

We have also been busy planning some school-wide events for the start of next year. We will be celebrating Chinese New Year almost as soon as we are back in session – staff and students will be planning cultural events to usher in the Year of the Rat – we may even have some dragon dancers at the school!  

With a bit of luck, we will see some snow up at Mt Washington and our two planned ski trips for the end of February and beginning of March will be their usual huge success. Ski Day Is always a favourite with Brookes Westshore families and a great way for our international students to get a feel for west coast living. 

I wish you all the best for a wonderful winter break and look forward to seeing you back at Brookes in 2020!

A Message from VP of Academics - Linda Bayes

I wish all students and families a wonderful winter break. We have had a very successful first term to the school year which has ended with the issue of report cards and parent teacher conferences.

International parents had the opportunity on Wednesday to conference with teachers and local parents came into the school on Thursday to meet with teachers. Student involvement in the conferences has increased and we are working towards holding student led conferences in March 2020.

Upcoming events in the New Year include our Grade 10 Personal Project Exhibition and our Diploma Programme Visual Arts Exhibition - both coming in February. We will also be enriching our programme with our continuing service projects - balancing our academic work with a focus on community.

I am so pleased with the progress our students have made over the first term. They have grown in  social, personal and academic endeavours. We are very proud of Brookes Westshore students.

A Message from VP of Student Life - Cathy Mingo

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

I can’t quite believe that it is already time for Winter break! The excitement has been growing, as the days have been counted down to departure dates. The dorm floors have been buzzing with energy and excitement as students decorated for Christmas. Trees went up and are now covered with Christmas ornaments; gingerbread houses have been made and eaten, songs have been sung and bags packed. As each student leaves I am filled with good thoughts and warm wishes but also small worries about travel plans and connecting fights.

I am very happy with this school term. Students have become comfortable moving out of their language groups and making friend with other students in their classes and dorm floors. I have seen and felt a change in the dorm community- more acceptance and appreciation of others’ differences and points of view. Students know each others’ names and greet each other in the hallways and common rooms. As students have been leaving for the holiday, their roommates and friends of all cultures are coming out to say goodbye. My heart is filled with Holiday joy and Good Will to All!

Safe travels to all our students and a very merry holiday to all our families. Enjoy the time you spend with each other and reconnect over good food and conversations. May your days be filled with laughter, love and friendship. Merry Christmas!

C-Fax Santas Anonymous at Brookes Westshore

For the last week of school, the staff and students generously brought in donations in support of CFAX Santas Anonymous, a local organization that brings Christmas to less fortunate families in the Victoria community. We realize that we have more than they do, and so it wasn’t difficult for us to reach out and share a small portion of our blessings with others who need it.

We pledged to collect 100 donations, which would exceed our donation from last year. After counting, we realized that we surpassed our goal with a total of 145 donated gifts! We do appreciate the contributions of everyone. May all our friends near and far have the holiday season that brings them comfort and joy.

For more information please see http://cfaxsantas.com/

Weekend Life at Brookes

This weekend was another one for the books! Friday night dorm students loved dressing up with their friends to attend the winter formal organized by Girl Up. All the students looked beautiful and handsome in their dresses and suits as they danced the night away!

On Saturday, a group of students went to watch the Christmas Truck Parade. The Christmas Truck parade is a Christmas tradition here in Victoria. Industrial and work trucks from different companies cover their vehicles in Christmas lights and decorations. It is a blast!

Last but not least, Sunday another group of students got together to build Gingerbread houses. What a great weekend to help us get even more excited for the Winter Holidays! Have a great break and see you all in 2020!

Due to a change in BC Provincial Exams, please find our updated Academic Calendar on our website.