Happy Holidays!
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
As we head into the winter break, I just want to say how grateful I am for this community. It has been a busy, full, and meaningful first term. I really appreciate the support, patience, and everyday kindness I see across our campus. I hope you all get some well-deserved rest and enjoy the holidays with your loved ones.
The first day back to school after the winter break is Monday, January 5th. Wishing you all a wonderful winter break, and I look forward to seeing everyone back in the new year!
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
PS: in case you missed it, here is the link to our parent survey
- Friday, January 9th, 2026 - Grades 4–8 Ski Trip
- Thursday, January 15th, 2026 - Grades 9–12 Ski Trip
A big thank you to the Ponak family for donating a new electric menorah for our Hanukkah display. We are so grateful to be a place where all people come together to learn and celebrate our differences. If you and your family celebrate this holiday season in a different way, we would love to hear from you to learn more.
MYP1 Science
Our MYP1 Science students took creativity to the next level this week by using gingerbread to engineer structures in class! From pools to towers, they combined scientific principles with holiday cheer. They learned about stability, weight distribution, and design while having a blast together.
This hands-on activity sparked teamwork, problem-solving, and plenty of seasonal excitement. What better way to celebrate the season than with science and sweets?
Grade 4 Math
The Grade 4s are wrapping up their addition and subtraction unit with some homemade board games.
CFAX Santa's Anonymous Toy Drive
Dorm students donated over $1,800 to purchase toys for the CFAX Toy Drive and the boxes in the lobby are close to full! Thank you all so much!
In total, we estimate the value to be close to $3,000! Our best year yet! We may even get a special mention on CFAX!
A shout-out to the students who helped make the toy drive such a success: Gurjas, Alfonso, Aii, Ryusei, Eva, Renata, IJssel.
Winter Craft Market
Our first ever winter craft market was a great success A huge thank you to the vendors who participated and the parents who supported our students. The students raised $161 for the Goldstream food bank. Thanks everyone!
Brookes Hockey Academy visit to the Victoria Royals
This week students got a chance to watch the WHL Victoria Royals practice at the big rink downtown (Save on Foods Memorial Centre). We all enjoyed a great tour of the team facilities and dressing room, plus had time to meet the players who were super generous with their time and energy - we even got autographs! A huge thank you to the Royals and to Brookes Westshore parent Brad Leeb for making it all happen! What a great way to finish up the term!
Junior Boys' Basketball – Ice Breaker Tournament Champions!
Our Junior Boys' basketball team made a statement at their first tournament of the season, capturing first place at the Glenlyon Norfolk Ice Breaker Tournament! Facing strong competition across the board, the boys delivered an incredible weekend of basketball, showcasing teamwork, grit, and confidence from start to finish.
Brookes opened with a commanding 60–33 win over GNS in a packed home gym, with Will earning Player of the Game for his relentless defense and 12-points. The momentum carried into a thrilling, back and forth battle against Alberni, with the lead shifting throughout the game until Kobe drilled a clutch three in the final minute. Key free throws from David, Armin, and Kobe sealed the win, and David earned Player of the Game with 17-points.
The team continued their strong run with a 30-point victory over Belmont, highlighted by Archie’s 27-point performance, earning him Player of the Game. Sohan also contributed an impressive 16 points. They closed out the tournament with a commanding 20-point win over Gulf Islands to claim the championship, with Archie adding another strong performance of 23 points.
A huge congratulations to our Junior Boys for an outstanding team effort all weekend, and a special shoutout to Kobe, named Tournament MVP! Kobe was dominant in every game as our point guard, bringing incredible energy, setting plays, running the offense, and making crucial steals at key moments.
Next up, the team heads to the Shawnigan Lake Shore Classic today, facing some of the strongest teams on the Island. This is a great opportunity to challenge themselves against the top teams, gain valuable experience, and finish the first half of the season strong. We wish them all the best and can’t wait to see them continue their excellent play!
Many thanks to the Zimin family for the great photos!
Lunch Menu
If you would like to know what is on the menu next week for our delicious lunches, please click here.
Follow our dining team on @brookesdiningwestshore for mouthwatering images of our breakfasts, lunches, and dinners!
Please find our School Accessibility questionnaire here.
Safer Schools information: erase Family Sessions (saferschoolstogether.com)
Your comments and feedback are welcome! Please click here to leave a comment, ask a question, or raise an issue. Thank you!
Do you have questions or concerns?
If you have a question about the school or just something on your mind, please feel free to contact our leadership team:
- Rui Li - Principal
- Andrea Salvador - School Manager
- Jacob Baumgartner - School Culture Director; Grade 4 to MYP2 Coordinator
- Kate Barton - MYP 3-5 and Personal Project Coordinator
- Linda Bayes - DP Coordinator & University Counsellor
- Martin Staffolani - Executive Director of Recruitment
Brookes Westshore acknowledges that our school is on the traditional lands of the Xwsepsum (Esquimalt) and Lekwungen (Songhees) ancestors and families.
With gratitude, we live, work and learn here where the past, present, and future of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, faculty and staff come together.
