Slideshow of images from today's costume contest.
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
Halloween spirit is alive and well at Brookes, with students and staff coming together to celebrate in creative and festive ways. Last week our Halloween dance lit up the evening with music, laughter, and plenty of spooky fun. The dining hall was transformed into a lively space filled with costumes, decorations, light shows and great energy. Thanks to everyone who made it such a fun evening - it was wonderful to see students enjoying themselves, connecting with friends, and making lasting memories.
At lunch today our costume contest was a huge hit. From clever homemade outfits to elaborate store-bought ensembles, the variety and effort were truly impressive. Students and staff alike embraced the fun, and the contest highlighted the playful spirit and inclusivity that make our school community so special. It was a joy to see everyone celebrating together.
To top it all off our pumpkin carving contest brought out some serious creativity! Students worked in teams to design and carve their pumpkins, showcasing everything from classic jack-o’-lanterns to unique and imaginative designs. The courtyard was filled with bright orange masterpieces and the scent of fresh pumpkin, adding a cheerful seasonal touch to our campus.
Most importantly, these events fostered caring and principled behavior, as students supported one another, respected differences, and contributed to a joyful, inclusive atmosphere. It’ is moments like these that help our learners grow not just academically, but as compassionate global citizens.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Important Dates:
- Monday, November 3rd - Day of the Dead
- Friday, 7th November - Remembrance Day Ceremony
- Monday, 10th November - Parent Teacher Conferences (No Classes)
- Tuesday, 11th November - Remembrance Day (Holiday - No Classes)
- Thursday, November 13th - Flu Vaccines for students and staff
- Friday, 21st November - Professional Development Day (No Classes)
- Thursday, December 4th - Winter Concert
- Sunday, December 7th - Pancake Breakfast and Craft Fair
Community Event
Wednesday, 10th December - Colwood Christmas Light Up 6 pm to 8 pm at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road.
Don't forget our Purdy's Chocolate Fundraiser!
Treat yourself and support our school at the same time! Our Purdy’s Chocolates Fundraiser is back - and just in time for the holidays!
Deadline for orders: Wednesday, November 19th - don't miss out!
When you order your favourite chocolates, truffles, and festive treats through our school’s campaign, a portion of every sale goes directly toward supporting our Ukrainian scholarship students and upcoming school activities. It’s the perfect way to spread a little sweetness while making a meaningful difference.
All treats will arrive in time for the winter break (pick up starts on Wednesday, 3rd December).
So, stock up, share with friends, and help us finish the year strong!
Click here to get place your order!
Puppy Palooza 2025
November 14th from 11.30 am to 1 pm
Puppy Palooza is a wonderful opportunity for our students to reconnect with the joy of being around pets, especially for dorm students who may be missing their pets from home. If your family has a gentle, well-socialized dog who loves attention and would enjoy spending time with our students, we’d love to have you join us!
Please contact Mr. B (jbaumgartner@westshore.brookes.org) to sign up!
Thank you for helping us create a joyful and relaxing experience for our students!
- All dogs must be up-to-date on vaccinations.
- Dogs should be calm, friendly, and comfortable around groups of people.
- Please bring any essentials your dog may need (water bowl, leash, treats, etc.).
Bottle Drive 2025!
Tuesday November 4th to Monday November 24th
We are the Community Service ASA that meets on Monday afternoons. We have been working hard to put together a bottle drive. We are asking people to collect and bring their bottles to school starting Tuesday November 4th and ending Monday November 24th at 3:30pm.
We are accepting soda cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, beer cans, and wine bottles. Make sure the bottles you bring have been cleaned! We will have bottle drive bins set up on the bridge in the mornings (8:20 am - 8:40 am) and the courtyard for the rest of the day, one in Common Room 1, and another inside the Dining Hall.
We are going to donate all funds from the bottle drive to a charity: The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). IFAW is a global non-profit organization that protects animals and their habitats worldwide, rescuing wildlife and restoring hope. They work to help animals and people thrive, rescues animals, protects nature, and inspires change — for a world where all life prospers.
Thank you!
The SLC Service Committee is trying to gauge interest about offering a First Aid course at the school for MYP1-4 (grade 6 to 9). If you are interested, please fill out the form here.
The Grade 4 Hip Hop dancers opening our Halloween festivities!
Building a Better World Together
At the heart of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme lies a powerful mission: to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. At our school, this mission is not just a statement it is a lived experience.
With students from over 20 different countries, our campus is a vibrant mosaic of cultures, languages, and perspectives. Every day, our learners live, work, and grow together, forming friendships that cross borders and building a community rooted in empathy and global citizenship.
The IB’s emphasis on service learning encourages students to look beyond themselves and take meaningful action in their communities. Whether it’s organizing local food drives, volunteering with environmental initiatives, or leading peer tutoring programmes, our students are constantly finding ways to make a positive impact. These experiences not only foster leadership and compassion but also reinforce the idea that peace begins with understanding - and understanding begins with connection.
In classrooms, students explore global issues through inquiry-based learning, engaging with topics that challenge them to think critically and ethically. In the dorm rooms and common rooms, they share stories, traditions, and ideas, learning from one another and celebrating what makes each of them unique.
As an IB World School, we are proud to nurture a generation of changemakers who are not only academically prepared but also deeply committed to building a more just and peaceful world. The diversity of our student body is not just a point of pride it is a powerful reminder that when we come together across cultures and backgrounds, we can truly live the IB mission.
Grade 4 making marigolds for the upcoming Day of the Dead.
On November 3rd we will be celebrating The Day of The Dead!
The Day of The Dead (Día de los Muertos) is a Mexican holiday that honors and remembers deceased loved ones with a delightful reunion of both living and dead spirits. Many families celebrate this day by creating ofrendas (colouful altars) which have offerings like flowers, food, and photos that welcome back the souls of the departed for a celebratory visit!
Calling All Performers!
Our annual Winter Concert is just around the corner (December 4th) and we’re looking for talented student performers to take the stage! Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have a unique routine to share, now’s the time to start practicing and polishing your performance. Sign-ups will open soon so get ready to bring your creativity and energy to one of our favourite events of the year!
Grade 6 - 8 Girls Basketball Team are ready to play!
Congratulations to the Senior Girls Volleyball Team for beating Victor Brodeur in straight sets last night at home, 25 - 2, 25 - 6, 25 - 11.
The team has qualified for the Island Championships on November 12th. Go Gryphons!
Upcoming University visits to Brookes:
- November 27th – McMaster University
- November 20th – University of Alberta
- November 4th – DP2 students will visit to UBC/Emily Carr
Lost and Found
Lost and found bins are located in the corner of the dining hall (near the ping pong table) and in the gym lobby.
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.
