A fun moment in the field - grade 4 and 5 students built a 'people pyramid' and we just had to share the joy! 

Dear Brookes Westshore Families and Friends,

The week just wasn’t the same without our Grade 12 students, but the Grade 11 have assumed the role as seniors in the school and are taking over where the graduating class left off.

Today is a buzz of activity as students are very excited about the Sports Day held at the Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre this afternoon.  I hope they all enjoy a well-deserved respite from classroom learning.

Everyone at Brookes Westshore is excited about the end of the academic year and the anticipation of what next year will bring to our school community.  The last day of classes is June 23rd and students will be released at 12 noon. They will eat lunch before they leave. I will have a schedule for the Celebration of Learning ceremonies next week and parents are encouraged to attend.

I hope everyone enjoys the beautiful weather this weekend.

With kind regards,

Linda Bayes

Deputy Head of School

And in case you missed them - here is the link to the Graduation Photos

A nice surprise for us and for Ms. Bayes - Trevor (Class of 2022) popped by on Thursday to say 'Hi!' and let us know he has shifted from Engineering at UVic to a new goal of pursuing Medicine - one day he hopes to be a surgeon! We love to hear from our alumni and learn about their ongoing adventures. "I guess I'm in the Gazette? Not for the first time!" he laughed.

We had a great sports day today! Sports day is not just about physical competitions; it is a key component of holistic education, embodying the philosophy of the IB Learner Profile. Emphasizing attributes like being balanced, principled, risk-takers, and communicators, it is a vital arena for our students to grow beyond the academic realm.

I am delighted to see our students demonstrate essential skills today through playing sports – teamwork, leadership, resilience, and determination. Sports day is also an exceptional opportunity for our school community to come together in celebration. It is a chance for students, teachers, and staff to engage, connect, and share experiences in a fun-filled atmosphere. Thank you to everyone who organized, supported, and participated in the Sports Day!

With gratitude,

Rui Li

Vice Principal of Academics / DP Coordinator

The House Teams are ready for Sports Day!  We will post lots more photos in the coming week and in next week's Gazette - watch this space! 

Last chance to join us for an Artful Afternoon!

Presented by the Student Leadership Creativity Committee

The Creativity Committee in the Student Leadership Committee is hosting: “Artful Afternoon: A Paint Event for Parents of Brookes Westshore!”

The event will take place on Sunday May 28th from, 12.45 to 3.15 and will include complimentary high tea and appetizers (catered by the amazing Sage Dining).

Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased here. All event profits and donations will go to Ukrainian students at Brookes.

The host of the event, Dr. Andrew Currie (a fellow Brookes parent), will help you create, with palette knives, your own version of this beautiful whale.

You can purchase your tickets here.

Hurry! we only have room for 20 budding artists and tickets will sell quickly!

If you can't make this event, then please consider a donation to the students from Ukraine (click here for more information and to donate).

This cafe is actually in Paris - but you can experience something similar...

Parisian Café in Metchosin

On Saturday, June 3^rd in Metchosin, a group of folks organize a Parisian Café as a fundraiser for the Metchosin Senior Centre.  It is a fun activity that also offers an opportunity for students to be of service to the community.  Everyone is invited - patisseries and café are "by donation".  The wonderful Patisserie Daniel, "the only true French patisserie in Victoria" according to Madame Tremblay, donates all the patisseries. Our own former teacher Art Brendon also paints Al Fresco at the café and French music is played. 

Several of our students have already volunteered to take part and help make it a great success for the community. 

If you would like to come along - it starts at 10 am and will be wrapping up around noon.  We'll see you there!

Uniforms:

Used Clothing:  If you would like to book an appointment to purchase used uniform clothing for next year, please email our uniform department at uniforms@westshore.brookes.org.  Appointment slots will be available to book in June.

New Clothing:  If you would like to order new clothing from our supplier and would like it guaranteed to arrive before the start of the school year, the deadline to put in your order is the 15th of June. Orders can be placed after the 15th but may arrive later than the first day of school. The website is www.topmarks.ca and our school code is BSL01.  

Blazers for new Grade 11's and 12's: If you are a Grade 10 student you will need a Blazer for the start of school. Please email uniforms@westshore.brookes.org to set up a time for a blazer fitting. 

Thank you!

Russell, from the Global Awareness Committee of the Student Leadership Council highlights the Sports Culture Fair planned for the start of next school year!

Service at Brookes Westshore

"I just wanted to share a few pictures from the MYP 1 service project this week. Eight of the MYP 1 students walked over to the Trillium Westshore retirement home where they spent around 45 minutes of quality time with some of the senior residents. This service plan was suggested back in September, and the students spent the following months researching, practicing communication, and planning. It took a long time, but I am so proud of their efforts. I was even asked by a couple of the senior residents as we were leaving if this would be a habitual thing."  Ms. Julia.

It was a very impactful experience for all parties involved and has been a truly positive experience for the students. Our second group is set to go in early June.

MYP 5 Financial Literacy

The MYP 5 Standard level Math class has been learning about Financial Literacy and how to make smart decisions when it comes to money and the future. Joanna and Stephanie from RBC Bank came to talk to our class and we learned a lot! They gave two lucky students book prizes, too. 

The middle school track and field team has been working hard training and competing in meets at UVic! The championships are coming up on June 7^th and we are excited to see which Brookes athletes will qualify!

Get ready for a whirlwind of dormitory adventures! We kick off the fun by embarking on a wild expedition to Witty's Lagoon, where we conquer sandy shores, chase crabs, and build epic sandcastles. Back at the dorm, culinary chaos ensues as students go head-to-head in a sizzling cooking competition, impressing a panel of esteemed judges with their recipes. But the excitement doesn't stop there! Next up, we hit the serene waters of Thetis Lake for a paddleboarding extravaganza, where laughter, splashes, and impressive balancing acts fill the air.

Join us for more unforgettable dorm activities, where friendships are forged, memories are made, and smiles are never in short supply!

Do you have questions?

If you have a question about the school or just something on your mind, please feel free to contact our leadership team:

• Rui Li - Vice Principal and DP Coordinator
• Andrea Salvador - School Manager / Events
• Jacob Baumgartner - Community and Wellness Coordinator
• Melanie Moroz - MYP Coordinator