(There will be lots more photos of grad coming soon!)

Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,

Today’s DP2 Graduation has been a wonderful celebration of a truly remarkable group of students. It was a joy to see students, families, and staff come together to recognize the hard work, growth, and resilience that brought our graduates to this milestone. We are incredibly proud of our DP2 students and wish them all the best on the exciting journey ahead.

I’d also like to take a moment to recognize our Ukrainian students. Over the past three years, the school has been proud to support them as they continued their education during a time of great uncertainty. They arrived carrying more than most of us can imagine and have since become an important and valued part of our community. A big thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible! This is one of the many things that makes Brookes so special.

Finally, thank you to everyone working behind the scenes to make today’s celebration possible. From decorations and rehearsals to technical support, planning, music, food, and countless small details, it truly takes a community effort. We are grateful for the care and energy being put into creating such a meaningful and memorable day for our graduates and families!

With gratitude,

Dr. Rui Li

Principal

Today marks a milestone that resonates across our entire school community as we celebrate the graduation of our DP2 students. It is not only a moment of pride for those crossing the stage, but also a powerful reminder to our younger students of the journey that lie ahead.

Throughout the day, there is a palpable sense of connection - friendships forged across year groups, shared experiences, and the inspiration that comes from seeing older peers step confidently into the next chapter of their lives. The graduating students have been role models in classrooms, on sports fields, and in the everyday life of the school, leaving a lasting impression on those who will follow in their footsteps.

As we send them onward, we do so with full confidence in their ability to meet whatever challenges and opportunities the world presents. Equipped with knowledge, resilience, and a strong sense of community, they leave not only as graduates, but as globally minded individuals ready to make a positive impact.

Graduation is both an ending and a beginning - a celebration of all they have achieved here, and the launching point for lives that will continue to grow, connect, and contribute far beyond our campus.

Alongside the many achievements we celebrate today among our graduating DP2 cohort, we would like to recognize a remarkable group of students whose journeys have been shaped by extraordinary resilience. Our students from Ukraine, who joined us on fully funded scholarships, have become an integral part of our school community. Arriving during a time of profound uncertainty, they brought with them courage, determination, and a deep commitment to their education. Over their time here, they have not only excelled academically, but have also enriched our classrooms and friendships with their perspectives, warmth, and strength of character. Their presence has reminded us all of the transformative power of opportunity, community, and hope.

As they graduate today, we celebrate the way these students are helping to extend that impact beyond our campus. On Thursday, they met with education agents from Ukraine, generously sharing their experiences of studying here - the challenges they overcame, the support they found, and the successes they achieved. Their reflections were overwhelmingly positive and deeply inspiring, offering a powerful testament to what is possible.

Through these conversations, they are opening doors for other Ukrainian families around the world, helping us to build connections and welcome future students who may benefit from the same opportunities. In doing so, they leave not only with their diplomas, but with a lasting legacy of leadership, advocacy, and global citizenship.

• Thursday, May 28th - Friday, May 29th - MYP2 Camping trip
• Tuesday, June 2nd - Grade 4/5 Day trip 
• Wednesday, June 3rd - MYP1 Day Trip 
• Friday, June 5th - Brookes Summer Bash - details next week
• Tuesday, June 9th - Grade 4/5 Science Fair 
• Wednesday, June 10th - 1 pm - 3:30 pm, Junior Sports Day (Grade 4 - MYP2) 
• Thursday, June 11th - 1 pm - 3:30 pm, Senior Sports Day (MYP3 - DP1) 

Clothing Exchange - Coming in June!

Donate your gently used clothes to us so we can create an exchange event, and you may come and score some “new-to-you" fashion finds! The exchange will take place in June, and the donation boxes are already in the front lobby! 

MYP1A SPCA Pet Drive

The MYP1A homeroom is putting compassion into action this term through a meaningful Service as Action initiative focused on supporting animals in need. Students have chosen to partner with the SPCA, organizing a donation drive to help improve the lives of cats and dogs currently in their care. From food and toys to blankets and other essential supplies, each contribution will directly support the well-being and comfort of these animals.

For a fun and engaging twist, students are also tackling the classic question: which makes the better pet—cats or dogs? Donations can be placed into one of these two bins by the front desk, and on July 1st, the totals will be counted to determine the winning animal. While the debate may finally be settled, the real victory lies in the collective effort to support vulnerable animals in our community.

Families are encouraged to participate by contributing items to the donation bins. Please see the accompanying poster (created by MYP1A's own Atticus Walker) for more information. Thank you for helping our students make a positive impact!

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

Your comments and feedback are welcome! Please click here to leave a comment, ask a question, or raise an issue. Thank you!

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.