House Volleyball in full swing.

Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,

Thank you to all the parents who joined us for the DP Information Session this week. The Diploma Programme offers a rigorous and well-rounded academic experience that helps students develop strong critical thinking and research skills. We also recognize that students have different goals and learning needs, and our school continues to support a range of pathways so every student can find the programme that suits them best.

As we head into Spring Break, I would like to take a moment to thank our students, staff, and families for a wonderful and busy term. It has been great to see students so engaged in their learning and activities.

Term 2 learning updates will be issued on April 2nd, shortly after we return from the break. Parent teacher conferences will take place on April 16th and will be a valuable opportunity to celebrate progress. On April 17th, we will also be hosting our Spring Fling and Silent Auction. We hope many of you will be able to join us to connect with other families and enjoy the event together.

I wish everyone a restful and joyful Spring Break. We look forward to welcoming you back on March 30th.

With gratitude,

Dr. Rui Li

Principal

• Monday, March 30th - First day back to school after Spring Break
• Thursday, April 16th - Student led / Parent Teacher Conferences (early dismissal)
• Friday, April 17th - Spring Fling and Silent Auction (see below)
• Tofino Trips (details below):
  • Grade 11/DP1: Thursday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 26th
  • Grade 10/MYP5: Thursday, April 30th to Sunday, May 3rd
  • Grade 9/MYP4: Thursday, May 7th to Sunday, May 10th
• Friday, May 22nd - Graduation 2026

Spring Fling with Silent Auction - April 17th

We are gearing up for our April 17th Spring Fling with Silent Auction, and we need your energy, creativity, and community spirit to help make it an unforgettable event! Whether you love planning, organizing, decorating, or simply jumping in on the day to bring everything to life, we’d be thrilled to have you on our volunteer team. We’re also seeking donations for our Silent Auction: unique items, experiences, and themed baskets are all welcome and truly help elevate the event’s success. If you’re ready to pitch in, have something to donate, or just want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make this year’s Spring Fling the best one yet! Please email events@westshore.brookes.org.

Term 3 ASA Sign Up - Last Day to Sign Up!

Students have the chance to take part in a variety of programs that support learning, collaboration, creativity, and offer opportunities to develop new skills and explore new interests! Don't miss out!

Last Chance to Sign Up for the Tofino Trips!

Registration closes TODAY!

Our Grade 9–11 students will be travelling to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island for a multi-day outdoor education experience. Surrounded by the landscapes of Clayoquot Sound, Tofino is known for its rugged coastline, sandy beaches, and vibrant surf culture.

Students will stay right on the beach at Ocean Village Resort in ocean view cabins with full kitchens and enjoy on-site amenities including a pool and hot tub. Each evening will feature beach fires and s’mores under the stars. The program includes professional surf lessons, with a new option to surf a second day, as well as beach exploration, rainforest hikes, and team-based activities.

This trip is a unique opportunity for students to connect with the outdoors and each other in a truly West Coast setting.

• Grade 11/DP1: Thursday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 26th
• Grade 10/MYP5: Thursday, April 30th to Sunday, May 3rd
• Grade 9/MYP4: Thursday, May 7th to Sunday, May 10th

For questions, please email Ms. Aija aijasalvador@westshore.brookes.org

MYP 5 / Grade 10 PHE

Over the last week our Grade 10 PHE students have expanded their understanding of health and nutrition through two delicious hands‑on activities.

As part of their unit on balanced eating and informed food choices, the class prepared homemade pizzas - comparing ingredients, discussing nutritional content, and exploring how small adjustments can make everyday meals healthier.

Students also took part in a sushi‑making lesson, learning how fresh ingredients, portion balance, and mindful preparation contribute to nutritious meal planning.

Both activities blended practical cooking skills with real‑world nutrition concepts, resulting in great learning (and great food!).

MYP1 / Grade 6 Scratch Art - "Boop the Snoot"

As part of their exploration of artistic techniques and mark‑making, our Grade 6 students experimented with scratch art, a process that involves applying a black surface layer over a base of vibrant colours and then carefully scoring away the top layer to reveal the hues beneath. This project allowed students to investigate contrast, line quality, and intentional design as they created expressive “Boop the Snoot” compositions. Through deliberate scratching and controlled removal of the surface layer, students gained hands‑on experience with texture, negative space, and visual emphasis—skills that support both creative thinking and foundational art competencies. Their finished works showcase thoughtful technique and a strong sense of personal style.

MYP 1 / Grade 6 Adventure at Science World!

Last Friday our Grade 6 students set off for an exciting day of hands‑on learning at Science World in Vancouver. It was a fantastic day filled with curiosity, discovery, and teamwork!

A major highlight was the Space LEGO exhibit, which tied perfectly into our current unit on space. Students loved getting creative with hands-on LEGO building activities and exploring imaginative designs inspired by space exploration.

Another favourite stop was the interactive Eureka! gallery. Students rotated through stations that challenged their strength, flexibility, problem‑solving skills, and perception - complete with fun illusions and even a rock‑climbing wall!

We’re incredibly proud of how our students represented the school. They were respectful, engaged, and wonderfully supportive of one another throughout the entire trip.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing parent volunteers, Amanda and Jim, and to Kate, Mr. B, and Ryan for helping make this memorable learning experience possible.

What a day of learning, laughter, and exploration! 

Senior House Volleyball Tournament Wraps‑Up the term

Yesterday’s final block saw a full gym as students from Eagle, Lynx, Orca, and Wolf faced off in the House Volleyball Tournament. all the teams showed great energy and spirit throughout the four matches, keeping the gym loud and lively.

After a series of exciting rallies and strong plays from all houses, Orca House emerged as the tournament champions. Congratulations to Orca and well done to every player who competed with enthusiasm and sportsmanship!

Soap for Hope Canada

This year, our MYP3 service project theme is “People and the Environment,” and we are proud to be supporting Soap for Hope Canada, an organization committed to eradicating hygiene poverty while reducing environmental waste.

As part of our project, we have volunteered our time to assist with a variety of meaningful tasks. Now, we are excited to launch a donation drive and invite students, staff, and families at Brookes to participate.

We are collecting new or gently used soaps, lotions, linens, and other hygiene products. These items will be carefully repurposed and distributed to community facilities that support vulnerable individuals. Your donations will help provide hope, dignity, and essential care, all while keeping usable products out of landfills.

Once collected, all donations will be delivered directly to Soap for Hope. Please refer to the poster for details about what to bring. 

To learn more about the organization and its impact, please visit their website.

Our MYP3 students are excited about this service initiative and helping make a meaningful difference in our community! 

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.