Grade 11 Photography field trip to Dallas Road for scenic shots

Dear Brookes Westshore Families and Friends,

We are all enjoying the sunshine here today on Vancouver Island – it feels like Spring is just around the corner!

At this time of year our recruitment and admissions teams are hard at work introducing our school to prospective families and sharing the stories of what life is like at Brookes Westshore. We always enjoy touring local families through our school and showing them what is happening here every day.

Finding out what they are looking for in an education reminds us of how important this decision is for families. We are so grateful that our families continue to trust Brookes Westshore with the education of your children.  Our classes for September are filling up fast, but if you know anyone who may be interested in a Brookes Westshore education, please let us know. And keep an eye out for reenrollment notifications next week!

I hope the sunny weather continues for the weekend and that you can find time to enjoy it,

With kind regards,

Jerry Salvador

Head of School

Senior Boys Basketball team in action against GNS.

February has been Bullying Awareness month at Brookes Westshore and every grade has participated in learning activities about bullying. The Senior Leadership Team has done a wonderful job and has presented to all MYP Year levels. Their presentations were very well received by students. We do focus on all kinds of bullying, including cyber-bullying which is, as you know, a very real issue in today’s culture of social media. I frequently receive questions from parents about our IT policies and where they can find resources to support their managing of cell phone and electronic use at home. Today I have shared on ManageBac a useful leaflet on TikTok. I hope it helps!

Pro D Day

February 18 is a Professional Development day for teachers – there will be no school on that day.

Teachers will be working together to collaboratively plan and start making preparations for the 5 year IB Programme Evaluation. All IB schools are required to complete an evaluation and the process is very rigorous and comprehensive. Our current topic for IB Programme Development is literacy and language learning support throughout the school.

Spring term ASAs are being planned - we would like to ask you for your feedback!

Students and Parents can complete the form here that shows the ASA options and ideas for next term as well as a feedback option at the bottom.

Some examples of the new ASA options are paddle boarding, bowling, beach volleyball and WildPlay! We will only run the ASAs with the most interest and demand.

Please complete the form by February 17^th (next Thursday). Thank you in advance, we appreciate your feedback!

 ASA Feedback Form

Students enjoying the Olympic Games in the Dining Hall at lunchtime

Spirit Week

MYP4 students are planning a Spirit Week next week (Feb. 14th -18th) as part of their service project.  The themes are: 

• Monday – Valentine Free Dress Day and $2 Hot Chocolate at lunch
• Tuesday - Jersey/Sports Team Day; Dodgeball Competition at lunch
• Wednesday - Wacky Hair and Hat Day
• Thursday - PJ Day, Scavenger Hunt and Breakfast for Lunch

Graduation Portraits

Graduation Portraits have been pushed back to February 28th to March 2nd. Students should be in formal uniform for their portraits. Graduation gowns and hats

Diploma Programme - Assessment

Assessment is a key component of teaching and learning. In the IB Diploma Programme, students are assessed both externally and internally. IB examiners mark the external assessments students write in their IB May exams. Our teachers mark the internal assessments (IA) which are externally moderated by IB.

Through the IA, students can demonstrate the application of their knowledge and skills for problem solving. Our DP2 students are now busy finalizing their IAs in multiple subjects. They will also be doing internal oral assessments in their language and literature subjects in the next few weeks.

Teachers are looking forward to seeing students’ demonstration of their approaches to learning (ATL) skills through the IAs. We wish them the best of luck!

Rui Li PhD

VP Academics

Print making in Art with Ms. Campbell

Middle Years Programme - Personal Projects

Our MYP5 class is headed into the final days of their personal project.

At the beginning of the school year, they each determined a learning goal based on a personal interest, as well as a product goal to demonstrate their experience and new knowledge. Topics have been diverse, including photography, sports, food allergies, weather satellites, filmmaking and fashion.

Students have spent many hours researching, using critical, creative and transfer thinking skills. They have been communicating with each other and their supervisors about their progress.  Most importantly, they have been learning how to effectively self-manage their growing to-do lists, finding time to fit in the requirements of their projects amid tasks, tests and extra-curricular commitments in and out of the classroom.

It has been great seeing the students actively engaged in their projects and watching them grow as individuals. They are currently finishing their products, writing their reports, and reflecting on how their projects have helped them develop as IB Learners. Their final reports are due on February 28^th, 2022. Good luck with the deadline everyone!

After spring break, we hope to celebrate their accomplishments with a Personal Project Exhibition on April 14th. More details on this event to follow.

The MYP4 class will receive an introduction to the Personal Project in May. 

Melanie Moroz

MYP Coordinator

Our younger students find a comfy spot to work on their math assignment.

Mr. Dean helping his Design students build marble runs.

Senior Boy's Basketball

Our Senior Boys basketball team came out fierce at the South Island qualifying tournament this week, hosted by Duncan Christian School. In our first game, we played Cedar Community School, and we came out strong, and never looked back. The boy's defense was stellar, which set them up with confidence in the offense, sinking shots and fighting for rebounds. Point guards, Alex and Stan, set up plays flawlessly allowing our top scorers of the game, Vigo, Jack and Mark, to score 14 points apiece. 

In our second game, we played GNS, one of the top 3 ranked teams in BC. The boys came out strong and were in the lead after the first quarter. Going into the second quarter, GNS chipped away, and we were down by 10 at the half. The boys truly left their hearts out on the court and they played hard defense throughout the whole game. Although our play was something to be proud of, GNS proved that their height and endurance was a force to be reckoned with. In the end the boys took the loss with good sportsmanship, and left with pride. Jack led the team again in points (12) and defensive plays, with Seiya (9), Coen (8) and Alex (8) close behind. The boys play again today at 4pm, to fight for Island Championship qualifications. Wish them luck! If you're interested in watching the game today, you can cheer them on via livestream

Fun Friday - School Quiz

Fun Friday was a school quiz at lunchtime - who knew the name of Mr. T's cat? Students of all grades (and teachers) took part and enjoyed the good natured competition!

The student fundraising for Black Shirt Day totaled $117.05. All funds raised went to support the  Ninandodoo Society.

Dorm Activities for February 

• Friday 7:30pm - Laser Bowling
• Friday 8:00pm - Olympics - Team Canada vs USA hockey 
• Saturday 1:30pm - Clay jewelry making 
• Saturday 8:00pm - Ice cream in common room 1
• Sunday 2:00pm - Beach Walk
• Sunday 3:30pm - Super Bowl, big screen in dining hall