Dr. Li, Tish, and Mr. B celebrate the completion of Tish's term as SLC President.
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
Welcome back, and happy new year to our school community! I hope the winter break gave you time to rest, reconnect, and enjoy time with family and friends. As we begin the new year, our classrooms are once again full of energy, curiosity, and familiar routines. The school is already busy with sports games, ski trips, and field trips, bringing a great sense of excitement to campus.
This week, our DP2 students officially retired from the Student Leadership Council (SLC). Their dedication and leadership have been deeply appreciated, and they have been truly inspiring role models for the students who continue in these roles.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support as we look ahead to a positive term of learning and growth together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Today's ski trip has been a lot of fun!
- Thursday, January 15th - Grades 9 to 12 Ski Trip
- Friday, January 16th - Fun Friday
- Monday, January 19th - Blue Monday
- Thursday, January 22nd - International Fair
- Friday, January 30th - Graduation Photos
Sexual Health Education
We are fortunate to have a certified sexual health educator from Vancouver joining our school from January 26th to 29th to deliver the sexual health components of the curriculum to our students in Grades 4–11.
These sessions are age-appropriate, align with provincial curriculum expectations, and are designed to provide students with accurate information in a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
The sessions will take place during the students' grade 4-10 PHE classes and PHE teachers will be present during all sessions. Grade 11 students will have their session during their Biology or Flex block. Please review the specific grade level content and resource sheet sent out via Managebac.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
DP2 Biology: Sheep Heart and Lung Dissection
This week, our IB Diploma Programme 2 Biology class had the opportunity to deepen their understanding of physiology through a hands-on demonstration. Students observed a live dissection led by their teacher, Ms. McIntosh, bringing textbook concepts vividly to life.
The session focused on illustrating the intricate structures and function of the circulatory and respiratory systems. Students examined the chambers of the heart, valves, and major blood vessels, as well as the branching bronchioles and spongy lung tissue. These observations reinforced the key IB DP Biology curriculum goals of Theme B: Structure and Function and the interconnectedness of organs and organ systems.
This experience also reflected the IB Learner Profile attributes in action. Students demonstrated Inquirers by engaging with the dissection process and posing thoughtful questions. They became Knowledgeable, applying prior learning to interpret what they saw. The activity encouraged Thinkers, as students considered the similarities and differences between sheep and human anatomy, and Principled, respecting ethical considerations in the use of animal specimens for education.
By bridging theory and practice, this lesson not only enriched students’ understanding of biology but also highlighted the importance of curiosity and responsibility in scientific learning. It was a memorable experience that exemplifies the IB’s commitment to developing well-rounded, scientifically literate learners.
The students are excited to take on their own dissections next week!
MYP1 Visual Art class opened the term with musical mark making and pipe cleaner sculptures.
Student Leadership Council
The DP2 students on the Student Leadership Council have come to the end of their term and, on Thursday, handed over their responsibilities to the next generation of student leaders. They have done an amazing job and built on the legacy of previous student leaders at our school Thank you!
University of Victoria Parent Night - January 14th and 26th
Parent Night (virtual) is a popular webinar where parents learn valuable, research-backed advice to help their students successfully transition and thrive in university life. UVic will also cover admission requirements, scholarships, application deadlines and more. Students are welcome to join!
MYP5 attended the Royal BC Museum today to view the Imax Great Bear Rainforest and view some of the reopened exhibits like natural history and living languages as part of BC First Nations class.
Grade 5 enjoying a hike in the forest.
Volleyball season is underway, and the teams have been coming out for practice this week to get ready for the season ahead. Here the grade 6-8 boys are put through their paces by Mr. Thom and Mr. T.
Go Gryphons!
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.
