MYP3 enjoying a hike in PHE.

Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,

Our DP1 students presented their TOK Exhibitions yesterday, sharing thoughtful connections between classroom learning and the world around them. It was wonderful to see their curiosity, creativity, and confidence on display.

Next week, we look forward to our MYP3/DP1 Strathcona camping trip, an enriching outdoor education experience for our students to learn, connect, and challenge themselves beyond the classroom. A big thank you to our activity team, Ms. Aija and Ms. Rachel, for their outstanding work organizing this trip, as well as all of the Tofino trips over the past few weeks. We are also very grateful to all of the trip chaperones for their time, care, and commitment in supporting our students.

Next Friday is also our Graduation Ceremony, and we are excited to celebrate this important milestone with our DP2 students and their families. It is always a special opportunity to reflect on their hard work, growth, and the many contributions they have made to our school community.

Please remember that we will be in formal uniform for graduation on Friday (not Thursday).

Wishing everyone a wonderful long weekend!

With gratitude,

Dr. Rui Li

Principal

• Monday, May 18th to Thursday, 21st May - Grade 8 and DP1 Strathcona Park Trip
• Monday, May 18th - Victoria Day (no classes)
• Friday, May 22nd - Graduation 2026 (and formal uniform day)

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! 

With graduation right around the corner, we are delighted to celebrate the range and depth of university acceptances our students have received this year. Our students have earned offers from leading institutions across Canada and around the world, spanning a wide variety of programs - from sciences, engineering, and business to the arts, humanities, and beyond. This diversity speaks to the unique passions, talents, and ambitions that define this group, as well as their willingness to explore opportunities on a global stage.

Equally inspiring is the caliber of the institutions that have recognized our students’ hard work and dedication. Their success is a testament not only to their academic commitment, but also to their resilience, curiosity, and engagement in the broader life of the school.

As they prepare to take their next steps, we are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished and excited to see the impact they will make in communities around the world.

Canada

• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• University of Calgary
• Dalhousie University
• Emily Carr University of Art and Design
• University of Guelph
• Lakehead University
• McGill University
• McMaster University
• University of Ottawa
• Simon Fraser University
• University of Toronto
• Vancouver Film School
• University of Victoria
• University of Waterloo
• Western University

US

• Miami University
• Seattle University 
• University of Washington, Seattle

UK

• University of Birmingham
• Kings College London
• London University
• University of Manchester
• Nottingham Trent University

Worldwide

• Nanyang Techological University - Singapore
• Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
• Universities in Japan release acceptances later in the year

Theory of Knowledge Exhibition

This Thursday, our students proudly presented their Theory of Knowledge (TOK) Exhibition, showcasing their ability to think critically and make meaningful connections between knowledge and the real world.

Each display reflected a deep exploration of the prompt questions, supported by carefully chosen objects that illustrated how knowledge is constructed, interpreted, and shared. The exhibition space was alive with thoughtful conversation as students articulated their ideas and engaged visitors in discussions about perspectives, evidence, and the nature of understanding itself.

What stood out most was the confidence and authenticity with which students approached their work. Their exhibitions highlighted not only strong analytical skills, but also creativity and personal insight, as many connected their topics to lived experiences and global issues. The TOK Exhibition is a powerful opportunity for students to bring abstract concepts to life, and this year’s presentations were a true reflection of their intellectual curiosity and growth. Congratulations to all students for their impressive efforts and engaging contributions!

Gauss Mathematics Contest

Some of our Grade 6, 7 and 8 students embraced the challenge of the Gauss Mathematics Contest this week, demonstrating curiosity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills. This nationally recognized competition encourages students to think creatively and apply their mathematical knowledge in new and engaging ways.

Throughout the experience, students tackled a range of questions that tested logic, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking. More importantly, they developed confidence in approaching complex problems and learned the value of persistence when faced with a challenge.

We are proud of all participants for stepping outside their comfort zones and representing our school with such enthusiasm. The Gauss Contest is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate mathematical thinking, and our students certainly rose to the occasion!

The Gauss Contests introduce students in Grades 7 and 8 to a broader perspective of mathematics than their school curriculum can typically provide in a fun, accessible way. Intriguing problems and a multiple-choice format make the Gauss contests a wonderful opportunity for all participants to grow their interest in and curiosity about the power of math. (Gauss website)

MYP 3 enjoyed gorgeous sunshine for their hike up Mill Hill in PHE this week (you can see the snowcapped peak of Mt. Baker on the horizon behind them!)

On Thursday we had EyesMultimedia on campus to help us with some video testimonials. Students were very excited to be part of a film shoot and did a brilliant job of staying on the mark and talking about their life at Brookes. Thanks to everyone who was involved and made it such a fun experience - the videos will take a while to edit together but we will share them with you as soon as we have them!

Dorm students were treated to the amazing sight of an Orca breaching in the coastal waters of Victoria last weekend - an experience that is quintessentially West Coast!

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!

Last Saturday we were delighted to welcome a group of distinguished education advisors to Brookes Westshore for a comprehensive campus visit. Sofia Schomerus from Future Perfect Austria, Yemisi Ogunlade from Plumptrea Advisory Nigeria, and Tatiana Halabi from Grupo Artha Brazil enjoyed a detailed tour of our school premises, where they had the opportunity to explore our facilities firsthand. A highlight of the visit was the chance for them to connect directly with our dedicated boarding staff and our vibrant community of international boarding students. Our guests shared that they were highly impressed with the school’s environment and the quality of our programs, making for a truly successful day of global connection.

Last Friday, our junior boys basketball team took to the court for a spirited and entertaining game against our staff team. The matchup was filled with energy, friendly competition, and plenty of memorable moments, as students and staff alike showcased their skills and teamwork. The boys played with determination and enthusiasm, keeping the game close and exciting throughout, while the staff brought experience - and a few veteran moves - to the floor. Beyond the final score, the game was a fantastic opportunity to build school spirit and strengthen connections within our community. Congratulations to both teams for a great game! And yes, the Junior Boys won!

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.