At the top of Mt. Washington!
Dear Brookes Westshore Families and Friends,
This week has been a celebration of our vibrant, supportive, and truly global school community!
The International Fair yesterday was a great success, with 19 booths showcasing the diverse cultures, traditions, languages, and cuisines of our community! The dining hall was alive with celebrations, pride, laughter, and the spirit of harmony that defines our school. This event beautifully highlighted the multicultural nature of our school and the shared values that unite us. Thanks go to everyone who participated and contributed to this extraordinary event. A special thank you to our Global Awareness SLC members (Sophie W., Polina, JP, Bohdan Roz, Lisa B.) for their outstanding effort in organizing such a memorable celebration and Mr. B. for facilitating the event.
The ski trip on Wednesday was another fantastic event this week. The day on the mountain was thoroughly enjoyed by all. I want to extend my gratitude to all staff who helped to make the day a success. A big shout out to Ms. Brooklyn whose efforts ensured everything ran smoothly. A comment from one of the Mt. Washington staff really stood out – they shared that we are the most organized school they have worked with and that our students are the best. That is high praise and something we can all take pride in!
Last but not least, this week also marked a particularly meaningful milestone – the 1-year anniversary of welcoming all our 7 Ukrainian students to our school. Over the past year, we have witnessed their resilience and achievements. It has been an honor for us to be part of their journey. My heartfelt gratitude for the families who have played a role in supporting them – your generosity and kindness have made a real difference!
I feel incredibly grateful to be part of a community that values inclusivity, collaboration, and care. Thank you for continuing to make our school such a special place for everyone.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Slideshow of our International Fair 2025:
Auction 2025
Our annual fundraising auction will be on 25th April this year. As you know, this event is the key moment for us to raise funds to support the non-scholarship expenses for the seven Ukrainian students (pictured above) who will be graduating next year.
The funds are needed for the students’ travel expenses – making sure they can return to Ukraine this summer, connect with their families, community, and friends, and come back to Brookes feeling refreshed and ready for the new school year in September.
For the auction to be a success we need your help. We are looking for a small group of volunteer parents to work with us to approach the wider community – businesses, services, extended families – to source the key items that will entice the highest bids on auction night.
If you would like to know more and think this might be something you would enjoy – please let us know and together we will make a plan! Please email events@westshore.brookes.org.
Thank you!
Brookes Book Day: Friday, February 7th
As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage reading, we will celebrate Brookes Book Day on Friday, February 7th.
- English teachers will incorporate special activities into their lessons.
- Students are invited to dress up as their favourite book character and compete for House points in a costume contest in the courtyard at lunchtime.
Book Donations
We would be delighted to receive any donations of books that we could add to our supplies for independent reading in Grades 4-10. Perhaps you would like to make some room on your bookshelves? Or perhaps you remember a book you particularly loved when you were young, and would like to pick up a copy at a local bookshop to add to our shelves? Here is a list of recommendations if you need some inspiration!
We will have a box at Reception next week to receive your donations.
Thank you!
Island Sexual Health visits
BC Island Sexual Health will be attending Brookes Westshore next week to present to our MYP4-5 (Grade 9-10) students. The presentations are based on the curricular competencies outlined by the BC Physical and Health Education (PHE) curriculum. Click here for more information on Island Sexual Health Education. You can also access this website for resources to continue your conversations at home.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the MYP3-5 PHE teacher, Ms. Virginia Redden at vredden@westshore.brookes.org.
Reenrollment for 2025 - 2026 School Year
Many new families have expressed interest in joining us next year at Brookes Westshore. With this in mind we would like to start the re-enrollment process for our current families in the next few weeks. Re-enrollment notices will be sent out through our application system, and we appreciate your prompt response to ensure your child secures a spot in our classes for the 2025-2026 school year.
Exploring Plasmolysis in IB DP 1 Biology.
IB DP 1 Biology students recently investigated plasmolysis by observing onion cells in varying salt concentrations. Through this experiment, students examined how plant cells lose water in hypertonic solutions, causing the cell membrane to pull away from the cell wall. Using microscopes, they observed these changes and gained a deeper understanding of how channel proteins called aquaporins facilitate rapid diffusion of water.
Congratulations to Arlo for being accepted into both the Biotechnology/Chartered Professional Accountancy and Life Sciences with co-op programmes at the University of Waterloo (with a significant scholarship as well!). Well done Arlo!
To lift everyone’s spirits for ‘Blue Monday’ we put some fire pits out in the courtyard and served hot chocolate throughout the lunch break. With the sun shining and after a delicious pierogi lunch, students were full of smiles and laughter. Breaking up the routine and bringing our community together helps us maintain the positive balance that keeps us engaged and productive.
Beautiful skies above Mt. Washington for Wednesday's ski trip (thanks to Ms. McKintosh for these photos).
After School Activities
Our ASA programme is up and running. Students have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities that are fun, educational, and connect them with students from around the world and across the grades. Here we have Japanese cookery with Ms. Satsuki and model making with Mr. Dean, and a shout out for Mr. MacKnight's FAME group on Fridays!
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!
Term Two Events and Activities
- Lunar New Year Dance - Friday, 31st January
- Saku Chosei School (Japan) visit - Thursday, 13th February
- Pro D Day - no classes - Friday February 14th
- Inclusion Assembly - Thursday, February 20th
- Pink Shirt Day - Wednesday, February 26th
Key dates of 2023 to 2025: Key Dates 2024 / 2026 - Brookes Westshore
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
- Melanie Moroz - Academic Director
- Linda Bayes - DP Coordinator & University Counsellor
- Martin Staffolani - Executive Director of Recruitment
Please consider posting a review
If you have a minute, it will really help us to reach new families if you could consider posting a positive review online on Google or here (you will need to log in to the OurKids website to leave a review here). Prospective families love to hear from current parents about your real experiences here!
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.
