The school feels empty without the students!

Hello and happy Friday!

As we look to turn the final corner on August, I have been reflecting on the concept of interconnectedness. With each person that returns to campus, I feel an added sense of the interconnectedness of us all and our shared purpose here at Brookes Westshore. Connection is one of my main priorities, and this coming week will be a fantastic opportunity for our staff to start the year from a place of connection by coming together as a community in several ways. The first of many orientations started this week, as we welcomed new faculty to campus to get introduced to Brookes and started in a good way.

This year we welcome the following teachers to the Brookes Westshore faculty team:

• Ashlee Booker – MYP and DP Science
• Colin Groves – Grade 5
• Denzil Brown – Grade 4
• Elaine Kao – MYP Individuals and Societies and French
• Kirsten Livingston – DP Geography and Environmental Systems and Societies
• Nicole Krosse – MYP Mathematics
• Sandrine Leopold – MYP and DP French
• Suzie Weiler – MYP English

We are also happy to welcome back the following faculty:

• Cathryn Clackson – MYP Science
• Julia Friedmann – MYP French

The momentum is building, and the energy is palpable for what is sure to be a wonderful year. We can’t wait to see you!

With gratitude,

Dr. Lisa Ziebart

Principal

New teachers were focused today in their orientation session with Ms. Barton.

Key Dates for new boarding students:

Thursday, September 3rd: Campus open for check-in and room visits (9:30am–4:30pm)

Friday, September 4th: Formal Orientation Day for new students and parents (9:00am – 4:00pm)

Monday September 7th: All boarding students must be on campus by 4:00pm

Tuesday September 8th: First day of school!

For the full orientation schedule please click here.

New Day Parent Orientation

We would like to invite all new day student parents to the school for a 1-hour orientation session prior to school starting. This session will provide parents with an opportunity to meet the teachers, learn about the software programs used for reporting and communication and find out more about daily life at Brookes Westshore. 

This session will be a great chance to ask questions and meet other parents and guardians who are new to our school community. We find this session works best if parents can focus on the information - please try and find childcare if at all possible. 

Wednesday, September 2nd

• Grades 4-5: 1:00-2:00pm
• Grades 6-12: 2:30-3:30pm

Please note new students will have their own orientation on the first day of school. Students are expected to arrive for the first day in school uniform and will be shown where to go to class and meet their grade level leaders. Students will receive their timetable, school IT login information and learn about school policies and guidelines during this orientation.

School Trip Update

Our amazing school trips provide valuable opportunities for students to explore new destinations, strengthen friendships, and engage in meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom.

It is important to sign up for trips early to support us with planning and logistics, including accommodation and group organization. Registration is open - new students will be able to register during orientation and the first week of school. 

Fall 2026 Trip Dates:

• Gr 4/5 – September 17th – Camp Imadene
• MYP1 (Gr 6) – September 18th – Camp Imadene
• MYP2 (Gr 7) – September 16th – Camp Imadene
• MYP3 (Gr 8) – September 21st – 23rd – Camp Potlatch
• MYP4 (Gr 9) – September 30th – October 2nd – Camp Qwanoes
• MYP5 (Gr 10) – September 14th – 16th – East Sooke
• DP2 (Gr 12) – October 2nd – 4th – Salt Spring Island
• DP1 (gr 11) - October 19th - 21st - Camp Imadene

Sign up and Payment for all school trips will be through the SchoolsBuddy app. 

If you have any questions, please contact rnonni@westshore.brookes.org.

Rocky Mountain Adventure | Spring Break Trip 2027

Back by popular demand! After an incredible trip last spring, we are thrilled to bring the Rocky Mountain Adventure back for Spring Break 2027!

This journey takes students through the most spectacular destinations in the Canadian Rockies. Highlights include skiing and snowboarding in Banff and Jasper, taking in the views at Lake Louise and Athabasca Falls, relaxing in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, exploring historic mountain towns, and visiting Calgary and the West Edmonton Mall.

Ski, Snowboard & Experience the Rockies

Students will have multiple opportunities to hit the slopes! This adventure is well suited for both experienced skiers and snowboarders as well as beginners. Whether you are already confident on the slopes or excited to try something brand new, it is an unforgettable way to challenge yourself, build confidence, and explore the mountains with friends.

• Interested? Contact Ms. Steph at sbloor@westshore.brookes.org to express interest or ask questions.

Please note: Final trip itineraries, registration dates, pricing, and package details will be shared with families as soon as logistics are finalized. Stay tuned, we can’t wait to head back to the Rockies with our Brookes students!

Spring Break 2027 – Japan Cultural Experience Trip

For Students in Grades 8–12

We are so excited about our Spring Break 2027 trip to Japan for students in Grades 8–12 - an unforgettable opportunity to explore one of the world’s most fascinating countries through culture, connection, and adventure.

This educational and cultural experience will allow students to:

• Build global awareness and intercultural understanding
• Experience daily life and traditions in Japan
• Strengthen international friendships and connections
• Develop independence, confidence, and global citizenship
• Create lifelong memories with classmates and teachers

Trip Highlights

Students can look forward to an amazing itinerary featuring:

• Tokyo Disneyland / Disney Resort experience
• Riding Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains
• Exploring the excitement and energy of downtown Tokyo
• Experiencing the beauty of Japan’s iconic cherry blossom season
• Cultural visits, local cuisine, shopping, and historical sites
• Opportunities to connect with the Saku Chosei school community

Japan offers a perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation, giving students a truly immersive global experience unlike any other.

More details regarding dates, costs, and itinerary can be found in the video slideshow above (narrated by our own Mr. B, who will be one of the staff chaperones on the trip).

We encourage interested students and families to begin considering this exciting opportunity now. We look forward to sharing this remarkable journey with our students!

School Supplies

Grades 4 & 5: All necessary supplies are provided by the school.

Grade 6 (MYP1) and above: Please send your student with the following basic supplies:

• Binder
• Lined and graph paper
• Pencil case
• Ruler
• Pencils
• Black and blue gel or ballpoint pens
• Highlighter
• Eraser and pencil sharpener

All students: We recommend a permanent marker or name tags for personal items and uniform pieces.

A scientific calculator is required for MYP3–5 (Grades 8–10).

In the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12), a graphing calculator is required. These can be purchased from the school.

For students in MYP2 (Grade 7) and above, a Windows or Mac laptop with a full day's battery life is expected. Please bring a charger if needed. Microsoft Office 365 is provided by the school. Limited IT support is available for student-owned devices.

LEGO Engineering - thank you (and we would love some more)!

We are excited to expand our after-school programming for Grade 4/5 students next year and are looking to build a LEGO collection to support a new LEGO Engineering ASA and stop-motion animation projects.

We have gratefully accepted LEGO donations over the summer - and we would love some more!  We are happy to have LEGO of all kinds, including complete sets, incomplete sets, and loose bricks and pieces. Any and all donations will be gratefully received and can be dropped off at the school’s front desk.

Thank you for supporting our students and helping us create engaging, hands-on learning opportunities!

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:

• Dr. Lisa Ziebart - School Principal
• Andrea Salvador - Executive Director of Administration and Operations
• 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
• Chariss Heagy - Director of Residence
• 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.