Dear Brookes Westshore Families and Friends,
This week, we came together to recognize Pink Shirt Day, a day that reminds us of the power of kindness, respect, and standing up for one another. At Brookes, we believe that kindness is more than just a word; it is an action. It is in the way we support our classmates, welcome new students, and speak up when something is not right. It was truly inspiring to see so many students and staff wearing pink, which is not just a colour but a statement that we are a school where everyone belongs. While Pink Shirt Day is just one day, the message behind it stays with us all year. Thank you to everyone who helped create a school culture where everyone feels safe, valued and supported.
I am very much looking forward to seeing you all at the Spring Fling on March 13th. I find this time of year is so full of promise - with the weather changing for the better, and the days getting longer. The Spring Fling is a way for us to say thank you to all our families for your support and for entrusting us with the education of your children. We love to be part of every child’s journey, and I hope to see you at the Spring Fling to say “thank you” in person.
Some important upcoming dates:
- The last week of Term 2 ASAs is March 3rd - 7th. There will be no ASAs during the week of March 10th - 14th.
- Last day of school before the Spring Break is Friday, March 14th - regular dismissal time at 3:20 pm.
- Term 2 Learning Update will be issued on April 4th.
- Finding a Balance with Digital Technology with Shannon Husk at 4pm on April 8th (more details and registration coming next week).
- Parent-Teacher conferences will be on April 10th and 17th from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Early dismissal at 2 pm and no ASAs on both days.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Last week's Lip Sync Battle brought out the performers!
2025 Tofino Trips
We are pleased to announce the dates of this year's trips to Tofino. Information packages will be sent out to the grade groups via Managebac early next week!
Grade 11 - April 24th - 27th
Grade 9 - May 1st - 4th
Grade 10 - May 15th - 18th
White Hatter Presentation
Grades 8-11 will be participating in a White Hatter presentation on the morning of Friday, March 7th. In the presentation, students will be engaged in topics that include online presence and communication, social media awareness, digital privacy and the law. The presentation is renowned and is delivered from experts in the field. For more details on the presentation, please visit this link: The White Hatter. Students shouldn't miss this chance to gain valuable insights into safe and responsible digital habits.
MYP 2 Drama
The MYP 2 Drama class had a lot of fun with some Shakespearean language this week - practicing some of the insults (and "exults") that have been delivered by many great actors over the years.
Student Leadership Council
Tish and Kate (President and Vice President) led their first workshop this week. They worked with other SLC members to lay a strong foundation for the coming year - looking at improving
- Understanding roles and responsibilities
- Proper etiquette within the council
- Fostering collaboration
- Enhancing brainstorming sessions
This first session will help the SLC to be more engaged and productive during the weekly meetings as well as feel more encouraged to complete their tasks and work.
Outside fun at the Royal Bay playground.
We were delighted to welcome Hugo Lam (class of 2023) back to the school this week. Hugo was kind enough to sit with us and talk about his time at Brookes from the perspective of a second-year Commerce student at Queen's University. You might find his insights interesting as his perspective has changed with a little distance.
Wax Crayons needed!
If you have any older wax crayons, please consider donating them to the school for a future Grade 4 art project. Please drop off at the front desk. Thank you!
Class Photos
Thursday, March 6th
We are pleased to announce Brookes Class Photos to be taken on Thursday, March 6th! Students are expected to wear their full formal uniform on this day.
- Grey pants or skirt
- White button up shirt
- Navy Zip up jacket or blazer
- Black shoes
- Brookes tie
Thank you to all the volunteers and donors who participated in the Coldest Night of the Year Walk! We raised a total of 857.33 dollars!
The Westshore had 329 walkers and raised 63,778 dollars for Pacific Center Family Service association and OurPlace!
The event as a whole has the stats below:
Shusei and Danyil delighted residence of the Trillium Seniors' Home with their piano playing this week.
Foodbank Fundraiser
DP1 students organized a collection for the Goldstream Foodbank. They were able to raise $1530 from the dormitory students! Thank you all and well done Eric, Alfonso (not pictured) and Sandra.
Term 3 ASAs
Start Date: Monday, April 7th
End Date: Friday, June 13th
Registration
Registration for Term 3 ASA's will open on Monday. March 3rd and close on Friday March 14th.
Just a reminder for what registering for an ASA entails:
- Students can choose up to 3 preferred ASA's PER DAY (#1 is first choice, #2 is second choice, #3 is third choice for each day).
- Registering for an ASA does not guarantee a spot in the activity.
- Registration is not "first come first serve" and students are assigned at random based on their selected preferences.
- If you are assigned to an activity, of any preference, students are expected to attend.
- Once ASAs begin, students will have 2 weeks to decide if they would like to stay in the activity. Afterwards, they will remain on the attendance list and no refunds can be made for chargeable activities.
Spring Craft Fair
The Student Leadership Council is organizing a Spring Craft Market giving students and families a chance to showcase and sell their creations! If you have a hobby or skill such as jewelry making, painting, or baking and are interested in running a booth, please fill out the survey linked here!
Senior Boys Basketball season wrapped up last Saturday at the Island Championships in Nanaimo. The boys went 1-2 on the weekend, eventually losing in the third-place qualifying game, ending their season. They played so well all year and grew every week as a team. A big thank you to all the Grade 12's for their effort and support of Brookes Basketball throughout their career here.
The grade 6/7 girls’ volleyball team finished in 6th place in the West Division of the competitive league and will participate in playoff games against Royal Oak Blue and Monterey Middle Schools next Tuesday, March 4th.
The grade 8 girls’ volleyball team finished league play in a 3-way tie with Centre Mountain Lellum and Dunsmuir for 5th place in the West Division of the competitive league. Due to points differential this left us in 7th place but with a spot in the playoffs.
The grade 8 girls’ volleyball team hosted teams from Pacific Christian School and Central Middle School yesterday in the first round of playoff games. The first game was very close and exciting, with Pacific Christian winning by narrow margins (22-20; 21-17). The second game was even closer with our team winning both sets over Central (21-19; 21-19). Special thanks to our great team of volunteers (Eva M, Lilly K, Aii T, and Mackenzie P) who did a great job keeping score and being linespeople.
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
- Spring Fling BBQ Thursday March 13th, 2025 - 3.30 to 5.30 pm
- The last week of Term 2 ASAs is March 3rd - 7th. There will be no ASAs during the week of March 10th - 14th.
- Last day of school before the Spring Break is Friday, March 14th - regular dismissal time at 3:20 pm.
- Term 2 Learning Update will be issued on April 4th.
- Finding a Balance with Digital Technology with Shannon Husk at 4pm on April 8th (more details and registration coming next week).
- Parent-Teacher conferences will be on April 10th and 17th from 2:30 to 5:30 pm. Early dismissal at 2 pm and no ASAs on both days.
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.
