First Days of School: Community, Connection, Celebration.

Dear families,

Congratulations on what I would call a very successful first week of the new school year. It was so wonderful connecting with so many of you this week, whether at the Welcome Back BBQ (with record attendance!) or drop off or somewhere in between. This week at the welcome back assembly I shared with the students that I really care about them as people and learners, and that, over time, I hope that they can feel comfortable with me being a trusted adult for them here at Brookes Westshore. Every student has something new to navigate right now, and I am right alongside them; thank you for supporting your child(ren) in navigating the new school year with patience, grace, and understanding. We are in this together!

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Ziebart

Principal

Shout out to our kitchen crew for all their hard work!

Building connections and strengthening community at our Welcome Back BBQ

Student Information Verification Form

This week, day families received a printed copy of the current "Student Information Verification Form" from MyEd (the Provincial School Information database), as we need to ensure that this information is the most accurate as possible each year.

We realize that this information was sent out without prior communication and apologize for any confusion this may have caused. We would appreciate if this form could be returned to the front desk or your child's homeroom teacher by Friday, September 18th.

A digital consent package was also sent out this week from Brookes via Bailley Strom and PandaDocs. If you did not receive this package, or have any questions about any of the above, please reach out to the front desk.

Upcoming Trips

• Grade 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

Upcoming Meet the Teacher/Parent & Guardian Information Opportunities

Please join us for the following opportunities to learn more about your child(ren)’s teachers and the curricular programming for the coming year!

Thursday, September 17th: DP2 University Guidance Parent Information Session. 4 to 5 pm at Royal Roads Arbutus Building

Thursday, September 17th: 3.30 to 5 pm MYP2 - MYP5 Meet the Teachers (3.30 to 4 pm Dining Hall; 4 to 5 pm Classrooms)

Thursday, September 24th: 3.30 to 5 pm Grade 4 to MYP1 Meet the Teachers 3.30 to 4 pm Dining Hall; 4 to 5 pm Classrooms

Terry Fox Run last year

Terry Fox Run 2026

Many of our international families may be new to the Terry Fox Run, one of Canada's most inspiring traditions. Terry Fox was a young Canadian who set out to run across the country to raise funds and awareness for cancer research, and his legacy continues to unite millions of people each year.

Next Friday, September 18th, our school community will join this national movement with a special run at the Juan de Fuca Rec Centre, coming together in a spirit of perseverance, compassion, and community.

We are looking forward to a fun and energetic afternoon as students cheer one another on, celebrate healthy activity, and help carry Terry's message of hope forward. Please consider supporting our school's fundraising efforts using the button below - every contribution makes a difference!

Remember! Our top student fundraiser gets to choose someone to be soaked at our annual Soak a Senior event at the end of September!

Preparing for Orange Shirt Day (September 29th)

Students are invited to wear an orange shirt on Tuesday, September 29th to acknowledge National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (September 30th).

From September 23rd - 28th all students will participate in a plant walk and talk with an ethnobotanist from Tsawout First Nation. There will be a community block on September 29th, where Brookes staff and students will participate in a culminating reflective activity in coordination with the plant walk and talk activity.

Families are welcome to purchase an orange shirt from where they like; if looking for a recommendation, Victoria Orange Shirt Day is a local organization that has partnered with many businesses to sell their beautifully designed shirts.

The Gryphon Has Spoken!

There was a little magic in the air on Wednesday as our new students gathered for one of Brookes Westshore’s most exciting traditions: House selection!

One by one, Mr. B called each new student forward, where our very own Gryphon - perched above their heads - made the all-important choice: Lynx, Eagle, Wolf or Orca?

Once the Gryphon had spoken, Mr. B announced the result to a roar of cheers, and the newest House member (including new teachers) joined their waiting Housemates in celebration.

More than just a bit of fun, our House system is all about connection and community. It brings students together across grades, cultures and backgrounds, creating opportunities to make new friends, work as a team and build a real sense of belonging.

Welcome to your House! 

Wear Your Colours with Pride!

A House T-shirt is more than just a shirt. It is a visible sign of belonging, teamwork, and school spirit. Whether cheering on teammates, taking part in House challenges, or celebrating school events, students look fantastic representing their House colours.

House shirts are available in cotton or polyester and can be ordered online. A sizing chart is available online. Please choose carefully, as all sales are final with no exchanges or refunds.

Hello Brookes Westshore families,

We are so excited to be joining the Brookes Westshore team for the 2026 –2027 school year! We are looking forward to meeting all of the students, families, and staff and supporting the school community in any way we can.

We are especially excited to be part of a school that values creativity, connectivity, and character, and that is committed to supporting students in a caring environment. We hope to carry these same values into the Health Centre by creating a welcoming, supportive space where students feel comfortable, cared for, and connected. We look forward to getting to know our students and helping them feel their best so they can learn, grow, and pursue the things they are passionate about.

Ashley will be in the Health Centre Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Tracy will be in the Health Centre on Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Coen, who is also a dorm parent, will be in the Health Centre every Wednesday and on different days throughout the school year.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us by email or phone with any questions, concerns, or anything else we can help with. We are always happy to connect and are looking forward to a wonderful school year together!

T: 250-940-5181

Email: healthcentre@westshore.brookes.org

Warmly,

Ashley, Tracy and Coen

Resource to share on behalf of the BC Ministry of Education

Launching this school year, B.C.’s Welcoming Schools resource is focused on fostering learning environments where all students feel safe, welcome, connected, and supported, and can focus on learning. This new landing page brings together existing resources and provides updated policy, guidance, and tools for schools, districts and families to support learning, promotion, prevention, and response efforts across a range of topic areas. Additional information and resources will be shared on the B.C.’s Welcoming Schools webpage throughout the 2026-27 school year.

Website: B.C.'s Welcoming Schools

Uniform News

Label it, don't lose it!
Please make sure all clothing and personal items are clearly labelled with your child's name. This helps us reunite lost items with their owners quickly.

Missing something? Check the Lost & Found bin in the Dining Hall, where unclaimed items are regularly placed.

Need to return a new uniform item? Please contact Top Marks directly at www.topmarks.ca.

Looking for used uniforms? Email uniforms@westshore.brookes.org to arrange an appointment or visit our Uniform Store every Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. to browse and try on items.

Have uniforms your child has outgrown? We gratefully accept donations of clean, gently used items for our Uniform Store.

Jackets Now Available

Our rain jackets and puffy jackets are available to order online.

Please check the online sizing chart carefully before ordering. All sales are final, with no exchanges or refunds.

Baking up a storm in last year's Baking ASA!

Term 1 After School Activities

Don't forget to sign up! Our ASAs are connected to the IB's Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and offer a variety of opportunities depending on your age. Some fun examples this term include Tennis, School Band, Art, Oxygen Fitness, Spanish for Travelers, Blacksmithing, and more!

Registration is available through the SchoolsBuddy app and will be open for one week, so please make sure to sign up during this period.

Registration closes: Wednesday, September 16th at midnight

ASA Start Date: Monday, September 21st

If you have any issues with SchoolsBuddy, please contact Aija Salvador at aijasalvador@westshore.brookes.org

Practicing for Safety

This week our school community took part in a scheduled fire drill as part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our students and staff safe.

While drills are a routine part of school life, they are particularly important in a boarding community. For our dorm families, knowing that students and staff regularly practice how to respond calmly and safely in an emergency is an important part of the care we provide.

These practices help everyone understand where to go, what to do and how we look after one another when it matters. Thank you to our students and staff for taking the drill seriously and helping us build a safe, caring and prepared school community.

School Trip Sign Up

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

Sign up as soon as possible! Registration is open! 

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.

Brookes Tennis Academy
Bear Mountain Tennis Centre

Brookes Westshore and Bear Mountain Tennis Centre have partnered to offer a Tennis Academy designed to help students develop their skills, confidence, and understanding of the game. Whether students are new to tennis or looking to take their game to the next level, they will benefit from professional instruction from Bear Mountain’s experienced coaches, Rachel Gould and Martin Bright, along with access to excellent training facilities and a positive, supportive learning environment. Through a combination of instruction, practice, and match play, students will develop their technique, learn game strategy, and build a strong foundation that allows them to continue progressing and enjoy the sport to its fullest.

The Academy includes:

• Professional instruction from experienced tennis coaches
• September – December (Term 1)
• Choice of one or both weekly sessions
• Monday and/or Wednesday, 3:30–5:15 pm
• Personalized coaching and hands-on instruction
• Technique development, including serves, volleys, and groundstrokes
• Match play and game strategy
• Physical conditioning and movement
• Sportsmanship and confidence building
• Transportation to and from Brookes Westshore

Term Cost:

• Monday OR Wednesday: $275 per student (taxes included)
• Monday AND Wednesday: $550 per student (taxes included)

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 and 5 Coordinator
• Kate Barton - MYP and Personal Project Coordinator
• Linda Bayes - DP Coordinator & University Counsellor
• Charissa Heagy - Director of Residence
• Martin Staffolani - Executive Director of Recruitment
• Katrina Oulette - School Counsellor

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.