Dear Brookes Westshore Families and Friends,

This week saw the start of our After School Activities (ASA) for the term. There are over 30 different activities running this term – we try hard to offer a range of creative, active, and academic activities for the students. COVID 19 restrictions have impacted what we can do outside the school, but we are delighted that, for example, our boxing and fencing partners are still coming here to coach the students. You may have heard that Mr. Rudner has left the school – rest assured that the ASAs programme is in good hands, with Ms. Kate and Ms. Aija working together to build on Mr. Rudner’s excellent work.

Today, Friday, we gave the students a treat to help stave off the winter blues. Staff brought in their (very well-behaved) puppies, and we set up a hot chocolate booth in the courtyard along with fire pits and music. We can all use a break from the routine, and it is important that our students feel cared for and supported. I hope you take the time to care for yourselves too!

With kind regards,

Jerry Salvador

Head of School

We have had a very busy week and are so thankful that students are in school and engaged in learning.

As you know, the number of student and staff absences due to illness is being closely monitored and recorded on a daily basis.  The number at home due to illness remains very low.  I encourage everyone to continue with their diligence and respect for the public health orders which assist us to keep the school open and provide a safe place for our students to learn.

Thank you for using the attendance excusal tab on ManageBac to communicate your child’s absence from school.  Dakota is grateful for your support and it allows her to collect the daily attendance more efficiently.

Grade 12 students have completed a very stressful week of Mock Exams and they are now on the path to complete the final term of the IB Diploma. The final IB Examinations are written during the month of May 2022.  Grade 12 students are also finishing their University Applications and several have already received acceptances.  Once I collect more of their acceptances, I will share that information with you.

Linda Bayes

Deputy Head of School

A quiet moment in the middle of the day

We gave the MPY 4 students a survey last week to gather, process, and evaluate their opinions about our school’s educational practices and learning environment. We value everyone’s honest and objective feedback about our school - it really helps us to understand and work on possible areas of improvement.

We will be running the survey with other grade levels throughout the year to listen to students’ voices, which will be taken into consideration when we make plans for next year. Together, we can keep making our school a better and better place for learning!

Rui Li

Vice Principal of Academics / DP Coordinator

The school courtyard and Fun Friday activities

School Ski Trips

After much discussion we have decided to push the dates of the school ski trips back a few weeks. We think that this is the most prudent decision with the current COVID 19 rates.  We know the ski trips are a highlight of the year, and are excited to get the dates set! The new dates have been confirmed with Mt. Washington Alpine Resort and we will be sending out details and sign ups next week. Watch this space!

Ski Trip Dates (Revised)

• February 26th (Saturday)
• March 5th (Saturday)
• March 11th (Friday)

Pro D Day

February 18 is a Professional Development day for teachers – there will be no school on that day.

This week our grade 10 student, Maggie, presented about Food Allergies and Sensitivities to her classmates as part of her IB Personal Project. Then, on Friday, students wore casual clothes to show their support.  Thanks Maggie, and great job!

Our After School Programmes got going this week. We work hard to offer a range of activities that students with different passions can engage in and enjoy. After a day of study many students opt for the quieter and more contemplative creative ASAs. Here you can see students making beaded bracelets, colouring and drawing, and working with Dr. Li on their cross stitch skills.

ASA Contact

Please email frontdesk@westshore.brookes.org with ASA related messages.

Junior Boys Basketball

Sadly, the boys lost against Spectrum this week. But you can see from the photos that they put in a strong effort and worked hard throughout. 

To help keep the winter blues at bay we had a 'Fun Friday' lunchtime with hot chocolate, fire pits and music.

We are now going to be celebrating Fun Fridays regularly to help lift everyone’s spirits in these difficult winter days.  Today was our first one! 

Thank you to Mr. B’s new puppy “Luna”, Ms. Tamara’s dog “Wiggles”, Ms. Olivia’s dog “Oppie” and Ms. Taelors dog “Ottis” for visiting with the students today! 

Activities for Jan 21st - 23rd

• Friday 8:00pm - Paint Night in Common Room 1 
• Saturday 1:00pm - California Kickball in gym 
• Sunday 2:00pm - Hike with Mr Carlos
• Saturday 7:00pm - Chinese New Year Cooking Common Room 1