Everyone was ready for the Halloween Dance!
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
This week has been full of meaningful experiences beyond our classrooms. Our MYP5 students visited Goldstream Park to enrich their learning in BC First Nations (BCFN) classes. They learned about the salmon run through storytelling and Indigenous creation, deepening their understanding of local ecosystems and First Nations connections to the land. Our MYP1 students enjoyed an engaging trip to the Butterfly Gardens, linking their science learning to real-life observation and discovery. These experiences remind us that some of the most impactful learning happens when students explore and connect with the world around them.
Today, on the Pro-D Day, our faculty came together to focus on supporting students through a neuroaffirming lens, embracing the diverse ways our learners think, feel, and engage with the world. It was an inspiring day of reflection and collaboration as we continue building an inclusive environment where every student feels seen and supported.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Important Dates:
- Wednesday, 29th October- Photo Retake Day with Lifetouch
- Friday, 31st October - Pumpkin Carving and Costume Contest
- Friday, 7th November - Remembrance Day Ceremony
- Monday, 10th November - Parent Teacher Conferences (No Classes)
- Tuesday, 11th November - Remembrance Day (Holiday - No Classes)
Community Event
Wednesday, 10th December - Colwood Christmas Light Up 6 pm to 8 pm at Colwood City Hall, 3300 Wishart Road.
MYP3 Students Volunteer with Soap for Hope
As part of their Service as Action programme, our MYP3 students recently visited Soap for Hope in Victoria - an inspiring local organization that turns compassion into practical action. The visit offered students the chance to see firsthand how community partnerships can make a tangible difference in people’s lives while embodying key aspects of the IB Learner Profile.
Soap for Hope collects gently used hygiene amenities from hotels, airlines, and individuals, then cleans, repackages, and redistributes them to local shelters, food banks, and outreach programs. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to provide hygiene and comfort to those in need, while reducing unnecessary waste. Through this innovative model, Soap for Hope promotes both social and environmental sustainability - two values deeply aligned with our IB ethos.
During their visit, students rolled up their sleeves to sort, sanitize, and package donations. They were struck by the scale of the organization’s impact and the number of lives improved by something as small as a bar of soap. For many, it was a meaningful reminder that service is not just about giving but about understanding and connecting with the wider community.
This experience connected directly to the IB Learner Profile, encouraging students to be caring, principled, and reflective. They practiced collaboration and communication, discovered the importance of balance between privilege and responsibility, and developed greater awareness of global and local issues related to poverty, hygiene, and sustainability.
Volunteering experiences like this one help students recognize that service is action - a way to translate empathy into meaningful change. By engaging with organizations like Soap for Hope, our students learn that even small efforts can create ripple effects of kindness and care throughout the community.
To learn more about Soap for Hope’s mission and how you can support their work, visit Soap for Hope Canada.
Purdy's Chocolate Fundraiser
This year marks a special milestone as we prepare to celebrate the graduation of seven remarkable students from Ukraine who joined us on full scholarships three years ago. Their resilience, optimism, and dedication have deeply enriched our community through their academic excellence, leadership in service projects, and contributions to school life in sports, arts, and beyond.
As they prepare for their next steps toward university, we invite everyone to support the final phase of our scholarship fundraising. Your generosity has already transformed lives and strengthened our global community. Let’s finish strong with our Purdy’s Chocolates Fundraiser (details below)!
Sweet Support with Purdy’s!
Treat yourself and support our school at the same time! Our Purdy’s Chocolates Fundraiser is back - and just in time for the holidays!
When you order your favourite chocolates, truffles, and festive treats through our school’s campaign, a portion of every sale goes directly toward supporting our Ukrainian scholarship students and upcoming school activities. It’s the perfect way to spread a little sweetness while making a meaningful difference.
Orders can be placed online, and all treats will arrive in time for the winter break. So, stock up, share with friends, and help us finish the year strong!
Click here to get started!
Calling All Performers!
Our annual Winter Concert is just around the corner (December 4th) and we’re looking for talented student performers to take the stage! Whether you sing, dance, play an instrument, or have a unique routine to share, now’s the time to start practicing and polishing your performance. Sign-ups will open soon so get ready to bring your creativity and energy to one of our favourite events of the year!
MYP 1 Field Trip to the Butterfly Gardens
On Thursday our MYP 1 scientists visited the Victoria Butterfly Gardens to explore living systems in action! Students observed butterflies, birds, and tropical plants while practicing their scientific inquiry skills—making observations about life cycles and asking questions. They demonstrated the IB Learner Profile by being Inquirers, Knowledgeable Thinkers, and Caring Communicators, showing curiosity and respect for all living things.
MYP 5 Trip to Goldstream Park
This week our MYP 5 students visited Goldstream Park to witness one of British Columbia’s most remarkable natural events - the annual salmon run. As part of their BC First Peoples curriculum, the trip offered students a chance to explore the deep ecological and cultural significance of the salmon to Indigenous communities across the province.
The salmon run connects directly to key learning outcomes in the BC curriculum, including understanding the interconnections between people, places, and the environment, and recognizing the enduring presence and knowledge of First Peoples. Through guided walks and interpretive talks, students learned how salmon are central to the cultural, spiritual, and economic life of many Indigenous nations, and how traditional ecological knowledge continues to inform sustainable stewardship practices today.
The field experience also reflected key aspects of the IB Learner Profile. Students demonstrated inquiry and knowledge as they examined environmental systems, showed open-mindedness and respect in learning from Indigenous perspectives, and practiced reflection as they considered their own roles in protecting ecosystems.
The day at Goldstream Park was not only a vivid science and humanities lesson but also a meaningful reminder of our connection to the natural world and to the traditional lands on which we live, work and learn.
Our Halloween dance was a great success last night - and the costumes were amazing! Thanks to everyone who spent their time, effort, and creativity to decorate the space and make it such a memorable night!
Boxing ASA in full swing
University of Victoria Engineering Department talking with DP2 students yesterday.
Upcoming University visits to Brookes:
- November 27th – McMaster University
- November 20th – University of Alberta
- November 4th – DP2 students will visit to UBC/Emily Carr
Senior Girls Volleyball
Congratulations to the Senior Girls Volleyball team for a very strong night of volleyball. They played the strongest AAA teams in the region and won 4 out of 6 sets, stealing a thrilling set 27-25 against a tough Esquimalt team. The girls took down SMUS 25-12, 25-18, and split sets with Stelly’s 25-13, 22-25. Go Gryphons!
Congratulations to the Brookes running team for their efforts at the Royal Victoria Marathon 5K race.
Lost and Found
Our lost and found bins are overflowing with hoodies! If you have lost one, please come look through the bins.
Lost and found bins are located in the corner of the dining hall (near the ping pong table) and in the gym lobby.
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!
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; Grade 4 to MYP2 Coordinator
- Kate Barton - MYP 3-5 and Personal Project Coordinator
- Linda Bayes - DP Coordinator & University Counsellor
- Martin Staffolani - Executive Director of Recruitment
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.
