View from the top of Mt. Washington yesterday.
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
Our annual school ski trips over the past two weeks were a great success. It was wonderful to see our students challenging themselves, looking out for one another, and enjoying time together outside the classroom. Experiences like these really show the importance of balance, teamwork, and learning beyond academics.
I would like to extend a huge thank you to our Activity Team, especially Ms. Rachel and Ms. Aija, for all the time and care they put into organizing these trips. These experiences do not happen without a lot of behind-the-scenes work, and it is truly appreciated!
Term 2 ASAs will begin next week, and we are excited to see students continue to explore their interests and connect with others through these activities.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Glorious morning sunshine on Mt. Washington.
- Monday, January 19th - Blue Monday
- Thursday, January 22nd - International Fair
- Friday, January 30th - Graduation Photos
Graduation 2026 - Friday, May 22nd. Full details of our graduation ceremony and celebrations will be posted in the coming weeks.
Custom School Jackets for Sale!
Our puffer and rain jackets are once again on sale! Please note there is only a short window to purchase a jacket: from Friday, January 16th to Monday, January 26th.
Click here to go to the store.
Please pay attention to the sizing chart - unfortunately, as this is a custom order, we cannot provide refunds.
Purchased jackets will be sent to the school and then we will distribute them here.
Students Shine on the Slopes at Mt. Washington Alpine Resort
Over a hundred excited students headed up to Mt. Washington Alpine Resort yesterday for a full day of skiing, snowboarding, and community building and the experience couldn’t have been brighter. While the snow conditions weren’t ideal, the mountain made up for it with stunning sunshine, crisp air, and a panoramic view that set the stage for an unforgettable adventure.
Our students ranged from beginners to advanced riders, and each of them rose to the day with enthusiasm and courage. Many took their very first runs on skis or a snowboard, demonstrating the IB Learner Profile attributes of Risk-Takers and Inquirers as they stepped outside their comfort zones and tried something new. Those with more experience on the slopes showed leadership and caring by supporting friends, encouraging peers, and celebrating everyone’s progress.
Whether students spent the day carving down runs, mastering the magic carpet, or simply enjoying a snow-side lunch with friends, the shared experience was a reminder of the importance of joy in learning and growing together. Days like this reinforce that education extends well beyond the classroom: it lives in laughter, in challenge, in connection, and in shared experiences that strengthen us as individuals and as a community.
The positive energy on the mountain was unmistakable, and the sense of belonging was something everyone could feel.
Click for video - and to hear the icy conditions!
Most importantly, the day gave students the chance simply to have fun together - something that is essential for well-being and central to fostering a healthy school culture. As balanced learners, our students benefit greatly from opportunities to be active, adventurous, and connected to peers in ways that build resilience and lasting memories.
As the buses rolled back into school at the end of the day, tired legs and wide smiles told the story: the Mt. Washington ski trip was a wonderful success. We look forward to many more days like this that celebrate not only skill and challenge, but also friendship, community, and the joy of shared experiences.
Early morning arrival with sun coming up (we were on the buses at 5 am!)
Ready for the first run of the day.
Above the clouds at the top of the world!
Skiing or snowboarding - take your pick!
A well-earned lunch break.
Mr. Snieder strikes a pose (waiting for a Jay to land on his hand!)
The end of the day and time to take our boots off (with a little help!)
Sexual Health Education
We are fortunate to have a certified sexual health educator from Vancouver joining our school from January 26th to 29th to deliver the sexual health components of the curriculum to our students in Grades 4–11.
These sessions are age-appropriate, align with provincial curriculum expectations, and are designed to provide students with accurate information in a respectful, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.
The sessions will take place during the students' grade 4-10 PHE classes and PHE teachers will be present during all sessions. Grade 11 students will have their session during their Biology or Flex block. Please review the specific grade level content and resource sheet sent out via Managebac.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
University of Victoria Parent Night - January 26th
Parent Night (virtual) is a popular webinar where parents learn valuable, research-backed advice to help their students successfully transition and thrive in university life. UVic will also cover admission requirements, scholarships, application deadlines and more. Students are welcome to join!
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.
