House volleyball for Fun Friday (more pictures next week!)
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
As you have heard from the Board, I have decided to conclude my role as Principal at the end of this school year. This has not been an easy decision. Being part of the Brookes community over the past 8 years has been incredibly meaningful, and I am sincerely grateful for the relationships, learning, and growth we have experienced together.
Over the coming months, I will work closely with my colleagues and the Board to ensure a smooth transition, and steps are already underway to ensure continuity and stability moving forward. The school is in very good hands, and I am confident it will continue to grow in strong and positive ways as we prepare for the next Principal, who will lead our school into 2026 with vision and energy. While I look forward to having more time and energy for my family and for the adventures ahead, I remain fully committed to working alongside the team throughout the remainder of the school year.
The Term 2 Interim learning update is issued today through ManageBac. In this interim update, homeroom advisors provide feedback on students’ goal setting and Approaches to Learning (ATL) development progress. It does not contain grades. Term 2 Learning Updates will be issued on April 2nd, which will include subject grades and comments. The Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on April 16th (early dismissal at 2 pm). Gr. 4-8 students will participate in student-led conferences. Further details will be shared closer to the date.
Thank you all for your ongoing support and kindness.
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Re-enrolment for 2026 - 2027 School Year
We are delighted that many new families have expressed interest in joining us next year at Brookes Westshore. With this in mind we would like to start the re-enrolment process for our current families next week. Re-enrolment notices will be sent out through our application system, and we appreciate your prompt response to ensure your child secures a spot in our classes for the 2026 - 2027 school year.
Grades 8, 9 and 10 Information Session: Thursday, February 19th at 5:30 pm
We understand that re-enrolment is a significant decision for families -particularly as students move towards the culmination of the MYP Programme in Grade 10 and start to think about Grade 11 and 12 options.
To provide you with an opportunity to learn more about the available options in Grades 11 and 12 we would like to invite students and families from Grades 8, 9 and 10 to an information session on Thursday, February 19th at 5:30 pm.
In this session we will outline the two options Brookes students can choose as they enter Grade 11:
Full IB Diploma Programme including six Diploma courses and full involvement in the Core (Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity and Service). This option results in an IB Diploma and a BC Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma).
Dual‑pathway Programme combining DP courses and BC Provincial courses. This option results in individual IB Course Certificate(s) that are valued by colleges and universities around the world and a BC Certificate of Graduation (Dogwood Diploma).
Our goal is for you to feel fully informed about both options so you can make an informed decision for your child's future. We believe there is a pathway to graduation for all students at Brookes. We look forward to answering questions at the information session. Please register by emailing Sheri sonushko@westshore.brookes.org.
- Monday, 9th to Wednesday, 11th February - Graduation Photos
- Thursday, February 12th - Bake Sale
- Thursday, February 12th to Monday, February 16th - Whistler Trip
- Tuesday, February 17th - Lunar New Year Celebrations
- Friday, February 20th - Saku Chosei School visit
- Friday, February 27th - Meet Me At Midnight Masquerade
- Thursday, April 16th - Parent Teacher Conferences (early dismissal)
- Friday, April 17th - Spring Fling and Silent Auction
Graduation 2026: Friday, May 22nd. Please see ManageBac for details.
Spring Fling with Silent Auction - April 17th
We are gearing up for our April 17th Spring Fling with Silent Auction, and we need your energy, creativity, and community spirit to help make it an unforgettable event! Whether you love planning, organizing, decorating, or simply jumping in on the day to bring everything to life, we’d be thrilled to have you on our volunteer team. We’re also seeking donations for our Silent Auction: unique items, experiences, and themed baskets are all welcome and truly help elevate the event’s success. If you’re ready to pitch in, have something to donate, or just want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can make this year’s Spring Fling the best one yet! Please email events@westshore.brookes.com.
MYP2 Drama
Our MYP students have been diving into the wit and wordplay of Shakespeare, bringing the Bard’s spirited language to life through a series of short, playful videos (above and below). While their creative “insults and exults” may spark plenty of laughter, the activity is grounded in the IB Learner Profile - encouraging students to be communicators who experiment with tone and meaning, risk-takers who step confidently into performance, and inquirers who explore the richness of Elizabethan expression. This blend of humour and academic challenge not only deepens their understanding of Shakespearean language but also highlights the joy of learning when creativity leads the way.
Japanese Cooking
This week students explored the rich culinary traditions of Japan through a hands‑on cooking session. Our focus was the delicate art of making strawberry daifuku - a classic Japanese confection featuring fresh strawberries wrapped in sweet bean paste and soft mochi.
Pupils worked with great concentration and care as they learned about the cultural significance of wagashi, practiced precise techniques, and produced beautifully crafted daifuku to enjoy and share.
We are proud to provide enriching opportunities that broaden students’ global perspectives while building confidence and practical skills. Well done to everyone who took part - they look delicious!
Introduction to Baking
Another group of students are now enthusiastic bakers (partly because chocolate is involved!) From melting and mixing to decorating their creations, they’re not just making tasty treats they’re building teamwork, confidence, and essential life skills along the way. The kitchen fills with laughter, curiosity, and the occasional sprinkle mishap, making every session a fun and memorable part of their week.
Photo credit Madeleine Taylor @mygns
Congratulations to MYP 3 students Sophie and Sara, who represented Brookes at the Vancouver Island Regional Debating Championship over the weekend. Sophie and Sara were each recognized as top ten junior debaters at the competition and, as a team, they came in third place in their division, earning a spot at the Provincial Debating Championship in Vancouver. Well done, Sophie and Sara!
New! Spring Training for Basketball and Volleyball
We are thrilled to announce that Brookes Westshore will be offering specialized Spring Training Programs for both Basketball and Volleyball for students in Grades 6–12. These sessions are designed to build on the success of this year’s athletic seasons and prepare our student athletes for the 2026–27 season!
This program will provide high quality, targeted coaching to develop skills, improve performance, and support continued athletic growth. Don’t miss the chance to train with expert coaching and elevate your game. We will begin in April and run through June, once per week per sport, with separate groups for Grades 6–8 and Grades 9–12.
More details coming soon!
This week with Brookes Athletics
It’s been an action‑packed week for our Gryphons, and we couldn’t be prouder of the talent, teamwork, and spirit shown across all our teams!
Our Grade 8 Girls’ Volleyball Team kicked things off with an impressive 4th‑place finish at the Vic High Spiketacular Tournament—a fantastic accomplishment in a competitive field. Their strong play continued this week as they battled through three matches, earning decisive wins over Spencer Middle School (21–14, 21–11) and Centre Mountain Lellum (21–12, 22–20). Though they ultimately fell to a very strong Journey team, their season continues to be a standout success. Well done, Gryphons!
The Grade 6–7 Girls’ Volleyball Team also took to the court with determination, competing in two matches at Shoreline Middle School. The team split sets with Glanford Middle School (1–1) and put in a great effort against the host school. Their coaches are thrilled with the progress they’re making—proof that hard work and commitment are paying off.
On the basketball side, our Gryphons delivered their own share of thrilling victories. The Junior Boys Basketball Team earned a huge win over Royal Bay, a school more than four times our size with over 1,400 students. This incredible performance sends them into the playoffs with energy and confidence. Go Gryphons!
Meanwhile, the Senior Boys Basketball Team brought home a commanding playoff victory at the Lower Islands, defeating St. John’s Academy 78–55. Rylan and Kai lit up the scoreboard, combining for 58 points - Kai with 31 and Rylan with 27. A brilliant team effort and a strong start to their playoff run. Good luck in tomorrow’s game!
Across volleyball and basketball, our athletes continue to demonstrate sportsmanship, skill, and the heart of a Gryphon. Congratulations to all our teams for an outstanding week of competition. Keep soaring, Gryphons!
Powerful Youth Global Leadership Academy (Summer 2026): A strong IB & CAS-aligned leadership experience.
Over the next two weeks, Isaac Salvador-Brown will be speaking with students in Grades 6 - 11 about an exciting summer opportunity: Powerful Youth’s Global Leadership Academy (GLA), an international leadership and service-learning experience that blends leadership training, community impact, and cultural exchange.
Students build confidence, develop practical leadership skills, and collaborate with peers from around the world in a supportive environment, guided by personal coaching from leadership experts.
Why this is especially relevant for IB students (and CAS):
GLA is designed to align naturally with IB values and the IB Learner Profile, emphasizing global perspectives, intercultural collaboration, communication, emotional intelligence, and reflection. Students also engage with themes tied to global citizenship and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, helping connect leadership growth to real-world issues.
For older students, the program is also a strong fit for CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service). Participants complete authentic service projects addressing real community needs, and the experience supports the CAS process by helping students document goal setting, action, reflection, and impact, all with structured guidance from leadership coaches.
Students leave with verified service hours and clear examples they can use in CAS portfolios, interviews, and reflections.
Students also receive a program certificate detailing leadership and service hours. In the two-week program, this can include 40 - 80 leadership development hours and 8 - 50 service hours (depending on age group/program stream).
Program locations and options (Summer 2026):
Families can choose from several international program experiences, including Canada, Singapore, and Kenya, with a Kenya extension that includes a Culture and Safari Tour.
Scholarships and financial support:
For 10 years, Brookes and Powerful Youth have partnered to deliver transformative leadership education. This has resulted in deep discounts for Brookes students to attend the Powerful Youth summer leadership programs. In recognition of 10 years working together and to support the growth of our students’ leadership, Powerful Youth is offering free spaces to all Brookes students who have attended Brookes for at least 3 years and who are registered for the upcoming academic year.
Students are eligible to apply to any program at the Brookes Westshore campus. There will be 3 sessions this summer (Canada):
- June 28 - July 11 (Junior, for ages 12-14)
- July 12 - July 25 (Junior/Senior, for ages 12-18)
- July 26 - August 15 (Ages 13-17)
Details about the program can be found on YouTube, the attached schedule, and the guidebook. If you have any questions about the program or how to register, please contact Isaac at isalvadorbrown@brookes.org
If you want to learn more and apply: powerfulyouth.com | info@powerfulyouth.com
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.
