Last Friday's Dance Off was a lot of fun!
Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,
As we wrap up the first week of June, we are filled with appreciation for the many individuals, including students, staff, and families, who make our school such a special and vibrant place to learn and grow.
Today, we would like to share that a valued member of our team, Ms. Melanie Moroz, will be leaving us at the end of this school year. She has made the decision to return to Calgary to be closer to family and begin a new chapter. While it is always hard to say goodbye, we are happy for her as she takes this step that feels right for her. We are grateful for the warmth, care, and dedication Melanie has brought to our school in the past seven years. And we wish her all the very best on her journey ahead.
To ensure a smooth transition, we have put a solid plan in place to maintain stability and support for our students and staff. Looking ahead, Ms. Barton will be the MYP3-5 (Gr. 8-10) Coordinator, and Mr. B will be the Gr. 4-7 Coordinator. We are also excited to welcome a new Inclusion Coordinator to join our team in August.
Thank you for your continued support. We are in a strong position as we plan for the year ahead.
I would also like to remind you that the last week of ASAs is June 9th - 13th, and that the last day of school is June 20th and is a noon dismissal.
With gratitude,
Dr. Rui Li
Principal
Theory of Knowledge Exhibition
Next week, on Thursday, the 12th of June, DP1 will have their TOK Exhibition. This celebration of learning will take place in the dining hall from 9:30 am to 11:15 am.
Staff, students, and families and all very welcome to come to the exhibition - your interest, observations, and questions provide the most important feedback for the students!
MYP1 and MYP2 Drama Performances
We would like to invite you to the school on Tuesday, June 17th from 3:45 - 5:45pm for an afternoon of entertainment! The MYP1 and MYP2 students have been working hard and are looking forward to having the opportunity to share their work with you.
On the 17th students will report directly to the dining hall at 3:20pm where they will complete final preparations for their performances.
Seating for guests will commence at 3:35pm. If you arrive earlier, you are welcome to wait in the courtyard.
Camp Potlatch
Our MYP3 students had an unforgettable outdoor adventure at Camp Potlatch! Throughout the trip, they challenged themselves with exciting activities like archery, rock climbing, kayaking, and canoeing. The beautiful beach and stunning views provided the perfect backdrop for paddleboarding, swimming, and friendly games of beach volleyball.
Some highlights included students showing off their sharpshooting talents at the archery range, and a few even learned how to perform a canoe T-Rescue, a vital paddling skill!
Relaxing by the campfire and singing songs was another favorite part of the trip. It was a journey full of learning, laughter, teamwork, and connection with nature. We’re already looking forward to the next one!
Camp Thunderbird
This week, our Grade 4 through MYP2 students set off on our annual trip to Camp Thunderbird, nestled in the beautiful Sooke Hills, for day trips full of outdoor fun and adventure!
Their days were packed with excitement: on the water, students paddle boarded and kayaked, picking up new skills. On land, they tested their aim at archery, scaled climbing walls, hiked forest trails, and tried their hand at orienteering.
Beyond the main activities, students worked together through team challenges, played outdoor games, and practiced leadership—sometimes without even realizing it! From big laughs to brave moments, it was a day full of fresh air, friendship, and lasting memories.
Lots of fun at Wildplay for the Grade 5 class!
Thanks to everyone who took part in our Mother's Day Craft Market - we raised a total of $323.46 that will be donated to the Victoria Single Parent Resource Centre.
Congratulations to our grade 6 to 8 track and field athletes for their performances at the City Championships this week! Thanks also to our volunteers who helped run the long jump competition.
Marimba practice in full swing.
The Wear2Start Society are hosting a workshop on Culture Connected: Empowerment Through Identity
Join Wear2Start for an inspiring evening that celebrates the many cultures and subcultures that shape who we are and bring strength to our communities. Culture Connected: Empowerment Through Identity is a gathering that honours identity in all its forms—as a source of confidence, connection, and empowerment.
Whether rooted in ancestry, lived experience, language, gender identity, creativity, or chosen family, this event invites everyone to show up fully and proudly. Together, we’ll explore how embracing who we are can build understanding, foster belonging, and drive meaningful change.
What to Expect:
- Personal storytelling and cultural sharing
- Insightful conversations and community dialogue
- A welcoming space to reflect, connect, and celebrate diversity
Event Details:
- Date: Wednesday, June 18, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30 PM)
- Location: Royal BC Museum – Conference Hall
- (Enter through the East doors off Douglas Street, across from the Mungo Martin House)
- Hosted by: Wear2Start Society
Speakers & Facilitators:
- Ashley MacDonald, Office Manager, Kopar Administration & Volunteer Coordinator, Wear2Start
- Shelly D’Mello, CEO, Inter-Cultural Association
- Cari Taylor, Regional Mentor, BC Association of Community Response Networks
- Julia Harrison, MSc., BSc., Certified Mental Health First Aid Facilitator with the Mental Health Commission of Canada
- Vinny Awasthi, Volunteer Victoria
- Tish Sera Josep, City of Victoria Youth Council Member (and Brookes Westshore student!)
This free event has limited space—register early to secure your spot! Refreshments will be provided.
Disclaimer: Some themes discussed may involve sensitive topics related to personal adversity and trauma. Please be assured that mental health resources will be readily available throughout the event, ensuring you feel supported and cared for.
This evening is for everyone—community members, advocates, leaders, and allies—who believe in the power of identity and inclusion. Come as you are and help us celebrate the richness of our community."
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!
Term Two Events and Activities
- June 20th: Last day of school - noon dismissal
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
- Melanie Moroz - Academic Director
- Linda Bayes - DP Coordinator & University Counsellor
- Martin Staffolani - Executive Director of Recruitment
Please consider posting a review
If you have a minute, it will really help us to reach new families if you could consider posting a positive review online on Google or here (you will need to log in to the OurKids website to leave a review here). Prospective families love to hear from current parents about your real experiences here!
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.
