Dear Brookes Westshore families and friends,

The first week of school has been a resounding success! It’s been a joy to witness our students’ enthusiasm, resilience, and determination as they returned to our halls. Here’s a brief summary of the highlights from our first week:

Warm Welcome – The orientation on Tuesday was a whirlwind of excitement and activity! Our staff greeted students with open arms, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere from day one. Students arrived punctually, ready to embark on their learning journey. During the assembly, students were happy to be with students from other year levels, see pictures of all our teachers, learn about the Brookes Pillars and more!

Fire Drill – Safety is our top priority, and we conducted a fire drill on Wednesday to ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency. Our students demonstrated their excellent response to the drill, and we are confident in their ability to stay safe. The MYP3 class was the fastest to evacuate and take attendance – 4 minutes 30 seconds. The Grade 4/5 classes were the second fastest – 4 minutes 40 seconds. Well done, everyone!

House Opening Ceremony – Our students showcased their athleticism and sportsmanship on Thursday afternoon. Cheers, teamwork, and friendly competition filled the air as students participated in a variety of games and races. Congratulations to all the participants for their enthusiasm and outstanding efforts! Special thanks to Mr. B and Mr. T for organizing and leading the wonderful activities! Also, thanks to our wonderful student volunteers for their great help! See photos below.

Welcome Back Community BBQ – The aroma of grilled delights wafted through the air as we celebrated the start of the school year with a delicious BBQ on Thursday. Families, staff, and students came together to enjoy great food and even better company. A big thank you to our staff and volunteers for making this event a sizzling success!

Looking ahead (see below for further details):

• MYP3 Hornby Island camping trip is September 13th - 15th.
• MYP5 East Sooke camping trip is September 15th - 17th.
• Picture Day and Grade 6/9 immunization are on September 19th. Everyone should be in formal uniform on September 19th. Grade 6 and 9 students will get their photo taken first and can get changed to their casual/athletic uniform for the immunization.

Fun Friday – We had our first Fun Friday for the new school year today. Students enjoyed popcorn, spike ball, outdoor games and music in the courtyard with friends. Thanks to our event community for organizing a fun lunch break for the students.

We are eager to continue fostering a positive and engaging learning environment throughout the school year. Thank you for entrusting us with your child(ren)’s education. Thank you for your continued support and let’s continue to work together to make this year the best one yet!

Thank you,

Rui

Dr. Rui Li

Principal

Some big smiles on our first day of school!

Field Trip Permission Form

Regular field trips are planned throughout the year.  Please print, read and sign the Field Trip Permission Form found here and return it to frontdesk@westshore.brookes.org

Thank you.

IT Acceptable Use Agreement

To foster a safe and productive learning environment, we have established this Acceptable Use Agreement for the school-provided internet connection, accounts, and hardware. By accessing and utilizing these resources, both students and their parents or guardians agree to abide by the terms outlined in this agreement.

Please click here, read and complete the form.  Thank you.

Picture day is coming!

On Tuesday the 19^th of September, Lifetouch will be at the school to take photos of all students. All students are to wear formal uniform on that day (and not on Thursday the 21st). Once the pictures are taken you will receive proofs and be able to order copies online from Lifetouch.  

House Shirts

House Shirts are being ordered! House shirts are an optional uniform item that can be worn the same as other Brookes Uniform on non-formal days. Shirts are $20 and students can sign up with their grade level leaders, advisors, or Mr. B. Available in all the usual sizes.

The deadline for signup will be next Friday.

Term One Events and Activities

• Wednesday, September 20th: Terry Fox Run
• Thursday September 28th - Truth and Reconciliation Community Block
• Friday, October 13th: Coffee Morning (Grades 4 and 5 families)
• Friday October 27th - pumpkin carving (all grades), and Halloween Dance (MYP 3 to DP 2)
• Tuesday, October 31st: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Halloween costume contest
• Friday, November 10th: Remembrance Day Community Block
• Friday, November 17th: Coffee Morning (Grades 5 and 7 families)
• Saturday, November 25th: Times Colonist Santa's Parade
• Thursday, December 7th: Winter Concert
• Saturday, December 16th: Pancake Breakfast

Lunch Menu

If you would like to know what is on the menu next week for our delicious lunches, please click here.

Diploma Programme Update

The first week of school has been exceptional and the Diploma Programme students are motivated and ready for what the year will bring. Year 1 students are settling into their subject choices for the Diploma, and some have made some changes. Students study the 6 subjects of the Diploma Programme for 2 years, so it is important to get this right.

In addition to being the Diploma Programme Coordinator this year, I will also be supporting the DP2 students with university applications.  We will get started on this process next week and I have plans for a parent information session early in October.  

Linda Bayes

DP Coordinator and University Counsellor

One of the delicious cakes from Thursday's BBQ

Attention: Grade 6 and 9 Families

Immunization consent packages for grade 6 and 9 students will be sent home shortly. Please follow the instructions inside the consent package and return the signed consent form to the school.

Grade 6: Students in grade 6 will be offered immunizations at school with the consent of a parent/guardian/representative.

Immunizations will be provided at the school for grade 6 students the morning of September 19th, 2023.

Grade 9: Students in grade 9 will be offered immunizations at school. Please discuss the information in the consent package with your child and include them in the decision to provide consent for immunization. Students in grade 9 can make an informed decision about immunization regardless of their parent/guardian/representative decision to consent or refuse immunization. For more information visit HealthLinkBC: The Infants Act, Mature Minor Consent and Immunization.

Immunizations are provided by Island Health Public Health Nurses.

Immunizations will be provided at the school for grade 9 students the morning of September 19th, 2023

For more information on school aged immunizations, please click here.

Please note that Covid-19 and Influenza vaccines are not offered at school-based clinics.

If you have any questions, please contact the West Shore Health Unit at 250-519-3490

House Activities

On Thursday the whole school walked and bussed down to Juan de Fuca Recreation Centre for an afternoon of games and activities.  Students joined their Houses (Wolf, Orca, Lynx and Eagle) to start the annual competition for House Points.  At the end of the year the House with the most points enjoys a pizza party at the school - so students are very motivated to win as many points as possible!

Thursday saw Mr. B and Mr. T orchestrating a variety of fun and challenging activities (some of which you can see pictures of below). The most important outcome was that all our students were there, they made new friends and connections across the grades, and took part in a friendly and fun afternoon in the sunshine!

Wolf House cheering (and howling)!

Rock Paper Scissors - a universal language

Lynx House ready to compete in the tug of war

Some of Orca House making new friends

Lynx House have their claws ready!

Orca House ready to PULL!

Heave!

Orca House taking a break and watching the action

Some serious effort from Wolf House

Eagle House have their eyes on the prize!

Everyone in their team - working hard on "Around the World"

The Grade 4s and 5s take out the Grade 12s in 'The Gauntlet"

At the end of the day - it is our friendships that matter

Students from Ukraine

We would like everyone to know that we are still working towards bringing eight Ukrainian students to Brookes Westshore as soon as possible. 

The students we selected all applied for their visas in February. Three of the students have been approved by Immigration Canada.  As soon as the remaining five have been approved we will be arranging for their arrival at Brookes. 

We remain in contact with the students and their mothers, and they remain committed to come to Canada to attend Brookes and we trust Immigration Canada will make that happen very soon.

Ready to learn about the Brookes Pillars

Weekend Dorm Activities

Friday September 8th: Pacific Football Club - 7 pm

Saturday September 9th:

Rowing Swimming Test (Grade 9-12 only). If you are interested meet in the first-floor common room at 8.30 am

Rib Fest at 12 to 4 pm. You will need to bring $$$$!

Spa Day 8 - 10 pm - indulge in ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation with our luxurious spa day where serenity meets bliss for a truly tranquil escape. 

Sunday September 10th: Mount Wells Hike 2 - 4 pm. This is a moderately hard hike, it is on top of a mountain, be prepared to climb!

Introducing our Activities Coordinator - Anna

Hi there! My name is Anna Serdyukova and I will be taking over as the Activities Coordinator! I'm a recent graduate of the University of Victoria, with a Bachelor of Education and Information Communication Technology Professional Specialization Certificate. I'm super excited to be part of such a wonderful and supportive school. Some of my hobbies include hiking, playing sports (especially golf!), and hanging out with my dog. I hope to inspire some kids (and maybe staff) to get active and involved in activities within our community! 

Paddleboarding on Hornby Island - from the 2022 school trip.

Calling All Students Grade 8-12! Join the Adventure on Our Exciting Camping Trips!

Welcome back to school everyone! It’s September and you know what that means: Camping Trips!

Get ready for an action-packed journey filled with thrilling activities and valuable learning experiences. From kayaking and paddle boarding to rock climbing and hiking, you will have the chance to embrace nature's challenges. Engage in activities that will boost your confidence and teamwork skills. The programs also include team building, leadership exercises, and insights into sustainable forest practices. Plus, a memorable campfire program awaits under the stars.

Don't miss this chance to an unforgettable adventure that blends fun and learning. Sign up starts next week through SchoolsBuddy, you will recieve an email shortly. Let the adventure begin!

• MYP 3 (grade 8) - Hornby Island Camping Trip: Wednesday, September 13th to Friday, September 15th.
• MYP5 (grade 10)- East Sooke Camping Trip: Friday, September 15th to Sunday, September 17th.
• DP 1 and 2 (grade 11 and 12) - Rathtrevor Camping Trip: Friday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 24th.
• MYP 4 (grade 9) - Hornby Island Camping Trip: Wednesday, September 27th to Friday, September 29th

Brookes Golf Academy @ Olympic View Golf Club

Brookes Westshore and Olympic View Golf Club have teamed up to offer a unique Golf Academy.

The Academy is designed to provide a positive learning environment for all those wanting to improve their skills or learn about the game of golf. With access to excellent coaching and training facilities, this program focuses on skill development, leadership, and course management.

The Academy enhances the overall experience for the golfer and includes:

• Academy Group Instruction
• 42 Instructional sessions
• Tuesday and Thursday 3:30-5:00
• September – mid November and February -June
• CPGA Class A Instructors
• Video Swing Analysis
• Skill Development testing
• Annual membership to Olympic View (value $499)
• 1Large basket of practice balls daily (value $16per basket)
• Transportation to and from Brookes Westshore

Cost: $1155 taxes included (payable to Brookes Westshore)

For more information contact: Alanna Deegan PGA of Canada Class A Director Of Instruction – Olympic View Golf Club Text: 250-818-5733 /  adeegan@golfbc.com

Calling All Future Rowing Enthusiasts! Join the School Rowing Club!

Ready to embrace the thrill of rowing and be part of an incredible team? Look no further – our School Rowing Club will be returning this year!

Whether you're a seasoned rower or completely new to the sport, this is your chance to build strength, endurance, and teamwork skills on the water. Join us as we navigate the waters, learn the art of rowing, and foster lifelong friendships. Have an experienced coach guide you through the techniques and strategies, ensuring you make waves and have a blast along the way.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to push your boundaries, connect with peers, and become a part of our rowing community. Sign up now and get ready to row your way to unforgettable memories!

If you are interested in joining the team, there is a *mandatory* swim test that will be happening on September 9^th at 9 am at Gorge Narrows Rowing Club (located at 2940 Jutland Rd #105, Victoria, BC V8T 5J9).

Please email aserdyukova@westshore.brookes.org if you have any questions!

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.