The Belmont Bulletin

Important Upcoming dates to remember:

• Sept 16 – Grade 12 Assembly – Bl. B. – Theatre
• Sept 17 – School Photo Day
• Sept 18 – Grade 12 Assembly – Bl. B. Theatre
• Sept 21 – Pro D Day – District Wide School Planning – (no students in session)
• Sept 22-25 – Musical Theatre Auditions
• Sept 22-23 – Grade 10 Assembly – Bl. B Theatre
• Sept 24-25 Grade 11 Assembly – Bl. B Theatre
• Sept 28 – Canadian University Event 1-3pm in LC
• Sept 29 – BMD Truth and Reconciliation Day
• Sept 30 – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation ( no school in session)

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Welcome belmont families to the 2026-2027 school year

The start of the school year always brings a wonderful sense of energy and excitement to our building. A special thank you to our leadership students for helping to welcome everyone back with such enthusiasm! We have enjoyed connecting with both new and returning students and are delighted to see our school community come together once again. We hope that your family has had a positive start to the year.

Strong partnerships between home and school are an important part of student success. We encourage parents and guardians to connect with their children’s teachers early in the year and to maintain that communication throughout the year. These conversations provide valuable opportunities to celebrate progress, discuss learning goals, and share important information that supports student learning and well-being.

Whether your family is new to our school or returning, we are grateful that you are part of the Belmont community and look forward to a wonderful year of learning and growth.

Belmont Administration Team

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Photo Day – Sept 17th

We are pleased to welcome Lifetouch Photography to Belmont for Photo Day on September 17. All students are required to have their photo taken, as these photos are used for school records, student identification, and yearbook purposes.  Please note that headwear (except for religious or cultural reasons), makeup that obscures identity, props, and wigs should not be worn for school photos.  We appreciate your support in helping ensure a consistent and professional appearance for student photographs.

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From the athletic Deptment

Attention badminton players.  Belmont Club Badminton has started.  It runs Monday nights from 7:30-9pm.  Beginner and experienced players are welcome.  Cost is $10 for the 5 months of play.  See Mr. Willing in room B310 for details.

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Information for the Careers Department

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in and about the community

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Important Upcoming Date Reminders:

• June 15-19 – Quiet Week at Belmont
• June 17- Performing Arts Gala 5:00-7:00pm
• June 20 – National Indigenous Day
• June 21 – Fathers Day
• June 22 – Copernican Days – Bl. A & C
• June 23 – Copernican Days- Bl. B & D
• June 24-25 – Completion/Extension Days – students only attend if needing to complete work.
• June 24 – Prom 2026 – Crystal Gardens
• June 25 – Last Day of Classes – report cards published
• June 26 – Year-end Administrative Day

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As we reflect on this school year, we are incredibly proud of all students and grateful to the hard work of staff and volunteers.  At our commencement ceremony, graduates emphasized themes of supporting one another, building a culture of kindness and connection that defines our school community. To our returning students, this same spirit of kindness and support is what makes Belmont so special. We encourage you to continue lifting one another up, embracing your own journeys, and contributing to the strong sense of community that defines our school.

We congratulate the Class of 2026 and look forward to welcoming back our returning students as we support them in carving their own unique pathways, discovering their passions, making their learning meaningful, and continuing to build our community together.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back in September 2026! Families will receive a letter outlining school details in late August. In the meantime, please note the following:

• Please ensure that all materials borrowed from Belmont are returned to the school before the summer break.
• If you are planning for your child to attend a different school next year, please contact the office as soon as possible at belmont@sd62.bc.ca.
• The school year will begin with a half-day on Tuesday, September 8, for Grade 9 students (9:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.), followed by a full day for all students (Grades 9–12) on Wednesday, September 9.
• Draft schedules will be available online during the last week of August. Schedules are created using the course request information students provided in February or at the time of registration. While we do our best to accommodate student requests, some students may need to take alternate courses. Students will be reminded to check their schedules on the morning of their first day of classes, as counsellors will continue to make adjustments up to that time.
• There is no need to purchase school supplies over the summer. Students should bring a binder, paper, and pens on the first day of classes. Teachers will advise if additional supplies are needed.

Sincerely,

Laura Fulton – Principal

Congratulations to the Class of 2026

Last Sunday was a wonderful day of celebration as we honored the achievements of our graduating students. Surrounded by family, friends, staff, and community members, our graduates were recognized for their hard work, perseverance, and accomplishments throughout their years at Belmont.

The graduation ceremony was filled with pride, laughter, heartfelt moments, and excitement for the future. We are incredibly proud of each graduate and grateful to everyone who helped make this special occasion such a memorable success.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We wish you all the best as you begin the next chapter of your journey. Your Belmont family will be cheering you on every step of the way.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams.”

We are proud of you, Graduates! 🎓✨

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Year End Reminders:

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In and around the community

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Belmont Business Students win Provincial and National Awards in 2026!

Belmont’s business students are leading the province and country this year, with three major honours! Earlier this semester, the team of Tomas, Ali and Abdul from Mr. Archibald’s Marketing 11 class won Junior Achievement’s national student stock market competition, finishing in first place in all of Canada out of over 2,000 teams competing! With some smart research to identify stocks that could be posted to break out, they built a portfolio with the most growth throughout the entire competition!

This month, Mr. Grainger’s Accounting 12 class won CPA BC’s student COIN competition, where students from across BC competed to solve accounting problems and challenges. They came out on top with the highest overall score and have won a $500 classroom grant courtesy of CPA BC as well as the distinction of being one of British Columbia’s top Accounting classes this year! 

And last month, Mr. Grainger was recognized at a Junior Achievement awards ceremony in Vancouver for his work in the classroom by being awarded JABC’s Champion Educator Award for 2026, which is their annual award to recognize dedication to youth and teaching business classes. Congratulations to all!

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From the Career Department

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Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• June 4 -BMD Year End Concert – 7:00pm
• June 8-10 – Graduation Assessments
• June 8 – Athletic Banquet
• June 11 – Backyard Olympics and BBQ
• June 11 – AVID advantage Study Session, from 4-7 pm in the Learning Commons – Open to all students
• June 11 & 12 – Spring Dance Show 7:00 pm
• June 14 – Grad Commencement Ceremonies at UVIC 11 am & 3 pm
• June 15-19 – Quiet Week
• June 17 – Performing Arts Gala 5:00 -7:30pm
• June 22nd – Recognition Evening 6:00- 9:00pm
• June 22 & 23 – Copernican Days
• June 24 – Prom

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^{Grad Reminders:}

1. If you have not yet picked up your Cap & Gown, please do so, they are available in the office.
2. Please arrive at UVIC Farquhar Auditorium at least 1/2 hour before, If you are wanting photos etc. we are suggesting one hour, as it is usually very busy with parking on this day.

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^{Finishing 2025/26 Successfully}

• Students should have a clear understanding of their strengths, areas for growth, and current progress in each course. Students and Parents/Guardians are encouraged to continue communicating with their teachers to ensure they finish the semester in the best possible standing.

• Lunch will be extended on Thursday, June 11 to accommodate our school-wide BBQ and games day.  

9 – 10:17 : B Block  

10:23 – 11:40: A Block  

11:40 – 12:40: Lunch  

12:40 – 1:57: D Block  

2:03 – 3:20: C Block   

• Monday, June 22, and Tuesday June 23 will run on a ‘Copernican’ schedule to support learning that benefits from longer blocks. These are regular instructional days, attendance is required.  

Monday, June 22  

9:00-11:50 – A Block  

12:30-3:20 – C Block  

Tuesday, June 23  

9:00-11:50 – B Block  

12:30-3:20 – D Block  

• Wednesday, June 24 and Thursday, June 25 are Completion Days. Attendance is by appointment at the request of the student or teacher.
  
  These days provide an opportunity for students to complete outstanding work or demonstrate improvement in their learning. However, submitting a large number of assignments at the end of the semester is not acceptable. Learning is a process that occurs over time, and students are expected to attend classes regularly and engage in their learning throughout the term.
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• Please ensure that all materials borrowed from Belmont are returned before the summer break.

^{Reminders for 2026-2027}

• If you are planning for your child to attend a different school next year, please contact the office as soon as possible.
• School District 62 Calendars for 2026/27 can be found here.
• The school year will begin with a half-day on Tuesday, September 8, for Grade 9 students (9:00 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.), followed by a full day for all students (Grades 9–12) on Wednesday, September 9.
• Our bell schedule for 2026/27 will be posted on the website Please be reminded that we will shift to a static block order (A, B, C, D).
• Draft schedules will be available online during the last week of August. Schedules are created using the course request information students provided in February or at the time of registration. While we strive to accommodate student choices, some students may be assigned alternate courses. Students should check their schedules on the morning of the first day of classes, as counsellors will continue to make adjustments up to that time.
• There is no need to purchase school supplies over the summer. Students should bring a binder, paper, and pens on the first day of classes. Teachers will advise if additional supplies are needed.
• A letter with additional details about the 2026/27 school year will be sent to students and families during the last week of August.

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Messaging from the Community

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^{Marine Science Cohort: Field Studies in Action}

The Marine Biology & Aquatic Chemistry 11 students have continued to explore water systems from sky to stream to sea through hands-on learning experiences that connect classroom science to the real world. From studying freshwater and marine ecosystems to investigating ocean chemistry and biodiversity along the coastlines of the Salish Sea, students are developing practical scientific skills while discovering how interconnected aquatic systems shape life in our region.

Field experiences have continued throughout the spring. Students recently visited Whiffin Spit at low tide to complete a transect study of intertidal biodiversity, observing a wide variety of organisms that are normally hidden beneath the water’s surface. They also explored the exhibits at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea, providing a closer look at marine life and habitats that are difficult to access in the wild.

At Pearson College, students conducted plankton tows, completed a plankton survey lab in the floating Marine Science Centre, and toured Race Rocks Ecological Reserve by boat, learning about marine conservation and stewardship while observing seals, sea lions, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat. Students also attended the Canadian Coast Guard Open House, where they learned about careers in ocean science and explored some of the advanced technology used to monitor and protect Canada’s marine environments.

Marine Biology

As the school year winds down, students are now working on projects that share their learning with the community and celebrate World Oceans Day on June 8. While we’ve already had an incredible field season, there are still more hands-on opportunities in the weeks ahead.

Students interested in marine science, aquatic chemistry, environmental stewardship, and hands-on field learning are encouraged to consider the Marine Science Cohort for next year. A few spaces are still available for next year, and course requests for the 2026–2027 school year are still being accepted. Interested students or families are encouraged to contact Ms. Bondurant (mbondurant@sd62.bc.ca), Ms. Mitchell (kmitchell@sd62.bc.ca), or their school counsellor as soon as possible for more information about enrollment opportunities.

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Bulldog Athletics

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It’s June!!!!

We are at the end of the athletics season. The 2026 version of the JV and Varsity Football team is nearing the end of their spring camp, the track and field all stars are heading to provincials, and the Athletic Banquet is on Monday night!

The Latest from the Dawg Pound

Provincials Results

• The Senior Girls won the BRONZE medal!!!
• The Sr Boys finished 4th!
• We have 5 members of the track team heading to Vancouver for the provincials.

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Spencer Middle School Presents

We will be holding an informational meeting in the new future!  Watch for the date, we would love to see you then!

The NIE Department in partnership with Spencer Middle School and Hulitan will be offering a dinner, Laval and movie night next Thursday.

We would love if you could promote the event on your school communications by posting the attached poster/link on school websites and including in school newsletters. All staff and students are invited.  Attendees must get tickets. 

See poster below

HÍSWKE

ƛecko ƛecko

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Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

• May 21 – Evening of Jazz
• May & 22 – Marketing 110 Dual Credit Exam Bl. B & D
• May 23 – Dry Grad
• May 25 – Camosun registration 101 in LLC 11:50-12:30pm
• May 26-29 – Cultural week
• May 26-30 – Senior Drama Performs – “A Wrinkle in Time”
• May 27 – Grad Rehearsals at UVIC
• May 27 – ICBC Road Safety
• May 28 – Accounting 110 Dual Credit exam 12:30-3:20pm
• June 1-5 – Spirit Week
• June 8 – Athletic Banquet

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Upcoming School Events

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Important Grad Information

Have you purchased your Dry Grad Tickets yet, they can be purchased on School Cash online or in the front office.

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In preparation for a successful June 14th Commencement celebration, we will be taking all Grads to UVic for a rehearsal on May 27th. It is really important that all Grads attend, as the theatre has a complicated setup and seating plan that is difficult to learn on the day of the ceremony.

We have booked buses for students to travel from Belmont to UVic. Students cannot drive themselves or take public transit — everyone needs to be on the bus to meet district policy requirements.

11:00 AM Celebration
Your bus leaves Belmont at 9:00 AM and will return by approximately 11:30 AM. Students who are performing at Commencement will also need to take the 9:00 AM bus and will be contacted by the BMD.

3:00 PM Celebration
Your bus leaves Belmont at 10:00 AM and will return by approximately 12:30 PM.

If you have any questions, please contact Cam Smith at crsmith@sd62.bc.ca

We are really looking forward to celebrating this big moment with our graduates on June 14th!

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Prom is fast approaching for an evening of Dinner and Dance at the Crystal Gardens. Purchase your tickets today on School Cash Online or in the front office. Remember if bringing a guest, a form must be filled out in the front office along with payment.

Bulldog Athletics

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From the Career Centre

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Garden and Sustainability

A big thank you to all the classes and teachers who have participated in any of the action projects with sustainability: the open house, the garden sale, the pop-up thrift shop, the invasive species removals and soon the ocean bean clean up. The students and I appreciate having classes embrace our ideas and come out.

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Marine Science Cohort: Field Studies in Action

The Marine Biology & Aquatic Chemistry 11 students are now into our spring field study season, investigating water systems from sky to stream to sea, through hands-on learning experiences that include water quality testing, marine biology labs, shoreline investigations, and ecosystem conservation work.

From collecting freshwater data in local lakes and rivers to investigating tidepools and ocean chemistry along the coastlines of the Salish Sea, students are developing practical science skills while exploring how connected aquatic systems shape life in our region.

This course emphasizes experiential learning, giving students opportunities to use scientific equipment, investigate real environmental questions, and engage with science outside the classroom through authentic field science experiences. Recent activities have included freshwater and marine water testing, microscopy work, shoreline biodiversity studies, and environmental conservation projects. We are only half-way through the field work season, with more activities coming up through May and June.

Students interested in marine science, aquatic chemistry, and hands-on field learning are encouraged to consider the Marine Science cohort for next year. A few spaces are still available for the 2026-2027 school year, and it’s not too late to sign up! Interested students or families are welcome to contact Ms. Bondurant, Ms. Mitchell, or their school counsellor as soon as possible for more information about enrollment opportunities.

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Important Upcoming Date Reminders:

• May 7th – Belmania 2026 – Celebration of School Community
• May 10th – Mother’s Day
• May 11th – Pro D Day – No Students in Session
• May 12th – Staff Meeting 3:30 pm – PAC Meeting 6:30 pm
• May 12th & 13th – Middle School Visits
• May 13th Alive after 5 presentations – CLE 10 classes All blocks
• May 14th – Moosehide Campaign
• May 14th Auditions at lunch for O’Canada and Grad Songs
• May 18th – Victoria Day (No school in Session)

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Belmont Dry Grad is almost here! Don’t forget to get your Dry Grad ticket through School Cash Online

A fun, vape-free, alcohol-free, substance-free night to celebrate the Grad Class of 2026. Enjoy food, tons of activities, prizes for everyone, and a grand prize at the end after the finale show.

Date: Saturday, May 23, 2026

Place: Belmont Secondary (Main Entrance)
Doors Open: 5:00 pm

Doors Close: 6:00 pm

Event Ends: Midnight
Cost: $25.00

Tickets include entry, food, and all activities at the event!
** THERE WILL BE NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR. All tickets must be purchased by Friday, May 22, 2026.

** Grads only, no guests

** Any late entries must be arranged in advance – email belmontdrygrad@gmail.com to make arrangements.

Activities include: 

• BBQ dinner
• Inflatables
• Mechanical Bull
• Minigolf, Laser Tag, Tarot Reading
• Karaoke, arcade, games, prizes and more!
•  A special performance by Illusionist Jason Verners
• A Grand Prize draw to end the evening! (you must be present to win)

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Please see the link below for Upcoming Important Grad Information and Dates

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********If you have not yet purchased your graduation tickets through UVic, please do so as soon as possible. Any unpurchased tickets will be released for general sale through UVic on Friday at 9:30 a.m.

Starting Friday, May 8 at 9:30 a.m., guests who have already purchased their original tickets may log back into the same UVic account used for their initial purchase to buy additional tickets, if available. ******

If you require assistance, please contact UVic directly at 250-721-8480.

Tickets are limited, so please act quickly.

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From the Belmont Music Department

Salutations, BMD families!

We hope you’ve all had a great start to 2026, because the Belmont Music Department certainly has! It’s been a busy and exciting few months, and our musicians have been hard at work both in and out of the classroom.

Our choir hosted our annual Choral Collaboration in February, welcoming choirs from other schools to Belmont for a day of shared music-making and performance. More recently, the choir participated in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, where we were invited to perform at the festival’s Highlights Concert! Following the festival, our choir had the opportunity to perform at Cedar’s Senior Home, sharing their music with the community.

Our instrumental groups have also been busy. This semester kicked off the start of our Jazz Band class. Our Concert Bands and Jazz Band performed at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, with the Jazz Band making a great first impression on their debut.

Our drumline travelled to the mainland on May 1st, where they were awarded 2nd place in the Provincial Drumline Championships! This Thursday, our R&B Band will take the main stage at Belmania, an awesome new school event.

Entering the homestretch of the school year, we invite all families and friends to join us for our two final concerts. First, the annual Evening of Jazz, featuring our guest dance band Tight Hair in the Belmont Theatre on May 21st at 7:00 pm. Be ready to dance the night away!

Our Year-End Concert on June 4th at 7:00 pm is our final performance of the season. This concert is always special, as we celebrate the accomplishments of our ensembles, musicians, and recognize our graduating Grade 12 students as they take the stage one last time. We’d love to see you there!

Thank you for your continued support of the Belmont Music Department. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Sincerely,

Nihitha Pottumutu – President of the BMD

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Do you still want to purchase a Yearbook

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Bus Driver Appreciation

As a District, we believe it’s important to recognize the important work that our staffs do on behalf of children and families.  One important group that too often does not get acknowledgement for their important work is our bus drivers.  Each day they safely transport over 4,200 district students to and from school.

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Belmont TC 10K Team

All teachers this year!  Lots of us made some new personal bests 🙂

The team included: Jaimie Dunbar, Brian Willing, Charlotte Willing, Lora Schnarr, Joel Barde, Kimberly Scott, Rodney Marseille, Chris Rivollier, Merete Kotyk and Gillian Bouska

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In and about the Community

Westshore RMCP has recently released a public awareness communication around the use of e-scooters and motorized personal transportation. Please see more information here.

Schoarship and Careers Information

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