Fall Has Arrived!

Happy Halloween to all our students and staff. We truly appreciate your approach to making school fun and safe by adhering to our District’s policy on costumes and expected behaviour. Despite our age, dressing up is always fun!

As we head into November we’re glad to announce our two portables have been completed and now host classes in these new class spaces. Our teaching kitchen continues to be under construction and our hope is it will be operational by the beginning of January. A shout out to Ms. T. Evans and Ms. K. Boyte for their recent efforts in recently hosting student visitors from Russia and Japan. A reminder to families mid-term report cards will be published on November 21st with our student learning conferences hosted on November 22 from 2 to 4pm and 5 to 7 pm. More info on how to book appointments will be forthcoming.

Important Dates

November 1 – Post Secondary/Scholarship Info Evening 6:30pm

November 4 – Time change – clocks “fall” back

November 5 – SPEAC presents PAC 101 6pm

November 6 – BC Post-Secondary Event – Blk A

November 6 – PAC Meeting 7pm/Dry Grad Meeting 8pm

November 7 – Badminton practice

November 8 – Remembrance Day Assemblies

November 12 – Remembrance Day (school not in session)

November 17 – “Evolution of Band” Concert 1pm

November 19-30 – Grad Photos hosted at Belmont

November 21 – Mid-term report cards published

November 22 – Student learning conferences 2 to 4pm/5 to 7pm

November 24 – Belmont’s Dance Company performing in the Santa’s Lights Parade downtown at 5pm

In the classroom…

Science 9

In Ms. Wilkie’s Science 9 class, students created Facebook pages for the elements of the periodic table as a creative way to learn more about this foundational chemistry knowledge. She was really impressed with students’ level of engagement as well as their creative and artistic abilities. Super cool!

In addition to the project above, students also learned about Bohr models using chocolate chips as electrons. Clean up was easy as students could eat their electrons:)

Geography 12

In Ms. Robertson’s Geography 12 class students participated in a soil lab where they constructed sedimentary layers made out of edible items and then were able to eat “the fruits of their labours.”

Unknown-1

Unknown

Days gone by…

Unknown-1

Mr. Huck recently caught Grade 12 student Nolan K. sporting a retro Belmont cardigan circa 1983. A definite shout out to Nolan for “rockin’ it old school!”

GISP

Last week 55 students from Kansai University Junior High school visited Belmont for 2 days last week. The students were buddied with Belmont students and were introduced to the Japanese students and culture. We were able to dance, sing, and carve pumpkins together. Then the Japanese students put on an incredible cultural fair for our students and staff. Thank you to all of Belmont and our community for hosting these students and making them feel welcome.

There were 10 Belmont students who were fortunate to be buddied with students from Russia for a 2 week period. Students from Russia were introduced to our academic system and many of our cultural practices. A big Thanks to our students who made the Russian students feel welcome. (Emma V., Ashley B., Jackie H., Kayla W., Sara St. J., Veronica C., Haley H., Jordan W., Parker W., Devin B.)

Belmont’s Model United Nations Club

Fourteen members of Belmont’s Model United Nations Club attended VicMun at UVic from October 19 – 21, debating topics ranging from evolving drug policies, to harmful practices against women and girls, and protecting journalists in conflict zones. Two students received awards for their diplomacy: Cassandra C. received an Honourable Mention in the Commission on the Status of Women and Isha C. received Best Delegate in the International Press Corps. Belmont’s own Model UN conference is coming up quickly too, on November 23-24. If you’d like to learn more, come to Room B205 at lunch on MUNdays (Mondays).

BCPSI – BC Post-Secondary Institution Event

On Tuesday, Nov. 6, Belmont is hosting the BCPSI event in the theatre during A block.

In order to make students’ time at the event as efficient and informative as possible, we encourage students to do the following ahead of time:

Research some possible programs/ institutions of interest. Check out, what the program requirements are, program options (certificate, diploma, degree, co-op, work-abroad) in order to ask informed questions for further clarity. A great website for students to conduct searches of programs offered around the province of BC is www.educationplanner.ca
Provide students with the attached list of questions that they may consider asking the recruiters.
Pick up copies of view books from institutions/programs that are of interest to them.
Pick up the business card of the recruiters so that they may have a “real person” to contact if they have questions in the future.
See their Belmont counsellor-of-record if they need to make schedule adjustments for the sake of admission requirements.
The following BC post-secondary institutions are participating in this week’s event:

BCIT
Camosun
Canadian Armed Forces – Royal Military College
Capilano University
Coast Mountain College (CMTN)
Quest
Royal Roads
SFU
TRU
UBC
UVic
VIU

Interested in another country?

If you are interested in studying or living abroad, please contact Ms. T. Evans, or attend a FOCUS block meeting on November 21 in Room B313.

Cultural Night

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!! Our 3rd annual Cultural Night is coming back to Belmont. Thursday, Nov. 15 from 4 – 6pm enjoy the numerous flavours and specialties from allover the world. A must see – do not miss it!

B.C. / Quebec Exchange

The B.C.-Quebec Exchange Program is open to French Immersion students in grades 10 and 11. Students must apply in Grade 9 or 10 to go on exchange in Grade 10 or 11, the following year. If you are interested in this incredible opportunity, please contact Ms. T. Evans, or attend a FOCUS block meeting on November 21 in Room B313.

Explore Program

The Explore Program is an incredible summer opportunity that allows students to learn more about the French culture by living and speaking in a French community. Numerous Belmont students have attended this program in the past and it is fantastique! If you are interested in this incredible opportunity, please contact Ms. T. Evans, or attend a FOCUS block meeting on November 21 in Room B313.

YMCA Summer Work Program

Want to work in a French speaking community next summer? Many Belmont students have taken advantage of this incredible program. If you are interested in this incredible opportunity, please contact Ms. T. Evans, or attend a FOCUS block meeting on November 21 in Room B313.

Careers News

Camosun Innovates Design Challenge

Sign up to spend a full day at Camosun College in their Innovates Lab where you will be challenged to create a design using their specialized technology and equipment. As well as participating in the hands-on design challenge you will have a tour of the Interurban Camosun Campus and learn more about their many offerings of courses and programs. The field trip is on October 30, 2018. See Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for more information and for a Field Trip Permission Form.

Take Our Kids to Work Day

On Wednesday, November 14, 2018 is the official “Take Our Kids to Work” day. This is an opportunity for all Grade 9 students to spend a day in the workplace of a parent, relative, friend, neighbour or community volunteer, where they will experience and learn about the world of work. This event is for Grade 9 students only.

A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form is REQUIRED. Forms are available in the Career Centre and also the students’ Block A teacher. Forms must be returned to the Career Centre by Monday, November 5, 2018. For more information, please visit the Learning Partnership’s website. https://www.thelearningpartnership.ca/events/take-our-kids-to-work-day or contact Mrs. Nicholson at nnicholson@sd62.bc.ca or Mrs. Hyde at ohyde@sd62.bc.ca

High Tech U

Are you self motivated and passionate about technology, innovation and coding? The Department of Computer Science at UVic and local Tech Industry Companies are offering high school students the opportunity to experience and learn soft skills and technical skills needed in the tech industry.

HighTechU offers three programs, Community Hub, Skills Academy and Summer Internships.

The application period will launch on Saturday, December 1st from with an event called UX Day held at UVic. This free event will give you an opportunity to learn more about HighTechU and to find out about other programs for youth interested in technology and leadership opportunities. UX Day is from 10:00am to 4:00pm

If you wish to participate in the 2018-2019 HighTechU programs, membership applications are due by e-mail by 11:59pm on December 31, 2018. Once accepted as a Member of the HighTechU Community you will then be able to continue with the application process for the Skills Academy and Summer Internships.

For more information about HighTechU go to https://www.hightechu.ca

Soldier for a Day – November 17, 2018

Are you interested in a little challenge and fun, the BC Army Reserve is hosting a Soldier for a Day program on Saturday the 17th of November. This program is an introduction to the role of the BC Army Reserve both here in your home community, across Canada and even around the world. Students in grades 10 to 12 interested in the 61/2 hours of work experience, an opportunity to learn more about the BC army Reserve’s full time summer employment program, leadership training and paid volunteer community service, plus up to $8000 of educational reimbursement funding should see Mrs. Hyde or Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for more information and a parent consent form.

City of Victoria Youth Council (CVYC)

Are you interested in civic engagement and making decisions that affect youth in your community? Do you want your voice heard on important issues that impact your city, would you like to help decide where funding goes for youth programs, would you like to be a leader and activist and bring about change in your community? If you are interested in being a part of CVYC, please fill out the application form: CVYC Application Form.

Meetings are every Thursday from 4-6pm starting November 1, 2018 at QVCC Youth Centre (901 Kings Road, Victoria BC)

See Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for more information.

Fine Arts

Congratulations to Sacha W.D. who represented the Belmont Music Department in the Provincial Vocal Jazz group this past weekend. Auditioned Honour Ensembles perform high level music for a packed house of music educators and families. It’s a great experience!

Winners of 2018 Sooke Student Art Show 2018

Congratulations to the following students who participated in the Sooke Student Fine Arts Show 2018:

Daryana M. – First Place #314 “Breathe” – Belmont Grade 10

Isabel F. – Honorable Mention #405 “Critters on Death Row” – Belmont Grade 11

YEARBOOK INFO

“A yearbook is a keepsake, a jewel, a treasure trove of youth. It transcends distance and time, dollars and dimes, health, beauty, pride and duty to a place where young lives began. Buried in the future is a discovery of your past; a time when photographs and stories become precious. Always.”

HOW TO PURCHASE: Yearbooks are $55 and can be purchased in the office or online at:

https://sd62.schoolcashonline.com

GRAD PHOTOS

Lifetouch will be at Belmont from November 19-22. Grad Retakes will be Jan 30-31 & Feb. 1. There is a $25 sitting fee (cash or cheque only). All grads must get Grad photos done, even if they are not planning on purchasing them. *IF YOU DO NOT USE LIFETOUCH, or get your photo taken during these dates, your Grad photo is not guaranteed to be in the yearbook. Please book your appointment online at www.lifetouch.ca/victoriabc

* If you want both your photo and your quote in the yearbook, please make sure to complete BOTH!

GRAD QUOTE

All quotes must be submitted by December 21st! Please note: all Grad quotes will be submitted AS IS- please make sure your quotes are edited (spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors WILL NOT BE CHANGED by Yearbook staff). Any inappropriate content will not be accepted, and your quote will be automatically replaced with a standard inspirational message. Please email your quote to: belmontgradquotes2019@gmail.com.

Some things to consider:

These are public, not private
These are to celebrate, commemorate and congratulate
Everything is read by yearbook staff and its associates
You may be edited for content deemed questionable (No references to sex, drugs or alcohol)
Emoji’s will not be implemented alongside your quote
Maximum 200 characters (with spaces)

Ideas: Favorite quote, thank you’s, favorite memories, future goals, etc…

France Exchange Partners

Belmont is extremely excited for the arrival of our exchange partners from Sarreguimines, France. They will arrive this Sunday and start school on Monday morning. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Duncan McIndoe, Michelle Grenier or Tiffany Evans.

Athletics

Senior Girls Volleyball

This past weekend the Senior Girls Volleyball Team successfully hosted their third annual 16 team invitational tournament. After a thrilling come from behind win over Langley Fundamental in the quarter-finals, the team defeated Claremont in the semi-finals and then played perhaps their most complete match of the season to beat a strong U-Vic Women’s Club team in the Final. It was sweet revenge as U-Vic had defeated Belmont in Friday’s round robin play. Jocelyn Sherman was selected to the tournament first all-star team, while Taylee Pomponio was named MVP. Belmont remains the #1 ranked AAAA team in B.C. The team would like to thank Mr. Lowe for all his work before and during the tournament to help make it run so smoothly as well as the Senior Boys Volleyball Team for their help with scorekeeping and lineskeeping. The Senior Girls enter the play-off portion of the season this Tuesday evening when the City Championships take place at Claremont. Good luck ladies!

f Belmont Invitational 4

And as of last night, our girls won their third straight City Championships by defeating Oak Bay. They now look towards the prestigious Red Surge Tournament held at Riverside Secondary in Coquitlam and then on to the Lower Island and Island Championships. Congrats to Coaches Toakley and Waller!