Author: ccleland62

Pride (noun) – “a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated…”

As of late, it has been obvious that Belmont pride is truly alive and thriving.  Whether through the actions of our students at our annual Cultural Night or by our Dance Co. in their participation in Santa’s Parade or through the student led Belmont UN conference and the efforts of staff and students in the Belmont CBC Food Drive.

The pride we share was also on display this past weekend as our AAA JV Football team and our Cheer Team (seen below) supported by bus loads of fans and our  AAAA Girls Volleyball team as they advanced to the Provincial Championship game in their respective sports. Although in both games, we lost to a well deserving Kelowna Secondary School, our teams faced defeat with grace and dignity

Although losing never feels good, the resilience we develop through those moments lasts a lifetime and can have a tremendously positive affect on how we approach future challenges on the court, on the field and in life.

A special thanks to our staff and parents for all the time and commitment they give to our students in volunteering as activity sponsors, event organizers, coaches, drivers, and as fans of the opportunities our students participate in. The pride our students, staff and parents take in making Belmont such a great school, is definitely real!

Important Dates

December 3 – Curriculum Implementation Day (students not in session)

December 4 – Gr. 9 Immunizations

December 4 – Clubs Event at lunch in foyer

December 4 – PAC Mtg 7pm/Dry Grad 8pm

December 6 – Winter Concert 7pm

December 7 – CBC Belmont Food Drive

December 12 – GTP/Gr. 12 Capstone Exit Interviews

December 13 – Winter Formal 6pm (Bear Mt. Resort)

December 21 – Santa’s Breakfast

December 24 – January 4 – Winter Break (school not in session)

Belmont CBC Leadership Food Drive

Leadership class has started preparing for our annual winter food drive.   We are doing things a little different this year by getting the whole school involved.  Our wish is to encourage students to bring nonperishable food items / toiletries / cash to fill the boxes kept in each classroom.   Our donations will be added to the collective food drive on Fri Dec 7^th at the Langford Legion (in partnership with CBC’s Food Bank Day).

Suggested item could be:

• Pasta (canned or dry) and pasta sauces
• Canned meats and fish
• Peanut butter, soy, assorted nuts
• Canned goods (beans, soups, and stews)
• Canned vegetables and fruit
• Whole grain cereals
• Infant foods and baby formula
• Bathroom tissue and diapers
• Personal hygiene products (tooth paste, tooth brush, soap, shampoo/conditioner, feminine hygiene products, etc)

Counselling Information

• If any students are considering applying to the University of Alberta in Edmonton, please note that there will be an admissions rep here on Friday, Nov 30, during A block in room A214. UofA offers amazing scholarship opportunities. Please sign-up in the counselling suite; you must see your A block teacher to gain permission to attend.
• Any gr 12 students who have not yet picked up their Transcript Verification Report to see if they are in grad status or not, or would like help with signing up for the BCeID (giving electronic release of your marks to post-secondary institutions… a MUST do if you are applying anywhere after high school), please meet in the computer lab B220 during Focus block this week. You can sign up with Mr Taft. 30 spots available.
• Students who are interested in the study of psychology please see the following link for a student-founded local conference.  Attendees of the Pacific Psychology Conference will have the opportunity to listen to lectures by professionals in the field, ask questions and synthesize new ideas with their peers, participate in discussion with a panel of psychology students and experts, and explore the many career paths a psychologist can take. The cost is $5 to attend and students are responsible for their own transportation and must be able to manage the absence from classes for the day. http://www.pacificpsychologyconference.ca/ Follow the link to register.

The Prime Minister’s Youth Council is receiving applications until November 30, 2018.  If you are a Canadian youth between the ages of 16 and 24 and are interested in contributing your perspective to our Federal government through meetings and events please apply online.  For more details go to https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/prime-ministers-youth-council.html.  Travel expenses are covered for all accepted members.  Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre if you have questions.

Imagining Possibilities Conference

On November 1st, 18 Belmont students attended  the annual one day Imagining Possibilities Conference hosted by the Soroptimist International Victoria WestShore chapter.  Students were able to speak  one-on-one with over 50 women exhibitors who have made successful careers in the arts, science, health care, technology, personal care, business, law and many other areas.  Students also participated in three dynamite workshops ranging from finding and following your dream, strategies for job hunting, healthy relationships and budgeting.

Grade 9 Take Our Kids to Work 

Congratulations to all the 171 Grade 9 students who participated in the national Take Our Kids to Work Day on November 14, 2018.
Thank you to all the parents, businesses and  community for giving our students the opportunity to spend a day in the life of a working adult and to understand the skills required in today’s workplace.
Some of the students job shadowing included the Department of National Defence, government ministries, retail stores, schools, restaurants, grocery stores, health services, law firms, IT companies, financial institutions, hotels and colleges/universities.  A special thank you to WestShore RCMP, Langford Fire & Rescue, SPCA, Glenview Animal Hospital  and Kal-Tire for taking special requests from our students.

Belmont Dance Company

Our Belmont Dance Co. performed in Santa’s Lights Parade on Sat. Nov. 24th and gave it their all through the parade dancing the entire time!

Geography 12

Recently our Geography 12 students participated in orienteering activities  learning how to use compasses.

International Student Program

Our Grade 12 ISP students spent some time together recently as an ISP family showing their Belmont pride and care for each other.

Cultural Night

Once again our annual Cultural Night was a huge success with students and families sharing food from all over the world.

Athletics

Jr. Girls Basketball

Shout out to our Jr. Girls Basketball team who won the Victoria Tip-Off Tournament this past weekend defeating Parkland Secondary in the final.

Sr. Girls’ Volleyball

This past weekend our girls and their families travelled to Penticton to defend their Provincial Championship from last year.  Going into the championship tournament the girls where ranked number 1.  Unfortunately the girls fell short loosing to a well deserving team from Kelowna.  We are so very proud of their accomplishments!  A special thanks to Coaches Toakley and Waller for all their dedication and time as well as to all the parents and families for their ongoing support.

Jr Varsity Football Team

Belmont’s AAA Junior Varsity Football team lost in the Provincial Championship game to a talented Kelowna team on Saturday afternoon.  The “Dawgs” enjoyed their best season ever going undefeated until the final game.  Thanks to Coach Sanschagrin and all our coaches for their time and commitment.  In addition, thanks to all our dedicated families for making the trip over to cheer on the boys.  Although not the outcome we had envisioned, we’re very proud of our team.

Important Dates

November 17 – “Evolution of Band” Concert 1pm

November 19-30 – Grad Photos hosted at Belmont

November 21 – Raven Dancer moved to our Community Garden 9:30am

November 21 – Mid-term report cards published via MyEd BC at 12pm

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

November 23 – Pro-D students not in session

November 23-24 – Belmont’s Model UN Club hosts conference

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

From our Counsellors

Gr. 12 students met during Focus block last week to review their Transcript Verification Reports (TVR’s). This Ministry of Education document has essential information that needs to be reviewed by students and parents in order to ensure student graduation eligibility. A large number of TVR’s were never claimed. Students must see their counsellor-of-record asap to pick up the TVR and/or to discuss any errors or questions, and make arrangements to add any course requirements to second semester schedules in order to ensure graduation status for June. All second semester schedule changes for Gr. 12 students must be completed before the Christmas break.

A copy of the  power point presentation that was reviewed with students, TVR and Student Transcript Service and Post Secondary Power Point can be viewed at:

http://belmont.web.sd62.bc.ca/resources/counselling/ (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Belmont hosts local MP Alistair McGregor & Federal NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh…

On Tuesday November 13 we hosted a Q&A  for our students from selected Social Studies, English and AVID classes with MP Alistair McGregor and Federal NDP Jagmeet Singh.  Our students asked insightful questions ranging from homelessness to environmental issues like the impact of the Site C Dam as well as plans to honour the 94 Calls to Action from the Truth & Reconciliation Commission.  It was inspiring to hear our students ask such critical questions.  What a great opportunity for our school to share our great school.  Student MCs Navya P. and Keagan T. also had the opportunity to provide our guests with a guided tour of our wonderful school.  Thanks to Elder Henry Chipps for providing the Aboriginal Territorial Acknowledgement and Welcome as well as Trustees Wendy Hobbs, Margot Swinburnson, and Dianna Seaton for attending.

An article from the Goldstream Gazette: https://www.goldstreamgazette.com/news/ndp-leader-jagmeet-singh-visits-with-langford-high-school-students/

Raven Dancer’s final journey to our Community Garden

On November 21st our school and community will celebrate Raven Dancer’s final journey into our Community Garden where it will continue to help students learn about the Coast Salish People’s ways and the relationship between people and the land we share.

Elders, community members, students, and staff will all share in this wonderful event. A special thanks to our Aboriginal Education staff and the Hulitan Family & Community Services Society for sharing Raven Dancer with us.

Belmont’s Model United Nations Club

Belmont’s Model UN club hosts its first conference with many students attending from both SD62 and outside the district on November 23 from 3:45-8:30 and November 24 9:00-7:30.

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Forum for Young Canadians

Are you interested in decision-making and politics?  You can be  part of  behind the scenes of the world  of federal politics by spending a week on Parliament Hill in Ottawa .  Applications are now be accepted for the Winter 2019 sessions. Application deadline is November 30, 2018.

For more information please go to http://forum.ca/the-program/for-students/?lang=en or see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre.

 

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Cultural Night

Belmont’s 3rd annual Cultural Night for all community members (staff, students, parents and friends) will take place this year on Thursday, November 29, 2018 from 4:30 – 6:00pm.  Come to the main foyer at Belmont to try various cultural cuisine, listen to great music and socialize.  Come one, come all.

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Explorations in Technology and Engineering – TEAC 105

TEAC 105 is a sampler course introducing the basic skills and careers in engineering and technology.  The technology fields covered are Computer Science, Electronic and Computer Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology.  The course is held at Camosun College Interurban Campus on Fridays from 3:00pm to 6:00pm for 13 weeks.  There are some seats left in the course for second semester.  Upon completion, students will receive 4 high school credits.  The tuition is paid by the school district however there is an application fee of $41.82.  Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for more information and an application.

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UX Day 2018

Discover Science & Technology Exploration Opportunities for Vancouver Island Youth at this free event on Saturday, December 1^st from 10:00am to 4:00pm at UVic.  For more information and to RSVP for the event go towww.higtechu.ca

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Belmont Accounting 11 Students Leading National Stock Market Challenge

The Accounting 11 class with Mr. Grainger is participating once again this year in the national student Stock Market Challenge presented by Junior Achievement. At the mid-way point of the two month competition, several Belmont students have made a name for themselves in the top 25 out of over 2000 teams from across Canada!

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Congratulations to Dayton C. & Liam S. on currently ranking 6^th in the entire country, with a portfolio up over 20% in spite of recent stock market volatility. Scott K., Haley H. and Emma D. have placed as high as 14^th in the daily ranking with a portfolio up over 10%. Ryan V., Gary M., and Ethan R. have also spent time in the national top 25. Way to go, everyone! The stock market challenge wraps up December 8^th.

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BC RCMP Youth Advisory Committee

The RCMP in BC is looking for youth to join its YAC (Youth Advisory Committee)

Are you in school and between 14-18 years?

Do you have something to say about issues facing young people?

The BC YAC was designed to create and connect a group of diverse youth and to engage this group in an open, safe and lively discussion about issues affecting youth crime and victimization today to inform current and new youth issues, priorities and strategies for the RCMP.  If you are interested in applying please come to the Career Centre for an application.

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And from the Belmont Fine Arts…

 

and in addition…

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Belmont Athletics

Thanks to all the staff, students, and families who have supported our programs.  As the Fall season winds down and the winter season begins, here are some of our notable results:

• Junior Girls B Volleyball – Developmental team finished 9^th in league and missed playoffs by one spot.
• Junior Girls A Volleyball – Finished 6^th in pool play.  Qualified for City playoffs and moved up one spot to 5^th but missed Island Championships by one berth.
• Junior Boys Volleyball – Placed 9^th in pool play and missed City playoffs by one spot.
• Senior Boys Volleyball – 5^th in the City’s and qualified for Islands Nov 16/17.
• Senior Girls Volleyball – Won City’s and qualified for Islands Nov 16/17.
• Senior Boys Soccer – finished pool play without a win but a great start to rebuild our boys program.
• Cross Country – Had runners at Islands but no qualifications for BC’s.
• Rowing – We had one rower from Belmont row at the City’s but did not qualify for BC’s.
• Boys Varsity Football – Unfortunately due to injuries team had to fold half way thru the season.
• Boys JV Football – Undefeated so far this year and are in the Quarterfinals of the BC playoffs.

Upcoming Winter Sports:

• Junior Boys and Girls Basketball
• Senior Boys and Girls Basketball
• Gymnastics
• Badminton Club – continues every Wed. at 7:00 PM

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Fundraising event:

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.”

Days gone by…

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:

1. BCIT
2. Camosun
3. Canadian Armed Forces – Royal Military College
4. Capilano University
5. Coast Mountain College (CMTN)
6. Quest
7. Royal Roads
8. SFU
9. TRU
10. UBC
11. UVic
12. 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!

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!

Boys’ Jr. Varsity Football

Thank you to everyone that made it to the football game on Thursday, October 18th.   The boys definitely fed off the support from the crowd!

In case you missed it (or simply want to relive the best moments) below is a link to the highlights from the game.

Go DAWGS!!!

https://www.hudl.com/video/2/24632/5bca3e300428190caca2b6bd

Week 7 – JV – Han @ BEL – Belmont highlights – Hudl www.hudl.com Week 7 – JV – Han @ BEL

Cross Country

Congratulations to our athletes who ran in the Cross Country Island Championships last week at Beaver Lake!  High fives and amazing effort all around!

Senior Girls – Sacha W.D. – 85th

Senior Boys – Liam C. – 22nd (qualified for Provincials)

Junior Girls – Louisa K. – 34th & Kirstin B. – 73rd

Junior Boys – Niklas R. – 44th

Badminton

Belmont Badminton will be cancelled for Halloween but will resume on November 7.  Please remember to pay the $10 badminton fee in the office.

Community News

In support of our Careers Department’s focus for Grade 10s, today we hosted an ‘Acts of Kindness’ School Wide Assembly supported by Live Different.  Live Different is a trusted youth empowerment organization that has partnered with over 3500 schools over the past 18 years.  This year’s theme is ‘Kindness Changes Everything”.

This year, their presentation is all about the incredible impact of kindness and helping students to recognize just how important of a role it plays in each of our lives.  From what it does for each of us individually, to the impact it has on our schools and communities, and even on a global level, kindness has a unique opportunity to see significant change.

Important Dates

October 15 – ‘Acts of Kindness’ School Wide Assembly in block B

October 18 – The Great BC Shakeout – Nation wide Earthquake drill at 10:18am           

October 19 – Provincial Pro D Day (classes not in session)

October 25 – Camosun & UVic Info Evening at 6:30pm in Theatre

October 25 – Block A “Halloween Howl” – ISP, GISP, AVID 12 pumpkin carving

October 26 – Photo Retakes

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

November 6 – PAC Meeting 7pm

Belmont Hosts the Cops For Cancer Tour De Rock!

On October 3 Mr. Chan’s and Ms. Sandberg’s Leadership classes once again hosted a fund raising BBQ to support this great charity event. In total we raised $1314.95 and were very honoured to serve the cyclists as they completed their Island tour. A huge thanks to Ryan’s Vending for their donation of liquid refreshments!

“The biggest piece of advice to kids at Belmont is get involved in your community. I remember when I was in high school, I didn’t care about anything. It was just about myself. And now, getting older and we’ve been through all the schools all over the island, over 100 schools, it’s amazing to see students getting involved, at any age. Get involved in your community- you will get a lot more out of it then you think.” (Tony LaBlanc, Tour de Rock 2018)

The Belmont Leadership Class is off to a GREAT start with our class of Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 students.  They meet outside of the timetable on Mondays (3:30-4:45pm) and Wednesdays (8-8:45am) in the Learning Commons with Ms. Sandberg & Mr. Chan.

Mr. Chan, along with Grade 11 students Navya P., Keagan T., Emma K., and Salisha T., travelled to Edmonton to the Canadian Student Leadership Conference, hosted by the Canadian Student Leadership Association and Edmonton Public Schools.  There, along with over 700 student delegates and 150 teacher advisors, they learned more about Volunteerism & Service, School Spirit, Team Building, and Leadership!  This has inspired them to work with our Leadership class about raising our school spirit!  The Leadership Class’ first event was the Cops for Cancer/Tour de Rock BBQ, and what a success it was!  Big thanks to Belmont for raising over $1300 towards this GREAT foundation!

Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for some new initiatives from your Belmont Leadership Class!

Scholarship News

For our grade 12s as they look towards post-secondary, the Belmont scholarship website is now live and is found under the Student tab of our school website or by clicking on the link above. Ms. Davis offers scholarship support in B205 during A block, Focus blocks, and by appointment outside of school hours.

Yearbook Information

Yes! It is already time to start thinking about buying your yearbook! Yearbooks will be $55 and can be purchased at the office with cash or online. Sales begin now and will go ONLY UNTIL December 21– so get your order in early! There will be no extra copies available for sale this year, so make sure you pre-order!

Belmont Music

The Belmont Music Department (BMD) recently had their fall retreat of 2018 over the Thanksgiving weekend! The Concert Choir, along with Ms. Dawson and Ms. Fortin (our Student Teacher) had a wonderful day of choral clinics and games with Mrs. Sally Murphy, former Choral Director of Oak Bay High School.  They spent their day singing together, learning, and laughing, while being hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch no. 91 – Prince Edward).  All music students converged back to Belmont on Friday evening for a night of games, dinner, and karaoke!  Special shout out goes to Ms. Gaetz for catering our Spaghetti Dinner, to the BMD Alumni for helping us with the dinner, and to our Music Executive for organizing such a FUN night of games!  The Saturday saw our Concert Band 9 and Senior Winds members in clinics with musicians from the Victoria Symphony, followed by a wonderful workshop with Mr. Parker Joliffe, Director of Bands at Spectrum Community School.   Want to listen to our ensembles?  Our Choir will be performing at our Remembrance Day assembly, while the Senior Winds will be performing along with three other community bands at our Evolution of Band Concert.  Both events will be in November!

GISP Global Intercultural Studies Program

Grade 12 Belmont student Anna T. is currently in Japan on an exchange for 6 months. You might recognize her exchange partner in the picture, Rion, her partner from the last academic year.  Anna is having an incredible time experiencing the Japanese culture and travelling around various parts of Japan We look forward to hearing all about her adventures when Anna returns in January.

Careers News

Aviation & Design Program

 The Aviation and Design Program is for students who are interested in exploring the aviation and aerospace industry.

The semester long program is located at Mt. Doug Secondary School for second semester (February to June 2019).  Students will receive Transport Canada’s Ground School Certificate, Co-pilot two flights, work with a local aviation company and earn 20 high school credits.

Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for an application and for more information.

Application deadline is November 15, 2018.

British Columbia Youth Parliament

BC Youth Parliament is a youth organization for students who want to learn about the parliamentary process, debate topics of interest, and plan numerous activities for the upcoming year.  The proposed activities, usually in the form of community service projects, are presented in the form of government bills; once passed they must be put into effect.

The Parliamentary Session is from December 27 to 31, 2018.  Application deadline is Tuesday, October 23, 2018.

Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for an application and for more information or go to https://bcyp.live/applying/.

Volunteering?

Are you a grade 11 or 12 student considering taking a gap year after you graduate from high school? A representative from Latitude Global Volunteering will be at Belmont on Monday, October 22 during A block. If you are interested in attending and can afford to miss your A block class, sign up in the counselling suite before Thursday, October 18^th. The number of participants will determine where we meet for the presentation.

GRADUATING IN 2019? This message is for you!

Grads 2019! Now is time to start thinking about your Yearbook 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

Athletics

Girls Basketball Tryouts Senior and Junior A/B

Monday Oct 15th 7-8pm

Tuesday Oct 16th- 5:30-7pm

Weds Oct 17th- 5:30 -7pm

Monday Oct 22nd- 6:30-8pm

Weds Oct 24th- 5:30- 7pm

Senior Girls Volleyball

Another wonderful performance from the Senior Girls Volleyball Team recently, going undefeated and capturing the Camosun College Tournament championship in thrilling fashion with a big win over cross-town rivals Oak Bay. Taylee P. and Gracie M. were selected to the tournament all-star team, while Jocelyn S. was named MVP. Belmont has now been ranked the #1 AAAA team in B.C.! Well done girls – you’ve made us all proud!

Girls Rugby News

Sierra G. is away in Marcoussis France with the Women’s Rugby 7s Maple Leafs Team.  She will be competing in a pre-season tournament with the team.

Maggie M., Madison G. and Kendra C. (pictured below) are representing Canada at the Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires with the Rugby 7s.  Belmont grads Carmen Izyk and Olivia De Couvreur are also on the team.   Go Canada Go!

And just as we were about to press “publish,” news comes in that Canada’s 7s finish the Junior Olympics with a Bronze medal.  Congratulations from all of us!

Belmont Bulldog Junior Varsity Football

Check out the recent highlights from our JV Football victory over Mount Doug 34-8.  Our JV team is having a great season and looking incredibly strong. Well done fellas!

Grade 9 Immunizations – A message from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA)

Recently immunization consent packages for grade 9 students were sent home from the school. If you have not already done so, please review the information with your child as an opportunity for them to start making decisions about their own health. Please complete the consent form and return it to the school in a sealed envelope as soon as possible.

Although a child may be immunized with the consent of a parent/guardian or representative, a grade 9 student can make an informed decision regarding immunization regardless of parental consent or refusal. This is referred to as “mature minor consent.”

For more information:

• Refer to HealthLinkBC file # 119 “The Infants Act, Mature Minor Consent and Immunization” available at: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthlinkbc-files/infants-act-mature-minor-consent-and-immunization.
• A short video presentation on mature minor has been created for grade 9 students. It is available at: https://vimeo.com/231149258 or by going to viha.ca/health_info/immunization/ à Additional resources à View our video on grade nine immunization and mature minor consent.
• Contact the local Health Unit at 250-519-3490 to discuss further.

SD62 Halloween Reminder

The following message was emailed to all parents recently:

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Halloween is nearly here! Please take a moment to read the following costume guidelines. Teachers will go through these points with students and if you could also do the same with your child, it would be very much appreciated.

Costume guidelines:

• No Full-face paint
• No Masks (including half and full-face)
• No Imitation weapons of any kind

If anyone shows up in a related costume or brandishing a fake weapon, they will be asked to change/remove the item(s) or be sent home.

These guidelines are in place so that students can be easily identified. Please use your discretion when sending your child to school in an appropriate costume. We do our best to create comfortable and safe environments in our schools and we thank you for helping us to do so. Halloween is a very fun time of year and we want to continue to be able to offer that to our students in the years to come.

Thank you for your continued support and diligence in keeping our students safe.

Sincerely,

Scott Stinson

Superintendent of Schools, Sooke School District #62

To access the links in the Healthy Schools Newsletter please click on the link below.

Healthy Schools Healthy People Newsletter Sept 2018 FV

On another note, our District has recently finalized the Strategic Plan 2018-2021 which will help anchor the direction of schools and our community in the coming years.  Parents are invited to review the plan and know that as a school, Belmont students and staff will be using the Strategic Plan to help define a focus of inquiry this year.

AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) News

On Thursday September 27th our AVID 9 cohort collaborated with members of our Ab Ed staff participating in a workshop focused on the meaning behind Orange Shirt Day. What a great “cross-curricular” opportunity!

International Student Program

Our ISP program hosted a “meet greet, and welcome” activity with our AVID 12, Geography 12 and GISP (Global Intercultural Studies Program) students this past Friday where they collaborated on designing clothing out of newsprint in addition to using the colour orange.  Their efforts were celebrated with a fun fashion show judged by select staff and students. What a cool event for all our students!

Careers news:

Check out the upcoming volunteer opportunities, jobs and career events at http://bsscareercentre.weebly.com/.

Click on the tabs at the top of the webpage to select ‘volunteer’, ‘jobs’, ‘career events’, and ‘successes’.

Careers 10:

Students will participate in Career Life Education 10 through a blended model of face-to-face instruction complimented by a G Suite (Google) classroom. Assignments 1A, 1B, 1C are due October 5, 2018.  If you still need to join the google classroom here are the codes:

French Immersion:  7rv4jz

Avid:  w4mnesO

All others: Od7xmfi

Any questions come see Mr. Dube, Miss Rachael or Mrs. Robertson in room B210.

Grad Transitions:

Be sure to follow:

‘Grad Transitions 12’ on the Belmont App; and join the ‘Belmont Grad Transitions’ Google Classroom – Code: ar773or

YEARBOOK INFORMATION:

Yes! It is already time to start thinking about buying your yearbook! Yearbooks will be $50 and can be purchased at the office with cash or online. Sales begin now and will go ONLY UNTIL December 21– so get your order in early! There will be no extra copies available for sale this year, so make sure you pre-order!

GRADUATING IN 2019? This message is for you!

Grads 2019! Now is time to start thinking about your Yearbook 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

Students who are enrolled in the following Dual Credit Courses, must attend an orientation/registration session.

Accounting 110 and Marketing 110 -Thursday, October the 4 at lunch time in Room B222, (Mr. Grainger’s classroom).

Psychology 154 and Math 100 – Wednesday, October 17 during Focus Block  in the Learning Commons.

Information and registration packages will be distributed at these meetings do not miss the opportunity to have High School and Camosun College credits while you are still in High School. The college tuition is covered by the School District. Students however, will be expected to pay a nonrefundable application fee of $41.82.

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

Camosun Bio 103 Lab

Here are a few pictures of our Bio 103 students performing a sophisticated lab at one of the Camosun laboratory classrooms last Thursday.  They did very well testing for lipids, proteins, sugars and starch on 4 unknown milk samples.  Everyone enjoyed themselves and appreciated the lab skills learned at a post-secondary institution.  The students were successful in correctly identifying the samples based on their observations and conclusions.

Camosun instructor, Laura Biggs is shown below helping one group; 2 other group pics showing students testing for macromolecules.

Athletics News

Senior Girls Volleyball

Congrats to the Senior Girls Volleyball Team after their championship performance at the 29 team VIU Tournament this weekend in Nanaimo! After going undefeated in their Pool play, the girls defeated Brentwood College, Oak Bay and St. Thomas Aquinas from Vancouver to claim the VIU trophy. Everyone played well and First Team All-Stars were awarded to Taylee P. and Jocelyn S., while Gracie M. was named tournament MVP. This coming weekend the girls are playing in the local Camosun Tournament and would love some Belmont student support!

Upcoming Basketball tryouts…

Sr boys:

Thursday Oct 11: 3:30-5:30pm, Friday Oct 12:  2:25-4:30pm, Monday Oct 15: 7:00-8:30pm

Jr boys:

Monday Oct 8: 6:30-8:00pm, Thursday Oct 11: 6:30-8:00pm, Friday Oct 12: 2:25-4:30pm

Monday Oct 15: 7:00-8:30pm

South Gulf Island Fire/Rescue Youth Camp

Do you want to know what it takes to be a firefighter?  The Fire Rescue Camp on Pender Island from March 18-23, 2019 will challenge you in the basic elements of firefighting, search & rescue, medical first response and rope rescue.  There will be a strong emphasis on teamwork, physical fitness and community service.  Applicants must be 15-18 years of age.  For more information and an application, please see the Career Centre.  Deadline for applications is November 8, 2018.

Imagining Possibilities Conference 2018

Do you want to meet women in different career pathways, be able to take charge of your own future?  Do you want to learn about Personality Strengths, Finding your Heart’s Inner Wisdom, Self Defence, Job Search Boot Camp, the Real World of Money and Healthy Relationships?  These are some of the workshops offered at the full-day “Imagining Possibilities” Conference sponsored by the Soroptimist Club.  This free conference is on Thursday, November 1, 2018 for female students 15 years or older.  Pick up field trip permission forms and a conference description from the Career Centre.  Space is limited to 30 students on a “first come first served’ basis.  Deadline for forms is Thursday, October 18, 2018.

 Community News