August 25 – School Start Up Info Emailed to Families
June 30-Sept 6 – Summer Vacation
Sept 6 – Labour Day (Stat Holiday)
A Message from Mr. Lamond
Dear students and families,
As communicated earlier this spring, I will be moving on to the role of District Principal of Pathways & Choice effective August 1st. The current Principal at Edward Milne Community School Ms. Laura Fulton will become the Principal at Belmont effective August 1st. I’m excited for Ms. Fulton as she joins Vice Principals Ms. Melissa Horner, Mr. Ryan Dubé and Mr. Stephen McHugh in continuing to support and lead our school.
It was a bittersweet decision to leave Belmont for a new role with our District however I look forward to being creative and curious as I embrace supporting Alternate Ed., Continuing Ed., Distributed Learning, and Careers K-12 in my portfolio.
Please know my time serving the students and families of the Belmont community has been an incredibly rewarding experience which I will never forget. The relationships we have forged and the experiences we have shared in providing great learning opportunities for our students speak to the great school Belmont is. I want to truly thank you for the support and trust you have provided me with during my time serving our school.
Belmont is a truly wonderful school because of the collective efforts of the staff, students and families in making it such a great place to live and learn. I look forward to seeing you at future events as I will continue to cheer on and support the Belmont Athletics and Performing Arts programs.
Have a well-deserved summer break!
Regards,
Mr. Jim Lamond
Fine Arts
Attached is the online Year-End Concert by the Belmont Music Department. Enjoy!
Athletics
Good luck to Preston L. (Belmont grade 10 student )as he qualified for the BC Junior Amateur Golf and BC Men’s Amateur Golf this summer.
Commencement
“Who Doesn’t Belong in the Grad Class?” Contest
Congrats to grade 12 students, Janel C. and Juan Jose H.O., for correctly guessing “Who Doesn’t belong in the Grad class?” contest. They both received a prize of $15 Tim Hortons gift card.
Our Belmont school community is so proud of our Grads, and especially the determination and perseverance they have demonstrated during this challenging year. Our Grads really do rock!
Belmont Grads featured in this year’s Government Congratulations
Two of our Belmont Graduates, Jeannie C. and Steven M., are included in this year’s Government congratulations to students and graduates!
Who Crashed the Grad Class of 2021?
The clerical staff of Belmont has created a tribute to the graduating class of 2021 by making a grad cap for each student with their name on it. The caps are on display on the outside windows of the Library Learning Commons but there is something wrong with the display…..
There are 2 names that are not grads like all the others. There are 2 names that just do not belong. Can you tell us which names are not grads like the others? Can you tell us the names before this game is all done?
RULES OF THE GAME
Figure out the name or names that do not belong to anyone in the grad class. You do not need to find both names to submit an entry. 1 name will get you entered! Include your full name in your entry.
Submit your guess or guesses to belmont@sd62.bc.ca by Sunday, 12 a.m. (Midnight) June 20 2021.
If your answer is correct, you will be entered to win a prize!
You can submit 1 entry for each name that you think does not belong or submit 1 entry with multiple names. If you submit an entry with multiple names you will still receive separate entries for each name that you guessed correctly.
Will anyone be able to figure out who crashed the grad wall by sneaking their name in??
Good luck to you all on being able to figure out who it is!!! Please don’t let these grad crashers go unidentified!!!
Thank you to the group of moms who came together on Friday, June 11th with the goal of putting on a Grad Motorcade for our Grads. Here are some photos of this special night.
2021 Belmont Grad Motorcade
Year-End Thank You Video to Students – features two Belmont students:
Premier John Horgan, Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside and Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry have prepared a shortvideo to thank B.C. students, including graduates, for their hard work, determination and resilience during this most challenging of school years. Please share this video. https://youtu.be/GmfNznx7cYo
Drumline Lunch Performance
Congratulations to our BMD Drumline who placed 2nd in the National Championships!!
Their performance will be in the Belmont Music Department year-end concert which will be shared with you in the next Bulletin.
Homestay Families Needed for 2021-2022 School Year
SD62 is looking for Homestay families for International students from around the world.
We are in specific need of Homestay families for Belmont Secondary and Royal Bay Secondary students arriving August 21 or September 3.
Grades 10 to 12, long-term stays, $925 monthly Homestay honorarium provided. Strict COVID19 protocols in place.
Basic expectations:
-Provide a clean, safe, nurturing, supportive home environment
-Provide a private furnished bedroom (must have egress window)
-Provide 3 meals/day plus snacks
-Provide help with transportation (for extra-curricular activities)
BMD Drumline has placed SECOND in the National Championships for Drumlines! Congratulations to them and the Belmont Music Department.
Drumline will be performing an “encore” performance Wednesday, June 16 at 11:40 in front of the school.
Athletics
Good luck to Preston L. (Belmont grade 10 student )as he qualified for the BC Junior Amateur Golf and BC Men’s Amateur Golf this summer.
Wellness Centre Summer Hours
The Wellness Center at Belmont, 3041 Langford Lake Road, is open most Mondays and Fridays with our Nurse Practitioner, Shyla Genoway. We will also host a drop in Birth Control/STI clinic on Tuesday afternoons. To book an appointment call 250-519-3580. Please access Wellness Centre through door number 4 and not the main doors.
We will also provide service at our Youth Clinic located at 345 Wale Road is on Wednesday afternoon for (Birth Control or STI testing only). To book an appointment call 250-519-3490 or 250-519-3580.
A poem for those lost and found at Kamloops Residential School
All flags at schools in the Sooke School District had been flying at half-mast for 215 hours to recognize the tragedy most recently discovered at a former residential school by the Tk’mlúps te Secwépemc First Nation, as well as in memory of the thousands of children sent to residential schools across Canada whose lives were taken and forever changed.
Many of our Belmont teachers and students have shown support and recognition for the 215 Indigenous children by wearing orange and putting up orange shirts and the feather from Gitxsan artist, Michelle Stoney.
In acknowledgement of the flags being lowered in our District, Elder Shirley Alphonse of Cowichan Tribes has provided the following words of wisdom to close the ‘work’ being done throughout Sooke School District. Her words are written specifically for the families of those lost at the Kamloops Residential School.
In support, Elder Shirley Alphonse, Brother Rick and Elder Henry have created a short video attached which states the importance of our collective actions in moving truth and reconciliation in SD62.
“Creator Great Spirit as we gather together in this circle we are thankful for each one as we remember and honor “the little ones” whose lives ended atKamloops residential school those many years ago – May the ancestors watch over them – May the road to the other side be graced by tall majestic pine trees with sweet scented healing flowers along the way – little birds singing their lament acknowledging their passing – May candles lit in their honor light their way – May the angels comfort them along with our prayers as we send our love and wrap them in warmth protecting their journey. We also remember the families left behind – May they know comfort and peace with all the love we send. Hych-guh Siem!“
To celebrate school spirit heading into our final month, the Leadership class wanted put together a virtual celebration. Even though we have had to stay apart, this is our way of coming together as a school community.
In addition a huge shout out to our Leadership students for their efforts in hanging balloons over the entrances and blasting some great tunes for students and staff as they arrived for both AM & PM sessions.
Scholarship Information for Grads and Grade 12 Parents
There are still scholarship available for students to apply for on the scholarship website – none of these are applications through the school or district so make sure you read application instructions carefully:
Thank you to all students and parents for their hard work in the scholarship application process. There were hundreds of applications for all SD62, PAC, and Belmont based scholarships this year which is great to see! All winners for these awards will be announced at graduation ceremonies at the end of June. Students will receive certificates and important information regarding scholarship/bursary retrieval instructions in white envelopes at their grad ceremonies – please make sure these are kept safe and looked through thoroughly to ensure all awards can be claimed in a timely manner! All the best to the grads in their future endeavors – Ms. Hoskins
West Shore Arts Council
The West Shore Arts Council is happy to announce that they are offering $500 scholarships again! Successful applicants currently attend high school, and plan to enroll in further education at a recognized post-secondary institution to pursue a career in the fine arts. This could include music, dance, theatre, film, visual arts, literary arts, digital arts, and others. Application is on the scholarship website!
COVID-19 Vaccinations for 12-17 Years Old – A Message from SD62
As you have likely heard, the provincial government has announced that children between 12 and 17 years old can now register for their COVID-19 vaccinations. We thought we would put the information in one place for you so that you can read, keep informed and make the best decisions for your family.
Quick highlights from the news release:
Young people may register and get their vaccine on their own, or have a parent, guardian or trusted adult assist them.
Under the Infants Act, children can give consent as a mature minor to receive health care, like getting a vaccine.
Parents, caregivers, guardians and trusted adults can provide their own contact information when registering youth, if preferred. They can also accompany them to their vaccine appointment.
Most young people will receive their vaccine in immunization clinics, not in schools.
Youth ages 12-17 can tag along to their parent or guardian’s booked appointment and receive an immunization as well. Just let staff at the vaccination centre know upon arrival.
Young people can register themselves and book their appointment:
A reminder that there is the daily health check application for parents and students to help them determine if they should be attending school or not. The application is available online as a mobile-enabled website, an iPhone application, and a Google Android application.
Sincerely,
SD62 Communications Team
Belmont Grads 2021
Our Belmont school community is so proud of our Grads, and especially the determination and perseverance they have demonstrated during this challenging year. Our Grads really do rock!
All Grad related information is being shared with Grad families by email – please continue to check your emails and ask your Grad to check the Grad Google Classroom for important information and updates.
There will be increased traffic in our parking lot for the following Grad related activities, our grade 9-11 families may want to consider alternate pick up and drop off locations during these days and times:
Cap, Gown, Grad Mask, and Lawn Sign pick up:
Students or their parent/guardian will be picking up their items during the week of June 7-11. A big thank you to the City of Langford for purchasing lawn signs for our Grads!
Belmont Commencement 2021
The newly re-scheduled dates for the Belmont Graduation Commencement ceremonies are Wednesday, June 23 and Thursday, June 24. Ceremonies will be taking place throughout the day. We will have the upper Goudy parking lot available for Commencement parking, but we expect the parking lot to have extra vehicles on these days as well.
Thank you for your understanding and your support in celebrating the Belmont Grad class of 2021!
Pride Month
Pride month is coming up in June! It is a chance for our communities to celebrate, reflect, promote equality and increase the visibility of LGBTQ2+ communities. Belmont Leadership is proud to raise awareness around pride month in our school. We are putting together a display board on various topics in an effort to raise awareness of the LGBTQ2+ community. The board will rotate between the zone 1, 3, 4, and 5 entrances for one week each throughout the month of June in an effort to reach as many students as possible.
Track & Field Results
An incredible showing for our Belmont Bulldogs Track and Field this year in the Pandemic challenge. Huge congratulations to the following athletes on the final standings in the Lower Vancouver Island Challenge:
Relay Senior Boys – Silver Medal (Beau N., Josh B., Stirling M., Braydon L.)
Relay Senior Girls – Bronze Medal (Julianne S., Sofia S.D., Gia L., Louisa K.)
Unfortunately, Leadership’s Relay for Life obstacle course has been cancelled this week due to low sign up numbers. Sorry for any inconvenience.
Full Circle Writing
On May 10, Ms. Sawatzky’s creative writing class wrote short plays based on fairy tales. Thanks to Trent Arterberry, guest author, who lead a workshop on writing scripts.
Mr. Martin’s drama class then did a workshop with Trent, bringing the scripts to life. The video-taped performances were shared with the script writers, who enjoyed seeing their words jump off the page.
2022 Grad Pinnies
2022 Grad Pinnies go on sale Friday, May 14 to Monday, May 31 on School Cash Online.
$40 each
Students MUST fill out the order form in the google classroom. Just paying will not get a pinnie ordered.
if you have questions, please see Ms. Rachael in room B101 (preferably at lunch or after school please), or email rsandberg@sd62.bc.ca.
All this info is in the “Belmont Grad 11s” google classroom.
Fine Arts
Concert Band 9/Senior Winds
Throughout this year, our instrumentalists in both Concert Band 9 and Senior Winds have been able to rehearse, with following all safety precautions, in preparation for our recordings. On Friday April 16, both bands recorded their festival set for the Virtual Vancouver Island Concert Band & Orchestra Festival, that is normally held in Port Alberni. After a few weeks of waiting, we have our adjudication and both bands have received a SUPERIOR in their playing level! Congratulations to our Band Students!
Athletics
Vancouver Island Track & Field
A group of strong, fast runners gathered last Saturday to host the first day of competition for the Vancouver Island Track and Field Season. The season has started out very well with the following students achieving great results: Louisa K., Julianne S., Josh B., Sophia V., Daniel M., Guilia M., LLiana S., Jule N., Katharina H., Tanya D., Gia L., Hong Ye L. Thanks to the Belmont parents and teachers (Mrs. Robertson and Mr. Willing) for helping out. Way to go Bulldogs!!
The Workplace Alternative Trades Training Program
The Workplace Alternative Trades Training Program is accepting applications from young people 16 years old and up. Cohorts will be running monthly for the remainder of 2021!
Check out the attached poster for more details.
*note: training is now two weeks (part-time) online and two weeks (full-time) in class to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
French Immersion Info
Any French Immersion student who is in grade 9 or grade 10 interested in participating in the BC Quebec exchange next year, please contact Ms. Evans tevans@sd62.bc.ca or tevans@sd62learns.org.
French Immersion Survey: The Ministry is seeking to better understand the various factors which have led to an increase in demand for French Immersion programs across the province.
The Boys and Girls Club has started a new virtual program. The program is called Youth Connect with the intent of connecting youth across the CRD. The scope of the program is quite broad and will heavily involve youth interests and their feedback to shape the weekly sessions. Some topics may include outreach about local causes, skill building and knowledge sharing, discussions on movies and literature, promoting inclusion, inviting guest speakers, and more.
The Ministry of Education is seeking to better understand the various factors which have led to an increase in demand for French Immersion programs across the province. If interested, please see link below to the survey.
Belmont Leadership is excited to announce that we will be hosting our annual Relay for Life fundraiser. Why is this so important? Relay for Life is a fundraiser for the Canadian Cancer Society. We have a week of fun activities planned for the whole school – distanced and virtual of course!
To make this possible we need your help! Our goal is to help support the Canadian Cancer Society and fundraise to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Please use the link below to donate to the Belmont Relay for Life by the week of May 17 – 21, 2021. Our team name is “Belmont Secondary School” and any amount helps!!
PISE is pleased to assume operations of the Canadian Sport School from Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and applications are now open for the 2021/22 school year!
The Canadian Sport School program at PISE is now accepting applications for the 2021-2022 school year! An important program delivered across the province of BC, Canadian Sport School provides athletic and academic support for high school students balancing both educational and high performance training demands. Canadian Sport School helps to alleviate the pressures experienced by young athletes and ensures that future Olympians, Paralympians, and National Team members have all the skills and resources needed to continue their development.
The school welcomes approximately 30 students each year from a variety of sport backgrounds and schools in the Greater Victoria area (School Districts #61, 62 and 63 all participate). The student athletes spend half of their day at their regular high school taking required academic courses, and half of their day with the Canadian Sport School at PISE.
