Author: ccleland62

Important Dates

• March 18 – 29 – Spring Break
• April 1 – School Reopens
• April 2 – PAC Mtg. 7pm/Dry Grad 8pm
• April 9 – Welcome Wellness morning offering hot chocolate to Belmont Stude 8:15 – 9:00am
• April  10 – Report Cards Published
• April 10 – Gr. Victoria Performing Arts Festival (Choir)
• April 11 – Early Dismissal Learning Conferences
• April 12 – Pro-D (school not in session)
• April 12 – 13 – Victoria Music Festival @ Oak Bay High
• April 19 – Good Friday (school not in session)
• April 22 – Easter Monday (school not in session)
• April 21 – April 27 – Earth Week
• April 27 – Victoria Jazz Festival

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Belmont Bytes advances to the semi-finals at the FIRST Robotics Regionals…

Our mighty Belmont Bytes Robotics team advanced to the semi-finals of the FIRST Robotics Regional competition this past weekend at the Save-On Foods Memorial Arena. A shootout to the team for the great work competing against world class international teams from as far away as New Zealand, Hawaii, US.

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Congratulations to Angelo B. who was interviewed by “Skills Ready”.  Skills Ready supports youth as they explore and prepare for jobs in skilled trades and technologies.

Angelo completed the Welding Foundation Program at Camosun College while he was in Grade 11.   Please click on the following link to see his interview.

https://skillsready.ca/2018/02/14/the-student-perspective-angelo-blackwell/

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Items due by March 15th for Grads

Commencement, UVIC Ceremony Tickets & Cap & Gown Orders

Grad Quote for yearbook

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Scientists in action…

Below are some pictures of Ms. Wilkie’s Science 10 class doing an acid/base lab. Their job was to use HCl (hydrochloric acid) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide – base) as a comparison when testing the pH of household items to determine whether they are acids or bases. Some of the household items they used were: vinegar, buttermilk, tea, CO2, soap, milk of magnesia…etc.

Super cool hands on learning!

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CAREER CENTRE NEWS

Congratulations to the following Belmont students who won medals at the Skills Canada Regional Competition on March 8, 2019.  Skills Canada promotes and celebrates the skilled trades & technologies in positive hands-on competitions similar to the Olympics.  Students compete with other students from Lower Vancouver Island  for Gold, Silver and Bronze medal standings.  This year Belmont Secondary School won Gold as the most winningest school with a score of 14 points.

Automotive Competition: 

Veronica A. – Gold

Morgan T. – Silver

The Automotive competition included a written exam and  students were judged at five different stations.  Students had to identify various car components,  build an electrical lighting circuit, check diagnostic trouble codes and a fault code using ProDemand and Consulab, remove brake caliper, inspect and measure runout, correctly test starting, charging & battery systems and inspect and measure engine block cylinder bores.

Welding Competition:

William M. – Silver

The Welding Competition tested the students ability  to read blueprints, interpret welding symbols, have a working knowledge of electrode classification and identification and to demonstrate their skills in welding processes including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc and flux core arc.

Public Speaking:

Isha C. – Gold

Haley H. – Silver

In the Public Speaking Competition, the students must present their thoughts in a clear, coherent and well-constructed format, capture and hold the attention of the audience, speak easily with confidence, use non-verbal skills and be expressive when delivering their topic.

Hairdressing Beginners Competition:

Brenn A. – Gold

Cyanea L. – Silver

Neha B. – Bronze

Students in the Hairdressing Competition had to create a bridal up do with visible, upward movement in the nape and best displays their artistic ability and would be suitable for a “traditional” bride.

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Athletics

Congratulations to the Rugby Canada Development Academy who won the Western Championships in Edmonton in February.  The team defeated teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and BC.  Well done on an excellent performance!

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Belmont Cheer Team

The Belmont Cheer Team represented Belmont at the annual UVic Island Cheer Showcase this weekend.  They did amazing!!!  If they are in your class, please congratulate them.

If you’d like to see the performance in person, we are hosting the “Spring It On! Westshore Cheer Showcase” at Belmont on Saturday April 13^th (@ 6:30pm).  Admission by donation.

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BELMONT MUSIC (BMD)

This winter for the BMD has been packed full of fun and excitement! With a few months under our belt, we really hit our stride and started off the holidays with a bang! Our winter concert on December 6th was a huge success, with all of our ensembles taking the stage. It was great to see everyone doing their part to make this year’s concert amazing! Our next performance was our Santa’s Breakfast on the last day of school before Christmas! We had a great time performing and “Santa” even made a special guest appearance!  Our Drumline welcomed 2019 by working with expert clinicians on January 26th, coming in on the weekend for a great, musical day! Days later we welcomed grade eight students from all of our feeder schools for a musical performance alongside our drama, film, and dance colleagues! Cabin fever can strike in these winter months, so we packed up the BMD and went on the road! The entire music department performed at both Millstream and David Cameron Elementary Schools where we shared the stage with (hopefully) future Belmont musicians from for the John Stubbs Middle School Band and Grade 5 Choir students at David Cameron Elementary. Those were wonderful moments, as one of our values here in the BMD is an appreciation for the musical work of other music students. A great example of this philosophy come to life took place on Saturday Feb. 23rd at the Second Annual Choral Collaboration. Over 200 choir members from Oak Bay, Reynolds, Mt.Doug and Esquimalt learned from Indigenous guests and clinicians, performed for each other, and were treated to a performance from our guest group Ensemble Laude.  A special shout out goes to everyone who made this collaboration amazing! The upcoming few weeks will be very busy! Kicking off the Regional Music Festival season is UVIC Bandfest for Senior Winds and Concert Band 9 (side trip to the Royal BC Museum!). Festivals will follow for Concert Choir, Drumline, Vocal Jazz, and Jazz Band. On Thursday, March 7, we had our Evening of Jazz consisting of our Vocal Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Band, and R&B Band, as well as a few student-run combos along with special guest the NADEN Jazz Band!

We’ve had a productive winter, and hope to see you at the first concert of the spring! We are so excited to share our music that we have worked so hard on with the community!

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Salish Sea Science Program on Hornby Island  – Youth Opportunity

Are you a passionate youth committed to the conservation of aquatic life? If so, we have an opportunity for you to join us on Hornby Island at the Tribune Bay Outdoor Education Centre for the 3-day/2-night Salish Sea Science Program!

Participating youth (30) will learn about the seven ocean literacy principles, the history of the area and traditional knowledge through outdoor activities. Students will then work in teams to develop an online learning resource to be uploaded to Ocean Wise’s online learning environment. The resources will be a reflection of their experience at the Salish Sea program, and will provide teachers with a tool to guide their class through the fundamentals of ocean literacy. To fully engage youth in ocean leadership, participants will challenge themselves in a ropes course, explore the coast in kayaks (weather permitting) and discover intertidal creatures while tide pooling.

Program details:  Date: April 26th – 28th 2019 Age: Grade 10 – 12 Cost: $50.00

Drop-off & Pick-up location: Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal OR Departure Bay Ferry Terminal

How to apply:

Please respond to the application questions available on education.ocean.org/youth and email your responses to hailey.renaud@ocean.org before March 15th 2019. All applicants will be notified as to whether they are accepted or not by March 29th.

Information for Parents & Guardians:

Staff from the Ocean Wise education team will supervise youth attending this program. A full schedule, packing list, waivers and transport information will be sent out to successful applicants.

For more details, please contact: Hailey Renaud

Manager, Children & Youth Programs

604-659-3493

hailey.renaud@ocean.org

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Important Dates

• February 19 – Badminton Team practice after school Jrs. & Srs. welcome
• February 19 – Sewing & Craft Club mtg. in Mrs. Marier’s roomA101 @ lunch
• February 20 – All gr. 12’s must attend an important Grad mtg. during Focus Block
• February 21 – Badminton Team practice after school Jrs. & Srs. welcome
• February 21 – Mandatory Girls Soccer Mtg. @ lunch room B112
• February 23 – Choral Collaboration Day
• February 27 – Pink Shirt Day
• February 28 – Counsellors visit Spencer
• February 28 – Camosun Info Night 2019 5:30 – 8pm Lansdowne Campus
• February 28 – WorkBC:  Find Your Fit (student 9-3:20/parents 4:30 – 7)
• March 1 – WorkBC:  Find Your Fit
• March 1 – UVIC Band Fest – Concert Band 9 & Sr. Winds 10-12
• March 7 – Evening of Jazz 7pm Belmont Theatre
• March 8 – International Women’s Day

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First Semester Honour Roll

As we completed the first semester, we tabulated final marks and the following students in grades 9 through 12 are recognized for their achievements.  To note is 39% of Grade 9s, 40% of grade 10s, 41% of grade 11s, and 33% of our grade 12s earned honour roll status including an average of 14% of all students earning honour roll with distinction status (90% or above average in their courses).  The lists below provide a snapshot of students’ first name and last initial.

As a staff we continue to discuss ways to honour our students’ academic efforts and achievements.  Congratulations to all of our students for a successful first semester.

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Our Culinary Program begins…

Teaching Chef Ms. Andrea Harvey and Culinary Assistant Mr. Steve Letts have joined our staff at the beginning of the second semester and are continuing to work with a dedicated group of students in preparing to open the Belmont Bistro and Lakeside Cafe in the coming weeks; an incredible task to bring this vision to life.  Ms. Harvey and Mr. Letts both bring great experience and training to our community as we look forward to providing many students with skills that will last a lifetime.  Our entire school looks forward to the opening and can’t wait to taste some great food.

Below our students learn about food preparation, safety, and choice cuts of beef as an example of the theory behind the culinary arts.

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Belmont Grad of 2018 meets Royalty

This past week we received news that Sydney Waddington, a Grad of 2018, had the opportunity to meet Princess Anne (HRH The Princess Royal) in Worcester, UK.  Sydney is participating in the Lattitude International’s oversees volunteer program.  Each year, Lattitude International volunteers provide support for the secondary school and college’s blind and visually impaired students during the school day as well as in the residential housing and extracurricular activities. The picture below comes from the Worcester News and shows Sydney and Her Royal Highness greeting each other.

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Girls’ STEM Leadership Conference: Sustaining Our Future

Female students from Grades 7-10 are invited to the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) conference on April 25 & 26 at St. Margaret’s School in Victoria BC.

The purpose of the conference is to  inspire young leaders by sharing stories of integrity, environmental stewardship and green innovation solutions to help our communities from the threat of plastics and extreme weather events.  Women  from a variety of careers  such as Physical Oceanography Research, Software Developer, National Geographic Explorer, Ocean Networks, Mechanical Engineer, Microsoft Developer, etc will presenting.

Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre if you are interested in attending this conference.  Seats are limited.

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Spring is early at Belmont.  Well… then it snowed!

 

 

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Belmont Bytes Gear Up for First Robotics International Competition

Our School Robotics Team Belmont Bytes, shared this video of our team preparing for the upcoming First Robotics Regional Competition hosted at the Save On Foods Memorial Centre March 7-9.  The event is free and open to the public so come out and cheer on our team and two robots, JUNO and Rusty!

 

 

 

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Find Your Fit and Career Fair

SD62 and Find Your Fit are collaboratively hosting hands on learning explorations for grades 5-10, a Community Night, and Secondary Career Fair and hands-on exploration sessions. General information for all events are below.

 

Feb. 28^th 9:00am- 3:20pm

Secondary Career Fair and Find Your Fit

Find Your Fit and community partners have paired up to offer our grade 11 students a great day of hands on activities and career exploration opportunities. Students will explore careers, engage with community partners, explore apprenticeship opportunities, meet local business owners and learn about Work BC and all they have to offer.

 Feb. 28^th 4:30- 7:00pm

Community Night for all community members and students

This evening event will encompass a variety of hands on and learning opportunities for Middle and Secondary years, plus adults. The event will host vendors such as Work BC, currently industry employers, Health and Wellness businesses, the BC Construction Foundation, the technology sector and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in: career activity stations, a career technology zone, labour market information stations, as well as learn about career tool kits, career profiles, and careers treks.

Parents, friends and families – everyone welcome.

March 1^st 9:00am- 2:15pm

Grades 8-9 Students: Belmont, RBSS, Spencer and John Stubbs (this year).

Grade 8 and 9 students will visit career activity stations and labour market information stations where they can take part in hands-on activities related to specific careers. These activities will help students uncover their strengths and interests, giving them the knowledge they need to get started with their careers planning.

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Theatre on the Edge news…

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Belmont Art

Congratulations to A.J.  (Grade 12) for winning first place in the black and white poster category and Angie  (Grade 11) for finishing first place in the colour poster category in the Royal Canadian Legion Poster Contest. The students were honored with an awards ceremony at the Royal Canadian Legion #91 Prince Edward Branch on January 27th and were each presented with a certificate, pin, and $100 cash prize.  Exceptional work A.J. and Angie! Congratulations again to you both!

             

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Belmont Music (BMD)

The Music Department beat the snow by a day with a hugely successful mini-tour of two elementary schools in our district. We packed up two school buses and a one tonne truck and left Belmont at 7:00 am on Thursday Feb 7 to showcase seven performing ensembles in shows for Millstream and David Cameron Elementary. Belmont students were roadies, stage crew, and musicians, as well as excellent ambassadors. We shared the stage with the grade 8 band from Ecole John Stubbs and sang together with grade 5 students at David Cameron. It was fantastic!

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Athletics

Rugby Canada Development Academy

• Congratulations to the team on going undefeated at the Abbotsford Elite 7’s. The Academy scored 150 points for and only allowed 10 points against. Day one of the tournament was an opportunity to perform and put all of our practice in to game play, there were many executions highlights both offensively and defensively. Day two was a big learning day, the team had to adapt to adverse and freezing conditions and after a tough first game the girls bounced back with a strong performance in the second game. Another highlight was playing with Academy Alumni and Senior Team members. Carmen Izyk and Olivia DeCouvreur. Well done ladies!
• Good luck to the girls this Family Day weekend.  The Academy will be competing in the Western Canadian Championships against Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

Belmont Girls Rugby

• February practice: Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30pm-5:00pm in the gym
• March practice: Monday, Wednesday 3:30pm-5:30pm & Friday 2:30pm-4:30pm on the field

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Important Dates

• February 1 – Report Cards Published at noon
• February 1 – Belmont Music Dept. – Elementary School Tour
• February 4 – Chinese New Year Party 4-6pm
• February 5 – PAC Mtg. 7pm/Dry Grad Mtg. 8pm
• February 7 – BMD Middle School Performance
• February 9 – Belmont Bulldogs Senior Rugby Bottle Drive Fundraiser
• February 13 – Grad Assembly
• February 14 – Last Day to order Grad Wear
• February 15 – Pro-D Tri-District (students not in session)
• February 18 – Family Day (school not in session)

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Semester 2 Start Up

As we begin the 2nd semester of the 2018/19 school year, we need to thank all of our students and staff for making the semester change go so smoothly.  During the assessment/exam week we successfully provided students with the opportunity to write the Graduation Numeracy Assessment as well as English 12, Francais Langue 12, and Communications 12.  A reminder we will be acknowledging students efforts through our honour roll as this is tabulated at the end of the course. This past week we began our Grade 8 transition by hosting a Middle Schools Fine Arts Performance and a Grade 8 Parent Night on January 30.  Thanks to all of the students and staff for making the first formal introduction so memorable and positive for our future Bulldogs and their families.

Currently our AbEd staff are also hosting WEXES Wellness Week: Belmont is very excited to be partnering with First Nations Health Authority through their Wellness Grant and also thrilled to be working alongside Island Health, Camosun College, Saanich Native Plants, One Love Consulting and WZ Latin Party Fitness and, most of all, our amazing Role Models and Elders.  We are celebrating Wellness by connecting with WEXES the moon of the frog (February to March). In the SENĆOŦEN calendar the WEXES moon is the time when Mother Earth warms up and the hibernating frogs wake from their winter sleep to announce the coming of spring. It is a time of rebirth and rejuvenation. WEXES (frog) is a witness and a messenger.

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1st Semester Final Report Cards

A reminder to all families that as of November 2018, we electronically publish report cards through the MyEd BC student portal and in addition will complete the upcoming 2019/20 course selection process using the same student portal.  Instructions can be found on our website or through our school App under information. The 1st semester final report card will be available (published) on February 1st at 12pm.

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Your feedback is wanted: Draft SD62 calendars for 2019-2022 The school district has posted draft calendars for the next three years. Please provide any feedback you might have to info@sd62.bc.ca. Feedback will be open until Friday, February 22, 2019. The SD62 Board of Education must submit a Board-approved calendar to the government by the end of March. Check out the calendars here: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/schools/calendar/

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Red River Carts come alive…

In December before the holiday, Ms. Bronson’s SS9 class participated in an awesome project where her students created “Red River” carts out of items such as Popsicle sticks, small wooden dowels, glue, and other such materials. Not only were the students challenged to create these historical replicas, but Ms. Bronson and her husband spent hours working out every detail with blueprints, creating detailed instructions, and actually drilling the holes that each spoke of the wheel would need to go into.

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ISP Farewell Party  

 

 

 

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Congratulations to one of our grade 10 students Thomas C.,  who was awarded Top Male Biathlete in the Vancouver Island Zone Biathlon Competition, held at Mount Washington on January 13.  He is the only South Island Biathlete who will be competing at the Provincial Cadet Winter Biathlon Competition on Feb. 9 & 10th.  Please see link from the Sooke Mirror https://www.sookenewsmirror.com/sports/langford-cadets-top-podium-in-regional-biathlon-competition/.

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The Belmont Bytes prepare for another season of Robotics competition!

Belmont Bytes Robotics team competed on January 18/19 at Oak Bay High School and finished 2^nd.

Team members in the photos are: Sierra I., Manon M., Veronica C.,  Antonio L. and Coaches Mr. & Ms. Samousevitch.

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University of King’s College Information Session The University of King’s College has an Information Session in Victoria on Tuesday, February 5^th. The session will take place from 7-8 p.m. at the Delta Victoria Ocean Pointe Resort (in the Cowichan Room) – 100 Harbour Rd., Victoria B.C. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.).  This event is a great opportunity to learn about King’s programs, campus life, clubs, societies, athletics programs, and living in coastal Halifax. Grade 12 students who attend the event are entitled to a free application to King’s in the month of February. Students can learn more or RSVP online.

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VMUN – Vancouver Model UN Belmont sent five students to VMUN, the preeminent annual Model UN conference for high school students, with 1400 students from around North America attending this Vancouver event January 25 – 27. William H., Isha C., Keemia A., Cassandra C. and Morgana A. enjoyed great success, with two students even earning recognition awards for their skills in research and diplomacy. Congratulations to Cassandra (the delegate of the Democratic Republic of Congo in the African Union committee) and Morgana (the delegate of the United States in the Security Council) for their awards and to all the students for representing Belmont so well. Any student interested in learning more about Model UN is invited to join us Mondays at lunch in room B205.

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Congratulations to Christine C.  and Isha C. who participated in the BC Youth Parliament  on  December 27 to 31, 2018 at the Legislative Chambers in Victoria.  Christine and Isha met with 95 other students from across BC to learn about parliamentary process, to debate resolutions pertaining to local, national, and international issues and to plan activities for the coming year.  

 

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Belmont School Salon The Belmont School Salon is open to the public, students and staff.  Hours are 9am to 12pm Wednesday to Friday.  Rates are posted on the salon door.

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Doors Open to Technology (DOT) is a free conference for students who are interested in having the opportunity to go behind the doors of local tech companies.  The conference includes tours of tech companies, innovations talks, panel discussions from Vancouver Island tech companies, networking, learning what it takes to get into the tech field and discovering the options for tech careers on the island. When: Tuesday, February 5, 2019 Where:  St. Ann Academy  A bus will leave Cineplex Odeon at WestShore Town Centre at 8:00am and return by 3:45pm Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for the permission forms.  Seats are limited.  Lunch will be provided by Subway.

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Athletics

Sr. Girls Basketball

On January 22nd this year’s grade 12s were honoured on “Sr Night for their dedication and commitments to our girls basketball program. To make the celebration even more memorable our Sr. Girls came away with a great win over Pacific Christian in league play.

Girls Soccer Girls Soccer is commencing this Spring.  We are looking for Junior and Senior girls to join our teams.  Sign up with Ms. Gaetz (room B112).  Games and practices will be Tuesdays and Thursdays now through the beginning of May.  No experience necessary – Come out and have fun! Badminton Attention badminton players!  The Belmont competitive badminton team is starting up in the next few weeks.  See Mr. Willing in B310 for details. Belmont Ultimate Frisbee General meeting for Jrs. & Srs. on February 4th in room B102 at lunch.  Season begins week of February 18th to May 10th.  No experience necessary!  Learn how to throw some DISCgusting tosses and sky your opponents in a fast-paced sport this Spring.

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Lattitude Info Night

Students/parents are asked to register online through the their website.

Important Dates

• January 18 – Copernican Bell Schedule A/C

• January 20 – Dance Show Tech Rehearsal

• January 21 – Copernican Bell Schedule B/D

• January 22/23 – Teachers may offer “I” days for students to catch up

• January 22/23 – Numeracy Assessment

• January 23 – Dance Show Dress Rehearsal

• January 24/25 – Provincial Exams

• January 25-26 – Dance Show Performance 7:30pm

• January 30 – Semester 2 begins ABCD

• January 30 – Fine Arts Show for Middle Schools @ Belmont

• January 30 – Gr. 8 Parent Night 7pm

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Women in Trades & Technology Exploration Event at Camosun Are you interested in exploring a variety of Trades and Technologies at Camosun?  This one day event is free for  female students and participants will be able  to experience hands-on activities in  electrical, carpentry, civil engineering, computer science, sheet metal, automotive, electronics and mechanical engineering.  See Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for an application, parent permission form and agenda. Lunch will be provided.  Seats are limited.  The  deadline is February 5, 2019.

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Livres par la classe de 10e annee immersion francaise/Books written by the FRAL 10 class.  They are children’s stories to be donated to Ecole John Stubbs grades 2 and 3 so little ones can see what the big ones are doing.

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Congratulations to Lucas S., Braydon B., Tanner P. and Derek P. who each won a Youth Work in Trades Award valued at $1,000.  These students worked in a trade recognized by Industry Training Authority (ITA), completed a minimum of 900  work-based training hours, graduated with a minimum of C+ average in their Grade 12 courses and were registered as an apprentice with ITA.

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Yearbook Purchases & Grad Quote Submissions Extended to March 15th/19

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Grad Blood Drive Are you 17 or older? If so, you may be eligible to donate for the upcoming Grad Blood Drive. On January 28^th, from 3-5pm, take one hour of your day to make a donation that has the potential to save up to three lives. Sign up starts this week at the booth in front of the Learning Commons at lunch, where you can take the test to see if you are eligible and find out more info. All eligible students and staff are welcome! Contact Christine C. or Cassandra C. for more info.

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Belmont Dance Presents “Dem Beats!” January 25th & 26th 7:30pm (Doors open at 7pm) Entrance will be $2 per person at the door. Come out and support the dancers in their first show of the year.

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Jasmine R., a grade 9 Art student, created this beautiful mural as her final project for her art class. She spent weeks creating a very intricate and elaborate stencil, which she then mounted onto the wall with removable glue. Next, she sprayed the wall and stencil with removable chalk spray paint, waited for it to dry, and repeated this process with multiple stencils and layers.  She also applied a mixture of crushed chalk pastels with water to add more detail and adjust the colour tones and intensity.  Her piece came to life beautifully, receiving many positive comments from the school community. Through this piece, Jasmine’s message to the world is, “it’s not what the world holds for you; it’s what you bring to it.”

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Animal Logic Work Experience Animal Logic is one of the world’s most creative digital studios, producing award winning, ground breaking animation, visual effects and design. They have made films such as “The Lego Movie 2” and “Peter Rabbit”.   Animal Logic is offering 10 successful Grade 11 applicants  an opportunity to participate in their Work Experience Week.  You will be working in a feature animation studio in Vancouver, BC and learn about the roles related to a career in Animation & Visual Effects workplace. Work Experience Week will be take place in Spring Break Monday 18^th March 2019 to Friday 22^nd March 2019 in Vancouver, BC. The deadline for applications  is Monday 4^th March 2019 and can be applied for via an online application form on their website – www.animallogic.com Although it is free to participate with lunches provided, students  are responsible for their own travel to and from the Studio in downtown Vancouver and their accommodation. Please see Mrs. Nicholson for more information.

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Congratulations to the winners of the Royal Canadian Legion Poster and Literary Contest. Anthony B. –  Grade 12 Angie S. –  Grade 11 Cassandra O. –  Grade 10 Bria B. –  Grade 9 The students will be honored at an awards ceremony held in the auditorium of the Royal Canadian Legion, Prince Edward Branch #91, 761 Station Avenue on Sunday, January 27th at 11:30 am.

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SD62 Youth Work in Trades Program Is your Son/Daughter a Hidden Apprentice? Sooke School District is currently looking for hidden apprentices in our schools.   A Hidden Apprentice is any student that is currently working, or has previous work experience, in a recognized Red Seal trade (carpentry, cooking, electrical, baking and many more, see itabc.ca). These students can earn up to 16 school credits and a possible $1000 scholarship. The Youth Work in Trades program (YWT) is a career program jointly sponsored by the Ministry of education and the Industry Training Authority (ITA). The program is open to any students 14 years + and enables them to receive “time in trade” or apprenticeship hours through practical, hands-on work experience.  Students will be registered with the ITA and begin accumulating hours towards a trade certification while in secondary school.  Students will also be signed up for Youth Work in Trades courses and gain school credits for work experience.   Successful completion of the program earns students 16 credits towards graduation. Some may also qualify for the YWT Scholarship – a $1000 award given to students that complete all four YWT courses, graduate with a C+ average and complete 900 work based training hours by Aug 31^st the year the student turns 19. If you are a high school student already working in a trade, or interested in the program, please contact Mr. John Mennie for more information. John Mennie SD62 Youth Work in Trades Coordinator jmennie@sd62.bc.ca 250-514-7038

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Dual Credit Programs – Camosun College South Island Partnership (SIP)

While students are enrolled in high school, they can have their tuition paid by the School District for our partnership programs (SIP)  with Camosun College. Students who meet the requirements can earn high school credits towards graduation, be enrolled as a Camosun College student and earn their first year of college where appropriate. Students typically go to Camosun in their Grade 12 year but can apply in Grade 11. Please see Mrs. Nicholson in the Career Centre for more information and to pick up an application. Tuition Free SIP Partnership Programs:

 Automotive Service Technology	 Electrical	 Medical Office Assistant
 Carpentry	 Health Care Assistant	 Metal Fabrication & Sheet Metal
 Community Support & Education Assistant	 Heavy Mechanical Trades	 Office Administrator
 Computer Network Electronics Technician	 Horticulture	 Plumbing & Piping
 Cook	 Information & Computer Systems	 Refrigeration & Air ConditioningMechanic
 Electronics & Computer EngineeringTechnology-Renewable Resources	 Joinery/Cabinet Making	 Technologies Exploration (TEAC)
 Legal Office Assistant	 Welding

All these programs take place at Camosun College and range from 16 to 32 high school credits depending on the program. Grade 10 and Grade 11 is the ideal time to plan for a Partnership Program so that prerequisites for the program and credits for graduation are met. For more detailed information go to: http://camosun.ca/learn/south-island-partnership/

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Bio 103 Sending compliments to our Biology 103 students who just completed their final university lecture and lab exams and the end of the course before holidays.  SUPERB EFFORT!  Special acknowledgements to the following students: Silken T. and Susan Y. achieving 100% on their first university lecture exam—wow!  Sheryn B., Isha C., Rina H., Kodi J., Layla M. D., Silken and Susan for exemplary final 103 course marks of A+!  The rest of the class marks ranged from A- to B+.  The 103 experience was appreciated by all in completing a post-secondary lab, learning new lab skills, handling new equipment and models, completing experiments and working in a collaborative setting along with the Camosun instructor, Laura Biggs. This is one of the Dual Credit courses offered at Belmont during Semester 1, whereby students receive 8 grad credits and a transferable university credit. They become an early registered student at Camosun, were exposed to university style lectures & exams, completed 14 labs (8 at Belmont, 6 at Landsdowne campus) and did NOT have to pay tuition for the course!  If you are interested, please see your counsellor or Mrs. Hyde in the Careers Centre or speak to Ms. Choma in room A304. Camosun Lab for Bio 103   Here are a couple of pictures of our Bio 103 students performing their last lab on Human Anatomy at one of the Camosun laboratory classrooms.

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Grad Photos Once again, the website is ready for grads to go on line and sign up for your Grad photos.  Appointments available from January 30 to February 1, 2019 at Belmont School.  To book an appointment please go to the link provided www.lifetouch.ca/victoria or call 250-744-4100 if you require assistance.

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My Blueprint & Google Classroom Reminder to all parents:  Please be sure to give online consent for your student to have access to My Blueprint and Google Classroom.  Both these websites are used for the Career Life Education and Career Life Connections courses that are required to graduate. Here’s how to do that:

1.      Go to https://consent.sd62.bc.ca

2.      Click “allow” or “consent given” for Google APPs for Education (GAFE) and My Blueprint

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Belmont Psychology students traveled to the University of Victoria on Friday December 7^th to participate in the Pacific Psychology Conference for High School students. Forty students spent the day in lectures and seminars learning about counselling therapy techniques, statistics and research, environmental psychology and the different degree options available to students wishing to continue their education in Psychology at the post-secondary level. It was a tremendous learning experience and an opportunity to hear their first university lectures from pre-eminent experts in psychological research.

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Athletics

Belmont Senior Girls Volleyball – 2018 season summary After graduating 7 players who had helped lead the team to two consecutive AAAA B.C. championships this year the Senior Girls Volleyball Team “re-tooled” and almost immediately climbed back to the top the provincial rankings. They compiled a record of 61-4 for the year, winning several big tournaments including the prestigious Red Serge Tournament hosted by the RCMP in Coquitlam. After capturing the City League Championship, the Lower Island Championship and the Island Championship the girls headed to the B.C. Championships in Penticton with the #1 ranking. After winning their pool and three straight play-off wins the team made their third consecutive provincial championship final, but this time were denied by a very strong Kelowna team. It was another stellar year in which the school was not only represented extremely well on the court, but also off the court where the team was noted for its comradery and love of the game.

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Belmont Bulldogs TC10km team Set out your New Year’s Resolutions yet? Why not consider running or walking the TC 10km this year? Where?  Downtown Victoria When?   Sunday, April 28th, 2019 Race starts at 8am so best to be downtown around 7:15 – 7:30 as parking and getting to the start line can be challenging at times. How to register? Go to https://raceroster.com/registration/20153/9eqpf3dhyyc5q5xz/registrant/1 Register as a “registrant” and make sure to add that you are part of team Belmont Bulldogs! Have fun training!

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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)

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Geography 12

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

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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.

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Cultural Night

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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