scarlson62

Welcome Back

Important Upcoming Date Reminders:

Jan 6- Welcome Back
Jan 11- Music Department Bottle Drive
Jan 13-17 – Graduation Assessments
Jan 14 – PAC MEETING 7:00 PM
Jan 14-15 – Winter Dance Show 7-9pm
Jan 14-15 – Grade 9 Immunizations
Jan 20-23 – Grad Photo retakes (revised dates)
Jan 20-24 – Quiet Week at Belmont
Jan 21- Capstone Presentations in Learning Commons
Jan 24 – BMD 4 BMD – Music Dept.
Jan 27-28 – Completion Extension Days

Environmental Expo

Join us at the Environmental Expo being held on January 11th from 11-4 at the Church of the Advent for a day filled with fun activities, informative talks, and interactive tables all centered around environmental sustainability. Learn about ways to reduce your carbon footprint, discover eco-friendly organizations, and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about protecting our planet. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a positive impact and help create a greener future for all! For more information, look at the posters scattered around the school!

VIRCS Information and Schedules

Below are some links for anyone wanting information on learning English or needing assistance with any programs.

VIRCS Jan 2025 ELT schedule.pdf This attachment provides information for families who want to join their BCNSP English classes (GVPL JDF branch, and Victoria locations) in Jan 2025. Families must register and have a short assessment before starting.
VIRCS Jan 2025 Outreach Sschedule.pdf This attachment provides the BCNSP outreach schedule (GVPL JDF branch and Victoria locations) for Jan 2025. Families can learn more about the services that VIRCS provides and sign up to become a client.
VIRCS Jan 2025 Workshop Schedule.pdf This attachment provides the BCNSP workshop schedule (GVPL JDF branch and Victoria locations) for Jan 2025. Workshops include functional English for Daily Life, Employment Cafe, Beginner Grammar and Conversation, Intermediate/Advanced English Conversation, Pronunciation Class, and Law Clinics (by appointment only).

Basketball and upcoming games

Hana was named Athlete of the Month for December 2024. Hana is an exceptional student-athlete who stands out due to her natural leadership and skill. Hana has served as a dedicated team captain for Belmont’s Volleyball and Basketball teams all the way from grade 9-11, a testament to the trust her fellow student athletes have in her leadership. Hana competes in basketball at a high level, having previously been chosen to represent Vancouver Island at last years BC summer Games. Congratulations Hana!

January 7th	Sr A Boys @ Royal Bay 7:30
January 8th	Jr Girls @ Royal Bay 5:45 Jr A Boys @ EMCS 7:15
January 9th	Jr B Boys vs St Andrews 5:45 Sr B Boys vs Brookes 7:30 Senior Girls @ Port Alberni “TOTEM TOURNAMENT” Jan 9-11 Senior Boys @ Walnut Grove Tournament Jan 9-11
January 10th	Jr B Boys vs St Andrews 5:45 Sr B Boys vs Brookes 7:30 Senior Girls @ Port Alberni “TOTEM TOURNAMENT” Jan 9-11 Senior Boys @ Walnut Grove Tournament Jan 9-11
January 13th	Jr B Boys vs EMCS 4:15
January 14th	Jr Girls vs Lambrick 4:15 Sr Girls vs SMUS 5:45 Jr Boys vs Stellys 7:30 Sr A Boys @ Spectrum 7:30
January 15th	Jr Girls vs SMUS 5:45 Jr Boys vs Spectrum 7:15
January 16th	Sr B boys vs Claremont 7:30 Sr Girls Away to Robert Batemen
January 17th	Sr A Boys vs RE MOUNTAIN 1:15 Jr A Boys @ Spectrum Sr Girls Away at Batemen
January 20th	Jr B Boys @ PCS 5:45 Sr B Boys @ Oak Bay 7:30
January 21st	Jr Boys Vs Reynolds 4:15 Sr Girls vs Claremont 5:45 Sr A Boys vs Claremont 7:30
January 22nd	Jr Boys Vs Reynolds 4:15 Sr Girls vs Claremont 5:45 Sr A Boys vs Claremont 7:30
January 23rd	Sr B Boys @ Royal Bay 7:30

Scholarship Information:

Students interested in applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out for Mrs. Hoskins ASAP – choskins@sd62learns.org

Students should also consider completing the following if planning to apply for local awards in March/April:

Scholarship Resume (Template in Grad Google Classroom)
Reference Letter Request Form (Template in Grad Google Classroom)
Cover Letter and Personal Statement

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines:

1.CMOLIK Foundation Scholarships

Belmont is able to nominate one student for these scholarships of up to $45,000. The Foundation looks for students that have faced adversity, but through hard work and determination have been successful in achieving their goals. The scholarships will be awarded to BC students who have demonstrated a good work ethic, tenacity, and commitment , and who, without financial assistance, may not have the means to attend a post-secondary institution. Applicants must be BC residents who have lived in Canada for at least 7 years. To be considered for our nomination, your completed nomination form must be submitted to Mrs. Hoskins in Grad Google Classroom on or before the deadline.

Deadline for nomination form: January 15th, 2025

For the nomination form – SEE GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Deadline for formal application: February 7th, 2025

Homepage

2.Schulich Leader Scholarships

Applications OPEN NOW. Twenty undergraduate scholarships of up to $120,000 each are available across Canada for students intending to enroll in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) areas of study at certain Canadian universities. Each secondary school may nominate ONE student. Nominees must possess at least two of the three criteria listed:

Outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership
Academic excellence
Financial need

(From Schulich Leaders Website)
If you are interested in becoming Belmont’s nominee, please use the nomination form, due by January 17th, 2025. Submit the completed form to Mrs. Hoskins via GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

For the nomination form – Check GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Deadline for nomination application due at Belmont: January 17th, 2025
Formal Application by Student is due: February 19th, 2025 – Noon

Student nomination process

3.BC Excellence Scholarship (BC Ministry of Education)

You must be nominated by Belmont in order to apply for this scholarship and only one student from each school may be nominated. Our nominee then applies to the province for one of the 55 Excellence Scholarship vouchers of $5000. Successful students will have demonstrated community service, both inside and outside of school, and shown aptitude and commitment to their chosen career OR post-secondary paths. To be considered for our nomination, your completed nomination form must be submitted to Mrs. Hoskins in the GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM on or before the deadline.
Nomination form due: January 22nd, 2025

Formal Application deadline: February 17th, 2025 through their website

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/education-training/k-12/support/scholarships/provincial-scholarships/bc-excellence-scholarships

4.DB Perks & Lifesaving Society Scholarships

Applicants for this $500 scholarship must be holders of current Lifesaving Society awards and actively employed by a BC Branch Affiliate as a lifeguard or Lifesaving Society Instructor, part-time or full time.
Deadline: January 31, 2025- 4:30 PM

Please note – Scholarship application and reference letters must be received in the Branch by 4:30 pm January 31st – the address for mailing is: #112-3989 Henning Drive, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5 OR E-mail: Info@lifesaving.bc.ca

https://www.lifesaving.bc.ca/db-perks-scholarship

5.David C. Lam TEAL (BC Teachers of English as an Additional Language) Scholarship

This $3000 scholarship recognizes an English language learner graduating from a BC secondary school who has combined academic competence with school and community service, and who wishes to further his/her education at a post-secondary institution in BC. Applicants must be documented permanent residents of Canada. International students on student visas are not eligible for this award.

Deadline: January 31, yearly

https://tealcharitablefoundation.ca/student-awards/

6.TCF Refugee Award (BC Teachers of English as an Additional Language)

The $3000 TCF Refugee Award is for a refugee who has shown courage and determination while adapting to a new language and culture in Canada. It recognizes a graduating student who has acquired English as an additional language, who entered Canada as a refugee, and who wishes to study in a vocational or academic program at a post-secondary institute in BC.

Deadline: January 31, yearly

TCF Awards for Students

7.Taiga Galli Memorial Refugee Award

Valued at $3,000, this scholarship recognizes an English language learner graduating from a BC secondary school who came to Canada as a refugee and has shown courage and determination while adapting to a new language and new culture.

Deadline: January 31, yearly

TCF Awards for Students

8.Nicholas Collins Founders Refugee Award

Valued at $3,000, this scholarship is awarded to a refugee who has shown courage and determination while adapting to a new language and culture in Canada.
Deadline: January 31, yearly

TCF Awards for Students

9.Kin Canada Foundation Scholarship

$1,000 bursaries are awarded to successful Canadian applicants with financial need who are pursuing post-secondary education at a recognized university, community college, technical institute and other schools for advanced education. The application requires information about your financial situation, community service, and that you indicate some knowledge or experience with Kin Canada (Kinsmen and Kinettes).

Deadline: February 1, 2025
https://www.kincanada.ca/EN/Web/OurBursaries/About-Bursaries.aspx?hkey=e6052918-a910-4cdd-8468-1286289d274c

10.RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship

This award is for Indigenous students to help them complete their post-secondary education, and provide an opportunity for RBC to strengthen its relationship with the Indigenous community. Selected students are awarded up to $10,000 each academic year (for up to four years) to use towards tuition, textbooks, supplies and living expenses. This is for indigenous students who demonstrate a strong academic performance and community involvement. 5 scholarships for students majoring in disciplines related to the financial industry and 15 scholarships to all other disciplines.

Deadline: February 5th, 2025

https://www.rbc.com/en/future-launch/resource-type/scholarships-awards/indigenous-scholarship/

Happy Holidays

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Dec 23-Jan 3- Winter Break
Jan 6 – Welcome Back
Jan 13-17 – Graduation Assessments
Jan 14 & 15 – Grade 9 Immunization
Jan 14 & 15- Winter Dance Show
Jan 20 – 24 – Quiet Week
Jan 21 – Capstone Presentations in Learning Commons
Jan 22-24 – Grad Photo Retakes

Message from Principal

As 2024 draws to a close, I would like to express my gratitude to the staff, students, and volunteers who make Belmont a wonderful, vibrant community! The fall has been filled with incredible learning and spirit. In addition to the amazing breadth of programs at the school, we have also come together through shared meals, a pep rally, cultural celebrations, sports and clubs, spirit weeks, assemblies, performances, and more!

Please do not hesitate to reach out to teachers early this week to check on your child’s progress. When we return from the break, there will be three weeks for students to focus on completing their semester 1 courses. We want all students to show their best learning and finish strong.

Wishing all Belmont families all the best for the holiday season!

Belmont Bees Club

Super proud of the Belmont BEES club who worked with staff, students, and the City of Langford to plant trees in our community.

Belmont Holiday Market

Thank you to all the parent volunteers, the Belmont Football players and coaches for all their hard work for the First Annual Holiday Market.

It was a huge success. The players were amazing, helping vendors set up, parents and coaches for volunteering throughout the day and of course we cannot forget not just one Santa but Both Santa’s for making those Santa pictures so memorable for the families.

Thank you to all the families that were able to make it and help support the Belmont Bulldog Football Program.

Until next year!

Year end housekeeping

Reminder to students – Please check out the lost and found before you leave for the Winter Break. Also, remember to clean out your lockers of any food or clothing items.

Career Centre News

Grad Photo Retakes

Reminder to Grads – Photo retakes will take place on January 22-24th, further information and link to sign up will be available early January.

Galapagos Islands Spring Break 2026

Belmont 12-day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Spring Break 2026!!

Enrollment is open and early discount available until November 30^th. If you missed the Parent Information Meeting last week and you are interested in finding out more about this once in a lifetime opportunity, please contact Megan Bondurant at mbondurant@sd62.bc.ca for more information.

Staff Spirit Week

Staff Spirit Week was a great success – Students were able to get a Spirit Week Passport and Prizes were given to Passports that we completed with the correct guess of what the theme of the day was. This week is Student Spirit Week stay tuned for more fun photos.

Scholarship Deadlines:

Approaching deadlines are listed below. As the break is coming up, students are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Hoskins before December 20^th if they require support.

BC Cowboy Heritage Society Scholarship AND Mike Puhallo Memorial Scholarship
These $500 scholarships are open to BC graduating students who are enrolling in any post-secondary institution. Applicants must submit an essay, short story, poem, art work or craft that depicts the value of ranching or cowboy heritage (each award has different types of submissions so please read them to be sure you are applying for the correct one.
Deadline: December 31st, 2024
Link to Apply: https://www.cowboy-museum.com/bcchs-scholarships/

Association of School Transportation Services of British Columbia Commercial Heavy-Duty Mechanic Scholarship
The ASTSBC will award up to 4 scholarships annually to eligible student(s) attending a BC educational facility for the express purpose of attaining certification as a Commercial Heavy Duty Mechanic.
Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Or June 30, 2025)
Link to Apply: https://astsbc.org/scholarship/

Storwell’s Foster Children Bursary Program
Storwell offers an annual bursary of $2,000 in support of foster children to help them attend post-secondary schools and to offer a hand up as they make their way forward in life.
Deadline: December 31st, yearly
Link to Apply: https://www.storwell.com/bursary-application

Health Sciences Scholarship/Bursary Applications

Over thirty $750-$1500 scholarships are available to children of HSA members.

Deadline: January 10th, 2025 (11:59PM)

Link to apply: https://hsabc.org/member-benefits/scholarships-and-bursaries

Schulich Leader Scholarships – Belmont Nomination

Applications OPEN NOW. Twenty undergraduate scholarships of UP TO $120,000 each are available across Canada for students intending to enroll in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) areas of study at certain Canadian universities. Each secondary school may nominate ONE student. Nominees must possess at least two of the three criteria listed:

Outstanding community, business or entrepreneurial leadership
Academic excellence
Financial need

(From Schulich Leaders Website)
If you are interested in becoming Belmont’s nominee, please use the nomination form, due by January 17th. Submit the completed form to Mrs. Hoskins via GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

For the nomination form – Check GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM
For more information – https://schulichleaders.com/apply/?section=student

Deadline for nomination application due at Belmont: January 17th, 2025

Formal Application by Student is due: February 19th, 2025

Cmolik Foundation Scholarships – Belmont Nomination

Belmont is able to nominate one student for these scholarships of up to $45,000. The Foundation looks for students that have faced adversity, but through hard work and determination have been successful in achieving their goals. The scholarships will be awarded to BC students who have demonstrated a good work ethic, tenacity, and commitment, and who, without financial assistance, may not have the means to attend a post-secondary institution. Applicants must be BC residents who have lived in Canada for at least 7 years. To be considered for our nomination, your completed nomination form must be submitted to Mrs. Hoskins in Grad Google Classroom on or before the deadline.Deadline for nomination form: January 15th, 2025
For the nomination form – SEE GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM
Deadline for formal application: February 7th, 2025

For further information and the full application – https://thecmolikfoundation.com/

Heading into Holiday Season 2024

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Dec. 10th PAC Meeting – Cancelled
Dec 12th Belmont Music Dept. Winter Concert – 7:00pm
Dec 16-20th – Spirit Week
Dec 19th – Grad Winter Formal
Dec 20th – Winter Wonderland Breakfast
Dec 23rd- Jan 3rd – Winter Vacation
Jan. 6th – Welcome Back
Jan 22-24 Grad Photo Retakes

Galapagos Islands Spring Break 2026

Belmont 12-day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Spring Break 2026!!

Newsies Silent Auction

Many thanks to Teacher Nette Martin, students, parents, guardians, and community members who participated in the Evening of Theatre at Belmont yesterday! The desserts were delicious, silent auction was full of wonderfuldonated items, and the student performance showed us that Newsies will be an outstanding spring show!

Lost and Found and Check Lockers

Please have students check the lost and found near the office for any missing items, and clean out locker of any items with food or clothes to take home over the holiday break.

PAC Meeting Cancelled for December

December PAC Meeting

Reminder to Parents/Guardians that the PAC Meeting for December has been cancelled. Hope to see you at our January meeting.

Winter Formal Reminder for Grads

Please see Winter Formal information below.

Winter Formal 2024 Download

Grad Photo Updates

Grad Photos have now been booked up until Dec 5th. Photo retakes will be Jan 22-24th. More information on these dates will be provided shortly for more booking sessions.

Pep Rally

A huge shout-out of appreciation to everyone who made the pep rally possible! This includes the incredible planning by Danny, Erica & Regina & Izzy’s leadership with drumline; the work staff did to ensure student represented themselves and their school with pride; the staff dance performance; the basketball game; the coaches who guided their teams; the cheering; and more!

The event was a wonderful coming together of community 😊!

Greetings from the BMD – November 2024

Belmont’s Music Department is thrilled to bring you another year of great music, exciting events, and opportunities to create and connect! It’s been a busy fall for our bands, choir, drumline, R&B and combo ensembles!

We started the year with our “Meet the BMD” barbecue, where students and parents had the chance to connect with each other. We have run three fundraisers so far (Bottle Drive, Fall Bulb Sales & Purdy’s Chocolate Sales) to raise money for our upcoming trip in April.

November saw three choir performances starting with the UVic Choir Invitational, then the Remembrance Day Assembly, as well as another remarkable opportunity. Our choir was invited to participate in the premiere performance of a Haida work, written by a local composer and proud alumni of Belmont! This performance took place on UVic at the Farquhar auditorium. It was a magical and fulfilling experience for every choir member involved. They got to share time and knowledge with various choirs from some of the high schools on the island.

Back at Belmont, our drumline added a ton of energy to the school’s Pep Rally, supporting and embracing Belmont sports’ teams.

This season we also welcomed a student teacher Ms. Parker into our music department! She has been very helpful with both students and teachers. She encourages us to try our best every day, and for that we are very thankful and sorry that her time with us is drawing to an end!

We have put so much effort into rehearsal this fall and would love to see you at our annual winter concert on Thursday Dec. 12 at 7:00 pm in the Belmont Learning Commons. Doors open at 6:30 & admission is by cash donation.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season from the BMD!

Belmont wear and grad hoodies are on sale now!

Belmont sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies and grad hoodies are on sale now for a limited time! Sales are online-only. Visit https://bit.ly/belmont2025 for all the details and to view all of the styles available! Students can also come check out the try-on station in the school foyer at lunch to see sample sizes! Brought to you by Belmont’s Entrepreneurship 12 class. Act quick as sales end December 13^th! You can scan this QR code to go straight to the website!

Valentine’s for Veterans

Some of our ceramic students have been working hard on creating Ceramic poppies for Valentine’s for Veterans.

Climbing Academy UPDates

A huge congratulations to all the members of our climbing academy who took part in last Friday’s competition at Boulder House. With climbers from four different schools, the event was a true test of physical and mental strength. Every participant gave it their all after countless hours of practice. A special shoutout goes to the following students who earned a spot on the podium:

Olivia S. – 1^st place in female intermediate
Hanna G. – 1^st place in female rec
Elia M. – 1^st place in non-binary
Estevan S. – 2^nd place in male advanced
Griffin D. – 2^nd place in male intermediate
Vasilis K. – 1^st place in male rec
Tomas P. – 2^nd place in male rec

Students in pictures:

Griffin D.
Taavin W.
Ollie W.
Vasilis K.
Kian M.
Ava M.
Hanna G.
Ava B.
Olivia S.
Said M.

Also, Levi P. has qualified for the Canadian Men’s National Climbing Championships, competing in the men’s field at one of the youngest ages in Canada. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of the school and the excellent training he has received through the academy.

Free Climbing OPportunity

The climbing academy invites you to join us for one free climbing class during A or B block, any Monday, Wednesday or Friday for the months of December and January. If you would like to participate, please do the following:

Have a parent or guardian complete a liability waiver: https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/594d5e0eb11cc/web/
Contact Ms. Pampin to schedule your visit: cpampin@sd62.bc.ca
Get permission from your A or B block teacher to miss the block

We hope you can join us!

Scholarship Information

For any parents or guardians that missed the scholarship information night, please click the link below to view the slides and contact Mrs. Hoskins for more details:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11DxL8e6xQuQXojPfa7vhmhnIgnk2_GqjYawkI6lwfEc/edit?usp=sharing

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines:

Beedie Luminaries Scholarship Applications Now Open:

Students who have faced significant adversity in life financially or personally can apply for this. Must be going to post-secondary school in BC – can be a certificate, diploma, or degree program! See Mrs. Hoskins if you need support or check out the attached.

Deadline is December 16th at 1:00PM

Link: https://beedieluminaries.ca/shine-scholarship/

BC Cowboy Heritage Society Scholarship AND Mike Puhallo Memorial Scholarship

These $500 scholarships are open to BC graduating students who are enrolling in any post-secondary institution. Applicants must submit an essay, short story, poem, art work or craft that depicts the value of ranching or cowboy heritage (each award has different types of submissions so please read them to be sure you are applying for the correct one.

Deadline: December 31st, 2024

Link: https://www.cowboy-museum.com/bcchs-scholarships/

Association of School Transportation Services of British Columbia Commercial Heavy-Duty Mechanic Scholarship
The ASTSBC will award up to 4 scholarships annually to eligible student(s) attending a BC educational facility for the express purpose of attaining certification as a Commercial Heavy Duty Mechanic.

Deadline: December 31, 2024 (Or June 30, 2025)

Link: https://astsbc.org/scholarship/

Storwell’s Foster Children Bursary Program
Storwell offers an annual bursary of $2,000 in support of foster children to help them attend post-secondary schools and to offer a hand up as they make their way forward in life.

Deadline: December 31st, yearly

Link: https://www.storwell.com/bursary-application

As November comes to a close

Important Dates to Remember:

Nov 18-Dec 5th – Grad Photos in the Learning Commons
Nov 21st – 3 hr. Early Dismissal
Nov 22nd – Pro D Day (no students in session)
Nov 25-29th – Careers Week
Nov 27th – Scholarship Evening 5:30-6:30pm
Nov 28th – Fall Pep Rally
Nov 28th -Resume Workshop for Gr. 11’s at Lunch in LLC

Belmont 12-day trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands Spring Break 2026!!

Sports

Belmont’s Junior Varsity Football Team, undefeated in regular season play, are the Island Champions! They played in Vancouver for their final game at Rutland Senior Secondary School in the AAA Provincial Quarter Finals in which Rutland won 14-6. Way to go Bulldogs Congrats on an amazing season.

Boys soccer

ISLAND CHAMPIONS! First time in History

Volleyball

Junior Girls finished 2nd in the Island Championships!!

Senior Boys just missed out on islands.

Senior Girls finished 5th in the city earning them a challenge match for the last Island Championship berth

Football

JV – ISLAND DIVISION CHAMPIONS!!

Basketball Scorekeepers wanted

Are you interested in scorekeeping Belmont Bulldog Basketball games? There are 3 positions available per game (score clock, shot clock, game sheet) and the pay is $15 each per game! Please sign up using the QR code and we will be in touch for training and scheduling!

Games begin next week game times are 415/545/715 or 730 Monday to Thursday with some tournaments on Fridays and Saturdays.

Careers

Scholarship Information:

Grade 12 students and parents/guardians that are interested in scholarships are encouraged to attend the Scholarship Information Night on Wednesday, November 27^th at 5:30pm. The presentation will include local awards, items students should be working on now and time for relevant questions. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Scholarship Deadlines Approaching:

Students who are needing support are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Hoskins or come to the careers centre in C or D block for direct support!

Terry Fox Humanitarian Award

This award is open to students of all abilities. To be considered, applicants must meet be in good academic standing, Canadian citizens or landed immigrants, and applying for a degree/diploma at a Canadian college/university. Recipients are selected for their dedication to the humanitarian ideals of Terry Fox, their courage in overcoming obstacles, and definite marks of distinction and persistence in the pursuit of excellence in academic, athletic, and civic life. These students are involved in activities or organizations that improve human welfare, make a difference, and have a positive impact on their community and others. Candidates may face different types of obstacles. Financial need is not in itself a criterion of the award. It can, however, be included as an obstacle. The maximum value of the award is $28,000 dispersed over four years. The application process opens in November. (From Terry Fox Humanitarian Website)
Deadline: December 1st, 2024

Link: https://terryfoxawards.ca/

Burger King Scholars Program
Open to all students in Canada and the US in three categories: general (all students), employees of Burger King, and relatives of employees. Applicants need to demonstrate active volunteering in their communities, in sport, faith groups, clubs, or other organizations.

Deadline: December 15, yearly

Link: https://www.universities-colleges-schools.com/article/burger-king-scholars-program

Beedie Luminaries Scholarships (Bursaries)
These 116 scholarships are $11,000 for a one year certificate, $22, 000 for a two-year diploma program or $44 000 for a four-year program. They are available for Grade 12 students across BC applying to any BC post-secondary institution. The Beedie Luminaries are looking for resilient students who have faced significant challenges or adversity in their lives who have also demonstrated the grit, desire, and potential to create positive change.

Applications open November 4th, 2024 to December 16^th at 1:00PM

Link: https://beedieluminaries.ca/shine-scholarship/

Busy start to November

Important Days to Remember:

Nov 6th and 7th – Grad Assembly – Block D
Nov 6th – Take our kids to work Day
Nov 8th – Remembrance Day Performance and recognition
Nov 11th – Remembrance Day – No School in Session
Nov 12th – PAC Meeting 7pm – Learning Commons
Nov 15th – Report Cards Published
Nov 18th- Dec 5th – Grad Photos – More info to follow home shortly
Nov 21st – Early Dismissal -3 hours
Nov 22nd – Pro-D Day – No students in session

Parent Advisory Meeting

Our PARENT ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC) is open and welcoming to every Belmont parent and legal guardian. We meet on the second Tuesday of every month at 7PM in the learning commons to keep informed of what’s happening in our school including discussions on the BC gaming grant funding allocations. PAC is a wonderful opportunity to meet some other parents, find out more and ask questions. Please join us!

Spring Break trip to the Galapagos Islands

Are you interested a guided tour of the Galapagos Islands where you will see wild tortoises, pink flamingos, volcano craters, visit the Charles Darwin Research Station, swim at white sand beaches, hike through ecological reserves and immerse yourself in Ecuadorian food, language, and culture? Our first student lunch hour meeting will be in A312 Wednesday, November 6^th. The Parent Meeting is scheduled for 7 pm, Thursday, Nov. 14^th. For more information, please reach out to Megan Bondurant mbondurant@sd62.bc.ca

Congratulations to our Jr. Boys Soccer Team Island Champions!

The Junior Boys Soccer Team competed in the Island Championships at Oak Bay last week, showing impressive resilience against tough competition. Belmont entered the tournament as the top seed from the Lower Island and faced skilled teams from across the Island. They kicked off with a strong 3-0 win over Dover Bay, followed by a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Claremont.

On the second day, Belmont needed a win or draw in their third round-robin game to advance to the championship match. Despite being down 1-0 to NDSS, Belmont’s determination paid off when they scored in the final minute, tying the game 1-1 and securing their place in the finals!

In the championship game, Belmont took on Brentwood College and came away with a decisive 2-0 victory, claiming the title of Island Champions! This marks a historic achievement as Belmont’s first-ever Junior Boys soccer team to win the Island Championships. Congratulations, boys!

RBC Future Olympians

Megan Sampson has she been named one of the Top 100 athletes out of 2100 athletes who competed in the RBC Training Grounds this year. She will fly to Halifax NS where she will compete in The National Top 100 for RBC Training grounds trying for a Top 30 finish to become an RBC Future Olympian, who will receive access to top coaches, funding, and mentorship as they strive to turn their Olympic Dreams into reality on November 2, 2024.

We will know the results the week of November 18, 2024.

Day of the Dead Traditions

Day of the Dead
Friday, November 1st, was a special day at our school. All Spanish classes, with help from our Mexican and Spanish-speaking students, created Day of the Dead altars, filling the Learning Commons with cultural tradition, energy, and experiential learning. The groups competed to make the best altar, and all Belmont students voted for their favorite. At lunch, two of our talented Mexican students performed “La Llorona,” a traditional Day of the Dead song from Mexico.

Spanish:
El viernes 1 de noviembre fue un día especial en nuestra escuela. Todas las clases de español, con la ayuda de estudiantes mexicanos e hispanohablantes, crearon altares para el Día de Muertos, llenando el espacio de la biblioteca con tradición, energía y aprendizaje cultural. Los grupos compitieron para tener el mejor altar, y todos los estudiantes de Belmont votaron por su favorito. Durante el recreo, dos de nuestras alumnas mexicanas cantaron “La Llorona”, una canción tradicional para el Día de Muertos en México.

International and ELL Pumpkin Carving

Our International and ELL student Halloween Pumpkin Carving event on Oct 30th was a fantastic celebration of culture, creativity and community. Students from around the world came together to experience this fun Halloween tradition, carving pumpkins into spooky masterpieces!

Science Department representing this Halloween!

Salmon Bake at Belmont

On Monday Nov 4th & Tuesday Nov 5th, the Home Economics department hosted a cultural event celebrating Indigenous culture and traditional ways of preparing salmon. Salmon is a keystone species that is intergial to our western ecosystem.

We were honored to have Elder Henry from Beecher Bay and Brother Rick join us. We prepared the salmon in class on Monday while learning about different salmon speices and their difficult journeys to the ocean and how they return home after years at sea.

On Tuesday we were able to smoke the fish using Iron Wood, utilizing an open flame near the garden. Students enjoyed the smoked salmon and had frybread and bannock to accompany the fish. The skies opened up for us and the wind and rain let up just in time for our outdoor event.

Special Thanks to the Foods Team (Leanne Reed, Megan Evans & Adelle Berry) and NA’TSA’MAHT team (Blair Hughes & Maddison Dahl) and lastly Lora Scharr for bringing this wonderful day of celebration together and making it a continued success for our school. See photos below.