Fall Events at Belmont

Reminder of Important Upcoming Dates:

  • October 25th – Non-Instructional Day (No students in session)
  • October 25th &26th – Volleyball Tournament at Belmont
  • October 28th-Nov 1st – Graduation Assessments
  • November 3rd- Daylight Savings
  • November 4th GVCB and Sr Winds Concert
  • November 6 & 7th – Grad Assembly
  • November 6th- Take our Kids to Work day
  • November 8th – Remembrance Day Recognition at Belmont
  • November 11th – Remembrance Day – No School in Session
  • November 12th – PAC meeting in the Learning Commons 7:00pm

Belmont Bulldogs Football Raffle – There is still time left to get your tickets!

All the info can be found on the link below.   

https://belmontbulldogsfootball.rafflenexus.com/

Start date: October 11

End Date: October 25

Prize structure (3): $2,500 / $1,200 / $750

Odds of winning: 1 out of 2311 (final odds will depend on number of tickets sold)


Reminder to all Parents/Guardians

Next PAC meeting will be held on November 12th at 7:00pm in the Learning Commons at Belmont, Hope to see many of you there.


Some exciting changes at Belmont

With the growth in our student population, we have added a counsellor to our team! Please join us in welcoming Mr. Ryan Lieser. As part of this change, each counsellor will service a smaller number of students. We know that changes can be challenging for some students –  Counsellors will work together to ensure transitions are handled with care. Please note that as of Monday, October 28, we will begin transitioning to these support teams:

Counselling Support: Information about counselling services can be found here

Last Names A-ELast Names F-LLast Names M-PLast Names Q-Z
Mr. Robertson TRobertson@sd62.bc.ca  Ms. Kiefert       mkiefert@sd62.bc.caMr. Lieser rlieser@sd62.bc.caMs. Sandberg    rsandberg@sd62.bc.ca

Vice Principal Support

Last Names A-GhLast Names Gi-NLast Names O-Z
Ms.Horner  mhorner@sd62.bc.caMr. Smith crsmith@sd62.bc.ca  Mr.McHugh  smchugh@sd62.bc.ca

We also have a new logo coming to our school!  The logo that fits with life at Belmont in 2024. Feedback from students and staff helped shape concept designs. Those concept designs are now circulating, and we have invited staff and students to provide feedback until November 1st. We hope to reveal the new logo early in 2025!


Music for Veteren’s Project

Liam Ray our Grade 11 student was invited to perform one of his original Music for Veterans Project compositions for The Honourable Janet Austin, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia on Tuesday. It was a very exclusive event to mark the presentation of the First Poppy with only about 20 guests. See photos below.

The Junior Girls Volleyball Team

Are crushing it! 1st place in the Camosun charger’s competition last weekend, and 2nd place this weekend in the Spectrum competition.

3D Visual Arts Classes

We have started making concrete leaf impressions and steppingstones in 3D Visual Arts! These can be purchased at the end of the school year to fundraise for the Belmont Art Show and purchasing specialized equipment for the Visual Arts at Belmont. More info and other items to come, so stay tuned with the Belmont Bulletin! 






Hello Families of 2025 Graduates

It is time to start the process of putting together a Dry Grad Committee.  Dry Grad is a parent run event that happens in June of each year.  The proposed date for 2025 is Saturday, June 7th.  This event only happens if it is planned, organized, and run by parents.  If you are interested in supporting this activity for the grads, please attend an initial meeting here at Belmont in the Learning Commons, Thursday, November 7th at 7pm.

The purpose of this first meeting is to:

  • Establish committee
  • Previous committee member reviews the process
  • Set date and time for next meeting

Please send an email to me if you plan to attend, smchugh@sd62.bc.ca


Scholarship Deadlines Approaching:

The Fraser MacPherson Music Scholarship:

Scholarships valued up to $500 (high school) and $2000 (post-secondary) are available for BC musicians and instrumentalists. (not vocalists  

Deadline: November 1st, 2024, end of day

http://frasermacphersonjazzfund.ca/scholarship-info/ 

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership:

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership (valued up to $70,000) are open to students across Canada who are in their final year of high school, have a minimum overall grade of 75% in their most recently completed school year, and have demonstrated outstanding community leadership.  Students should be aware that this application is extensive and should be started early.

Deadline:  November 13, 2024 

https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians

Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore    
The Westshore Soroptimist International Club will provide three Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women of $1500 each to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families.  In addition, the Give Her Wings Award of $1500 will be available for a woman with no dependents.
Deadline: November 15th, yearly        
https://www.sivw.ca/education-awards-open 

October Vibes

This png image - Happy Thanksgiving Decor PNG Clipart Image, is available for free download

Important Dates to Remember:

  • October 14th – Thanksgiving ( No School in Session)
  • October 15th – Post Secondary Event 10:30-12:00
  • October 16th – Launch Purdy Fundraiser
  • October 17th – Great BC Shakeout 10:15am
  • October 18th – 19th Volleyball Tournament @ Belmont
  • October 25th – Non-Instructional Day – (Students not in Session)
  • October 28th-Nov 1st – Graduation Assessments
  • October 30th – Photo Retake Day

Belmont Junior Girls Volleyball Teams competed in the VIU Invitational this past weekend. Both teams played great with the Black team placing third! 


Sailor For a Day!

If you are interested in participating in “Sailor for a Day” please scan the QR code on this poster.  

Please come to the Careers Centre for release forms.


Future Innovators: Empowering Women in STEM

Island Women in Science and Technology would like to invite you to join them for an inspiring evening with our panel of women in STEM. We are bringing together future innovators from middle school, high school, and post-secondary along with professional women in STEM for a candid conversation about their STEM careers.

All are welcome.

Event details:

6:30 – 8:00 pm: Panel discussion

8:00 – 8:30 pm: Networking with STEM professionals and post-secondary STEM students

Location: Vic High School, 1260 Grant Street, Victoria, BC

Cost: Free but registration required at iwist.ca/events

Our panelists represent a variety of STEM disciplines and are at different points in their careers:

· Alison Bird, Seismologist and Liaison & Outreach Officer, Earthquake Early Warning, Natural Resources Canada

· Michelle Mahovlich, P. Eng, P. GEO, FCSSE, Engineering Consultant and Board Chair, Engineers and Geoscientists BC

· Sema Hamidi, P. Eng, Project Engineer, Avalon Mechanical

· Jenni Christensen, PhD, RPBio, Founder and CEO, TrichAnalytics Laboratory

· Emily Murray, UVic Software Engineering student & President, UVic Women in Engineering & Computer Science

· Kezia Devathasan, PhD student, SEGAL Lab and Program Manager, Inspire UVic


Scholarship Information:

Students who would like support with scholarship applications, please reach out to Mrs. Hoskins via email: choskins@sd62learns.org or come to the Careers Centre in C/D block.  Parents, guardians and grads are encouraged to check out the scholarship website (updated to the end of October): https://belmontscholarships.weebly.com/ 

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines:

The Loran Scholars Foundation 

Students who are dedicated to serving others, show promise of leadership and have integrity, courage, compassion, grit and a high level of personal autonomy are encouraged to apply.  Applicants are eligible for one of 34 Loran Awards (each valued at $100,000 over four years of undergraduate studies), or one of 104 finalist/provincial awards ($5,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.  

Eligibility criteria 

  • Be entering university for the first time in September 2025.
  • Present a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
  • Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
  • Be born between January 1, 2003, and September 1, 2009.
  • Emphasis on character, service, and leadership.

Awards:

Renewable for up to four years, with a total value of $100,000, each Loran Award includes:

  • Some include an annual stipend of $11,000
  • A matching tuition waiver from one of 25 partner universities
  • Personal mentorship from a Canadian leader
  • Access to our network and up to $14,000 in funding for summer work experiences in three different sectors
  • An orientation expedition through Algonquin Park
  • Annual retreats and scholar gatherings
  • Lifelong membership with values-driven individuals

They also grant approximately 95 provincial and territorial awards to promising candidates who are not selected as Loran Scholars.

(From LORAN website)

Please note: No school nomination is required to apply for this award anymore.

For more information and to start the rigorous application process now click this link: https://loranscholar.ca/ 

Deadline: October 15th, 2024 before 8:00PM

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

Twenty scholarships, valued up to $70,000 each, are offered to students across Canada who are in their final year of high school, have a minimum overall grade of 75% in their most recently completed school year, and have demonstrated outstanding community leadership. Applicants are students who show exceptional initiative, make a meaningful and lasting difference in their community, support change, nurture progress, and contribute to making the world a better place. (From TD Website)

Link: https://www.td.com/ca/en/personal-banking/solutions/student-banking/community-leadership-scholarship-for-canadians 

Deadline: November 13th, 2024  

Soroptimist International of Victoria Westshore    

The Westshore Soroptimist International Club will provide three Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women of $1500 each to assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families.  In addition, the Give Her Wings Award of $1500 will be available for a woman with no dependents.   

For Information or to Apply for “Give her Wings Award”
For Information or to Apply for “Live Your Dreams Award” 

To Apply Click Here: https://www.sivw.ca/education-awards-open

Deadline: Applications Accepted August 1st-November 15th, 2024      

Fall Vibes

How to Incorporate Fall Vibes in Your ...

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

  • Sept 26th – Welcome Back BBQ – Extended Lunch Hour
  • Sept 27th – Meet the BMD & Parent Meeting
  • Sept 27th – Truth and Reconciliation activities at Belmont
  • Sept 28th – BC Honour Choir rehearsal
  • Sept 28th – BMD Bottle Drive
  • Sept 30th – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – No School in Session

We are super excited to see so many students walking, bussing and biking to school! Our bike racks are so well used that we are looking into adding more to our school grounds.


Careers 9 at Belmont:

Dear Parents and Guardians – this year at Belmont, the Careers 9 class is running through a google classroom outside the timetable.  Assignments will be posted in there and students will be marked using the proficiency scale.  Students in grade 9 have  been invited to join and will be going through a careers orientation during the week of September 16th to 20th. If students are new to the school, however4, or do not have a google account they may not be in there so please have them come see Mrs. Robertson or Mrs. Hoskins to ensure they can participate in the course and assignments that go with that!  Should anyone have any questions, please email choskins@sd62.bc.ca



  • EducationPlannerBC invites parents, families, and student supporters to join our virtual presentation on Wednesday, November 13th, 2024. Learn about post-secondary education and career opportunities, as well as tools to best support your student in planning for their future.  The information will be especially helpful for families with students in grades 10-12. 
  • Come explore our website! Search thousands of programs, get to know trades, and discover career paths. Find helpful resources, including financial aid options, admission requirements, FAQs, and the Glossary. Learn how to create an account, save programs, paths, and careers to My List, and apply to post-secondary in B.C.

Canadian Dental Care Plan

As you may know, the Government of Canada announced the implementation of the new Canadian Dental Care Plan, as of December 18, 2023. The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) aims at reducing the costs of dental care for Canadian residents who have a family net income of less than $90,000. Complete details for the Canadian Dental Care Plan can be found online at Canada.ca/dental or by clicking HERE.

The implementation has been following a phased-in approach. Applications are currently open for:

  • children under 18
  • persons with disabilities with a valid Disability Tax Credit on file with CRA
  • seniors 65+

Note: The program will expand to all eligible Canadian residents as of 2025.

Eligibility criteria complete details

To qualify for the CDCP, you must:

  • have an adjusted family net income of less than $90,000.
  • be a Canadian resident for tax purposes.
  • have filed your tax return for the previous year (and received Notice of Assessment).
  • not have access to dental insurance.
  • NOTE: You need to meet ALL the eligibility criteria to qualify for the CDCP.

Applications – applications can be done online at Canada.ca/dental or over the phone with a live CDCP agent by calling 1-833-537-4342.

Coverage complete details


Scholarship Information:

Students who would like support with scholarship applications, please reach out to Mrs. Hoskins via email: choskins@sd62learns.org or come to the Careers Centre in C/D block.  Parents, guardians and grads are encouraged to check out the scholarship website (updated to the end of October: https://belmontscholarships.weebly.com/ 

Upcoming Scholarship Deadlines:

The Loran Scholars Foundation 

Students who are dedicated to serving others, show promise of leadership and have integrity, courage, compassion, grit and a high level of personal autonomy are encouraged to apply.  Applicants are eligible for one of 34 Loran Awards (each valued at $100,000 over four years of undergraduate studies), or one of 104 finalist/provincial awards ($5,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.  

Eligibility criteria 

  • Be entering university for the first time in September 2025.
  • Present a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
  • Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
  • Be born between January 1, 2003 and September 1, 2009.
  • Emphasis on character, service, and leadership.

Awards:
Renewable for up to four years, with a total value of $100,000, each Loran Award includes:

  • Some include an annual stipend of $11,000
  • A matching tuition waiver from one of 25 partner universities
  • Personal mentorship from a Canadian leader
  • Access to our network and up to $14,000 in funding for summer work experiences in three different sectors
  • An orientation expedition through Algonquin Park
  • Annual retreats and scholar gatherings
  • Lifelong membership with values-driven individuals

They also grant approximately 95 provincial and territorial awards to promising candidates who are not selected as Loran Scholars.
(From LORAN website)

Please note: No school nomination is required to apply for this award anymore.

For more information and to start the rigorous application process now click this link: https://loranscholar.ca/ 

Deadline: October 15th, 2024 before 8:00PM

The University of Toronto National Book Award 
The University of Toronto National Book Award Program recognizes and rewards the very best Canadian secondary school students, regardless of which university those students choose to attend. These are students who demonstrate superior academic performance, original and creative thought, and exceptional achievement in a broad context. They excel in academic pursuits, demonstrate enthusiasm for intellectual exploration and have a strong involvement in the lives of their schools and communities. It is not necessary that the student intend to apply for admission to the University of Toronto. Award recipients receive a National Book Award recognizing their achievements, and as a symbol of their academic potential. It is a non-monetary award. The book will be presented to the student at their secondary school graduation ceremony at the end of the school year.  Students nominated for this award are invited to submit an application to the National Scholarship Program.

Eligibility – Book Award and National Scholarship
Students who have been nominated by their schools as National Book Award recipients may submit applications to the National Scholarship Program. In addition, students who identify themselves as meeting the scholarship criteria are invited to apply directly for the National Scholarship, without having been nominated for the Book Award.

  • an original and creative thinker
  • committed to school and community
  • a high achiever in academic and creative pursuits
  • enthusiastic about learning and intellectual exploration
  • a Canadian citizen, permanent resident or protected person
  • currently in your final year of Canadian secondary school or first-year CEGEP
  • intending to begin university the following academic year
  • a National Book Award nominee or self-identify as meeting the criteria above

(From National Scholarship/U of T Website)

For more information – click this link: https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/ 

Deadline for Nomination Form: Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024
For the Belmont nomination  form – SEE GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM 2025

September Start Ups


  • Important Dates to Remember:
  • September 11 – Grade 10 Assembly – Block A
  • September 12 – Grade 10 Assembly – Block A
  • September 14 – BMD – Head Start Clinics
  • September 16 – Launch of Fall Bulb Fundraiser
  • September 16 & 17- Grade 11 Assembly – Block A
  • September 18 & 19 – Grade 19 Assembly – Block A
  • September 20 – School Photo Day
  • September 23 – District Wide School Planning Day – No students in Session
  • September 26 – Welcome Back BBQ (extended lunch hour)

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year, this bulletin will be updated bi-weekly, please check regularly for updates and school information and happenings.

Garden Club:

Belmont Garden Club is starting up early to get some Fall planting in! No experience or supplies required, just meet in room B314 after school on Wednesday to start plants you can grow at school or bring home.  Join our Google Classroom to see what we’re doing each week – class code 5673ido.

Sports Updates:

The Badminton Club starts September 16 at Belmont.  No experience necessary and it runs 7:30-9pm on Monday nights.  See Mr. Willing in room B310 for details.

Runners!

If you are in grade 9 – 12 and would like to run, please consider coming out to join our Belmont Bulldogs Cross Country team. Practice this week is Wednesday and Friday after school.  3:30 meet in the cafeteria area outside of the school office. (3:30pm – 4:15pm) Talk to Ms. Evans Room B210 if you have any questions. 



Scholarship Support at Belmont:

Any graduating students who would like support applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Hoskins.  She is available in the Careers Centre during C and D blocks or can be reached via email to set up a time to meet and discuss opportunities – choskins@sd62learns.org




Another Year Comes to an End

Important Dates to Remember:

  • June 21 & 24th – Copernican Days – See schedule below
  • June 25th – Recognition Evening
  • June 25 & 26th Course Completions Days – students only in session with appts. with teachers
  • June 26th – Belmont Prom at Crystal Gardens
  • June 27th – Last Day of classes – Report cards published
  • June 28th – Year End Administrative Day – No students in Session

Year end message from the principal

The 2023/24 school year has been full of fantastic learning, community, and spirit! Students have had so many wonderful experiences – whether it be through our huge range of courses, outstanding sports programs, coming together for performances, celebrating graduation, participating in trade competitions, exploring the outdoors, enjoying our school-wide BBQ and games, or taking part in our after-school study hall! The breadth of programming and experiences at Belmont is remarkable and is only possible because of the dedication of our staff. Please join me in offering gratitude for the amazing efforts that make Belmont an outstanding place to be!

I would also like to extend congratulations to students who have demonstrated kindness and commitment to learning and community throughout the year. They have shown this through community-oriented actions such as the grade 12 blood drive; representing themselves with pride at events such as graduation; and through small acts each day. It is when each person consciously and positively contributes, that the power of community emerges.

Please be reminded that Tuesday, June 25 – Thursday, June 27 are Completion Days during which attendance is by appointment at the request of the student or teacher. These days provide an opportunity for students to complete outstanding work. However, it is not acceptable for a student to hand in a large number of assignments at the end of the semester. Learning is a process that takes place over time, and the expectation is that students are attending their classes and continually engaging in the learning process.

We look forward to welcoming Grade 9s back to the school on Tuesday, September 3rd (half day) and all grades back on Wednesday, September 4th (full day). Students and families will receive additional details about the 2024/2025 school year in late August.

We wish everyone a good finish to the school year and a happy summer!

Laura Fulton

Baseball Academy

The Belmont Baseball and Softball Academy had a great field trip for School Sports Day to watch the Victoria Harbour Cats defeat the Nanaimo Night Owls. It was a great day at the park! 


Girls Rugby

Screenshot

Congratulations to Piper J. who has been recruited and signed to the Vikes Women’s Rugby Team next year!

Piper will be joining Belmont Alumni Zoe W. and Maggie M.at UVic as they look to beat their silver medal performances in USport 15s and 7s rugby. 


Track and Field

It was an action-packed weekend on the track in Nanaimo for Provincial Track and Field Championships. All the boys who represented Belmont did exceptionally and they should be proud of their accomplishments. In his first ever appearance at a Championship, Ethan A. came 25th in the 400m with a blazing time of 55.88. His first ever Championship, grade 12 graduate Maxim R. is 9th in the province for long jump with a jump of 6.00m. He was 11th in the province for the 110m hurdles. He also arrived at 16th in the 400m hurdles.

Congratulations to our Island Champion Chase D.for a 5th place finish overall in the 100m with a personal best time of 11.50. Chase also was incredible in the 200m arriving in 9th place overall with a blistering fast time of 23.55. Incredible season for Chase, Max and Ethan. Phenomenal.


Boy’s Rugby Team

We are very proud of the Boy’s Rugby Team who paddled alongside police officers today at National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations. Many thanks to coaches Dan Beattie and Elliot Peacock for their leadership in providing this opportunity.

Marine Biology11/Aquatic Chemistry

It was another packed week for our Marine Biology 11/Aquatic Chemistry students.  A super low-tidal quadrat study of Whiffin Spit where gumboot chitons, nudibranchs, sea stars, urchins, cucumbers and so many other marine species were uncovered.  Also, a tour of the DFO and Coast Guard at the Institute of Ocean Sciences’ open house where students learned about operations and potential career pathways.



Game Ready Summer Camps

Check out the slideshow of events and camps happening this summer.



District Authority Scholarship Claiming Process

Please click on the link below for full information

Scholarship Thank You Cards

Grads – please make sure you send out your thank you cards for scholarships!  All awards received at grad will have a card and pre-addressed envelope for you to fill out. So, please put them in the mail 🙂

If you won a district authority scholarship you need to bring your card, filled out, to Mrs. Hoskins or Mrs. Robertson in the careers office (A119) before the last day of school so we can put them in the district courier!

Congrats to all winners 🙂