The many happenings in November

Important Upcoming Dates to Remember:

Nov 20th-Dec 7th Grad Photos in the Learning Commons
Nov. 23rd – Early Dismissal – 11:55 am
Nov. 24th – Pro D Day – N0 students in session
Nov 25th – Drumline Retreat
Nov 30th – Fall Prep Rally
Nov 30th -Scholarship Info Evening 6:00-7:00 pm in room A109
Dec 1st – Haida Song Performance 8:00 pm @ UVIC
Dec 1st – Purdy’s order pickup from 2:30 – 5:30 pm

Belmont Dance Company in the Santa Parade

Come see the Belmont Dance Company dance in the 41st Peninsula Co-op Santa Clause Parade this Saturday, November 25th! The parade starts at 5:20pm in Downtown Victoria. It will also be broadcasted on Chek TV! Be sure to tune in and check it out!

Thoughtful Engagement Activities through December

Lisa Baylis is a local teacher, counsellor and mindfulness educator who has presented in our district at professional development events. She is offering this challenge online to encourage thoughtful engagement of activities through December. There’s no cost and takes a couple of minutes a day. Check it out!
YESvember-welcome – Lisa Baylis

Belmont’s Fall Pep Rally

Thursday, November 30^th Belmont will be hosting the first Pep Rally of the year during A block! Students should encourage their teachers to sign up as space is limited. Please wear blue and white or Belmont wear to show your school spirit on Thursday, November 30^th! Grads wear your pinnies!

After 6 weeks of games, we crowned our Intramural Volleyball Champions!
As a reward for going undefeated, We let them know there was a challenge from the Staff in a fun but highly competitive match.
STAFF defeated the Champions 28-26.

Check out Belmont’s upcoming Sport’s Events happening in the coming weeks.

When	What	Where	Time
Dec 4^th	Sr. B Boys Basketball	Claremont	7:30 pm
Dec 5^th	Jr. Girls Tier 1 Basketball Jr. Boys Tier 1 Basketball Sr. Girls Basketball	SMUS SMUS SMUS	4:15 pm 5:45 pm 7:30 pm
Dec 6^th	Jr. Boys Tier 1 Basketball	Claremont	7:15 pm
Dec 7^th	Sr. B Boys Basketball vs Victor Brodeur	Belmont	7:30 pm
Dec 7-9^th	Sr. Boys Basketball	North Vancouver Tournament
Dec 8-9^th	Belmont Girls Jr. Tier 1 & Sr. Tournament	Belmont	Starts @ Noon

DESIGN THE 2023-2024 YEARBOOK COVER!

Calling all artists, creators, and creatives! Are you interested in designing this years YEARBOOK COVER? We are looking for submissions! The 2023-2024 Yearbook Theme is “SCRAPBOOK” Early 2000’s style.

INFORMATION:

Can be designed using an 2D medium (PAINTING/ DRAWING/ PHOTOSHOP/ CANVA/ETC…)

The cover design needs to be 9′ x 11.25″ (landscape).

The cover should fit in with the theme in some way (have a different idea? No problem! Share all ideas!)

All designs must be submitted by November 30^th 2023

Have an idea, but don’t know where to start? Send it to the yearbook team or share with your art teacher!

Please see Ms. McFarland (amcfarland@sd62learns.org) or Ms. Kotyk (mkotyk@sd62learns.org) for more information!~

Japan Trip Bottle Drive

The Belmont Student Japan Trip is organizing a Bottle Drive at Belmont Saturday, December 2^nd 11-3! If you have returnables, bring them by or let Ms. Bondurant know that you have a bunch for collection!

Grad Reminder:

Grads have you booked you grad photos yet, If not please remember to do so soon, as bookings are filling up fast. Photos are from Nov 20th – Dec 7th in the Learning Commons.

Scholarship Deadlines Approaching:

UBC Entrance Scholarship:

Students who are interested in applying for the:

UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Scholarship (based on financial need) or the
Presidential Scholars Award (based on excellence in multiple areas)

Need to have their UBC application as well as these scholarship applications handed in by December 1st, 2023. If you have any questions please see Mrs. Hoskins.

Link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/presidential-scholars/

Link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/entrance-award/

Burger King Scholars Program

Open to all students in Canada and the US who are employees of or dependents of employees of Burger King. Applicants need to demonstrate active volunteering in their communities, in sport, faith groups, or other organizations.

Deadline: December 15th

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

CIBC Full Ride Contest:

CIBC offers a $35,000 award to a Canadian student who opens a CIBC student account and creates an account in the Student Life Network. (Note that this is really a contest. The Student Life Network offers many of these contests that provide financial awards to students heading to or at post-secondary institutions.)

Deadline: December 31st, 11:59PM

Link: https://www.cibc.com/en/student/scholarships-and-contests/full-ride.html

Rules: https://www.cibc.com/content/dam/student/pdfs/student-life-network-contest-en.pdf

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, artwork or craft that depicts the value or ranching or cowboy heritage (each award has different submissions so please double check you are applying correctly before submitting).

Deadline: December 31st

Links:https://www.cowboy-museum.com/mike-puhallo-memorial-student-scholarships/

BCCHS Scholarships

Association of School Transportation Services of BC Commercial Heavy Duty Mechanic Scholarship:

The ASTSBC will award up to 4 scholarships annually to eligible students attending a BC educational facility for the express purpose of attaining certification as a commercial heavy-duty mechanic.

Deadline: December 31st

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

Storwell’s Foster Children Bursary Program

Storwell offers an annual bursary of $2000 in support of foster children to help them attend post-secondary schools and to offer support.

Deadline: December 31st

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

Lest We Forget

How To Draw A Poppy Flower For Anzac Day – Easy Step By Step Method

Important dates for November | Lacombe Outreach School

Upcoming Important Dates:

November 8th – Grad Assembly
November 10th – Remembrance Day Performances
November 13th – Remembrance Day Stat- No school in session
November 14th- BCPSI Event
November 17th – Report Cards Published
November 17th – Purdy’s Orders Due
November 20-Dec 7th – Grad Photos

Communicating with Teachers

Following up on the communication sent on October 12, teachers will be informally communicating with parents/guardians about learning progress in ways that fit with each student and the nature of each class. Parents/Guardians can expect one informal update this semester. We encourage parents/guardians to reach out to teachers via email anytime they are curious about their child’s progress. Should you wish to arrange an in-person, phone, or online meeting with your child’s teachers, please contact them to arrange an appointment. The school will no longer be hosting an online booking system for meetings. In-person meetings can be initiated by the teacher or parent/guardian if they feel it is needed, and at a time that fits with the student’s learning. Teacher email addresses can be found on our website.

Belmont Bulldog Athletics

We have had an extremely busy FALL in the DOGHOUSE with 6 volleyball teams, 2 football teams, 2 boys soccer teams, and a cross country team competing across the city and the province. For the first time we saw a third Junior girls volleyball team and a Junior boys soccer team created here at Belmont. Most of seasons have wrapped up or are into Playoffs – here is a recap for all teams.

Senior Boys Soccer Defended their Colonist Shield with a thrilling win over Spectrum in penalty kicks. (Pictured)

The JV Football team has qualified for playoffs and will be HOSTING this Thursday at Goudy field at 1pm.

PLEASE COME OUT AND SUPPORT OUR JUNIOR DAWGS!!

The Senior Girls Volleyball team has already qualified for the Island Championships on Nov 17/18 and will finish their local season next Tuesday Nov 14^th when they host the Veterans Cup. Games at 6 and 715

The Senior Boys volleyball team is in the thick of the playoff action (Nov 8/9) trying to qualify for the Island Championships.

The Junior Girls volleyball teams all showed well in their respective leagues and finished their seasons last weekend hosting the Belmont Invitational where our two tier 1 teams finished 2^nd and 8^th while our Tier 2 team competed hard against tier 1 competition and finished 12th

The Junior boys volleyball team finished 7^th in league play out of 15 teams and were eliminated in city playoffs missing out on playing for the Island championships.

The Junior Boys soccer team finished 2^nd in their pool and lost a heartbreaking quarter final in extra time 1-0 to SMUS.

The Varsity Football team finished their season last week after competing in the toughest division in the province where they had to play the number 1 and number 2 ranked teams.

Our Cross Country team competed in 4 races across the city this year.

Belmont Athletics wants to thank all of the Coaches who volunteered many hours helping our student athletes and thank our Grade 12s who have suited up for Belmont for their last time.

Basketball season is just around the corner where we will have 7 teams competing. Please come out and support our Dawgs.

We are always looking for coaches for the future. Please contact our Athletic Director Kris Walushka at kwalushka@sd62.bc.ca if you are interested.

Grad Winter Formal

We are looking forward to our Belmont Winter Formal evening with the Grads on Thursday, December 21 at Olympic View Golf Course. Tickets will be $85 and will go on sale before the end of the month. The ticket cost includes a buffet dinner, photo booth, and a DJ hosted dance. The event is for Grads only; attending Grads are to be on track for Graduation and in good citizenship standing with the school. Grads are allowed to bring a guest for Prom in June.

DESIGN THE 2023-2024 YEARBOOK COVER!

INFORMATION:

Can be designed using an 2D medium (PAINTING/ DRAWING/ PHOTOSHOP/ CANVA/ETC…)

The cover design needs to be 9′ x 11.25″ (landscape).

The cover should fit in with the theme in some way (have a different idea? No problem! Share all ideas!)

All designs must be submitted by November 30^th 2023

Have an idea, but don’t know where to start? Send it to the yearbook team or share with your art teacher!

Please see Ms. McFarland (amcfarland@sd62learns.org) or Ms. Kotyk (mkotyk@sd62learns.org) for more information!~

Belmont Music Department Retreat

Belmont’s music department spent 48 chilly but awesome hours together on a musical retreat at Camp Pringle at the end of October. Fifty-five student musicians filled the beautiful lakeside accommodations with music as they rehearsed and worked with guest clinicians. Games, hikes, hanging out during our down time meant we came away stronger together!

Emergency Release Forms

Emergency Release Forms (Pink) were sent home by students two weeks ago and should have been returned to their “A Block” teacher. These forms must be handed in as soon as possible. If your student has not yet brought one home, please ask them to pick one up in the front office to complete and return. These forms are now needed for accountability in case of a major event.

BC Government Hosting Online Safety Workshops for Families in November

November 6, 2023

Teenager texting.

The Ministry of Education and Child Care is hosting three online workshops for families this November, focused on establishing safe, caring and respectful digital communities among children and youth.

Geared toward youth aged 10 and up, the information sessions are recommended for students, parents, grandparents and caregivers as a way to facilitate conversations about safe and caring use of technology at home and in the community.

The sessions explore how to be a good digital citizen, the criminal consequences of cyberbullying, and how to report and receive support in cases of sexting and sextortion, as well as discussions on social media, smartphones and artificial intelligence. The workshops are on the following days and times:

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m. register here
Tuesday, Nov. 28, 7-8 p.m. register here
Thursday, Nov. 30, 6:30-7:30 p.m. register here

Mrs. Marier’s Baking and Decorating Class 12

Mrs. Marier’s Baking and Decorating 12 class participated in a Halloween themed “Nailed It” challenge. They did an amazing job!

Halloween Celebrations

Its was a busy time last week with all the Halloween Celebrations! Check out the photos from our Impact room.

ISP Halloween Howl – see photos above

On Thursday, October 26th we hosted our annual ISP Halloween Howl which welcomed both international and newcomer students to our school community. More than 250 students gathered in the heart of our school to connect, build community and enjoy some Halloween fun! We are so grateful to the Thrifty Foods at Belmont Market for the donation of over 140 pumpkins. A special thanks to Randy Ball (Produce Manager) and Chris Wiltse (Assistant Store Manager) for coordinating the order and taking the time to deliver the pumpkins in their own trucks! We are so grateful for their help and support with this great event.

Belmont Senior Winds and Greater Victoria Concert Band

Many thanks to the Belmont Senior Winds and the Greater Victoria Concert Band who performed a beautiful concert on November 6^th! Watching the two bands play together was magic.

The Belmont Music Department hosted the Greater Victoria Concert Band in concert. Our senior students got to sit in with the GVCB members in a mass band for an exciting final piece. It was an awesome way to see what music can look like after high school and share music with our community!]

November Updates

Upcoming Dates to Remember:

October 30-Nov. 3rd – Spirit Week
October 30-Nov. 3rd – Grad Assessments
November 1st – Take a Grade 9 to Work Day
November 2nd – Photo Retake Day
November 5th – Daylight Savings ( Turn clocks back 1 hour)
November 6th – GVCB and Senior Winds Concert in Learning Commons
November 7 & 8th – Grad Assemblies during Block A
November 10th – Remembrance Day Activities

Important Information

Students will be bringing home a Student Emergency Form, please fill out and return to the STUDENT’S “A block teacher as soon as possible. These forms are to be filled out and returned so we have all information needed incase of a major event. If you have not seen these home by Friday please ask your student to pick one up at the office to bring one home.

Reminder Nov. 2nd is Photo Retake Day

Parents/Guardians of Grade 9 students!

“Take our Kids to Work Day” is happening on November 1^st.

Please sign the permission form your child brought home and have them bring it back to school!

Thank you and we hope you enjoy the day with your child.

Scholarship Information:

Students requiring support with scholarship applications can see Mrs. Hoskins in the library mezzanine in C or D block. Email support is also available: choskins@sd62learns.org

Upcoming Deadlines:

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

Deadline: December 1st, 2023

Link: https://terryfoxawards.ca/apply/

UBC Entrance Awards

UBC offers a variety of entrance awards for first year students. Opportunities can be explored at the link below. Keep in mind that students need to have applied to UBC and entrance awards by the deadline.

Deadline: December 1st, 2023

Link: https://you.ubc.ca/financial-planning/scholarships-awards-canadian-students/

Scholarship Information Night for Parents, Guardians, and Grads:

See Poster Below:

October Updates

October Update - 🍂 Embracing Autumn Vibes and Exciting Updates!🎃

Important Upcoming Dates:

Oct 10th – Belmont Music Dept. – Bulb orders are due (fundraiser)
Oct 11th – Belmont Music Dept. parent meeting for Camp Pringle
Oct 12th – City of Langford Pop Up Youth Engagement
Oct 16th – Belmont Music Dept – Launch of Purdy’s order (fundraiser)
Oct 19th – Great BC Shakeout (10:15)
Oct 20th – Pro D day – No students in session
Oct 24th – Bulb orders are ready for pick up
Oct 24th – Leadership students begin Food Drive until Nov. 7th

The Sooke School District is a partner in the new collaborative post-secondary institution in Langford. Below is an optional survey from our post secondary partners intended to help inform decisions around programming at the future campus. This survey hopes to explore your opinions and perspectives surrounding post-secondary education options and post-secondary student support opportunities in the West Shore and Sooke region. The survey will close on October 22, 2023, at 11:45 PM. While anonymous, all participants will have the option to share their email for the sole purpose of being entered for a chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card. Thank you.

Survey for students: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/3BYNKG9

Survey for parents/guardians: https://www.surveymonkey.ca/r/3BYCL2Q

Fall stock market challenge kicks-off!

Belmont students are off to a hot start in Junior Achievement’s national student stock market challenge! Students from Nick Archibald and Tom Grainger’s Entrepreneurship, Marketing and Accounting classes are currently competing with over 2100 teams from across the country! Within the first two weeks of the six week competition, Liam R Tristan C, Chase G, and Dion B have also all spent time in the second and third place positions in all of Canada! And several other Belmont students are in the top 50 nationally! Students are given $100,000 in a virtual simulation to see who can build the largest portfolio of stocks and ETF’s. Congratulations to all on their successes and good luck the rest of the way!

Cross Country

Good luck to Bianca R, Sidney S, Roberta L, Marlene F, and Clara W who will complete in the Lower Island Senior Girls Cross Country Championships at Beaver Lake on Wednesday, October 18 at noon.

Take Our Kid To Work Day – Wednesday November 1

Grade 9 students have the opportunity to go to work for the day with a parent / guardian or another adult to shadow and learn about a career. This is a great day for parents/guardians to begin conversations about career options and future pathways with their students.

Permission forms will be distributed to students during A block classes this week. Please review the form with your student and fill out the required information. Students are asked to return the forms to their A block teachers by October 25.

Participation in this day is optional. Grade 9 teachers will be at school and classes will be running.

If you have any questions please contact the careers office, belmontcareercentre@sd62.bc.ca

UBC Open House

Reminder: Have your students registered yet for the UBC Open House? Please check out the link below.

View online

Simon Fraser University

SFU is also offering many courses, please check out this link below.

Read it online

Scholarship Information:

Students interested in applying for scholarships are encouraged to reach out to Mrs. Hoskins as soon as possible to ensure all opportunities are taken advantage of. You can reach out via email: choskins@sd62learns.org or come to the library mezzanine in C or D block to receive in person support.

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to review the Belmont Scholarship Website where deadlines are updated monthly:

https://belmontscholarships.weebly.com/

Upcoming Deadlines:

Ken Michel Memorial Scholarship for Carpentry

This $1000 scholarship is exclusive to Indigenous students from BC who are interested in studying Carpentry at the post-secondary level. You also must create a Scholar Tree account to access it.

For More Information: https://scholartree.ca/scholarship/ken-michel-memorial-scholarship-for-carpentry/N5x2bzxPhy

Deadline: October 26, 2023 (Midnight)

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)

This application is extensive, and it is encouraged that students begin early.

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

Deadline: November 15th, 2023

Fall is in the Air

Upcoming Important Dates:

Sept. 28th – Orange Shirt Day
Oct. 2nd – National Day of Truth and Reconciliation (No School in Session)
Oct. 5th – City of Langford Pop Up Youth Engagement
Oct.9th – Thanksgiving (No School in Session)
Oct. 10th – BMD Bulb Orders Due
Oct. 11th – Belmont Music Department – Parent and Camp Pringle Meeting

Canadian Universities Event

Belmont was thrilled to welcome 50 universities to our school this week! Grade 11 and 12 students circulated and explored their options with school representatives. We encourage all Belmont students to be exploring their post-secondary options and reaching out to their Careers Teachers and Counsellors for guidance.

Welcome Back BBQ

Last week, Belmont staff and students gathered at lunch for a welcome back BBQ! The event was organized and lead by Leadership students and set a great tone for the beginning of the school year. Thank you to everyone who came out and participated and a shout out to Jamie and his Culinary crew who did an amazing job cooking over 1000 hamburgers over lunch and to our student band, Rock Bite for keeping everyone entertained!

Congratulations to all the climbing academy students who competed in our first climbing competition of the year. The competition took place on September 12^th in Duncan with five different schools competing.

Special recognition to the following students on their achievements:

Female Rec:

Olivia Mc – 5^th place

Stephanie P 7^th place

Caelen W, new to climbing, was ranked 1^st place but the judges decided to bump her to the next category up due to her stellar performance.

Female Intermediate:

Our female intermediates took over the podium!

Pay M – 1^st place

Clara W – 2^nd place

Tula T – 3^rd place

Male Rec:

Hayden M – 2^nd place

Roberto W – 4rth place

Andy P – 6^th place

Male Intermediate:

Sam L – 3^rd place

Griffin D – 7^th place

Male Advanced:

Jacob P – 1^st place

Levi P – 3^rd place

Seb G – 5^th place

Cross country running is still looking for teammates. The Belmont bulldogs have a great senior girls’ team who have been to 2 races now but are looking for members. See Ms. Evans tevans@sd62.bc.ca for information.

Scholarship Information:

Students and parents/guardians are also encouraged to review the Belmont Scholarship Website where deadlines are updated monthly:

https://belmontscholarships.weebly.com/

Upcoming 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 95+ ($5,000 or $2,000 each, respectively) to promising candidates.

Eligibility criteria

Be entering university for the first time in September 2024.
Present a minimum cumulative average of 85%.
Hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.
Be born between January 1, 2002 and September 1, 2008.

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

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: https://loranscholar.ca/becoming-a-scholar/

Deadline: October 11th, 2023

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.

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 from the University of Toronto.

For eligibility requirements: https://future.utoronto.ca/national-scholarship/

Deadline to be considered for school nomination: Monday, October 9th, 2023

For the Belmont nomination form – SEE GRAD GOOGLE CLASSROOM 2024

(preference will be given to those planning to attend U of T)

TD Scholarships for Community Leadership

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

Deadline: November 15th, 2023