Enjoy the Holiday Season

Important Upcoming Reminders:

Dec 18-22nd Spirit Week @ Belmont
Dec 21st – Grad Winter Formal @ Olympic View Golf Course 5-9pm
Dec 22nd- Winter Wonderland Breakfast @ Belmont – till 10am
Dec 22nd – Last Day of School before Winter Break begins
Jan.8th – Welcome Back to School
Jan 17th – Grade 12 Capstone Presentations
Jan 18th – Winter Dance Show

Dear Belmont Families,

It has been an incredibly inspiring fall at Belmont! The level of initiative and energy has been outstanding! I would like to thank the staff and volunteers for their tireless commitment to providing exceptional learning experiences. I commend students on their hard work and moments of kindness in the school. I have also been impressed by the large number of students taking leadership and making thoughtful contributions to our community. I wish students, families, and staff a restful and enjoyable break, and look forward to everyone returning in January, rested and ready to finish the semester strong!

Laura Fulton

Principal

Reminder to students:

As we approach the last few days before Winter Break, please take the time to pass by the lost and found on the first floor if you are missing anything, along with cleaning out your lockers of any food or food containers that might be stored in there.

Grad Photo Retakes

Please note as per below that Grad Photo retakes will be taking place from Jan 24th – Jan 26th in the Learning Commons, Scan and book an appointment now if needed

The Counselling has added a link for any one needing tips or ideas for anyone needing ideas for over the holidays season

The Holiday Season and some tips for stress over the holidays

Congratulations to Dual Credit Anatomy and Physiology 12 students

For working hard through complex labs and coursework to complete their Camosun College Biology 103 course!

Junior Girls Tier 1 Basketball

Our Jr. Girls tier 1 Basketball team just played at the G.P. Vanier Christmas Tournament in Courtenay, BC over the weekend. They had a great weekend with lots of team bonding.

Leadership Students helping out again:

David Cameron Elementary had a pancake breakfast for their 400+ students on Dec. 18. Belmont Leadership students helped hand out food and make over 800 pancakes for the K-5 students

On Thursday, December 14^th the ISP/ELL team hosted our annual Gingerbread House Decorating Competition which bought 250 students together to celebrate the season. Congratulations to all participants for collaborating so well on your beautiful designs. A special thanks goes to the staff and students who helped to organize and run this event. Thank you also to our admin team for supporting initiatives that bring our students and staff together.

Bulldog Athletics

Basketball season is in the full swing with 7 teams competing in different leagues.

Notable Results

Sr A Boys Basketball finished in 4^th place in the N0 Regrets tournament held on the North Shore and recently defeated Claremont in league play.

Sr B Boys Basketball has been hot in league play. Big shout out to Grade 12 student Brody White who scored 52 points in a game during their tournament at Edward Milne.

Sr Girls Basketball showed well in the Christmas tournament they hosted by defeating Kwalikum in front of classes.

Jr Girls recently finished 4^th at the GP Vanier Christmas tournament

Jr Boys have showed well during a busy December and are currently 5-1 in league play.

Both our Junior Tier two teams have played a couple of games and earned some victories in exhibition matches.

Scholarship Updates:

The following awards are due shortly after winter break – if students are applying, it is advised that they apply before or during the break to avoid missed deadlines.

If students require support, please reach out to Mrs. Hoskins via email.

Beedie Luminaries Scholarships (Bursaries)

These 105 scholarships are $22,000 for a two-year 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 facing financial adversity who have demonstrated the grit, desire, and potential to create positive change. Deadline: January 8th, 2024

Link: https://beedieluminaries.ca/grade-12-program/

Schulich Leader Scholarships

Applications OPEN NOW. Twenty undergraduate scholarships of $60,000 – $80,000 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 19th, 2024. Submit the completed form to Mrs. Hoskins via GRAD 2024 GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

For the nomination form – Check GRAD 2024 GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Deadline for nomination application due at Belmont: January 19th, 2024

Deadline for Schulich Leaders Nominee: January 31st, 2024

Formal Application by Student is due: February 20th, 2024

CMOLIK Scholarship

Belmont can nominate ONE student for these awards. There are 20 available valued at up to $45 000. Once selected, the successful nominee then applies online to the Cmolik Foundation to be considered for one of these scholarships. They are looking for students who have faced adversity, but through hard work and determination have been successful in achieving their goals and who may not have the means to attend post-secondary without financial assistance.

Please complete the nomination form form, attach necessary documentation, and turn in to Mrs. Hoskins in Grad 2024 Google Classroom by: January 17th, 2024 at midnight. If you are selected as our nominee, you will be informed by: January 24th, 2024 and the deadline for your full application to the Cmolik Foundation will be: February 7th, 2024.

Eligibility Requirements (From CMolik Website):

Be a current resident of BC
Have lived in Canada for at least 7 years
Be in Grade 12 or a recent secondary school graduate
Have demonstrated financial need
Have faced adversity
Plan to be a full-time student
Be ineligible for the BC Tuition Waiver Program (for former youth in care)
Needs funding for a post-secondary institution or college
Be endorsed by their school principal (if you are selected as nominee you will be endorsed)

Link: https://thecmolikfoundation.com/

Heading to the Holiday Season

Winter Solstice around the world in 2023 | There is a Day for that!

Important Upcoming Dates

Dec 11 -Winter Formal purchase deadline
Dec 12 – PAC Meeting Cancelled – Join us in January
Dec 14 – Belmont Music Department Winter Concert
Dec 18-22 – Spirit Week
Dec 21 – Winter Solstice
Dec 21 – Belmont Winter Formal – Olympic View Golf Course
Dec 22 – Winter Wonderland Breakfast

Belmont and Grad Wear now on sale

The Entrepreneurship 12 class is excited to be launching our school clothing sales this week! The class is running these sales with a break-even business plan this semester. Ethically-sourced Belmont sweatpants, t-shirts, hoodies, zip hoodies, crewnecks and grad hoodies are on-sale now. Sales are online-only until December 14th. Visit https://bit.ly/belmont2024 for all the details!

	This Week’s Sporting Events
Dec 11^th	Tier 2 Jr girls at GNS and Jr boys @ EMCS 545 Sr B boys @SMUS 730 (basketball)
Dec 12^th	Tier 1 Jr boys @EMCS 415 (early dismissal 245) Senior Girls @ Reynolds 545 (basketball)
Dec 13^th	Tier 1 Jr girls host Claremont 545 Tier 1 Jr boys host Spectrum 715 (Basketball)
Dec 14^th	Tier 2 Jr boys host Claremont 545 Sr b boys host Claremont 730 Sr A boys at oak bay 730 (tournament) Jr A boys play in the Oak Bay tourney as well (basketball)
Dec 15th	Tier 1 Jr girls @ Vanier Christmas tournament (missing all day Friday) (basketball)

Belmont’s Fall Pep Rally

Big shout out to all the staff who volunteered their time to revive the Teacher Dance for the Pep Rally (many not pictured here)! Your energy, humour, and willingness to put yourself out there was so much fun for the students.

Great time was had by all at the Fall Pep Rally, it was great fun to see so many attend and take part.

Belmont Hockey Academy

The Belmont Hockey will be hosted two games on December 4th and 6th against the RCMP! Both games were be played at Westhill’s right after lunch from 1230-130. Many of the classes went down to cheer them on, they were great afternoon’s with Belmont’s very own taking home the cup!

Outreach STEM opportunities for students through Simon Fraser University – In-person and virtual”

Link to applied sciences Outreach newsletter at SFU

https://secure.campaigner.com/csb/Public/show/cgl6-2rek2q–15dohk-k7vr8lk9

Congratulations to Megan Sampson who has earned herself a place at the RBC Training Ground in Toronto. Megan will be part of a group of top 100 athletes who all have Olympic potential. Megan will be competing as a luge athlete. We are so impressed to see students follow their passions and achieve at such a high level in our community! Well done Megan!!

Belmont Winter Formal for Grads

Reminder to Grads: Winter formal is fast approaching and deadline to purchase tickets is Dec. 11th. Forms can be picked up and purchased in the office or on School Cash Online.

Belmont Bulldog Times Colonist 10km Team 2024!!

This year marks a significant milestone for TC10K as they celebrate their 35th anniversary. Teams with 10 or more members will qualify for a logo on the TC10K race shirt – a fantastic way to showcase our team spirit and be part of TC10K history. The team will consist of anyone interested in walking, running, or racing from our Belmont community. Friends and family count – anything to get you outside and exercising!! Your race number and t-shirt will also be delivered to the school on the Friday before the race. New Years resolutions 2024!!

Your Exclusive Early Bird Access: Only $55! Offer valid until January 31, 2024.

Introducing: The Shore – WSPR’s new youth programming

West Shore Parks and Recreation is excited to announce that we have new programming available for youth (low cost and FREE!). Could you please share with all the families at your school?

We’re so excited to let you know that our dedicated youth space and programs have launched to new heights. The Shore, formerly known as the Youth Room, is the ultimate haven for youth in the Westshore. This vibrant hub is not just a place; it is a community within a community where awesome young minds will find a safe place to kick back, hang out and just be themselves.

Sports, art, swimming, skating and snacks are already on the agenda, so gather the squad, come join us at any of the events listed below and stay tuned for more information!

Wednesdays:
Youth Drop-in and Skate
6:00-8:00PM | The Shore (Youth Room at JDF Recreation Centre)
6.30-7.20PM | $2 Skate (JDF Arena)
11-18yrs
FREE for The Shore; $2 for skating
Join us at The Shore for board games, video games or just some time to hang out, then hit the ice at JDF Arena for a $2 skate. The Shore is open after the skate if you’re looking for some snacks, a place to warm up and more fun.

Thursdays:
Youth Drop-in Art Night
3:15-5:00PM | Spruce Room (Centennial Centre at 2805 Carlow Rd)
Snacks provided
FREE
Grade 6+
Calling all youth in grade 6 and up! Do you love to paint, sculpt, print, sew, or draw? Then join us in the art studio for our new Thursday night youth drop in where a variety of art materials will be provided for an evening of creative art making!

Fridays:
🌈 LEGO Group: A Safe Haven for 13-18 year-olds in the 2SLGBTQI+ Community
3:00-4:30PM | The Shore (Youth Room at JDF Recreation Centre)
FREE
13-18yrs
Facilitated by a dedicated Youth and Family Counsellor from Pacific Centre Family Services Association in partnership with WSPR, LEGO Group offers a flexible, drop-in setting for youth exploring their identities. The group gathers on Fridays at JDF Rec Centre during the school year and at nearby outdoor spaces in summer. A confidential space to relax, make friends, enjoy snacks, and play games. Signing up is easy – youth simply register on their first visit. Come build connections with us at LEGO Group!

Youth Drop-in and Swim
6:30-8:00PM | $2 Swim (JDF Recreation Centre)
8:00-9:00PM | The Shore (Youth Room) & Indoor Sports Complex (JDF Recreation Centre)
FREE
11-18yrs
Come join us for lots of fun at the youth-only swim, then games and activities in the Indoor Sports Complex and The Shore (youth room). Different themes, special events and snacks provided.

WSPR Skate Park
Open dawn to dusk daily
FREE

Greetings from the BMD – November 2023

Belmont’s Music Department is back for another fantastic year of music making and performing! We are so excited to return with our band, choir, and drumline ensembles! We’re off to a fantastic start in the 23/34 season with our performances!

We started the year with Headstart Clinics, where young musicians got the opportunity to pick up an instrument and learn with a professional clinician, hosted by Belmont. There have also been 2 clinics for our drumline members so far this school year, hosted by Mr. Rivollier, as well as percussionists from UVic. We’d like to thank the amazing clinicians for giving up their time to help us learn!

As the end of October approached, we were whisked away for our Fall Retreat at Camp Pringle in Shawnigan Lake. While there, we rehearsed with some amazing clinicians, performed for the other ensembles, and participated in team-building activities. On the first evening, we enjoyed many games and stations led by our BMD Executive members. We also enjoyed smores and a bonfire on our last night. We had a blast on this 3-day trip and want to thank the wonderful staff at Camp Pringle!

At the beginning of November, our very own Senior Winds hosted the Greater Victoria Concert Band for a performance in the Learning Commons, where we accepted donations for the Goldstream Food Bank. Both bands played for each other and then joined together for the final song of the concert. It was a great experience to play with a more advanced group, and it was a very memorable night. On November 10th, the choir performed “I Dreamed of Rain” in the Remembrance Day Ceremony.

This fall we also welcomed student teacher Mr. Redman into our department! He helped our directors teach the various bands, as well as the piano and guitar classes. Having Mr. Redman as a student teacher was a wonderful experience, and we wish him the best of luck with his practicum!

We’re so excited to announce our annual winter concert on Thursday, December 14th! Senior Winds, Concert Band 9, Concert Choir, Drumline, R&B, and student combos will perform at this magical event in the Learning Commons and the theatre of Belmont! Our event will begin at 7:00 pm, with admission by donation (food donations welcome)! We hope to see you there!

Scholarship Information Night:

For any parents, guardians, or grads who missed scholarship info night, please see the attached presentation. Contact Mrs. Hoskins if you have any further questions!

Belmont Scholarship Night Presentation

Scholarship Updates

Beedie Luminaries Scholarships (Bursaries)

Link: https://beedieluminaries.ca/grade-12-program/

Schulich Leader Scholarships

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 19th, 2024. Submit the completed form to Mrs. Hoskins via GRAD 2024 GOOGLE CLASSROOM.

For the nomination form – Check GRAD 2024 GOOGLE CLASSROOM

Deadline for nomination application due at Belmont: January 19th, 2024

Deadline for Schulich Leaders Nominee: January 31st, 2024

Formal Application by Student is due: February 20th, 2024

CMOLIK Scholarship

Eligibility Requirements (From CMolik Website):

Be a current resident of BC
Have lived in Canada for at least 7 years
Be in Grade 12 or a recent secondary school graduate
Have demonstrated financial need
Have faced adversity
Plan to be a full-time student
Be ineligible for the BC Tuition Waiver Program (for former youth in care)
Needs funding for a post-secondary institution or college
Be endorsed by their school principal (if you are selected as nominee you will be endorsed)

Link: https://thecmolikfoundation.com/

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: