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
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
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 🙂
Upcoming Important Date Reminders
June 5th – Mini Capstone Event in Learning Commons
June 5th – French Immersion Recognition Evening
June 6th – Belmont Music Department Year End Concert
June 6 & 7 – Track and Field Provincials – In Nanaimo
June 9th – Graduation Commencement Ceremonies at UVIC
June 10-14th – Graduation Assessments
June 11 & 12 – Spring Dance Shows
June 12th – Field Games Day
June 13th Year End Race Day and BBQ ( extended lunch hour)
Message to Families
We hope everyone is experiencing a strong finish to their 2023/24 school year! Please ensure that you are in close contact with teachers regarding current standing and progress in courses. Please note the following schedule adjustments this month:
Lunch will be extended on Thursday, June 13 to accommodate our school-wide BBQ and race day.
9 – 10:17 : B Block
10:23 – 11:40 : A Block
11:40 – 12:40 : Lunch
12:40 – 1:57 : D Block
2:03 – 3:20 : C Block
* We are hopeful that yearbooks will be ready to distribute on this day. If they do not arrive in time, they will be distributed after they are delivered to the school. Please ensure that you have returned overdue materials to the Learning Commons – Yearbooks will not be distributed to students owing materials.
Friday, June 21 and Monday, June 24 will run on a ‘Copernican’ schedule to accommodate end-of-year projects, tests, field trips, and assignments. These are regular instructional days – attendance is required.
Friday, June 21
9:00-11:22 – A Block
12:02-2:24 – C Block
Monday, June 24
9:00-11:50 – B Block
12:30-3:20 – D Block
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 engaging in the learning process.
Your Team at Belmont
Study Hall Week
Monday, June 17th to Thursday, June 20th, 3:30-5:00pm in the Learning Commons. Come finish those half-done assignments and prepare for final exams.
We’re Growing
You may have noticed some construction activity on the Glen Lake side of the school. Facilities are working hard to prepare the area for the delivery of one more portable that will arrive this month and hopefully be ready to go for the fall.
Belmont Dance Spring Showcase
The Belmont Dance Spring Showcase is coming up next week on Tuesday June 11 and Wednesday June 12! Tickets are now on sale via School Cash Online, or available by cash or card at the school. Come support your student and celebrate a semester of hard work!
Marine Biology 11/Chemistry 11 Adventures
Our Belmont Marine Biology 11/Chemistry 11 students were out adventuring again! This week, we collaborated with Pearson College to boat out to Race Rocks Ecological Reserve where we encountered sea mammals such as Stellar Sea Lions, California Sea Lions and Sea Otters and we even spotted a bear onshore!
Track and Field Provincial Championships
Good luck to Chase D., Ethan A. and Maxim R. who will be competing at the BC Provincial Championships for Track and Field this weekend in Nanaimo. Livestreaming of the event can be found at YouTube Channel: BCSS.TV starting on Thursday afternoon through to Saturday afternoon. Good luck to all athletes!
Athletics & Sports Banquet
Rugby Provincials
The Senior Girls and Senior Boys Rugby 7s teams competed in the provincials and represented Belmont extremely well with both teams finishing 6th in the province!
As the school year comes to a close Belmont athletics hosted their Athletics Banquet on June 3rd. Below are the award winners for 2023-2024.
Belmont Athletics Award Winners
Keeping Girls in Sport Award (KGiS): Corah B.
Lloyd Powell Service Award: Titus J.
Gr 9 Girls Athlete of the Year: Addison R.
Gr 9 Boys Athlete of the Year: Anthony T, Ryder R, Jacob H.
Gr 10 Girls Athlete of the Year: Hana N, Simone C.
Gr 10 Boys Athlete of the Year: Chase D., Brody M.
Gr 11 Girls Athlete of the Year: Alison T.
Gr 11 Boys Athlete of the Year: Arav P, Dante A.
Gr 12 Girls Athlete of the Year: Annie J.
Gr 12 Boys Athlete of the Year: Max R, Ben H.
Gr 9 Girls Sportspersonship Award: Alecia T, Corah B.
Gr 9 Boys Sportspersonship Award: Morgan A, Alexandre T.
Gr 10 Girls Sportspersonship Award: Sabrina C.
Gr 10 Boys Sportspersonship Award: Sirak K., Isaac B.
Gr 11 Girls Sportspersonship Award: Gurnoor A.
Gr 11 Boys Sportspersonship Award: Temi A., Sam S., Aaron L, Brayden B.
Gr 12 Girls Sportspersonship Award: Franzine R., Roan A.
Gr 12 Boys Sportspersonship Award: Braydon A., Cael K., Aidan W.
Gr 12 Bulldog “Years of Service” Award: Thatcher W., Gian Carl S., Cameron P., Evan W., Siem K., Brian U., Piper J., Lance C., Alexie B.
Gr 12 Top Scholar-Athlete Award: Annie J.
Belmont T-Shirts and Crewnecks are here!
We have received a special shipment of Belmont t-shirts and crewnecks in navy and grey that are now available for purchase! T-shirts are only $14 and Crewnecks are just $26. Please see Mr. Grainger in room A101 before or after school to view and confirm we have one here in your size, and then payments can be made in the office. You can also email Mr. Grainger to reserve. Act fast as quantities are limited!
Scholarship Information
Scholarship information has been updated until the end of June on the Belmont Scholarship Website. July and August awards will be updated as soon as possible. should you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Hoskins for support choskins@sd62learns.org
Thank you to all parents and guardians for your support of our grads this scholarship season – they have seen lots of success!
We are grateful to the staff and students who keep the Belmont garden growing! It is full of healthy, wonderful food to be used by our food education programs!
Culture Week at Belmont
Culture Week at Belmont celebrated the incredible diversity our school has to offer. The days were filled with cultural sharing. Our ISP and ELL students representing over 20 different cultural groups, presented tables to our school community that offered opportunities to learn about different cultures. Students and staff enjoyed incredible food, fun activities, music, prizes and more. It was a wonderful week to celebrate as a school community! Thank you to all students, staff, parents, and our admin team for supporting this event.
Marine Bio/Aquatic Chem explores Galiano Island!
Our Marine Biology 11/Aquatic Chemistry 11 cohort had an amazing three days on Galiano Island. We explored white shell middens, tidepools teeming with marine life, climbed Mt. Galiano to the Garry Oak wildflowers and an incredible vista, learned about forest conservation, biodiversity, and ethnobotany, and shouted with glee at the night bioluminescence show! We will all cherish memories of campfires, glorious Montague sunsets, and newfound friendships!
Belmont Dance Company
Congratulations to the Belmont Dance Company! They participated in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival last month and were chosen to perform three of their dance pieces to be featured in the School Dance Highlights Gala!
They will be performing these numbers again, as well as many other pieces from our Dance Technique and Performance and Hip Hop Conditioning classes, at our Year End Showcase on Tuesday, June 11th and Wednesday, June 12th! We hope to see you there!
Island track and field championships
A HUGE congratulations to all the Belmont Bulldogs who were able to complete in Island Championships over the past 2 days in Port Alberni. Ethan A, Maxim R and Taylor F ripped up the track in all of their events. Max will go on to Provincials in all 3 of his disciplines. Phillip A and Danny J were fantastic in the throwing events.
Special mention to Belmont’s own Chase D who is the double GOLD MEDALIST and ISLAND CHAMPION in the 100m and 200m with personal best results in both races. Good luck to everyone who will compete at Provincials in June.
outdoor education trips
The Outdoor Ed. class has been very busy kayaking and camping over the last few weeks, enjoying the beautiful outdoor surrounding us.
Culture Week at Belmont celebrated the incredible diversity our school has to offer. The days were filled with cultural sharing. Our ISP and ELL students representing over 20 different cultural groups, presented tables to our school community that offered opportunities to learn about different cultures. Students and staff enjoyed incredible food, fun activities, music, prizes and more. It was a wonderful week to celebrate as a school community! Thank you to all students, staff, parents, and our admin team for supporting this event.
Scholarship Information and Deadlines:
Reminder to all families that all winners for local, PAC, Belmont, and District awards that the school is made aware of will be announced at grad ceremonies on June 9th. Students and families should check grad envelopes thoroughly as some will contain important information for retrieval or, at times, cheques.
Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest Eligible Participants may enter the Contest as one single individual only (“Entrant”). Each Entrant must create and wear: prom attire consisting of either a complete dress (the “Dress Category”) or a complete tuxedo (the “Tux Category”) and accessories made using Duck® brand duct tape and/or Duck® brand crafting tape (“Duck Tape® Prom Attire”).
Fine arts scholarships offered to students who plan to pursue a career in the fine arts including: visual, music, dance, theatre, film, literary, digital and others. Funding is to be used for post-secondary education in the 2024-2025 school year. Up to 4- $500 awards will be offered.
Metchosin Foundation scholarship application forms for 2024: Environmental Stewardship, Community Citizenship, Academic Achievement, and the Moralea Milne Sc’ianew (Beecher Bay) Scholarship. Students can download the forms from their website or access them in the Grad Google Classroom https://metchosinfoundation.ca/scholarships/.
The closing date is 3:00 pm on Friday, June 14, 2024. The forms are fillable in Word Documents and completed forms must be sent via email at metchosinfoundation@gmail.com. We have also attached non-fillable pdf versions as well in case some students would prefer to print the forms.
Looking Glass Foundation Scholarships:
The Looking Glass Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to individuals who have received or are currently receiving treatment for an eating disorder, and who are ready for academic pursuit.
WHO CAN APPLY?
Permanent residents of British Columbia who are: Full-time students (3 or more classes) enrolled in an accredited post-secondary institution in Canada, who are commencing or returning to a university or college program starting between September 2024 – January 2025
Enrolled in their first undergraduate degree Currently accessing, or have previously accessed, support for an eating disorder and are far enough along in recovery to be able to meet the demands of your chosen program
Demonstrate a strong need for financial assistance in order to achieve their academic goals
Previous Looking Glass Scholarship winners are not eligible to re-apply
May 11th – Dry Grad Bottle Drive – Buckey’s Tap House
May 14th -15th Middle School Visits to Belmont
May 15th – Lower Island Track and Field Championships
May 16th – ICBC Presentation
May 16th – O’Canada and Grad Song Auditions
May 17th – Pro D Day – No students in session
May 20th – May Day – No School in Session
May 21st -22nd – Track and Field Championships – Port Alberni
May 23rd-24th – Marketing 110- Dual Credit Exams Bl. B & D
May 23rd – Belmont Night LIVE
As a District, we believe it’s important to recognize the important work that our staffs do on behalf of children and families. One important group that too often does not get acknowledgement for their important work is our bus drivers. Each day they safely transport over 4,200 district students to and from school.
Spring in the Belmont Music Department
Since spring break, students of the BMD have been very busy showcasing their work during what is known as festival season.
Senior Winds and Concert Band 9 traveled up to Port Alberni for the Vancouver Island Concert Band Festival, earning excellent reviews from the adjudicators. Concert Choir stayed closer to home for the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, which went so well that they were invited to perform in the highlights concert held in Oak Bay the following week.
The Jazz and R & B Bands performed to enthusiastic crowds in the Social Commons of the school at lunch on April 25.
Our Drumline traveled to Abbotsford to compete in the British Colombia Drumline Competition, where they were awarded 2nd place. The very next day, our Vocal Jazz Ensemble had a great day at the Oak Bay Vocal Jazz Festival, watching the local high school groups and the guest performers, “Soundsation” from Edmonds College, Washington.
Next on the agenda is the “Evening of Jazz” with special guests Naden’s Pacific Blue Big Band. Please join us here at Belmont for what will be a great night on Thursday, May 9 at 7:00 pm (admission by donation). And don’t forget to put the Year End Concert in your calendars – Thursday, June 6th at 7pm.
We’d like to invite you to our upcoming concert, an Evening of Jazz on Thursday, May 9. Students in Jazz Band, Vocal Jazz, and R & B will be performing that night. Our special guest for the second half of the show is the Naden’s outstanding Pacific Blue Big Band. They are incredible.
This is going to be a great night. I hope you can make it!
Belmont Night Live
Hello Belmont Community! On Thursday May 23rd at 7pm we are hosting our annual talent show, Belmont Night Live, and you are invited! We have dancers, comedians, singers, bands, games and SO MUCH MORE! This event is not to be missed, the whole thing is hosted by and starring students, please join us for an evening celebrating the amazing talent we have at Belmont! The event is by donation and starts at 7pm in the Theatre (doors open 6.30)
TC10K this year:
Our team included: Mannie R., Daniel R., Merete K., Ania Emilia Z. Sabrina B., Brian W., Mya W., Ayla J., and Gillian B. Everyone had a great run amongst the 8500 runners. Excellent work, team!
Vital Youth Celebration
Ozioma and Philip represented Belmont at the Vital Youth celebration. The Vital Youth committee, part of the Leadership class, worked with the Victoria Foundation to donate $3,000 to charity. Our students chose to support Veteran’s and the local Green Team.
Climbing Academy
Congratulations to our climbers who competed at the Stelly’s climbing competition last week. As always, the Belmont Climbing Academy did a great job representing our school both as athletes and volunteers. Each student put forth their best as they translated their rigorous training into an outstanding performance. Special shout out to Jacob P. and Victoria B. for placing first and second place in their category, respectively. The rest of the results are yet to be released.
Spring Break of a different sort
Huge congrats to Taitumn R. who recently won a silver medal for Canada at the u18 Softball Pan Am Championship in Monteria, Colombia.
Taitumn played second base and batted second for Canada and was one of Canadas top players throughout the tournament.
Belmont Dance Company at Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival
Belmont Dance Company participated in the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival a couple of weeks ago. The students worked hard on their pieces and performed their hearts out!
Every year at Festival, the adjudicator chooses some pieces that they believed to be a “highlight” to them. The pieces that get chosen are to be performed once again in the GVPAF School Dance Highlights Gala on May 6th at the UVic Farquhar Auditorium. Out of 160 pieces, there were 31 pieces chosen. I am happy to announce that the adjudicator chose 3 Belmont pieces to be performed once again!
The pieces chosen were:
“Dream” – choreographed by Jinayah Nelson (Belmont Alumnus)
Danced by: Evie Gehrig, Cecilia Winter, Kiera Padgett, Sarah Jamieson, Kenzie Forseth, and Kaylee Toghill
“A Bruno Mars Production” – choreographed by Melanie Narciso
Danced by: The Belmont Dance Company
“Love In The Dark” – choreographed by Melanie Narciso
Danced by: The Belmont Dance Company
Skills Canada Competition
CONGRATULATIONS to the following students on their success at the Skills Canada competition.
Rania I. – 3rd Place Hairstyling
Ryland F. – 1st Place Automotive
Connor C. – 2nd Place Automotive
Evan W. – 3rd Place Automotive
Belmont is going to Spain!
All students interested in joining or learning more about our Spring Break 2025 trip to Spain should attend the info session at lunch this Thursday May 9th in the Learning Commons. Application forms will be available there.
The trip is organized by Ms. Evans and Ms. Elizondo. Please contact them if you have any questions.
Tree Planting for Earth Week
Our students helped out with Earth Week, by planting trees in the area.
Track and Field:
The final qualifying race at UVic’s Centennial Stadium will take place on Wednesday, May 8th. Lower Island Championships will take place on May 15th all day at Uvic. Congrats to the following Bulldogs
Chase D – 100m, 200m(current 1st place for both events) Ethan A – 100m, 200m, 400m,
Makaio 0 – 100m, 200m Max R – 100m, 100mH, 400m, 400m H, long jump
Isaac B – 100m, 200m, long jump, hurdles Delizio C – 100m, 200m Elijah B – 100m, 200m, long jump
Aaron L – 100m, 200m, long jump Douglas R – 100m, 200m, long jump, 100mHurdles
Danny J – Shot Put Luis A – Shot Put and Jav
Philip A – Jav Gabriel N – Jav
Zach Malcolm – 100m, 200m
Charlie N – Jav, Shot Put
Diego C – 100m, Steeplechase Ryder R – Steeplechase
Megan S – 100m Favour O – 100m
Emma L – 100m, 200m Roberta L – 3000m, 1500m
Taylor F – Long Jump and triple jump, 800m
Corah B – 100m Simone C- 100m
Hana – 100m Sabrina – 100m
Luna A – 100m Afrika J – 100m
Scholarship Information and Deadlines:
CUPE 459 Bursary
ELIGIBLITY
In order to qualify for the bursary, the applicant must:
Be a dependent/relative of a CUPE 459 member and a graduating secondary school
student of 2024.
Applicants in need of financial assistance may be given special consideration.
Deadline: May 15th, 2024
Application and criteria can be accessed in the grad 2024 google classroom!
Sooke Fine Arts Scholarship
The Sooke Fine Arts Society will offer up to two annual scholarships of $1,500 to School
District #62 students graduating from Grade 12 at one of: Edward Milne Community,
Royal Bay Secondary, West Shore Centre for Learning, or Belmont Secondary Schools or
SD #62 home schooled students. The scholarships are to provide financial support to
students entering a post-secondary program, which includes a visual arts component, at
an accredited Canadian institution.
See Grad Google Classroom for Application!
Deadline: May 15th
Alpha Thi Cheta – UVIC Bursary
The Orchid bursary was founded in 2016-2017 in order for Alpha Chi Theta to recognize and reward a female student graduating high school from Victoria and the surrounding areas who demonstrates the four pillars of Alpha Chi Theta. The student must be attending the University of Victoria beginning September 2024 in order to qualify for this bursary. Should the recipient decide not to attend the University of Victoria, the bursary will be awarded to the runner up. After proof of registration, a cheque valued at $350.00 will be sent to the recipient.
Deadline: May 30th, 2024
Application can be found in grad google classroom!
Juan de Fuca Soccer Association Dick Darley and Eunice Johnson Scholarship To be eligible for consideration of this $500 scholarship, the candidate must: a) Be a grade 12 student b) Have played a minimum of three years in the Juan de Fuca Soccer Association c) Be dedicated and have contributed to the Juan de Fuca Soccer Association
For 2024, the following seven Scholarships are available:
Three (3) Rotary Club of Harbourside Victoria Scholarships ($1,500 each)
One (1) Scholarship giving preference to an Indigenous Student ($1,500)
Three (3) Charter Member Scholarships ($2,000 each)
One (1) scholarship awarded to a student who has a hearing or speech impairment or will be pursuing a career in speech pathology or audiology, in the name of Marke Hambley.
One (1) scholarship awarded to a student who has been involved in the military community or who has a member of their family who has served or is serving in the military, in the name of Tom Martin.
One (1) scholarship awarded to a student who has shown a deep involvement in athletics or will be pursuing a career related to athletics, in the name of Mike Creery.
To qualify, you:
must be enrolled at a public secondary school in School District 61 (Greater Victoria), School District 62 (Sooke), School District 63 (Saanich), or at a secondary school in School District 93 (French first-language) located within the geographical limits of District 61, 62 or 63); must be graduating in June this year; and will be continuing your education at a recognized post-secondary institution in the fall.
The Belmont Bulletin 