Rick Stiebel/News Gazette staff
Information sessions tonight and next week will help answer questions from parents who want to gain a better understanding of Brookes Westshore’s innovative approach to learning.
Research indicates that children from about 13 years and older have difficulty engaging in school, said Linda Tesser, community relations and admissions manager for Brookes Westshore, an International Baccalaureate school under construction in Colwood. The school will be home to 150 local and 150 international students for Grades 6 to 12.
“Our programs are designed to engage students in all aspects of learning in a way that’s not limited to academics,” Tesser noted. Students at Brookes Westshore will be involved in a range of physical activities, and gain an appreciation of the positive elements of diversity through the students from 20 other countries that they live and learn with, she added.
Brookes Westshore is hosting two information sessions to enable parents to find out more about the school and its approach to learning. The format will include a presentation on the school, followed by the opportunity for interested parents and teachers to ask questions at a number of stations set up at the event.
“It’s a very user-friendly environment,” Tesser said regarding the presentations. “It’s a great opportunity to find out everything you need to know about Brookes Westshore.”
The first presentation takes place Nov. 22 (tonight) from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Kinsmen Field House at the Westshore Parks and Recreation. Tesser encourages people to register in advance at brookeswestshore.org/events as space is limited. The second presentation is Monday, Nov. 27 at the same time and location.
Construction began at the site on Sooke Road near Royal Roads University in July and is about a month ahead of schedule. The six-storey boarding portion of the project is up and all the rooms are framed, said Tesser, who toured the property last week. Each floor includes a suite for house parents. Attached to the boarding building is a commons area where students can play games and “hang out and enjoy some free time together,” she added. Construction of the administration building is scheduled next, with completion of the project slated for September 2018.