The air quality in any building older than twenty years will not be as good as a new structure due to advances in design and construction technology. The air quality at Belmont is no different from any other building of it’s vintage.

In March 2011, the Belmont Joint Health & Safety Committee submitted a report to Facilities listing a number of air quality complaints. In response, the District hired Pacific Environmental Consulting & Occupational Hygiene Services to engage in air quality testing of the school. An initial site inspection was conducted in mid-March, baseline assessments were completed at the end of March and more detailed sampling and inspection was done in April in eight classrooms. A final report was submitted to the District in mid-April with a number of recommendations to improve air quality at the school. It is important to note that while slightly elevated CO₂ levels were identified in the north end on the 2^nd floor, no mold or fungi was found in the sampling. There were no immediately serious hazards identified.

The District began work immediately to institute as many recommendations as possible. Some items, however, will need to wait until summer when staff and students are out of the building, and some (particularly an upgrade to the entire ventilation system) will require further funds from the Ministry of Education.

Coincidentally, shortly after the Pacific report was received a company hired by the Ministry of Education (VFA Facility Assessment Services) arrived in the district to conduct assessment inspections of all school buildings. This assessment is being conducted in all school districts in the province. A report of their recommendations is not expected until mid-summer, but any recommended upgrades will be conducted. – Jim Cambridge

The complete reports are available below

V1961 Aerosol particulates report R-01.pdf
V1961 R-02 IAQ REPORT CO, CO2 TEMP RH.pdf

Last evening about 80 parents and community members attended a forum on school growth projections for the next fifteen years in the school district. Bill Wood from Matrix Planning Associates, presented information on what the community can expect in the future for school age children, and the building challenges that the District will face. Bill and trustees answered questions from the audience and there was a strong “buzz” of energy about going forward with projects. – Jim Cambridge

Have your say about what the Westshore and Sooke need in the future! You are invited to an evening to hear from experts on growth and planning…. on what the horizon looks like in five, ten and fifteen years. There will be an opportunity to discuss your thoughts and contribute to ideas on how to get the message out that Sooke needs new schools.

The meeting is at Belmont Secondary, North Gym, Tuesday May 17th, at 7:00PM. Hope you can join us. And lastly, great news……the canucks are not playing Tuesday night! – Jim Cambridge

At Tuesday evening’s Board of Education meeting trustees passed next year’s budget. Highlights of this budget include the provision for an additional $1.7 million increase to school based staffing (teachers and support staff), additional funds for technology, staff development and supplies. The Sooke District #62 budget will top $80 for the first time, making the District one of the region’s largest employers and an important economic driver. – Jim Cambridge

Congratulations to the following students from the Sooke School District have been selected to attend the Beijing Youth Camp this summer:

Eimi (Belmont, Grade 10)

Andrew (John Stubbs, Grade 9)

Bridget (John Stubbs, Grade 9)

Hope (John Stubbs, Grade 9)

Also travelling with the group will be teacher-librarian Lynda Stewart, from John Stubbs.

They will be joined by 30 students from secondary schools across British Columbia. In Beijing, 1000 students from 19 different countries will be participating in the 10-day cultural program. We are sure this will be an exiting opportunity for these students.

Jim Cambridge

I had the priviledge of watching the PACE production “Glee Club” last weekend. What a treat! It is so gratifying to see children, youth and adults working together in such a joyful manner. It is evident from student effort that the love and joy for music and dance will remain with them forever. Special thanks to Artistic Director, Sandra Webster-Worthy and all the adults behind the scenes that contributed to this success!

The West Shore is at an important crossroads in its development. The community has been calling for a high school facilities and cultural amenities for over a decade.

The Sooke School District, WestShore Chamber of Commerce and the City of Colwood have brought together a collaborative alliance which includes the City of Langford, District of Sooke, Camosun College, Canadian College of the Performing Arts, First Nations and a host of community cultural groups. We believe strongly that a golden opportunity exists to improve our economy and build a stronger tomorrow by collaborating to create an innovative community education and cultural hub for the West Shore at Royal Bay.

The complex would include one of the district’s two long-awaited secondary schools and a community performing arts and culture centre and outdoor amphitheatre, integrating innovative green building design. Since Camosun and the Canadian College of the Performing Arts are also exploring opportunities to deliver post-secondary training on the West Shore to better serve people seeking life-long learning experiences and skills advancement, we see the potential business synergies … a real win/win/win for the future.

The is innovative neighbourhood learning centre project will allow our region to capitalize on economic development opportunities, deliver improved education facilities and encourage healthy communities and a better quality of life.

Imagine a state-of-the-art secondary school with inspired young people who are learning by doing. A place where post-secondary education options are actively integrated into our daily lives. Imagine a beautiful destination where people can develop skills in new sustainable living technologies AND take part in invigorating multi-generational events and opportunities in the visual and performing. Imagine high school graduations closer to home, or community gatherings overlooking the Salish Sea and Olympic Mountains. The possibilities are endless. It’s a community vision worth taking a stand for!

We welcome and encourage you to have your say in this pivotal proposal and share your views!

The first modular classrooms have begun to arrive. Sooke Elementary received the first modular classroom to arrive on Vancouver Island. Details of these innovative classrooms can be found at Creating Learning Spaces for Full Day Kindergarten – Ministry of Education. Further installations will occur in the coming months at Ecole Poirier, Wishart, Willway, Hans Helgesen, and Sangster. These building are plumbed and feature a 40 year life expectancy.

As well, currently we have four elementary additions being constructed, four classroom additions to John Stubbs and Crystal View, a five classroom addition to Lakewood, and a six classroom addition to Happy Valley. We keep growing!