Daily News - Monday April 13, 2026
THE CHRONICLE
Monday April 13, 2026
It’s a great day to be a Spartan!
¬ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW - Parking Reminder for Students and Parents
Reminder to all students and parents that the back of the school (behind the gym, overlooking the track) is off limits to students and parents for parking and picking up/dropping off students. This area is reserved for staff, equipment vehicles, and emergency vehicles. The volume of unauthorized cars and trucks causes a safety risk and impedes the business of larger vehicles and trailers.
NEW – Grad Packages
If you are in grade 12 and were away last week, please come to the office to pick up your Grad Package.
Spartan Wear
If you haven’t picked up your Spartan Wear clothing yet, they are ready for pick up in the main office.
NEW - Are you interested in travel? Info April 14
Are you interested in Spring Break travel with your school? Come celebrate the success of the Costa Rica trip TOMORROW (TUESDAY April 14) at lunch in the Learning Commons with pictures and videos. Also, find out about the next two trip opportunities: Peru in Spring Break 2027, and Japan in Spring Break 2028.
For more info, contact Dave Gardner: dgardner@saanichschools.ca
NEW – Twin Day: April 17
THIS FRIDAY is our next School-wide theme day. It's TWIN DAY! Grab your bestie or a group of friends and dress alike to show some school spirit.
NEW - Kindness Campaign
We are into our final week of the Leadership class's "Kindness Campaign!" We have seen so many of you being kind to others and it has been amazing to watch. Keep it up, Claremont!!!
NEW - Bus Registration for 2026-2027: Opens April 15
Bus transportation registration for the 2026–2027 school year will open on April 15 at 12:00 p.m. through the School District 63 Transportation Department. This BUS REGISTRATION LINK will be live starting April 15 @ 12pm. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email the Transportation Department at: transportation@saanichschools.ca
Work Experience 12A or 12B
For all Work Experience students who have finished their hours and all paperwork: you need to see Mr. Bussoli to finalize your Work Experience mark.
For those Work Experience students who are still working on your hours and course work, you also need to see Mr. Bussoli to update your progress, as soon as possible.
Dual Credit Courses
Very important: If you signed up for a Dual Credit Course for next school year, please come to the Career Centre to book an appointment with Mr. Bussoli. If you don't meet with Mr. Bussoli, you will NOT be enrolled in the course.
SD63 Hairdressing Program “Studio 63”
Studio 63 is open for business. Hair Program students have worked hard to gain skills, and are now ready to cut and style your hair for a great price... Walk-ins are welcome, or call to book an appointment! Located at Saanichton Learning Centre, 1649 Mt. Newton X Rd. 250-652-5381
Monday: 12:45-4:00
Tuesday: 10:30-4:00
Wednesday: 12:45-4:00
Thursday: 11:30-6:00
Friday: Closed
SD63 is Seeking Host Families for International Students
The Saanich International Student Program (SISP) is actively looking for new Host Families for International students joining the Saanich School District in September 2026. If you are interested in becoming a young person’s “Home Away from Home”, complete this INTEREST FORM to sign up to come to one of our Open Houses!
DROP-IN Open House - Information Evening
Drop in anytime between 5:30-7pm at one of the Open Houses below, for a short presentation and the opportunity to ask questions to the SISP Homestay Team.
• Tuesday, April 14th @Claremont Secondary School, drop in between 5:30-7pm
• Thursday, April 23rd @ Parkland Secondary School, drop in between 5:30-7pm
Quick Facts:
• Duration: students come to Saanich for a stay of 4, 5 or 10 months
• Schools: students attend Claremont, Parkland or Stelly’s Secondary Schools
• Provide: a private bedroom, three meals a day, healthy snacks, and inclusion in your family life
• Receive: a monthly reimbursement of $1,350 per student for expenses incurred, and continued support from the SISP Homestay Team
Visit studyinsaanich.ca/homestay or email homestay@saanichschools.ca to learn more.
¬ ATHLETICS
NEW – Scrum Fest Success
A big Thank You to our Claremont community for your help and support during Scrum Fest. It was a terrific two days of rugby and team building on our fields. For all those who helped in all ways… staff, students, parents, and community members… . you each played a part in making Scrum Fest a big success.
¬ CLUBS
No news today.
¬ FINE ARTS
No news today.
¬ INDIGENOUS NEWS
No news today.
¬ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
No news today.
¬ GRAD 2026
Scholarships
Grads! Do you have questions about scholarships? Ms Tong is hosting a drop-in every FRIDAY at lunch in room 323.
As always, you can also find out about scholarship opportunities on Claremont's Scholarship e-newsletter (https://secure.smore.com/n/be359) and follow 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 on Instagram
Grad Wear Borrow/Rental Options
Magic Wand
The Magic Wand is a non-profit organization that offers an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to grad outfits for any students (boys and girls) This is a great opportunity to borrow, rather than buy, a complete special outfit for graduation. The only cost to the student is a small fee which covers the cost of cleaning. Please contact Elizabeth Suresus to view her selection of grad dresses, suits, tuxedos, shoes, and accessories.
Website: www.themagicwandproject.ca
Borrow Me Boutique
Borrow Me Boutique is another low-cost option to RENT grad dresses. For more information and to browse their selection of dresses.
Website: borrowmeboutique.com
¬ FUNDRAISING
Seeking Donations for Silent Auction
Our 2026 Grad Parent Committee is looking for Silent Auction items.
Do you have a gift card that you were given that just isn't right for you? You could donate it to the Silent Auction.
Would you be willing to purchase a gift card from a favorite business? We would gladly accept your donations.
We are also actively reaching out to many local businesses for support and are looking forward to putting on a great silent auction.
Please contact claremontgradfundraising@gmail.com if you would like to donate something!! Thank you for supporting Grad 2026 and making their grad events special.
¬ CAREER CENTRE
MacEwan University Info – April 17
A rep from MacEwan University (Edmonton, Alberta) will be at Claremont THIS FRIDAY April 17 at lunch. Come learn about MacEwan U’s programs, including Bachelor of Music, Music Theatre Performance, Travel and Tourism, Communication Studies, Bachelor of Commerce, and more! The information table will be in the foyer near the front office.
Virtual Women in Orthopaedics Event – April 25
The UBC Department of Orthopaedics and BC Childrens’ Hospital is hosting a session called "Unpack Olympic Injuries" at their virtual Women in Orthopaedics Event on SATURDAY, April 25 @ 10:00am - 11:30am. Registration deadline is April 22.
At this interactive session, students will explore how healthcare professionals work together to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate injuries that can happen to high-level Olympic and elite athletes. See Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Room 217) for more info and to register, or email her: cwatson@saanichschools.ca
Health X Day: April 29
Are you a Grade 11 or 12 student interested in a career in Health? Health X Day is happening at Camosun on WEDNESDAY April 29th, 9:30 - 12:30. Come to Camosun to explore Dual Credit Pathways in various Health Programs including Practical Nursing, Health Care Assistant, Medical Radiography, and Medical Lab Assistant. Sign up for this field trip with Mr. Bussoli, in the Career Centre (Room 217). The deadline to apply is April 15th.
Women in Trades & Technology Day: April 30
Join us for the Women in Trades & Technology Day at Camosun! The field trip is on THURSDAY, April 30 @ 9:45am - 1:45pm (Students are away for Blocks 1, 2, & 3).
Explore a variety of Trades and Technology, through fun, hands-on activities in the following areas:
--Carpentry
--Electrical
--Pipe Trades
--Sheet Metal
--Mechanical Engineering
--Civil Engineering
--Computer Science
Sign up for this field trip with Mr. Bussoli, in the Career Centre (Room 217). The dead-line to apply is April 15th.
NEW – IMAGINING UVic Summer Math Camp
For female students going into Grade 10 next school year, who LOVE MATH: apply for IMAGINING UVic Summer Camp! The camp is aimed at encouraging young women to pursue STEM fields. Interactive sessions led by mathematical researchers will introduce participants to new and exciting math concepts which go beyond the BC curriculum. Participants will also have opportunities to interact and form connections with professors and graduate students in mathematics. Application deadline: April 30. For more information, see Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Room 217), or email her at cwatson@saanichschools.ca
Island Ignite Fire Camp
Are you a female in grade 11 or 12 interested in learning what it takes to work in Emergency Services? Island Ignite Fire Camp is coming to Victoria this July! Registration deadline is April 30th. See Mr. Bussoli in the Career Centre (Room room 217) to apply.
Volunteer Opportunity
Vancouver Island Health's “Step Up” Youth Volunteer Program offers an opportunity for youth to volunteer at select Island Health hospitals and long-term care homes. Volunteers gain practical exposure to a healthcare environment and explore a variety of health careers. The expected commitment is one 2-hour shift per week, after school, through the school year. There are also monthly online guest speakers who provide insight into professions such as medicine, nursing, medical imaging, pharmacy, psychiatry, social work, and more. Volunteers must be aged 15-18.
Applications are open until May 15th. For more information and to apply, see Mrs. Watson in the Career Centre (Room 217), or email her at: cwatson@saanichschools.ca
¬ CLAREMONT PAC
NEW – S63 Budget Meeting: April 15
A message from COPACS:
The Board of Education of School District 63 (Saanich) invites you to contribute to the formation of our budget for 2026/27 by participating in one or both of the following options.
Attend the Community Budget Meeting on Wednesday, April 15 @ 7:00pm at Bayside Middle School (1101 Newton Place, Brentwood Bay). The evening will include a presentation on the budget process, funding and related budget implications, and on the current budgeting context. There will be time for questions and answers, and an opportunity to provide your input through a table talk discussion.
Complete the online survey which closes at the end of the day on April 26, 2026. This BACKGROUND DOCUMENT has been prepared for your information. Here is the link to the SURVEY. Your participation in this process is important for the Board's adoption of a budget that reflects the values, beliefs and priorities of the community.
We appreciate your participation and look forward to hearing from you.
Ministry of Education & ChildCare is Seeking Parent Feedback – April 22
The Ministry is inviting parents and caregivers to participate in a one-time engagement session to share their experiences accessing information from their child’s school. The session will take place on April 22, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, and will be hosted via Zoom.
Families rely on information from schools that is clear, timely, and easy to find. This includes things like teacher communications, report cards, attendance, course selections, and school updates, to support their child’s learning. The Ministry wants to better understand what is working well today, where challenges exist, and what families need from the digital tools and processes that schools use to share information.
Your insights will help the Province design better digital tools that can support districts and schools in providing clear, timely, and easy to find information to parents and guardians across B.C.
More information about the Parent Engagement Session - Designing Better Digital Tools for Families can be found HERE:
If you’re interested in participating, please reach out to the Ministry team at myedbc@gov.bc.ca with your name, e-mail address, and school district. They’ll confirm your participation, arrange a calendar hold, and send the Zoom link closer to the session.
PAC Donation Button
A new CPAC Donation button is now available in the Student Fees Portal under your Student Profile. This feature allows you to make a voluntary donation at any time during the year to support CPAC initiatives.
Your contributions help fund programs, clubs, and activities that enrich students’ learning opportunities and enhance the overall school experience. Thank you for helping support a vibrant and engaging student community.
https://saanichschools.ca/resources/studentsfamilies/pay-school-fees-online
Mental Health Resources and Supports
Taking time to check in with one another and reaching out for support can make a meaningful difference. We are sharing this resource list from BCCPAC to ensure families are aware of the mental health supports available for youth and caregivers across British Columbia.
This is the LINK for Mental Health Resources and Supports. The document includes 24/7 crisis supports, phone and text lines for children and youth, parent and caregiver resources to help families navigate mental health concerns and have supportive conversations with young people.
PAC Fundraiser: Country Grocer Receipts
Here is an easy way to support your PAC year-round. Save your Country Grocer receipts and bring them to the school front office. We appreciate your participation in this fundraiser, which will benefit our school community with up to $2000 in grocery gift cards.
If a Student is Absent or Late
Parents are asked to please email your student’s teacher AND the Attendance Line if your student will be absent or late for class. The Link for the Claremont Attendance Line is always quick to find on the Quick Links on the Claremont website’s home page: claremont_attendance@saanichschools.ca
Instagram Account
Claremont has an Instagram account: @claremontsd63. This is great way to keep in the loop on school-wide information.
Student Drivers
Reminder to all students who are parking their vehicles in the student parking lot: you are required to be registered with the school. Permission forms and parking passes ($2 each) are available with Mrs. Waller in the Accounting office; students will be required to show their drivers licence, their insurance papers, and their ICBC Driver’s Abstract.
COMMUNITY NEWS
Peninsula Youth Clinic at Shoreline Medical
At this Youth Clinic, services are 100% free, confidential, and explicitly inclusive of all genders and sexualities! This clinic operates on THURSDAYS, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm, for Mental and Sexual Health education (there is no physician scheduled). Appointments with a physician are offered on FRIDAYS from 10:00 am – 12:00pm. Both telehealth and in-person appointments are offered for our physicians and counselors.
Youth Clinic: 2A – 2379 Bevan Avenue, Sidney, BC
To book an appointment:
Call 250-656-4143, then press 7, then press 1.
A copy of the announcements is posted on the wall outside of the main office door.