Daily News - Thursday April 23, 2026
THE CHRONICLE
Thursday April 23, 2026
It’s a great day to be a Spartan!
¬ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW – Skills Canada Provincial Winners
Congratulations to the Claremont students who placed at the Provincials for Skills Canada!
Zoie BHATTI – won GOLD in Public Speaking. Zoei will be going to the Nationals in Toronto.
Aaron SPALTEHOLZ – won SILVER in Electronics
Great efforts, Spartans!
NEW – “Have A Heart; Fill the Cart” Spirit Food Drive… April 27 - May 1
Our annual food drive is happening next week, April 27 to May 1 in block one classes. Our campaign is called “Have A Heart; Fill The Cart,” and all non-perishable donations are going to the Mustard Seed Victoria food bank. This is a block one class competition, so let the giving begin. Classrooms will keep track of the class tally and bring all donations, daily, to the drop-off zone in the Student Lounge. Cash donations will also be taken at the front office. Thank you for your support, Claremont!! Thank you to the Key Club for kicking it off with a community collection on Sunday April 26.
The top need for donations includes the following:
Protein: peanut butter, canned fish (tuna) and canned meats (chicken, beef)
Healthy nonperishables: cereal, beans, pasta, canned vegetables/fruit.
Female hygiene products
Toothpaste; toilet paper
Cash donations are also accepted
Found
A debit card was found in the school last week. Please come to the office to claim it.
Bus Registration for 2026-2027
Bus transportation registration for the 2026–2027 school year is open through the School District 63 Transportation Department. This is the BUS REGISTRATION LINK . 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
¬ ATHLETICS
No news today.
¬ CLUBS
No news today.
¬ FINE ARTS
NEW – Musical Theatre Performance: “Cabaret”… May 19 - 24
Claremont's Musical Theatre production CABARET is coming soon, running from May 19-24 nightly at 7pm, plus 1pm matinees on April 23rd and 24th. Cabaret tells the classic story of the unsettling world of 1930s Berlin. Set within the Kit Kat Klub and guided by the eccentric Emcee, the production explores themes of political unrest, moral decay, and fragile escapism, offering a compelling but cautionary glimpse at a society on the brink of collapse.
This year's musical comes with a Mature Content Warning: Audience discretion is advised due to mature themes and disturbing historical context.
Tickets are available online at: claremontsecondary.simpletix.ca
There is an early bird discount ($18) until May 5th.
We at Claremont’s value your privacy. When you purchase a ticket for Claremont's Musical Theatre Production of Cabaret, SimpleTix will collect only the information needed to process your ticket and keep you updated. Your data may be stored in the U.S. through SimpleTix. If you are uncomfortable with this then please come into the accounts office at Claremont’s to purchase a ticket in person. Office hours are 8:30am - 3:00pm Monday to Friday.
¬ 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
¬ FUNDRAISING
NEW - Paws & Claws Pet Supplies Fundraiser: Now until May 1
A Social Justice 12 student is running the Paws & Claws Pet Supplies fundraiser from now until May 1st. Donations of dog or cat supplies can be placed in the box in your block 3 classroom or by the office. All donations will be given to Our Place Society. Thank you for your support.
*Pet food, pet treats and cat litter need to be unopened.
*New or gently used acceptable donations include:
Pet collars/leashes/harnesses
Pet toys
Pet beds
Food/water bowls
Pet crates
Collars/leashes/dog jackets
$10 gift cards to pet stores
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
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
Opportunity to Join CPAC Executive Team for 2026/2027 School Year
We are seeking volunteers for the following positions: VP, Treasurer, Member at Large. Thank you to parents who have already reached out with interest. Please connect with us if you’re interested at: claremontpacsd63@gmail.com
AGM will be held on May 19th.
SD63 Budget Survey for 2027-2027: Closes April 26
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. Please 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.