Daily News - Wednesday April 8, 2026
THE CHRONICLE
Wednesday April 8, 2026
It’s a great day to be a Spartan!
¬ GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW – Spartan Wear
If you ordered Spartan Wear, your clothing orders can be picked up TODAY and TOMORROW (THURSDAY) at lunch in the big gym.
NEW – Scrum Fest: April 9 & 10
Claremont is hosting its Spartan Scrum Fest rugby tournament this week. On THURSDAY and FRIDAY, there will be constant rugby action on both fields. The game SCHEDULE is posted in the student lounge. Claremont will play feature matches at 11:00 and 12:00 each day.
There will be a concession outside of the student lounge selling items from the BBQ as well as other treats; both cash and card are accepted.
Parking: Scrum Fest invites 400-500 participants to our school over each day. With that, we are asking for all staff and students to park in our Claremont lots, to leave street parking for visitors and team busses. The lower end of the north staff lot will also be inaccessible to make space for washrooms, referees, and medical staff.
NEW – 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.
Kindness Campaign
We are into Week #2 of our "Kindness Campaign." Continue to be there for others and show kindness to your fellow Spartans!!! You just might be noticed, win some chocolate and be entered into weekly draws for a chance to win pizza and gift cards!!! 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. The Registration link will be sent out closer to April 15. If you have any questions or need assistance, please email the Transportation Department at: transportation@saanichschools.ca
NEW – 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.
• Wednesday, April 8th @ Stelly’s Secondary School, drop in between 5:30-7 pm
• 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.
SD63 Hairdressing Program “Studio 63”
Studio 63 is open for business, starting April 7th! 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
NEW – Golf
The Claremont Golf teams placed first and third out of nine teams yesterday at the Qualicum Memorial Invitational Tournament.
Congratulations on the Gold win to: Owen, Charlie, Ryan, Rohin and JP.
Congratulations on the Bronze win to: Braxton, Will, Ethan, Quinn, and Jeremy.
Go Spartans!!
NEW – Track
Congratulations to all track athletes who competed in the rain at UVic last Thursday. There were stellar performances by all athletes; a special shout-out to the new grade nine track athletes who impressed their coaches greatly.
¬ CLUBS
No news today.
¬ FINE ARTS
No news today.
¬ INDIGENOUS NEWS
No news today.
¬ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
No news today.
¬ GRAD 2026
REMINDER– Mandatory Grad Meeting – April 9 (block 1)
For all grade 12's: this is a reminder that you are required to attend a grad assembly TOMORROW (THURSDAY) in block 1. This assembly will provide all details about graduation: how to know if you are eligible to cross the stage, criteria for completion of courses at SIDES or ILC, grad ceremony, grad dinner/dance, how to get TICKETS (and how many tickets), deadlines, plus you will be provided with all of the necessary paperwork. If you have a spare or if you are not usually at Claremont for block 1, please make arrangements to attend this important assembly.
REMINDER – Grad Spring Fling: April 15
Grads! The deadline to buy tickets for the Grad Spring Fling is TOMORROW (THURSDAY) April 9, so buy them now. The theme is “Enchanted Garden”. Dress is semi-formal, and it will be lots of fun!
The Spring Fling will take place NEXT WEDNESDAY April 15, from 6:30 - 9:30pm. Tickets are on sale at the accounting office for $10. Once you buy your tickets, please come to the Ridge Theatre at lunch so that we can check off your name.
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
Scholarships
Don't miss out on exciting scholarship opportunities! To find out the latest scholarship opportunities, be sure check out Claremont's Scholarship Update e-newsletter (https://secure.smore.com/n/be359) and follow 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒔𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒔𝒉𝒊𝒑𝒔 on Instagram
¬ FUNDRAISING
NEW – Bottle Drive: SATURDAY April 11
Claremont’s VEX Robotics Club are having a Bottle Drive THIS SATURDAY April 11, 9:00-1:00pm. Refundables (bottles, cans, milk containers, etc) can be dropped off in the bus loop at the front of Claremont Secondary School.
Claremont has qualified three teams for the VEX Robotics World Championships; they will represent Vancouver Island and compete against 800 other teams from around the world. Registration alone for each team is $2500 so we are asking for help from our Claremont community. Thanks for your continued support of Claremont programs.
NEW - Krispie Kreme Doughnuts: April 11
Support our Claremont 2026 grads (and treat yourself while you’re at it)! Come by THIS SATURDAY April 11 between 9:45am–2:00pm at Saanich Plaza, Saanich Centre, Broadmead Village, and Royal Oak Shopping Centre to grab your fresh Krispy Kreme donuts. Every box sold helps fund grad events and celebrations—so stock up and share with friends!
NEW – 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
NEW – MacEwan University Info – April 17
A rep from MacEwan University (Edmonton, Alberta) will be at Claremont on 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
NEW – 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.
NEW - 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.
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
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.