Good morning! 

A student from a local school is competing in an international economics competition, and she’s challenging other students from across the globe. Dedicating both time and effort into the competition, read about our local competitor in the International Economics Olympiad, and more, in today’s edition of the Westshore.

— Emma

COMMUNITY

Pearson College UWC student takes on the International Economics Olympiad

From July 22 to 30, 38 countries from across the globe are sending students to compete in the prestigious International Economics Olympiad (IEO), and one of the participants is a student from Pearson College UWC in Metchosin. Chau Anh Ngo, a second-year student, has been selected as one of five global students to represent Vietnam and will be participating in the economics portion of the competition, something that has both her peers and mentors cheering her on.

"Chau Anh is a very enthusiastic student who, since her arrival, expressed a strong interest in economics — smart and disciplined, she has maintained an outstanding academic record during her first year,” said Pearson economics teacher Samuel Perez de Leon. “I trust that she, like many of my former students, will thrive in the pursuit of knowledge that we all strive to keep throughout our lives."

The IEO was created as a free annual competition for high school students around the world to foster and nurture a passion for economics and finance. Supported by chairman Eric Maskin, winner of the Nobel Prize for Economics in 2007, the IEO selection process is difficult, and designed to challenge students on their knowledge and ability to apply their skills. 

This year’s competition is taking place in Hong Kong. Applicants are all under the age of 20 as of June 30 this year, and must have had their high-school graduation date later than Dec. 1, 2023. To be eligible, applicants also must compete in their respective national competitions and place in the top five spots to compete. All students participating in the competition have dedicated hours to preparing, including Ngo, who says she is excited by the challenge of the IEO. 

“It means a lot to me to be allowed to participate in such a big event where I can learn from peers and professors in the field and to challenge myself with new knowledge on economics, finance, and business,” said Ngo. “I could not have made it without the immense support from my econ teacher Samuel and my advisor Zoe and I look forward to bringing the experience from this competition to my Pearson friends and teachers.”

There are three sections, including the economics and financial literacy portions, which are individual competitions, and the business case which is team based. For the economics portion, students are given 235 minutes to complete a test of 20 multiple-choice questions which are all graded and five open questions, four of which are graded. For multiple choice, a correct answer adds four raw points, an incorrect answer subtracts one point, and unanswered questions don’t change the score; the maximum grade for each open question is 30 raw points. 

Ngo will not only be facing the challenges of the competition, but also is hoping to win and carry on Vietnam’s winning streak, with Vietnam’s team taking home five medals last year. 

ENVIRONMENT

Canadian Armed Forces to carry out multiple demolition exercises in the Westshore this week

The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) are scheduled to conduct several demolition exercises this week along Vancouver Island's Westshore between 9am and 4pm daily. Personnel will use Bentinck Island's land-based demolition range and Rocky Point in the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Bentinck Island, used for its remoteness as a leper colony in the 1940s, is designated for land demolition activities.

These exercises are crucial for maintaining military readiness and honing essential military skills, typically involving controlled detonations managed by combat engineers and explosives specialists. In their release, the CAF does not mention potential impacts of the exercises on marine life, particularly in nearby Race Rocks Ecological Reserve, home to species like murrelets, humpback whales, and sea otters. To mitigate these concerns, the CAF has implemented strict protocols to minimize disturbance to wildlife during operations.

Additionally, administrative destruction operations will take place at Rocky Point in Metchosin, accompanied by underwater demolition training at Whirl Bay on the same dates. The CAF emphasizes their commitment to environmental stewardship by employing expert marine mammal observers to ensure the area is clear of whales before initiating any detonations. They say operations will pause if marine mammals are sighted within or approaching the range, resuming only after clearance from the observer.

The CAF says in their release, these exercises are part of broader efforts by the CAF to maintain operational readiness while respecting environmental sensitivities in the region.

Head to the Westshore to read more about demolition exercises in the area.

Around the 'Shore

⚠️ Sooke Potholes closure: The District of Sooke has closed the Sooke Potholes off to the public after a fire broke out north of the park yesterday afternoon. BC Wildfire crews remained onsite overnight, with the district announcing that the Sooke Potholes Gateway, Galloping Goose Trail entering the Sooke Potholes, and the Sooke Potholes Regional Park (including Spring Salmon Campground) will remain closed until further notice.

🩺 Woman pleads guilty to fraud after posing as a nurse in View Royal: Brigitte Cleroux has pleaded guilty after being accused of posing as a nurse in View Royal in 2020. Cleroux has had a history of similarly related fraud incidents in both Canada and the US, and pleaded guilty to impersonation, using forged documents, assault, and fraud over $5,000 for her time working illegally as a nurse at the View Royal Surgical Clinic for about a month. [CHEK] 

🚗 Sooke tracks traffic to ease congestion: After struggling with traffic congestion due to ongoing work at Charters Road, the District of Sooke has started to track travel times to help find solutions for the congestion. The district has contracted both a traffic engineer and an engineering firm to address ongoing complaints about chronic vehicle congestion in the area, and is seeking input on solutions from residents ahead of the 2025 budget. [Times Colonist]

🔥 Greater Victoria extreme fire danger: Fire warnings in Greater Victoria are considered extremely high, with the province warning residents to stay safe and alert during the dry weather. Greater Victoria experienced some of its first smog on July 21, while other parts of the Island saw the first rain this month; despite the rain, information officers are telling BC residents that the dry conditions will continue to pose a threat. [Capital Daily] 

Community Events

🪴 Metchosin farm day: Enjoy a day working and learning about where your food comes from at the Metchosin farm day today. Going from 9am to 4pm, guests will get the chance to connect with passionate young farmers exploring futures in regenerative agriculture. This event is free and available for anyone age 25 and younger. 

🧘🏼‍♀️ Yoga in the park: Head down to Meadow Park in Royal Bay this Thursday, July 25 for an evening of free yoga. Going from 6 to 7pm, free yoga is hosted every Thursday until the end of August for anybody to join in. Attendees are recommended to bring a water bottle and yoga mat.  

🌳 Public engagement urban forest management: Join the City of Langford this Wednesday, July 24 at the City Hall council chambers for phase two of public engagement for the Urban Forest Management Plan (UFMP). Going from 7 to 9pm, this event is a great chance to learn more about the UFMP while also providing your own input.

What’s Offshore?

No ships today!

Westshore Snaps

Recent sunrise as seen from Esquimalt Lagoon. —Gary Woodburn, Colwood

That’s it!

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