2025-10-30 17:33:06.836 +0000 UTC
New Board Chair
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to the new Board Chair, Trustee Valene Johnson, elected at the Board of Education Annual General Meeting on Oct. 29, 2025.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/36355161-d5a4-5bfa-a517-9709f706f068" alt="" width="211" height="273" style="width:211px;height:273px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other elections and appointments determined at the AGM were as follows:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board Vice-Chair: </span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee Chantelle Desrosiers</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board Standing Committee Chairs:</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Education and Students Services: Trustee Lisa Guderyan</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finance and Planning: Trustee Julia Fraser</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Policy: Trustee Wayne Broughton</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Executive Staff Management: Trustee Lee-Ann Tiede</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Note: The Board Chair is an ex-officio member of all Board Committees.</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee Representatives to the Indigenous Education Council:</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees Fraser, Guderyan, and Desrosiers (alternate)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustee Appointments to Provincial Representative Assemblies:</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC Public Sector Employees Association (BCPSEA): Trustees Fraser and Desrosiers (alternate)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">BC School Trustees Association (BCSTA): Trustees Broughton and Tiede (alternate)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3616b401-83a4-4a29-b466-3865ecca4f74" alt="Trustee Graphic Oct 25" width="668" height="501" style="width:668px;height:501px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><br></p>
2025-10-30 21:22:02.316 +0000 UTC
October District Newsletter
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/5fbdj" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to read the latest District Newsletter</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://secure.smore.com/n/5fbdj?embed=1" title="District Newsletter" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" style="min-width: 320px;border: none;"></iframe></div></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-10-24 19:37:14.255 +0000 UTC
National Recognition for École Casorso Teacher
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to École Casorso Elementary teacher Helen Park on receiving a Prime Minister's Award for Teaching Excellence Certificate of Achievement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The kindergarten-grade 1 teacher received the distinction for creating an inclusive classroom where all students can start their K-12 journey feeling safe, confident, and ready to learn.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We all strive to create inclusive learning environments where each student has agency and can build on their personal strengths and interests to thrive, both as a learner and a whole person," said Jon Rever, Superintendent of Schools. "Helen exemplifies the inclusion and professional collaboration we seek to build every day, and we are all very proud of her as a teacher, mentor, and colleague."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Helen nomination was supported by a parent of a student with diverse needs who is now thriving in school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"For Helen, inclusivity is non-negotiable, and because of this attitude, our son has never once missed a class experience or been marginalized in any way," said the parent. "Helen’s impact goes beyond her own exceptional work because she leads and inspires others. Because of the needs of her students, she hosts many other professionals in her classroom and has built a culture of high expectations and deep collaboration.”</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Helen Park credits the recognition and success of her classroom to collaborative effort.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"When we can meet the needs of many diverse students, it is thanks to a team of dedicated professionals who can work closely with individual learners and their families," says Park. "I am grateful for this recognition because it underlines that when we all work together, we can build the inclusion that changes the lives of all learners."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/recipients/2025-teaching-excellence/biographies#Helen-Park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Read more of the many reasons why Helen Park received the Award here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>
2025-09-23 18:01:09 +0000 UTC
Host An International Student!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools is looking for families who have an extra room in their home and some extra room in their hearts for sharing Canadian culture with international students. The District's International Education program carefully matches students with families that can provide a welcoming home and will enjoy the mutual enrichment that comes from hosting students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><a href="https://international.sd23.bc.ca/homestay-requirements?hash=inL2hvbWVzdGF5LXJlcXVpcmVtZW50cw==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more and start your application here.</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Our homestay program is internationally recognized because we run it ourselves, so we offer great support for both the students and the families who choose to open their home," says Raquel Steen, Assistant Superintendent. "We have a lot of students who are eager to learn about Canadian culture and live the Okanagan lifestyle, but we always need more families who would like to enjoy the many benefits of the cultural exchange."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/df1a0c64-f774-496b-8ed3-9d4f7af85f24" alt="Close up of family smiling with their international student" width="356.65625" height="445.56616641630075" style="width:356.65625px;height:445.56616641630075px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While the monthly compensation of $1,100 tends to help host families both with living costs and subsidizing family activities, those who have been hosting for many years say the real rewards are the experiences students share with their families and making lifelong connections around the world.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/15615b1b-02cd-489e-9c8b-14479d027f5a" alt="Family from behind at Disneyland wearing Mickey Mouse t-shirts" width="353.65625" height="469.5701906435065" style="width:353.65625px;height:469.5701906435065px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"In the beginning it was just rewarding having different culture in the house and sharing the culture of the Canadian family," says homestay dad Trevor Besse. "After 20 years of hosting, we've seen the students inspire our own kids to be more confident and outgoing, and we've made so many friends around the world with the students' families."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><img src="/images/cecbf544-af3c-4c53-bf36-b8055ac56ffe" alt="Host family and children on the right with the student's family from Germany on the left" width="367.65625" height="330.19308190652475" style="width:367.65625px;height:330.19308190652475px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Our biggest recommendation is just to try it out," Besse continued. "There are short-term placements that allow you to see if it's for you and you can still make great connections in that short time."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The District is accepting applications to host students in September for either short or long-term stays. They are currently looking for just a few more homes in the Mission and Central Kelowna area, but welcome families from all areas of the Central Okanagan to apply. Those interested can </span><a href="https://international.sd23.bc.ca/homestay/hostfamilyapplication/Pages/default.aspx#/=" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">apply online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you have any questions please email </span><a href="mailto:homestay@sd23.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">homestay@sd23.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or call (250) 470-3258.</span></p>
2025-10-26 15:43:26.685 +0000 UTC
Superintendent's Weekly Digest - October 27, 2025
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Colleagues,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">My sincere thanks to every school administrator and teacher who led and participated in Friday’s provincial/local professional development day. Continuous, high-quality professional learning is one of the strongest levers we have to improve instruction and student outcomes. Research is clear: the most effective professional learning is focused on the learning (pedagogical) core, collaborative, job-embedded, includes modeling/coaching with reflection, and is scaffolded over time. These characteristics are linked to observable gains in teaching practice and student learning.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">COTA Pro-D at Mount Boucherie Secondary.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Thank you to COTA organizers, presenters, and attendees for a comprehensive day that spanned: executive functioning and student well-being (keynote/breakouts), trauma-informed Holocaust education, Indigenous learning (e.g., Pemmican: The Original Superfood), AI for Educators, robotics/coding, and sessions on professional boundaries and post-critical incident supports. These offerings reflect the breadth of practice in our district—linking inclusive pedagogy, curricular content, wellness, and technology to everyday classroom needs.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Innovate-ED (Vernon).</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Appreciation to our SD23 team that helped coordinate and facilitate Innovate-ED which is a BC educator-led innovation and ed-tech conference. With the ongoing theme </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Students @ the Centre,”</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> this year’s event highlighted practical learning in AI, digital wellness, digital citizenship and STEAM, alongside an open-format design that encouraged cross-district collaboration.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We will continue to align district professional learning with what the evidence says works—collaborative inquiry, co-planning, co-teaching, communities of practice, and sustained cycles that translate learning into enhanced learning experiences for students in every classroom. Thank you for investing your time and expertise in this critical work.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a great week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Regards,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jon</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Your Action</strong></b></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schedule Flags at Half Mast for Remembrance Day: November 11, 2025 - For P/VP and Custodial Staff</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board Policy 621 – Protocol for Flying Flags at Half-Mast states:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“1. Occasions for Half-Masting</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Superintendent of Schools/CEO, or designate, has the authority to determine those occasions when</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">flags in the District should be flown at half-mast. The following protocols will typically be followed:</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 20px;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(a) National (all schools and worksites)</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 20px;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(b) On the death of the Sovereign or an immediate member of the Royal Family</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 20px;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(c) On the death of the Governor General or the Prime Minister</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 20px;"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(d) On Remembrance Day, November 11, if th</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">e school is flying its flag(s) on that day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-indent: 20px;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(e)</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On the National Day of Mourning</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Accordingly, please lower your flag to half-mast after school dismisses on Monday, November 10th in respect of Remembrance Day on November 11th.</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Prepare for the Middle Years Development Instrument (MDI) January 2026 - For Elementary P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The MDI is a self-report questionnaire for students in Grade 5 that is completed in January/mid-March. The questionnaire asks about how students think and feel about their experiences both inside and outside of school. The questionnaire is completed online through the e-MDI and takes one to two class periods to administer. The MDI questions align with the BC Ministry of Education’s K-12 curriculum which includes a focus on promoting children’s personal and social competencies. As Principal, your role is to support your teachers or another designated staff to administer the MDI in your school. You may also directly administer the MDI. My role is to support you in this process. The MDI will be administered between January 13th and March 13th. You and your teachers will be granted access to the e-MDI in January. Please see attached additional resources to support with implementation.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EkXCO6qBNrY6YtmcCf1NOeY0G2B0huBSIUXFylSi7LE/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">click here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for additional information to support MDI implementation.</span><br></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Check Schedule and Next Steps for Grade 3 Okanagan Swims Program: - For Elementary P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please read and familiarize yourself with the information contained in the link below that outlines the schedule and pertinent information regarding the Grade 3 Swims Program. Could you then forward the document to your Grade 3 teachers so they have this information and next steps.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/1phpJsnS85tWZHtzD6sWDGoSaMbSfgQx_GtE2tmFlBFo/edit?usp=sharing" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Swims Information</span></a></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Submit Requests - Book Creator Premium Accounts for Teachers (New and Renewal) : Due November 15, 2025 - For P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Book Creator Premium Licenses – 75% Discount Offer</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Book Creator Premium licenses are available to educators at a 75% discount through our partnership with FocusedED Resources.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important: Any licenses from last school year will expire on November 29, 2025.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As in previous years, licenses will be paid for at the school level but coordinated through Software Support. </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Requests due by November 15th, 2025</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> so renewal licenses are not interrupted.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For teachers:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re interested in using Book Creator this year, please speak with your school administrator.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For administrators:</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’d like to support this tool, please share this offer with your staff. When teachers request a license, complete the linked form with:</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-The names of the teachers requesting licenses</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">-The account code the Tech Department should use for billing</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cost: Approximately $45 per teacher (after discount)</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Access: Unlimited books and libraries for students, available for all K–12 classrooms</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Links:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://bookcreator.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Book Creator</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://forms.gle/use7mikyYzbg1dDq8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Form</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://bookcreator.com/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></div></details><hr><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Your Information</strong></b></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Work Order and Service Delivery Task Force - For P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This action-focused district committee is dedicated to improving the Work Order process to make it faster, fairer, and more service-oriented, while also addressing communication and decision-making challenges. Key actions include clearing backlogs, setting service standards, enhancing communication, and modeling a service-first culture. To support this work, principals will soon receive instructions on how to review their current work order lists and confirm which requests are still needed. This will help the committee develop an accurate understanding of outstanding needs. The committee includes district staff and Principals Hugh Alexander, Nina Ferguson, and Brady Ibbetson.</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Organized Trip Insurance (District Wide Insurance Policy) - For P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Effective September 1, 2025, the District has implemented a comprehensive insurance policy for all students participating in school-organized trips. After a thorough review, StudyInsured was selected as the provider, with costs fully covered by the District. This standardized policy ensures uniform coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellations, reducing administrative burdens and protecting students, staff, and volunteers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.studyinsured.com/sd23outbound/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Link to StudyInsured</span></u></a></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Halloween Security - For P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Operations Department has arranged for additional security coverage for Halloween - Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st. There will be increased patrols at the middle and secondary schools as well as at some of our elementary schools who have experienced vandalism in previous years. The standard emergency call-out procedures will remain in place for the weekend.</span></p></div></details><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education and Child Care Reminders</strong></b></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November Graduation Assessment Administration Session CANCELLED</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) strike action in the BC Public Service, the Graduation Assessment Session for November 3-7, 2025 will be cancelled for all grade 10 and 12 assessments. The next available session will be begin on January 12, 2026 and will be extended by an additional week, to January 30, to allow more time for a larger administration.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Ministry has confirmed that early admission to post-secondary institutions in B.C. will not be impacted by the cancellation, as students are able to write the assessments in another session (January, April, or June) and submit their results when completed.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If you have any questions regarding the November graduation assessment administration session cancellation or specific concerns related to impacts for students, please contact the Ministry by email at </span><a href="mailto:assessments@gov.bc.ca" title="mailto:assessments@gov.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">assessments@gov.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">IMPORTANT - Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA) Update and Actions Required</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Due to BC General Employees' Union (BCGEU) strike action in the BC Public Service, any additional FSA materials requested after September 22, 2025, cannot be sent. If additional materials are required, it is recommended that you contact other schools in your district who may have extras or to photocopy materials, at your discretion. Schools are asked to follow the existing FSA timelines (October 1- November 10).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As FSA scoring materials (including student exemplars) cannot be sent at this time, schools are requested to hold secure all completed student booklets for marking until these resources are made available and new FSA scoring and score entry deadlines are provided.</span></p></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Events</strong></b></u></h2><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Indigenous Veteran's Day - For Directors of Instruction/P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Canada recognizes National Indigenous Veteran's Day on November 8th. Indigenous Veteran's Day is observed Friday, Nov 7th this year in schools. We encourage all schools to discuss National Indigenous Veteran's Day with their students and to honor Indigenous veterans in a moment of silence on Nov 7th, 2025.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 8th is a day for people to pay tribute to the important contributions and the sacrifices made by First Nations, Inuit and Métis in service in Canada and below the border. Our schools can play a vital role in educating our students about the hardships Indigenous Veterans endured enlisting to the military.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Indigenous Education Department is worked hand in hand with the Learning and Innovation Team to provide these learning offerings (linked below) in support of truth, remembrance, and reconciliation.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This resource, which has been reviewed by community, takes a localized approach to learning and provides entry points for meaningful reflection for all learners K–12.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1a76v0AsVzQToFfqWS5P4R3i9NwcbYVlHrs8EWmtGG9A/edit" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning Offerings</span></a></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Middle Secondary School Based Team Learning Series - For Directors of Instruction | P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 3rd from 8:00am - 10:00am</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Session 2 of the Learning Series: Strengthening School Based Team through Interschool Collaboration</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Work Alike Sessions: facilitated virtually at a host school</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Topic: School Based Teams - Creating culture, norms, solution-focused and strength-based language; collaboration, data, systems, teacher voice and parent voice, etc.</span></p></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Dates in October</strong></b></u></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal and Vice-Principal Month</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025 - Board of Education Annual General Meeting (6:00 pm at Learning Centre)</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025 - Dual Credit Information Night (6:00 pm at Ecole KSS)</span></li></ul><details open="false"><summary><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calendar Dates At A Glance for 2025/202</strong></b></u><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6</span></u></h2></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">DATE</span></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EVENT</span></p></th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal and Vice-Principal Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education Annual General Meeting - 6:00 pm</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dual Credit Information Night - 6:00 pm at Ecole KSS</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 5, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take Our Kids to Work Day (grade 9 students)</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 11, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Remembrance Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 20, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Harmony Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 20, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Child Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 25, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmas Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 26, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Boxing Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 1, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">New Year's Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 5, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools Reopen after Winter Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 25, 2026 to February 1, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Literacy Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclusive Education Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 13, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher Professional Day (Support Staff In-Service Day)</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 16, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 26, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bullying Awareness/Pink Shirt Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 16, 2026 to March 27, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 30, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools Reopen after Spring Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 3, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Good Friday</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 6, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Easter Monday</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Volunteer Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 28, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day of Mourning</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Allergy Awareness Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 4, 2026 to May 10, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 5, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 18, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Victoria Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National AccessAbility Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pride Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Indigenous History Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 21, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Indigenous People's Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 25, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last day of school for students</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 26, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Administrative Day</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-10-23 15:58:32.44 +0000 UTC
School Bus Safety Awareness
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Drivers and families in the Central Okanagan are reminded to watch out for young commuters as they travel to and from school by bus. Whether it's stopping for a stopped school bus, slowing down near crosswalks and school zones, or </span><a href="https://www.sd23.bc.ca/documents/Bus-Safety-Trifold.pdf" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">reviewing school bus safety</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> at home, our community can help ensure every student gets to school and home safely.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"While our educators and drivers work to make every bus rider aware of the rules that keep them safe, School Bus Safety Awareness Week reminds our community to watch out for our children and stop preventable accidents," says Gail Prokopchuk, Transportation Manager for Central Okanagan Public Schools. "Almost daily, our bus drivers report commuters who rush past stopped school buses that have red alternating lights activated, which endangers our young bus riders."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/3a982ccf-e0c7-42d5-b6c8-8f7e78540f36" alt="school bus stop sign" width="451" height="300" style="width:451px;height:300px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School bus drivers want to remind Central Okanagan drivers that when "We Stop – You Stop!" Traffic in both directions must stop for school buses showing flashing red lights and extended stop signs, because children may cross the street in front of the bus. Failure to stop for a school bus can result in a $368 fine, with escalating penalties for repeated violations.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Adults can be good role models for children when driving in school and playground areas:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Watch your speed</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. A 30km/h speed limit is in effect in school zones from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and in playground areas from dawn until dusk, unless otherwise posted.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Be patient.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Drop off your child close to the sidewalk. Don't let them dash from the middle of the road. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Know the law.</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Always yield to pedestrians and stop for school buses when their red alternating lights are flashing.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National School Bus Safety Week is a public education program to address the importance of school bus safety and is held during the third week of October every year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.sd23.bc.ca/school-bus-safety-and-the-law-transportation?hash=wwL3NjaG9vbC1idXMtc2FmZXR5LWFuZC10aGUtbGF3LXRyYW5zcG9ydGF0aW9u" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to learn more about School Bus Safety and the Law</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or visit </span><a href="https://www.icbc.com/road-safety/teaching/road-safety-for-your-kids" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ICBC Road Safety</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>
2025-10-20 13:07:08.886 +0000 UTC
Superintendent's Weekly Digest - October 20, 2025
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dear Colleagues,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Celebrating Diwali & our SWIS Team</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On Friday, I had the privilege of attending a meeting with our Settlement Workers in Schools (SWIS) team where they led a fun, engaging, and informative session on Diwali. As </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Diwali begins today</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, thank you for helping staff and students deepen cultural understanding across our schools.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What the SWIS Team does in our schools</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Our SWIS team is a group of professional, highly educated people from all over the world dedicated to supporting newcomer families as they transition into Central Okanagan Public Schools. They provide essential settlement services—helping families navigate the school system, access community resources, and adjust to life in a new environment—while fostering a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere for students and families from diverse backgrounds.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teaching Excellence Recognition</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">At last Wednesday’s public Board meeting (Oct 15), Trustees recognized </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Helen Park</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, Primary teacher at </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">École Casorso Elementary</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, for receiving a </span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/recipients/2025-teaching-excellence/biographies#Helen-Park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025 Prime Minister’s Award for Teaching Excellence</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. Helen was recognized for her student-centred, inclusive practice that exemplifies our District's commitment to equity and excellence in learning. You can read her bio </span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/recipients/2025-teaching-excellence/biographies#Helen-Park" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">here.</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> (</span><a href="https://ised-isde.canada.ca/site/ised/en/programs-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-awards/recipients/2025-teaching-excellence?utm_source=chatgpt.com" title="2025 Recipients – Teaching Excellence" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">ISED Canada</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">COTA Provincial Pro-D — Friday, Oct 24 (Mount Boucherie Secondary School)</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">COTA’s October Pro-D Day runs this Friday at MBSS, featuring a keynote by </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Samantha Woods (Kaizen Education Services / The Brain Hub Academy)</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> on executive-function skills and practical, research-informed strategies for classrooms. Teachers and administrators are invited to join members of the Learning & Innovation Team as they dig into exploring Agency through Inquiry. This will be a hands-on day all about inquiry-based learning, a powerful approach that boosts student agency, confidence, and engagement. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">If your teachers are not attending the COTA conference, please remind them they must submit the District form for Pro-D. This can be found on the dashboard or by </span><a href="https://forms.sd23.bc.ca/Forms/prod" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">using this link.</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for everything you do to create safe, caring, high-quality learning for every student.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have a great week.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Regards,</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jon</span></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Your Action</strong></b></u></h2><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Print and Post Unfair Labour Practices - For P/VP | Site Administrators</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of a settlement agreement with CUPE resolving an unfair labour practice complaint, the parties have agreed to place a printed copy of the LRB decision on CUPE bulletin boards in every school and at Operations until June 30, 2026.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As per the email to Principals and Vice-Principals on October 21, 2025, please ensure you have printed and posted the document titled British Columbia Labour Relations Board - 2025-000587, on the CUPE bulletin board at your school/operations. Please confirm with Mona that the above two steps have been completed prior to Friday, October 24th.</span></p></div></details><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For Your Information</strong></b></u></h2><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Organized Trip Insurance (District Wide Insurance Policy) - For P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Effective September 1, 2025, the District has implemented a comprehensive insurance policy for all students participating in school-organized trips. After a thorough review, StudyInsured was selected as the provider, with costs fully covered by the District. This standardized policy ensures uniform coverage for medical emergencies and trip cancellations, reducing administrative burdens and protecting students, staff, and volunteers.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="about:blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://www.studyinsured.com/sd23outbound/en</span></a></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Halloween Security - For P/VP</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Operations Department has arranged for additional security coverage for Halloween - Friday, October 31st and Saturday, November 1st. There will be increased patrols at the middle and secondary schools as well as at some of our elementary schools who have experienced vandalism in previous years. The standard emergency call-out procedures will remain in place for the weekend.</span></p></div></details><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ministry of Education and Child Care Reminders</strong></b></u></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></p><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November Graduation Assessment Registrations – Closing Date - For Secondary P/VP's</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The registration window for schools to register students for the November 2025 Graduation Assessments session </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">closes October 23, 2025.</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Instructions</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Review the </span><a href="https://events.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/201/2025/09/November-2025-Graduation_Assessment_Instructions_PublicAttach.docx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 2025 Graduation Assessment Registration instructions.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. See the </span><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/education/administration/kindergarten-to-grade-12/exams/2025-2026-graduation-assessment-schedule.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2025/26 Graduation Assessment Schedule</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for important notes and reminders.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Contact student.certification@gov.bc.ca if you have any questions.</span></p></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Upcoming Events</strong></b></u></h2><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Partners for Inclusive Education - October 21, 2025 - For P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Date:</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 21, 2025</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Time: 6:30 pm</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Topic: Meeting your SD 23 Team</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Location: Microsoft Teams (contact Amanda Tapp in Inclusive Education for the Teams link)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Partners for inclusive Education (PIE) is a welcoming online space committed to supporting caregivers to learn more about the how students with neurodiversity, support needs and/or diverse abilities are supported in their neighborhood school.</span><br><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On October 21st we will be learning about School Based Teams and meeting some school staff members that support all learners and are a part of their School Based Team.</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">District-Wide Professional Learning for Lead School Teams: Fostering Learning Agency - For P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As part of our multi-year district focus on Learner Agency, this year’s professional learning series with Shane Safir and guest speakers will deepen understanding of Pedagogies of Voice. Lead school teams (principals, vice-principals, and lead teachers) will explore pedagogical practices that strengthen identity, belonging, inquiry, and efficacy in service of improving student experiences and outcomes.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">District-Wide Learning Sessions</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 28 (3:30–5:00 pm)</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 27 (3:30–5:00 pm)</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 3 (3:30–5:00 pm)</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teams will gather in person at host schools coordinated by the Learning & Innovation Team and connect via Zoom to collaborate and make learning visible across Families of Schools.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Community of Practice Gatherings in January and April/May will bring lead teams together to share, learn, and celebrate their impact.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For more details: </span><a href="https://sd23.org/lead-team-sessions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://sd23.org/lead-team-sessions</span></a></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Professional Development Day Opportunity - Agency Through Inquiry - Let's Get Curious! A Hands-On Day of Inquiry & Student Empowerment - For Directors of Instruction | P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teachers and administrators are invited to join members of the Learning & Innovation Team on the October ProD day as we dig into exploring Agency through Inquiry. This will be a hands-on day all about inquiry-based learning, a powerful approach that boosts student agency, confidence, and engagement.</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ll dive into practical strategies that work across all grade levels and subject areas, and you’ll walk away with ready-to-use routines and tools that make inquiry feel doable and exciting, not just another thing on your plate. You will hear from both teachers and students who’ve been exploring inquiry and how this has impacted them. This day will involve active participation by all who attend, as the best way to learn about inquiry is to experience it in action! If you teach in a team, this is a terrific opportunity to co-plan something cross-curricular. Please register through COTA: https://cota.ebasefm.com/programs Hope to see you there!</span></p></div></details><details open="false"><summary><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Middle Secondary School Based Team Learning Series - For Directors of Instruction | P/VP | Teachers</span></p></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 3rd from 8:00am - 10:00am</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Session 2 of the Learning Series: Strengthening School Based Team through Interschool Collaboration</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Work Alike Sessions: facilitated virtually at a host school</span><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Topic: School Based Teams - Creating culture, norms, solution-focused and strength-based language; collaboration, data, systems, teacher voice and parent voice, etc.</span></p></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><hr><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Important Dates in October</strong></b></u></h2><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal and Vice-Principal Month</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 20 - 24, 2025 - School Bus Safety Awareness Week</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 24, 2025 - Teacher Professional Day</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025 - Dual Credit Information Night (6:00 pm at Ecole KSS)</span></li></ul><details open="false"><summary><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calendar Dates At A Glance for 2025/202</strong></b></u><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">6</span></u></h2></summary><div data-lexical-collapsible-content="true"><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">DATE</span></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EVENT</span></p></th></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Principal and Vice-Principal Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 22, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Finance and Planning Committee Meeting - 4:00 pm</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 20, 2025 to October 24, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School Bus Safety Awareness Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 24, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher Professional Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education Annual General Meeting - 6:00 pm</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">October 29, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dual Credit Information Night - 6:00 pm at Ecole KSS</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 5, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Take Our Kids to Work Day (grade 9 students)</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 11, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Remembrance Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 20, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Harmony Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">November 20, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Child Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 22, 2025 to January 2, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Winter Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 25, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Christmas Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">December 26, 2025</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Boxing Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 1, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">New Year's Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 5, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools Reopen after Winter Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">January 25, 2026 to February 1, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Literacy Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Inclusive Education Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 13, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teacher Professional Day (Support Staff In-Service Day)</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 16, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Family Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">February 26, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bullying Awareness/Pink Shirt Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 16, 2026 to March 27, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Spring Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">March 30, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schools Reopen after Spring Vacation Period</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 3, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Good Friday</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 6, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Easter Monday</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 19, 2026 to April 25, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Volunteer Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">April 28, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day of Mourning</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Allergy Awareness Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 4, 2026 to May 10, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 5, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 18, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Victoria Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">May 24, 2026 to May 30, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National AccessAbility Week</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Pride Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Indigenous History Month</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 21, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">National Indigenous People's Day</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 25, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last day of school for students</span></p></td></tr><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">June 26, 2026</span></p></th><td class="editor-tableCell" style="width: 350px; border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Administrative Day</span></p></td></tr></tbody></table></div></details><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-10-03 22:58:55.544 +0000 UTC
Happy World Teachers' Day!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This Sunday, Oct. 5 is </span><a href="https://www.unesco.org/en/days/teachers?hub=66722" target="_blank" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">World Teachers' Day.</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This year's theme is </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Recasting teaching as a collaborative profession.”</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> As always, the Day highlights the vital role of teachers in education systems while emphasizing the transformative potential of collaboration both within and outside of classrooms.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In Central Okanagan Public Schools, the collaboration of our more than 2,400 educators exemplifies our Vision of "Together We Learn." Another key guiding principle of the Board's Strategic Plan is Transformative Leadership, which helps us create shared understanding around powerful teaching and learning so we continue to build innovative and sustainable learning environments. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To prepare our students to meet the Overarching Goal of the District, Central Okanagan Public Schools' teachers work to ensure each learner "…</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will develop foundational skills and core curricular competencies so that they can be empowered to follow their passions and strengths and thrive holistically as resilient and engaged global citizens</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">." Teachers play a critical role in the development of a civil society as they instill values like equity, empathy, honesty, respect, and responsibility.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The welcoming, inclusive, and innovative learning environments in our district are possible because of our educators' dedication to collaborative lifelong learning. We thank them for their commitment to their vocation, their colleagues, and their students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since UNESCO launched World Teachers’ Day in 1994, October 5</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of more than 60 million teachers, most of them working in developing countries with limited resources. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On World Teachers' Day, we encourage you to thank a teacher in your life.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d798a759-bed1-471b-aaca-db4b8cb39927" alt="WTD Ad 2025" width="557" height="322" style="width:557px;height:322px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
2025-09-26 17:04:52.434 +0000 UTC
District Newsletter
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/zr2ns" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to read the latest District Newsletter</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://secure.smore.com/n/zr2ns?embed=1" title="District Newsletter" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" style="min-width: 320px;border: none;"></iframe></div></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
2025-09-25 21:17:51.32 +0000 UTC
Leadership in Action!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Over fifty Central Okanagan Public Schools students contributed more than 5,500 volunteer hours over the summer, supporting Camp OC programs for younger children. The Leadership in Action program launched this past summer, giving students firsthand leadership training and job skills.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Leadership in Action was an incredible experience that taught me far more than I expected," said Khadija Mateen, a Grade 10 student who worked as an assistant teacher and camp counsellor. "From working with kids and parents to staying organized and showing up on time, it really helped me grow and build confidence."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools Career-Life Programs and Okanagan College partnered to design a program to prepare students for success in post-secondary education, the workforce, and life.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cbb7ad0b-3c7d-4d43-88ed-dfbf64ed088c" alt="Leadership kids group photo" width="554" height="463" style="width:554px;height:463px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through interactive workshops and real-world practice, participants developed key competencies aligned with BC's Career Education curriculum, including teamwork, communication, conflict resolution, and leadership fundamentals.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/faa0ac69-b043-46c5-b4ca-4501072cc261" alt="LiA student in Chef" width="557" height="371" style="width:557px;height:371px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Leadership in Action is more than a summer volunteer opportunity, it’s an investment in future leaders,” said Scott Sieben, District Principal, Career-Life Programs. “We’re proud of the commitment shown by the student volunteers who stepped up to lead, learn, and make a difference in their community.”</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Leadership in Action will run again in Summer 2026 and Central Okanagan Public School students can visit their school's career centre for more information or email </span><a href="mailto:careerlife.programs@sd23.bc.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">careerlife.programs@sd23.bc.ca</span></a></p>
2025-06-11 21:42:39.208 +0000 UTC
iGen 2025 Winners!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cadence Lesack of École George Elliot Secondary School (GESS) earned first place and a $2,500 prize at the Annual Innovation Generation Challenge (iGen), held June 10, 2025 at the Innovation Centre in downtown Kelowna.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Cadence Lesack, EquiGuard:</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9ea7dbb6-66c4-46b6-9d02-588742a0c083" alt="iGen 2025 5" width="377" height="251" style="width:377px;height:251px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lesack’s business, EquiGuard, stood out among more than 500 students and over 200 teams from across Central Okanagan Public Schools, earning top honours in the district’s premier student entrepreneurship competition. EquiGuard is a breakaway halter for horses designed for lunging and walking. It allows the horse to safely step out of situations while the rider maintains control.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"With over 90% of the employers in the Central Okanagan being small businesses or entrepreneurs, iGen's fostering of youth innovation makes this a critical program for our communities," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "We are grateful for the many business mentors, business education teachers, and generous community donors who have grown iGen into one of the largest entrepreneurial business education programs in the province."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Eight finalist teams pitched their startup ideas to a panel of judges and answered questions in front of a live audience. Second place and a $2,000 prize went to Oden Ransom and Marcus Kuhn of École Kelowna Secondary School (KSS) for their business, Gutters & Shutters. Kuhn also received the $1,000 Kevin Greenwood Memorial Scholarship, generously donated by Okanagan College.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Oden Ransom and Marcus Kuhn, Gutters & Shutters:</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0337de32-5fd8-4084-8dad-739fed53db65" alt="iGen 2025 1" width="375" height="250" style="width:375px;height:250px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Third place and $1,250 was awarded to Lily Timms of GESS for her business, Red Thread Spice Co.</span></p><h4 class="editor-heading-h4" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lily Timms, Red Thread Spice Co.:</span></h4><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e8e531a9-43a2-4ce9-8167-684cd107c11d" alt="iGen 2025 4" width="377" height="251" style="width:377px;height:251px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The following five finalist teams each received $400 for their outstanding presentations:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ryleigh Matewish (Rutland Senior Secondary) – Crazy Cookies</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tanav Goel & Yuvraj Dosanjh (RSS) – Slate</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kevin Kim (Okanagan Mission Secondary) – 2K Photography</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jackson Jobe (Mount Boucherie Secondary) – Trailside Outdoor Co.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Sebastian Verbickas (MBSS) – Muscle Mallows</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Judges praised the creativity, research, and professionalism of all eight finalist teams. The evening concluded with a keynote address by David Brough and acknowledgements to the dedicated educators who mentored the student teams: B.Wrauley and Justin Thiessen (KSS), Lee Schwartz (GESS), Kevin and Carla McDowall (MBSS), Nicole Fedkiw (RSS), Travis Holmes (OKM), and Tyler Jensen (OKM).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ultimately, over $15,000 of prize money was awarded to students; $7500 at the finale and $7500 across each high school's finals to select the winners to move forward. The prizes that will propel these young innovators to the next stage of success were made possible thanks to the generous donations of:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Platinum Sponsors:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Accelerate Okanagan & Okanagan College (OC)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Central Okanagan Development Commission (COEDC)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Fifth Avenue Properties</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Vantage West Realty</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gold Sponsors:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- KF Aerospace Centre for Excellence</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- MNP</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Silver Sponsors:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- College of Arts & Technology</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Doak-Shirreff Law Firm</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- ETSI-BC</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- Rotary Club of Kelowna Ogopogo</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">- WE-BC </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more or become a sponsor of this premier entrepreneurship competition, please visit igc23.com or contact Tyler Jensen @ tyler.jensen@sd23.bc.ca.</span></p>
2025-05-22 20:54:13.188 +0000 UTC
Board Statement on Indigenous Sovereignty
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education of Central Okanagan Public Schools unequivocally supports the sovereignty, self-determination, and rights of Indigenous Peoples, in accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), and Canadian law.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Considering statements made by MLA Tara Armstrong, Kelowna–Lake Country–Coldstream, we affirm our support of these established rights.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each day, from our classrooms to our boardrooms, we acknowledge that the land on which we are grateful to live, work, learn, and play is the unceded and Traditional Territory of the Okanagan People. These acknowledgements are not spoken carelessly. When we acknowledge unceded territory, we acknowledge the inarguable fact of land occupied without treaties. We acknowledge a history of colonialism, in which the institution of education was complicit, that oppressed Indigenous Peoples in the Central Okanagan and across Canada. We acknowledge the systemic, historical, and ongoing racism that broke apart families, dismantled communities, suppressed languages, and disconnected people from the land that defined their spirituality and sustained their existence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a school district with more than 3,200 Indigenous students, we are deeply grateful to the Indigenous families, staff members, Advocates, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and First Nations whose leadership and guidance continues to enrich the educational journeys of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous learners. Acknowledging that the First Nations have been the traditional stewards of the Central Okanagan for millennia is foundational to the work we do to further truth and reconciliation and is at the core of our Strategic Plan. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, we are learning how to connect with, and better sustain, this beautiful land. Together, we are learning to tell stories and celebrate language, art, song, and dance. Together, we are learning the truth and walking a path towards reconciliation.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education is deeply committed to building safe, inclusive, and respectful learning environments for all students and staff. We know that championing the human rights of everyone, particularly those who face discrimination, does not diminish the rights of anyone else. We hope that everyone will come to understand that together we learn.</span></p>
2025-05-13 17:46:00 +0000 UTC
Apply for Bus Before May 31!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Although school bus transportation applications are accepted throughout the school year, </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">priority seating for the 2025–2026 school year is given to those applicants who have applied before end of day on May 31, 2025. </strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://busconnect.sd23.bc.ca " target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to submit a school bus transportation application for the 2025-2026 school year. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students must be registered to ride on the school bus. For detailed information regarding student eligibility for transportation please </span><a href="https://www.sd23.bc.ca/transportation-services-programsservices " target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">click here to visit our website.</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To understand our transportation policy, please see: </span><a href="https://www.sd23.bc.ca/documents/24bb4ba9-1cff-53b9-b0a4-a7dcde0e2c1b " target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Policy 470R - Transportation Services Management - Guiding Principles for Transportation in Central Okanagan Public Schools</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We Stop - You Stop!</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">All traffic in both directions must stop for school buses displaying</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">flashing red lights and stop signs.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" style="text-align: center;"><img src="/images/3a982ccf-e0c7-42d5-b6c8-8f7e78540f36" alt="school bus stop sign" width="431" height="287" style="width:431px;height:287px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-05-09 16:05:54.569 +0000 UTC
Kelowna Civic Awards
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to our students (past and present!) who won at Kelowna's 50th Annual Civic and Community Awards. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We are so proud of you and share your gratitude for the staff and families whose mentorship guided you to be thriving and engaged members of our community. Well done!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Young Citizen of the Year Award</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Ainsley Wood</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d4f2bc58-790e-41c9-be8b-09a529b05d0c" alt="Ainsley Wood" width="445" height="508" style="width:445px;height:508px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bryan Couling Memorial Award – Athletic Team of the Year</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">OKM Sr. Girls Volleyball Team</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0cb27ab9-8679-4153-b7a3-3c269547398e" alt="Team photo of 4A Girls Volleyball Champions from OKM" width="441" height="438" style="width:441px;height:438px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Female Athlete of the Year Award</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kylie Taylor</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/c018c8c6-cfe7-4900-a8bb-cadd23170b15" alt="volleyball 2024 85" width="442" height="294" style="width:442px;height:294px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Male Athlete of the Year Award</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Jerome Blake</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b87551b0-efe9-4cc2-a19b-c14a63891093" alt="Olympic Gold Medalist Jerome Blake returns to RSS to inspire current students" width="440" height="293" style="width:440px;height:293px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Augie Ciancone Memorial Award – Young Female Athlete</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Maya Andruchow</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/89050362-a986-4869-a43d-6cfa6f9eae6c" alt="Maya Andruchow number 8 Setter for OKM 4A 2024" width="440" height="444" style="width:440px;height:444px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Augie Ciancone Memorial Award – Young Male Athlete</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Dominic Sodaro</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ada63c76-2027-472f-8736-64f483d80821" alt="volleyball 2024 117" width="437" height="291" style="width:437px;height:291px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Teen Honour in the Arts Award</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: start;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Almendra Osorio</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/c63e47f8-d792-4c0f-a2c3-1aa355710bc2" alt="2024 Okanagan Guitar Festival" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p>
2025-05-01 17:45:45 +0000 UTC
National Principal's Day
<p>May 1 is the day to take a moment and thank your principal and vice-principal! National Principal's Day is our chance to recognize the leaders of our school communities for their tireless dedication to the growth of our students and staff.</p><p>Throughout the school year, principals and vice-principals support, mentor, and guide teachers and staff to create caring and inclusive learning environments for our students. They lead and represent schools, set the school culture, and represent the school in interactions with families and the broader community. </p><p>We are grateful for the leadership and innovation of our principals and vice-principals in Central Okanagan Public Schools. Their commitment to progressive education, inclusion, and academic success shapes the next generation of leaders from the Central Okanagan.</p><p><img class="image_resized" style="width:90.48%;" src="/images/0ed8fcfc-e63d-415b-8d94-c0f944cf5d82" alt="principals day 2025"></p><p> </p>
2025-04-28 16:59:32.037 +0000 UTC
Board Thanks Volunteers
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week, The Board of Education sends heartfelt gratitude to all volunteers who give back to our community by investing in society's most precious resource, our youth. Across 47 schools, hundreds of volunteers share their time, resources, and talents to make sure learners get the extra help, opportunities, and joy they need to grow and thrive. </span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Every day, our Board sees the results of the generosity and dedication of volunteers," said Board Chair Julia Fraser. "From the grandparents sharing stories to the PAC members raising funds to the teacher coaches instilling lifelong values through sport, volunteers enrich the lives of students immeasurably and we can't thank them enough."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a20b00d0-c2c5-4527-a280-0779547fe457" alt="Volunteer 1 2" width="578" height="385" style="width:578px;height:385px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Members of the Parent Advisory Council at Rose Valley Elementary recently volunteered to organize an Easter Egg Hunt as a fun way to send students into the Easter long weekend.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education sincerely appreciates the individuals and organizations who make a difference in schools every day. Volunteers improve learning outcomes, create learning opportunities, and help instill the value of lifelong learning through example.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"As a parent and school trustee, I see firsthand the massive impact even the smallest contribution can have," said Board Vice-Chair Lisa Guderyan. "Whether someone volunteers for a short while on a PAC or spends their retirement years visiting classrooms, the results are inspiration, skills, and memories learners carry for their entire lives." </span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">There are many ways to volunteer with Central Okanagan Public Schools, all of which offer rewarding ways to give back. Whether you would like to give young learners additional reading help, work temporarily to make a class trip successful, or share your skills to organize athletic events, contact your local school principal to find your place in Central Okanagan Public Schools. </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9c269f83-14d6-4c90-a034-620f5d43f4df" alt="Volunteers at the 2025 Battle of the Books" width="603" height="402" style="width:603px;height:402px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Lori Lafrance, Sue Noble, and Tracy Withers are all retired library staff at Helen Gorman Elementary who continue to support literacy at the school as pictured here at the recent Battle of the Books.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/c6d3d198-7f51-4363-87f4-8a295c021131/2025-04-28%20Thank%20you%20Letter%20to%20Volunteers.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Board of Education Letter to Volunteers</span></a></p>
2025-03-18 15:42:52.811 +0000 UTC
Board Appoints New Superintendent
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education is pleased to announce the appointment of Jon Rever to the position of Superintendent of Schools/CEO, effective July 1, 2025.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As the current Acting Deputy Superintendent, Rever brings 33 years of teaching and administration experience with Central Okanagan Public Schools to the position.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Jon's unwavering commitment to public education perfectly aligns with the Board of Education's Strategic Plan and our vision of Together We Learn," said Board of Education Chair Julia Fraser. "With his deep understanding of our diverse learning communities, the Board is confident that Central Okanagan students and staff will continue to thrive with his leadership, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and excellence in education."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b80b8e04-824d-4c0d-a88c-3a660c903ba8" alt="Jon Rever 1" width="501" height="334" style="width:501px;height:334px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Rever will take over for Kevin Kaardal, who has been Superintendent of Schools/CEO since 2015. Under Kaardal's leadership, the district has seen significant advancements in educational programs and student achievement.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"The Board of Education thanks Kevin Kaardal for his decade of service to Central Okanagan Public Schools," said Fraser. "Kevin's transformative leadership leaves a legacy of progressive improvement that Jon Rever will surely continue to foster."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education thanks all who took part in the thoughtful and comprehensive process, which included candidates from across Canada. The Board extends their heartfelt thanks to the local Rightsholders, partner groups, and employee groups who contributed invaluable insights in the Superintendent of Schools/CEO search process.</span></p>
2024-12-18 20:15:56 +0000 UTC
Latest Issue of Together We Learn!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The latest issue of Together We Learn is online! Be sure to open it in full-screen:</span></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><a href="https://issuu.com/blackpress/docs/08319937-483c-46ae-9a2f-c5f73fb5841a?fr=xKAE9_____0IQQwLxBC07V_TBFgY6Bm47VA" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together We Learn Winter 2024: Community Engagement</strong></b></u></a></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>
2024-12-03 23:28:30.13 +0000 UTC
Provincial Win for OKM!
<h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">EPIC COMEBACK WINS PROVINCIAL TITLE</span></h2><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM) Senior Girls volleyball team achieved a historic victory at the AAAA Volleyball BC Championships, held in Surrey at Earl Marriott and Seaquam Senior Secondary schools this past weekend. The three-day competition among the 16 AAAA BC teams culminated in a dramatic championship win for the Huskies, their second in three years.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"I'm so proud of the resilience and teamwork this team displayed throughout the season," said Huskies' Head Coach Rob Steciuk. "I believe in working on team culture and resilience as a foundation for great athletes, students, and citizens. The way these athletes competed as a small fish in a big pond and bounced back to succeed shows incredible character that goes beyond the wins."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9a7d428b-c5ad-4896-ad41-a9be988b0a51" alt="Team and family photo of 4A Girls Volleyball Champions from OKM" width="346" height="260" style="width:346px;height:260px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Provincial Final pitted OKM against Riverside in a gold-medal match that would go down in history. After rallying to force a fourth set, the Huskies continued to battle through challenges, including an injury to tournament MVP Kylie Taylor, with Olivia Killpatrick stepping up in her absence. Setter Maya Andruchow orchestrated the offense brilliantly, distributing the ball to her teammates, including senior middles Avery Willis and Mercedes McKenna, who played key roles both offensively and defensively.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/89050362-a986-4869-a43d-6cfa6f9eae6c" alt="Maya Andruchow number 8 Setter for OKM 4A 2024" width="254" height="256" style="width:254px;height:256px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The fifth set, played to 15 points, was a dramatic comeback. Riverside led 14-9, but OKM, led by Maya Andruchow’s clutch serving, fought back. Andruchow delivered five straight serves, tying the game at 14-14. The Huskies went up 15-14, but the Rapids responded to tie that match up 15-15. Huskies pushed through, eventually winning 17-15 with a critical block from Izzy Babcock and Mercedes McKenna.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bb03061f-c49e-4d44-a0d7-30640b45cbbb" alt="Image of 2024 team stars and coaches from OKM 4A Girls Volleyball" width="309" height="412" style="width:309px;height:412px"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We are very proud of all our athletes and the high level of play teacher coaches inspire in the Central Okanagan," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "Teaching resilience and togetherness are proven time and again on courts, on fields, and in classrooms. Congratulations Huskies on this latest achievement!"</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You can watch the </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3MyoTJxbfk" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">final point here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>
2024-10-31 18:37:30.815 +0000 UTC
Board Elects New Chairperson
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education elected Trustee Julia Fraser as Chairpersonat their Annual General Meeting. Trustee Lisa Guderyan was elected as Vice-Chair.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"At our 2024 AGM, I was deeply honored to accept the role of Chair, and I extend my heartfelt thanks to my fellow trustees for their confidence in me," said Fraser. "As Board Chair, my priority is to address the critical needs in our district and advocate for the resources essential for our students, staff, and families. I commit to leading with integrity, transparency, and respect, always putting the best interests of our students and families at the forefront."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Trustees Amy Geistlinger and Lee-Ann Tiede were elected as the Chairs for the Education and Student Services Committee and the Finance and Planning Committee respectively, and Valene Johnson was acclaimed as the Chair for the Policy Committee. Trustee Wayne Broughton was acclaimed as the Regular Representative to the BC School Trustees Association Provincial Council and Trustee Chantelle Desrosiers was acclaimed as the Regular Representative to the BC Public School Employers' Representative Council. The Board also appointed Trustees Desrosiers and Guderyan as the Board representatives to the Indigenous Education Council.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board also set the regular Public Board Meeting dates and times for the 2024/2025 school year. The Meetings will take place once per month at 6:00 p.m., except for September and June, when there will be two meetings per month.</span></p>
2024-10-05 15:00:49 +0000 UTC
World Teachers' Day!
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On World Teachers' Day, the Central Okanagan Board of Education is proud to recognize more than 2,400 teachers/teachers teaching on call in the Central Okanagan, who help make the District a national leader in academic achievement, career, social, and personal development.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To prepare our students to meet the Overarching Goal of the District, Central Okanagan Public Schools' teachers work to ensure each learner "…</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">will develop foundational skills and core curricular competencies so that they can be empowered to follow their passions and strengths and thrive holistically as resilient and engaged global citizens</em></i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">." Teachers play a critical role in the development of a civil society as they instill values like equity, empathy, honesty, respect, and responsibility.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Since UNESCO launched World Teachers’ Day in 1994, October 5</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>th</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of more than 60 million teachers, most of them working in developing countries with limited resources. As such, the Day is also a reminder that the great strides in Canadian education are a result of countless people working together over many years to create a brighter future for children.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools encourages everyone to join us in thanking a teacher in their lives today.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="/documents/cd8da9a6-ebe4-4f6a-94fe-51b52be39c7a/World%20Teachers'%20Day%20Message%202024.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">World Teachers' Day Statement from the Board of Education</span></a></p>
2024-10-04 19:27:09.136 +0000 UTC
Deputy Superintendent to Retire
<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/78622618-4f2c-4771-9677-25fe1f87bf46" alt="terry lee beaudry 2" width="322.65625" height="403.3136022377506"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education announces the retirement of Terry-Lee Beaudry, Deputy Superintendent of Schools, after 43 years of service with Central Okanagan Public Schools.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"For over four decades, Deputy Superintendent Beaudry has deeply affected our district, and over the last 10 years, she had a personally meaningful impact on me as a Trustee," said Lee-Ann Tiede, Board Chairperson. "Her role as a bridge between our district and the world is invaluable. Whether fostering relationships with international delegates or supporting students and staff through academic challenges, her influence is profound. We are fortunate and grateful to have her leadership, dedication, and unwavering support."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After growing up in the Central Okanagan and graduating from Rutland Senior Secondary, Mrs. Beaudry attended the University of British Columbia before returning to the Central Okanagan to teach in 1981.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Terry-Lee Beaudry led a storied career as teacher, school administrator, Director of Instruction, Assistant Superintendent, and Deputy Superintendent," said Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "She shared her passion for education widely, and her impact on our district will remain evident through both her own legacy and the work of her many colleagues and friends."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a champion for Truth and Reconciliation, Beaudry affected change in the Central Okanagan and beyond. She guided the development of Central Okanagan Public Schools' Equity in Action for Truth and Reconciliation Agreement, deepening relationships with the Westbank First Nation (WFN), the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB), and other Indigenous Education rights holders. The Agreement is a guide to commitment to Indigenous student success and has been recognized provincially as a model of excellence.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">She also organized collaborative opportunities for new teachers and worked with the BC Principals and Vice-Principals Association, for over twenty years, to embed reconciliation practices within Foundations coursework for new administrators.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Beaudry came alongside UBC Faculty and local Indigenous Knowledge Holders to re-imagine the UBC-Okanagan School of Education Teacher Education Program, became an Adjunct Professor for UBC, and received the ABCDE Education Advocate of the Year – Outstanding Service to BC Public Education award, as well as the UBC Alumni Builder Award. She also deepened the school district's relationship with the Yukon First Nations Education Directorate to share learning about Indigenous advocacy in schools.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to have spent my entire professional career in Central Okanagan Public Schools, supporting the needs of our community's children and families," said Beaudry. "I feel incredibly fortunate and proud to have worked with such exceptional colleagues, students, parents/caregivers, and community members over the years to enhance learning for all students. I regard it an honour to have collaborated with Indigenous rights holders and leaders to advance reconciliation in our schools and communities. Although I look forward to life's next chapter, I will always hold SD23 in my heart!"</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Currently on secondment with the Ministry of Education and Childcare, Terry-Lee will return to the District in mid-November. Terry-Lee Beaudry's last day of work will be December 31, 2024. Central Okanagan Public Schools' Board of Education wishes her joy and success on her new journey in retirement.</span></p>
2024-09-03 18:14:41.659 +0000 UTC
Minister’s Back to School Letter
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://blog.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/808/2024/09/Back-to-School-Letter-to-Families-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to read the back to school letter</span></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">to students, parents and caregivers from Rachna Singh, Minister of Education and Child Care.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://blog.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/808/2024/09/Back-to-School-Letter-to-Families-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">English version</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://blog.gov.bc.ca/app/uploads/sites/808/2024/09/FR-Back-to-School-Letter-to-Families-FINAL.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">French version</span></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/7be05510-7532-4c9b-9267-4f756acd905f" alt="BC ECC H RGB pos" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p>
2024-08-29 21:42:54.26 +0000 UTC
School Zones Back in Effect
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools reminds drivers to use extra caution when the school year begins on Tuesday. To keep children safe, drivers must set aside extra time for commutes and be patient in school zones, at crosswalks, and in both lanes around stopped school buses.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School zones go back into effect in the Central Okanagan on September 3, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on school days.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We want everyone to arrive at school safely, so we ask our community to take extra care around schools, crosswalks, and school buses," says Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO. "With over 25,500 students heading back to school this year, streets will be very busy, so all drivers need to take extra time, be alert, and avoid distractions."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/3a982ccf-e0c7-42d5-b6c8-8f7e78540f36" alt="school bus stop sign" width="430.65625" height="286.94933391114535"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For a full list of tips for drivers and families, including the sobering statistics on injuries each year, please </span><a href="https://www.icbc.com/about-icbc/newsroom/2024-aug-21-school" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">visit the ICBC newsroom</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key reminders for families:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Teach children basics of crossing streets and walking on sidewalks</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Teach children to stay focused on their surroundings while walking, cycling, or riding a scooter and to listen for traffic and scan for approaching vehicles</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Use "Kiss and Drop" lanes at school with patience and courtesy</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Park only in designated spots</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· When necessary, park a short distance from the school and walk with your children to the school yard</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Key reminders for all drivers:</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Stop signs and flashing red lights on school buses mean STOP in both traffic directions</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Slow down and watch for people at all crosswalks; note that stopped cars may be yielding to pedestrians</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Distracted driving is as dangerous as impaired driving – put devices away</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">· Always exercise patience, respect, and courtesy to keep everyone safe</span></p>
2024-06-24 23:09:20.827 +0000 UTC
Minister Singh's End of Year Message
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read the </span><a href="/documents/b63d3208-0ac1-43e9-94c9-bb809aa0b8ee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">End of School Year Message from Minister Singh</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span></p>
2024-06-14 21:34:42.793 +0000 UTC
Young Entrepreneurs Win Big
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools congratulates all the participants in the </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/QdW3sU8psBc" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">31</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>st</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> Annual Innovation Generation (iGen) Challenge</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> for demonstrating collaboration, creativity, and innovation in their business plans and pitches.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The winners of iGen Finale are:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1st Place ($3500): Seraphic Stationery (RSS) - Yuvraj Dosanjh, Griffin Hendry, and Tanav Goel</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/e8863193-bec3-4549-a4f2-e0af8353b8a4" alt="SeraphicStationery" width="374.65625" height="249.77083333333334"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2nd Place ($2500): Pro Performance (MBSS) - Ty Bunn and Caisen Dodd</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/9b642ac4-7a3f-420d-aac6-eb87cc55470c" alt="ProPerformance" width="372.65625" height="248.42711121100612"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">3rd Place ($1500) – iTutorFriends (OKM) - Brayden Jarrard</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/cf84e671-8d47-48ba-84e2-4d1d705791e6" alt="iTutorFriends" width="373.65625" height="249.10416666666666"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Best Market Research ($900): Amiga (GESS) - Zoe Wiens & Lauren Munro</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/ca92ea8f-7a9a-4561-b900-b0c59e03a3a3" alt="Amiga" width="374.65625" height="249.77083333333334"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While the following finalist teams did not win additional money, they all walked away with $400 and deserve recognition for their hard work and outstanding presentations:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Deskables (RSS) – Hayden Kruggel and Alex Reister</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Glistening Gifts (GESS) – Bryn Nelson</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Illumi (MBSS) - Taia Botha</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">• Melody Murals (OKM) – Annabelle Lee and Sydney Blackmore</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The District would also like to thank the many educators who mentored the students and the community partners whose time and donations help young entrepreneurs continue their business journey. The livestream of all presentations </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/QdW3sU8psBc" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">can be viewed here</strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p>
2024-05-30 17:06:19.69 +0000 UTC
New Tech for School Buses
<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/498d7e04-5040-4202-8c2b-d1d2ed5044ff" alt="A bus driver checks in a student bus rider with their bus pass system Image courtesy of Tyler Technologies" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">School buses in Central Okanagan Public Schools are now equipped with routing software that enhances student safety, increases fleet efficiency, and improves communication with parents, drivers, and schools. This modernization of the transportation system will improve the safety, comfort, and efficiency of students' commute, while providing additional peace of mind for parents.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The software is on a tablet mounted in school buses. Key features of the technology include:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Telematics Systems: Telematics allow for real-time monitoring of each school bus and provide the bus driver with turn-by-turn route directions and bus stop placement. The system enhances student safety, efficient route planning, monitors vehicle health, optimizes maintenance schedules, and improves fuel efficiency.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Integrated bus pass system: Implementing RFID technology to monitor when students get on and off the school bus will both enhance student safety and provide bus drivers with a confirmed list of students who are riding on the school bus.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mobile Apps for Parents: The mobile app "My Ride" is scheduled to be introduced in the 2024-2025 school year and will allow parents to track and receive real-time updates regarding their child's school bus route.</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Each student registered on a school bus route gets a bus pass to scan when boarding and leaving the school bus. When a bus arrives at a scheduled stop, the assigned students will be identified on the tablet. If a student accidentally boards an incorrect bus, or disembarks at an unassigned stop, the system will alert the driver.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Transportation Services will distribute bus pass cards during May and inform parents and school staff about the new technology and what to expect with the changes.</span></p>
2024-05-23 22:47:24.676 +0000 UTC
SumoBot Battles Build STEAM Skills!
<p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/82a8ae07-40b0-48fe-bab4-74d55597aa39" alt="Students set their Lego robots up in the ring for a sumo style battle." width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">LEGO robots battled in the ring at Central Okanagan Public Schools 9th Annual District SumoBot Competition. This year, the event was held in The Commons at UBCO and it was an awesome venue for 80 different school teams to test their creations in friendly competition.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/29f95ca0-4339-4284-acd4-546251442368" alt="Two students at a laptop inspecting the code for their robot and making adjustments between rounds" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To be successful in the SumoBot, student teams strategize, design, build, and program LEGO MINDSTORMS</span><sup style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>®</span></sup><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> robots to autonomously seek out and either flip or push their competitor’s robot out of the ring. Through research, trial and error, and hands-on experience, students ages 9 – 14 learn to problem solve and grow their appreciation and interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/d18e5fd6-1391-4038-8ea4-5b73532d3dc6" alt="An adult helps students as they check their robot code on a tablet" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you to all of the parent and teacher volunteers who make this event possible and thank you to our amazing hosts at UBC Okanagan!</span></p>
2024-05-10 18:30:01.295 +0000 UTC
Childcare Provider Appreciation Day
<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Superintendent/CEO's Statement on Childcare Provider Appreciation Day</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today we honour and show our gratitude for the early childhood educators and childcare professionals who show daily patience, compassion, and resilience for our children, allowing them to thrive and grow in a nurturing environment.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The creativity and enthusiasm shown by our childcare providers foster meaningful connections with the youngest learners and their families. Today, we have more childcare facilities than ever operating in our schools and connected to our schools through our community partners such as BGC Okanagan, YMCA Okanagan, and The Clubhouse. These facilities connect learners and their families to their neighbourhood school, fostering a sense of belonging to start their educational journey. They also offer opportunities for our K-12 learners to develop empathy and build the foundations of meaningful careers when they engage with the dedicated childcare providers and young learners.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Childcare providers continue to meet the diverse needs of our students. On behalf of the entire district, I extend my sincere appreciation for your invaluable contributions. Your dedication to shaping the future generation does not go unnoticed, and your impact will be felt for years to come.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you for everything you do.</span></p>
2024-04-04 07:00:00 +0000 UTC
Apply for School Bus 2024-2025
<h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Apply for School Bus Transportation Application for the 2024-2025 school year!</strong></b><br><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></h3><h3 class="editor-heading-h3" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">IMPORTANT:</strong></b></h3><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Although school bus transportation applications are accepted throughout the school year, priority seating for the 2024–2025 school year is given to those applicants who have applied before the end of day on May 31, 2024.</strong></b><br><br><a href="https://busconnect.sd23.bc.ca/application" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">CLICK HERE</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> to submit a school bus transportation application for the 2024-2025 school year.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students must be registered to ride on the school bus.</span><br><a href="http://www.sd23.bc.ca/ProgramsServices/transportation/Pages/default.aspx#/=" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here for detailed information regarding student eligibility for transportation</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br><a href="http://www.sd23.bc.ca/Board/Policies/Section%204%20%20Students/470R.pdf" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">470R – Guiding Principles for Transportation in Central Okanagan Public Schools</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Safety is everyone's responsibility. Motorists are required to stop for school buses when the red alternating lights and stop signs are activated. Please use extra caution near bus stops, crosswalks, and school zones. </strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/a0144778-2660-4900-aa9f-a385ce9c9374" alt="FOR FLASHING RED LIGHTS" width="inherit" height="inherit"></p>
2023-10-28 07:00:00 +0000 UTC
Premier's Award for Excellence in Education 2023
<p>Central Okanagan Public Schools congratulates six local educators on winning the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education. </p><p><a href="/documents/66f4d0a3-f0cf-45e4-9cfa-8d73af67ef40">NR_PAEE_Winners2023.pdf</a></p><p><img src="/images/ebd61e4f-61ca-4e1e-a0cf-ac31e7fdf9f8" alt="PAEE Group"><br> </p><p> </p>