June 16, 2022

TOGETHER

We

LEARN

www.sd23.bc.ca CAPITAL news

Ryan Williams (left) and Max Blackwell (Grade 12 Visual Arts students) will celebrate their shining moment along with 18 other student artists from École Kelowna Secondary School whose work will be featured on Bernard St. at the end of June.

Their work was commissioned

by the City of Kelowna to brighten the local street during the Meet Me on Bernard transformation.

Ryan will attend Fashion Design at Toronto Metropolitan University, formerly known as Ryerson, and Max will attend UBCO in the Visual Arts BFA program this fall.

In this issue:

SHINING MOMENTS · Pg. 3:

Welcoming a Newcomer

· Pg. 6:

Young People with Big Ideas

· Pg. 14: Indigenous Leadership Spreads Hope · Pg. 19: Card Game for Kindness · Throughout: Our Learners’ Shining Moments

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

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SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE

Kevin Kaardal Superintendent of Schools / CEO

We all have moments when we shine. Sometimes it’s an award or public distinction.

Often our shining moment is a simple kindness that lends hope to another person, validates their identity, and reminds us of our own identity.

When I think of achievement this year, I think of our Class of 2022, proud graduates who spent their senior

years under the shadow of a pandemic and still made their graduation celebrations special.

Learners and graduates from our schools have earned distinctions from civics awards to a Rhodes Scholarship, inspiring hope in all of us.

In these pages, you’ll meet many learners whose shining moments also inspire hope: a Kindergarten learner who proudly shares her Cree name, a young learner who uses her heritage to welcome a newcomer, a graduate who overcame obstacles to find his passion teaching youth, and many more.

These students teach us that we shine when we share knowledge, when we show kindness, and when we show resilience.

Proud moments are not only scholarships and gold medals (although you’ll read of those too!).

I believe that we also shine in those moments when we realize we can learn from mistakes and adopt a growth mindset.

Every day, educators in our district develop lifelong learners and I hope you’ll enjoy meeting some of them here.

BOARD CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE

Moyra Baxter Chairperson, Board of Education

Thank you for taking a moment to read about just a few of our students’ proud moments.

Many years ago, we established the Inside 23 portion of our Board meetings, which continue to be a wonderful opportunity for trustees to hear the stories of shining moments in our district.

Something I have learned from these

presentations over the years is that sharing even the smallest moments can have a large impact.

I know I speak for the entire Board when I say that it is inspiring to see a young student gather the courage to stand up in front of a room of adults and share what they’ve learned.

Whether they’ve just learned a numeracy principle or brought home a provincial medal, students telling us about their experiences remind us why we serve in education.

Throughout this issue, you’ll hear of leadership students giving back to their community, graduates celebrating with their classmates, and even a young composer who recently shared his work with us at a Board meeting.

Shining moments truly come in many forms, but they continue to inspire me each time I listen to a student’s story of their journey, of the people who have encouraged and supported them, and of their hopes for the future.

I hope you’ll find the same inspiration in the following pages.

MY SHINING MOMENT In early April, Davidson Road Elementary (DRE) had two new students arrive from India, both of whom did not speak or understand English. DRE students did an amazing job of welcoming these new English Language Learners. One student in particular, Nira in Grade 1, tapped into her own cultural background to welcome her new classmate with empathy, inclusion, friendship, all while celebrating our diverse backgrounds. By doing this, she learned more about herself and her cultural background.

Welcoming a New Friend I was excited and happy to have a new student and learn she was Indian like me. I felt happy that there was someone who could speak Punjabi too. I felt excited and happy when I welcomed her and helped her in our class.

I wore my Indian dress so she would know I can help her and she would be comfortable and safe with me in our classroom. When she first came, she was with her mom and I couldn’t meet her yet.

When her parents left, she stuck to me. She seemed scared and nervous. I think she started to feel okay when I played play-doh with her and I gave her a card written in Hindi by me. My dad is Indian and I asked him to help me. This helped me learn more about my own culture.

Sometimes when a friend feels scared, you should always stay by them and make them feel comfortable.

By: Nira Gandha Grade 1 Davidson Road Elementary TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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MY SHINING MOMENT

THE GATEWAY PROGRAM

By Dominic Christensen

Kelowna Stands with Ukraine The organization I will be writing about today is Kelowna Stands with Ukraine, a non – profit organization.

All the money they raise is to buy medical supplies and military equipment which includes radios, knee pads, bullet-proof vests, and life straws.

They raise money by donations, rallies, and garage sales.

If refugees come to the garage, we let them take what they want for free to start their new lives.

Kids from Ukraine make drawings in bomb shelters which were kindly sent to Kelowna. South Kelowna Elementary has helped by drawing and writing postcards, bookmarks, and making friendship bracelets that arrived in Ukraine a few days ago.

I have helped out this charity by helping at garage sales, making ribbons, and sorting and folding clothes.

I feel good when I help out because it helps people that are fleeing and fighting.

Sierra Loonskin Grade 6 South Kelowna Elementary

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

Dominic at Gateway Grad The Gateway program is an incredible opportunity for high school students looking at where to take the next step in life.

There is an array of trades to explore including sheet metal, carpentry, plumbing, and more.

All of this is done in an environment with caring and experienced instructors who look out for both the students and the industry.

As well as providing a look at many routes to the future, Gateway is an amazing way to develop social skills and form bonds with people your age who share similar interests.

Learning together outside of the typical classroom setting can be a beautiful way to form lasting friendships as you and your peers develop into young adults in each other’s company.

I believe I was a different person

before Gateway.

Working hands on in many different situations showed me how to handle myself and my emotions, as well as how to put my head down to work well with other people on a team.

Prior to joining the program, I had no idea what my future would be, as I struggle in many different social scenarios.

Knowing now how vast the world of trades truly is and how many different types of people thrive in it has been an indescribable relief for me and I’m sure, many people like myself.

As a graduate of the 2022 class of Gateway, I feel privileged to be writing this essay, telling a story, and hopefully opening doors for future struggling students who happen to come across this whilst finding themselves in the position I faced some time ago.

GRADUATION ARTICLES KSS GRAD

By Ryan Rubadeau and Chloe Sleiman

The Graduates at KSS have had a crazy three years with quarantines, Zoom lessons, closures, openings, and more closures. It felt like we were in a constant cycle of strangeness.

With the limited time given, the KSS Grads transformed into pirates and sailed across the treacherous Caribbean waters at their Grad Movie Night.

They made the crowds go wild at Airband and danced their hearts out at the first ever Spring Fling.

Voices were lost cheering at many sports games and many laughs were shared watching the Monday Morning Show.

Despite the constant ups and downs, the school spirit and culture at KSS remained stronger than ever.

Numerous spirit days throughout the years made the uncertainties of the Pandemic less stressful.

The Grad Presidents are truly grateful for the strength of the Grad Council and for the amount of hours they put in to make our year spectacular.

We could not have done it without everyone’s support and amazing owl spirit. We’ve been on a crazy rollercoaster, but we hope that everyone can remember what it was like to be an OWL. HOOS HOUSE? ______________ Thank you for letting us be your 2021/22 Grad Presidents, Ryan Rubadeau and Chloe Sleiman

KSS Movie Night

KSS Air Band

KSS Spring Fling

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FOCUS • CONFIDENCE • RESPECT • SELF-ESTEEM • AWESOME MARTIAL ARTS MOVES

TEDX Youth @DoyleAve Farah Abboud Age: 15 Grade: 9 School: Dr. Knox Middle School Favourite TED Talk: I Am Not

Your Asian Stereotype - Canwen Xu Title of Talk: Your Idea of Me is

Stereotypical

Bio: My name is Farah Abboud, I am fifteen years old and originally from the lively country of Lebanon. I’m in the ninth grade at Dr.Knox middle school. I’m really passionate about helping others and defending those who aren’t able to defend themselves, which is why I want to become a human rights lawyer with the goal of creating a platform where I can fight for others. I enjoy the little random aspects of life, such as when you and your friend spontaneously start singing at the same time. I moved here two years ago, and since then I have learned a lot. In these two years, I have learned how to love more, such as loving my background and culture more and appreciating what it gives me.

Thomas Abresch Age: 14 Grade: 8 School: Dr. Knox Middle School Favourite TED Talk: Fifty Shades of Gay - iO Tillett Wright Title of Talk: It’s Hard to Be

Yourself Bio: My name’s Thomas. I’m a fourteen year old guy who loves video games and horror movies. I do some creative writing in my free time and I’ve been told I’m pretty decent at it. I like Stephen King books and Tally Hall’s music, sometimes together. I’m also transgender!

Gurnoor Chawla Age: 17 Grade: 12 School: Rutland Senior Secondary

School Favourite TED Talk: How to

sound smart in your TedX talk Will Stephen Title of Talk: Stop toasting marshmallows over a burning world Bio: I am an opportunist who loves to explore new things. My

hobbies include playing the guitar, the drums, drawing, robotics and video editing. I hope to study engineering at university.

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

GRADUATION ARTICLE MBSS GRAD

By Jadyn Ringrose and Jayda Dalgleish

At the beginning of the year, looking forward, there were a lot of unknowns when it came to grad events and what they would entail.

The pandemic added layers of confusion, frustration, and lack of hope when it came to looking forward to a successful graduation.

I can gratefully say we had a fulfilling year when it came to events! Our Grad Council beautifully decorated our MPR for winter and titled it, “Christmas in New York.”

Additionally, Grad Council held a Grad Blitz to help inform grads of upcoming events and information; oddly enough, it ended in a massive macarena line that brought

smiles and laughter to all those involved.

An extravagant game of tag was played by our grad class in the spring. It brought joy, inclusivity, and excitement to everyone. Being allowed to be in closer proximity to our peers outside of a cohort was long overdue.

Following this, we had our ‘Graddy Day’ filled with even more excitement. We had a car decorating contest in the student lot, accompanied by a pancake breakfast. Then, we gathered for a grad assembly to watch the Graddy Awards in which we shared the results for “most likelys to’s” that our class voted on earlier in the year, along with

Car Decorating

MY SHINING MOMENT One of my shining moments is when I proudly share my nehiyaw (Cree) name with my classmates - kihew iskwesis (eagle girl).

When we are talking about words that start with the letter “Ee”, I like to remind everyone that I have two names, one that starts with E. I received my name at a ceremony from kihtehayah kihew - Elder Bob Cardinal- from Enoch Cree Nation.

Amelia Cardinal (kihew iskwesis) Kindergarten North Glenmore Elementary

Graddy Day

draw prizes given out to nearly half the grad class.

Lastly, at the Graddy’s, we had the announcement of this year’s Honorary Grad Titles, Valedictorian, Historian, and Futurist, followed by a picnic on the field in our formal wear.

Our Graddy day was the first of many upcoming days that our class came together as a whole for the first time in two years.

This only brought more anticipation and exhilaration for what the rest of our final year had to bring.

Our graduating class of 2022, in the beginning, was a bit hesitant of what we would be able to accomplish due to the pandemic.

However, we are all so lucky to have amazing plans that continue ahead – our Grad Spring Fling dance, a Grad walk, a dry grad banquet, our “in-person” stage crossing, and then our virtual graduation video!

From the start of the year when we did not think any events would happen for our Grad, to the Spring of 2022, where our Grad class has become united and working to make our Grad a success for everyone, we are happy to wish all of the Grads of 2022 across our School District a fantastic Graduation!

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TEDX Youth @DoyleAve Aria Haller Age: 11 Grade: 5 School: Sensisyusten School Favourite TED Talk: Captíkwł is

Medicine - Madeline Terbasket Title of Talk: Tupl’s Captíkwł Can Lead Us to Truth & Reconciliation Bio: My indigenous name is Ts’utanchuny, which means hummingbird. The hummingbird is a symbol of life, joy and freedom to many people. It is a bird, portrayed as a messenger in traditional stories. Like a hummingbird, I am tiny, but powerful.

Katie Jones Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Kelowna Secondary School Favourite TED Talk: What makes

you special? - Mariana Antencio Title of Talk: Let’s open up our ears to mental health.

Bio: I was told to describe myself in 150 words. However, in my opinion,

150 words to describe me doesn’t do it justice; but I will give it a shot. I am a competitive figure skater, a sister, a daughter, a friend and a mega dog lover. My whole life I have tried to be someone I think people want, or expect me to be.

However, in the past year I have realised that all those versions of myself that I created weren’t me and that I just wanted to be the real me. The real me is still a competitive figure skater, sister, daughter, friend and a mega dog lover. But she is also someone who gets joy in making other peoples day better - even if it’s for the dumbest reason. I am the girl who just wants to enjoy and live her life to the fullest, however and whatever that may be.

Cassidy Kurtz Age: 15 Grade: 10 School: Kelowna Secondary School Favourite TED Talk: Living

Beyond Limits - Amy Purdy Title of Talk: Breaking the Stigma on Mental Health Bio: I am a Grade 10 student at Kelowna Secondary School. I am

a dancer at The Village Dance Academy and I am very passionate about mental health and fitness! In my spare time I enjoy reading, working out, and hanging out with friends!

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

TEDX Youth @DoyleAve Daisy Osberg Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Mount Boucherie

Secondary School Favourite TED Talk: Do we see

reality as it is? - Donald Hoffman Title of Talk: It’s okay not knowing what’s after graduation Bio: I’m Daisy and I am a Grade 11 student at Mount Boucherie Secondary School! I spend a lot of my time with my family and friends. If I’m not with them then I am probably watching Grey’s Anatomy or hanging out with my cat, Tubbs. A lot of my days are also consumed writing notes for school which is definitely one of my favorite activities. One day I hope to become a lawyer but in all honesty, that plan may change in the next year or so.

Sarah Walter Age: 16 Grade: 11 School: Okanagan Mission Favourite TED Talk: Too many

to count!

Title of Talk: Using ADHD to your

advantage Bio: I am a strong independent woman who also likes women.

I base my day to day life on humour and I am a very respectful individual. I can talk a lot, I’m also quite stubborn. My hobbies include art, long discussions with my mother, learning about and shaping myself, and other teen-like enjoyments.

Our Voice for Change Erin Work Lexie Pfenning Annabelle Lee Caitlin Mahony

Dissection: Our Past, Not Our Future See page 11 for student bios.

TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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So many ways to

Celebrate summer

Seize the season with these exciting City of Kelowna programs...

Summer Camps Whether your young ones are aspiring artists, outdoor adventurers or sports fans, our summer camps have something for campers of all tastes and ages. We offer full-day, half-day and partday camps to fit your schedule.

Learn more at kelowna.ca/recreation

Park and Play Park and Play brings free, family-friendly recreation to our parks every weekday evening in July and August. It’s a perfect way to get out, get active and have some fun with the whole family this summer.

Learn more at kelowna.ca/parkandplay

Try itTuesdays at Meet Me on Bernard Every Tuesday from noon to 3 p.m., bring the family down to Community Square on the 500 block of Bernard Avenue to try out one of our seasonal recreation programs free of charge. A part of Meet Me on Bernard.

Learn more at meetmeonbernard.com

Dancing, Yoga and Roller Night at Stuart Park Find your groove with Dancing in the Park, every Wednesday from 6:30-7:45 p.m. Plus, new this year, bring your roller skates down to the park for Roller Night (Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.) and SunsetYoga (Wednesday, 8-9 p.m) Learn more at kelowna.ca/calendar

Check out Kelowna’s summer Activity Guide at kelowna.ca/calendar

10 COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

TEDX Youth @DoyleAve Annabelle Lee

Lexie Pfenning

Age: 16

Age: 15

Grade: 10

Grade: 10

School: Okanagan Mission Secondary

School: Okanagan Mission Secondary

Favourite TED Talk: It’s Time to Think

Favourite TED Talk: A brave new

Outside the Cage - Charu Chandrasekera

future for science beyond traditional animal models - Elisabeth Ormandy

Title of Talk: Dissection; Our Past Not

Title of Talk: Dissection; Our Past Not Our Future Our Future Bio: Annabelle is an ambitious Grade 10 student at OKM Secondary Schoo, who Bio: Lexie is a Grade 10 student at OKM is passionate about making the world who is motivated, creative, and hard around her better. From a young age she working. She enjoys playing guitar, has been motivated to help inspire change. painting, and spending time with From bake sale fundraisers to advocating friends. Lexie was extremely excited for animal rights in dissection, she has at the opportunity of Our Voice For L to R: Erin Work, Lexie Pfenning, Caitlin Mahony, Annabelle Lee always been striving to make a positive Change, because of her passion for impact. Annabelle is very grateful for the animals. opportunity to work with Erin, Lexie and She is grateful for getting to work with Erin, Caitlin, and Annabelle on this amazing Caitlin, people who share the same passion for the world as she does. Now, Annabelle project. is excited to be able to share the potential advancements available for the school curriculum with more people and highlight the importance of evolving to be better.

Caitlin Mahony

Erin Work

Age: 15

Age: 15

Grade: 10

Grade: 10

School: Okanagan Mission Secondary

School: Okanagan Mission Secondary

Favourite TED Talk: A brave new future for science beyond traditional animal

Favourite TED Talk: Grit: The power of passion perseverance

models - Elisabeth Ormandy

Title of Talk: Dissection; Our Past Not Our Future

Title of Talk: Dissection; Our Past Not Our Future

Bio: Erin is a Grade 10 student at OKM who is energetic, organized, and determined.

Bio: Caitlin is a caring, hard working, and organized Grade 10 student at OKM!

Outside of school Caitlin enjoys skiing in the winter, golfing in the summer and spending time with her family and friends! Caitlin has always been passionate and curious about finding innovative ways to change the world. When she was invited to join Our Voice For Change she was thrilled! Caitlin is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Lexie, Erin and Annabelle. She can’t wait to spread awareness and educate others about our mission!

She enjoys hanging out with friends, volunteering, baking, and skiing. When she was younger she was part of Earth Rangers and left feeling passionate about advocating for animals. When presented with the opportunity to be part of Our Voice For Change she couldn’t resist a chance to make change. Erin is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Annabelle, Lexie and Caitlin, people who share the same passion for equality and the environment as she does. Now Erin is excited to show more people the importance of evolving the school curriculum to match the rapid advancements of society.

MY SHINING MOMENT Dryden Bennett Grade 12 Rutland Senior Secondary

I would consider my shining moment to be when I was awarded with the Teen Honour in the Arts Award from the City of Kelowna.

I was presented with this award because of my journey in composition. I started composing at the beginning of the pandemic when I wasn’t able to rehearse at all.

I wrote music as a way to keep myself in touch with music. I wrote music just about every day until I came up with something that sounded good.

Once I completed a piece of high quality, Rosemary Thompson wanted a chance to showcase my work.

In October of 2021, the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra, conducted

by Rosemary, performed my piece titled “Tangerine Trees.” This performance was the leading factor in being awarded the Teen Honour in the Arts Award.

TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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& s Bit s e t By Bite-sized learning ideas and resources to help families learn to live well in a digital world.

“I learned that parental involvement is more effective and meaningful than parental restriction.”

- Parent who attended the Raising Digital Leaders Webinar

sd23ltd.com/subscribe

Sənsisyustən House of Learning

We invite you to experience the beauty that is our place, culture and community.

Sənsisyustən House of Learning is a Group 2 Independent Elementary School with the BC Ministry of Education. We teach current BC curriculum with an integration of Okanagan Syilx perspectives. The syilx/Okanagan translation of Sənsisyustən is “the place where you become anything you choose to be.” The school, designed after a traditional native pit-house, lends itself to interactive learning in a warm and nurturing environment.

The place where you become anything you choose to be.

Our school edifies the Seven Teachings: humility, honesty, bravery, respect, love, truth, and wisdom. Teachers, staff, Elders, and School Board Members strive to make that a reality for students.

What we offer: A balance of academics with Okanagan Language and culture taught in every grade.

Cultural field trips such as tea picking, gathering sage, and digging bitterroot.

Small class sizes, allowing for more one on one teaching time.

A Learning Assistance Program for children who may require additional support.

A school-wide discipline program that promotes social responsibility.

1920 Quail Lane, Westbank First Nation Tel: 250 768 2802

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Email: school@wfn.ca

Web: sensisyusten.ca

COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

$

9 million renovation and expansion completed in 2019

MÉTIS FAMILY CONNECTIONS Previously, Métis Family Connections was only open to families with children from birth to age 8.

Métis Family Connections – Middle Years is for families with registered Métis children aged 9-12 years, and focuses on connecting them to community and culture, and the

opportunity to access the Métis Child Care Benefit.

The Métis Child Care Benefit (MCCB) is a resource created to support parents with their licensed or registered child care fees.

The MCCB has also extended their age requirements to include families

with registered Métis children, aged 9-12 years, to access this support.

Our website, https://www.mnbc.ca/ metis-family-connections-middleyears/ will provide more information on eligibility and how to apply.

By enrolling in Métis Family Connections – Middle Years, families

can learn more about Métis identity and the Métis Nation, be informed of virtual and cultural community events, and connect with other Métis families.

For more information or to enroll in Métis Family Connections – Middle Years, please visit: https://www.mnbc. ca/families/

MY SHINING OUR SHINING MOMENT MOMENT “When we went to Woodhaven Eco Culture Center, it was really nice to be out in nature. I’m not usually out in nature and in forests like Woodhaven. The nature journaling session with Susan Neilson was great because I don’t usually get to do still life art outside. I learned that you don’t have to just draw animals, you can draw a pebble, a pinecone, or stick in great detail. I had never drawn a pinecone before.”

“I really liked seeing the Great Horned Owl in the wild at the wetland of Mission Creek Park. Scooping up creatures from the pond was fascinating. We found side swimmers, leeches, and a few mini worms in the water. I also really enjoyed looking for feathers.”

“These outdoor learning days have made me realize that I feel better outdoors. I felt less bored and more excited. There are so many things to do out there.”

Giving Back Terra Duplessis: “It felt really good to give back to the community with this project. I wanted these women to know that someone was thinking of them.”

Students Terra Duplessis and Felicia Gordon have been busy creating gift baskets through participation in Job Club, offered through WHEELS Transition to Employment District Program.

This project was a collaboration between Central School Programs and Services and WHEELS students to benefit the women’s shelter.

WHEELS is a Central Okanagan Public Schools and Community Living BC collaborative partnership that provides opportunities for students to develop employability skills and independent living skills in the secondary school years and beyond.

Terra Duplessis (left) and

Cosette Duncan Grade 3 Glenmore Elementary

Felicia Gordon Graduating students Central School Programs and Services

TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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INDIGENOUS LEADERSHIP STUDENTS SPREAD HOPE

By Lauren Klassen, Teacher, Constable Neil Bruce Middle (CNB) Ava Holte, Trinity Later, and Heidi Conlin (Grade 8) were the driving force behind a fundraiser and awareness project for our Moose Hide Campaign during the week of May 9th-13th. These girls started their project by learning how to make stone bead bracelets through volunteering their time with

an organization called Jewels of Hope.

Jewels of Hope is a sustainable income project that brings in funds for HOPE Outreach, a non-profit that supports vulnerable and exploited women in the Central Okanagan. The girls designed, gave meaning to, and named four different bracelet designs. While

OUR SHINING MOMENT GMS Bottle Drive “We ran this bottle drive for a second year to raise funds for cancer research.

It was an uplifting feeling to feel like you are having a positive impact, giving back to the community, and really making a difference.

We are proud of how students worked together, were productive, and had a positive influence on other students to help out and do the same.”

The GMS Bottle Drive is a fundraiser in honor of Kelly Quinn, who was an important and impactful member of our GMS community. All funds will be donated to cancer research.

Destini Biccum, Taryn Detta, and Mya Jones, Grade 9 Leadership Students, Glenrosa Middle School

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

making the bracelets, the girls taught students in the Gathering Room and the Indigenous Leadership class how to make the bracelets. The girls sold over 200 bracelets during the week of the Moose Hide Campaign raising $1600.

Half of the funds raised will be donated to HOPE Outreach and the other half will be donated to the Moose Hide Campaign.

Their efforts do not stop there! The girls recently connected with Tasha Swite, a local Indigenous business owner and artist who owns Spirit of the Lake Native Boutique. Swite has offered to sell the girls’ bracelets in her store, the opportunity to sell their bracelets at her monthly outdoor markets, and is willing to mentor the girls to connect them with the local artist community. Ava, Heidi, and Trinity hope to continue their work and pass on the making and designing of the bracelets to younger Grade 6 and

7 Cubs at CNB who can carry on the project when the girls move onto MBSS next year.

To see a catalogue of the students’ work, click link below: Moose Hide Fundraiser Bracelets

MY SHINING MY SHINING MOMENT MOMENT “When wishes come true, I am happy, my friends, family, and teachers are happy. I feel excited when I write poetry because poems allow me to think creatively. “

I Wish I wish I could teleport So I could go wherever I want, quickly.

I wish I could make a flipbook, So I could flip it, happily.

I wish I could pause and resume time So I could do whatever I want, freely.

I wish I had 10 000 000 Robux So I could be a god in Roblox, proudly.

I wish I could use my mind to create anything, So I could have whatever I want, gratefully.

I wish I could be immortal So I could live forever, joyfully,

I wish I could have an endless sucker, So I could have it whenever I want, forever.

I wish I had infinite money, So I could give it to my family and teachers, generously.

I wish I had a cement factory, So I could make buildings and roads, creatively.

I wish I had a mineral factory, So I could find cobalt and platinum, physically.

I wish I had infinite food, So I will never starve, satisfyingly.

Athrin Leskosek Grade 4 A.S. Matheson

Andrea Strang, Teacher, District Early Learning Team and Oscar Treen, Grade 2, École Peter Greer Elementary As I was setting up the story walk for École Peter Greer Elementary, a Grade 2 student named Oscar Treen came to say hello at the fence and shared his reflections around what it means to be kind.

Oscar said that “sometimes people aren’t kind,” and we wondered together what might be happening for someone when that happens and how their hearts might be feeling. Oscar suggested a perspective of understanding the whole child.

He said, “we don’t know what might be happening in their lives outside of school. Maybe they’re having a hard time at home, maybe they just want to be included but they don’t know how to ask.” Oscar had so many thoughtful insights about how to be kind, it made me wonder what might happen if we invite students to lead the dialogue around kindness and place the “power” in their hands.

Oscar concluded his thoughts by saying, “maybe we should be listening more to people who are not always kind.” Oscar’s perspective was such a beautiful reminder that those conversations can happen so naturally and authentically too.

His perspective of wrapping around all students holistically and wondering how we might help someone who is struggling to be kind will remain with me for years to come.

Oscar Treen Grade 2 École Peter Greer Elementary

TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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MY SHINING MOMENT “Teaching Jiu Jitsu makes me feel human and shows me who I am.”

Karm is a student at Central who once struggled with regular attendance.

Now he is teaching Jiu Jitsu and realizes that teaching youngsters is his passion in life!

He thanks his teachers at Central for never giving up on him and for allowing him to explore his passion before he was really able to focus on his school work again.

Karm Aujla-Fieldt Grade 12 Central Programs and Services

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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

OKM Production of Mamma Mia!

GRADUATION ARTICLE OKM GRAD

By Graduating Council Co-Presidents, Taylor Bay and Nathan Loo

The OKM graduating class of 2022 has been one of the most involved groups of students to date.

With over 70 students in the grad council, we have had an incredibly successful year, rebounding from the limitations of the pandemic.

We have organized food drives, created a gift card fundraiser, designed grad wear, done two successful plasma drives, held a Purdy’s chocolate fundraiser,

Heart and Stroke Foundation

staged our beloved Variety Show, and done several charity events.

These events contributed to the Heart and Stroke foundation, Paws it Forward, the Canadian Mental Health Association, and the Central Okanagan Food Bank.

We have prioritized celebrating our grad class after two years void of events, and starting new traditions for future classes, such as a spike ball tournament, a grad sting, spirit weeks, and a movie night.

The 2022 Grad Parent committee organized poinsettia sales, spring flower sales, contributed to the variety show, and are organizing the Grad Formal and Garden Party.

Students have excelled in all areas, breaking records and winning awards in the arts, athletics, and academics. Our Grad Council co-president and valedictorian, Nathan Loo and the senior girls basketball MVP Tatum Wade were the recipients of the Augie Ciancone award for athletes of the year.

Among other dedicated and talented individuals, Grad Council co-president Taylor Bay led the OKM

theatre program in, among others, the production of Mamma Mia! Our Senior Jazz Band won gold in the Interior Jazz Festival, with our beloved senior music teacher, Megan Frederick, receiving the Provincial Certificate of Excellence in Teaching award.

This graduating class has continued to embody the OKM motto through years of challenges: “Excellence through Effort.”

Grad Council

MY SHINING MY SHINING MOMENT MOMENT Ryder Dexter, a Grade 1 student at Black Mountain Elementary (BME) is working with an Articulation App on the iPad. He practices his articulation so that he is better understood. Ryder is motivated to practice because he recognized that it was easier to make friends and play when his peers are better able to understand what he is trying to communicate.

Ryder came to BME in the fall of his Kindergarten year with limited communication abilities. Now in Grade 1, his communication skills are shining!

Ryder Dexter, Grade 1 Black Mountain Elementary

Caitlin Hooper of Mount Boucherie Secondary School won the UBCO Centennial Scholarship, a four-year, $60000 award. Caitlin is planning on studying Sciences at UBCO.

Caitlin Hooper Grade 12 Mount Boucherie Secondary School

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LAND-BASED LEARNING ACADEMY Land-based Learning Academy is an experiential, culturally centered program for middle school Indigenous students.

At Land-based Learning Academy students are immersed in learning on, and with the local land, and people.

Healing, safety, self-discovery, sustainability, and the importance of family and community are woven throughout this year-long learning journey.

Middle school Indigenous students from seven middle schools across the district attend seven weeks

of learning throughout the year (one week at a time) to learn in a loving environment with aunties, uncles, knowledge keepers, elders, and members of the local syilx community.

By attending this land academy over the span of the year, and throughout all seasons, students are able to learn about local syilx Indigenous teachings and ways of being.

For example, they learn how to find and harvest local medicines, they sew and bead medicine bags and create medicine wheels, they learn how to preserve the

medicines and use them, and they gift the medicines they collect.

One of the teachings is, ‘if you learn it here, you should teach it to others.’

OUR SHINING MOMENT Gold Medal Performance

The Canyon Falls Middle (CMS) Intermediate (Grade 7 and 8) Band had a weekend of firsts post COVID restrictions.

The Band competed in the

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Whistler Con Brio Band Festival, the first band trip for CMS since opening, and the first opportunity for the Band to play in a festival under the direction of Music Teacher Spencer Bach.

Students enjoyed other school performances, professional musician concerts, visited the Lil’Wat/Squamish Indigenous Cultural Centre, and performed for the adjudicators, earning a gold medal. Well done CMS band students and Mr. Bach!

COMMUNITYCONNECTION • JUNE 2022

Being a part of this community affords students the opportunity to feel proud of their culture.

Kevin Kaiser, one of the Land-based Learning Academy lead educators, shares: “We are giving them a foundation for them to be themselves and to give them pride for their Indigenous ancestry.”

Supporting and raising up the responsive, flowing nature of each student’s unique experience at land academy is a shared ethos which came to be called Land-based Love and is grounded in the seven grandfather teachings: Love, Respect, Bravery, Truth, Honesty, Humility & Wisdom.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

“Our students are our medicine. As educators we grow through their gifts and it is our responsibility to tend to these gifts and to be flexible and to listen to what they are asking for.”

-Kevin Kaiser

MY SHINING MOMENT

“I am a hunter. I like to use tools. You should learn about your ancestors and what they did. Especially if you are Indigenous.”

• Trenton, Canyon Falls Middle School

OUR SHINING MOMENT Kindness Game

“We created this game where you do kind acts to get points to try and win the game. The point of the game is to help people be kinder to other people to make them feel good. These people will hopefully spread the kindness and want to make other people feel good too.”

“In archery, it is not all about getting bullseyes right now, it’s all about consistency. It is also about getting them in groups.

When I do get a bullseye, I get a slight yay :) However, when the arrows collide and make a rattle sound it’s much more exciting than a bullseye!

In total I’ve probably gotten five bullseyes in the three times I have gone for archery.”

Liam Howland

Solly Perreaux (Grade 4, left) Santiago Perez Soto (Grade 5, right) Bankhead Elementary School

Grade 7 Springvalley Middle School

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INDIGENOUS EDUCATION The Indigenous Education Department is proud to share with the community that we are celebrating the graduation of approximately 200 Indigenous students from Central Okanagan Public Schools this year.

Each high school is holding an Indigenous graduation event which includes a blanket ceremony and other traditional elements intended to honour and recognize the achievements of each of our students.

We are so proud of our students’ commitment to completing all of their graduation requirements

through turbulent times and shifting parameters.

It has taken persistent hope and vision to complete this journey, and the Indigenous Education Program staff and the staff at each of our high schools are very proud of our graduates for persevering.

We know each graduate will seek opportunities to thank all those who have positively influenced their success.

As our students take their next steps towards fulfilling their visions for themselves, we encourage

each one to walk with hope (musls) and courage (sixwa/ sp/us) as a proud Indigenous person.

It has been a privilege to walk alongside them until now.

• Central Okanagan Public Schools Indigenous Education Administration: April Strickland, District Vice Principal; Jasmine Lemon, Acting District Vice Principal; Jeremy Sanbrooks, Acting District Vice Principal and Terry Beaudry, Deputy Superintendent

MBSS VALEDICTORIAN SPEECH

By Eden Wilson My name is Eden Rain Wilson. I am from the syilx Nation and I attend Mount Boucherie Secondary School.

I would like to acknowledge all our honoured guests to our 2022 Indigenous Grad.

As the Mount Boucherie Secondary School Indigenous Valedictorian, I have been asked to specifically recognize and thank our Indigenous Advocates, Indigenous Academy teachers, and our learning support teachers for their ongoing support to all the Indigenous students and families at Mount Boucherie.

I’m grateful to my friends and family for providing me with resilience to life’s challenges.

A special thanks to my parents for their guidance and love.

I’m proud of my work ethic and amazing siblings that have helped me get where I am today.

My future goals are to help inspire Indigenous youth in my community to succeed and continue to improve the future for the next generations.

Stay vigilant, help others and never forget to stay swaggy! ~ Eden Wilson

https://www.centralokanaganindigenouseducation.com/

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MAR JOK ELEMENTARY

By Clara Jones, Grade 5

Mar Jok Elementary is a school in West Kelowna where kids of all types can feel safe, welcome and at home. I can feel all those things because I attended this school, and I loved it.

Mar Jok Elementary got its name after the immigrant Mar Jok, who came to Canada from Hong Kong.

The man was born in 1900 and died in 1983.

During his lifetime he operated the Star Cafe on Water street, took flying lessons as a student pilot, operated the Golden Pheasant Cafe on Ellis street and Bernard avenue with the help of his brother Mar Fee, and even fed the poor outside the Golden Pheasant Cafe.

When Mar closed the Golden Pheasant Cafe, he was now known for growing asparagus.

When Mar died, the Chinese community lost one of its beloved elders. Dorthy Zoellener was one of Mar’s lifelong friends who was pleased that he is honoured by having a school named after him.

Now today, in the school that honors Mar Jok, children are taking one step at a time, at becoming

the future. I am grateful for the teachers who have prepared me for everything I need to know for life. I am proud that at Mar Jok we carry a lot of history of goodness and caring, as did Mar Jok.

www. international.sd23.bc.ca

TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA

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Play, learn, run and have fun at the Y! Child Care

Recreation

Full-day child care

Sports and games

Preschool

Art, dance and music

Before and after school care

STEM projects

Camps (seasonal and Pro D days)

Youth Leadership Development

Child minding and Zoned In

Swim Lessons Parent & Tot Preschool and school age levels Star Leadership Program Private Lessons

Free Family Support

Education & Training

Family Play Time: play-based experiences for children ages 0–6 and their caregivers

Lifeguard Certifications

Prenatal Wellness: weekly yoga and six rotating education topics for support during and after pregnancy

Teen Mindfulness Group

As a charity, the YMCA offers financial assistance for all their programs and services to those in need.

Charitable registration # 11924 0224 RR0001

Babysitting and Home Alone Youth Employment Services

Learn more at ymcaokanagan.ca