TOGETHER
We
LEARN
www.sd23.bc.ca CAPITAL news
Syilx pictograph with brush by Carley Empey, Indigenous Visual Arts, MBSS
The Indigenous Visual Art Class at Mount Boucherie Secondary School was accepted this year as a credit for the new Indigenous graduation requirement. Indigenous Visual Art class posing with their Syilx pictograph paintings in the forest behind the school. From left to right is: Lily Roper, Gurleen Sidhu, Natalie Fraser, Eva Rasmussen, Tahlia Crozier.
Together, we inspire In this issue:
· Pg. 5: · Pg. 6: · Pg. 11: · Pg. 18:
wonder Issue
Vertical Farming Waste Audit Report Sumobot Competition Rooted in Hope
Throughout the Issue: • Wonders from Oyama Traditional School
SUPERINTENDENT’S MESSAGE
Kevin Kaardal Superintendent of Schools / CEO I have many things that I wonder about. I am in awe of the cosmos, dinosaurs and ancient life, the power and intricacy of the natural world, and humanity’s impact within it. I am amazed by the constant scientific discoveries every year and the risks and advantages in the exponential advancement and power of technology. My wonders could have taken me down many career paths. I chose teaching because I hoped to inspire the wonder of lifelong learning in others. My maternal grandmother Rita Rogerson was a master teacher. Every summer in my early teens, I would visit her and help with her property.
Together, we inspire
When the chores were done, she would take me out to nature to sketch, hunt for Chanterelle mushrooms, get exercise, and see salmon runs, fish hatcheries, or the giant Douglas Fir forests of Cathedral Grove. What I saw filled me with wonder. It seems in our modern world we need to get more in touch with nature. We are not separate from it – although we sometimes think we are. When I became a teacher I chose to teach outdoor education. It had an incredible impact on the students who experienced the courses and some of my fondest memories of my early years of teaching come from those trips. I am grateful that my Nana pulled me away from the T.V. and set us out together for our nature adventures. Today I wonder about the many ways Central Okanagan Public Schools can support students in taking action to solve world issues like building a sustainable future and protecting biodiversity. Our district offers Outdoor Education Academies, Land Based Learning, the Take a Hike Program, two Advanced Placement Seminar Courses focused on nature, and a network of over 200 teachers who incorporate learning on the land and sustainability education as a part of their regular practice. Just this month, one of the students from the AP Seminar Courses was selected to attend COP28 to speak to the United Nations about the importance of working together to protect nature and our only home. Empowering student voice always makes me wonder: what future will they create if given the right opportunities?
BOARD CHAIRPERSON’S MESSAGE
Lee-Ann Tiede Chairperson, Board of Education With my opportunities to visit many of our schools over the past weeks, I am inspired to reflect on the wonder that comes with our journey of learning together. Watching school walls bloom with colour as displays of learning grow each year brings me a great deal of joy. I was particularly moved by a wall of greetings in every language represented at North Glenmore Elementary School. All the countries and languages represented with flags made a splendid tapestry representing our collective pursuit of knowledge.
This shared expedition goes beyond classroom walls, into our community and homes, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated staff, the boundless curiosity of our students, and the unwavering support of our parents. Our community tapestry is strengthened by the connections we build with one another as we weave the threads of shared experiences to create a fabric of understanding that strengthens everyone in the process. The beauty of learning together lies in the variety of perspectives that blend within our learning environments. Each student, teacher, and parent brings a unique set of experiences and this assortment of backgrounds propels us forward, fostering an environment where intellectual curiosity has no limits. Let us not forget the profound wonder that is essential in the learning process. As we grapple with new concepts, overcome challenges, and celebrate triumphs, we find the joy that comes from unlocking the wonder of the world around us. This sense of wonder fuels our passion for education and propels us forward on the path of lifelong learning. As we enter 2024, may we embrace the wonder of learning together and celebrate the unique contributions of each member of our community. I wish everyone a year filled with wonder, growth, and the joy of learning together.
wonder Issue
To kick off the school year, the staff and students of Oyama Traditional K-5 School came together to share their biggest WONDERS! Students had their polaroid photo taken and were given a speech bubble where they were to add what their personal wonder was! These were then displayed throughout our school as part of our house teams they belong to: Land, Water, Sun and Heart! Staff, students, and guests frequently stop and look up to read these wonders, and they share their thoughts, opinions, and further wonders! Some are related to science, some to history, others to social emotional health. They have inspired, generated further thought, and shared the lighthearted humour of elementary! Throughtout this publication, find some examples that have frequently started conversations within our school.
I wonder how people came up with time?
Aaron
I wonder what I will look like when I get older?
Lennox TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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Meet the District STUDENT COUNCIL
Well done to all the new and returning student leaders on the District Student Council this year.
Each of these students goes above and beyond to ensure the student voice is heard across the district. From
this group of committed learners exemplifies the spirit of Together We Learn!
Kiersten Bereska
Wake Bruce
Genesis Caicedo
Oliver Hall
Cayden Jensen
Winnie-Mingzhi Jiang
Sarah Kovacs
Anna Kristen
Jocelynne Landry
Jenna Levere
Grace Lister
Annie Liu
Hasan Mohammad
Em Monsale
Almendra Osorio
Ramneek Parihar
Together, we inspire
Daisy Smith
Grace Sweet
Emmie Truong
Not pictured: October Angell-Janfield Daniel Howard Lordes Tokar Maddison Price Mila Kresina Ava Parke Cadence Quigley
wonder Issue
I wonder how big is the universe?
Livy
I wonder if a blue whale could carry a mansion on its back with no help?
Priya 4
representing students on District committees to engaging their fellow students in community action,
COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
I wonder what moles think?
Kenya
I wonder if cereal is scared of the spoon?
Charlize
École KLO Vertical FARMING SYSTEM Addy Wozney & Kyndra Stafford, KSS Journalism 10 École KLO Middle students have been growing greens in a state-of-theart modular farming system. Using hydroponic technology and climate controls, students are able to farm fresh produce. They grow over 30 different plants in the container. With the success of the growing
process, students farm lettuce and turn it into a business. Every Tuesday, teachers and students get access to purchase the lettuce grown. A head of lettuce goes for six dollars. The students make around 600 dollars every year from the produce sold and it can be grown year round.
Northwest Coast design on WESTERN RED CEDAR
RESTORE BALANCE & ENRICH YOUR LIFE
Tahlia Crozier, Indigenous Visual Art Class, MBSS
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TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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A.S. Matheson WASTE AUDIT REPORT Carlota Pandal, KSS Journalism 10 A.S. Matheson Elementary conducted a waste audit study with GreenStep Solutions to find out information about waste generated at the school. This included calculating waste produced, identiftying its composition, and evaluating the overall waste management system including policies, programs, operational activities, and management considerations. The objectives were to conduct an on-site ‘NonHazardous’ Solid Waste Audit for garbage and recycling, perform a comprehensive analysis of the waste sample provided, and conduct a situational analysis, including observations, findings and analysis of facility’s waste management practices. This would inform a report that confirms the capture, diversion, and waste generation rates. The team sorted garbage and recycling from 48-hour samples into about 18 categories. Waste stream data and on-site tour observations were used to create recommendations to improve the responsible management
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
and disposal of all waste materials on-site. Based on the waste audit, several performance rates were verified. The capture rate of recyclable materials was found to be 58.68%, indicating the percentage of recyclables successfully separated from the waste stream. The diversion rate, which measures the percentage of waste diverted from the landfill, was found to be 35.25%. Lastly, the waste generation rate was determined to be 23.17 kg of waste generated per student per year. A.S. Matheson Elementary is a kindergarten to grade six school with approximately 300 students and 16 teachers. The 48-hour sorted sample weighed 69.5 kg. The 48-hour sample for the 200 days of operation would equate to 6,950 kg of materials generated at A.S. Matheson Elementary annually. Overall, the waste audit provided valuable insights into A.S. Matheson Elementary’s waste management practices and identified areas for improvement in responsibly managing and disposing of all waste materials on-site.
Together, we inspire
wonder Issue
I wonder how string is made?
Zoey
Youth Development & Engagement Grant
I wonder how many animals are yet to be discovered?
Ryder
Strong Neighbourhoods
I wonder if the rivers are the world’s veins?
Open to youth ages 13 - 24
Brie
I wonder how does a heart beat?
Mannat
I wonder if planets die?
Project or event ideas to get inspired: Get empowered! The City of Kelowna has up to $1,000 in matching grant funds to support youth led community projects or events. Team up with other youth ages 13-24 in your community. This grant is your chance to get creative and take the lead.
• • • • • •
Film festival Open mic night Porch concerts Murals Fashion show Little free art library
Help make your community a better place to live and play!
Rack up some volunteer hours, boost your resume, hone your leadership skills, and build friendships while making your neighbourhood a better place to live!
Ryker Learn more at kelowna.ca/neighbourhoods TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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What Makes Central School SO SPECIAL? Kerry Jakku-Whiting, KSS Journalism 10 Central Programs and Services provides alternative educational learning for students from kindergarten to Grade 12. With a different approach to public school, Central is for young people that are looking for additional support networks and one-on-one learning. Central School has excellent teachers and interesting classes such as their woodworking program. This class includes individual projects, amazing technology and machines, and a very open curriculum for students to express themselves. Leading the woodworking program, Mr. Law
Photos by OLIVIA LOEWEN
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
has been teaching for twenty years with twelve of them at Central. Mr. Law thoroughly enjoys what he does and enjoys seeing his students excel in activities they are interested in. The program allows students to create anything they desire with the help of professional woodworking/metalworking equipment followed along with the necessary safety measures. They even have a program where students are able to create and sell their own handmade products and the students earn a percentage from their products. Learn more by visiting the Central Worx website at: http://centralworx.weebly.com/.
Photography 12
Together, we inspire
wonder Issue
I wonder why bubbles are circle?
I wonder how a mountain is made?
Sterling
Poppy
I wonder how art is made so beautiful?
I wonder how bouncy balls bounce?
Millo
Lexi
LET’S WORK TOGETHER ON YOUR EDUCATION GOALS. JOIN US AT EXPERIENCE OC May 1, Kelowna Campus Get started today Connect to an enrolment specialist: AskOC@okanagan.bc.ca okanagan.bc.ca
TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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5 reasons to consider getting involved with Schools in our district are more than just places of learning – they are close-knit communities that provide support and positivity for our students, staff, and their families. Parent Advisory Councils (PACs) contribute significantly to fostering
and maintaining these connected communities. Involvement in your school’s PAC can help you stay connected with your kids and the school! As a parent of a student in a BC Public School, you are already a member of
your school PAC but getting more involved can be so rewarding! With the 23/24 school year underway, here are 5 reasons to consider getting involved with your school’s Parent Advisory Council:
Have a seat at the table
Whether you are an elected executive member or a participating parent, you get a vote and can give voice to school budgets, decisions, and programs that directly impact your children.
Exercise your passion
Whether it is supporting early readers, putting on a school dance, working towards an outdoor learning centre, launching a new sports academy, or adopting a school-based healthy eating program, the possibilities are endless to contribute to projects that will enhance your child's educational experience.
Stay in the know
When you participate in your PAC, you're at the front-end of decisions, ideas, and events coming from the school principal. Advance knowledge gives you the opportunity to influence the direction of decisions that might impact your children.
Support those who support your children We're so fortunate in the Okanagan to have teachers, principals, support workers, and administrative staff all working together to provide a world-class public education experience. Parents who support and recognize staff, contribute to students' educational experiences and outcomes.
Be a role model for your child
By showing up as a parent volunteer — even for an hour or two a month — you model powerful values such as community service, democratic participation, and civic duty. Your children get to see you at your best, building a stronger school community for them!
It’s never too late to join your school PAC. Whether it’s day one of kindergarten, mid-year any year or in your child’s last year of high school, PACs are a welcoming place that will embrace your unique talents anytime. Joining your PAC is straightforward — contact your current PAC leadership or reach out to your
school principal to express your interest. COPAC is the Central Okanagan Parent Advisory Council, the district PAC representing the parents and caregivers of the over 25,000 students across the Central Okanagan Public Schools. COPAC serves many roles but our most important functions are to represent the voices and
10 COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
perspectives of parents and caregivers to the Board of Education and senior staff. If you would like to become more involved with COPAC, attend one of our meetings, or just learn more, you can visit our website www.copac.sd23. bc.ca or email our President at copac.president@ sd23.bc.ca
Chute Lake Elementary SUMOBOT COMPETITION Levi Ducs, KSS Journalism 10
Lunch activities have come a long way from hopscotch. At Chute Lake Elementary school last year, the students learned how to code robots.
Thanks to the generous supporting Parent Advisory Council members who helped fund all of the students with their own Spike Prime kits,
which are Lego robots that you can code. After over 20 lunches, the kids quickly learned how to battle with their robots by
coding - all thanks to the help of Ms. Hunter, Mrs. Miller, and Mrs. Swanson, who took the time out of their lunch to help the students. The kids expanded their problem solving skills by thinking of a solution when their robot went out of the ring in which they were battling. The Spike Prime kits gave many kids something to look forward to when the lunch bell rang. In May, after over 24 hours of learning how to code robots, their learning skills were put to the test. At the Hollywood Road Education Services gym, over 180 students from across the Interior, including 20 from Chute Lake Elementary, came to battle it out in their
sumobot/robot competition. At the end of the competition, the team from Chute Lake Elementary did not win all of the games, but they did win some and were inspired to participate in future competitions - after all, they were only in Grades 4 and 5, and most of them very new to coding. At the end of the day, it was about having fun and they sure did that, as well as making some connections along the way. Without the help from the PAC, these students would have never been able to try out coding and they would not have found their new favorite hobby. Soon the robots are going to be the ones playing hopscotch!
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TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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École Kelowna Secondary ROBOTICS CLUB Izzy Gorman & Abby Walker, KSS Journalism 11 The high-achieving robotics team is a group of KSS students who are passionate about robotics and STEM. They have competed in many different competitions and created many cool machines. They have done some pretty cool things such as participating in the Vex Spin Up where they built a robot that could go around obstacles, shoot yellow disks into a basket and drive in certain zones. The team raised over $1k to go to Surrey to compete in this competition where they won the Judge’s Award. The KSS robotics team also participated in the Mission Space Lab. They submitted their ideas to the European Space Agency and were asked to create a computer program to run the experiment. The experiment led them to getting actual data back from the International Space Station! Another competition they participated in was Cansat, a competition by the European and Canadian Space Agencies.
Together, we inspire
“The robotics club allowed me to apply what i learned in physics and engineering classes in a fun and destructive way!” They were tasked to create a simplified satellite in the size of a canned drink. The satellite that they created had to collect the air temperature and pressure as it fell from a rocket. After lots of hard work and programming on their satellite, it managed to survive the fall! This year the KSS robotics team will participate in a new competition called FIRST where they will have to use real, unassembled parts to build a robot. “The robotics club allowed me to apply what I learned in physics and engineering classes in a fun and destructive way!” said a former team member.
wonder Issue
I wonder how school was invented?
I wonder how was the first home made?
Marty
Billy
I wonder how heat makes a hot air balloon float?
I wonder if dogs snore?
Vera
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
Remi
TAKE A HIKE Program
Julie van der Straeten & Fenja Rother, KSS Journalism 12
The Take a Hike Program engages youth in a full-time mental health and emotional well-being program outside of the classroom. This program has already been going on for over 20 years now and it has transformed the lives of hundreds of youth in British
Columbia along with their families. For the school year 2023/2024 kids from Central Okanagan Public Schools have had the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities such as a bike ride in Myra Canyon, hiking trips, fishing excursions, snowshoeing and
so much more. The goal of the program is to empower vulnerable youth in Grades 8 and 9 with skills that they need to manage the challenges of young adulthood, building healthy relationships and achieve a successful transition to high school.
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. 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.
The place where you become anything you choose to be.
$
9 million renovation and expansion completed in 2019
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
Email: school@wfn.ca
Web: sensisyusten.ca
TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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BC Student LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE at RSS Kasey Bannon, KSS Journalism 12 The British Columbia Student Leadership conference is a provincial-wide project of the British Columbia Association of Student Activity Advisors (BCASAA). The purpose of the project is to promote the education and development of citizenship, employability and leadership skills among students within British Columbia schools. The conference is intended to give student delegates the opportunity and network to be positive change agents within their schools and communities. On October 19th to the 22nd, the student leadership conference was hosted at Rutland Senior Secondary. Over 280 people attended the conference from around British Columbia. Student leaders from Rutland Senior helped facilitate and run the event, learning important leadership experience and skills in event management. It was the first leadership conference since 2019 and the theme for the event was Back to Leadership – Recharge, Reconnect, Reimagine. The goals were to promote and
enhance the development of student leadership in schools and empower students to be leaders in their communities. The conference provided student leaders to recognize their role and responsibility in developing inclusive student activity programs, fostering safe, inclusive and caring school cultures, and engaging in reconciliation and equity work in their communities. Keynote speeches included Kevin Lamoureaux, Tei Street, Sam Demma, and Brent Dickson. There were different workshops for students and advisors, a talent show, a dance, spirit groups, and a reflection piece. Some highlights of the events were the Land Based Learning workshop led by Westbank First Nations Elders Grouse and Pamela Barnes, all of the workshops, and students taking risks connecting with other students from across the province. The 2023 British Columbia Student Leadership Conference inspired student leaders to wonder how they can build connections in their school and take what they learned at the conference and apply it.
Photo by SOPHIE BIRAKOWSKI Photography 12
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
Together, we inspire
wonder Issue
I wonder how do birds fly with all of this gravity?
I wonder what happens if there’s nothing in an enclosed area?
Colby
Zach
I wonder how the first person on the world got here?
I wonder how old the world is?
Kaylee
Miko
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Ellison Elementary and THE CLUBHOUSE FARM Lexy Loverenow, KSS Journalism 12 Throughout 2023, 100 Kindergarten to Grade 2 kids from Ellison Elementary School visited the Clubhouse Farm three times throughout the school year. Not only did they get to participate in a unique and educational experience, but they were also given the opportunity to learn from the Farm in order to plan for their own school garden and outdoor learning space that was recently built last year. The students start their day at approximately 9:00 a.m. taking a 10 minute bus ride down to the Farm, where they are met with friendly staff and a variety of educational activities. The teachers along with the staff at the Farm work together to organize the activities for the day beforehand. Some of which include: digging holes, learning about the life cycle of plants, and discovering the animals on the land. The Farm also provides an art shack for various creative projects, a fairy garden filled with beautiful, vibrant flowers, and a mud pit and sand box for the kids who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. Most importantly the kids are given
the freedom to take initiative when it comes to their own freeplay. Whether they want to play in the mud kitchen with the pots and pans, or learn more about the plants, chickens, and ducks. The Clubhouse Farm seeks to get children outside and they are unquestionably successful with providing those services. Bringing the children closer to the land helps ensure that their futures will be built upon a strong foundation on the understanding of the importance of the environment. Not only is this a good experience for the kids, the teachers also love going to the Farm, finding value in learning from the land while being on the land. Ellison Elementary is lucky enough to share a grant with Clubhouse through SEY2KT (Strengthening Early Years to Kindergarten Transitions), giving them the ability to visit three times throughout the year. The children will pay a visit to the Farm again in January, as well as in the spring of 2024. Both the students and the teachers are undoubtedly looking forward to visiting the Farm once again.
Land Based LOVE Rowan Forsythe, Journalism 12
Land Based Love is a program that focuses on togetherness and belonging. The amazing group of Indigenous youth get the opportunity to land based learning in the Okanagan. This includes seasonal teachings such as exploring outside for nature walks, hikes, and other fresh air adventures. Students have also experienced traditional storytelling,
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
sewing practice, soapstone carving, making fire, knapping arrowheads, mini drum projects, food prep, beading, and that’s just to name a few. Smoking salmon with students was complemented with learning how to prepare it and the importance of salmon for the Syilx People and some of the historical impacts of the fish in the local area. Another highlight was finding a beautiful but fallen cedar tree and not letting it go to waste. Students had to problem solve and bring the chunks of tree back to the classroom for future carving projects. The Land Based Love program feels welcoming and makes students want to be there!
Inspiring wonder THROUGH ART Art teacher James Elwood was among six Central Okanagan Public Schools educators to receive the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education this year, in recognition for Indigenous Education. In addition to teaching art at Mount Boucherie Secondary, developing the Indigenous Visual Art Class, and teaching through a variety of media, Mr. Elwood is an accomplished artist. This stunning drawing shows why his artistic interpretation of nature inspires wonder in his students!
Graphite on paper drawing by teacher James Elwood, 22”x30”, “Cathedral Grove, Raven and Stump”, July, 2023.
Provincial Recognition for INSPIRING WONDER Congratulations to the outstanding educators from across our district who received the Premier’s Award for Excellence in Education this year. Central
Okanagan Public Schools was represented across multiple categories thanks to these six who went above and beyond to inspire wonder in our learners. From
new to long-serving, they are examples of the caliber of education professionals we are so fortunate to have in the Central Okanagan.
Extracurricular Leadership
Outstanding New Teacher
Outstanding New Teacher
Amanda Liebel, Teacher, Constable Neil Bruce Middle, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
Rob Bennett, Teacher, Kelowna Secondary, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
Lauren Klassen, Teacher, Constable Neil Bruce Middle, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
Indigenous Education
Outstanding Support – Teaching Assistant
Outstanding Support – Teaching Assistant
Jim Elwood, Teacher, Mount Boucherie Secondary, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
Amanda Hilverda, Certified Education Assistant, Kelowna Secondary, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
Danielle Brown, Certified Education Assistant, Constable Neil Bruce Middle, SD 23 (Central Okanagan)
TOGETHERWELEARN • SD23.BC.CA
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ROOTED IN HOPE: Rose Valley Elementary’s Wildfire Resilience Sophia Manoin, Journalism 12 Since the recent Okanagan wildfires, nearly everyone in the area has been affected. However, seeing that some people have embraced this change so sincerely is heartwarming. Rose Valley Elementary School puts a heavy accent on outdoor learning and land-based activities, but since their neighbouring park is closed due to the fires, they have had to be creative in pursuing their outdoor education. The school has adopted the theme “Rooted in Hope,” intending to keep spirits high and remind everyone of the hope in the future, the good to come. To support this, every student and staff member was given a tree to take care of and plant in their own yard so they may replant them in the forest next year. As those in Rose Valley anticipate the gift of green growth in the Syilx forest, they remain hopeful, looking forward to a new beginning where they can continue their land-based learning.
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COMMUNITYCONNECTION • DECEMBER 2023
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