Together We Learn

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Calling all youth with powerful ideas to share! TEDxKelowna Youth returns to École Okanagan Mission Secondary (OKM) on May 19, 2026, so the time to apply to be a youth speaker is now. This inspiring event brings together students from across the Okanagan to share ideas worth spreading and lead conversations that matter.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“Each year we host this event, we are amazed by the creativity, passion, and commitment youth bring to their communities. TEDxKelowna Youth provides a platform for these powerful ideas to reach the world and spark meaningful change.” -Graham Johnson, TEDxKelowna Youth Organizer.</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">More than a speaking event, TEDxKelowna Youth is a platform for youth leadership and innovation, aligned with our school district’s theme of Learner Agency. Students will explore topics shaping our world and future, including:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learner Agency – Taking ownership of learning and life.</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Mental Health &amp; Wellbeing – Building resilience and supporting one another.</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learning &amp; Innovation in Schools – Rethinking education for tomorrow.</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Truth &amp; Reconciliation – Honoring stories and creating pathways for understanding.</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Climate Action &amp; Sustainability – Driving change for a healthier planet.</span></li><li value="6" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Artificial Intelligence – Navigating opportunities and challenges in a digital age.</span></li><li value="7" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Other Powerful Ideas – If it matters to you, it matters to us!</span></li></ul><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Speaker applications are now open and will be accepted until January 1, 2026. Students interested in sharing their voice and inspiring change can apply at </span><a href="https://www.tedxkelowna.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">www.TEDxKelowna.com</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Join us at OKM’s Mission Mainstage Theatre for a day of ideas, innovation, and impact. Together, let’s celebrate the power of youth voices and their ability to shape the future.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><figure><a href="https://www.tedxkelowna.com/" target="_blank" title="Slide"><img src="/images/769ad1f0-0c02-457c-a616-0eb9dcf06303" alt="Slide" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please </span><a href="https://secure.smore.com/n/xhpgt" 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 through below. (no download required)</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://secure.smore.com/n/xhpgt?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"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Students from École George Elliot Secondary (GESS) will join thousands of youth around the world to call for urgent climate action through the Global Child Climate Manifesto, an international youth declaration presented at the </span><a href="https://cgeducation.org/#cop30-2025" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">COP30 UN Climate Conference</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> in Belém, Brazil.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/35572c17-b395-4e5b-88e3-89485f4915d7" alt="Carter Mochinski and Liberty Sanderson" width="230" height="306" style="width:230px;height:306px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Liberty Sanderson (Grade 11) and Carter Mochinski (Grade 12) will join the initiative as part of #Decarbonize, the world’s largest school-based climate education program, coordinated by the Centre for Global Education (CGE). The project brings together classrooms from more than 80 countries to explore climate science, share cultural perspectives, and co-author global solutions for a sustainable future.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"By sharing their learning on the world stage, Liberty and Carter are showing the power of developing student agency," said Jon Rever, Superintendent of Schools. "Like so many of their peers, these students follow their curiosity, share their enthusiasm, and empower each other to make change in the world."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">By engaging in the #Decarbonize (</span><a href="https://decarbonize.me/" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">decarbonize.me</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">) program, students develop a deep understanding of how local action connects to global systems, from reducing emissions and protecting local biodiversity to ensuring climate justice for all.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“I want to protect and preserve the land for future generations. I can’t stand by and let our earth be destroyed, and that is why I will stand up for it," said Carter Mochinski, Grade 12. ""I have big ideas and want to see change now. My perspective deserves to be heard on the world stage."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About Decarbonize and the Centre for Global Education:</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">#Decarbonize is coordinated by the Centre for Global Education (CGE), a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to transformative global learning. The initiative empowers young people worldwide to engage in research, dialogue, and advocacy around the climate crisis.</span></p>

<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;">&nbsp;</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;">&nbsp;</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;">&nbsp;</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;">&nbsp;</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;">&nbsp;</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>