Together We Learn

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations to Shaeyllan Beardmore of École Kelowna Secondary (KSS), who has been selected to receive a $120,000&nbsp;</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Schulich Leader Scholarship</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;to study Engineering Physics at University of Calgary.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Beardmore will be entering the Engineering Physics program this Fall. She was nominated by KSS for her outstanding academic and extra-curricular achievements over her years at the school.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/bf684ea4-4cdb-4daf-bdd2-9a14bc41d759?fingerprint=ppb20260605170008" alt="Shaeyllan Beardmore KSS" width="296" height="412" style="width:296px;height:412px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">“We are delighted to honour Shaeyllan Beardmore as a Schulich Leader, part of a growing community of scholars across Canada. Their entrepreneurial drive will strengthen STEM innovation,” says Judy Schulich, President, The Schulich Foundation.</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"I am deeply grateful for this opportunity, as the scholarship will allow me to not only focus on my studies, but to also dedicate time to the things that truly matter to me," says Beardmore. "I look forward to joining engineering design teams and taking on personal projects with the goal of creating meaningful impact, whether through supporting sustainability efforts or contributing to my community through the work I love."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Shaeyllan Beardmore is a standout in my 30+ years as an educator: she possesses the skills, attitude, and desire to excel in engineering," said her AP Physics teacher, Jim Strachan, who supported Beardmore's nomination. "From her initiative and leadership with the KSS Robotics Club to her graduating year where she's demonstrated superior knowledge in Advanced Physics and complemented it with a full AP course load, Shaeyllan has proven herself to be at the pinnacle of dedication and excellence in pursuing a path toward becoming a professional engineer."&nbsp;</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">About Schulich Leader Scholarships Canada</strong></b></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> total of 100 scholarships is being awarded - 50 engineering scholarships valued at $120,000 each and 50 science, technology or math scholarships valued at $100,000 each. </em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Recognizing the increasing importance and impact that STEM disciplines will have on the prosperity of future generations, businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established this $200 million scholarship fund in 2012 to encourage Canada's best and brightest students to become&nbsp;Schulich Leader Scholars: the next generation of entrepreneurial-minded, technology innovators.</em></i></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><i><em class="editor-text-italic" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Through The Schulich Foundation, these&nbsp;prestigious entrance scholarships are awarded to 100 high school graduates enrolling&nbsp;in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) undergraduate program at 20 partner universities in Canada.&nbsp;Every high school in Canada can submit one Schulich Leader Nominee per academic year based on academic excellence in STEM, entrepreneurial leadership, and financial need.&nbsp;</em></i></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://app.smore.com/n/qvjc4r" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> the latest District Newsletter or scroll below.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://app.smore.com/n/qvjc4r?embedded" title="Smore newsletter" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" style="min-width: 320px;border: none;"></iframe></div></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On May 28th the first Youth for Change Colour Run kicked off with an inspiring opening assembly featuring guest speakers sharing stories and experiences, including RSS Principal Hugh Alexander, Mayor of Kelowna Tom Dyas, East Meets West Children’s Foundation representative Mohini Singh, Assistant Superintendent Lynda Reeve, BGC Okanagan, RSS Custodian Loc Nguyen, and RSS Co-President Alaa Alaiwah, with founder Beverly Rosario emceeing the event. During the assembly, Mohini Singh generously donated $1,500 toward the event, helping support the cause in a meaningful way.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/4b373e2e-05a8-474c-b2d3-9ffa48e4699a?fingerprint=ppb20260605170008" alt="first rss colour run 1" width="507" height="338" style="width:507px;height:338px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The event brought together over 2000 students, staff, and community members for a day filled with energy, featuring community booths, food trucks, activities, petting goats, and the highly anticipated colour run. Beginning at 2:00 PM, many students and teachers from both RMS and RSS participated in the run and were splashed with colour throughout the event, creating an exciting and memorable atmosphere for everyone involved.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Founder Beverly Rosario shared, “I’m honestly shocked by the success of this event. Seeing so many people here today warms my heart and shows how youth are truly supporting youth.”</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Co-founder Abdullah Alyasinalkhani added, “I’m surprised by the success of this event, especially since it’s the first time it’s running.”</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Together, the event reached its goal in raising over $3,500 in support of BGC Okanagan, with all proceeds going toward helping combat youth poverty and homelessness in our community.</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" dir="ltr"><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?fingerprint=ppb20251217060651" 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?fingerprint=ppb20251217033054" 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?fingerprint=ppb20251217060435" 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" dir="ltr"><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" dir="ltr"><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>