Together We Learn

<p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="https://www.sd23.bc.ca/documents/KCNN260618_Y_hr.pdf?fingerprint=ppb20260618172524" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Telling Our Stories: The Literacy Issue</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is absolutely stuffed with student voice and learner agency!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Kick-off your summer reading with the phonetic spelling and careful printing of the youngest learners, the thoughtful poetry and essays of secondary students, and everything in between! </span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">You're one click away from:</span></p><ul class="editor-list-ul"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An undeniable plea for a pet hamster</span></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A creative comic about a taco headed for the big time</span></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">An entire choose-your-own-adventure novella</span></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A poem that reminds us why we need to belong</span></li><li value="5" class="editor-listitem"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And so much more!</span></li></ul><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><a href="https://digital.kelownacapnews.com/specialsections/Kelowna-Capital-News-Y-06182026/1/" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to enjoy the latest edition of Together We Learn!</span></a></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><figure><a href="https://digital.kelownacapnews.com/specialsections/Kelowna-Capital-News-Y-06182026/1/" target="_blank" title="TWL Spring2026 COVER"><img src="/images/406f55c4-0124-460d-9500-a1f981f383c9?fingerprint=ppb20260618180912" alt="TWL Spring2026 COVER" width="388" height="422" style="width:388px;height:422px;display:inline-block"></a></figure></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><a href="https://app.smore.com/n/b1ank9" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read the June District Newsletter</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below:</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://app.smore.com/n/b1ank9?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;">The Board of Education unanimously approved a 15-minute adjustment to secondary school start and dismissal times, effective September 2026 (excluding Central School).</span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Under the new schedule, secondary schools will begin at 9:15 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m., maintaining the current instructional time. The change supports a more efficient transportation system, increases capacity on existing bus routes, and is expected to reduce annual transportation costs by nearly $500,000 while improving service for students across the district.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The decision follows public engagement that included feedback from over 1,200 parents, caregivers, students, staff, and community members. The Board is grateful to everyone who took the time to share their perspectives.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"We heard thoughtful feedback from all sides of this discussion," said Board Chair Valene Johnson. "Participants told us that student well-being, transportation reliability, extracurricular opportunities, and family schedules all matter. Trustees carefully considered those priorities before reaching this decision."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board recognizes that a later dismissal time will require adjustments for some students and families. Feedback identified concerns related to after-school employment, athletics, extracurricular activities, childcare, and family routines. These concerns were a key part of the Board's deliberations.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"While this is a relatively small adjustment to the school day, we understand that even a 15-minute shift can affect students and families in different ways," said Johnson. "We do not dismiss those impacts. At the same time, the Board believes the overall benefits to student well-being and sustainable transportation services support moving forward."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As implementation begins, schools and district staff will work with students, families, employee groups, and community partners to support a smooth transition. The Board appreciates the engagement shown throughout this process and remains committed to making decisions that support student success while responsibly stewarding public resources.</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>