Together We Learn

<p class="editor-paragraph"><hr></p><h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Public Notice: Board Policy Manual Modernization – Phase 1</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education is pleased to announce the completion of </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Phase 1 of the modernization of the Board’s Policy Manual</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. This work supports effective governance by ensuring Board policies are current, clear, and aligned with best practices.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board invites members of the public to attend the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Public Board Meeting on April 22</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">, where Trustees will consider and make a decision on the </span><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">official approval of the Phase 1 policy updates</strong></b><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board values transparency and community engagement and welcomes public interest in this important milestone.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Meeting details, including the agenda and participation information, will be available on the Board Meetings page of the District website.</strong></b></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://app.smore.com/n/0tq65" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><b><strong class="editor-text-bold editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read the latest District Newsletter</strong></b></u></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below.</span></p><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/0tq65?embedded" title="Smore newsletter" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" style="min-width: 320px;border: none;"></iframe></div></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools congratulates Grade 12 student Alaa Alaiwah on being selected as a 2026 Loran Scholar. The District Student Council co-president spent his high school years exemplifying service, leadership, and learner agency at Rutland Senior Secondary (RSS).</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/901c11b4-e2d5-4aa5-809d-a004154708c4" alt="Alaa Alaiwah 1" width="544" height="362" style="width:544px;height:362px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">As a 2026 Loran Scholar, Alaa is one of 36 from more than 5,400 Canadian applicants who demonstrated embracing the challenge of leaving the world better than they found it. As a newcomer to Canada in middle school, Alaa navigated the many challenges of a new language and culture and has dedicated himself to helping others.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"At Rutland Middle School, and especially Rutland Senior Secondary, I found a community that supported me, challenged me, and helped me grow," said Alaiwah. "I strive to be the best because I am taught by the best at Rutland Senior Secondary. From coming from nothing to building my path, I am proud to say I am a Rutland Boy."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">From thousands of applicants in Canada, Alaa joined just 90 finalists who went to Toronto in February to present for the final selection process.</span></p><blockquote class="editor-quote" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"To me, becoming a Loran Scholar means taking initiative to lead meaningful change while reflecting, learning from feedback, and growing through challenges," Alaa said. "What excites me most about the future is learning alongside people who want to make a difference. Opportunities like the Loran Summer Programs and Mentorship experiences are exciting because they bring together people who challenge and support each other."</span></blockquote><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Among his studies at RSS, Alaa was especially inspired by his learning in the Lifeguard Academy and his teacher Allen McNabb. He will use the scholarship of $100,000 over four years to study the Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of British Columbia Okanagan.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Congratulations Alaa!</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">To learn more about the 2026 Loran Scholars and the Loran Award, visit </span><a href="http://www.loranscholar.ca" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">www.loranscholar.ca</span></a></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>