Together We Learn

<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" style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The Board of Education invites all parents, students, staff members, partner group representatives, and members of the public to participate in a strategic plan engagement process in response to four key questions that will inform the District's future Strategic Plan.</span></p><ol class="editor-list-ol"><li value="1" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When you think about the world students are entering today, what do you believe students need most from their experiences in our schools to be successful?</strong></b></li><li value="2" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When you think about the future, what ideas do you have that would improve student learning for all students?</strong></b></li><li value="3" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What would help families feel more meaningfully involved in supporting student learning?</strong></b></li><li value="4" class="editor-listitem" style="text-align: left;"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">What is one change that would make schools healthier and more supportive places for students, staff, and families?</strong></b></li></ol><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><h2 class="editor-heading-h2" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://tejoin.com/scroll/821040678" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><u><span class="editor-text-underline" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Click here to participate</span></u></a></h2><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr" style="text-align: center;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The survey will close at 11:59 p.m. on March 31, 2026.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><a href="https://app.smore.com/n/thf5pv" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below to read the latest District newsletter.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://app.smore.com/n/thf5pv?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 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>