Jon Rever
Superintendent of Schools
Staying Grounded Through Change
Colleagues,
The election of a new provincial government led by the BC Conservatives represents a significant change in the political and policy environment for public education.
Whatever changes emerge in provincial priorities, policy, funding, or expectations, our responsibility remains clear: to keep students' experience at the centre of our decisions and our work.
This is precisely why a strong, student-focused strategic plan matters. Our 2026–2031 Strategic Plan gives us a stable five-year direction centred on student experience and outcomes, family and community connections, and responsible stewardship. It aligns people, resources, services, and decisions so that students remain supported today and into the future.
Strong governance provides the other part of that foundation. Our Governance Framework is designed to bring clarity, discipline, transparency, and confidence to the Board’s work, while ensuring strategic direction, monitoring, accountability, engagement, and advocacy remain clear responsibilities.
In periods of change, these foundations matter even more. They provide continuity without making us resistant to change. They help us distinguish between what may change around us and what must remain constant within us: our commitment to helping each student learn, belong and thrive. The Strategic Plan intentionally establishes priorities that remain stable from 2026 to 2031 and provides an annual process for adapting implementation as circumstances change.
We will remain attentive and responsive to the direction of the new provincial government. At the same time, we can move forward with confidence because we know our purpose, we have a clear direction, and we have strong governance structures to help us navigate uncertainty thoughtfully and responsibly.
Thank you for continuing to keep students at the centre.
Have a great week.
Jon
For Your Action
CUPE and COTA Leave Guide Communication - For P/VP | COSBO
On October 22, 2026, all CUPE and COTA staff received the updated leave-related resources listed below. These documents have undergone minor revisions since last year's distribution. Please take some time to review the materials and familiarize yourself with the information and processes outlined within them. All the below noted documents are accessible by all staff on Teams here: Leave Guides & Processes
CUPE Staff
- Requests for Unpaid Leaves of Absence January 2025.pdf
- CUPE Support Staff Leave Guide October 2026.pdf
- CUPE COARS v Employee Connect - Booking Absences October 2026.pdf
- ESA Paid leave Support Staff Casuals October 2024.pdf
COTA Staff
Teacher Performance Appraisal Criteria Updated - For P/VP
The Teacher Performance Appraisal (TPA) criteria have been updated through the Collective Agreement review process with COTA to better reflect today’s classrooms, BC’s curriculum, and current educational practice. The revised criteria provide clearer language and stronger connections to student learning, inclusion, assessment, and professional growth.
The Teacher Performance Appraisal Criteria will be implemented this school year for TPAs. People, Culture, & Wellbeing will be offering a Teacher Performance Appraisal Process Session for all Principals and Vice-Principals.
Date: Tuesday, October 27, 2026
Time: 3:30 pm
Location: Teams
Presenters: Monique West/Bob McEwen
This session will focus on conducting Teacher Performance Appraisals (TPA) and Professional Growth Plans (PGP).
Help Us Name the New Middle School - For All Staff
With the support of the Ministry of Infrastructure, the District has been awarded funding to construct an 800-student capacity middle school to support the growing needs in the Central Kelowna Area located at the Burtch Road site. This school is projected to open in September 2029.
A new school in the heart of Kelowna deserves a name that will connect the school community to the land and broader community.
We invite students, families, staff, Indigenous partners, and community to suggest meaningful names for the new middle school.
What makes a good school name?
Under Board Policy 3130 - Dedication and Naming of Schools and Facilitiesnew schools are generally named in reference to historical, geographical or operational characteristics. Consideration is also given to names that have significant meaning to students, Indigenous peoples and members of the community.
As you think about a name, consider:
- Place: Is there a geographical feature, area or place with a meaningful connection to the school?
- History: Is there an important historical connection or story?
- Community: Does the name have lasting significance for the people and communities the school will serve?
- Students: Could the name create a strong and meaningful identity for generations of students?
- Indigenous connections: Does the suggestion have significance to Indigenous peoples or reflect the history and identity of this place?
Share your suggestion
We're asking one question:
What name would you propose for the new middle school, and how would it honour the land, experiences, cultures, and contributions of students, Indigenous Peoples, and our community?
When sharing your suggestion, please include both the proposed name and a brief explanation of its significance.
CLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR IDEA
Submissions will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2026.
What happens next?
This engagement is an opportunity to gather ideas and perspectives from the community. It is not a vote or a contest to determine the school's name.
Once the engagement closes, submissions will be reviewed and considered as part of the District's naming process.
Under Board policy, naming recommendations are received and considered by the Finance and Planning Committee. The Committee then recommends a name to the Board of Education, which makes the final decision.
Timeline:
October 1, 2026 - Request for input begins through a ThoughtExchange survey.
October 30, 2026 - ThoughtExchange survey closes.
November 25, 2026 - Staff recommendation to the Finance and Planning Committee for consideration.
December 9, 2026 - Board of Education considers Finance and Planning Committee recommendation for final approval.
For Your Information
BC Heritage Week 2027 - For P/VP | Teachers
BC Heritage Week is an annual province-wide celebration of heritage. Heritage BC coordinates the program, providing resources, promotional support and guidance to help communities plan, host and promote their Heritage Week activities.
Taking place February 13–21, 2027, this year’s theme, MADE BY HAND, celebrates the arts, crafts, trades and hands-on skills that connect us to our heritage. It’s a great opportunity for students to explore local history, cultural traditions, craftsmanship and the skills passed down through generations.
Bring Heritage Week into the Classroom
Consider creating a heritage project connected to your curriculum to get students excited about BC Heritage Week. The opportunities for learning are limitless, you could explore local history, document a traditional skill, share handmade objects or learn about local crafts and trades. We’d love to celebrate student projects on our social media channels! Please send photos with permission for sharing to heritageweek@heritagebc.ca or tag us @bcheritageweek on socials. If your school or district hosts events or activities, be sure to register it here.
Find Events Happening Near You
Check out the BC Heritage Week Events Calendar to find activities happening in person and online. Events will take place across the province, with listings added and updated as Heritage Week approaches. It’s a great way for students and families to discover local activities or join in from anywhere in BC!
More Ways to Explore BC Heritage Week
Work Order Submission Guide and Work Order Prioritization Guide - All Staff
The Operations Department is requesting that the following documentation be reviewed
Funding Opportunity - BC First Nations Teacher Scholarship - P/VP | Teachers
There is a potential funding opportunity through the Chief Joe Mathias BC Aboriginal Scholarship Fund.
The BC First Nations Teacher Scholarship Program offers eligible First Nations students pursuing teacher education scholarships of up to $5,000 annually.
To learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply, visit: https://chiefjoemathias.ca/teachers-program-info
Deadline to apply is October 30th. If you are interested in applying, please send in a UBC application as soon as possible, with a note that you are interested in this award.
January 2027 Intake – Indigenous Education Specialization - P/VP | Teachers
The upcoming intake is designed for Indigenous students who have already completed a four-year bachelor's degree and are interested in pursuing a degree in education.
Students will begin the 15-credit Indigenous Education Specialization in January 2027, alongside any outstanding Elementary and Middle Year academic prerequisites, before progressing into the Bachelor of Education program in July 2027. This two-year program is intended to support working professionals through online/evening coursework delivery and summer in-person institutes in Merritt, B.C.
Application deadline: November 20, 2026
You can learn more about the program, admission requirements, and pathways to teacher certification at:
Merritt Indigenous Teacher Education Pathway
An information session will be held on October 21 at 3:30. The zoom link:
If you are interested in receiving more informationregister here.
If you have questions about the program, eligibility, or the application process, please contactindigenous.education@ubc.ca.
Merritt Indigenous Education - For P/VP | All Teachers
Applications are now open for the Merritt Indigenous Teacher Education Pathway, offered through the University of British Columbia's Indigenous Teacher Education Program (NITEP), in partnership with Bonaparte First Nation and the Nicola Valley Institute of Technology (NVIT).
What makes this program unique?
- Hybrid delivery: coursework will be offered online and in the evening with the exception of in-person summer institutes and practicum.
- Indigenous Education Specialization: Engage in coursework grounded in Indigenous worldviews, histories, and knowledge.
- Community-based learning: Build relationships with fellow Indigenous learners, educators, and communities while preparing for a career in education.
- Pathway to teacher certification: Work toward a UBC Bachelor of Education in Elementary and Middle Years and complete your professional teacher certification in British Columbia.
Field of Crosses Memorial Project Ceremonies - For All Staff
The Field of Crosses Memorial Project Opening Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 1 at 1:00 at the Cenotaph in City Park. The Sunset Candlelight Ceremony will be held on Sunday, November 8 at 5:00 pm in City Park.
Learning Opportunities from the Indigenous Education Department - For All Staff
The Sustainable Development Challenge - For P/VP | Teachers
The Sustainable Development Challenge bridges classroom learning and local impact through a multi-month journey for youth ages 13-24. For further information visit: Sustainable Development Challenge.
Exciting News! The Family Hub - West Kelowna is Open - For All Staff
Message from Central Okanagan Family Hub:
We are excited to share some wonderful news with you! The Family Hub – West Kelowna is now open! 🎉
Location:
2760 Cameron Rd.
Mt. Boucherie Community Center.
We will begin our soft opening on Monday, October 19, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, welcoming families to start dropping in, connecting with our team, and learning about the supports and services available to them.
This is an exciting milestone for our community, and we are looking forward to building strong connections and creating a welcoming space where West Kelowna families can feel supported, connected, and at home.
Here’s to a wonderful new beginning and stronger connections for our community! 💛
Upcoming Board Events
DATE | EVENT |
October 28, 2026 - 6:00 pm | Public Board Meeting |
November 10, 2026 - 6:00 pm | Inaugural Meeting |
November 18, 2026 - 6:00 pm | Public Board Meeting |
November 25, 2026 - 4:00 pm | Finance and Planning Committee Meeting |
December 9, 2026 - 6:00 pm | Public Board Meeting |
Important Dates in October
DATE | EVENT |
October 2026 | Principal and Vice-Principal Month |
October 2026 | Foster Family Month |
October 2026 | Women's History Month |
October 19 - 23, 2026 | School Bus Safety Awareness Week |
October 23, 2026 | Teacher Professional Day |
Calendar Dates At A Glance for 2026/2027
DATE | EVENT |
|---|---|
November 2026 | Adoption Awareness Month |
November 11, 2026 | Remembrance Day |
November 20, 2026 | Harmony Day / National Children's Rights Day |
December 21, 2026 - January 1, 2027 | Schools Closed for Winter Vacation Period |
January 1, 2027 | New Years Day |
January 4, 2027 | Schools Reopen after Winter Vacation Period |
January 15, 2027 | Black Excellence Day |
January 24, 2027 to January 31, 2027 | Family Literacy Week |
February 2027 | Human Rights Month |
February 2027 | Inclusive Education Month |
February 12, 2027 | Teacher Professional Day (Support Staff In-Service Day) |
February 13-21, 2027 | BC Heritage Week |
February 15, 2027 | Family Day |
February 24, 2027 | Pink Shirt Day |
March 15, 2027 to March 25, 2027 | Schools Closed for Spring Vacation Period |
March 26, 2027 | Good Friday |
March 29, 2027 | Easter Monday |
March 30, 2027 | Schools Reopen after Spring Vacation Period |
April 18, 2027 to April 24, 2027 | National Volunteer Week |
April 21, 2027 | Bus Driver Appreciation Day |
April 22, 2027 | Earth Day |
April 28, 2027 | National Day of Mourning |
May 2027 | National Allergy Awareness Month |
May 3, 2027 to May 7, 2027 | TTOC Appreciation Week |
May 5, 2027 | Day of Awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls |
May 10, 2027 to May 16, 2027 | Mental Health Week |
May 24, 2027 | Victoria Day |
May 31, 2027 to June 6, 2027 | National AccessAbility Week |
June 30, 2027 | Administrative Day (students do not attend) |
Events
News
