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 Facilities, new 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.