Community Connections

<p><strong>Student-Led Community Service and Fundraising</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:29.56%;"><img src="/images/c397633e-bb68-4cc0-a980-effb804ba6b3" alt="Food Drive"></figure><p>Students at Okanagan Landing Elementary continue to make a positive impact in their community. Over the past month, the Grade 6 and 7 classes organized a food drive, collecting items with the help of parent volunteers and distributing bags donated by Freshco. Mr. Petersen’s Grade 4/5 class also gathered donations for the SPCA.</p>

<p><strong>Indigenous Storytelling Partnership Across Grade Levels</strong></p><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:25.48%;"><img src="/images/8cbbe88d-832f-4e34-8a75-8b24c9b25c5b" alt="SKLS Dec2025"></figure><p>Kalamalka Secondary’s English First Peoples 10 classes, led by Ms. Anderson and Ms. Niedballa, partnered with Ms. James’ Grade 2/3 class at Coldstream Elementary for an inspiring Indigenous Story project. Over four weeks, Grade 10 students selected traditional Indigenous stories from around the world and worked closely with their younger “buddy groups” to read, comprehend, and reimagine these stories through creative mediums such as plays, performances, and songs.&nbsp;</p><p>Each week, the older students mentored their buddies, then reflected and prepared new activities for the next session. During this time, Grade 10 students learned the value of planning, patience, and teamwork, while the Grade 2/3 students gained courage in creative expression, public speaking, and interacting with older peers. Inspired by cultural lessons in the stories, all participants recognized their roles as valued members of a wider learning community.</p>

<p><strong>Empowering Indigenous Futures and Real-World Law Learning</strong></p><p>VSS hosted Strengthening Connections by Empowering Indigenous Futures, an event designed to support Indigenous learners in exploring post-secondary pathways and career opportunities. Indigenous-focused representatives from colleges, universities, and employers connected with students in a culturally respectful, career fair-style format. This initiative ensured that every Indigenous student at VSS had the chance to participate and build relationships that will empower their future.&nbsp;</p><p>The VSS Law Studies 12 class visited Kelowna Law Courts, where classroom theory came to life in real criminal and civil proceedings. Students had the opportunity to sit in on a real court proceeding. This experience allowed students to engage with legal professionals— including Provincial and Supreme Court Justices—while exploring careers in law and justice. Those conversations and observations deepened understanding and strengthened ties between education and the wider community.</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:29.25%;"><img src="/images/78725767-3f3b-402e-9fc0-32b4dc07d2a0" alt="SVSS Dec2025"></figure>

<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:31.86%;"><img src="/images/c52d8863-3e7c-481d-bff7-86bfb7384982" alt="SCBS Dec2025"></figure><p>The recent highlight for Bloom Secondary was their Youth and Family Night, hosted at the end of November for the greater school community. It was a memorable evening filled with laughter, connection, and fun. Families and students enjoyed open gym games like volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, board games, e-games, and a cozy festive movie in the theater. This event was about creating a welcoming space where students, parents, and community members could come together, share experiences, and build relationships. Bloom was proud to partner with the Whitevalley Community Resource Center and members of the local RCMP, whose support helped make the evening a safe and successful time for all.</p>

<figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:25.04%;"><img src="/images/2d1d8363-b1a9-4b08-b2f4-ddfa0b3d4552" alt="montessori 1"></figure><p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.</p><p>Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.</p>

<p><strong>Culinary Connections Supporting Grade 7 Transitions</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:32.8%;"><img src="/images/567ec268-d935-4ced-b3ca-ab9c672c7b9e" alt="EHVS Dec2025"></figure><p>Recently Hillview grade 6/7 students visited the VSS Culinary Class to do some cooking with their grade 8 peers. This was an opportunity to connect with other students and to get familiar with the school as part of transition planning. What a great opportunity for the elementary students to build connections with the high school!&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The StrongStartBC programs at Ellison Elementary and Harwood Elementary are part of a provincial pilot with Child Health BC. District Early Childhood Educators Allie Landreville and Sylvie Scott are participating this initiative, alongside Kim Erven-Culler, Vice Principal of ELCC. The pilot aims to strengthen physical, social, and emotional development in children by building the capacity of educators, parents, and caregivers to promote healthy eating, physical activity, and emotional well-being. Through programs like Appetite to Play and Feelings First, School District 22 connects with a provincial network dedicated to improving children’s health— continuing our commitment to enriching early learning experiences for families in our community.</p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:34.62%;"><img src="/images/25b65530-917e-414b-a615-f6411c8f3491" alt="ELCC Dec2025"></figure>

<p>This month the Connections Program is focused on celebrating the spirit of the season. Through the amazing work of the NOYFSS Outreach Worker and EA team, the SD22 Inclusion Department has been able to incorporate numerous activities that build skills, engage in community outreach, and celebrate the spirit of the festive season. One of those activities had the Connections students going out to the Christmas Tree Ranch Farm in Lumby to get trees for our Connections classrooms.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image-style-side"><img src="/images/aa410a27-5631-4e1b-93f9-ab56399fc9ec" alt="Incl Dec2025"></figure><p>This activity, led by the district behavioural specialist, EAs and NOYFSS Outreach was a great opportunity for students to build conversation and team building skills, engage in healthy community engagement goals, and to enjoy the opportunity to celebrate the holiday. The Inclusion Department is extremely thankful for the people at the Christmas Tree Ranch who provided their facility and hospitality for this activity. Thank you as well to all of the school principals and staff who also helped to work behind the scenes.</p>

<p>The big news at Silver Star this past month was the opening of the new playground! A big thanks goes out to the Facilities Department that worked through sun, rain and a million student questions to get the park installed quickly and efficiently. Students have been enjoying the beautiful new playground facility every day.&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:40.62%;"><img src="/images/d305d7aa-c26c-4956-8be9-872a77c8cde2" alt="ESSS Dec2025"></figure><p>Silver Star PAC invited Rachel Zubick, the Community Safety Coordinator for the City of Vernon, to present to parents about raising children in a digital world. She spoke about keeping students safer in a world of social media, online gaming and AI. Rachel also spent two days speaking with intermediate students about how they can keep themselves and their friends safe online.</p>

<p>At Coldstream Elementary, strong community connections are valued – ones that enrich learning and promote an inclusive school environment. Recent highlights include a visit from Métis Elder Richard Gauthier who shared stories and music, and an opportunity to hear Kay Hmwe who led important anti-racism discussions. Coldstream Elementary continues to remain committed to truth and reconciliation, Indigenous communities, anti-racism, and building partnerships across all levels. The school is also working on a school mural with guest artist Michelle Loughery, which will be displayed at the Performing Arts Center and the school’s Winter Musical.</p>