Leadership Excellence

<p><strong>Student and Staff Leadership Across the School Community</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:29.73%;"><img src="/images/1c08b988-6c3d-4fdf-aae6-70d6ffeac20a" alt="EELS Dec2025"></figure><p>At Ellison Elementary School, leadership is embedded in various forms, creating an empowering environment for students and staff alike. Student leaders are nurtured under the guidance of administrators, teachers and education assistants, to contribute significantly to the school culture through roles such as morning announcements, kindergarten monitors, big buddies, and leaders of school assemblies and spirit days. The student leadership extends to the Strong Start program and also working with students at Fulton Secondary School.&nbsp;</p><p>Teacher leaders also play a vital role, participating in internship programs at the University. Additionally, intermediate and primary teachers are actively involved in the SD22 Residency Program, and the school has engaged in collaborative sessions examining writing proficiency and AI use in the classroom.&nbsp;</p><p>The school-based resource teachers and education assistants are running "Lunch Bunch," helping students develop social skills through engaging activities during lunchtime. Additionally, teachers and education assistants lead chess club, Dungeon and Dragons, intramural sports, and organize events like book fairs and the Battle of the Books, engaging students across all grade levels.</p>

<p><strong>Empowering Educators Through Collaborative Mentorship</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:47.17%;"><img src="/images/f811a388-9721-489b-abad-785c92ad7c2c" alt="Learning Dec2025"></figure><p>School District 22’s Teacher Mentorship Program is designed to support educators who are new to the profession, new to the district, or transitioning into a significantly different teaching role. Grounded in the belief that mentorship is a reciprocal and reflective learning relationship, the program promotes professional growth through connection, co-learning, and responsive practice.&nbsp;</p><p>Mentees receive structured support through release time or resource funding, depending on their year and category. Teachers may access half-day release days or funding for resources or meals.&nbsp;</p><p>Mentorship activities are flexible and responsive to the needs of each partnership. These may include coplanning, co-teaching, classroom observations, reflective conversations, and exploring professional resources together. The program also encourages participation in professional learning opportunities as a team.&nbsp;</p><p>For the 2025-2026 school year, there are 16 Mentees and 14 Mentors from a variety of elementary, secondary and SBRT contexts. The Mentorship Kickoff took place on October 16th at Allan Brooks Nature Center where Mentees and Mentors came together to meet one another and begin initial planning.&nbsp;</p><p>Mentors and mentees alike benefit from this shared learning experience. As one participant stated, “The opportunity to collaborate, plan, and learn from each other has deepened the curriculum and opportunities I provide for my students.”&nbsp;</p><p>Mentorship partnerships cultivate trust, collaboration, and continuous learning—ensuring that all educators feel supported and empowered to thrive. To learn more visit .</p>

<p><strong>Leadership Development Through Keynotes and Mentorship</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:56.9%;"><img src="/images/4e6a3322-485a-4842-910d-eb5a35982bae" alt="SCFS Dec2025"></figure><p>This month, Fulton has had opportunities for both students and staff to build their leadership knowledge and skills. Students enjoyed a full school assembly presentation from keynote speaker and author Sam Demma. Sam connects with students to encourage them to help build a culture of empathy, hope, and mental well-being one kind act at a time. Students were highly engaged and had rave reviews of this presentation. Walter Mustapich and Laura Neubert from the Boys’ Club Network presented to staff during the school based pro-d day highlighting their after-school mentorship program. Fulton staff are highly motivated to engage with BCN and use the H.O.P.E for Boys Leadership curriculum promoting male students making positive connections and improving their overall outlook. Walter presented this program at TEDx West Vancouver Ed in 2016, and BCN Chapters have been established across BC.</p>

<p><strong>Hands-on Science Learning and Seven Grandfather Teachings</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:56.9%;"><img src="/images/75c46ab7-745c-4897-9dbd-47d3554a9875" alt="EJWS Dec2025"></figure><p>The JWI teaching team spent their most recent school-based professional development day, focused on ways to create engaging and hands-on learning experiences for students in science. The team participated in some sample activities, led by Bob Roddie with WWEST and then planned to create a school set of science kits. Staff are excited to put this handson learning into practice with our students! The school is also engaged in the ‘Seven Grandfather Teachings’ to build understanding and competencies that contribute to a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging and strives towards their full potential. So far, the school community has focused on “Respect” and “Courage”. When students demonstrate one of these virtues, they are recognized with a feather placed on the school eagle outside the gym.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Indigenous Student Leaders Preparing for OMRIE 2026</strong></p><figure class="image image-style-align-left image_resized" style="width:38.48%;"><img src="/images/d815c3c1-8e66-4f43-b55b-abf84c7f51bd" alt="Indigenous Ed Dec2025"></figure><p>Recently, the Indigenous Student Leadership Team gathered for an exciting start to their journey together! The day began with students engaging in Lahal, a traditional game that sparked laughter, learning, and a deeper connection to cultural teachings. Following the game, students worked together to set leadership goals and create a calendar of events for the year. Their enthusiasm was evident, even as they expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness about a major responsibility ahead. School District 22 will proudly host the Okanagan Mainline Regional Indigenous Education (OMRIE) Student Conference in May 2026. This event will bring together students from across the region to celebrate culture, leadership, and learning. We are confident that these student leaders will rise to the occasion and make this conference an unforgettable experience!</p>

<p><strong>Inspiring Future Leaders Through Career Exploration</strong></p><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:39.76%;"><img src="/images/0bbbc2c1-d8d3-4e3a-afae-7ee5bec6611c" alt="Career Programs Dec2025"></figure><p>Developing future leaders begins with creating pathways that inspire and empower students from an early age. Through initiatives like the Indigenous Early Childhood Education program, we honor cultural knowledge while promoting foundational skills for lifelong success. Programs such as Find Your Fit provide hands-on career exploration, helping students identify strengths and interests that align with future opportunities. Additionally, hosting a Parent Information Night on Career Programs ensures families are informed and engaged, creating a collaborative approach to guiding students toward meaningful careers and leadership roles in their communities.</p>

<p><strong>Leadership Team Driving School Spirit and Community Support</strong></p><figure class="image image_resized image-style-align-left" style="width:32.95%;"><img src="/images/7c4fc832-13d4-4541-ab46-293b180984f4" alt="EBXS Dec2025"></figure><p>The leadership team at BX Elementary, led by Mrs. van Dun and Ms. Helton, has been active throughout the first term. The team organized a successful food drive for the Vernon and area food bank during Thanksgiving. On Halloween, they led the entire school in a dance, building school spirit and showcasing their leadership skills. During the Remembrance Day assembly, the team presented to over 600 attendees, further developing their confidence and leadership abilities.</p>

<p><strong>Student Leadership Through Community Service</strong></p><p>Teacher, Julie Alexander and the Grade 5/6 class at Cherryville Elementary School have demonstrated outstanding leadership both within the school and in the Cherryville community. Each month, the students assist at the Cherryville Hall by setting up for the seniors’ supper, an event where seniors gather to share a meal. Through this activity, students learn the value of giving back to their community and maintain a visible school presence. With the arrival of periodic snowy weather, the Grade 5/6 class has taken on the responsibility of shoveling sidewalks and walkways at the Cherryville Community Hall, ensuring safe access for daily activities. Ms. Alexander’s commitment to modeling leadership excellence has instilled in her students the importance of community service.</p>