School Opening Report

September 14, 2022 Board Highlights

Posted by

0

Announcement:
On September 13, 2022, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that Monday, September 19, 2022 would be
a holiday for federal government employees to mourn Queen Elizabeth II on the day of her state funeral.
Subsequently, the Ministry of Education and Child Care informed Superintendents that B.C. would follow
the lead of the federal government and join with other provinces in observing the national day of mourning to commemorate the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II. Therefore, all Central Okanagan Public Schools, Learning Centers, operations and business buildings will be closed on Monday, September 19, 2022.
Central Okanagan Public Schools – “Inside 23”:

  1. Operations Department
    In attendance:
    Rob Drew, Director of Operations
    Josh Currie, Assistant Director of Operations
    Kafi Wahidunnabi, Project Manager
    A presentation was made to the Board of Education on the reopening of Webber Road Elementary School on the Westside. Highlighted were the scope of work, opportunities, and challenges and successes. The Board of Education and senior staff expressed appreciation to all staff (senior management, COTA and CUPE) on the successful reopening of Webber Road Elementary School.
    Introductions
    The Board of Education congratulated the following staff on their new positions and welcomed those who are new to the District:
     Rob Drew, Director of Operations
     Brenda Kirsch, Acting District Principal of Early Learning and Child Care
     Troy White, District Principal of Learning Technology Services
     Jessica Anjos, Principal, Helen Gorman Elementary School
     Kimberley Grimwood, Principal, Quigley Elementary School
     Steven Labrie, Principal, Rose Valley Elementary School (not in attendance)
     Sarah Watson, Principal, Canyon Falls Middle School (not in attendance)
     Kevin Auclair, Vice-Principal, École Dr. Knox Middle School
     Brett Beaudry, Vice-Principal, École Glenmore Elementary School
     Rani Gandham, Vice-Principal, Rutland Senior Secondary School
     Laura Wiemken, Vice-Principal, École K.L.O. Middle School (not in attendance)
     Lise Bradshaw, Executive Assistant to Secretary-Treasurer/CFO

  1. Recognition
  2. Megan Frederick, Music Director, Okanagan Mission Secondary School
  3. The Board of Education recognized Megan Frederick, Music Director at Okanagan Mission Secondary
  4. School, for her extraordinary leadership in coordinating the musical tribute and fundraiser for Ukraine held at Prospera Place on June 26, 2022. Over $12,000 was raised through the fundraiser.
  5. Declarations
  1. Truth and Reconciliation Week: September 26-30, 2022
    The Central Okanagan Board of Education declared September 26 to 30, 2022 as Truth and Reconciliation Week in Central Okanagan Public Schools.
  2. National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day – September 30, 2022
    The Central Okanagan Board of Education declared September 30, 2022 as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day in Central Okanagan Public Schools.
    Staff Presentations
  3. Superintendent of Schools/CEO: 2022 School Opening Report – Part 1
    Presenter: Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO
    Kevin Kaardal, Superintendent of Schools/CEO for the Central Okanagan Public Schools, presented the 2022 School Opening Report – Part 1. The Superintendent expressed his gratitude for all staffs efforts to support a smooth and welcoming opening to the school year. The Report covers the time period of September 6, 2022 through to September 12, 2022 (unless otherwise noted) and provides an update regarding the first days of the school year. A more accurate count of student enrolment will be provided in Part 2 of the School Opening Report at the September 28th Public Board Meeting, as well as following the September 30th 1701 submission to the Ministry of Education and Child Care. (The School Opening Report – Part 1 and the Superintendent of Schools/CEO PowerPoint presentation are available on the Central Okanagan Public Schools website – http://www.sd23.bc.ca.) The Board of Education received the Superintendent of Schools/CEO: 2022 School Opening Report-Part1
  4. Second Annual Equity in Action Report for Truth and Reconciliation 2020-2025
    Presenters: Terry Beaudry, Deputy Superintendent
    April Strickland, District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education
    Jasmine Lemon, Acting District Vice-Principal of Indigenous Education
    A presentation was provided to the Board of Education outlining the contents of the Second Annual Equity in Action Report for Truth and Reconciliation. The Report reflects the shared responsibility and progress towards equitable opportunities for the District’s 3,062 Indigenous K-12 learners. The Board of Education received the Second Annual Equity in Action Report for Truth and Reconciliation.
    Action Items:
  5. Formation of the Webber Road Elementary School Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
    The Board of Education approved the application from the Webber Road Elementary School parents for the establishment of the Webber Road Elementary School Parent Advisory Council in accordance with Section 8 of the BC School Act.
  6. Formation of the École Bellevue Creek Elementary School Parent Advisory Council (PAC)
    The Board of Education approved the application from the École Bellevue Creek Elementary School parents for the establishment of the École Bellevue Creek Elementary School Parent Advisory Council in accordance with Section 8 of the BC School Act.

  1. George Pringle Secondary School
    The Board of Education approved the renovated/reconstructed Westside secondary school return to the
    name George Pringle Secondary School.
  2. Portables
    Regarding the purchase and placement of portables on School District sites, the Board of Education agreed to remind the Minister of Education and Child Care that the burden on the District’s operating budget is unacceptable and cannot be sustained.
    Information Items:
    The Board of Education reviewed the following:
  3. Student and Family Affordability Fund
  4. Level 4 and 5 Field Study Summary – 2022/2023
  5. General Statement – June 22, 2022
  6. General Statement – August 11, 2022
  7. District Student Council Meetings – 2022/2023
  8. Central Okanagan Parent Advisory Council Meetings – 2022/2023
    Items of Special Mention
    The Board Chair and Trustees spoke of the following:
  • Appreciation to all staff on the smooth opening of schools.
  • The following are finalists from Central Okanagan Public Schools in the Premier’s Award for Excellence in
    Education:
    Outstanding New Teacher
     Rupinder Aujla, teacher, Ellison Elementary School
     Rob Bennett, teacher, École Kelowna Secondary School
     Carmen McDowell, teacher, Rutland Middle School
    Outstanding Support – School Community
     Nicole Rishaug, student success team advocate, Mount Boucherie Secondary School
    The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria on October 14, 2022.

September 24, 2014 Board Highlights

Posted by
Introduction:
1. Introduction of New Principals/Vice-Principals and new Central Okanagan School Business Officials (COSBO) Members
  • David Johnson, Vice-Principal, Springvalley Elementary School
  • Michelle Kaupp, Vice-Principal, George Pringle Elementary School
  • Michelle Relova, Vice-Principal, Davidson Road Elementary School
  • Nathalie Messent, Homestay Coordinator (KSS, GESS, SMS, and Dr. Knox)
  • Olivia Zhao, Homestay Coordinator (RSS and OKM)
Proclamations:
Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board of Education, made the following Proclamations:
CANADIAN STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE 2014
WHEREAS: The major goal of the Canadian Student Leadership Conference is to enhance the leadership skills of Canadian students;
WHEREAS: The Canadian Student Leadership Conference provides an annual opportunity for students from across Canada to come together to learn more about leadership;
WHEREAS: The Canadian Student Leadership Association and the Central Okanagan School District are hosting the 30th Annual Canadian Student Leadership Conference from September 23, 2014 to September 27, 2014;
WHEREAS: This year’s conference will inspire students across Canada to take action to improve
their schools and communities and foster HOPE;
I, Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board of Education for School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan), do hereby proclaim it to be:
STUDENT LEADERSHIP WEEK IN THE CENTRAL OKANAGAN SCHOOL DISTRICT
INTERNATIONAL WALK TO SCHOOL WEEK
The Central Okanagan Board of Education declares October 6 – 10, 2014 as “International Walk to School Week” in School District No. 23.
Presentation:
1. School Opening Report – Part 1
The Superintendent presented the School Opening Report – Part 1. This report covers the time period of September 22 to 24, 2014 and provides an update regarding the first days of the school year. Schools in the District reported busier than usual start-ups this year due to the late start and the challenges with not being able to process all the registrations and course/program requests during the traditional registration week. Schools staffs also reported the positive energy that came from the return of students after the extended break.
To date the majority of schools appear to be coming in reasonably close to their projected enrolment numbers, although there is more variation this year than in previous years. Most schools in the District have reported losing a number of students to other educational providers (independent schools, on-line programs or to home schooling). As of September 24, 2014, 216 students who were previously registered in School District No. 23 schools have selected alternate means of getting their education. It remains to be seen whether the District recovers some of these students in the days and weeks to come. Overall, it is anticipated that the District will experience a modest overall increase in enrolment over last year. Obviously, this number would have been greater had there not been a late start to the year.
The labour disruption in the BC Public School system has had a negative impact on the Central Okanagan School District International Education Program. As a result, we have had students and agents choosing programs in other provinces and other countries and we have not realized the growth we had anticipated. The Welcome Centre for the School District helped settle 160 students and their families into the Central Okanagan schools and community over the past year.
Three major capital projects were scheduled for completion this summer: the new Mar Jok Elementary School, the Okanagan Mission Secondary School addition, and the George Elliot Secondary School annex.
The School Opening Report – Part 2 will be presented at the Wednesday, October 8, 2014 Public Board meeting.
Action Items:
1. Audited Financial Statements Fiscal Year 2013/2014
The Board of Education received and approved the Audited Financial Statements Fiscal Year 2013/2014. The fiscal and accounting processes were once again found to be comprehensive and appropriate.
2. Constable Neil Bruce Middle School – Daimler Road Parking – Interim Safety Improvements
The Board of Education agreed to send a letter to the District of West Kelowna commending the work done on improving safety and traffic congestion concerns at Constable Neil Bruce Middle School, reiterating that, per the Board’s letter of March 14, 2014, capital assistance for off-site roadways and sidewalks is beyond the Central Okanagan School District’s financial ability and mandate, and advising that staff will continue to assess the situation.
Information Items:
1. Superintendent’s Emergent Issues
The Superintendent reported on the following:
  • Staff members have delayed bringing forward the 2014-2015 work plan because of the late start to the school year. However, this plan will be coming forward at an upcoming Public Board meeting.
  • We are seeing more balanced student enrolments in West Kelowna between Shannon Lake Elementary School (402), Rose Valley Elementary School (317), and the new Mar Jok Elementary School (406).
  • District staff plan to attend PAC meetings in Lake Country this fall to seek input on the reconfiguration of school boundaries in Lake Country.
  • District staff are also continuing to review the French Immersion program and the possible opening of an additional French Immersion middle school program.
  • Community consultation sessions will be scheduled to engage the Rutland community in discussions regarding the timing of implementing the District’s approved Grade Configuration (grades 1-5, 6-8, and 9-12) in the Rutland area.
The following items were reviewed by the Board:
1. School District No. 23 (Central Okanagan) 2013/2014 Public Sector Executive Compensation Report
2. BCSTA Strategic Plan 2014-2015
3. General Statement

September 10, 2014 Board Highlights

Posted by
Presentation:
1. School Opening Report – Part 1
The Superintendent declared that there would be no school opening report due to the ongoing labour dispute. This report will be presented once the school year is underway.
Action Items:
1. Approval of the Establishment of the Mar Jok Elementary School Parent Advisory Council
The Board of Education approved the application from the Mar Jok Elementary School parents for the establishment of the Mar Jok Elementary School Parent Advisory Council in accordance with Section 8 of the BC School Act.
2. Amendments to Policy 140 – School Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committees, and Policy 146 – General Affairs Committee
The Board of Education approved the amendments to Policy 140 – School Board Standing and Ad Hoc Committees and Policy 146 – General Affairs Committee.
3. Amendments to Policy 115 – Inaugural and Annual Board Meetings, Policy 145 – Coordinating
Committee, Policy 150 – Education and Student Services Committee, Policy 155 – Planning and Facilities Committee, Policy 160 – Finance and Legal Committee, Policy 165 – Human Resources and Staff Services Committee, and Policy 190 – Trustee Expenses The Board of Education approved the amendments to the Policies noted above to reflect the change in the trustee term of service from 3 to 4 years.
Information Items:
1. Update on Labour Situation
  • The Board of Education agreed to write a letter endorsing the BCSTA Advocacy Update of September 9, 2014, in particular appealing to both sides to move beyond their current position to make meaningful and real concessions with the assistance of a mediator.
  • The Board of Education agreed to write a letter to the government regarding the makeup of the BCSPSEA Board of Directors, advocating for the reinstatement of the original Board of Directors as existed previously, with the original number of Trustees sitting on the Board.
2. Superintendent’s Emergent Issues
The Superintendent reported on the following:
  • Canadian Student Leadership Conference: For the past three years, the District has been preparing to host the 2014 Canadian Student Leadership Conference which is scheduled to be held from Tuesday, September 23rd, 2014 to Saturday, September 27th, 2014. Over 700 students and teachers from across Canada will be attending this leadership conference. As a result of the current labour dispute, the District is challenged to host events at local schools. As such, the Superintendent will be writing a letter to the President of the BCTF, Jim Iker, requesting that KSS be exempt from pickets so that the conference can be held there. As well, the District will request that pickets be removed from the Dease Road Operations site, enabling bus transportation for student delegates. District staff are also in the process of sending out a News Release to the media regarding the need for billets and additional volunteers to support this national student leadership conference. The Superintendent reiterated that he recognizes this is a challenging time to host this event and requests understanding from all parties of the need to honour the commitment that was made.
The following items were reviewed by the Board:
1. Reporting Expectations for Strike Savings
The Secretary-Treasurer discussed the recent expanded reporting requirements from the government on all savings incurred by the current labour dispute.
2. Trustee Handbook – Update
3. Kelowna Art Gallery – Year-End Report
4. Eye See…..Eye Learn Program
The British Columbia Association of Optometrists (BCAO) have partnered to provide an eye examination and free prescription eyeglass program called “Eye See . . . Eye Learn”, for all Kindergarten children in the Central Okanagan School District.
5. Trustee Attendance – COPAC Meetings September to December 2014
6. Month End Enrolment – June 2014
7. Field Trips 2014/2015
8. General Statement

September 25, 2013 Board Highlights

Posted by
Recognition:
1. The Kelowna Capital News and Lake Country Calendar
The Board of Education recognized Karen Hill, Publisher and Teresa Huscroft-Brown, Creative Graphic Designer, with the Kelowna Capital News and Lake Country Calendar for their support of the Central
Okanagan School District by producing ‘Community Connection’ pages featuring local schools (see attached photo)
2. Dayna Hart and Jennifer Craig, Teachers, Constable Neil Bruce Middle School
Dayna Hart and Jennifer Craig, teachers at Constable Neil Bruce Middle School, were recognized by the Board of Education for their winning submission for the 2013 Gale/Library Media Connection TEAMS Award for the Middle School Category (see attached photo).
3. International Walk to School Week – October 7 – 11, 2013
The Chairperson of the Board of Education declared October 7 – 11, 2013 as “International Walk to School Week” in School District No. 23.
4. World Teachers’ Day – October 5, 2013
The Chairperson of the Board of Education declared October 5, 2013 as “World Teachers’ Day” in School District No. 23.
Presentation:
5. 2013 School Opening Report – Part 2
The Superintendent presented the School Opening Report – Part 2. The highlights included an overview of District enrolment patterns. The District as a whole was projected to decline 185 students in overall enrolment between September 30th, 2012 and September 30, 2013. The current District enrolment as of September 25th, 2013 is 21,370 compared to 21,354 on September 30th, 2012 (an increase of 16 students). The decline in enrolment between September 10, 2013 (21,452) and September 25, 2013 (21,370) is largely a result of a drop in the number of students who can be claimed for funding at this time of year by Central School Programs and Services. The Superintendent also provided a transportation update. 5,032 students have now been assigned seats on the established bus routes in the District. 269 students have applied for and received a transportation subsidy.
The Board Chair announced that at the October 2nd, 2013 Public General Affairs Committee Meeting, the Board will discuss its Cooperative Gains Savings Plan. Committee recommendations will be forwarded to the October 9th, 2013 Board Meeting for a final decision. The Plan, which is a requirement to cover the proposed salary increase for Support Staff, must be submitted to Government by October 15th, 2013.
Action Items:
1. Amendments to Policy 540 “Proposals for Substantive Change (Distinct Schools, Unique Programs and Specialty Academies)”
The Board of Education approved the amendments to Policy 540 “Proposals for Substantive Change (Distinct Schools, Unique Programs and Specialty Academies)”.
2. New Policy 542 “Proposals for Educational Programs with External Partnerships”, and
Appendices 542A “Proposals for Educational Programs with External Partnerships” and 542B “Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Programs with External Partnerships” The Board of Education approved new Policy 542 “Proposals for Educational Programs with External Partnerships” and Appendices 542A “Proposals for Educational Programs with External Partnerships” and 542B “Memorandum of Understanding for Educational Programs with External Partnerships”.
3. Audited Financial Statements Fiscal Year 2012/2013
The Board of Education received and approved the Audited Financial Statements Fiscal Year 2012/2013.
4. 2013/2014 Capital Plan Submission
The Board of Education approved the 2013/2014 Capital Plan which is to be submitted to the Ministry of Education by October 1st, 2013.
5. Glenrosa Elementary School Enhancement Project – Freestanding Sign and Message Board
The Board of Education approved the School District entering into a School Enhancement Project Funding Agreement with Glenrosa Elementary School to install the freestanding sign and message board, subject to variance approval by the District of West Kelowna.
6. Black Mountain Elementary School Enhancement Project – Exterior Electronic Message Board
The Board of Education approved the School District entering into a School Enhancement Project Funding Agreement with Black Mountain Elementary School to install the exterior electronic message board.
7. Chute Lake Elementary School Enhancement Project – Freestanding Sign and Message Board
The Board of Education approved the School District entering into a School Enhancement Project Funding Agreement with Chute Lake Elementary School to install the freestanding sign and message board.
Information Items:
1. Superintendent’s Emergent Issues
– On behalf of Trustee Brinkerhoff who attended the recent Canadian Student Leadership Conference (CSLC) along with the Superintendent and staff, commendations were given to all of the District’s secondary students and staff who attended CSLC in Prince Edward Island. The Central Okanagan School District is now preparing to host the Canadian Student Leadership Conference in September 2014.