News and Updates

August 26, 2024

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope this letter finds you well and that your family has enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating summer. Whether you are returning to us or attending school for the first time in School District No.67 (Okanagan Skaha), we are excited to have you be part of our district and school community.

There are a few updates I would like to provide you with before we start our school year.

Digital Device Restriction Policy:

 As you may know, in January 2024 the Province of British Columbia mandated that all school districts update their Codes of Conduct (section 9.11) to limit students’ use of personal digital devices during school hours. The intention of this policy is to promote online safety and support focused learning environments.

Definition: 

“Personal Internet-Connected Devices” include any personal electronic device that can be used to communicate or access the internet, such as a cell phone or tablet.

Elementary and Middle Schools:

Personal digital devices are restricted throughout the school day. This includes class time, recess, and

lunch. Devices are to be turned off or set to silent mode and kept out of sight during the school day.

Secondary Schools:

 At secondary schools, personal digital devices are not permitted for use during class/instructional time unless an educator has given permission.

Supporting your child:

Research has shown that frequent cell interruptions in the classroom (especially social media notifications), along with the addictive nature of social media platforms and the rise of cyberbullying, are having a negative impact on the learning environment and on the well-being of students. We also

recognize that this change may be an adjustment for some students, particularly those secondary students who are accustomed to having their phones readily available. We kindly encourage you to discuss the new policy with your child and help them understand the importance of minimizing distractions during the school day.

Long Range Facilities Plan:

After a process of community engagement that began in January, the Board of Education has moved forward with a long-range facilities plan that includes transitioning from an elementary-middle- secondary school model to an elementary-secondary school model. While detailed information on the plan can be found on our website, the process includes a gradual transition planned over three years:

• • Year One - 2024/25 – grade 8 students are moving to secondary Middle schools remain as grade 6-7 sites, and renovation work continues to support the transition to elementary. Columbia Elementary joins the Penticton Secondary family of schools.
  • Year Two – 2025/26 – middle schools will become elementary schools. Carmi, Parkway and Giant’s Head schools are closed and consolidated, while ConnectEd programs will be moved a new location. Catchment area adjustments take place, and students in grade 5 during the 2024/25 school year will stay at elementary school as they transition to grade 6.
  • Year three – 2026/27 – Our Penticton elementary schools will be K-7, while in Summerland, elementary schools will be K-6, and Summerland Secondary will support grades 7-12.

Our facilities team has done an incredible amount of work to support this transition through the summer, and our administrators’ toured buildings in August to see the work completed so far. While we are excited to continue this work and support the transition, our primary focus remains ensuring all students have the best possible 2024/25 school year beginning in September.

Stay Connected:

Stay updated with Okanagan Skaha School District information, including additional information on registration processes and opening day procedures on our district website or on your school’s website.

Starting our School Year:

As we move forward on this new school year together, I am confident that the year will be filled with growth, achievements, and wonderful memories within each of our schools. Thank you for your ongoing cooperation and trust as we prepare for an exciting and successful school year.

Sincerely,

Todd Manuel

Superintendent/CEO