ChemCorp, ASPIRE and BRIDGE are innovative Central Okanagan Public Schools programs designed to engage students in meaningful, real-world learning experiences.
ChemCorp transforms Chemistry 12 students into analytical chemists, solving real and fictional client problems to bridge classroom learning with real-world applications.
This year, ChemCorp evolved in ASPIRE to provide more time and opportunities for Ecole George Elliot Secondary students to learn how to build connections with each other, with mentors and with community experts.
ASPIRE merges chemistry with post-secondary preparation and career exploration, offering students mentorship and hands-on learning experiences.
BRIDGE offers another mentoring opportunity for UBC Okanagan students to work with middle school students to further achieve and enhance their learning potential for future success.
On hand for a presentation on these programs at the March 12 board of education meeting were George Elliot Grade 12 students Harneal Bassan, Addison Esperhain, Seanna McArthur and Lotte Vandenbroeck, joined by GES graduate and current UBCO students Avery Aardema and Abby Attrell.
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The Central Okanagan Board of Education has declared April 22, 2025, as Earth Day in Central Okanagan public schools.
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At the request of 琉璃神社 RCMP, Ecole 琉璃神社 Secondary School was placed on a hold and secure status for a one-hour period during the afternoon of March 12 due to a community safety concern due to police responding to a complaint at a residence near the school.
School officials say the hold and secure order was merely done as a precaution, as the incident behind it had nothing to do with the school or students.
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The community is encouraged to share their thoughts on the proposed school year calendars for 2026-27 and 2027-28.
The proposed calendars can be accessed online at www.sd23.bc.ca. The deadline for responses is Friday, April 11.
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On Feb. 28, the West 琉璃神社 RCMP Indigenous Policing took part in the third annual community basketball game, playing against Constable Neil Bruce Middle School students.
RCMP members, led by Cst. Rolly (Rohel) Williams traded in their police uniforms and work clothes for basketball uniforms to play on a West 琉璃神社 team, which included West 琉璃神社 RCMP officers and staff, West 琉璃神社 Mayor Gord Milsom, Westbank First Nation band council members, former Constable Neil Bruce Middle students and the BC/West 琉璃神社 Highway Patrol.
The students put up a good effort, but the RCMP came away with a 56-36 win.
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Kevin Kaardal, Central Okanagan Public Schools superintendent/CEO, recently attended the American Association of School Administrators (AASA) conference representing Canada as the past president of the Canadian Association of School System Administrators.
Kaardal had the opportunity to meet with the AASA president and president-elect and get introduced to the fallout from a proposal to close the Department of Education being pushed by President Donald Trump.
Kaardal said the department closure is raising concerns about equity of education opportunities across the U.S. going forward, as individual states would be left to oversee the management of their own public and private school systems.
