The Superintendent’s Report on Student Achievement
2008-2009
Wendy Hyer, Superintendent of Schools
December 14, 2009
BACKGROUND
Section 22 of the School Act includes the following:
“A board must appoint a superintendent of schools for a school district who, under the
general direction of the board…,
(b.1) must, on or before December 15 of a school year, prepare and submit to
the board a report on student achievement in that district for the previous year.”
Section 79.3 goes on to say:
“On receipt of a report submitted by a superintendent of schools under section 23(1)
(b.1), the board must, on approval of the report,
(a) immediately, and in any event no later than January 31 of the school year in
which the board receives the report, submit that report to the minister, and
(b) as soon as practicable, make the report available to the public.”
The report is intended to serve two main purposes:
• Ensure transparency and accountability for each school district in terms of its
responsibility for improving student achievement;
• Provide information that will facilitate subsequent planning for continuing
improvement of student achievement at the school and school district levels as
subsequent school plans and district achievement contracts are developed.
The report is to focus on student achievement results in School District No. 67. Specific
evidence and measures of student achievement in literacy and school completion are
required. In addition, student achievement indicators for students of aboriginal descent
must be reported. Districts may report additional areas of student achievement arising
from the 2009 achievement contract. Data and evidence used to report student
achievement should include provincial and local measures.
This report highlights many of the areas covered in detail in our District Progress Report,
Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement, District Literacy Plan and Early Learning Program.
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The Ministry of Education requires that the Superintendent’s report respond to the
following questions:
1. Improving areas of student achievement
• What is improving?
• What evidence confirms this area of improvement?
Improving areas of student
achievement
The trend data of the Six-Year Completion
Rate for female students has shown a slight
improvement from 2003/04 to 2008/09.
Evidence
Six-Year Completion Data
• 2003/04 = 83%
• 2004/05 = 85%
• 2005/06 = 86%
• 2006/07 = 86%
• 2007/08 = 86%
• 2008/09 = 85%
Trend data for English 10 from 2004/05 to District Data English 10 Blended Final
2008/09 indicates that the success rates for Mark of C- or Better
our general population, female population, Success rates for 2008/09 are:
male population and aboriginal population
• All students = 98%
have shown a positive trend. The gap
• Female = 99%
between all population groups is negligible.
• Male = 97%
District results continue to be above the
• Aboriginal = 95%
provincial average.
Trend data for English 10 from 2004/05 to
2008/09 indicates that there is a positive
trend in the number of students who
achieve a final mark of C+ or better for our
general population, female population,
male population and aboriginal population.
District results continue to be above the
provincial average.
District Data English 10 Blended Final
Mark of C+ or Better
• All students – from 63% to 72%
• Female – from 72% to 80%
• Male – from 53% to 65%
• Aboriginal – from 42% to 63%
Grade 7 FSA Results from 2007/08 to
2008/09 have improved for our general
population, female population, male
population and aboriginal population.
District results continue to be above the
provincial average.
District FSA Results
• All students – from 70% to 75%
• Female – from 72% to 76%
• Male – from 69% to 74%
• Aboriginal – from 50% to 63%
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2. Challenging Areas
• What trends in student achievement are of concern to you?
• What evidence gives rise to this concern?
Challenging areas of student
achievement
Evidence
District wide, 31.3% of children were
vulnerable on at least one scale of
development in 2008/09. This is similar to
vulnerability in both Wave 1 (28.3%) and
Wave 2 (28.9%). This represents a
consistent trend of approximately 30% of
children who are vulnerable in
Kindergarten.
The Early Development Instrument (EDI),
which is a population-based tool, is used to
measure children’s development at
Kindergarten entry.
The trend data of the Six–Year Completion
Rate for male students has steadily
declined from 2003/04 to 2008/09. While
the district continues to be above the
provincial average in school completion
rates for our male population, this
downward trend is a concern.
Six-Year Completion Data 2003/04 = 84%
• 2003/04 = 84%
• 2004/05 = 80%
• 2005/06 = 83%
• 2006/07 = 84%
• 2007/08 = 76%
• 2008/09 = 77%
While Six-Year Completion Rates for
Aboriginal students continues to be at or
above the provincial average, aboriginal
completion rates remain below the
completion rates for all students.
Six-Year Completion Data
• 2003/04 = 54%
• 2004/05 = 65%
• 2005/06 = 59%
• 2006/07 = 58%
• 2007/08 = 49%
• 2008/09 = 48%
District Data English 10 Blended Final
Trend data for English 10 results indicate
Mark of C+ or Better for 2008/09
that there is a negligible gap in success
rates for our general population, female
• All students = 72%
population, male population and aboriginal
• Female = 80%
population. There is, however, a gap in
• Male = 65%
achievement with both the aboriginal and
• Aboriginal = 63%
male populations and the female population
when looking at blended final marks of C+
or better.
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3. Provide commentary or explanatory notes regarding these results
District 067 ‐ Okanagan Skaha All Students Six‐Year Completion Rate English 10 Avg. Exam & Course Mark *FSA Gr. 4 Reading Meeting‐Exceeding Aboriginal Students Six‐Year Completion Rate English 10 Avg. Exam & Course Mark *FSA Gr. 4 Reading Meeting‐Exceeding 2005/06 84 Exam Course
74 70 84 2005/06 59 Exam Course
67 63 67 2006/07 85 Exam Course 72 73 75 2006/07 58 Exam Course 64 65 62 2007/08 81 Exam Course
72 72 77 2007/08 49 Exam Course
63 67 67 2008/09 82 Exam Course
73 74 76 2008/09 48 Exam Course
67 70 60 * Beginning in 2007/08 students completed the FSA in February, almost three months earlier than in previous
years. Consequently, the 2007/08 and 2008/09 results cannot be compared to those of previous years.
a.
Six-Year Completion Rate:
While our district continues to exceed the provincial average in school completion
rates for our general population, female population, male population, aboriginal
population and special education population, approximately 15% to 20% of
students do not graduate within 6 years after entering Grade 8. Increasing “the
likelihood that ALL students will successfully complete their educational
program” is a clearly stated SD67 District Goal, and as a result, efforts are
focused on increasing district school completion rates.
Over the past year, substantial effort has been invested in addressing the
questions: “Who is not meeting success in our district?”, “Why are they not
meeting with success?”, and “What can be done to improve their changes of
meeting with success?” As a result of this work, which involved analysis of
available data, interviews with students, class forum discussions and literature
reviews, three broad areas of need have been identified as requiring attention in
the future: creating and maintaining positive relationships, engaging instructional
approaches and a need to conceptualize and deliver discipline differently.
Further, within these three broad areas, certain groups were identified as needing
more support, including students with behavioural challenges and our aboriginal
population.
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We continue to develop a positive working relationship with our Aboriginal
Partner groups. Specifically, our Local Education Agreement with the Penticton
Indian Band (P.I.B.) continues to serve as a framework that allows our efforts to
be more purposeful. Through a number of meetings with the P.I.B. and
professional development activities focused on engaging and empowering
Aboriginal youth, we continue to: 1) Offer cultural enhancement activities that
deepen our students’ individual sense of culture, and 2) Develop and add
curricular content that increases the cultural relevance of the students’ academic
programs.
b.
English 10 Average Exam & Course Mark:
The final mark for a course is derived from the course mark (classroom work) and
the exam mark. It is important to remember that the course mark measures
performance for the duration of the course and often includes assessment of
learning outcomes that can not be measured on a final exam. The exam evaluates
performance through large-scale testing, and so it is important to note that the
results of these two indicators may vary.
Secondary schools in the district have been reviewing grading practices and
implementing Assessment for Learning strategies to ensure that the course mark
is representative of the students’ ability to demonstrate through varied ways the
required learning outcomes of English 10.
c.
FSA Grade 4 Reading Meeting-Exceeding Expectations:
Beginning in 2007/08 students completed the FSA in February, almost three
months earlier than in previous years. Consequently the 2007/08 and 2008/09
results cannot be compared to those of previous years, and as a result no trend
data is available.
Grade 4 FSA results for 2007/08 and 2008/09 are above the provincial averages
for our general population, female population, male population and aboriginal
population. As well, in 2008/09 our district participation rate was 92%, which is
8% above the provincial average of 84%.
Results indicate that there is a gap in achievement with both our male and
aboriginal populations and that of our female population.
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4. Comment on progress made with respect to goals and targets set out in your
last achievement contract citing evidence of this progress?
Goal: To improve student success in reading.
Literacy data collected at the school level indicates that throughout the grade
levels there are 5% to 11% of students who are “Not Yet Meeting (NYM)”
expectations in reading. Although we have a small percentage of students NYM
expectations in reading, we have a significant number of students who are
“Minimally Meeting (MM)” expectations, ranging from 37% to 53%, depending
on the grade level.
FSA results indicate that approximately 16% of Grade 4’s and 18% of Grade 7’s
are “Not Yet Meeting Expectations” in reading. Grades 4 and 7 FSA results for
2007/08 and 2008/09 are above the provincial averages for our general
population, female population, male population and aboriginal population.
At this point in time, there is no trend data at the district or provincial level. The
evidence that is available suggests that more boys than girls fall into the NYM
and MM range and more aboriginal students fall into the NYM and MM range
than non-aboriginal students.
Goal: To increase the likelihood that ALL students will successfully complete
their educational programs with a positive sense of optimism, purpose and
control.
Transition rates from 2003/04 to 2007/08 have remained relatively constant for all
grade levels and are similar to provincial transition rates. The transition rates of
the female population are similar to those of the male population. Aboriginal
transition rates, however, are lower than the transition rates for the general
population from Grade 8 through to Grade 12, with the gap increasing as students
progress to the next grade.
Similarly, as mentioned earlier, six-year school completion rates are slightly
above the provincial rates, but appear to have reached a plateau.
Goal: To improve student success in numeracy.
At this point in time, there is no trend data at the district or provincial level.
FSA results at the Grade 4 level have improved for all students, increasing from
72% “Meeting or Exceeding” expectations to 76% in 2009, which is 10% above
the provincial average. Aboriginal student results indicate that 60% are “Meeting
or Exceeding” expectations compared to a provincial average of 47%.
FSA results at the Grade 7 level mirror the provincial trend. The percentage of
students “Meeting or Exceeding” expectations shows a decline from Grade 4 to 7
in all of our populations. Further, district FSA results for all students (60%) are
slightly below the provincial average of 63%.
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At the school level, the District Math Assessment (DMA) is used to assess
success in numeracy at the Grade 3, 5 and 8 levels. Results from the DMA show
a similar pattern to the FSA results. Student success rates decline as students
move from Grade 3 through to Grade 8. As well, there is a gap between the
results of our general population and our aboriginal population.
Summary:
School District No. 67 has much to celebrate. We are proud of the diversity of
programs offered to students and the success of our students at all levels in the
system. District results are above the provincial average in most areas. Our
provincial pass rates and exam marks are improving. Despite these strengths, we
recognize that there are still a number of students who are not experiencing
success. Subsequently, School District No. 67 is continuing to pursue the vision
of “improving the achievement of all students – each and every student”.
For the past several years, School District No. 67 has supported a tremendous
amount of work around two major cornerstone strategies for improving student
achievement: 1) to develop student transition/intervention strategies in order to
close the achievement gap; and 2) to increase student engagement in classrooms
in order to enhance learning for all. These long term change efforts are dependent
on distributive leadership, support and resources. Further, system change is
incremental.
For the first few years of the improvement process the district focus has been on
building capacity, supporting staff in deepening their knowledge, understanding
and classroom practice. The improvement focused on developing readiness in the
schools and district so that promising classroom practices and intervention/
transition programs were supported and developed. Assessment for learning
practices, differentiated instruction, effective grading practices, strategies to
enhance school connectedness, restorative justice, Tribes, Friends and SMART
Learning are examples of promising practices that the district has built capacity
around.
The Ministry of Education District Review Team visited the district on
April 6-10, 2008 and offered this recommendation:
“Balance the need to implement innovative strategies with the time needed
to reflect, to assess strategies for effectiveness, and to consolidate
practices.”
The next step in improvement for the district is to “focus and deepen the work”,
meaning taking the capacity we have built and strategically supporting the
implementation of effective practices throughout the system. Moreover, it is
critical to be reflective in our work; to determine whether or not the changes
implemented are impacting the achievement results for all students in classrooms
and schools. In an effort to expand our capacity, collaboration and commitment,
the district has moved to an inquiry based school planning process.
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5. Discuss the connectedness of the Achievement Contract (District Progress
Report), Superintendent’s Report, District Literacy Plan, Early Learning
Plan and Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement.
The goals set out in the District Progress Report, District Literacy Plan, Early
Learning Plan and Aboriginal Enhancement Agreement all align with and support
the youth within our schools and communities. The Superintendent’s report
identifies the progress the district has made in terms of improving student
achievement in relation to the goals and provides direction for subsequent
planning to further enhance student success. Communicating the connections
between these documents is ongoing and serves to increase awareness of both the
successes and challenges of improving student achievement.
6. Report on the implementation of Recommendation #5 of the Representative
of Children and Youth regarding Children in Care.
Implementation of Children in Care Initiative
Yes/No
Is a person appointed in each
school to monitor the success
of children in care (CIC) and
promote appropriate
interventions?
Have initial rosters of CIC
been updated in consultation
with local MCFD offices?
Is information shared between
district, schools and MCFD in
a manner consistent with the
interests of CIC?
Are children in temporary care
arrangements, by agreement or
in the home of a relative
included in monitoring and
support functions?
Yes
Comment
Our Director of Instruction (Student
Support Services) has forwarded the names
of each school contact to Dean Goodman at
the Ministry of Education.
Yes
Yes
No
As per the email from James Gorman, Ref:
131700, the partner groups are exploring
ways in which the achievement of students
in other categories of care can be monitored
effectively. In conversations with MCFD
an effective, accurate system for monitoring
children in temporary care arrangements is
not yet available.
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Additional steps and activities the district has implemented regarding the
Representative’s recommendation:
The documents titled “Kids, Crime and Care - Health and Well-Being of Children in
Care: Youth Justice Experiences and Outcomes”, (2009) and “Joint Educational
Planning and Support for Children and Youth in Care: Cross Ministry Guidelines” have
been reviewed and discussed by all school-based administrators at a district meeting.
All school designates have received a copy of “Joint Educational Planning and Support
for Children and Youth in Care: Cross Ministry Guidelines” as well. A spreadsheet has
been developed to record information at both the school and district level, which will
provide a student profile of each student.
School District No. 67 implements a number of practices that are identified in the
document “Effective Practices to Improve Educational Outcomes for Children and Youth
in Care”, including:
ƒ Connecting vulnerable youth with an adult mentor or role model
ƒ Providing literacy intervention to students reading below grade level
ƒ Implementing Tribes
ƒ Implementing the FRIENDS for Life program at the Grade 4/5 level in all
schools (mandatory) and at the Grade 7 level (optional)
ƒ Piloting the BC Fun Friends program at the primary level
ƒ Offering a variety of clubs and activities for students in all schools
ƒ Implementing the six key learning practices of Assessment for Learning in
schools
Further steps and activities the district is planning to undertake regarding the
Representative’s recommendation:
Meeting with all designates to review the information gathered and identify further plans
to assist students in meeting with success.
What measures and evidence will be used to monitor the educational attainment of
Children in Care in your School District?
Evidence to be used includes:
• Gathering information on reading level for each student.
• Determining whether students are not yet meeting, minimally meeting, fully
meeting or exceeding expectations in each of the core areas, and implementing
plans accordingly.
• Determining whether goals in the IEP have been met (if designated).
• Gather information in regards to inclusion in extra-curricular activities.
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Concluding remarks:
The Board of Education and district and school staffs are working hard at improving the
life chances for all our students. District conversations about our successes and
challenges are hopeful and positive, with an increased focus on each and every student. I
would like to acknowledge and thank the staff, parents and Board for their collective
effort in enhancing student achievement in School District No. 67.
HR:2009/10/00100-00999Administration/00470-04Government-Ministry of Education/General/Superintendent’sReport 09Dec14
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School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha)
RECOGNITION OF STUDENT/SCHOOL SUCCESS
December 14, 2009
School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) extends congratulations to the following students/groups for these
outstanding examples of success for November:
COLUMBIA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
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Columbia Elementary students and staff were impacted by the powerful message at their recent
Remembrance Day Assembly. The grade 5 students did a tremendous job of leading the assembly,
and they were so grateful to have the Penticton Pipe Band perform (and special guests, Corporals
Sean Bacon and Mike Smitham) and share their stories with everyone. As well, classes recited poetry
and the choir performed, all led by students. It was an assembly that would be remembered by all who
attended.
•
Columbia Kindergarten students and their parents participated in a special time of learning and play
recently. On this day, the Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Delorme, opened her doors and had parents
work with their child at a variety of stations set up to demonstrate activities that parents can participate
in with their child, in order to increase their literacy and numeracy knowledge. Parents and children
affirmed that learning through play is a wonderful way to spend time together.
Learning and Play Time
Columbia Elementary
KALEDEN ELEMENTARY
•
Kaleden Elementary held their annual Remembrance Day assembly on November 10th. Every student
had a role – be it decorating the gym, singing a song or sharing thoughts of peace and acceptance.
Everyone was honored to have members of the Okanagan Falls Legion and Colour Guard attend this
important event.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
•
The Penticton Lakers visited Kaleden Elementary school on November 5th and joined everyone for the
daily physical activity session. Each of the classes rotated through the gym for a half hour game with
the boys. At the end of each session the team signed autographs and talked to the kids about goal
setting and having a dream. What a great experience for the students.
Penticton Lakers Visit
Kaleden Elementary
KVR MIDDLE SCHOOL
•
Operation Shoebox…Once again students at KVR have been working diligently… collecting items
and filling gift boxes to send overseas to those in need in developing countries.
•
South Zone Champions! Three KVR teams won South Zone Championships for their Fall seasons.
Congratulations to both grade 8 boys’ and girls’ volleyball teams and to the girls’ field hockey team for
their winning seasons.
•
Activity Centre Construction has begun… we are excited to see that construction has begun on the
new Activity Centre (Not a playground!). Hopefully, the students will be climbing on their new apparatus
in the near future! Thanks to the PAC and district staff on making this dream become a reality.
McNICOLL PARK MIDDLE SCHOOL
•
Several groups of grade 8 students held fund raisers for various community groups: One of the
teachers at McNicoll Park Middle used a skill-based program that promotes healthy relationships to the
students. At the end of the program the students had to choose one of the topics that they learned
about during the program. The idea was to come up with a realistic strategy to help foster respect in
the school/community.
Some students held a bake sale and a pizza lunch to help raise money for local charities (they baked
all the goodies and had the pizza donated). Several students made posters to help get their message
across to the student population. Another student put together a magic show/skit to help raise
awareness for his topic. All in all it was very successful as the students raised over $560.00.
•
McNicoll Park Elementary grade 8 girls' volleyball team successfully hosted the South Zone
Championships on November 3rd. The team won the league title but fell short in the South Zone
Championships ending up in second place. Congratulations to coach Karen Hocking and all the grade
8 girl volleyball players.
NARAMATA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Naramata Elementary has been busy in November:
•
Volleyball - the Rattler volleyball season started November 12th. Volleyball is an intramural sport and
will be played at the school during the lunch hour. The volleyball practices/games are held on
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm until 12:30 pm. Students from grades 3, 4 & 5 have been
encouraged to attend and to give volleyball a try.
•
The Naramata Rattlers enjoyed a terrific soccer season with over 30 students from grade 3, 4 & 5
participating. The players showed good sportsmanship, improved skill development, and excellent
team play throughout the season. The Naramata Rattler team included the following players:
Heidi Robertson
Stuart Carlson
Connor Oh
Leeum Jones
Casey Carriere
Desiree Paulhus
Kai Balance
David McCutcheon
Lyndzie Caron
Cole Davies
Jacob Kirschmann
Josh Gowe
Spencer Miller
Kayley Davies
Hank Cumming
Maceo Raynolds
Cali Anderson
Sam Hallworth
Lukas Vozenilek
Josie Kay
Tyler Giesbrecht
McKenna Wheeler
Jacob Oh
Mike Gowe
Brock Schlenker
Bryce Burlingame
Sage Togyi
Felicia Ord
Ethan Trovao
Chase Davies
•
Thanks to all the
parent drivers for their
support in transporting
the players to their
games this season, to
Mr. Tony Trovao and
to Mr. Gary Kay for
helping coach, and to
the team’s head
coach, Mr. McBryde.
•
Naramata Super Stars:
The Naramata Elementary
November Super Stars
Assembly took place on
Monday, Nov. 2nd. The
following students were
honoured for their efforts,
talents, and kindness.
Students
received
a
certificate to take home and
a small trophy to place on
their desk for a week. (a
certificate is also placed on
the bulletin board at school)
The trophies have been
kindly donated by Okanagan
Awards Plus (Tony & Jodi
Trovao).
Naramata Super Stars
Div. 1 (Grade 5) Lukas Vozenilek, Josh Gowe, Stuart Carlson, Brock Schlenker
Div. 2 (Grade 3, 4) Sage Togyi, Felicia Ord
Div. 3 (Grade 1, 2) Bailey Damen, Bryce Doroshuk, Shianne Hillenbrand
•
Robotics Club is back! Thanks to Jennifer Vozenilek who is again sponsoring the Robotics Club. The
club meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at lunch and is open to students in grade 3, 4, and 5. The
purpose of this club is to develop and encourage an interest in science and technology through
exploring the fun and excitement of creating, building, and programming robots. This year the Robotics
Club competed in the Robotics Cup on November 20th at UBCO in Kelowna – placing second in the
challenge.
•
Jennifer Moorhouse Naramata’s grade 1, 2 teacher was named Naramata's Citizen of the Year for her
many, many years of community service including running May Day (for decades). Congratulations to
Jennifer!
PARKWAY ELEMENTARY
•
Parkway Elementary held an excellent Remembrance Day assembly on November 10th.
Mrs. Tunnell's class did a great job organizing and participating in the program. A big thank you to
Mrs. Watkins class as well. Over 40 parents attended the assembly.
•
The parents once again did an excellent job hosting a Hot Dog lunch for everyone. Thank you to all the
wonderful volunteers!
•
The second Floor Hockey Tournament of the year took place at Queen's Park school. Close to 80
students took part in the exciting day!
•
The second School Spirit day of the year was a great success. Most of the students and staff wore
their pajamas to school and received house team points for their teams! It was a great day full of fun.
•
The first Ready Set Learn session for 3 and 4 year olds was held in the Kindergarten classroom and
was very well attended. Thank you to Mrs. Tucker for running such a successful event.
•
The PAC held another hot lunch on Friday and once again things went very smoothly. Thanks to all of
the volunteers!
•
The students have all been busy practicing for the upcoming winter concerts which take place in
December. A huge thank you to Mrs. Stagg for all of her work.
PENTICTON SECONDARY SCHOOL
•
Three Penticton Secondary students have been shortlisted for the Loran Scholarship (a national
leadership scholarship valued at over $70,000). Congratulations to:
Holly Anthony
Becky Pettigrew
Ollie McCluskey
They will participate in regional interviews in December and from there, the top candidates will be flown
to Toronto for the national interviews. Great news!
QUEEN’S PARK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
•
Queen’s Park Elementary recognized the following students for a job well done in November. Each
student was awarded a certificate:
Div 1
Div 1
Div 3
Div 3
Div 3
Div 2
Div 2
Div 4
Div 4
Div 4
Div 5
Div 5
Div 6
Div 6
Div 7
Div 7
Div 8
Div 8
Div 8
Div 9
Div 9
Div 9
Alyssa Jamieson
Zoe Cardinal
Alajandra Daublais
Romalee Stanley
Ben Gibb
Nicholas Raposo
Kristen Vandeweghe
Christian Suastegui
Connor Favell
Presley Praught
Madison Van Ryswyk
Echo Dawn Wilson
A.J. Gudmundson
Sebastian Hiebert
Jake Erickson
Heather Gibb
Seth Neuman
Cephren Gerrard
Abi Heyer
Alicia Schrank
Nathan Collinga
Noah Hounslow
Winners of “Guess Who Got Caught Being Kind” this month were:
Div 4
Div 7
Connor Favell
Isaac Collinge
•
Queen’s Park Elementary got involved in a wonderful Learn to Skate Program. The program kicked off
with great success as the school had classes attend the first session in November at the South
Okanagan Events Centre. This was a great partnership between the Okanagan Hockey School,
Penticton Minor Hockey, the City of Penticton, Global Spectrum, and the volunteers from Queen’s Park
school. A big thank you to the Penticton Tim Horton’s who supplied coffee and snacks to the
volunteers who worked hard to tie skates and put helmets on the students.
SKAHA LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL
•
A team of teachers and administrators attended the “Fall Forum on School Completion” in Kelowna on
November 2nd. Teams from many schools throughout the Okanagan Valley attended presentations on
how various schools are addressing the needs of their students who are at-risk on not completing
school.
•
Parent-Student-Teacher interviews took place on November 3rd and 4th. 197 interview slots (15
minutes each) were booked and interviews took place.
•
A team of teachers and administrators are attending a five week webinar series titled “Using Strength –
Based Approaches with Aboriginal Youth”. The webinar involves teams from most middle and
secondary schools in the district supporting the initiatives to see the aboriginal student population
become more successful in school and therefore increase graduation rates.
•
Skaha Lake’s student-led Remembrance Day Ceremony was held on November 10th . Students from
the drama and leadership classes participated as well as the grade 8 concert band and the Skaha Lake
Middle School Singers. Skaha students involved in Army and Air Force cadets also participated along
with members of the Penticton Pipe Band.
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Remembrance Day Ceremony
Skaha Lake Middle
SUMMERLAND SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Hundred Club… by Thomas Ziebarth
•
The Hundred Club was conceived in the summer of ’09 by two students, and developed by a team of
five who became the club’s founding members. In the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year, a
proposal was drawn up and – with assistance from Sponsor Teacher Ryan McCarty – presented to
Principal Dave Searcy as the second School Club.
The club’s philosophy is “If we don’t just do it, we’ll spend our lives wondering what we missed.”
Together, members explore the recreational opportunities unique to the region in an effort to break the
habit of sitting at home on the computer or watching television. The club’s founder believes that high
school is the time for developing habits, and that his duty is to inspire others to make these habits
good, not ways of wasting time. He also believes that students have the power to affect their local
communities – that there is nothing keeping them from doing so. Both of these philosophies are
reflected strongly in the club’s activities.
The first project of the Hundred Club was called the ‘100 Miles’, where members ran one hundred miles
over the course of one hundred days, for personal reasons. Some chose to run for fitness, others ran
just to get outdoors, and some ran to prove to themselves that they could. However, one unifying belief
bound all of these runners together; getting outside to run every day for over three months develops a
healthy habit.
On the flip side, the Hundred Club is very active in the local community. On the morning that the 100
Miles kicked off, 9 club members sold newspapers at 6:30 am to raise money for Raise-a-Reader, (a
nation wide charity that promotes child literacy). They raised over $350 that morning and were later
invited to a thank-you breakfast to meet the organization’s directors.
The Hundred Club recently initiated a peer-tutoring program at the school that offers assistance to
students in grades 9-12. It is run by nearly a dozen volunteer tutors, covering subjects from Art to
Principles of Mathematics 12. This creates a one-on-one environment between two students that many
find more relaxing and understandable than seeking help directly from a teacher.
Another in-school project of the Hundred Club is the SAT Study group. Organized by the club’s
founder, the group is dedicated to teaching students about the SAT and the opportunities it provides,
as well as helping interested students develop the necessary study habits as well as understand what
is on the SAT.
All things said and done, the Hundred Club is a ball that just started rolling. Few can say what they
have planned for the spring, but we can all see what they’ve already done.
TROUT CREEK ELEMENTARY
It has been a busy, productive month for staff, students and parents at Trout Creek Elementary. Here are
some highlights of their time together:
•
Excellent volunteer support for the new One To One Reading Program; a special thank you to
Mrs. Walton and Mrs. Mercer for their co-ordination.
•
Great participation by grade 4 and 5 students on the cross-country team sponsored by Ms. Thorp;
the team did very well at the Naramata Run and recent Pumpkin Run; thanks to all the parents for
helping out with this yearly event.
•
The entire school participated in D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) which promotes reading
habits and support libraries.
•
An engaging Author Speaks - organized by Mrs. Jang for primary and also intermediate classes.
•
Parent teacher interviews completed with each child’s parent/guardian.
•
‘Bus Safety’ discussions - completed with Kindergarten to grade 3 classes.
•
Fire safety presentation by the Penticton Secondary School drama club and participation in the
Annual Fire Hall’s “Get Out Alive” contest.
•
Completion of the school wide running program until April.
•
The Trout Creek Cross-Country Running Team has wrapped up a very successful season. The
team consisted of 34 athletes who averaged 8km of running per week. This enthusiastic group of
athletes set running goals and continually strived towards their personal best. The focus for the team
was to increase fitness levels while acquiring proper running techniques, encourage and appreciate
the efforts of others and of course… to have fun. This season, the team participated in two races in
Naramata and at Trout Creek.
Team Members:
Grade Four
J.J. Henderson
Josh Webb
Austin Bubar
Hannah Walton
Carolyn Kont
Dominique Boswell
Hannah Vandersluys
Myah Nakoney
Katie Portman
Alex Sarglepp
Riley Haist
Matthew Esslinger
Helena Mott
Sophie Cormillot
Chole Harrold
Haley Berrisford
Selena Raab
Grade Five
Thea Lemare Haverkamp
Stella Siemens
Jennifer Butler
Maria Raitt
Noah Vaisanen
Angus Hume
Grayden Portman
Kody Lundell
Pavel Gill
Hannah Nixdorf
Natasha Faye
Jensen Kentel
Cate Critchlow
Brandon Bartolomeoli
Greg Mercer
Tyson Harrington
Franco Huber
UPLANDS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Uplands Elementary have been very busy in November – Highlights are:
•
Grade 5 Student Leadership Conference (with presenters from PM and PSS).
•
Multicultural Club.
•
Regular assemblies, SOAR, Students of the Week and Block X.
•
Receiving a new SMART camera, SMARTboard and Kidspiration computer program (many, many
thanks to the PAC).
•
Hot Lunches.
•
Cross-country running meets and practices.
•
Volleyball/Newcomb at noon.
•
Volleyball Made for Kids with Tammy Thomas held on November 19th.
•
On November 10th the school demonstrated a very meaningful Remembrance Day Ceremony. The
students did a wonderful job of both public speaking and singing. Many thanks go out to the Penticton
Pipe Band, special guest speakers (who had been to Afghanistan), Judy Street for presenting an
incredible Powerpoint and to Cyndie Salting for her beautiful music.
Remembrance Day
Ceremony
•
Crazy Hair Day and Uplands’ Spirit Days.
•
SMARTLearning teaching demonstrations.
•
Skating.
•
Monster Mash and Parade.
•
Family Pumpkin Carving Evening and UNICEF Campaign ($482.00 raised).
•
Book Fair.
•
Parent/Teacher Interviews and Term 1 Progress Reports.
•
On November 13th student leaders from Princess Margaret and Penticton Secondary Schools Made a
Difference at the grade 5 Student Leadership Conference. The student leaders presented valuable
sessions titled, First Impressions, Making a Difference, Being Your Own Superhero and Leaving a
Legacy. The keynote speaker was Holly Anthony from Penticton Secondary. Student leader
presenters/speakers did an amazing job and everyone was very pleased to have the grade 5 students
from West Bench join in.
Student Leadership
Conference
•
Congratulations to the committed cross-country running team. They all put their best effort forward at
the Naramata and Trout Creek meets and Ailee Hayman broke a grade 4 girls’ record in Naramata!
Crazy Hair Day
VOLLEYBALL MADE FOR KIDS
With National Beach Volleyball Team Member
and Coach, Tammy Thomas
Student’s of the Week
WEST BENCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
•
West Bench’s PAC bought the school a brand new HP colour printer for the computer lab. It is a great
addition and will be put to good use.
•
All students of West Bench did a performance for the Remembrance Day Assembly. The Senior Guitar
Club played "Where Have All the Flowers Gone."
•
West Bench had Award Assemblies to recognize students for their citizenship and learning.
•
Students worked on the behaviour program ‘Making Character Count.’ Putting yourself in someone
else's shoes and having respect for others' feelings was addressed with everyone.
•
Mrs. Thacker volunteered to be the staff representative on the SAFE Team.
•
Mrs. Kay and Mrs. Donovan met to plan SmartLearning sequences using Aboriginal Literacy material.
•
Mrs. Kay and Mr. Philpotts attended the Aboriginal Webinars at the School Board office every
Thursday.
•
Mrs. McDowall, Mrs Thacker and Mrs. Balfour had their classes make decorations for the Christmas
Tree Project. Mrs. Balfour decorated it at the Penticton Trade and Convention Centre. It looked
beautiful.
•
Richard Anderson and Chad Eneas from the En’owkin Centre presented to the staff and PAC about the
Penticton Indian Bands Locatee Lands. West Bench classes will be visiting the lands in the future.
•
Teachers took part in West Bench Class Reviews.
•
Teachers took part in BCeSIS training for report cards.
•
The grade 5 students from West Bench joined grade 5 students from Uplands for a Leadership
morning. Leadership students from Penticton Secondary and Princess Margaret worked with the grade
5 students on leadership activities.
•
During the week Coach Gordon McKay has been working with the grade 4 & 5 boys on Tuesday and
the grade 4 & 5 girls on Wednesday coaching basketball.
•
Both Senior and Junior Guitar clubs have been meeting on Friday mornings.
WILTSE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
•
Wiltse Elementary grade 1 successes in November:
“Learning is Fun in Grade 1”
“Back and Forth Bags”
Students use the hand-crafted bags to carry
their student planner and home reading
books.
“Math Problem of the Week”
A school-wide challenge designed to have
students develop their mathematical
reasoning and problem-solving skills.
“Patterns”
Students demonstrate and extend their
understanding of patterns using manipulatives.
Science activity centres using
marbles, tops, pencils and magnets
to explore and learn about balance,
movement and magnetism.