School District No. 67 (Okanagan Skaha) Empowering all Learners to Thrive

67 Stories

67 Stories is a monthly update that includes a collection of stories from our schools. These stories display our dynamic schools with examples of student engagement, creative, and inclusive learning environment.

Students in grade 5 are integrating numeracy (measurement, angles, spacial reasoning), science (force and motion), and applied design to create their own pinball machines. Wonderful horizontal learning!

Students in grade 5 are integrating numeracy (measurement, angles, spacial reasoning), science (force and motion), and applied design to create their own pinball machines. Wonderful horizontal learning!

Students in grade 5 are integrating numeracy (measurement, angles, spacial reasoning), science (force and motion), and applied design to create their own pinball machines. Wonderful horizontal learning!

Students at KVRE show their creativity and critical thinking in our Maker Lab. ADST Teacher Mr. Lott supports a 3D Print Club and Maker Space Club where students design and produce 3D printed objects and are currently participating in a video game design contest with Fruitvale Elementary where students are competing to design the best Immune System game. Students with the best design will be provided a classic game console onto which they can download and play the video game they designed!

Students at KVRE show their creativity and critical thinking in our Maker Lab. ADST Teacher Mr. Lott supports a 3D Print Club and Maker Space Club where students design and produce 3D printed objects and are currently participating in a video game design contest with Fruitvale Elementary where students are competing to design the best Immune System game. Students with the best design will be provided a classic game console onto which they can download and play the video game they designed!

Students at KVRE show their creativity and critical thinking in our Maker Lab. ADST Teacher Mr. Lott supports a 3D Print Club and Maker Space Club where students design and produce 3D printed objects and are currently participating in a video game design contest with Fruitvale Elementary where students are competing to design the best Immune System game. Students with the best design will be provided a classic game console onto which they can download and play the video game they designed!

Columbia’s PAC hosted their annual Kids’ Winter Market this week. Families donated gently used items from home, and students had the opportunity to shop for gifts for their loved ones. Each gift was sold at a flat rate of $1, and every child went home with two gifts wrapped in student-decorated gift bags. Remaining items were wrapped and delivered as gifts to residents at Westview Long Term Care Centre.

Columbia’s PAC hosted their annual Kids’ Winter Market this week. Families donated gently used items from home, and students had the opportunity to shop for gifts for their loved ones. Each gift was sold at a flat rate of $1, and every child went home with two gifts wrapped in student-decorated gift bags. Remaining items were wrapped and delivered as gifts to residents at Westview Long Term Care Centre.

Students in division 1 (Mrs. Tuters) at West Bench elementary have been learning about poverty, resilience, determination, and the empowerment of girls through education in social studies this term. Also, as part of this learning journey, students have learned the game of Chess. WB was excited to welcome students from SSS to challenge players in a Chess tournament.

Students in division 1 (Mrs. Tuters) at West Bench elementary have been learning about poverty, resilience, determination, and the empowerment of girls through education in social studies this term. Also, as part of this learning journey, students have learned the game of Chess. WB was excited to welcome students from SSS to challenge players in a Chess tournament.

Students in division 1 (Mrs. Tuters) at West Bench elementary have been learning about poverty, resilience, determination, and the empowerment of girls through education in social studies this term. Also, as part of this learning journey, students have learned the game of Chess. WB was excited to welcome students from SSS to challenge players in a Chess tournament.

Penticton Secondary hosted its annual Toys for Tots to Teens, an annual event that brings the community together to support local families during the holiday season. Community members, businesses, and several elementary schools donated wrapped gifts while enjoying a warm drink and breakfast and also to the Pen High Jazz Bands. Led by Ms. Mennell, Mr. Gill, and over 70 leadership students, this initiative raised over $11,500 and collected 2,300 toys, showcasing student leadership and community engagement. These events continue to strengthen school-community connections and student success by empowering learners to lead meaningful projects, while living out the core values of empathy and equity.

Penticton Secondary hosted its annual Toys for Tots to Teens, an annual event that brings the community together to support local families during the holiday season. Community members, businesses, and several elementary schools donated wrapped gifts while enjoying a warm drink and breakfast and also to the Pen High Jazz Bands. Led by Ms. Mennell, Mr. Gill, and over 70 leadership students, this initiative raised over $11,500 and collected 2,300 toys, showcasing student leadership and community engagement. These events continue to strengthen school-community connections and student success by empowering learners to lead meaningful projects, while living out the core values of empathy and equity.

Penticton Secondary hosted its annual Toys for Tots to Teens, an annual event that brings the community together to support local families during the holiday season. Community members, businesses, and several elementary schools donated wrapped gifts while enjoying a warm drink and breakfast and also to the Pen High Jazz Bands. Led by Ms. Mennell, Mr. Gill, and over 70 leadership students, this initiative raised over $11,500 and collected 2,300 toys, showcasing student leadership and community engagement. These events continue to strengthen school-community connections and student success by empowering learners to lead meaningful projects, while living out the core values of empathy and equity.

Stepping through the main doors of Princess Margaret Secondary, visitors were met with a striking tribute—the Wall of Heroes. Rows of framed photographs lined the entrance, each accompanied by a short story that brought to life the faces and names of local men and women who served in the military. The display transformed the space into a place of remembrance and reflection, offering a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every image. Led by Grade 12 student Chanelle Steyn in partnership with the Penticton Museum, the project created a meaningful connection between the school and its community, turning history into something deeply personal and lasting.

Stepping through the main doors of Princess Margaret Secondary, visitors were met with a striking tribute—the Wall of Heroes. Rows of framed photographs lined the entrance, each accompanied by a short story that brought to life the faces and names of local men and women who served in the military. The display transformed the space into a place of remembrance and reflection, offering a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every image. Led by Grade 12 student Chanelle Steyn in partnership with the Penticton Museum, the project created a meaningful connection between the school and its community, turning history into something deeply personal and lasting.

Stepping through the main doors of Princess Margaret Secondary, visitors were met with a striking tribute—the Wall of Heroes. Rows of framed photographs lined the entrance, each accompanied by a short story that brought to life the faces and names of local men and women who served in the military. The display transformed the space into a place of remembrance and reflection, offering a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every image. Led by Grade 12 student Chanelle Steyn in partnership with the Penticton Museum, the project created a meaningful connection between the school and its community, turning history into something deeply personal and lasting.

Stepping through the main doors of Princess Margaret Secondary, visitors were met with a striking tribute—the Wall of Heroes. Rows of framed photographs lined the entrance, each accompanied by a short story that brought to life the faces and names of local men and women who served in the military. The display transformed the space into a place of remembrance and reflection, offering a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every image. Led by Grade 12 student Chanelle Steyn in partnership with the Penticton Museum, the project created a meaningful connection between the school and its community, turning history into something deeply personal and lasting.

Stepping through the main doors of Princess Margaret Secondary, visitors were met with a striking tribute—the Wall of Heroes. Rows of framed photographs lined the entrance, each accompanied by a short story that brought to life the faces and names of local men and women who served in the military. The display transformed the space into a place of remembrance and reflection, offering a powerful reminder of the courage and sacrifice behind every image. Led by Grade 12 student Chanelle Steyn in partnership with the Penticton Museum, the project created a meaningful connection between the school and its community, turning history into something deeply personal and lasting.

Students and staff at West Bench recognized Remembrance Day with a student-led assembly. Students shared the poem In Flanders Fields, sang Light a Candle for Peace, and presented a tableau titled Scenes from a Soldier’s Diary. Welcoming Master Corporal Justin George back to West Bench and listening to him speak was both an honour and a privilege. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from his experiences and to reflect on the importance of peace.

Students and staff at West Bench recognized Remembrance Day with a student-led assembly. Students shared the poem In Flanders Fields, sang Light a Candle for Peace, and presented a tableau titled Scenes from a Soldier’s Diary. Welcoming Master Corporal Justin George back to West Bench and listening to him speak was both an honour and a privilege. We are grateful for the opportunity to learn from his experiences and to reflect on the importance of peace.

This fall, Kaleden Elementary expanded to include a volleyball team. The coed team was made up of students from grades 4–6. Students started off with catching the ball and throwing it over the net, and with practice they built volleyball skills to serve, bump, set, and rally together. By the end of the season, the team showed great improvement, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Their dedication not only strengthened their athletic abilities but also fostered school spirit and friendships across grades.

This fall, Kaleden Elementary expanded to include a volleyball team. The coed team was made up of students from grades 4–6. Students started off with catching the ball and throwing it over the net, and with practice they built volleyball skills to serve, bump, set, and rally together. By the end of the season, the team showed great improvement, teamwork, and enthusiasm. Their dedication not only strengthened their athletic abilities but also fostered school spirit and friendships across grades.

Each month local chefs create delicious soups from the harvest of our school garden. Our students gather together for a special harvest soup lunch in our school gym to enjoy the delicious soups. Thank you to James Young, our school gardener, and his many volunteers who make this monthly event happen for our school community.

Each month local chefs create delicious soups from the harvest of our school garden. Our students gather together for a special harvest soup lunch in our school gym to enjoy the delicious soups. Thank you to James Young, our school gardener, and his many volunteers who make this monthly event happen for our school community.

Each month local chefs create delicious soups from the harvest of our school garden. Our students gather together for a special harvest soup lunch in our school gym to enjoy the delicious soups. Thank you to James Young, our school gardener, and his many volunteers who make this monthly event happen for our school community.

Penticton Secondary hosted its annual Walk for Wenjack, honouring Chanie Wenjack and advancing the spirit of Truth and ReconciliACTION. Students walked the track in a sea of purple shirts, listened to Gord Downie’s music, and shared hot chocolate as they reflected on the residential school experience. With participation growing from 6 classes last year to over 20 this year, the event demonstrates our commitment to SD67’s Truth and Reconciliation goal by creating meaningful cultural learning opportunities and fostering Relationships and Belonging through empathy and inclusion.

Penticton Secondary hosted its annual Walk for Wenjack, honouring Chanie Wenjack and advancing the spirit of Truth and ReconciliACTION. Students walked the track in a sea of purple shirts, listened to Gord Downie’s music, and shared hot chocolate as they reflected on the residential school experience. With participation growing from 6 classes last year to over 20 this year, the event demonstrates our commitment to SD67’s Truth and Reconciliation goal by creating meaningful cultural learning opportunities and fostering Relationships and Belonging through empathy and inclusion.

Uplands primary classes participated in a BC WildSafe Rangers presentation designed to share fun and practical tips about local wildlife! What do you do if you see a bear? The students found out in this lively, interactive presentation.

Uplands primary classes participated in a BC WildSafe Rangers presentation designed to share fun and practical tips about local wildlife! What do you do if you see a bear? The students found out in this lively, interactive presentation.

Uplands primary classes participated in a BC WildSafe Rangers presentation designed to share fun and practical tips about local wildlife! What do you do if you see a bear? The students found out in this lively, interactive presentation.

At Queen's Park we always try to keep 'relationships and belonging' at the forefront of what we do. This year we have joined forces with the OHA. Each week students from their program come to our school to work with some of our primary classes. They join in for gym, outside play and in the classroom with the learning activities. Some of the in-school volunteers also come over on Friday mornings to help on ice at the Queen's Park hockey program. Great seeing the relationship between the OHA/Pen-Hi students and our school community.

At Queen's Park we always try to keep 'relationships and belonging' at the forefront of what we do. This year we have joined forces with the OHA. Each week students from their program come to our school to work with some of our primary classes. They join in for gym, outside play and in the classroom with the learning activities. Some of the in-school volunteers also come over on Friday mornings to help on ice at the Queen's Park hockey program. Great seeing the relationship between the OHA/Pen-Hi students and our school community.

At Queen's Park we always try to keep 'relationships and belonging' at the forefront of what we do. This year we have joined forces with the OHA. Each week students from their program come to our school to work with some of our primary classes. They join in for gym, outside play and in the classroom with the learning activities. Some of the in-school volunteers also come over on Friday mornings to help on ice at the Queen's Park hockey program. Great seeing the relationship between the OHA/Pen-Hi students and our school community.

Students and staff at West Bench explored bridges and trails around the community and learned how they have evolved over the years as part of our outdoor learning program.

Wiltse highlighted our diversity and celebrated Diwali this month! We had a book display and classes engaged in art and cultural activities to acknowledge the celebration!

Wiltse highlighted our diversity and celebrated Diwali this month! We had a book display and classes engaged in art and cultural activities to acknowledge the celebration!

Wiltse highlighted our diversity and celebrated Diwali this month! We had a book display and classes engaged in art and cultural activities to acknowledge the celebration!

Student Leadership at Penticton Secondary School, led by Ms. Mennell and Mr. Gill, plays an important role in shaping the culture of the school. These students plan and host events that build community, foster belonging, and celebrate school spirit. A recent highlight was the Cross-City Volleyball Game, hosted at Penticton Secondary. The event saw an excellent turnout from both schools, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition while promoting sportsmanship and inclusivity. It was a great example of how student-led initiatives can bring the community together in positive and meaningful ways. In alignment with the SD67 Strategic Plan, these activities support the district’s goals of Student Success and Relationships and Belonging by creating inclusive and engaging experiences where every student feels seen and valued. A new TV display, installed by Mr. Gill in the trophy case, features photos from these events—celebrating student involvement and school life throughout the year.

Student Leadership at Penticton Secondary School, led by Ms. Mennell and Mr. Gill, plays an important role in shaping the culture of the school. These students plan and host events that build community, foster belonging, and celebrate school spirit. A recent highlight was the Cross-City Volleyball Game, hosted at Penticton Secondary. The event saw an excellent turnout from both schools, creating an atmosphere of healthy competition while promoting sportsmanship and inclusivity. It was a great example of how student-led initiatives can bring the community together in positive and meaningful ways. In alignment with the SD67 Strategic Plan, these activities support the district’s goals of Student Success and Relationships and Belonging by creating inclusive and engaging experiences where every student feels seen and valued. A new TV display, installed by Mr. Gill in the trophy case, features photos from these events—celebrating student involvement and school life throughout the year.

Take Me Outside Day (October 22) was in full stride at Columbia as students participated in learning on the land for the entire school day in Mrs. Snider's Grade 2/3 class. Learning included Trudy's Healing Stone, a nature walk, a human bar graph of their favourite season and ended with an Indigenous Game of "run and scream".

Take Me Outside Day (October 22) was in full stride at Columbia as students participated in learning on the land for the entire school day in Mrs. Snider's Grade 2/3 class. Learning included Trudy's Healing Stone, a nature walk, a human bar graph of their favourite season and ended with an Indigenous Game of "run and scream".

Take Me Outside Day (October 22) was in full stride at Columbia as students participated in learning on the land for the entire school day in Mrs. Snider's Grade 2/3 class. Learning included Trudy's Healing Stone, a nature walk, a human bar graph of their favourite season and ended with an Indigenous Game of "run and scream".

Take Me Outside Day (October 22) was in full stride at Columbia as students participated in learning on the land for the entire school day in Mrs. Snider's Grade 2/3 class. Learning included Trudy's Healing Stone, a nature walk, a human bar graph of their favourite season and ended with an Indigenous Game of "run and scream".

Slide TC 2025 2026 Pumkin Run_Jacquie Hicks

Uplands students enjoyed a cultural in-service with Sienna Gabriel. They engaged in a meaningful bannock-making opportunity and connected through food, stories and shared experience. Students learned about the origins and historical significance of bannock.

On September 10th, Penticton Secondary School hosted its annual Club Day, a vibrant event designed to showcase the wide variety of student-led clubs and extracurricular opportunities available at the school. This initiative directly supports the SD67 Strategic Plan’s goals of Empowering All Learners to Thrive and fostering an Inclusive Culture. Students were invited to explore their interests, connect with peers, and sign up for clubs ranging from athletics and arts to leadership and social justice. By encouraging student engagement beyond the classroom, Club Day promotes Student-Centered Learning and helps build a strong sense of belonging and community. This event also highlights the importance of Student Voice and Leadership, as many clubs are initiated and run by students themselves. It reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners who are empowered to take initiative, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their school environment.

On September 10th, Penticton Secondary School hosted its annual Club Day, a vibrant event designed to showcase the wide variety of student-led clubs and extracurricular opportunities available at the school. This initiative directly supports the SD67 Strategic Plan’s goals of Empowering All Learners to Thrive and fostering an Inclusive Culture. Students were invited to explore their interests, connect with peers, and sign up for clubs ranging from athletics and arts to leadership and social justice. By encouraging student engagement beyond the classroom, Club Day promotes Student-Centered Learning and helps build a strong sense of belonging and community. This event also highlights the importance of Student Voice and Leadership, as many clubs are initiated and run by students themselves. It reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners who are empowered to take initiative, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their school environment.

On September 10th, Penticton Secondary School hosted its annual Club Day, a vibrant event designed to showcase the wide variety of student-led clubs and extracurricular opportunities available at the school. This initiative directly supports the SD67 Strategic Plan’s goals of Empowering All Learners to Thrive and fostering an Inclusive Culture. Students were invited to explore their interests, connect with peers, and sign up for clubs ranging from athletics and arts to leadership and social justice. By encouraging student engagement beyond the classroom, Club Day promotes Student-Centered Learning and helps build a strong sense of belonging and community. This event also highlights the importance of Student Voice and Leadership, as many clubs are initiated and run by students themselves. It reflects our commitment to nurturing well-rounded learners who are empowered to take initiative, collaborate, and contribute meaningfully to their school environment.

West Bench elementary celebrated the unveiling of the school’s new mascot and logo. Levi George designed the logo and incorporated the red-tailed hawk, known as piyáʕ.

KVRE has welcome over 550 students from 13 different school. As part of our transition, a group of KVR Middle and Carmi teachers organized a connection activity of making tiles, which was conducted in spring of 2025. All incoming KVRE students were invited to an orientation day in June. Each student created a wooden tile. On the front, students drew who they were or what was meaningful to their identity. On the back, they wrote a goal for the 2025-2026 school year. Administration put these tiles together into an art display that was in place for the first day of school. This way, each student already had a “piece” of themselves in their new school to show they belong to our community.

KVRE has welcome over 550 students from 13 different school. As part of our transition, a group of KVR Middle and Carmi teachers organized a connection activity of making tiles, which was conducted in spring of 2025. All incoming KVRE students were invited to an orientation day in June. Each student created a wooden tile. On the front, students drew who they were or what was meaningful to their identity. On the back, they wrote a goal for the 2025-2026 school year. Administration put these tiles together into an art display that was in place for the first day of school. This way, each student already had a “piece” of themselves in their new school to show they belong to our community.

KVRE has welcome over 550 students from 13 different school. As part of our transition, a group of KVR Middle and Carmi teachers organized a connection activity of making tiles, which was conducted in spring of 2025. All incoming KVRE students were invited to an orientation day in June. Each student created a wooden tile. On the front, students drew who they were or what was meaningful to their identity. On the back, they wrote a goal for the 2025-2026 school year. Administration put these tiles together into an art display that was in place for the first day of school. This way, each student already had a “piece” of themselves in their new school to show they belong to our community.

KVRE has welcome over 550 students from 13 different school. As part of our transition, a group of KVR Middle and Carmi teachers organized a connection activity of making tiles, which was conducted in spring of 2025. All incoming KVRE students were invited to an orientation day in June. Each student created a wooden tile. On the front, students drew who they were or what was meaningful to their identity. On the back, they wrote a goal for the 2025-2026 school year. Administration put these tiles together into an art display that was in place for the first day of school. This way, each student already had a “piece” of themselves in their new school to show they belong to our community.

Uplands students held a bake sale at Cherry Lane Mall to pump up the Indigo Adopt a School Campaign, running until October 5th. This year Uplands is one of the fortunate beneficiaries of this annual fundraising initiative that supports Canadian elementary school libraries!

September at Skaha Lake Elementary was filled with excitement as we successfully opened our newly reconfigured K–7 school. Highlights included a well-attended Open House, a meaningful and fun Terry Fox Run, and many joyful moments of student learning and connection. Featured in the photo is Mr. Orioli’s PHE class, where students explored movement and teamwork—with a special guest appearance by Acting Principal Rooker’s son, Nathan.