By Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
Some new teachers, courses and enhanced enrolment are making for “exciting times” at Southern Okanagan Secondary School.
Principal Tracy Harrington said enrolment is up to approximately 490 students this year.
New teachers include Carol Gabel, a counsellor formerly of Osoyoos Secondary, Rich Hall (from the Coast) is covering for Carly Russo on maternity leave, Brae Shione, an educator from Grand Forks is teaching English and family management, and Shelly Gittel is a part-time casual relief teacher.
New educational assistants are Jamie Johnson and Joan Gibson. And there’s Pavan Dhaliwal from Desert Sun Counselling.
Being a Grade 8 student at SOSS can be intimidating, but Link Crew (leadership students) is making it much easier for the newbies
Besides new teachers, there are some new programs and courses, too.
Harrington said CORE takes place on Mondays for half an hour, during which time students and teachers “build community and connections.”
She noted there is a CORE team of three teachers who organize “big ideas” or focus areas each week.
Every team has a colour and a name and will continue to build an identity as the year progresses.
“We are really looking forward to connecting with our students at a different level. We will learn and have fun together,” Harrington said.
Educator Rachelle Goncalves explained that “cor” means “heart “ in Latin, and it is with heart that SOSS is driven.
She said CORE will help with school culture and academic expectations as well.
In June the school held a forum to hear from students on what they believe will make SOSS the best school. These same teams came together this fall to continue building relationships involving riddle solving, team challenges and a scavenger hunt.
Next week will see the CORE teams come together to raise money for the Terry Fox Run, which is being organized by Link Crew on Thursday, Sept. 20.
Harrington said SOSS is hosting some new or relatively new courses including Robotics 9-10, Economics 12, Musical Futures 9-12 and Coding & Design 8.
Harrington pointed out that some corporate sponsors have really stepped up to help SOSS students. For example, Tinhorn Creek Vineyards has donated $5,000 to the school’s arts program.
Harrington also noted that Meyer Family Vineyards, Structurlam Products Ltd. and Tickleberry’s donated funds towards SOSS athletics, providing financial assistance to students who would like to participate in high school sports.
