Another school year has begun at Osoyoos Elementary School and along with it comes several big changes and new events.
Principal David Foster and Vice Principal Amanda Jones welcomed 324 returning students and 23 new students to school this year.
This year the school will be implementing a pilot program that replaces the letter-grading system with a proficiency scale. Jones thinks the idea will be “good for kids” and feedback about the program will be given to the ministry of education.
The students will be able to have classes outdoors this year because of a new covered outdoor learning area. The school is trying to “emphasize getting out of class,” Jones says.
The new, natural playground has finally been completed. The objective of the playground is to encourage imagination and provide a deconstructed, free form of play.
A new event, called “Identity Day,” will take place this fall. Parents and the community will be invited to attend. The event will include both students and staff sharing something that they are passionate about or something that makes them unique or happy.
The idea came about when staff members were discussing ways to build on students’ strengths. Foster says that the event is still in the planning stages, but the goal is to “celebrate diversity within our school.”
Several of the school’s house team names have been changed to reflect indigenous and local animals. Jones says that the change was made to bring “more of an Okanagan language to the school.”
Along with new students, several new staff members have joined the school this year:
Jason Palmer, Grade 6 and 7; hockey academy;
Kelsey Oskam, Grade 6;
Lori-Ann Borghardt, Grade 2;
Judy Chase, literacy and numeracy support;
Sharri Havig, Indigenous education support worker;
Stephanie Vallis, education assistant.
MICHELE WEISZ
Osoyoos Times
