Brad Burns, vice principal at Osoyoos Secondary School, spoke with the Osoyoos Times about the new school year. The flexible timetable continues and there are new staff. (Richard McGuire file photo)

The new school year is well under way at Osoyoos Secondary School and with it marks the return of a successful program, a unique curriculum, and some notable changes in staff.

The muffin program has been operating in Osoyoos schools for 20 years and is run entirely by volunteers. Twice a month, volunteers bake and distribute muffins to the students who otherwise might not have gotten the chance to eat breakfast.

“It’s neat to have community members come in and interact with our students…it’s just neat to see that integration between our school community and the community that we’re in…it adds another layer to our educational system and it’s awesome,” said Vice Principal Brad Burns.

Also back, and in its third year, is the flexible timetable curriculum. The curriculum is loosely based on a post-secondary model. The timetable allows the students to think independently and have choices when it comes to their learning.

Embedded in the students’ regular schedule are LCs (Learning Centres). An LC is a block of time dedicated to independent learning in a specific subject, headed by a teacher who is knowledgeable in that subject.

For example, students who need help in or are working on a project in their Science class might choose a Science LC to work on that project while receiving assistance from a Science teacher.

Burns said he believes that the schedule allows “students to take ownership within their own learning.”

The new schedule, which Burns calls “a living, breathing system,” started before he began his tenure as vice principal, but said he believes it to be “really unique and it provides students a great opportunity…I think it’s beneficial to students in preparing them for post secondary or the world of work.”

Two staff members have moved into different positions this year.

According to Burns, former home economics staff member Niki Quintal, who until recently had been on maternity leave, “jumped” at the chance to fill a counsellor position that became available this year.

Maxine Bureau, who had been covering Quintal’s maternity leave, permanently took over the position in home economics.

Alex Vikner, a recent grad from another school district, has stepped into a library position.

Vikner, a former student of OSS Principal Scott Tremblay, is taking training courses for his new role, which allows him to act as a resource for both students and staff by helping with research and internet protocol among other responsibilities.

Office Administrator Annette Grob, who had worked in the office on a temporary, part time basis last year, has become a full-time administrator. “She has a multitude of abilities,” Burns said.

MICHELE WEISZ

Osoyoos Times