School District 53 superintendent of schools Bev Young . (Richard McGuire file photo)
Despite plans for an independent school in Osoyoos, the local school district board of trustees is preparing for the transition of all students to Oliver following the recent decision to close Osoyoos Secondary School.
School District 53 Superintendent of Schools Bev Young said it’s hard to predict how many students will transfer to Southern Okanagan Secondary School (SOSS), but “we’re planning for all of them because we don’t want to be short staffed.”
She made this comment at Wednesday’s Education Committee meeting, where SOSS Vice-Principal Tracy Harrington outlined the transition plan.
Both Harrington and Young are encouraging Osoyoos students to submit their course selections so that staff know what space they need to create.
Harrington said school administrators have been meeting to figure out the transition plan.
“The department heads are collaborating to figure out the supplies and equipment (needed).”
She also noted they are addressing student requirements, including those with special needs and others with anxiety issues.
Harrington said they invited Osoyoos school staff to a team inquiry meeting to determine how to facilitate a smooth transition.
The vice-principal said they recently invited Osoyoos students to tour SOSS, with counselors working together to answer their questions. Harrington also mentioned they organized a meeting with parents to discuss the transition.
Last week, the Link Crew students from SOSS met with the “leadership” students from Osoyoos to share suggestions on what they would like to see happen during the transition.
“We’re trying to do our very best to make sure we answer their questions,” Harrington said.
She said staff has received a few questions about the busing issue, which is still being worked out.
Board chair Marieze Tarr said she has fielded a lot of questions about the transfer of equipment to SOSS.
Harrington said there have been some worries, with teachers wondering where the students will keep all of their belongings.
Young said the board would be sending individual letters to parents with information.
Harrington said they might schedule an open house at SOSS in August to ensure students know where their classrooms are.
Principal Marcus Toneatto said they are preparing for up to 230 students from Osoyoos.
“The daunting challenge of combining two very good high schools into one great school is being accepted by staff and students from both campuses.”
Toneatto said a new culture is about to emerge at SOSS that combines best practices from both schools, along with some new standards.
His observations of the Link Crew students hooking up with the leadership group were memorable.
“Lots of laughs, beginnings of new relationships, and general excitement was evident throughout the day.”
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
