Together We Learn

<p>May 1 is the day to take a moment and thank your principal and vice-principal! National Principal's Day is our chance to recognize the leaders of our school communities for their tireless dedication to the growth of our students and staff.</p><p>Throughout the school year, principals and vice-principals support, mentor, and guide teachers and staff to create caring and inclusive learning environments for our students. They lead and represent schools, set the school culture, and represent the school in interactions with families and the broader community.&nbsp;</p><p>We are grateful for the leadership and innovation of our principals and vice-principals in Central Okanagan Public Schools. Their commitment to learner agency, inclusion, and safety shapes the next generation of leaders from the Central Okanagan.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><figure class="image image_resized" style="width:58.4%;"><img style="aspect-ratio:2800/1575;" src="/images/abfa3ca8-3b4c-4e51-9e17-4da51aab1fd8" alt="principals day 2026" width="2800" height="1575"></figure>

<h3 class="editor-heading-h3"><a href="https://app.smore.com/n/q0c6k" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read the latest District Newsletter</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or scroll below:</span></h3><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><div monaco-code-embed=""><iframe width="100%" height="600" src="https://app.smore.com/n/q0c6k?embedded" title="Smore newsletter" scrolling="auto" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" style="min-width: 320px;border: none;"></iframe></div></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph"><a href="/documents/6f742928-7ae1-4b3f-9cb0-cd882106bbac/2026-04-22-Letter-of-Thanks-to-Volunteers.pdf" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Please click here to read a letter</strong></b></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> from the Board Chair to everyone who volunteers in schools and creates learning opportunities for students.</span></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Central Okanagan Public Schools is looking for families who have an extra room in their home and some extra room in their hearts for sharing Canadian culture with international students. The District's International Education program carefully matches students with families that can provide a welcoming home and will enjoy the mutual enrichment that comes from hosting students.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><a href="https://international.sd23.bc.ca/homestay-requirements?hash=inL2hvbWVzdGF5LXJlcXVpcmVtZW50cw==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"><b><strong class="editor-text-bold" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Learn more and start your application here.</strong></b></a></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Our homestay program is internationally recognized because we run it ourselves, so we offer great support for both the students and the families who choose to open their home," says Raquel Steen, Assistant Superintendent. "We have a lot of students who are eager to learn about Canadian culture and live the Okanagan lifestyle, but we always need more families who would like to enjoy the many benefits of the cultural exchange."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><img src="/images/df1a0c64-f774-496b-8ed3-9d4f7af85f24" alt="Close up of family smiling with their international student" width="356.65625" height="445.56616641630075" style="width:356.65625px;height:445.56616641630075px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">While the monthly compensation of $1,100 tends to help host families both with living costs and subsidizing family activities, those who have been hosting for many years say the real rewards are the experiences students share with their families and making lifelong connections around the world.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><img src="/images/15615b1b-02cd-489e-9c8b-14479d027f5a" alt="Family from behind at Disneyland wearing Mickey Mouse t-shirts" width="353.65625" height="469.5701906435065" style="width:353.65625px;height:469.5701906435065px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"In the beginning it was just rewarding having different culture in the house and sharing the culture of the Canadian family," says homestay dad Trevor Besse. "After 20 years of hosting, we've seen the students inspire our own kids to be more confident and outgoing, and we've made so many friends around the world with the students' families."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span><img src="/images/cecbf544-af3c-4c53-bf36-b8055ac56ffe" alt="Host family and children on the right with the student's family from Germany on the left" width="367.65625" height="330.19308190652475" style="width:367.65625px;height:330.19308190652475px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">"Our biggest recommendation is just to try it out," Besse continued. "There are short-term placements that allow you to see if it's for you and you can still make great connections in that short time."</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The District is accepting applications to host students in September for either short or long-term stays. They are currently looking for just a few more homes in the Mission and Central Kelowna area, but welcome families from all areas of the Central Okanagan to apply. Those interested can </span><a href="https://international.sd23.bc.ca/homestay/hostfamilyapplication/Pages/default.aspx#/=" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">apply online</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">. If you have any questions please email </span><a href="mailto:homestay@sd23.bc.ca" class="editor-link" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">homestay@sd23.bc.ca</span></a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> or call (250) 470-3258.</span></p>