Kalamalka Secondary

<h3>Welcome to School District No. 22 (Vernon)<o:p></o:p></h3><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin-bottom:0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">Hello everyone,<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">Welcome to a new school year in School District 22. If you are just joining our school district community, I invite you to keep up on our news on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SchoolDistrict22">Facebook</a> and on the SD22 webpage <a href="https://www.sd22.bc.ca/">Home - School District No. 22 (Vernon)</a><o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">The start of a school year brings with it a sense of possibility. It is a time to reconnect with one another, welcome new faces into our schools, and look ahead to the learning, growth, and experiences that will shape the year to come. Whether you are a student, staff member, parent, caregiver, or community partner, you play an important role in helping our schools thrive, and I am grateful for the contributions each of you make to our district.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">This year, our schools will continue to focus on helping students build strong foundations in learning, supporting their well-being, and creating environments where everyone feels they matter. We will work collaboratively to encourage curiosity, strengthen literacy and numeracy skills, promote safe, inclusive, and welcoming school environments, and provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore pathways that connect learning to their future aspirations.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">School communities are built on care for one another. Knowing that some members of our school community have faced challenges related to wildfire activity over the summer, the daily acts of kindness, encouragement, and support that take place in our schools and workplaces, become even more important. We want everyone to know that as we return to school, our network of additional supports is in place and accessible.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><ul style="margin-top:0cm;" type="disc"><li class="xmsonormal" style="mso-list:l1 level1 lfo1;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;" data-list-item-id="e809cebbe022cd73aa223c5edaa1ddc9e"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><strong>NOYFSS (North Okanagan Youth and Family Services)</strong>&nbsp;– Counselling, youth support, family services 250‑545‑3572&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="xmsonormal" style="mso-list:l2 level1 lfo2;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;" data-list-item-id="e444bc28910ad0fc13d4f12fe21a7e48e"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><strong>CYMH (Child &amp; Youth Mental Health)</strong>&nbsp;– Mental health support for children and youth 250‑549‑5404&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="xmsonormal" style="mso-list:l0 level1 lfo3;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;" data-list-item-id="edccf76a47530812da57b76189fb8240e"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><strong>Youth Integrated Services Hub</strong>&nbsp;– Youth counselling and supports 250‑540‑5202&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></li><li class="xmsonormal" style="mso-list:l3 level1 lfo4;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;" data-list-item-id="e5978082006235db2ffcffcfb1f0e9069"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;;"><strong>For SD22 Staff&nbsp;</strong>– Employee and Family Assistance: 1-844-880-9137&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></li></ul><p class="xmsonormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">I am continually inspired by the dedication of our staff, the support of families, the leadership of our Board of Education, and the partnerships we share throughout our SD22 community. Together, we are creating meaningful opportunities for students while building a future filled with hope and optimism.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">On behalf of the Board of Education and district leadership team, welcome back. I wish everyone a positive start to the school year and look forward to all that we will accomplish together.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">Sincerely,<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">Karla Mitchell<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xmsonormal">Superintendent &amp; CEO</p><p class="xmsonormal">School District No.22 (Vernon)</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height:normal;margin-bottom:0cm;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<p>E-Bikes and E-Scooter</p><p class="MsoNormal">School District 22 is currently working in partnership with our local RCMP to raise awareness about the safe and legal use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other small electric devices. <a href="https://www.sd22.bc.ca/e-bikes-and-e-scooters">Learn More</a></p><p><img src="/images/77a160ed-1184-4afc-bfe2-9d61f4a60428?fingerprint=ppb20260527210937" alt="Bike Safety"></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p>

<h3>Wildfire Activity and Supportive Resources<o:p></o:p></h3><p class="xxmsonormal">Across the Okanagan, many of us have watched the wildfire situation with heavy hearts. Our thoughts are with everyone who is being affected during this difficult time. Even though school is not in session, we know that members of our School District 22 community, including families and staff are carrying worry, disruption, and deep concern for their loved ones and their homes. We also acknowledge the significant impact occurring on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Syilx Okanagan People.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">Although classes are not currently in session, district staff are monitoring the situation and preparing for a safe return of students and staff when the school year begins.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">If you or someone you know requires information or support in relation to this situation, we encourage you to connect with local emergency services and community resources, including:<o:p></o:p></p><figure class="image image-style-side image_resized" style="width:41.37%;"><a href="https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status"><img style="aspect-ratio:178/172;" src="/images/a1ad4b0c-d936-4380-90ba-037df0365f03?fingerprint=ppb20260803180335" alt="BC Wildfire Image" width="178" height="172"></a></figure><p class="xxmsonormal">• NOYFSS (North Okanagan Youth and Family Services) – Counselling, youth support, family services 250 545 3572<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">• CYMH (Child &amp; Youth Mental Health) – Mental health support for children and youth 250 549 5404<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">• Youth Integrated Services Hub – Youth counselling and supports 250 540 5202<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">• BC Wildfire Information – Official wildfire updates <a href="https://www.bcwildfire.ca/?fbclid=IwcGRvZgFleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQd0ZKdGRqZXJ5dkt4V1Rnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhVWFIOhjrW6ltFjn-1WQ7S-kJCfgbPLzR51lGCWoAGE4y9H6JJYBWUGG5tL_aem_hqwO79_lxH6bEemvOcn8DQ" target="_blank"><strong>https://www.bcwildfire.ca</strong></a><o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">• For SD22 Staff – Employee and Family Assistance: 1-844-880-9137<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">If wildfire activity affects the start of the school year or district operations, we will communicate promptly through our website, email, and official social media channels. In challenging times like these, our greatest strength is our community. We see every day how neighbours support neighbours, and how acts of kindness, generosity, and compassion make a meaningful difference for those facing difficult circumstances.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">We remain committed to ensuring that every member of our School District 22 community feels welcomed, supported, and cared for upon entering our schools in the Fall. Please continue to follow the guidance of local emergency officials and prioritize your safety.<o:p></o:p></p><p class="xxmsonormal">On behalf of the Board of Education and all of us at School District 22, thank you for your care for one another.</p><p class="xxmsonormal"><o:p></o:p></p>