Cougar Paw October 19-23, 2026
CARE: Climate Action Ripple Effect - Community Mentors Needed
Do you care about kids, climate, and your community? We need you!
CARE (Climate Action Ripple Effect) is seeking passionate community mentors to work alongside and support small teams of middle and secondary students as they design real world solutions to local climate challenges.
No matter your skills, background, or area of interest, we can match you with a CARE student team in your community. Your guidance can help empower young innovators, strengthen community connections, and make a meaningful difference.
By becoming a CARE mentor, you will help advance all three priorities of our new District Strategic Plan by supporting student learning and agency, strengthening family and community connections, and contributing to a sustainable future for all learners.
Join us in helping students turn their ideas into action and create positive change in our communities.
For more information, visit Climate Action Ripple Effect or see the attached poster.
HGE's School Resource Officer
Hello and welcome to a new school year!
My name is Constable Ryan Rode, and I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. I am the School Resource Officer (SRO) for the schools in West Kelowna and Peachland. As an RCMP officer, I have proudly served the West Kelowna and Peachland communities for the past 17 years, and this is my third year in the role of School Resource Officer. During that time, I have had the privilege of building relationships with students, parents, and school staff throughout our community.
A significant part of my role involves working directly with students in classrooms, particularly at the elementary and middle school levels. I deliver presentations on a variety of topics, including personal safety, bullying prevention, internet safety, healthy relationships, and substance abuse awareness. I also spend time meeting with students who may have made poor choices, using those opportunities to educate and guide them toward better decision-making in the future.
While most of my work focuses on education, prevention, and relationship-building, there are occasions when enforcement is necessary. This may include addressing bylaw violations, drug or alcohol-related offences, and, in rare cases, criminal offences. I also serve as a liaison between schools and frontline RCMP officers, while acting as a resource for students, parents, and staff who may have questions, concerns, or require support.
A little about me: I am the proud father of two teenage boys and a graduate of Mount Boucherie Secondary School. Having spent most of my life in West Kelowna, I consider myself a true local. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, participating in and watching sports, and travelling to NHL cities to cheer on my favourite team, the Edmonton Oilers.
I look forward to connecting with new students and families, strengthening existing relationships, and working together to help make this a safe, successful, and enjoyable school year for everyone.
Have a fantastic year!
Cst. Ryan Rode
School Resource Officer
West Kelowna & Peachland Schools
RCMP
🍎 Lunch Buddies 🍎
Sometimes families need a little extra support, and that’s okay! 💛
If you could use some help with hot lunch for your child, please email Jessicamoore0915@gmail.com or Jayleneandrews@gmail.com to be added to our Lunch Buddies program. Everything is kept private and confidential.
We’re here to help make sure every kid gets to enjoy hot lunch! 🥪❤️
