Oliver school celebrates one year after winning $25,000


It was almost one year ago that an Oliver elementary school won $25,000 in technology awards and since then they have put it to good use.

SenPokChin School won the Staples Superpower your School contest and have purchased iPads for their classrooms and students. This has allowed them to do research, read books and other articles without having to purchase multiple paper copies, complete quizzes for their classes, and to participate in online classrooms.

The teachers too are benefiting from the new technology. Through the online classrooms, and recording equipment, they are teaching the Okanagan language to their students, and passing it along to a new generation. SenPokChin School was built on the foundations of Indigenous knowledge and the identity and pride of sqilxʷ people (The Okanagan People), and they are proud to share that knowledge with their students.

The Superpower Your School contest awards its prizes based on the work and programs done to be ecologically minded. SenPokChin School won in part for its student driven recycling program, including not only bottles and drink containers, but also all other types of recyclables such as batteries or metals. The program encourages recycling, and educates students on what materials can and can’t be recycled, as well as where to take each particular material.

The school also has its own small garden and farm set up. They used their spring crop to supplement its own salad bar, and in the fall, the students harvest beets, carrots, and their own pumpkins for Halloween. The school also has chickens, and the students feed and help take care of them as well.

West Bench Elementary School is one of 10 schools in the B.C./Yukon region that was shortlisted for the Superpower your school contest this year.

Original Story: https://www.pentictonwesternnews.com/community/oliver-school-celebrates-one-year-after-winning-25000/