Safe, Caring & Inclusive Learning Communities

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Several PSO students are placed in TRU programs this year ranging from Automotive Technician, Electrical, Welding, and Carpentry. Two students are currently participating in the Carpentry program with TRU Williams Lake. Their program began in August. They will return to PSO for a final semester before their graduation with host of hands on skills and certifications which will support their launch into their next steps after graduation!</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/499cd39c-0373-44f2-b506-8a8b9a68def1" alt="PSOCarpentryTRU caitlin currie" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/eabfd445-df1f-420e-a1dc-aabafb81dc7a" alt="PSOCarpentryTRU2 caitlin currie" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On November 26, 2025, PSO hosted Justin Brien, former Junior hockey player turned motivational speaker and TED Talks presenter. He shared his story which navigated complex issues such as sports psychology, drugs / substance abuse, and mental health. PSO works hard to create a safe and caring community which supports all students' needs; the topics of mental health and addictions are essential for students to learn how to navigate. We believe in supporting all students struggling with loneliness, depression, and anxiety, and are seeking ways to cope. Justin addressed the stigma which surrounds these topics, and he encouraged students on how to find their own authentic values to live by. At this talk, PSO also welcomed 58 students from David Stoddart school in the neighbouring community of Clinton, BC, so that they would also have a chance to hear Justin's powerful story. The talk “hit home” for many students, who were visibly inspired after hearing about Justin’s healing journey.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/1d1219cb-4107-4f48-bf0e-e6235fcb478b" alt="PSO Justin Brien Visit 2 Robert MacDonald" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/adc0a948-f30a-4bd3-87ff-87a3cf1cd9b7" alt="PSO Justin Brien Visit 1 Robert MacDonald" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Today educators in a variety of roles and responsibilities within the school setting came together to train or re-train on non-violent crisis intervention strategies with district principal Kristina Beaulne. The verbal and non-verbal behaviours, actions and strategies that educators use can have a profound de-escalating effect with youth and with grown-ups in our learning communities. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this learning round today.</span></p><table class="editor-table"><colgroup><col><col></colgroup><tbody><tr><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/b92c04fb-4915-4e59-bd6c-12396a44229e" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training1 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th><th class="editor-tableCell editor-tableCellHeader" style="width: 350px; background-color: rgb(242, 243, 245); border: 1px solid black; vertical-align: top;"><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/43f81bc7-7a97-49b2-8814-9de760f68238" alt="Non violent Crisis Intervention Training2 holly zurak" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p></th></tr></tbody></table><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Constable Flett is an integral part of our school community, and the kids love him.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/0e86032d-c6b6-4cd7-b19b-2e514a601a47" alt="Charlie and Constable Flett Robert MacDonald" width="369" height="516" style="width:369px;height:516px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Gr 8 Science practiced circle work in their classroom. Students engaged with the concepts of BC First Peoples Principals for Learning in the context of their science class while also practicing how to share their thoughts and ideas in circle.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/55b5a308-a816-4f27-8e95-613b20b023c1" alt="PSOcirclework2 caitlin currie" width="410" height="307" style="width:410px;height:307px;display:inline-block"></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><br></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO was excited to host our little buddy kindergarten class from 100 Mile Elementary. Little buddies partnered with our Foods 11/12 class to decorate Christmas cookies. Little buddies then attended PSO's mini powwow with their big buddies.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/4442ec64-84b4-5924-8e9f-00c9d664bb62" alt="q8k7k84b.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><br></p></div></div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO Students raised food donations in B block classes for the local food bank in a "Week of Giving". Students in PSO's Psychology 11 class collected donations from other classes and delivered donations this Friday.</span></p><p class="editor-paragraph"><img src="/images/a00e63fe-4613-5b7d-afab-8993d23c53ce" alt="3wgmdgcq.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO grade 12 students Jake Miller and Izaiah Ambrus are completing the Youth Train in the Trades program in Carpentry through TRU this fall. Both Jake and Izaiah are thriving in the program and are amazing examples of the opportunity trades programs can provide students to complete their learning and get ahead in their career goals.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/53e91cd7-014b-5585-857c-7d4224cea909" alt="ceqjbvt5.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/2f1d7e16-6224-5679-94f8-691886857590" alt="oj2r8t0m.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div></div>

<p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PSO's Foods 11/12 and Art 11/12 classes enjoyed hosting 100 Mile Elementary Kindergarten students. Older students helped the visiting class bake cookies and do some face painting to get ready for Halloween. Some really important connections were made and we look forward to more collaboration.</span></p><div data-lexical-layout-container="true" style="grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; display: grid;"><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/4b01f9a3-9e4f-5c4d-be0a-bf7c224956eb" alt="ykwjqjo6.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div><div class="editor-layoutItem"><p class="editor-paragraph" dir="ltr"><img src="/images/713fcf06-e67e-5800-8de2-d150aad6b217" alt="npv2qr05.jpg" width="100%" height="inherit" style="width:100%;height:inherit"></p></div></div>