Located on the unceded Traditional Territory of the Okanagan Syilx People, Canyon Falls Middle School opened in September, 2019 as a multi-grade community school serving students in Grades 6-8 in the Mission area. Perched up in the hills of Upper Mission, approximately 760 students enjoy this modern facility designed to provide flexible learning environments to ensure each student thrives. Prior to settlers arriving, the Syilx people used this area as sacred hunting grounds. Elder Rose, who has worked with our school, tells stories of the Okanagan peoples fishing in the great creek nearby and even conducting controlled burns to ensure the land would regenerate as it should.
Before the school opened, through a deep process of inquiry, Administration worked alongside incoming learners, families, community, neighbouring schools, and staff to develop a shared vision and hope for what Canyon Falls could be. There was a united enthusiasm to create something special where students learn deeply and flourish each and every day. Those initial patterns combined with powerful learning principles like OECD Principles of Learning, First Peoples Principles of Learning, and World Innovation Summit for Education Characteristics of Effective Middle Schools continue to be a foundation upon which we design our learning environments so that learners and their families are always at the centre of our decisions.
We are the home of the Phoenix and Together We Rise! In 2003, The Okanagan Mountain Park Fire devastated the land upon which we are honoured to learn. Many of our community members and our staff were impacted by that fire. In co-constructing our vision and mascot through an inclusive, multi-year inquiry process, the school community found a strong connection to the story of the Phoenix rising out of the ashes. Associated with the sun, the Phoenix obtains new life by arising from the ashes of its predecessor. Therefore, the Phoenix is a symbol of rebirth from the ashes of the past. The Phoenix represents transformation, strength and renewal. It represents something new that has been born from something that has been destroyed. Our mascot and vision pay homage to our local history; they represent our determination, our renewal and the future we are striving for. In the 2022-2023 school, we co-constructed our school values as seen below which became synthesized in our vision statement Together We Rise.
At CMS,
-we value a positive school culture that fosters belonging and social-emotional wellness.
-we value authentic learning that honours diverse perspectives and puts students at the centre.
-we value flexible, meaningful learning experiences designed with research in mind.
For inquiries into the school, please take time to peruse the website. Please do not hesitate to email Ms. Watson (Principal) @ sarah.watson@sd23.bc.ca or Mr. Tonn ( Vice-Principal) @ carson.tonn@sd23.bc.ca, or the school's inbox cms@sd23.bc.ca.
For other updates, please follow us on Twitter: @CanyonFallsSD23