By standards set elsewhere for School District Learning Forums – Wednesday night’s gathering of about 40 was considered to be a great success with Principal Lisa McCall of Okanagan Falls Elementary leading trustees, parents, children, media and others through a one hour long presentation on the importance of early childhood education.

OK Falls school is thought to be a leader in social emotional learning teaching young students how to focus, keep their cool and interact well with their world and other students.

Tom Siddon, RDOS director (right) spoke briefly at the forum and indicated his research is that not enough money is being spent on early child education and that other developed countries in the world are leaving Canada behind because of a lack of investment.

A rapid paced world, he says, is leaving children anxious and he applauded the leadership that is being shown by the school district and its early learning programs in Okanagan Falls.

Janet Black (pictured above) also spoke on the unique nature of having the gym, recreation service all in the same building – allowing for a community feeling inside the school.

The Learning Forum called Social Emotional Learning teaches children at an early age to be self aware, self managed, socially aware, and to make good decisions/develop proper relationships.

The forum had a number of educators speak on programs at the school but ended with examples given by elementary school students – exercise, breathing, and activities to control behavior and attitude.