October 27, 2009

First Senior Secondary Graduate from the Westside Storefront School

KELOWNA, BC: On Thursday, October 29 at 10:00 a.m. at 2466 Main Street in West Kelowna, School District No. 23 will celebrate and recognize the first graduate in the new Westside Storefront Senior Secondary Program, which is administered by Central Programs & Services. This program for Grades 10 to 12 began in September in West Kelowna and Rutland. The Westside Storefront School team is inviting media and interested community members to stop by to meet the graduate and other students, enjoy refreshments and discover what the school has to offer.

“Joelene Dilay is our first senior secondary graduate,” says Cheryl Thompson, an Alternative Education Teacher.  “Due to personal and academic issues, Joelene was unable to meet the graduation requirements within the mandatory three-year time frame at Mount Boucherie Secondary.  Over the summer, when I was recruiting for the new program, I was thrilled to run into Joelene and tell her that she could attend our school and work on an independent, self-paced curriculum towards graduation.  Joelene could continue her night shift work at Zellers and come to class to complete her course work in as little as two hours per day.  Her job even went toward the mandatory Work Experience 12 credit.” 

“Having this program available here in West Kelowna will open doors for many young people.  Prior to this September, they would have had to enrol at the Central School in Kelowna.  Sometimes there is a great divide between Kelowna and the Westside—physically and financially for students without a vehicle and even psychologically.  Our alternative schools are convenient and we provide one-on-one assistance.  Students can also access the other services at our facility such as counselling and meals.”

Al Lalonde, Principal of Central Programs and Services, oversees Alternative Education programs including the Westside Storefront School, which has operated from the Westbank Community Hall for four years.  “We would not have this facility without the Boys and Girls Club.  Their partnership is valued and important in helping these kids.  We share the space with a youth employment center and an outreach program that connects youth with whatever they need such as shelter, medical attention, appointments, etc.  At night, it becomes a drop-in centre.”

“We had a 60-year-old graduate a few years ago,” says Lalonde.  “It’s never too late.  Anyone who hasn’t graduated yet or those wanting to upgrade their skills should contact one of our Storefront schools or Central Programs & Services.”

Teachers at the Westside Storefront School juggle a range of subjects, schedules and other challenges with approximately 70 students.  Jerry Holowchak teaches the Outreach program, Bruce Watts teaches the junior grades, and Thompson teaches the senior secondary level. 

“This is the most exciting and rewarding job I’ve ever had,” says Thompson. “All of the students are motivated; they have chosen to come to this school so they can create a better future for themselves.”

Approved by the Superintendent, Al Lalonde and Cheryl Thompson on October 27, 2009

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For comments, please contact:

Al Lalonde, Principal, Central Programs and Services, (250) 868-1135 ext. 222

Cheryl Thompson, Alternative Education Teacher, (250) 768-2537

Jerry Holowchak, Alternative Education Teacher, (250) 768-2537

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools, (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.