September 15, 2008

Home built by Residential Constuction students to be unveiled

KELOWNA, BC: On Monday, Sept. 15, at 2:30 p.m., members of the media are invited to view the outstanding work of 12 students in the Residential Construction program, which is offered at Rutland Senior Secondary. Under the leadership of their instructor Bob Boback and with support from Okanagan College and general contractor Harmony Homes, the students were involved in almost every aspect of the construction from placing the forms for the foundation to framing and installing windows.

“The dual-credit Residential Construction program is something we are very proud to be able to offer our students,” says Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board of Education. “We appreciate our partnership with Okanagan College and the support we receive from the sponsors. This program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to explore career interests and gain practical job skills.”

The completion ceremony will include a tour of the home and the opportunity to meet the people involved in the project. Joining the celebration will be RSS Principal Curtis Schreiber; instructor Bob Boback and his students; Mick Webb from Harmony Homes; sponsors; Mary Kenny, CEO of the Residential Construction Industry Training Organization; and key representatives from School District No. 23 and Okanagan College.

The modern bi-level with an in-law suite includes four bedrooms and three bathrooms over 2,400 square feet. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, a sundeck and central air are some of the features in this home located at 170 Hardie Road, Kelowna. The finished home is now for sale (MLS# 9192735). Proceeds from the sale of the home will help to purchase property for the next project, purchase necessary materials, etc.

"As a partner in this project we take great pride in the success of this program, the achievements of the students and the strong community support for this initiative,” said Jim Hamilton, president of Okanagan College.

The Residential Construction program is a joint undertaking by School District No. 23 and Okanagan College. This career training program allows students to complete their Grade 12 diploma as they gain marketable skills and level one technical credit towards their apprenticeship. Students take regular high school courses from September to January and then begin the construction project. Students receive instruction from January to March with Bob Boback, a RSS teacher and Red Seal Carpenter with extensive construction experience. On-site work takes place from March to July. Once the project is complete, students have the opportunity to attain the last three levels of technical certification at Okanagan College. This college training is supported by School District No. 23 through scholarships and bursaries.

Sponsors of the 2008 RSS Home for Learning include: City of Kelowna, Mara Lumber, Starline Windows, Creative Door Services, Acu-Truss Industries Ginette Interiors, Falcon Deck and Rail, Dannburg Interiors, OK Blueprinting, Coast Wholesale Appliances, Conroy Exteriors, Madge Roofing, Rise & Run Stairs, Kelowna Ready Mix, Proline Contracting, Arco Concrete Service, Horizon Geotechnical, SignCraft, Winn Rentals, Insite Electric, In-Tune Sound and Security, Shane’s Built-in Vacuums, Littco Drywall, Advantage Insulation Cajun Moulding Shoppe, Vaz-K-Ez Painting, Lee the Plumber, ASA Heating and Air Conditioning, Century Lane Cabinets, Interior Portables, Goddard Land Surveying, Pine Lighting, Lake Country Excavating, Secure-Rite Mobile Storage Rental, Rocky Mountain Finishing, Tony Klassen Royal Le Page

Approved by the Superintendent September 15, 2008

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For comments, please contact:

Moyra Baxter, Chairperson of the Board (250) 767-6153

Mike Roberts, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

Christine Ulmer, Public Affairs, Okanagan College (250) 862-5616

Norman Bradley, Director of Instruction (Career and Transition Programs) (250) 860-8888

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