Rowing program is the latest offering for students in Grades 10 to 12, starting spring 2018

The list of academies offered by the Vernon School District continues to grow, with rowing the latest program open to high school students.

The rowing academy is a partnership of the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club and the school district and is open to students in Grades 10 to 12 who have completed a youth rowing program or learn-to-row program at VRDBC.

“As an ex-rower myself, I’m delighted to see these courses and this program being implemented because I think there is such value with the opportunity to row around the community,” said trustee Lisa de Boer.

“I think it’s good timing and a good opportunity for our students.”

The rowing academy, which will begin in spring 2018, will offer week day rowing training that does not disrupt students’ other high school courses; will give athletes an opportunity to develop teamwork, trust, personal challenge and discipline; and use a broad range of boat sizes to fully capture the crew element of rowing.

Capital works proceed

A new roof at Fulton Secondary School and a new school bus for the Vernon School District have been approved by the Ministry of Education through the annual five-year capital plan.

The ministry reviews submissions from all 60 districts across the province to determine priorities for available capital funding in the following programs: seismic mitigation, expansion, building envelope, carbon neutral capital, school enhancement, bus replacement.

The Fulton roof project will now proceed to design, tender and construction, to be completed by March 2018.