Spring 2012 - Web - Nbed.nb.ca

T.E.A.M.
Build Project
Tantramar Regional High School students are involved in a project that integrates community-mindedness,
the environment, skilled trades and technology, the Co-operative Education program, compassion,
and hands-on learning experiences.
By Heather Welling
Tantramar Regional High School students are involved in a project that
integrates community-mindedness, the environment, skilled trades
and technology, the Co-operative Education program, compassion,
and hands-on learning experiences. It is called TEAM Build.
The Tantramar Efficient and Affordable Model (TEAM) was a concept
developed out of a meeting between several students from Tantramar
Regional High School and Sustainable Sackville. From this meeting two
areas of concern stood out: there is an ongoing need for affordable housing
in Sackville and second: in considering issues of sustainability, the TEAM
wanted to focus on reducing energy and water consumption in town. It
seemed a logical
“We are working on interior framing this
semester, and have also installed a bathtub,
insulation, and some roofing. I am enjoying the
hands-on work and it suits my learning style.”
next step that we
bring community
partners together
to construct a
quality, affordable
and energy-efficient home in Sackville that can be a model for other such
construction. The idea was further developed by TRHS shop teacher
Blaine MacIsaac, who recognized an opportunity to have high school shop
students gain practical construction skills while at the same time filling the
need for affordable and efficient homes in the community. In conjunction
with Habitat for Humanity in Moncton, a project was born.
“In the past, under Rod Smith, the TRHS shop class built modest family
homes - in fact there are 11 such homes throughout town,” MacIsaac
explains. “With recommendations from Sustainable Sackville pushing
for more energy-efficient homes, the TEAM concept presented a great
opportunity to respond to the lack of affordable housing in the community,
while at the same time showcasing ways to build a house that is affordable
to maintain as well.” MacIsaac said that this will give students a look at
the construction process in more detail, allowing them to get more handson
experience and become more motivated about their work.
Students are also excited about the chance to be involved in such a
project. Jesse Hardy, a grade 12 student, is very pleased with the project.
“We are working on interior framing this semester, and have also installed
a bathtub, insulation, and some roofing. I am enjoying the hands-on work
and it suits my learning style. It is a great project because someone who
can’t afford a house can get one at a reasonable price. It is good to build
something for somebody else who needs it.” Two other grade 12 students,
Spencer Estabrooks and Garret McInnis report: “We have been working on
framing the walls, and doing wiring, roofing and insulation. We really enjoy
learning all about building a house. We are learning a lot of different skills
that we can use in the future. It sure is nice to help out someone who
needs a home.”
The project will continue throughout the semester. Currently, the work
is being done at TRHS and students are working out of the woodshop.
Once the site for the house has been prepared, the house will be moved
to the construction site and students will continue to work through the
semester on the house with a possible completion date of June 2012.
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