Department of Education marks International Literacy Day 
$50,000 in prize money for schools

The Department of Education announced today the launch of a contest which offers $50,000 in prize money this year to schools throughout the province which show outstanding achievement in reading.

"Literacy and the promotion of reading is something that is very close to my heart. It is for that reason that I take extra-special pleasure in the announcement of this contest," said Judy Foote, who is on leave for medical reasons.

Twenty schools will be eligible to win $2,500 each in a contest called "For the Love of Reading".

"Our schools play a vital part in fostering a love of reading, which is so important for the advancement of both children and society," said Brendan White, chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association. "This contest will be fun and rewarding for all who participate, and regardless whether they end up as prize-recipients or not, I know all participants will be enriched by the experience. We look forward to assisting in the promotion of the contest in whatever way we can."

The Department of Education will be working closely with the newly appointed reading specialists in each of the school districts to create excitement and keen competition among schools for prizes.

This initiative is part of government�s commitment to improving literacy levels in the province. The Department of Education released its Strategic Literacy Plan recently and is currently carrying out a number of initiatives to promote literacy in schools. These include creating reading specialist positions in school districts and providing professional assistance for primary teachers to support reading and writing instruction. More than 60 teachers and specialists in the school system will receive specialized training during this school year.

Media contact: Andrea Maunder, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2000 09 08 4:20 p.m.