Minister expresses gratitude for efforts to assist stranded travellers

Education Minister Judy Foote today expressed her sincere thanks to directors of education and board staff in four school districts for their extraordinary efforts in organizing lodging, transportation and other essentials for airline passengers stranded by Tuesday�s tragedy in the United States.

Directors of education from the Labrador, Cormack Trail, Lewisporte/Gander and Avalon East School Boards worked diligently to ensure accommodations were available when the travellers arrived. Select schools in these four districts remain closed as they have been transformed into emergency accommodations for thousands of airline passengers rerouted to Newfoundland and Labrador.

"The directors worked quickly to mobilize the required help while at the same time ensuring the students were prepared to continue their work at home for as long as the schools were needed," Minister Foote said. "Those efforts continue today as air travel remains restricted. I thank the students, staff, teachers and parents for their cooperation during this difficult time."

The minister also expressed her gratitude to those striking NAPE members who returned to duty to assist in the ongoing efforts.

"On behalf of the Department of Education, I thank all those who have assisted, and continue to assist, travellers who were stranded as a result of this international tragedy," Minister Foote said. "Once again you have proven that in times of crisis, we can rely on the strength, comfort and kindness of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

Media contact: Nora Daly, Communications, (709) 729-1906.

2001 09 13                                        11:40 a.m.