Minister congratulates school councils on national and provincial awards

Judy Foote, Minister of Education, congratulates Immaculate Conception School Council of Colliers and Paradise Elementary School Council of Paradise, both winners of Canadian School Volunteer Program Awards.

Immaculate Conception School Council is the recipient of the first national award recognizing schools that have developed effective and meaningful ways of including parents in the school community. Paradise Elementary School Council received the provincial award for significant encouragement of participation by parents in their school.

Minister Foote said: "These prestigious awards reflect the commitment of the staff, teachers, students and parents working together to encourage a vibrant school community. Both schools are fortunate to have such dedicated groups of volunteers contributing to the overall development and education of our students.

"The presentation of the award to Immaculate Conception School Council this week is timely given that Volunteer Week, April 22-28, is set aside to celebrate and thank volunteers. The contributions Newfoundlanders and Labradorians make as volunteers to this province are worthy of recognition. This week brings to our attention the selfless gestures, and the commitment of people who give of their time and expertise to make our society an even better place to live. As Minister of Education I am very appreciative of the work of individuals such as members of school councils, and school board trustees, as well as other parents and community members. While Immaculate Conception and Paradise Elementary have received provincial and national recognition for their achievements, I am pleased to acknowledge the increasing involvement of parents in all our schools."

The national award comes with a cash prize of $10,000 and the provincial prize is $5,000 which are used to benefit students and parent volunteers. The awards are sponsored by the Canadian Home and School Federation (CHSF) with sponsorship from Healthy Alternatives Inc. and the Walter and Duncan Gordon Foundation. The awards presentation in Newfoundland and Labrador will take place at the Annual General Meeting of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils in Corner Brook, April 26. The national award will be presented at the Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Home and School Federation in Winnipeg, Manitoba on June 7.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy, Communications, (709) 729-0048.

2002 04 25                          4:55 p.m.