Department appoints physical education consultant

Education Minister Judy Foote is pleased to announce the Department of Education has filled the position of physical education specialist. Mark Jones, a physical education teacher with the Avalon East School Board, will shortly join the department�s program development division. This position is dedicated to strengthening the provincial physical education curriculum. The new consultant will work directly with board specialists, principals and teachers to highlight the importance of physical activity and encourage our students to become more physically active.

The minister noted that the province�s physical activity strategy, Regaining Our Health, indicates that 67 per cent of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are not considered active enough to achieve any real health benefits. "This statistic concerns me greatly," said Minister Foote. "We must encourage everyone to lead active, healthy lives, and that begins with our students at a young age. There are a number of departmental initiatives to promote healthy living. In addition to the new physical education specialist, the department has introduced a new K-9 physical education curriculum."

"This is a very opportune time for this position to be created," said Mr. Jones. "Healthcare costs are going up and the overall health of the population is deteriorating. Health care providers, educators, politicians and indeed all of society have come to value the role and importance of physical education in maintaining healthy lifestyles. The single most important strategy or step one can take to maximize learning, maintain health and live a long, productive life is to be active, stay active and become physically educated. I am very excited to assume this position with the Department of Education and look forward to working with the province�s school districts and schools in fostering meaningful physical education programs."

Since the release of the Regaining Our Health report, representatives from the departments of Education, Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and Health and Community Services have worked together to improve the overall wellness of the province�s population. The Department of Education is focusing on bringing attention to the importance of physical activity and healthy living in children and youth.

"Just as increasing literacy levels depends on getting the youngest children interested in reading, so must we introduce the importance of daily physical activity to our young people," said Minister Foote. "We must partner effectively with all those who have an interest in educating the whole student - sports organizations, teachers, parents and other government departments - to provide a coordinated and sustained approach to improving our overall health.

"The physical education specialist will also encourage the use of a variety of active living strategies that capitalize on local resources, as well as the interests of the students. It is imperative that students of all ages recognize the importance of leading healthy, active lives," said Minister Foote. "If they adopt good eating habits and exercise regularly at an early age, they will lead healthier, happier, more productive lives in years to come."

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

2003 01 02                                     10:40 a.m.