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Education minister announces new learning resources for francophone students Education Minister Tom Hedderson was pleased this morning to announce a new history resource for Grade 8 francophone students in the province. The minister was joined by Maurice Saulnier, director of education for the Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve et Labrador, and Simon de Jocas, vice-president of Groupe Beauchemin, the book's publisher, and was presented with the first copy. The book is entitled Histoire de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador: 500 ans de pr�sence fran�aise. "We were delighted to collaborate with the Conseil scolaire in the publication of the book," said Minister Hedderson. "Staff at the department and the board have worked hard over the past three years to ensure this book is of the highest quality, with detailed, accurate information, complemented by illustrations and photographs. This resource is a milestone in French first language education and will go far in educating our students about the rich history of the French in Newfoundland and Labrador over the past 500 years. I offer my sincere congratulations to all those involved in this project. "This year marks the 500th anniversary of the French presence in Newfoundland and Labrador, and there have been on-going celebrations throughout the province commemorating the francophone culture. We are delighted that students will be able to use this new learning resource which highlights the great contribution of the French to Newfoundland and Labrador," said the minister. Maurice Saulnier noted, "Although this book is designed primarily for students, it offers to any interested person a different perspective on the history of this province. This resource will help ensure that the contribution of the francophone community of Newfoundland and Labrador is recognized well after the 2004 festivities are over." This project was jointly funded by the provincial and federal governments under an agreement designed to enhance the quality of minority language education. The text, which will be accompanied by a teacher guide and CD ROM, has been written to specifications jointly developed by representatives of the Department of Education and the Conseil scolaire. These resources will be used in Grade 8 French first language classes beginning in September 2005. Grade 8 French immersion students will also have the opportunity to use these resources. Media contact: Lynn Salter, Communications, (709) 729-0048 or (709) 685-5000 NOTE: This release is also available in French. 2004 12 02 10:15 a.m. |
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