Celebrate and Participate: Education Week 2006

Throughout the week of March 5-11, students, teachers and all education partners will celebrate Education Week 2006, an event sponsored annually by the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers� Association.

"Every year during the first week of March, the province comes together to celebrate education and the infinite opportunities it offers," said Education Minister Joan Burke. "We celebrate students and their hard work, teachers and their dedication, and everyone who volunteers to make our education system the very best it can be. Today, I join with them � and with every Newfoundlander and Labradorian � in celebrating the joys of learning."

Work is progressing on several key initiatives announced in Budget 2005-06 which are having a positive impact directly on the learning experience of our individual students. These include:

"Every day, all of us working within the education system are presented with a variety of challenges. It is critical that we challenge ourselves to stay focused on the classroom and on the success of our students, and not lose sight of the fact that our schools are positive environments where children are given encouragement and guidance. With that in mind, the Department of Education will continue to work in partnership with teachers and parents to provide the highest quality education to all students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador," said the minister.

Clyde Jackman, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Burke, will attend the opening ceremonies for Education Week at Christ the King School in Rushoon on Monday, March 6, as Minister Burke will be in Yellowknife for meetings as chair of Council of Ministers of Education, Canada (CMEC).

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 729-1906

2006 03 06                          10:45 a.m.