Education announcements made for Baie Verte Peninsula

Education Minister Joan Burke and Minister Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte, were in both Middle Arm and Baie Verte today to announce funding to move forward with two school construction projects. The Department of Education will proceed with the construction of a new school in Baie Verte, and an extension and renovation to MSB Academy in Middle Arm. Planning will begin this fiscal year.

"A new school for Baie Verte has been a high priority for the school council, the community and the school district and I am very pleased that we are now in a financial position to make this commitment to the students, teachers and parents of Baie Verte," said Minister Burke. "The new school will be a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will provide the highest quality teaching and learning resources possible."

Just over $37 million has been committed in Budget 2006 to meet infrastructure requirements in the K-12 system across the province. "I am also pleased that we are moving forward with an extension and renovation to MSB Academy in Middle Arm. This school will serve the communities of Middle Arm, Burlington and Smith�s Harbour, providing students with a much improved learning environment."

Once complete, the school in Baie Verte will be among the most modern and technically advanced schools in the province. Every classroom and instructional area will be fitted with computers which will be connected to each other through a local area network. It will have laboratories, a technology education area, specially designed facilities for students with physical disabilities, a guidance centre, and a modern library resource centre. It will also be fitted with a full mechanical ventilation system to ensure the comfort and safety of students and teachers who will learn and work in this school. The area around the school will be landscaped and it will have a paved parking lot.

Improvements to MSB Academy will include a new music room, a new technology education suite, a fitness centre, expanded lunch room and improved special education facilities.

"This is good news for the Baie Verte district," said Paul Shelley, MHA for Baie Verte. "I would like to thank all students, school council members and parents for the professional way that they made their views known. There was a definite need for upgraded facilities. This announcement is welcome news and demonstrates government's commitment to education and development in rural Newfoundland."

Minister Burke noted that the most important arena to prepare young people for success is the classroom. "Education is the key to a brighter future. This is why we are investing an additional $100 million in our education system this year. Relevant programming, engaged teachers and strengthened infrastructure all contribute to our students� success. I am confident that once complete, these schools will provide the resources for every student to learn, to develop and prepare to meet the challenges of the future," said the minister.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 05 08                            12:40 p.m.