Acknowledging the fact that the student population in the community of Portugal Cove-St. Phillips is quickly growing, government has approved approximately $1 million for the Eastern School Board�s proposal to expand and renovate Beachy Cove Elementary.

"Numerous initiatives have been undertaken to reduce class size, particularly in high growth areas such as urban centres," said the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education. "This includes maintaining 226 teachers in the system over the past two years, and systematically capping class sizes at 25 students. To date, this has been accomplished for K-2 classes. Maximum class sizes of 25 will be implemented in September 2007 for grade 3."

"At times, it is also necessary to build additional classrooms to ensure students and teachers have comfortable learning and teaching environments. This is why government has approved the addition of new classrooms to Beachy Cove Elementary. The school community is growing and the school must be able to accommodate that growth," said the minister.

Construction plans for the school include four new classrooms and additional storage space. Interior renovation will create a third Kindergarten suite to better accommodate French immersion students.

The Honourable Dianne Whalen, MHA for the District of Conception Bay East and Bell Island, expressed her support of the expansion and renovations, stating that the school has been under some pressure in recent years. "The student population in the area served by Beachy Cove Elementary has been growing significantly these past several years," said Minister Whalen. "I have been aware of the need for this expansion since meeting with school officials over a year ago. This addition of classrooms and renovations will greatly enhance the teaching and learning environment of Beachy Cove School."

Minister Burke pointed out that more than $80 million has been allocated for school construction, repairs and renovations since 2004. "There is an incredible amount of work underway across the province because of the unprecedented investments in maintenance, extensions and new school construction. We will continue on this course to improve and strengthen all aspects of our education system," said Minister Burke.

The tender has been called, with work scheduled to be complete by September 2007.