Students in today�s classrooms have many resources at their disposal which enrich the learning process. These include educational games, computer software and hardware, and instructional DVDs and videos. One very important enrichment initiative that the Department of Education is proud to support is the Telegram�s Newspaper in Education program.

Each year, the department contributes $5,000 to help bring this program to as many schools as possible. By the end of this school year, more than 600,000 newspapers will have been delivered to 185 K-12 schools and Adult Basic Education programs throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. In total, more than 26,000 students and 1,800 teachers are taking advantage of this innovative initiative.

There are a number of benefits to a program like this. It creates a desire in young people to read, with practical and fun teaching ideas, helping students improve the reading skills they will use throughout their lives. It can be used to enhance just about any course, from language arts to global issues, and from mathematics to science. And it bridges the gap between classroom learning and the world outside, putting the lessons in perspective and making them real.

There are many initiatives supported by this government that help our children learn and grow, and strategic investments in programs and initiatives that contribute to student success. For example, phys ed classes have gotten more interesting from Kindergarten through to high school with $3.2 million worth of new equipment. Artists are coming into our classrooms with our $10 million Cultural Connections Strategy. Our $11 million skilled trades program is introducing skilled trades training and equipment to high school students. This all speaks to the diverse and interesting learning experiences available to today�s students. Our more than $1 billion allocated for education this year is clearly funding some great initiatives.

I commend the Telegram for its on-going support of learning in our schools. It is partnerships like this that make our classrooms the fantastic learning places they are.

2008 03 11                                                   1:55 p.m.