Work on two new elementary schools for Paradise is progressing well according to the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education. Minister King recently visited the construction sites to get a first-hand look at the progress of the projects. The minister was joined by Elizabeth Marshall, MHA for Topsail, and Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North.

"We�re doing major work in the Paradise area with significant improvements being made to Holy Family School, together with the construction of these two new schools," said Minister King. "I am pleased to see that work is progressing on schedule and we anticipate the new schools will be ready for students in the fall of 2010."

The two new elementary schools in Paradise are being constructed at a cost of $32.6 million. Each school will have state-of-the-art classrooms and other learning spaces including areas to accommodate students with diverse learning needs, as well as a gymnasium with change rooms, a music room, a modern learning resource centre, and other up-to-date amenities to enhance students� daily school experience.

Minister King said that in total, $121.5 million has been allocated for new school construction, renovations, repairs and maintenance � a significant portion of the approximate $800 million the Provincial Government is investing across the province this fiscal year through its infrastructure strategy.

"I am very pleased that the construction of the Paradise elementary schools is proceeding on schedule, and that the schools will be ready for occupancy as initially planned," said Elizabeth Marshall, MHA for the District of Topsail. "I am looking forward to having　the elementary students move into their new schools."

"I'm thrilled that significant progress has been made with our two new schools in Paradise," said Steve Kent, MHA for the District of Mount Pearl North. "These facilities will be state-of- the-art and will serve the needs of families I represent in Elizabeth Park. I am pleased that the Department of Education remains committed to meeting the timelines that are in place."

In total, 12 new schools are in various stages of planning or construction. These include schools for Placentia, Torbay, Baie Verte, L�Anse au Loup, Port Hope Simpson, Port Saunders and the two for Paradise. Work on the new Francophone school for Happy Valley-Goose Bay is nearing completion, while planning is underway for the replacement of Davis Elementary in Carbonear and St. Theresa�s Elementary in St. John�s. In addition, site work has begun for the new school and arena for St. Anthony.

"This is a significant number of new schools to be constructed in the province," said Minister King. "It is good news for people in both rural and urban areas. The fact that eight of these schools will serve students outside the Northeast Avalon is clear evidence of the importance this government places on rural Newfoundland and Labrador. We want to ensure students, regardless of where they live, have the resources and opportunities required to succeed in K-12 and beyond."

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