Education
September 7, 2010
Significant Advances in
Infrastructure Mark the Start of New School Year
With seven new schools opening this year
and 150 renovation projects in the works, students, teachers and staff
will see enhanced learning environments as they look forward to a new
school year. The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education, will kick
off the school year with a tour of the new Paradise Elementary school
tomorrow at 11:00 a.m.
"Every school in this province should be
a safe, secure environment and we are making that happen," said Minister
King. "With more than 1,400 infrastructure projects completed since
2004, we are seeing a period of renewal in our school system. And with
each project we complete, we are making our schools clean, sound places
to learn."
New schools opening in September are
Paradise Elementary in Paradise, Holy Trinity Elementary in Torbay,
Laval High School in Placentia and French Shore Academy in Port
Saunders. Labrador Straights Academy in L'Anse au Loup will open in mid
October, while it is anticipated that Elizabeth Park Elementary School
in Paradise will be completed in early 2011 and a new K-12 school in
Port Hope Simpson will be completed shortly thereafter.
As well, six additional new schools are
under construction or in planning phases, and nine school extension
and/or renovation projects are in progress.
"In addition to major construction
projects, we are bringing older schools up to current standards," said
Minister King. "For example, chalkboards and carpets have no place in a
modern school. Our students deserve learning environments that offer
state-of-the-art resources, enhanced programming and quality
instruction, all of which our government is committed to delivering."
Budget 2010:
The Right Investments —
For Our Children and Our Future
provides $113.5 million in funding
for K-12 infrastructure throughout the province. This includes funding
for new schools, roofing projects, window and siding replacements,
electrical system upgrades, enhanced accessibility, improved grounds,
and renovated skilled trades suites.
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Media contact:
Tara Power
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 727-5053
tarapower@gov.nl.ca
2010 09 07
9:45 a.m.
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