Education
October 26, 2010

"The grand re-opening of Pearson Academy marks an important milestone for all the communities this school serves," said Minister King. "It is important that students throughout Newfoundland and Labrador receive the highest quality education to prepare them for life beyond high school. With the improvements made to this school, students have every opportunity for success."

The school received an extension and renovations, and was connected to the municipal sewer system. The extension includes the addition of three new classrooms, a new fitness centre and upgrades to the kitchen/cafeteria in support of the Provincial Government's Healthy Students Healthy Schools initiative. The skilled trades suite also received an upgrade, allowing the school to offer more courses as part of the $13 million Futures in Skilled Trades and Technology program. As a result, more students are able to take advantage of the program.

"The advancements have resulted in the creation of an educational environment that will nurture the intellectual, physical and social development of the students attending the school," said Minister Harding. "Teachers have now been provided with a setting and tools that will allow them to better prepare our youth for the challenges they will face in our rapidly advancing society. The end result will be a stronger, more vibrant, Newfoundland and Labrador."

"Pearson Academy is certainly a great example of a modern educational facility, providing a quality teaching and learning environment," noted board chair John George. "We are certainly pleased with the extension and enhancements that were completed to turn this building into a K-12 school."

In addition to the redeveloped Pearson Academy, two other schools in Bonavista North are seeing infrastructure improvements. Electrical upgrades at Gill Memorial Academy in Musgrave Harbour are nearing completion, and plans are underway for a partial roof replacement for Lumsden School Complex.

"We have allocated more than $113 million this year for K-12 infrastructure to ensure our schools are secure, modern learning environments," said Minister King. "Electrical upgrades and new roofs may not always make the headlines, but it is projects such as these and many others happening throughout the province that are systematically making our school system safe and modern."