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Education
March 7, 2011

Minister Participates in Webcast to Launch Education Week

For the first time, Education Week celebrations were launched this morning (Monday, March 7) via an interactive webcast seen in schools throughout the province.

The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, was at Stephenville High School, where she signed a proclamation declaring March 6-12 as Education Week, while Lily B. Cole, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA) signed the proclamation from the NLTA offices in St. John’s.

“This morning’s launch was indicative of the technological advances present in our schools in the 21st century,” said Minister Burke. “Technology is being used across the curriculum to enhance teaching and learning. It is bringing the world into the classroom, and – as we experienced this morning – it has the power to bring together groups of people to learn, to explore, or to celebrate.”

Also participating in this morning’s webcast were the Brother Rice Junior High choir from St. John’s, and students from Henry Gordon Academy in Cartwright and H.L. Strong Academy in Little Bay Islands.

“Education Week has always been about celebrating education and the importance of learning,” said Ms. Cole. “Our classic theme for this year, I Think. I Can. - iThink. iCan!, Penser, c'est pouvoir. - iPenser. iPouvoir! encompasses technology, personal development and community. These were represented this morning and allowed us to hold a truly provincial event where all schools could view the opening ceremonies of Education Week 2011.”

Since 2006, the Provincial Government has invested heavily in technology for schools, including approximately $5.4 million for the purchase of computers and interactive whiteboards. As part of this investment, schools across Newfoundland and Labrador will shortly be receiving 1,450 new computer systems and 272 white boards.

“We truly have a lot to celebrate when it comes to our education system,” Minister Burke said. “With an investment of nearly $840 million earmarked for K-12 education this fiscal year – a 39 per cent increase over the past eight years - students and teachers have an incredible array of resources available to them to help enhance learning opportunities.”

For more information on Education Week activities, visit www.nlta.nl.ca/edwk_list11 opens in new window.

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Photo #1: The Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education, was joined by Stephenville High School students this morning at an interactive webcast launch of Education Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. From left to right are: Aaron Sampson, Zachery Thorne, Minister Burke, Krista Hogan, Amber Leroy, and Madison Bennett.

Media contacts:
 

Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Education
709-729-0048, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Lesley-Ann Browne
Communications Officer
Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association (NLTA)
709-726-3223, 682-3751
labrowne@nlta.nl.ca 

2011 03 07                                                                         10:45 a.m.
 

 
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