Executive Council
Education
January 26, 2011

Premier Officially Opens New Paradise Elementary School

The new $16 million Paradise Elementary School was officially opened today by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. Premier Dunderdale was joined by the Honourable Joan Burke, Minister of Education; Paul Davis, MHA for Topsail; Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North; David Brazil, MHA for Conception Bay East – Bell Island; Senator Elizabeth Marshall; representatives from the Eastern School District and other community officials.

“I am honoured that my first school outing as Premier was the opening of this beautiful new school,” said Minister Dunderdale.“ Our government has made tremendous investments in education over recent years and today reconfirms why we do it – so that our young people are given every chance to learn and grow in quality, modern learning environments.”

Paradise Elementary is the first of two elementary schools scheduled to open in the community, for a total investment of approximately $30 million. The school can accommodate 700 students and includes 31 classrooms, two music rooms, a learning resource centre, and other modern amenities to enhance students’ daily school experience.

“Our government first announced our intention to build a new elementary school for Paradise in 2007, and it is a pleasure to see it now open for our teachers, students and staff,” said Minister Burke. “With the highest quality teaching and learning resources available, this facility will offer students in this community a quality education for years to come.”

The new school has a state-of-the-art kitchen to ensure the school can deliver meals that meet the Provincial Government’s Healthy Students Healthy Schools initiative, and is one of the first schools to have a gymnasium built to larger standards to ensure adequate space for two gym classes to take place at one time.

“I am thrilled that our young students will benefit from such a modern, engaging learning environment,” said Paul Davis. “This new facility is a further demonstration of government’s commitment to ensuring that our children receive optimal learning experiences and a quality education, providing them with the foundation to build a very successful future.”

Paradise Elementary is one of four new schools constructed in the province to be heated with a ground source heat pump, meeting the objectives of the province’s Energy Plan. As well, the school contains a kiosk for Windows on the World, allowing students to monitor the school’s green initiatives, for example, water conservation and reduction in electricity usage.

“We recognize and appreciate government’s commitment to education, in particular, its focus over the past number of years in repairing and replacing school infrastructure,” said Milton Peach, chair of the Eastern School Board. “I know that students, staff and the Paradise Elementary school community are pleased to be in this new state-of-the art school building that will be home for Paradise students for a very long time to come.”

Since 2004, $398 million has been allocated for new school construction, repairs and maintenance. During that time, six new schools have opened, while eight others are either under construction or in the planning stages.

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2011 01 26                                                        11:40 a.m.