Minister Recognizes Contributions of Province’s Teachers, Support Staff

School communities across the province are marking February 12-18 as Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“The success of our students is directly linked to the learning environment created and nurtured by teachers and school support staff,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “These are demanding roles, filled with challenges, and I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to those who inspire and care for our students on a daily basis.”

Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week was initiated by the Canadian Home and School Federation in 1988 as a means to encourage parents and the wider community to recognize the personal and professional contributions that teachers and school staff make to children and their education.

“Outside the family unit, our teachers and school staff are the greatest influences in our children's lives,” said David Pretty, President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of School Councils. “They don't just teach, drive a bus, clean or do administrative work. They care for, guide and help our children become the best that they can be as students, individuals and citizens. Celebrating this important week gives us all an opportunity to publicly salute and recognize the significant contribution our teachers and school staff make to our children and our province.”

Teachers and support staff serve over 69,000 K-12 students in 277 public, private and First Nations schools in the province.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association is pleased that during Teacher Appreciation Week teachers are being recognized for their professionalism, hard work and dedication to students and education within our province,” said Lily B. Cole, President of the NLTA. “Teacher Appreciation Week allows for a nationwide celebration of support for Canada's schools, teachers and staff members.”

More details on Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week can be found on the Canadian Home and School Federation website: www.canadianhomeandschool.org/ .

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2012 02 13                              9:50 a.m.