Education
October 18, 2012

Improvements Continue at St. Peter’s School in Mount Pearl

St. Peter’s Junior High in Mount Pearl will soon have a new gymnasium floor, the latest of almost 50 projects undertaken by the Provincial Government in recent years to improve physical education facilities in schools across the province. A tender for the work, valued at $153,000, has been awarded to Baker Flooring Contracts of St. John’s.

“While the Provincial Government’s aggressive repairs and maintenance schedule has focused heavily on electrical and exterior upgrades to schools – roofing, windows and siding – we have also invested about $2 million to improve our school gymnasiums,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “This is designed to support our physical education curriculum, maintain safe playing surfaces, and also to enhance community-based physical activities which take place outside of the school day.”

With this latest contract, more than $2 million has been allocated for an extension, roofing and other work at St. Peter’s Junior High in recent years.

"Every elementary and junior high school in Mount Pearl has benefited from upgrades in recent years, and St. Peter's Junior High is no exception," said Steve Kent, MHA for Mount Pearl North. "I know that the people of Mount Pearl appreciate the continued commitment of our government to providing our children with quality education programs and infrastructure. Our Mount Pearl schools are best in class."

Budget 2012 includes $115 million for new and ongoing K-12 infrastructure, including $29 million for priority repairs and maintenance.

“This is a great investment for the students and staff of St. Peter’s Junior High School” said Paul Lane, MHA for Mount Pearl South. “Maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for our students to take part in physical activities is an important component to encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle.”

Since 2004, about $567 million has been allocated for school infrastructure throughout the province. Nine new schools have opened; 10 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 12 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, and seven more are underway or in the planning stages.

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2012 10 18                                11:15 a.m.