June 6, 2014
Building Inclusive, Supportive School Environments
Heritage Collegiate Receives 2014 Inclusion Award
Heritage Collegiate in Lethbridge is the winner of this year’s Inclusive Education Award, which was presented to the school today by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living (NLACL).
“As a government, we are committed to an inclusive education model, where all students are educated in supportive environments, with their peers, regardless of their physical or intellectual capabilities – or any other individual characteristic. We have invested over $8.6 million since 2007 on supports for inclusive education, including teachers, student assistants, teacher training, as well as the latest technologies. I congratulate the teachers, students and the entire Heritage Collegiate school community for embracing the philosophy and for making meaningful inclusion a reality.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Education
The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Terra Nova, was on hand for the presentation.
“This award certainly speaks to the learning environment that characterizes Heritage Collegiate, and I offer them my sincerest congratulations on the award. Our government values the many benefits of inclusive education and this award truly demonstrates the positive learning environment resulting from this model.”
- The Honourable Sandy Collins, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation and MHA for Terra Nova
Heritage Collegiate, under the leadership of Principal Terrence Maloney, was recognized for its efforts in ensuring the needs of all students are met through programming that is achievable and enriching for each individual, allowing them to grow and develop as part of the regular school community.
“I am delighted that the students, teachers and staff of Heritage Collegiate have been recognized for their positive contributions made to inclusive education. Collectively, they have made a concentrated effort towards ensuring that all students are encouraged, supported and valued within their school community.”
- Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South
The inclusive education model for schools was introduced in 2009 with 30 pilot schools. There are now 174 out of the 264 schools in the province directly involved in the initiative, with an additional 31 schools to be added in September 2014.
“Inclusive education is about how we develop our learning environments so all students learn and participate together. It is based on the belief that all students have value and can best learn in regular classrooms alongside students their own age. Inclusion also means that our schools help develop positive relationships and mutual respect between students. The school community at Heritage Collegiate has done an outstanding job at advancing inclusive education in Newfoundland and Labrador. The staff members exemplify inclusive education and we applaud them for their outstanding efforts.”
- Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Executive Director, NLACL
Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook provides a $1 million annual increase in student assistant support, which translates into about 43,000 hours of assistance. This builds on an increase of 25,000 hours approved in 2010. The Provincial Government now invests over $16 million annually in student assistant support for children with identified needs.
For more on the Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiatives visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html.
QUICK FACTS
- Heritage Collegiate in Lethbridge is the winner of this year’s Inclusive Education Award, presented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Community Living, in recognition of positive contributions made to promote inclusive education.
- This year, 174 of the 264 schools in the province are directly involved in the inclusive education initiative, with an additional 31 schools to be added in September 2014.
- The Provincial Government has invested over $8.6 million supporting inclusive education as per the recommendations of the 2007 Individual Support Services Plan (ISSP) and Pathways Commission Report.
- More than $16 million is invested annually on student assistant time for children with identified needs, which helps support inclusive school environments.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
| Heather May Director of Communications Department of Education 709-729-0048, 697-5061 heathermay@gov.nl.ca |
Angie Chatman Constituency Assistant to the Honourable Sandy Collins MHA for Terra Nova 709-729-0660 angchatman@gov.nl.ca |
| Donna Ivey Communications Manager Government Members Office 709-729-3551 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
Sherry Gambin-Walsh Executive Director Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living 709-722-0790, 709-728-7536 sherrygw@nlacl.ca |
2014 06 06 12:30 p.m.