Education and Early Childhood Development
September 7, 2016
Supporting Student Success
Minister Welcomes Students and Educators Back to School
Today is the first official school day for 2016 for students in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, wishes all students and educators a successful year. A total of 258 schools have opened their doors to more than 66,000 students from kindergarten to Grade 12.
"A big welcome to the students and educators returning to school this year. It is a busy time for parents, teachers and staff. I encourage everyone to embrace the many learning opportunities of the 2016 school year and look forward to students receiving a high quality of education and performing well academically. This is a time to work hard and enjoy each day. As always, I remind everyone to respect school zones and be mindful of children getting off and on school buses."
- The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
Budget 2016 allocated $119 million to support inclusive education in schools and included 142 teaching positions and an increase in student assistant time to support the implementation of full-day kindergarten.
"Teachers and administrators have been busy preparing for the 2016-17 school year as we work to continue to provide a modern and effective education system in Newfoundland and Labrador. Tremendous work has been undertaken by our teachers for the arrival of full-day kindergarten students. I look forward to the many benefits of this programming including stronger academic outcomes and reading skills, better social and emotional development as well as positive self-esteem and independence."
- Minister Kirby
The Department of Education and Early Childhood Development is committed to fostering care and learning in safe and inclusive environments that enable students to reach their full potential.
QUICK FACTS
- The Honourable Dale Kirby, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, welcomes students and educators back to class.
- Approximately 66,000 students are enrolled in the K-12 school system in the province.
- Wednesday, September 7, is the first official day of school for students attending school in 2016-17.
- 2016-2017 marks the first year that full-day kindergarten will be implemented provincially in Newfoundland and Labrador.
- For more information on programs and services within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, visit www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/.
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Media contact:
| Lauren Wiseman
Director of Communications Department of Education and Early Childhood Development 729-0048, 691-7668 laurenwiseman@gov.nl.ca |
2016 09 07 10:25 a.m.