NLIS 5
February 26, 2003
(Executive Council)

 

Premier, Education minister attend ceremonies for school openings

Premier Roger Grimes and Education Minister Gerry Reid are on the Northern Peninsula today and tomorrow to celebrate the opening of three schools with students, teachers, parents and other community members.

Today, the Premier and minister are joining residents of Hawkes Bay and Plum Point in celebrating the re-opening of a school in Hawkes Bay and participating in the grand opening of the new, state-of-the-art facility in Plum Point. Tomorrow, a new school opens in Roddickton.

"Investments in education provide the fundamental building blocks to enable individuals to succeed," said Premier Grimes. "Never before has this been more evident in Newfoundland and Labrador than in the last two years. In two short years we have approved 21 new school construction, extension and renovation projects valued at more than $50 million. Our investment in schools in Hawkes Bay, Plum Point and Roddickton is the latest example of our commitment to providing a quality education to the students of this province, regardless of where the students live."

Government has invested $300,000 to refurbish the K-6 school in Hawkes Bay. The funding covered the replacement of carpets, floors and ceiling tiles, as well as painting, window replacement and other physical alterations. In Plum Point $5.4 million was allocated for construction of the new school. This facility is designed to accommodate 300 students in Grades K-12 and has 31,000 square feet of space. Every classroom and instructional area is fitted with computers that are connected to each other through a local area network. It has laboratories, a technology education area, a modern gymnasium and specially-designed facilities for students with physical disabilities. This school has a full mechanical ventilation system, completed landscaping and paved parking lot.

"This Government has invested over $170 million since school reform in capital construction projects," said Minister Reid. "We do this because our children are our single most important resource, and we must ensure they are prepared to meet the challenges of the future. Part of this commitment means we provide them with the highest quality education possible in safe, secure learning environments."

On Thursday, February 27, Premier Grimes and Minister Reid will be in Roddickton to celebrate the opening of the new state-of-the-art school in that community. Government provided $4.6 million to construct this new facility. With 28,000 square feet, the school is designed to accommodate 225 students. It includes a large gymnasium, a technology education suite, a guidance centre, laboratories and a library/resource centre. There is also a suite for special needs students. All classrooms are wired for computers, and there is a full ventilation system, completed landscaping and a paved parking lot.

Media contacts: 

Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier (709), 729-3960
Elizabeth Matthews, Education (709) 729-0048, (709) 727-3438

2003 02 26                                         4:10 p.m.


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