New school announced for Torbay

Education Minister Joan Burke joined Minister Jack Byrne, MHA for the District of Cape St. Francis, today in Torbay to announce approximately $7 million in funding for the construction of a new K-6 school. The new facility will replace Holy Trinity Elementary and will accommodate approximately 500 students.

�The current school was built in 1950 and has had numerous extensions since,� said Minister Burke. �The need for a new school has been identified by the community and the school board and I am very pleased that we are able to allocate funding to make this project a reality. This investment in our education infrastructure is certainly a priority and the planning process will begin immediately.�

The new school will be a modern facility with a gymnasium, music room, art room, library resource centre and lunch room. All instructional spaces will be wired for computers and the school will have a mechanical ventilation system. A fenced playground will also be provided.

�An education is one of the best provisions for life, and I feel strongly that investing in our children by providing a safe and nurturing environment is essential for the learning process,� said Minister Jack Byrne. �This new facility will cultivate the important continuance of primary education for the children of my district, and construction has been an important priority for me as their member of the House of Assembly.�

Dr. Darin King, CEO/Director of Education, Eastern School District said, �We are pleased to participate in this announcement today and look forward to working with our education partners to realize a modern school facility that will meet the future needs of our primary and elementary students in the growing community of Torbay.�

Minister Burke noted that government is investing more than $37 million in infrastructure requirements for the K-12 system this year. �Government will continue to make significant and strategic investments in our education system. Our students deserve the best educational opportunities so they�re ready and able to contribute to our province�s growth and development,� said Minister Burke.

Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-0048, 689-2624

2006 08 08                         9:30 a.m.