Coley’s Point Primary Receives 2013 Inclusion Award

Coley’s Point Primary is this year’s winner of the 2013 Inclusive Education Award, and the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education, was on hand today to help the school community celebrate the recognition.

“As a government, we believe that all students should attend school with their peers in inclusive school environments,” said Minister Jackman. “Inclusive practices in schools recognize that each child should be respected and valued for who they are, regardless of their physical or intellectual capabilities, race, religious affiliation, or any other characteristic. We have invested heavily in teachers, teacher training, student assistants, as well as the latest technologies, to make this possible.”

The Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living presents the Inclusive Education Award to a school each year in recognition of positive contributions made to inclusive education. At Coley’s Point Primary, under the leadership of Principal Joy Brown, the association noted students and staff have gone above and beyond to ensure all students are involved in a wide range of school activities, and that all are recognized as valued, contributing members of the wider school community.

“What was once the challenging needs room at Coley's Point Primary no longer exists – all children are educated together, alongside their peers, in the regular classroom,” said Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Executive Director of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living. “Students requiring additional supports have their individual needs met by a safe and supportive approach which focuses on transitioning back into the classroom. The staff at Coley’s Point Primary keeps the best interests of the child first and foremost.”

The inclusive education model was introduced in 2009 with 30 pilot schools. There are now 174 out of the 268 schools in the province directly involved in the inclusive education initiative.

“I am delighted that Coley's Point Primary has been selected to be the 2013 Inclusive Education Award recipient,” said Port de Grave MHA Glenn Littlejohn. “Coley's Point Primary was an original pilot school for the inclusion initiative and this award recognizes the dedication and the team approach that the staff uses to ensure success every day. They make sure the values of inclusive education are encouraged and supported through daily planning and team building within the school community.”

Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future, provides over $96 million for special education and inclusion supports. For more on the Provincial Government’s inclusive education initiatives visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/inclusion.html. 

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2013 06 04             10:40 a.m.