Education and Early Childhood Development
September 9, 2015

Families and Communities Prepare for New School Year

Minister Welcomes Students Back to School

This week marks the beginning of a new school year for students in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, is welcoming students and staff back to class and wishing them all the best for a safe and successful academic year.

�The start of a new school year is always an exciting time. It is a fresh start, a time to make friends and memories and an opportunity to build on past achievements. I encourage all students to be present every day in the classroom, work hard and avail of as many learning opportunities as you can. I would also remind motorists to follow the rules of the road, especially in school zones. Respect the speed limits, watch for children on their way to and from school, and to also watch for children boarding and exiting school buses.�
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development

Over 67,000 students in more than 260 schools are returning to classes throughout the province. This Provincial Government has made significant investments in K-12 and early childhood education to help support the collaborative effort of community partners and stakeholders to ensure that all students have the opportunity to get a quality education.

�I would like to thank parents, teachers, staff and trustees at both our school districts as well as our many stakeholders and community partners for continuing to work hard for the benefit of the youngest Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. You all play an important role to ensure the education system fosters learning in a safe and inclusive environment, enabling students to reach their full potential.�
- Minister Sullivan

Budget 2015 saw an investment of $926 million to support the continued operation of the education and child care system throughout Newfoundland and Labrador as well as support ongoing and new initiatives and projects.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, is welcoming students and staff back for a new school year.
• There have been unprecedented investments in K-12 and early childhood education since 2004 that have resulted in increases in the per-pupil investment, having among the best student-pupil ratio in the country, the elimination of standard school fees, free textbooks for K-12 public school students, as well as significant infrastructure projects.
• Since 2004, 14 new schools have been opened; 11 more are in various stages of planning or construction; 30 major extension and renovation projects have been completed, with 10 more underway.
• For more information in the K-12 school system, visit: www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu

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Media contacts:
Blair Medd
Director of Communications
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-0048, 631-8465
blairmedd@gov.nl.ca

2015 09 09                             9:55 a.m.