The Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, today visited St. Matthew’s Elementary school to mark Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, February 10-16, in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week, initiated by the Canadian Home and School Federation in 1988, recognizes the work of teachers, early childhood educators, administrators and school staff who are committed to children and their education. This year’s theme is “With heart and helping hands, a child can accomplish anything.”
Newfoundland and Labrador is home to more than 10,000 permanent and casual school staff working as teachers, administrators and support staff throughout the province’s school system.
Supporting teachers and staff delivers on commitments in the Way Forward to build an educational community in Newfoundland and Labrador that fosters safe, caring and inclusive learning environments for all children and youth and delivers on commitments to deliver better services and better outcomes. The Way Forward outlines all actions the Provincial Government is taking to achieve a strong diversified province with a high standard of living and can be viewed at thewayforward.gov.nl.ca.
Quotes
“Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week is a great opportunity to acknowledge and thank teachers, support staff and district staff. Their leadership and experience influences our students helping them become successful contributing adults. I encourage parents and students to celebrate this week and let teachers and staff know their work and dedication is highly valued.”
Honourable Al Hawkins
Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development
“The students of Newfoundland and Labrador are fortunate to be the beneficiaries of the incredibly professional, dedicated staff we have throughout our education system. This week offers an opportunity for students, families and school communities to thank the many school secretaries, custodial staff, teachers, administrators, program specialists, bus drivers and many others who help guide their educational experience. A kind word, or a small gesture, is sometimes all that is needed to confirm the value of the important work they do.”
Tony Stack
CEO/Director of Education, Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
“The Conseil scolaire francophone de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador would like to acknowledge the hard work of teachers, support staff, administrators, volunteers and all those who are dedicated to educating our children daily. I invite you to take a moment to thank those people who are involved and who want to make a difference in the life of each student. Know that your commitment does not go unnoticed and we are very grateful! Thanks to you, the CSFP offers a quality French first language education that allows children to succeed and live success stories.”
Kim Christianson
Director of Education, Conseil scolaire francophone provincial de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador
“Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week allows us to express our appreciation for the care, encouragement and guidance our teachers and school staff give to students on a daily basis. Every day teachers and our school staff touch the lives of thousands of students, and their work and impact extends far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. They don’t just teach, they nurture young minds, and help prepare our students for the road ahead in life. On behalf of all school councils across this province, thank you for your professionalism, compassion and commitment to your profession and our children.”
Don Coombs
President of the NL Federation of School Councils
Le ministre célèbre les contributions apportées par les enseignants et le personnel scolaire
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Media contacts
Tina Coffey
Education and Early Childhood Development
709-729-1692, 687-9903
tcoffey@gov.nl.ca
Cheryl Gullage
Newfoundland and Labrador English School District
709-758-0032, 697-5856
cherylgullage@nlesd.ca
Denise Pike
NL Federation of School Councils
709-739-4830
nlfsci@gmail.ca