The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House today to congratulate Roncalli Elementary in St. John’s, on receiving this year’s Inclusive Education Award.

Students come to our schools with various experiences, abilities, family situations, interests, learning styles and cultural backgrounds. Each student needs to feel that they belong, are valued, and can contribute. Inclusive education considers the diversity of every learner.

Mr. Speaker, the Inclusive Education Award, presented by the Newfoundland and Labrador Association for Community Living, is awarded annually to a K-12 school that has shown an exceptional spirit in creating a school that is welcoming and inclusive for students with an intellectual disability.

Roncalli Elementary was presented this award for their dedicated and committed effort to ensuring that every student is a valued and important member of the school community, and that all students receive a high quality education, in a caring and inclusive environment.

Roncalli Elementary has worked very hard to ensure that all students feel welcome, safe and accepted. I invite my colleagues in this House to join me in congratulating

Roncalli Elementary for their outstanding achievements.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker