NB 742
Aug. 29, 2003
FREDERICTON (CNB) - The following statement was released today by Education Minister Madeleine Dubé on the return to school of students.
"As Minister of Education, I wish all our students, teachers and other staff a very safe, enjoyable and successful school year. This is a very exciting time in public education with the implementation of our Quality Learning Agenda.
"This year, we will have 125 additional teachers assigned to literacy who will be working at the kindergarten through Grade 2 level to ensure our children learn to read and write at an early age. These skills will provide students with the foundation to learn throughout their education and adult lives.
"The 125 literacy specialists will supplement the efforts of our regular classroom teachers and will provide schools with the means to ensure the learning needs of all students can be addressed. This is the first group of 500 new teachers we will add over four years to address specific needs in the public education system. I look forward to working with our partners in the school districts in determining how to best use these additional resources to deliver a quality education to our students.
"Finally, I ask all motorists to be especially watchful in the days ahead as our students return to school. The safety of students who use our school buses or who walk to school must be foremost in our thoughts at this time and in the days ahead."
03/08/29
MEDIA CONTACT: Steve Benteau, communications, Department of Education, 506-444-4714.
03/08/29