NB 725
June 7, 2007
SAINT JOHN (CNB) - Funding support in the amount of $900,000 was announced today by Education Minister Kelly Lamrock to help six schools in Saint John transform into community centres of learning.
A key component of the government's plan for public education When Kids Come First is a community schools initiative.
The Community Schools initiative encourages the community to become more active in the life of a school and in assisting kids to learn. It also uses community resources such as volunteer groups, parents, public services and recreational and cultural opportunities to turn a school into a centre of opportunity for children, youth, families and communities before, during and after school hours.
In the francophone sector, this initiative helps kids to develop a sense of belonging and commitment to their community as well as building their cultural and linguistic identity.
"A community school creates a new alliance between the school and its community," Lamrock said. "It is primarily about leveraging community resources to help teachers provide hands-on learning experiences for children in their own community. However, it is also about the school being open beyond traditional hours and providing services to families throughout the community at the school."
During the 2007-2008 school year, the Department of Education will invest $2.5 million toward the establishment of up to 15 community schools. By 2012 the department projects to have a total of 75 community schools across New Brunswick.
"Engaging communities and partners in improving schools is essential to the success of When Kids Come First," the minister said. "Currently, there are a number of successful projects underway, in both the francophone and anglophone sectors, where schools are partnering with the community and drawing on their resources to improve learning."
Among the first three anglophone sector schools to be designated under the new Community Schools initiative are Hazen White/St. Francis School, Centennial School and St. Patrick's School, which will each receive $150,000 in funding from the Department of Education for personnel and resources to go along with the community partnerships that have been established at each of these Saint John schools.
"Investing in these schools will help benefit everyone, but most of all our kids," Supply and Services Minister Roly MacIntyre said. "Investments and partnerships such as these will help us work toward our goal of self-sufficiency."
Three more Saint John schools will receive support through the Community Schools initiative beginning in the 2008-2009 school year. They are Lorne Middle School, Glen Falls School and St. John the Baptist/King Edward School.
"School District 8 in Saint John has been a leader in community school partnerships," Lamrock said. "Together with J.D. Irving, Limited, and other community groups, the district has been breaking the cycle of poverty for students at Prince Charles School by combining a focus on academic achievement with a positive school environment."
In mid July, the department will be asking school districts to begin identifying other potential community schools.
07/06/07
MEDIA CONTACTS: Angélique Binet or Jason Humphrey, communications, Education, 506-444-4714.
07/06/07
