NB 1228
Sept. 28, 2007
WOODSTOCK (CNB) - Bringing a community together to expand learning opportunities for students is the basis for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today between the Department of Education and the New Brunswick Business Council.
"The school is a fundamental and integral part of the community, and it is enhanced when a community shares responsibility for its development and for the educational experience of the students," Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said. "By entering into this agreement with the New Brunswick Business Council, we are engaging communities and partners to contribute to the education of our children, which is an important component of our When Kids Come First plan to build the best education system in Canada."
Under the MOU, the Department of Education and the New Brunswick Business Council will work together to achieve the following objectives:
"This MOU will guide the extension of the partnership model that has been pioneered so effectively in Saint John," said Ed Barrett, chair of the New Brunswick Business Council. "Last week's tribute luncheon to J.K. Irving highlighted the growing success where other companies and other schools have partnered to help our students be as good as they can be. Under the direction of teachers and principals, businesses and their employees can contribute their time to help students progress and be equipped with the necessary skills to advance and pursue career choices."
Lamrock and Barrett signed the agreement at Southern Carleton Elementary School, where Barrett Corporation has formed a community partnership with the school.
With the support of the Barrett Corporation, 18 employees volunteer up to an hour and a half per week in many of the school's classrooms. The volunteers offer students a variety of noon hour clubs in areas such as computer, arts, environment, and information technology. Mentoring opportunities have also been created between individual students and volunteers.
"As we work in partnership with Barrett Corporation, we appreciate more than ever the positive influence that the business community can have on our youth," said Gina Dunnett, vice-principal of Southern Carleton Elementary School. "Our students and their development are at the forefront of every discussion and decision made. We realize the significant contribution that the volunteers are making in our school community by being in our building for our students."
The MOU can be viewed online at: http://www.gnb.ca/0000/kidsfirst-e.asp.
07/09/28
MEDIA CONTACTS: Jason Humphrey or Angélique Binet, communications, Education, 506-444-4714.
07/09/28
