Released on October 20, 2014
Today, Education Minister Don Morgan was in Moose Jaw to kick off Education Week by celebrating local successes in the Prairie South School Division (PSSD).Education Week runs October 19 to 25 and the theme, "Supporting and Celebrating Success", will once again give communities, teachers, students, parents and caregivers the opportunity to recognize the great work taking place in Saskatchewan schools.
“I’d like to thank teachers and staff across the province for the work they do to help our students succeed,” Morgan said. “Each and every school in our province has incredible stories to tell, and I’d like to encourage everyone to take this opportunity to shine a spotlight on these successes.”
PSSD’s Practical and Applied Arts program provides career development opportunities for students and provides valuable hands-on training that is applicable to real life careers in today’s workplace. From agriculture to welding to power engineering, students gain exposure to a variety of skills needed to identify their future career path.
There are fourteen partners involved in this collaboration, including: Ministry of Agriculture, South County Equipment, Saskatoon Industry and Education Council, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, SaskTel, SaskPower, Technical Safety Authority of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Safety Council, Safe Saskatchewan, Workers’ Compensation Board, Safety Hutch, Acklands-Grainger, Rural Municipality of Mankota and Information and Communications Technology Council.
“Part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth is educating, training and developing a skilled workforce,” Morgan said. “This program helps engage students in their learning and gives them exposure to a variety of possible career paths to explore their future options so they’re better prepared for their futures.”
“The project, and these partnerships, will narrow the gap of inequities found in Practical and Applied Art credit and certifications programs in all Prairie South high schools, ensuring our students receive the information, education and experience needed to find a career they are passionate about,” Prairie South School Division Board Chair Dr. Shawn Davidson said.
"These programs opened my mind to all the career options I have and paths I can take,” Grade 11 student participant in the Information Technology camp Kallie Mentanko said. “They have provided me with quality information and opportunities that I will use to their full potential.”
Education Week is celebrated through activities and events in schools across the province to highlight the achievements of students and commend the work of education professionals.
Success stories from students, parents and teachers will be shared throughout the week on the Student First Blog at www.studentfirstsk.com/blog.
For more information about Education Week, please visit www.education.gov.sk.ca/education-week.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Kelly Johnston
Education
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1069
Email: kelly.johnston@gov.sk.ca