Released on September 26, 2001
The provincial government today announced the number of community schoolsin Saskatchewan will more than double this year to a total of 83.
"As a government, this is truly one of the most significant things we are
doing," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "There is nothing more important than
supporting our children to succeed in school. We know that the support
provided through community schools pays off in long-term benefits for
success in school and in life."
Community schools draw on parent and community involvement in the school to
help students learn and grow. Preschoolers, students and their families
are provided with enhanced programming such as pre-kindergarten, nutrition
and babysitting programs, cultural activities, parenting and resumé writing
classes.
"The Role of the School Task Force recognized and praised the value of
community schools and called for a major community school initiative,"
Education Minister Jim Melenchuk said. "We are pleased to be responding
with this significant expansion of community schools all across the
province."
This year's provincial budget substantially increased funding for 42 new
community schools throughout Saskatchewan. Community schools are being
extended from urban elementary and northern schools to secondary and rural
schools.
"The expansion of the community schools program to rural and secondary
schools is one of the largest and most exciting steps in our journey to
provide the best educational opportunities for our children and youth,"
Saskatchewan Community Schools Association President Maureen Strawson said.
Some of the communities with new community schools include: Lloydminster,
Moose Jaw, Fort Qu'Appelle, Meadow Lake, Nipawin, Big River, Carlyle,
Leask, Duck Lake, Kamsack, Punnichy, Yorkton, Balcarres, Regina, Saskatoon,
Prince Albert and North Battleford.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Rosanne Glass
Education
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-3897