| June 15, 2010 CENTRAL SAANICH – Additions to two elementary schools in Central Saanich will create four new classrooms for full day kindergarten. “Full day kindergarten is a vital step in preparing our youngest learners for a successful start to school,” says Saanich North and the Islands MLA Murray Coell. “This investment will provide school space and support young families by providing safe, comfortable areas for their children to experience play-based learning.” The two Central Saanich schools scheduled to receive additions to support full day kindergarten include:
“Research shows that a high quality, play-based kindergarten program develops the academic and social skills that help children succeed in school and in life,” says Education Minister Margaret MacDiarmid. “These new facilities will help us meet our commitment to provide the kind of full-day learning program that leads to improved literacy and numeracy, and smoother transitions to primary grades.” While enrolment has declined by 56,000 students province-wide since 2000/01, the implementation of full day kindergarten will require more space than is presently available in some neighbourhoods. These projects are part of a $144.5-million plan announced by Premier Gordon Campbell today which includes 21 school additions, 1 school renovation, 133 modular classrooms, creation of new school space and approximately $10 million to furnish and equip classrooms, including the conversion of existing space, to support full day kindergarten. The $144.5-million capital investment is being provided in addition to B.C.’s three-year, $280-million commitment to implement full day kindergarten for all eligible children by September 2011. Full day kindergarten will be available for up to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010 and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011. For more information about Murray & the Saanich North and the Island constituency, visit www.murraycoellmla.bc.ca -30- | |
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