This project is part of the Province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Given the age and overall condition of the school, it was determined that replacement on the same site as the existing facility with a smaller, purpose-built school was the most appropriate solution. Enrolment at École des Pionniers as of September 2012 was 395 K-12 students.
The CSF will continue planning and design on this project with construction expected to begin in spring 2014 and an anticipated completion date of fall 2015. The new school will have an onsite Neighbourhood Learning Centre providing a variety of programs and services to be determined through community consultation.
As part of its curriculum, the school has introduced an International Baccalaureate program and offers a wide variety of electives in arts, athletics, and skills and trades.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"The Conseil scolaire francophone is a vital part of our public education system and we are working to ensure that all new schools are safe, comfortable and environmentally-friendly and feature programs and services for the whole community."
Roger Hébert, president of the Board of Regional Trustees of the Conseil scolaire francophone
"It is urgent to provide the francophone students of this province with safe and adequate infrastructures and school premises for their education. We know that much remains to be done for a number of other francophone schools, but today, we are collectively very pleased with this excellent news."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: WWW.BCEDPLAN.CA
Conseil scolaire francophone: http://www.csf.bc.ca/
École des Pionniers site: http://pionniers.csf.bc.ca/
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
To upgrade schools in rural communities, the Ministry of Education announced the modular school pilot program last year to see if aging facilities could be replaced with new modular classrooms. Built in 1979, Nathan Barton Elementary was one of the schools being considered under the pilot program.
Last year, the Nisga'a school district conducted an assessment of the school. It was determined that the school structure is sound and the school really required mechanical and electrical retrofits instead of classroom replacements.
Now, the Ministry of Education and the Nisga'a board of education have signed a project agreement for the school district to undertake the upgrades immediately. The retrofits include the installations of a new electric boiler, heat pumps and a digital system to control the school's ventilation and temperature. The district plans to start on the upgrades this June with expected completion in spring 2014. Once these upgrades are completed, the district will be able to cut down the electricity usage at Nathan Barton Elementary by approximately 33 per cent.
Students currently enrolled at the school will be temporarily relocated to Alvin A. McKay Middle school, which is approximately 29 kilometres from Nathan Barton Elementary. The cost of providing school bus transportation for students is included in the $2.2-million project funding.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"Schools are more than a place where students learn-in rural communities, they also play an important role in local residents' lives, as families gather for events and meetings at schools.
It is excellent news that we'll be able to make the necessary mechanical and electrical upgrades to Nathan Barton Elementary school, so it can continue to be an important part of Kincolith in the future."
Peter Leeson, Nisga'a board of education chair -
"Nathan Barton Elementary has served students in Kincolith for more than 30 years and it is an important part of our community. We are excited to proceed with planning on the mechanical and electrical upgrades to this school, now that we have signed the project agreement with the Ministry of Education.
The provincial funding will be put to great use at Nathan Barton Elementary. With B.C. government's support, we will be able to improve the school so it can benefit our students and local families in the future."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: www.BCEdPlan.ca
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Ministry of Education: http://www.gov.bc.ca/bced/
This new five-classroom modular project is part of the B.C. government’s $16.91-million modular school pilot program to renew aging infrastructures in rural B.C.
Currently, 33 students are enrolled in kindergarten-to-Grade 12 at Babine Elementary-Secondary. The school opened its doors in 1967 to accommodate Granisle’s then rapidly growing population. Given declining enrolment rates and the building’s deteriorating condition, newly designed modular classrooms were determined as the best solution to revitalize the local school.
The modular classrooms will continue to accommodate students in kindergarten to Grade 12. They will feature a bright, open design with high ceilings and windows for plenty of natural light. In contrast to portables, modular classrooms are a more permanent solution to providing school space and have a designed 40-year life span.
In addition to Babine Elementary-Secondary, the B.C. government is also using modular classrooms in Nicola-Similkameen and Prince George to provide new, modern learning environments for students in small communities.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
“Schools are often the heart of a community especially in small towns like Granisle. I’m thrilled that Nechako Lakes Board of Education and Granisle residents are part of government’s modular school pilot program. Babine’s students and staff will have a safe, modern school close to home.”
John Rustad, MLA for Nechako Lakes -
“The Babine Elementary-Secondary school replacement has been a high priority for me. I know the installation of new modular classroom space means a great deal to Granisle and Tachet reserve families, and I’m delighted that students will be educated in a safe and bright learning environment.”
Steve Davis, Nechako Lakes school district board chair -
“We are extremely pleased to be working with government to provide the students and community members of the Granisle/Tachet area with a new and renovated building. This will provide a better environment to enhance the great learning we already see happening in that school. With this fresh start we hope to be able to start implementing even more 21st century practices that will prepare the students and community for the exciting opportunities of the future.”
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
School District 91: http://www.sd91.bc.ca/
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The upgrade project is part of the Province’s continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Sangster Elementary was built in several phases between 1957 and 1973. The school has a capacity for 215 kindergarten-to-Grade 5 students.
Four classrooms, several walls and a portion of the roof will be upgraded. During construction, students will be temporarily relocated to other areas of the school. Construction contracts will be tendered this summer with substantial completion expected by October 2013.
Sangster Elementary school was officially opened on Oct. 17, 1958. The school was named for the area which was known for half a century as “Sangster’s Plains”, after Captain James Sangster whose name first appeared in the records of the Hudson’s Bay Company in 1832.
The school is also home to B.C.’s first Nature Kindergarten program. Inspired by European forest schools, students spend every morning exploring the nearby trails, lagoon and beaches. The two-year pilot program began in September 2012 with the goal of reconnecting children with nature.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
“As a father and a teacher, I can say there is nothing more important than having a safe place for students to learn. This upgrade to Sangster Elementary is part of the most comprehensive school seismic upgrading program ever undertaken in British Columbia and will keep students safe for generations to come.”
Ida Chong, MLA Oak Bay-Gordon Head -
“Earthquakes are occurrences we must be prepared for and seismic upgrade projects like Sangster’s are positive, proactive steps to do just that. It will ensure that students and staff can learn, work and play in safe facilities.”
Wendy Hobbs, chair, Sooke board of education -
“In our school district the safety of our students and staff is our number one priority, so it’s a relief to see that this needed upgrade to Sangster school is being dealt with so quickly.”
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC’s Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca/
Sangster Elementary: http://www.sd62.bc.ca/sangster/Home.aspx
Nature Kindergarten: http://naturekindergarten.sd62.bc.ca/
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
The Giscome Elementary project will see two new modular classrooms complemented by a new activity centre. The Regional District of Fraser-Fort George is contributing $556,000 to build the activity centre which will provide the opportunity for a variety of student sports and offer recreational and multi-purpose space for community use.
After Giscome Elementary was closed due to health and safety issues in 2009, two portable classrooms were put on site so students could continue to learn in their community instead of having to attend school in Prince George.
Giscome's modular classrooms project is part of the government's $16.9-million program announced in 2012 to renew aging infrastructure in rural B.C. In addition to Prince George, the government is upgrading schools in the Nicola-Similkameen, Nechako Lakes and Nisga'a school districts.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"We understand the value of schools to smaller communities like Giscome and we have responded with a modular classroom program that will create safe, comfortable schools in four rural communities across the province."
Shirley Bond, Minister of Justice and Prince George-Valemount MLA -
"I was very proud to work with the dedicated and passionate families who told me how important it was to have their children educated closer to home. We also partnered with the Regional District of Fraser Fort-George so that an activity centre will be part of this project. Working together we were successful in achieving our goal and today I am so proud to deliver the project agreement that ensures there will be a new modular school and activity centre built in Giscome."
Sharel Warrington, chair, Prince George Board of Education -
"Pairing an activity centre with Giscome Elementary school will provide a hub for local residents and I want to thank all those who have worked to make this project possible."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
Prince George school district: http://www.sd57.bc.ca/
Giscome Elementary: http://www.gisc.sd57.bc.ca/
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
]]>
On behalf of Education Minister Don McRae, local MLA Murray Coell joined Saanich Board of Education chair Wayne Hunter, students, teachers and staff for the announcement in the school's library today.
Now that the project agreement has been signed, next steps include seeking contract bids for the construction stage this summer with construction to begin later this year. Substantial completion of the seismic upgrade is expected by April 2014.
Located in a historic area of North Saanich, Deep Cove Elementary was built in 1956 with a number of additions completed between 1965 and 1991. The school has capacity for 365 Kindergarten to Grade 5 students and is one of four schools in the Saanich school district offering French Immersion programs.
The upgrade to the school is part of the province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"This upgrade to Deep Cove Elementary is part of the most comprehensive school seismic upgrading program ever undertaken in British Columbia. At this school, and others throughout the province, we are committed to ensuring students have safe, secure buildings in which to learn because nothing is more important than student safety."
Murray Coell, MLA Saanich North and the Islands -
"Deep Cove is a thriving and beautiful part of North Saanich and this school serves hundreds of local families. The seismic upgrade for Deep Cove Elementary will ensure the school provides an especially safe and secure learning environment for teachers, staff and students for many years to come."
Wayne Hunter, chair, Saanich board of education -
"Making sure our students, teachers and administrators are safe is a priority for the Saanich school district. We're very appreciative of the upgrades coming to Deep Cove Elementary. We look forward to continuing to work with the ministry as the project progresses."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca/
Deep Cove Elementary: http://deepcove.sd63.bc.ca/
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
This project is part of the Province's continuing commitment to student safety through the Seismic Mitigation Program. Ecole Quadra Elementary consists of four sections, all of which require seismic upgrading, except the 1974 gym addition which was upgraded in 2003.
The main building, consisting of eight classrooms and an auditorium, was completed in 1914. After a number of additions, the school has a current enrolment of 305 K-5 students but has capacity for 505.
As well as offering a broad curriculum in both English and French, students are offered specialized musical instruction for all grades and the school features a unique First Nations program for cultural awareness and academic assistance.
Work is slated to begin in July with students being bussed to the former Richmond Elementary for the 2013-14 school year and Quadra reopening in fall of 2014. Richmond was closed in 2004 due to declining enrolment and has been used in this way during three other seismic upgrades in the district, which shortened construction time, reduced costs and ensured staff and student safety.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"The upgrade to Ecole Quadra Elementary is part of our Seismic Mitigation Program and will ensure that this historic school will be ready to serve students and the community for generations to come."
Ida Chong, Minister of Aboriginal Relations and Reconciliation and Oak Bay-Gordon Head MLA -
"It's wonderful that Ecole Quadra Elementary will be upgraded and refreshed in time for its 100th birthday next year. It has helped launch thousands of students on the path to success and I am confident that it will continue to serve its community well for years to come."
Peg Orcherton, Greater Victoria school district board chair -
"This much-loved school is a vital part of our district and we appreciate the support of the ministry in upgrading Ecole Quadra Elementary to create a modern, comfortable, environmentally-friendly school for students, in time for the school's 100th anniversary in 2014."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca/
Ecole Quadra Elementary: http://www.sd61.bc.ca/school/quadra/
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
To access the new grant, families simply open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) before their eligible child turns seven. It's a straightforward process that takes only a short time at a bank or other financial institution. You also can open an RESP securely through an online investment firm.
Make sure to have:
By opening an RESP account -- not only is a child entitled to $1,200 from the Province of British Columbia - he or she also can access other savings grants from the Government of Canada. Parents then work with the financial institution to make the necessary applications. No matching or additional contribution is required to receive the BC Training and Education Savings Grant.
According to a recent report by the BMO Wealth Institute, only about half of Canadian parents surveyed have set up a registered education savings plan (52 per cent in B.C.) and only 20 per cent are taking full advantage of the available government grants for RESPs (24 per cent in B.C.).
By investing in an RESP, the $1,200 provincial grant, other savings grants, family contributions and compound interest will grow over time, making it easier for B.C.'s children to pursue their chosen careers. Having an RESP in place also makes it easier for grandparents and other family members to help put money toward future education.
Quotes:
Education Minister Don McRae -
"We want all British Columbia families with children under the age of seven to know how easy it is to access the $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant. If parents already have an RESP for their child set up, they've already taken the most important step to get the grant. If they haven't set up an RESP to get the grant, then the time to do so is now."
Bill Bennett, MLA, Kootenay East -
"Most jobs of the future will require some kind of post-secondary education and that includes jobs in skilled trades and technology fields. Opening an RESP for a young child, and getting the new B.C. grant is a great way for a family to begin building savings for the future."
Joanne Gassman, senior vice president, BC & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal-
"The costs associated with some post-secondary education programs can be daunting. It's critical to get a head start on saving by opening an RESP as soon as possible and taking advantage of any matching government education and training grants."
"Our report shows that three-in-four parents with children under 18 have not made a detailed estimate of the total cost of putting their child through post-secondary education. An RESP is a smart way to maximize education savings. Tax-sheltered investment growth and eligibility for government grants can make a big contribution to your child's future."
Learn More:
Information about the BC Training and Education Savings Grant is available at: http://www.budget2013.ca/bc-training-and-education-savings-grant/
Information about RESPs, including tips on starting an RESP and education savings grants from the Government of Canada, is available at: www.canlearn.ca
To view a copy of the full BMO Wealth Institute report, please visit: www.bmo.com/wealthinstitute
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
]]>
Half of the grant, or $100,000, will help launch Me to We's new Stand Up! Leadership Program in up to 10 communities throughout the province. Thirty students from various schools will be brought together to participate in three-day student-led workshops focused on bullying response and prevention, while at the same time creating and maintaining a sustainable safe school environment.
Students will learn communication skills, teamwork and advocacy to promote supportive, caring, anti-bullying behaviour. When they return to their schools, these student ambassadors will bring with them action plans to create stronger, more inclusive learning environments as a way to prevent bullying. The communities hosting the program will be announced later this fall.
The grant's other $100,000 will continue to support Free The Children's annual youth empowerment We Day event - the fourth year in a row the Ministry of Education has provided this funding.
The Stand Up! Leadership Program complements government's ERASE-bullying strategy by helping to provide a safe school environment for students. The strategy, announced last June, is the most comprehensive provincewide anti-bullying and threat-assessment school strategy in Canada.
It includes a five-year, multi-level training program for 15,000 educators and community partners to help them proactively identify and address threats. To date, almost 4,000 educators and community partners have been trained in 50 out of 60 school districts.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"We know that the group that can make the greatest impact on changing the culture around bullying are students themselves. The Stand Up! Leadership Program is going to provide our youth with the tools, resources and knowledge to make positive, lasting changes in their schools, communities and wherever their futures lead them."
"Me to We/Free The Children is doing some amazing work here in B.C. and around the globe promoting social responsibility in youth. Hundreds of schools and thousands of students across the province participate in We Act programs, and this grant will continue to support the valuable work that's being accomplished."
Devon Kennedy, director of operations, Western Canada, Free The Children -
"Investing in young people and ensuring they have the support they need to be confident in themselves and become leaders in their community is at the core of what we do. On behalf of everyone at Free The Children, and our partner Me to We, we are truly thankful for the tremendous support the Ministry of Education in B.C. continues to provide us, and the future of our young people."
Learn More:
Me to We: http://www.metowe.com/
Free The Children: http://www.freethechildren.com/
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
]]>
To access the new grant, families simply open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) before their child turns seven. It's a straight forward process that takes only a short time at a bank or other financial institution. You can also open an RESP securely through an online investment firm.
Make sure you have:
By opening a RESP account - not only is a child entitled to $1,200 from the Province of British Columbia - they can also access other savings grants from the Government of Canada. Parents then work with the financial institution to make the necessary applications. No matching or additional contribution is required to receive the BC Training and Education Savings Grant.
By investing in a RESP, the $1,200 provincial grant, other savings grants, family contributions and compound interest will grow over time, making it easier for B.C.'s children to pursue their chosen careers. Having a RESP in place also makes it easier for grandparents and other family members to help put money toward future education.
Quotes:
Education Minister Don McRae -
"We want all British Columbia families with children under the age of seven to know how easy it is to access the $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant. If parents already have a RESP for their child set up, they've already taken the most important step to get the grant. If they haven't set up a RESP to get the grant then the time to do so is now."
Bill Bennett, MLA, Kootenay East -
"Most jobs of the future will require some kind of post-secondary education and that includes jobs in skilled trades and technology fields. Opening a RESP for a young child, and getting the new B.C. grant, is a great way for a family to begin building savings for the future."
Information about the BC Training and Education Savings Grant is available at: http://www.budget2013.ca/bc-training-and-education-savings-grant/
Information about RESPs, including tips on starting a RESP and education savings grants from the Government of Canada, is available at: www.canlearn.ca
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary was built in 1969 as an elementary school for young students. Over time, it was reconfigured to accommodate students from kindergarten to Grade 10, which is why the gym needs to be enlarged so it can better serve older students as well.
The estimated cost to expand the school gym is $3.6 million, which includes $600,000 each from the Ministry of Education and the school district, $1.2 million from B.C. government's FairShare economic development program and $1.2 million from the Peace River Regional District. In January, 96 per cent of voters in the regional district passed a referendum to provide municipal funding for this project.
With the signed agreement in hand, the school district will proceed with further planning on this project. Not only will the larger gym benefit students, it will also be used by local residents. Construction is expected to start in June and be completed in fall, 2013.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"An active, healthy lifestyle is crucial to students' success in schools. It is great news that we're proceeding with the expansion of the Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary gymnasium so it can meet the needs of older students too."
"This partnership between the ministry, school district, provincial and municipal governments has made the project possible, and it will provide long-term benefits for students and the local community."
Pat Pimm, Peace River North MLA -
"I am delighted that the Ministry of Education and the Peace River North school district are moving forward with improvements to the Clearview school gym."
"As a father and a long-time community member in the Peace River Region, I know this facility will be an excellent asset to our kids and residents when it is completed."
Jaret Thompson, Peace River North board of education chair -
"Today is an exciting day for our trustees, school district, students and staff at Clearview Elementary/Jr. Secondary. We have been working with the Ministry of Education on the gym expansion; with the project agreement now in place, we can move forward with project planning."
"Thank you to our partners, the Ministry of Education, the B.C. government and the Peace River Regional District, for their support for this important project that will be utilized by our students for years to come."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
Nicola-Canford Elementary has served students for more than 50 years, but its condition is deteriorating. To rejuvenate the school, the Ministry of Education and the Nicola-Similkameen school district (SD 58) have signed a project agreement to replace eight existing classrooms with eight new modular classrooms. The estimated cost of this project is $7.1 million, including $1.4 million from the school board's restricted capital account. The school capacity will remain the same - currently the school can accommodate up to 170 students from kindergarten to Grade 7.
The ministry and district have been working closely with architects on the project plan to integrate the new classrooms seamlessly into the existing school structure. To achieve this, the connecting corridors between the new classrooms and the rest of the school will be renovated as well.
Compared to the aging classrooms at the school, the new modular classrooms will have high ceilings and large windows to provide plenty of natural light as well as cross-ventilation. B.C. wood will be used as much as possible to create natural accents inside the modulars.
With the agreement in hand, the district plans to begin construction this year with completion expected in fall 2014. The district will consult the community about relocating the students temporarily during the renovation.
Quotes:
Don McRae, Minister of Education -
"Schools are a vital part of rural communities. This is why we introduced the modular school pilot program last year, so we can update aging facilities in these communities for families."
"The partial replacement of Nicola-Canford Elementary is a great example of how we can retain existing structures by replacing old classrooms with new modulars. I am glad that we can improve this school to provide a safe and modern learning environment for children in Lower Nicola."
Gordon Comeau, Nicola-Similkameen board of education chair -
"School district 58 is excited to be partnering with the Ministry of Education in the Modular Classroom Project at Nicola-Canford Elementary school. Originally built in 1959, the school had received several upgrades to keep it functional for students."
"With the recent announcement regarding the modular classroom project, the district, families and community are looking forward to the replacement of the old structure with new, modern, modular buildings. The new school will be an attractive addition to the community."
Quick Facts:
Learn More:
BC's Education Plan: www.bcedplan.ca
Media Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
To access the new grant, families simply open a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) before their child turns seven. It's a straightforward process that takes only a short time at a bank or other financial institution. You can also open an RESP securely through an online investment firm.
Make sure to have:
By opening an RESP account -- not only is a child entitled to $1,200 from the Province of British Columbia, --he or she also can access other savings grants from the Government of Canada. Parents then work with the financial institution to make the necessary applications. No matching or additional contribution is required to receive the BC Training and Education Savings Grant.
According to a recent report by the BMO Wealth Institute, only about half of Canadian parents surveyed have set up a registered education savings plan (52 per cent in B.C.) and only 20 per cent are taking full advantage of the available government grants for RESPs (24 per cent in B.C.).
By investing in an RESP, the $1,200 provincial grant, other savings grants, family contributions and compound interest will grow over time, making it easier for B.C.'s children to pursue their chosen careers. Having an RESP in place also makes it easier for grandparents and other family members to help put money toward future education.
Quotes:
Education Minister Don McRae -
"We want all British Columbia families with children under the age of seven to know how easy it is to access the $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant. If parents already have an RESP for their child set up, they've already taken the most important step to get the grant. If they haven't set up an RESP to get the grant, then the time to do so is now."
"Most financial institutions provide RESPs with no set up costs and it's easy to find a plan that suits your family's needs. Whether it is in skilled trades, technology or professional services, the vast majority of tomorrow's jobs require some form of post-secondary education and training. The sooner you start an RESP, the sooner your child's education savings can start to grow."
Joanne Gassman, senior vice president, BC & Yukon, BMO Bank of Montreal -
"The costs associated with some post-secondary education programs can be daunting. It's critical to get a head start on saving by opening an RESP as soon as possible and taking advantage of any matching government education and training grants."
"Our report shows that three in four parents with children under 18 have not made a detailed estimate of the total cost of putting their child through post-secondary education. An RESP is a smart way to maximize education savings. Tax-sheltered investment growth and eligibility for government grants can make a big contribution to your child's future."
Learn More:
Information about the BC Training and Education Savings Grant is available at: http://www.budget2013.ca/bc-training-and-education-savings-grant/
Information about RESPs, including tips on starting an RESP and education savings grants from the Government of Canada, is available at: www.canlearn.ca
To view a copy of the full BMO Wealth Institute report, please visit: www.bmo.com/wealthinstitute
Contact:
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963
]]>