PREMIER HONOURS EIGHT B.C. SCHOOLS FOR EXCELLENCE

VICTORIA – Premier Gordon Campbell officially kicked off Education Week today by honouring eight outstanding B.C. schools during a ceremony at the legislature.

“These eight schools are examples of the innovative teaching and learning that takes place in our schools everyday,” said Campbell. “B.C.’s students are among the best in the world thanks to the terrific teachers and high-calibre programs offered throughout the province.”

Today’s ceremony recognized eight schools that have demonstrated excellence and innovation in one of six key educational areas:

Aboriginal education: Coast Tsimshian Academy in Prince Rupert.
Early learning: Salmon Arm West elementary school (Shuswap school district).
Environment: Bowen Island community school (West Vancouver school district) and Nechako Valley secondary school in Vanderhoof (Nechako Lakes school district).
Healthy schools: Ecole Austin Road in Prince George (Prince George school district) and Oceanside middle school in Parksville (Qualicum school district).
Literacy: Tatla Lake elementary-junior secondary school (Cariboo-Chilcotin school district).
Trades and skills development: A.L. Fortune secondary school in Enderby (Shuswap school district).

Ninety-four schools were nominated by the principal, school district or member of the school community. Recipients were chosen by a panel made up of a student, teacher, parent, principal and superintendent.

“I’ve visited hundreds of classrooms around the province and I am always impressed by the excellent students, teachers and programs,” said Education Minister Shirley Bond. “Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate that excellence with everyone in British Columbia.”

Premier Campbell also released more information on the new Premier’s Award for Teaching Excellence committed to in the throne speech. The award will recognize outstanding B.C. teachers who have made exceptional contributions to benefit their school community and improve student achievement.

Beginning in 2008, the awards will be granted during Education Week each year in the following categories:

· Education;

· Literacy;

· Healthy Living and/or Physical Education & Coaching;

· Distributed Learning;

· Aboriginal Learning;

· School Leadership;

· Community Engagement;

· Skill Training/Career Preparation;

· Beginning Teacher (0-5 Years); and

· Lifetime Achievement.

Further details on the award can be found at www.bced.gov.bc.ca/teacherawards.

Government is working to make B.C. the best-educated, most literate jurisdiction on the continent. Since 2000-01, the Province has increased funding to B.C. public schools by over $1 billion: $667 million in operating grants and $407 million in one-time grants. During the same period, enrolment is projected to have declined by over 50,000 students.

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To view Minister Bond’s Education Week video please visit www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/videos/sbond/2007/070326_educationweek.htm.

1 backgrounder(s) attached.
Media contact:	Mike Morton Press Secretary Office of the Premier 250 213-8218	Lara Perzoff Public Affairs Bureau Ministry of Education 250 356-5963 250 920-9040 (cell)

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