| June 14, 2010 SURREY - Additions to six Surrey elementary schools and new modular buildings will create 58 new classrooms for full-day kindergarten, announced Surrey-Cloverdale MLA Kevin Falcon, Surrey-Panorama MLA Stephanie Cadieux, Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave S. Hayer, and Surrey-White Rock MLA Gordon Hogg. "Full-day kindergarten is a wonderful opportunity to help build a strong foundation for life-long learning," said Falcon. "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." The six Surrey schools scheduled to receive additions to support full-day kindergarten include:
"These additions are part of our commitment to ensure our children get the best possible start in their educational careers," said Cadieux. "Fun, open classroom spaces and play-based learning are key components of successful early childhood education." The Surrey school district will also receive 26 modular classrooms, which will be installed at 20 school sites to accommodate students in the fall of 2011. The modular classrooms were designed by a committee that included educators and a representative from the Surrey school district. Naturally lit and energy-efficient, the modular classrooms will provide a permanent, versatile solution with the same life span as a standard school classroom. "These bright, open classrooms will provide energy-efficient spaces that meet the needs of learners while minimizing operating costs to school districts," said Hayer. "It's an innovative solution that parents, educators and learners will all enjoy." "Through the collaborative efforts of governments and our school districts, we are working to ensure a quality education for all of our students while supporting the growth of our communities," said Hogg. While enrolment has declined by 56,000 students provincewide 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 which includes school additions, renovations, modular classrooms, 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 copies of the illustrative renderings of the modular classrooms, visit http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/news/docs/2010/modular_school.pdf. -30- | |
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