SCHOOLPLUS LEGISLATIVE SECRETARY VISITS NORTH WEST ROMAN CATHOLIC SEPARATE SCHOOL DIVISION

David Forbes, Legislative Secretary for SchoolPLUS met with the North West Roman Catholic Separate School Division in North Battleford to learn about SchoolPLUS activities being planned locally. SchoolPLUS is a new concept in which schools are centres of learning and community support that ensure the well-being and education success of Saskatchewan's children and youth.

"Strong community leadership will ensure that SchoolPLUS becomes a reality in all schools and communities in the province," Forbes said. "Through SchoolPLUS the school community will evolve into a larger learning community."

The North West Roman Catholic Separate School Division is one of 21 field test school divisions partnering with Saskatchewan Learning to participate in the SchoolPLUS School and Division Improvement Initiative.

The purpose of the field test is to enhance learning and build upon the successful practices of schools and community partners. The objective is to strengthen their capacity to improve the outcomes for the education and well-being of children and young people.

"For families and communities, SchoolPLUS means success because everyone wins -- family and community success is built on individual success. In Saskatchewan, we recognize that the role of the school is to reach beyond the classroom and into the community to help our students succeed," Forbes said.

Each field test site will establish a SchoolPLUS team to engage in a community needs assessment to move this vision forward. It is anticipated that all school divisions will be involved in the School and Division Improvement Initiative by the 2005-06 school year.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Jacquie McLean Learning Regina Phone: (306)787-5609