SUPPORTING SCHOOLPLUS PROGRAMS

The implementation of the government's SchoolPLUS program will be given a boost through initiatives announced today at Mount Royal Collegiate's Royal West Campus in Saskatoon.

"SchoolPLUS is designed to help every student in Saskatchewan. In addition to the high-quality education that we have come to expect, Saskatchewan schools through SchoolPLUS will develop into centres for service and support delivery," Learning Minister Judy Junor said. "It helps schools respond to emerging social and economic needs of students and families by involving the community's resources and businesses in the school. Students and their families, as well as the entire community, benefit from the collaborative approach."

"To demonstrate the province's ongoing commitment to SchoolPLUS, seven government departments are contributing up to $1.1 million through the Community-Teacher Engagement Fund over the next five years," Legislative Secretary for SchoolPLUS David Forbes said. "This year the fund will provide $100,000 to ten sites to be chosen through an application process. The funds will be used to promote and enhance partnerships between communities, families and schools. Their important work will provide valuable information as we look to a future when SchoolPLUS is adopted by all Saskatchewan schools."

The Community-Teacher Engagement Fund is in addition to funding recognition of $15.4 million provided for school divisions to strengthen the learning program and enhance supports and service delivery to Saskatchewan students.

In addition to the funding announcements, Forbes said Saskatchewan Learning is strengthening business school partnerships to ensure successful transitions for Saskatchewan students from school to employment. In addition to encouraging more student work experiences, Saskatchewan Learning is also providing opportunities for teachers to experience work places in the community. These experiences will enable teachers to bring real life examples into the classroom and better prepare students for the transition to employment.

Forbes also announced that the Virtual SchoolPLUS Doorway, a public portal that will be available on the Saskatchewan Government website, will soon be launched. The portal will provide links and information to SchoolPLUS activities, related provincial information and developments in communities.

"SchoolPLUS will happen in every school and community across the province, to help all Saskatchewan children succeed to the best of their abilities," Junor said. "Today's event demonstrates how community and education partners are building on the province's education system that provides high quality, accessible learning opportunities for our young people."

A panel consisting of school and community representatives shared their experiences of how SchoolPLUS makes schools even better by supporting and promoting the well-being and learning success of children and youth through partnerships in the community.

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For More Information, Contact:

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