The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Tom Osborne, Minister of Education:

Speaker, I am pleased to join members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association to proclaim March 14-18 as Education Week.

This year’s theme, “A Place to Grow”, encourages a happy, stimulating, and nurturing environment that allows students to develop socially and academically, while envisioning all that they can be.

More than ever before we recognize the importance of education and the role it plays in our communities. Maintaining instruction has been central to our approach to the COVID-19 pandemic, which is why we’ve invested nearly $60 million in the school system since 2020 to keep schools as safe as possible.

We recognize the value of in-person learning and of belonging to a school community for the emotional well-being of students as well as for their future successes in everything they do. While memories of this time of adversity will fade, the lessons we’ve learned, both inside and outside the classroom, will remain.

Speaker, I want to sincerely thank the many dedicated teachers, administrators, support staff and volunteers who go above and beyond to inspire our students to grow each and every day. Teaching doesn’t stop at the classroom. I encourage students to take part in the many activities happening this week and I ask all members of this house to join me in celebrating Education Week 2022.

Thank you.