September 6, 2016
Education and Training Minister Welcomes Students, Educators Back to School
– – –Focus on Achievement for 2016-17 School Year: Wishart
BRANDON—As thousands of students head back to school this week, Manitoba’s new government is laying the groundwork for enhanced student engagement and achievement, Education and Training Minister Ian Wishart announced here today ahead of meetings with Brandon School Division and Brandon Teachers’ Association representatives.
“This time of year is always exciting for students and parents and as the minister for education and training I share their enthusiasm,” said Wishart. “I know parents want to feel confident their children are getting an education that will help them succeed in life and I want to assure parents that our government is committed to working together with them to achieve this goal.”
The minister reminded parents and students to take advantage of online resources available through the Manitoba government website including:
• My Child in School, a user-friendly website that provides an overview of curriculum content to help parents support their children’s success in school at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/mychild/;
• My Learning at Home, a website where students in grades 5 to 8 can find videos, animations and interactive websites to help them understand or deepen their understanding of many concepts in mathematics and science at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/mylearning/;
• Safe and Caring Schools, a website that provides Manitoba’s educators, students, parents and community members with valuable information and resources to support safe, caring and inclusive schools at www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/safe_schools/; and
• Healthy Schools, a website that provides toolkits and guidance on how good health is important for learning, and that children who are physically active show better academic performance and self-esteem at www.gov.mb.ca/healthyschools/topics/physical.html.
“These resources are designed to empower parents to help their children achieve academically and ensure students have access to a quality education in safe and caring learning environments,” said Wishart. “I would also like to highlight the importance of ensuring children have balance between academic learning and other areas, like physical activity, that nurture healthy and positive development.”
Wishart also noted the provincial government is committed to closing achievement gaps and fostering higher levels of achievement in literacy and numeracy. He noted the K-12 Framework for Continuous Improvement ensures that school divisions set goals and track progress to increase student achievement, particularly in literacy and numeracy. This focus on continuous improvement creates the conditions for sustainable and attainable achievement for all students, Wishart said.
The minister also reminded Manitobans about reduced speed limits in Winnipeg school zones, which came back into effect Sept. 1.
“Now that students are back at school, more children will be out walking and biking on our roads and drivers need to be extra cautious,” said Wishart. “Please pay attention to increased pedestrian, bicycle and school-bus traffic and slow down in school zones. I’d like to extend my very best wishes for a safe, productive and fulfilling school year.”
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