The Government of New Brunswick will invest $3 million over the next two years to support a Saint John initiative that helps vulnerable children succeed in school.
“When Children Succeed” helps around 700 students overcome learning barriers in kindergarten to Grade 2 through intensive in-class support designed to close the education achievement gap.
“There are children who enter kindergarten significantly behind their peers, which creates a significant barrier to their success,” said Trevor Holder, the MLA for Portland-Simonds and Minister of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour.
“We need to tear down those barriers and do everything we can to make sure no one is left behind. This project is closing that gap, and we are proud to provide support to build on the early success of this program.”
New Brunswick has one of the highest graduation rates in Canada — 84 per cent — data suggests the rate at targeted schools is only about 70 per cent.
“We are incredibly proud of the work the team at the Anglophone South School District has put into this project at the local level and the early results they have achieved,” said Education Minister Dominic Cardy.
“This project will give our most vulnerable students a stronger foundation that will help them with academic achievement and graduation and to achieve their full potential as citizens.”
The schools involved in the “When Children Succeed” project are:
- Seaside Park Elementary School
- Glen Falls School
- Princess Elizabeth School
- Centennial School
- Prince Charles School
- St. John the Baptist / King Edward School
- Hazen White-St. Francis School
“We are privileged, in Anglophone South School District, to have the support of Education and Early Childhood Development and Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour on this initiative,” said district superintendent Zoë Watson.