| June 14, 2010 New Classrooms Support Full-Day Kindergarten in Chilliwack CHILLIWACK – New modular classrooms will create three new classrooms in the Chilliwack school district in preparation for full day kindergarten. “These new facilities will help us meet our commitment to provide the kind of full-day learning program that leads to improved literacy and smoother transitions to the primary grades,” says Chilliwack MLA John Les. “The greatest investment we can make for students is in early learning,” says Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner. “Full-day kindergarten gives children the best chance for success later in their educational pursuits.” The Chilliwack school district will receive three modular classrooms which will be installed at three school sites to accommodate students in the fall of 2011. The modular classrooms were designed by a committee that included educators and representatives from seven school districts. Naturally lit and energy efficient, the modular classrooms will provide a permanent, versatile solution with the same life span as a standard school classroom. B.C.’s newest modular classrooms are designed as colourful, warm, and naturally-lit spaces to enhance the teaching and learning environment. High ceilings and ample storage space for materials will be included in the new classrooms, which can be relocated or clustered as the student population changes over time. Approximately 50 per cent of the exterior walls will be finished with wood and 50 per cent of the interior wall and ceiling surfaces will have a visible wood finish. These classrooms will also incorporate energy efficient heating and cooling systems and will be built with high performance building envelopes to minimize operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While enrolment has declined by 56,000 students province-wide since 2000/01, the implementation of full day kindergarten will require more space than is presently available in some neighbourhoods. These projects are part of a $144.5-million plan which includes: school additions, renovations, modular classrooms, new school space and approximately $10 million to furnish and equip classrooms, including the conversion of existing space, to support full day kindergarten. The $144.5-million capital investment is being provided in addition to B.C.’s three-year, $280-million commitment to implement full day kindergarten for all eligible children by September 2011. Full day kindergarten will be available for up to 50 per cent of kindergarten students in 2010 and for every five-year-old starting school in 2011. Since 2001, the Province has spent more than $1.7 billion to complete 80 new and replacement schools, 148 additions, 26 renovation projects and 22 site acquisitions across B.C. All new and replacement schools have been constructed to meet the latest seismic standards. By the end of 2009-10, the Province will have committed more than $3.8 billion in school capital and maintenance projects across the province. As outlined by Premier Campbell, all new school construction projects will include B.C. wood in their construction whenever possible. -30- | |
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