Premier McGuinty drops by for a tour of St. Francis school
Tuesday, August 07, 2012 by: Carol Martin
Premier Dalton McGuinty dropped by St. Francis Catholic Elementary School this morning for a tour of the work in progress at the school.
It's in the midst of an expansion worth almost $2 million to support a burgeoning population of Kindergarten students.
The Premier checked out new classroom spaces, cork boards, new floors and details like a water fountain that will have a spout to fill refillable water bottles.
He was at the school to see how Ontario's decision to fund full-day kindergarten was affecting it's schools.
McGuinty said one way it's helping to improve education in the province is by giving Ontario students higher test scores and better student retention.
He said this will lead to a better educated adult work force as they continue through the system.
The full text of a release from the Premier's office follows.
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Stronger schools, more jobs
McGuinty Government building better places to learn In Sault Ste. Marie
Students at St. Francis Catholic Elementary in Sault Ste. Marie will return this September to a school with additional classrooms for full-day kindergarten.
Premier Dalton McGuinty toured St. Francis Catholic Elementary today to see the final stages of a major renovation.
The Province supported the $1.8 million project to support the school’s growing French immersion and full-day kindergarten programs.
St. Francis Catholic Elementary is one of more than 27,000 school renewal projects that have been completed or underway across the province since 2003.
Investing in stronger schools is part of the McGuinty government’s plan to build the best-educated workforce, create jobs and boost Ontario’s economy.
Quotes
"This expansion means a bigger, better school for our students and good jobs for the people of Sault Ste. Marie. Building better places to learn is the smart thing to do for our kids and for our economy."
— Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario
"We’re proud to support this project so that students at St. Francis Catholic Elementary can have a safe, positive environment to learn and grow. Investing in our schools is one more way our government is strengthening education and creating good jobs here in Sault Ste. Marie."
— David Orazietti, MPP Sault Ste. Marie
Quick facts
- Since 2003, over $10 billion in capital funding has resulted in more than 27,000 renewal projects and 570 new schools have been completed or are underway across the province.
- Improving Ontario’s education infrastructure has created or preserved about 16,000 jobs, on average every year.
- The Province has provided funding for about 98 new teachers and 44 more support staff in the Sault Ste. Marie area since 2003.
- St. Francis Catholic Elementary will have three full-day kindergarten classes this September
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Nimrod 8/7/2012 4:06:13 PM ReportThis expansion means bigger and deeper debt for both the province and the municipality and thats all it does.
Alken 8/7/2012 4:35:38 PM Reportwell said.
steelworker 8/7/2012 6:08:15 PM ReportSneaks in like a hooker at a Baptist convention then leaves.
I'm In 8/7/2012 7:05:08 PM ReportIt looks like you first four posters on this news story need to enroll in Kindergarden @ St. Francis
Nimrod 8/7/2012 8:12:42 PM ReportToo busy working and paying taxes to support all the leeches. R U one??
geterdun 8/7/2012 8:23:02 PM ReportThanks for putting us and our kids another 10 billion in debt Dalton...waste of money put hey what do you care??? you get your gold plated tax paid pension right.......
Norm 8/7/2012 9:16:31 PM ReportMike Harris was the best Premier, I think anyway.
a_mom 8/8/2012 5:48:01 PM Reportanyone that enrolls their child at st francis is nuts.
Bobbi1969 8/10/2012 3:49:03 PM ReportDid anyone see the front page of the Sault Star... I grew up in the west end of the city... if you look carefully... we see a highrise building to the right of the photo.. since when is there a highrise close to St Francis school.. I drive by there daily... ???? Just saying ...
Note: Comments that appear on the site are not the opinion of SooToday.com. Keep discussions civil and on topic. Refrain from obscenity and don't post anything that your grandmother would be ashamed to read. Those who do not abide by these guidelines will have their membership revoked without notice. If you see an abusive post, please click the link beside the post to report it.
