(June 22, 2022) – Barry Petten, PC Shadow Minister of Education and MHA for Conception Bay South, today took the time to express thanks to all teachers, administrators, staff, and especially students and their parents who are finishing up another difficult school year.

“The past three years have been exceptionally challenging for students and other stakeholders in our education system. While I wish all students a safe and happy summer, I remain concerned some children may not be adequately prepared for subsequent grade levels,” said Petten.

Petten has been vocal about the loss of instructional time and the need for learning recovery due to three years of COVID 19. Petten pointed to an information note prepared for Minister Osborne way back on August 31, 2021, and accessed through ATIPP that paints a difficult picture of the gaps in learning.

The documents outline how the school curriculum has been covered superficially or skipped entirely, while significant issues were noted in foundational courses like writing, reading development, and math. Petten noted the Minister’s learning symposium planned this week appears focused on pandemic effects on post-secondary education students.

“Unfortunately, we still do not know the long-term impacts on our children, including social, emotional, and cognitive development. While other provinces like Ontario laid out detailed plans months ago, the Furey Government is only now beginning to consult,” said Petten.

“The Province of Ontario unveiled a detailed plan months ago that includes tutoring access for kids, reading intervention programs, mental health supports, and a continued online learning option. However, I fear Government is following its usual pattern of being reactive vs proactive.”

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Contacts:

David Maher

Director of Strategic Communications

(cell) 709-725-0984

DavidMaher@gov.nl.ca