Islanders are getting ready to acknowledge the contributions of teachers and school staff during Teacher and School Staff Appreciation Week, February 9 to 14, 2009.
Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Gerard Greenan encourages students and parents to take time during the week to say thank you to a special teacher or school employee who has made a difference in school life for a child. “Our teachers and school staff play a very important role in the success of our students while they are in school and in later life,” said Minister Greenan. “One of the nicest things we can do in return is to simply say thank you and let them know that the great job they are doing does not go unnoticed,” said the minister.
Minister Greenan acknowledged with appreciation the many activities being organized in Island schools this week. “Parents, students, Home and School groups and school councils are to be commended for the great things they do to let teachers and staff know they are appreciated whether that is by organizing a potluck lunch or sending a card or e-mail to let them know what a great job they are doing,” he said.
During the week, the PEI Home and School Federation will present its Extra Mile Awards which recognize a teacher or staff member in the Eastern School District and Western School Board who go the “extra mile” for their students.
There are over 1,530 full-time equivalent teachers employed in the Prince Edward Island school system, as well as 305 educational assistants and youth workers, 283 school bus drivers, 115 administrative staff, and 206 custodial and maintenance staff.