Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy toured three ASD-W schools before meeting with district staff and members of the District Education Council (DEC) in Fredericton on April 24.
"I got to see Makerspace and personalized learning at three different levels with students pursuing their passions and teachers excited and happy with their work," Cardy said. "We have some fantastic teachers and support staff with strong parent and community support for our schools. This is what we want for our education system."
Cardy began his tour at New Maryland Elementary School visiting a physical education class, the library, snoezelen room, and Writer Makerspace. In consultation with Principal Heather Hallett and staff, he heard about play-based instruction, guidance counselling at the elementary level, student mental health, the integration of technology, plans for a new math and science room and outdoor classroom, and student led clubs and committees.
At Bliss Carman Middle School, Cardy discussed special projects and the school's vision with Principal Chantale Cloutier and staff and heard about personalized learning, technology, virtual
learning and partnership with organizations, businesses and even other
countries. Cardy was accompanied on the tour by Deputy Minister John McLaughlin and Assistant Deputy Minister Chris Treadwell.
"Our guests enjoyed meeting with students while touring the
school and conversing with students about ongoing projects in the Makerspace
and technology lab as essential 21st century skills," Cloutier said. "Minister Cardy
also met with our CyberTitans to congratulate them on their first place win and their upcoming (cybersecurity) competition in Ottawa. We greatly appreciate the visit and the opportunity for great discussions."
At Fredericton High School, the Minister met with Principal Shane Thomas for a tour of the Future Chef Cafe where culinary arts students were busy in the kitchen cooking and preparing lunch for the campus restaurant. Then they were off to the school's skilled trades centre, recording studio and Innovation Lab where the latest technology is becoming available to inspire the creativity of students.
"They come here to work on their noon hours because it's fun," Thomas said about the Innovation Lab. "It's not a classroom to them. It's their place to be."
In meeting with district staff and DEC members, Cardy discussed the challenges of providing education in today's fast-paced society and how the government plans to improve the delivery of education to prepare students for success in an increasingly competitive and technological world.
Shown in the photos below are (1) (left to right) Education and Early Childhood Development Minister Dominic Cardy, Fredericton High School Principal Shane Thomas, Deputy Minister John McLaughlin and Assistant Deputy Minister Chris Treadwell in the school's Innovation Lab examining the construction of a 3D printer; (2) (left to right) DEC member Jane Buckley and chairperson Kimberley Douglass talk with Minister Cardy and Deputy Minister John McLaughlin.
