The Strait Regional Centre for Education’s Regional Executive Director says the final rollout of pre-primary was 2019’s top accomplishment.
Paul Landry says pre-primary is now in 14 schools, and they’re very happy with the launch of the program.
In a year end interview, Landry told The Hawk they’ve introduced bussing options for pre-primary participants as well.
“Free transportation if needed,” he said. “We’ve had quite good uptake on that, and we’ve had a number of families and students who are using that service.”
Landry said they have hired new staff, more than 30 over the past two years, and says the budget has increased by 4 per cent.
He said, with that, they’ve got some large capital projects on the way in 2020.
Landry said a fall announcement laid out funding for skilled trades centres in East Antigonish Education Centre and Highlands Education Centre.
He says the programs will be taught by Red Seal tradesmen.
“It’s really a dynamic and different learning space than you would typically see in a regular classroom,” he said. “That was really exciting news for us.”
Landry said it’s a great opportunity for high school students to get an introduction to a career in skilled trades.
He says they’re going to do support staff hiring a little bit differently this year.
Landry said they’ll be holding career fairs in Tamarac Education Centre and Antigonish Education Centre.
He says they’re looking for casual, non-teaching positions.
“So, we’d really like to see people stop by to those job fairs,” he said. “There is a need for casual positions in our region and it’s something new we’re trying this year.”
Landry said they’re looking for support staff like bus drivers, cleaners, and secretaries, among others.
The fairs will be held in late January and early February.
