Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning. This week is Education Week. We celebrate Education Week to raise awareness of the importance of education. This year we are promoting the idea that all northerners have a role in education. We are also hoping to increase awareness about the importance of education outside the classroom.
Mr. Speaker, NWT high school graduation numbers are increasing. Many northern students are moving on to post-secondary studies, and excelling in college, university or the trades. Later today, I will table a document detailing high school graduation rates for the past 30 years.
Mr. Speaker, the first Ministerial Awards of Excellence were announced recently. There were over 30 applicants for these scholarships, all with good post-secondary grade point averages. In their applications, most referred to special people who had made a difference to their success in education by helping them along the way, both in school and at home.
The theme of Education Week this year is You Can Make a Difference. The intent of this theme is to convey that learning is not an activity that takes place exclusively at school between a teacher and a student. Just as it takes a community to raise a child, in the best learning situations, there are many people who help. For the best chance of student success, parents must ensure their children are rested, well-nourished and otherwise ready to learn. Across the Northwest Territories, we are seeing more and more parents who actively participate in their children's learning and school activities. Parental involvement is so important to student success. Community members, particularly elders, are helping enrich the classroom by volunteering their time and knowledge, or by ensuring that there are stimulating activities to occupy time after school hours.
Mr. Speaker, the Department of Education, Culture and Employment, in partnership with the NWT Teachers' Association, uses NWT Education Week as an important opportunity to celebrate the work of teachers. The Thank
You for Making a Difference Campaign that takes place during this time is now in its tenth year. It provides an opportunity to thank teachers and other school employees.
Mr. Speaker, teachers do very important work in our classrooms. I would particularly like to acknowledge that many teachers invest a lot of time and energy outside the classroom and after hours. Many of our community coaches, youth group leaders, fundraisers and chaperones are teachers. Teachers tutor outside school hours and outside their own subject areas. Teachers like these make a huge difference in northern communities, and we appreciate how much they do on their own valuable time.
Mr. Speaker, Education Week is, first and foremost, a time for celebrating learning. I would like to thank all of those who make a difference to young learners. I encourage everyone to mark Education Week by taking some time to thank people who help with education in your community. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
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