Little Current Public School Receives Primary Class Size Capital Funding

Little Current Public School on Manitoulin Island has received $1.3 million in Primary Class Size Capital funding from the Ministry of Education. Another classroom will be added to the southwest corner of the school at 18 Draper Street in Little Current. The work will begin this summer and be completed in early fall.

"This is an exciting time in education in Ontario," says Rainbow District School Board Chair Judy Hunda. "Four years ago, the Ministry of Education began phasing in a cap of 20 students in the primary grades (JK to Grade 3).  The Ministry is now providing funding to accommodate the smaller class sizes. Little Current Public School is one of eight Rainbow Schools to benefit from Primary Class Size Capital funding this year."

As part of the project, Little Current Public School will also receive upgraded ventilation and electrical systems, energy efficient washrooms and a fresh coat of paint. "Once the work is complete, we will have a greener, healthier and larger learning environment for students and staff," adds Chair Hunda.

Manitoulin Trustee Larry Killens says the funding for Little Current Public School is big news for a small community. "Little Current Public School is an important hub for learning and life," says Trustee Killens. "It is the largest of the four elementary Rainbow Schools on Manitoulin Island, with a rich past, a vibrant present and a promising future." Trustee Killens commends the Province of Ontario for making education a top priority. "An investment in education is an investment in the prosperity of generations to come."

Little Current Public School has 328 students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 8, including a significant First Nations population. The Aundeck Omni Kaning and Sheguiandah community are within the school’s catchment area. First Nations communities support the school through activities such as powwows, cultural days and drumming circles. Students have the option of learning Ojibwe or French as a second language.

First Nation culture will be reflected in the choice of paint colors for the school. Inspired by the Ojibwe medicine wheel, the colors will include vibrant yellow and splashes of red. "This will further celebrate the diversity of the school population, providing an inspirational learning environment for all students," says First Nations Trustee Grace Fox. "It’s important that students in Ontario have knowledge and appreciation of contemporary and traditional First Nation, Métis, and Inuit traditions, cultures, and perspectives."

Rainbow District School Board has surpassed provincial targets for the reduction of primary class sizes in Ontario. A total of 92 per cent of Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 classes in Rainbow Schools have 20 or fewer students, compared to 88.4 per cent on a provincial level. All primary classes in Rainbow Schools have 23 or fewer students.

"Children in our care are benefiting from more individual attention from their teachers," says Jean Hanson, Director of Education for Rainbow District School Board. She adds: "Early years are critical years as we build the foundation for more advanced academic studies in later grades. Strong literacy and numeracy skills, coupled with character development, will enable students in Rainbow Schools to reach their full potential."

The Ministry of Education began phasing in the cap of 20 students in the primary grades (JK to Grade 3) in the 2004 – 2005 school year with full implementation by 2007 – 2008. "To make class sizes smaller, more teachers and more classrooms are needed," says Director Hanson. "To date, Rainbow District School Board has received funding to hire approximately 40 more teachers for the primary grades. School boards are now receiving capital dollars to address primary class size space requirements."

Little Current Public School Principal Margaret Stringer says staff, students, parents/guardians and the surrounding community will be pleased with the upcoming project. "We are known as the Little Current Coyotes and our students howl with spirit and pride for their school," she says. "They will now have more reasons to celebrate as their school becomes bigger and better."

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 or 1-888-421-2661.