Some of B.C.'s youngest students were on hand to celebrate the grand opening of a new $1.9-million, four-classroom addition to Chimney Hill Elementary school in Surrey.

Joining them were parents, teachers, school district administrators, MLAs Stephanie Cadieux and Dave Hayer, as well as Education Minister George Abbott. Abbott toured the new classrooms before taking time to read a favourite story to some of the school's kindergarten students.

Two of the classrooms will add 40 new full-day kindergarten spaces, increasing the school's capacity to 80 full-day kindergarten students. The other classrooms will provide additional spaces for elementary students.

The classroom addition at Chimney Hill is part of government's $144.5-million commitment to provide classrooms for early learners throughout B.C. now that full-day kindergarten is available for every eligible five-year-old in the province.

Quotes:

George Abbott, Minister of Education -

"Full-day kindergarten leads to improved literacy and numeracy and ensures a smoother transition to the primary grades for our youngest students."

"These new classrooms at Chimney Hill will provide an excellent environment to support full-day kindergarten in this growing community."

Stephanie Cadieux, MLA, Surrey-Panorama -

"It's wonderful to see these classrooms now completed in this vibrant area of Surrey. Chimney Hill is fortunate to have great teachers, support staff and committed parents."

"It also has some pretty amazing young students who are achieving early learning success in both kindergarten and elementary school."

Laurae McNally, chair, Surrey Board of Education -

"Surrey is a great city to raise a family and the Surrey school district is a wonderful place to receive an education; that's why enrolment growth continues in schools like Chimney Hill."

"I thank the Minister of Education for the financial support to build these much needed classrooms and I thank the students, staff and parents for their patience while waiting for the additional space, and enduring the construction site at their school over the last year."

Quick Facts:

• Full-day kindergarten is now available for all eligible children attending public schools.
• As of September 2011, a total of 37,176 students were enrolled in B.C. public school kindergarten classes.
• A total 4,784 full-day kindergarten students are enrolled in Surrey public schools.
• As part of the Province's $144.5-million capital commitment to full-day kindergarten, Surrey is receiving:
• 26 new modular classrooms at 18 different school sites.
• 32 new classrooms through additions at six of Surrey elementary schools: Hazelgrove, Cambridge, Chimney Hill, Hillcrest, AJ McLellan and TE Scott.
• Funding to convert 36 existing available classrooms to kindergarten use.

About BC's Education Plan:

Introduced last fall, BC's Education Plan is a blueprint to transform education so every student can excel and thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan has five key elements: personalized learning for every student; quality teaching and learning; more flexibility and choice; high standards; and learning empowered by technology. It focuses on maintaining basic core skills for students while developing key competencies such as critical thinking, insight and teamwork.

Under BC's Education Plan, government is committed to building an education system that is more flexible, dynamic and adaptable and better prepares students for a successful future, while still remaining focused on the importance of strong foundational skills.

Learn More:

BC's Education Plan: http://www.bcedplan.ca/

Contact:

Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Education
250 356-5963