WHITSUNDAY STUDENTS CELEBRATE NATIONAL LITERACY AND NUMERACY WEEK

_{01 September, 2009}

Reading, writing and maths are being highlighted in Whitsunday schools this week as part of National Literacy and Numeracy Week.

Member for Whitsunday, Jan Jarratt said the Bligh Government was committed to boosting education standards in Queensland schools.

“Literacy and numeracy are vital skills for success at school and in life and that’s why encouraging a love of learning in these areas among students is so important,’ Ms Jarratt said.

“This week is about promoting literacy and numeracy activities and recognising those working hard to build our children’s skills in these areas, whether they are parents, teachers, community workers or other students.

“The theme for this year’s celebrations is ‘Getting the basics right’ - which is exactly what we are encouraging in all schools across Queensland.

“If all young children have strong foundations in literacy and numeracy we can build on those achievements to boost their chances of success later in life.”
Ms Jarratt said the Government was giving children a flying start by focusing on the foundations of learning – reading, writing, spelling and mathematics.
‘We are working hard on a range of initiatives to boost student skills,” Ms Jarratt said.
Education and Training Minister Geoff Wilson said the Government was investing $72 million over the next three years.
“We’re providing more than 1000 extra teachers and 80 literacy and numeracy coaches,” he said.
“We’re piloting 72 summer schools to provide intensive support for up to 9,000 students in literacy and numeracy.
“We’ve already had parents enrol more than 4000 students for the summer schools program in September throughout the state.
“It’s clear that parents are keen for their children to access any extra help on offer to help their children do well in these subjects.
“We know that achieving in these key areas is crucial to a child’s success, and we’re doing everything possible to give them the extra boost they need.”
Media contact-
Jan Jarratt
4945 3343
whitsunday@parliament.qld.gov.au

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