News release

Students Receiving More Support Through SchoolsPlus

Education (July 1999 - March 2013)

Students and families in Yarmouth, Antigonish and Richmond counties have more access to services and after-school programs through SchoolsPlus.

Environment Minister Sterling Belliveau, on behalf of Education Minister Ramona Jennex, joined students and staff to officially open SchoolsPlus sites at Ecole secondaire de Par-en-Bas in Tusket, Ecole acadienne de Pomquet, and Ecole Beau-Port in Arichat today, March 4.

"Schools are at the heart of their communities, and SchoolsPlus programs and services help students, families and communities get a full range of support in a comfortable and familiar location," said Mr. Belliveau.

Part of the Kids and Learning First plan, SchoolsPlus brings services like mentoring, homework support and health programs right into schools where kids and families can easily access them. The Par-en-Bas site will begin offering the Incredible Years parenting course this week.

Natasha Fitzgerald, a Grade 10 student at Ecole secondaire de Par-en-Bas, said she has felt more engaged at school since taking part in SchoolsPlus programs.

"SchoolsPlus has helped me to be me," said Natasha. "I come to school and I know that it's going to be fun."

The province has also committed to hiring mental health clinicians to work alongside guidance counsellors in SchoolsPlus schools. A part-time clinician is now available to students at Pomquet and Beau-Port.

SchoolsPlus is available in 95 schools across the province and will expand further in 2013-14. For more information, visit schoolsplus.ednet.ns.ca.