Students and teachers in 100 Mile House were paid a visit by Education Minister Mike Bernier on Dec. 8, one of the many stops the minister and Peace River-South MLA is making across the province.
Bernier visited the new gym and automotive shop at Peter Skene Ogden Secondary School (PSO) and three classrooms at 100 Mile House Elementary School, whose replacement has been a top priority of School District No. 27 (SD27) for more than 10 years.
SD27 superintendent Mark Thiessen says the minster’s visit was not only an opportunity to shine a good light on schools in the area, but also an opportunity to talk to him about the challenges local educators are facing.
“I think we did a good job of balancing that out,” says Thiessen.
“I wouldn’t say we’re optimistic a new school is coming any time soon. But we certainly, as a school district, made it clear we have a need here. We hope it comes sooner rather than later.”
Bernier acknowledged a new elementary school in 100 Mile House as a big priority of SD27 and fellow B.C. Liberal MLA Donna Barnett, who represents the Cariboo-Chilcotin.
“From a ministry perspective, we’ll continue to work with the school district,” says Bernier on the issue. “Every time they bring forward things, we’ll help where we can.”
The minister’s visit also comes on the heels of a Dec. 7 announcement from the provincial government and the Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) regarding the expansion of the Shoulder Tappers program.
Shoulder Tappers work with school districts, the Industry Training Authority, the Career Education Society, industry and other organizations to help students benefit from exposure to trades and technical training.
The province is providing $1.3 million and NDIT is providing $3.6 million over five years to expand the program to 15 school districts, including SD27, across British Columbia.
SD27 recently hired a Shoulder Tapper to work with schools in the region – Bree Odd of 100 Mile House.
“The big part of the Shoulder Tappers programs is making sure we have the opportunity for our students,” says Bernier.
“Shoulder Tappers is really going to help people in northern, rural British Columbia. With everything that’s going on in northern, rural B.C., we want to make sure our students are ready for those jobs.”
The minister stopped in 100 Mile House after visiting Williams Lake and was on his way to Kamloops. Bernier picked up a hockey stick during gym class at PSO; toured and talked with students about their projects in the new automotive shop; and had some fun during arts and crafts with kindergarten students at the elementary school.
“A big part of my job really is, when we’re making decisions, we have to get out in the classrooms and talk to the teachers and see the kids in action. What’s really exciting is seeing all the great work that’s happening in the area.”
Thiessen says staff and students reflected SD27 really well.
“Some of our teachers had students prepared with questions, other teachers had their students just interact with the minister. All around, our students represented us so well today.”
