The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Brian Warr, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the high school graduating class of 2020 in Newfoundland and Labrador.

These young women and men were faced with an extraordinary situation with the onset of COVID-19 and the closure of their schools in the last few months of the school year.

Despite this situation, students across the province stepped up to meet the challenge of continuing their learning in the midst of a global pandemic. There is no doubt that learning remotely was new for many and not easy. Enhancing the ability for remote learning in the school system, if needed, is a key consideration in our planning.

We recognize students’ hard work during these trying circumstances. I would also like to acknowledge our school districts, teachers, principals, school staff and all parents and caregivers for their efforts over the past year, and particularly these past three months.

Finally Mr. Speaker, students this year were unable to hold their normal graduation ceremonies, something they plan and look forward to all year long. To protect us all, graduates and their families have found many creative ways to mark this important milestone virtually. Thank you all for your efforts to help flatten the curve.

I ask my Honourable colleagues to join me in congratulating all graduates of 2020!

Thank you.