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PHYSICAL EDUCATION—Beginning next year, anglophone elementary school students in the province will receive more instructional time in physical education. Right now students are allocated 100 minutes per week for Phys. Ed., with most schools averaging 91 minutes. The time will be increased to 150 minutes per week. While the provincial education department expects it will take a few years for schools to reach that level, they are expected to provide at least 120 minutes per week next year.

The increase was announced as part of a larger government program that will also increase time for music and visual arts. Education Minister Kelly Lamrock said the increased time is part of his government’s commitment to helping kids lead healthy lifestyles.

“By increasing the amount of physical education time provided to our students, we are clearly demonstrating our commitment to physical education, as outlined in the Charter for Change,” Lamrock said. “We are confident that within the next three school years students will be receiving the full amount of 150 minutes per week of quality physical education.”

To help accomplish this goal, at least 111 elementary school teaching positions in the anglophone sector will be assigned to instruction in physical education and music when the 2008-09 school year begins.

“Students will benefit from access to greater expertise in physical education and music as the teachers assigned to these classes will have specific training in these subject areas.”

School districts will decide how the physical education and music specialists will be distributed to their schools.