May 9, 2006

Oakridge Early Years Hub celebrates official opening

Officials and community members of the Peel District School Board, will celebrate the official opening of the Oakridge Early Years Hub on May 17 at Oakridge Public School. This event showcases the Early Years Hub program which familiarizes parents with the Ontario education system and provides a smooth transition for upcoming kindergarten students.

"The hub welcomes caregivers and parents to attend with their children so that they can learn together in an environment that is welcoming and stimulating," says Laura Temple-Smith, principal of Oakridge Public School.

There will be a draw prior to the official opening, the winning family will be selected to cut the ribbon at the ceremony. There will be entertainment for children, cake and refreshments will also be provided.

The hub and readiness centre program was launched in 2005 by the Peel board to help children prepare for kindergarten, by providing a variety of social and educational activities that teach basic skills for starting school. There are four hubs in Peel, Oakridge is one of the 14 schools with a readiness centre.

--Oakridge Public school is located at 2060 Stonehouse Crescent. The event is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1:15 p.m.

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Media contact: Laura Temple- Smith, Oakridge Public School, Principal, 905-274-3601
Laurie Thompson, Oakridge Early Years Hub Teacher, 905-274-9438

Reference: Danielle Wilson, Communications Assistant, 905-890-1010, ext. 2437

Note to media: The event is open to the media. The children attending the program have consent to be filmed and/or photographed.