Dear NLSchools community,

This memo is to let you know that the Provincial Government is seeking feedback on
proposed changes to the program of studies for students in grades 7 to 9. The program
of studies determines what subjects are mandatory and optional for students, and how
much time is spent learning those subjects.

The changes aim to increase student engagement, address attendance concerns,
improve educational outcomes, and make school more meaningful.

The proposed changes include:

• Combining certain subjects,
• Offering some subjects through a modular delivery format,
• Adjusting the amount of time devoted to some subjects, and
• Making some subjects fully or partially optional.

Further details on the proposed changes and what they mean for teachers and students
are available on the K-12 Professional Learning website.

School communities, including parents/guardians, teachers, administrators and
students, can share feedback using the online platform. I encourage each of you to
review the proposed changes and share your feedback, which will be accepted until
February 28, 2025.

In addition to the feedback provided through the online platform, fourteen schools in the
province have been selected to implement the proposed changes for the 2025-26
school year. School administrators from the selected schools will share further
information with intermediate grade families. These schools are:

Name Community School Grade Configuration

Bay d’Espoir Academy St. Alban’s K-12
Brookside Intermediate Portugal Cove-St. Phillip’s 5-9
Corner Brook Intermediate Corner Brook 7-9
Exploits Valley High Grand Falls-Windsor 7-9
Holy Spirit High School Conception Bay South 9-12
Holy Trinity High School Torbay 9-12
Juniper Ridge Intermediate Torbay 5-8
Laval High School Placentia 7-12
Lewisporte Intermediate Lewisporte 7-9
Mealy Mountain Collegiate Happy Valley-Goose Bay 8-12
Pasadena Academy Pasadena 7-12
Queen of Peace Middle School Happy Valley-Goose Bay 4-7
St. Lawrence Academy St. Lawrence K-12
Villanova Junior High Conception Bay South 5-8

Feedback and information from teachers, parents and students in the fourteen schools
implementing the changes next year will inform the final changes to the intermediate
program, which will be implemented in all intermediate grades for September 2026.

The Provincial Government is committed to transforming the education system and has
introduced a variety of measures to support a modern teaching and learning
environment for students and educators. Thank you for your commitment to the
educational journey of students in our province.

Sincerely,

Terry Hall
ADM, Education Operations
Superintendent of Schools

Any students (Grade 7-9) interested in participating in the Science Fair, please see your science teacher to be added to the Google Classroom. Projects will be completed on your own time with support from the Science Department.

Participating in the Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Science Fair provides students with an exciting opportunity to explore scientific inquiry, develop critical thinking skills, and showcase their creativity. The event fosters a spirit of innovation and curiosity, encouraging young scientists to pursue their interests in STEM fields.

Additionally, students gain valuable experience in presenting their work, collaborating with others, and competing at a provincial level, with the potential to advance to national and international competitions.