Prince Rupert Port Authority Invests in Laptops for Lax Kw’alaams Students

EFFECTIVE MAY 14, 2020 

PRINCE RUPERT, BRITISH COLUMBIA – Students at Coast Tsimshian Academy (CTA) in the community of Lax Kw’alaams have received 100 new laptop computers to help them learn and stay connected with their teachers and classmates during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.  

Through the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA) Community Investment Fund, the Lax Kw’alaams Band and PRPA have partnered to purchase new laptops for the school. With CTA’s 150 students currently continuing their studies at home, the timing of this new investment is crucial; it comes as a relief to parents, teachers and staff who are facing the daily challenges of distance education.  

The need for new digital learning resources existed before social distancing measures forced the school the close its classrooms. CTA had only 47 laptops to share amongst its K-12 teaching staff and students, many of which needed to be replaced. The COVID-19 crisis exacerbated the problem, limiting the types of lessons teachers could provide and leaving some children without the necessary tools to complete their work. This investment will help ensure the school’s online-learning initiatives can progress and every student is given a chance to succeed, including an enhanced ability to develop individualized learning plans. 

PRPA and Lax Kw’alaams Band have worked together quickly to fill this critical gap for the school. PRPA is investing $35,000 into the project, 50% of the project’s total cost. 

“During these challenging times, it is more imperative than ever that we work together to support those in need. We know this investment will help the students and staff of Coast Tsimshian Academy finish their school year with a renewed energy and set them up for learning success in the future” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. 

CTA Principal Skye Mitchell, said “In the short term, the laptops will allow teachers to continue their classes and support more engaging instruction and active feedback with their students. In the long term, having enough laptops will allow CTA to provide increased learning support both during and after school hours.” 

“Investing in our youth and the incredible teachers that guide them is a win-win,” according to Lax Kw’alaams Mayor Garry Reece. “These new laptops will give our kids the tools they need right now to stay on track with their schoolwork during the lockdown and later carry on their education and development once classes can safely resume.”  

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ABOUT THE PRINCE RUPERT PORT AUTHORITY’S COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND: 

The Community Investment Fund is financed by a share of the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s annual net income that has been dedicated to improving the quality of life for residents of the North Coast. By investing these funds into community projects, led mostly by dedicated local volunteers, the Port Authority has been able to share its financial success with the communities that enable it. Since 2009, over 10.3 million dollars have been committed to the Fund – that’s over $10 million in 10 years, helping to make 76 local projects come to life. Each of these projects has filled an important role in supporting arts and culture, recreation, health and wellness, youth, education, the environment and other needs in the community. 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT: 

Monika Cote 
Manager, Corporate Communications 
Prince Rupert Port Authority 
250-627-2550 
mcote@rupertport.com