FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2008-06-05

2008 NSS Conference delegates welcome St John's Student Poster competition participants

The Standards Council of Canada (SCC) presented top prizes to the winners of its student poster-competition during a luncheon held yesterday at the Fairmont Newfoundland, in St. John’s Newfoundland and Labrador.

School-aged children (grades 3 to 6) from Newfoundland and Labrador’s Eastern School District were encouraged to learn about standards by drawing posters depicting how standards affect their lives.  The competition was held as part of SCC’s 2008 National Standards Systems (NSS) Conference.

"This is the first time the NSS Conference has included such a project, and it wouldn’t have been possible without help from the Eastern School Board, and the generous support of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador," noted SCC Chairman, Hugh Krentz.

A total of 47 entries were submitted and showcased during the Conference. The top three entries were selected based on originality, clarity of message, and comprehension of the subject matter.

•         MacKenzie Cheeseman (Cape St. Francis Elementary) received the third prize ribbon;
•         The second prize ribbon went to Tal Volkozha (St. Andrew's Elementary);
•         And the first prize ribbon was awarded to Caroline Gehue (Rennie's River Elementary School).

On behalf of the students, the Standards Council of Canada made a donation to the School Lunch Association. A cheque in the amount of $1,000 was presented to Gerry Colbert, Executive Director for the School Lunch Association, during today’s luncheon.

"A nutritious meal is the standard that every child deserves.  It improves attendance in school, leads to higher grades and, most importantly, enriches self-esteem and self-confidence," said Mr. Colbert. "On behalf of the students who benefit from the school lunch program, I would like to thank the members of the National Standards System for their contribution to our program."

The Standards Council of Canada is a Crown corporation with the mandate to promote efficient and effective voluntary standardization in Canada. As coordinator of Canada’s National Standards System, SCC oversees the efforts of those organizations and individuals involved in standards-related development and implementation activities, both at home and abroad.

For more information, visit www.scc.ca

- 30 -