The province’s top teacher says he has a few things on his “to-do” list including ensuring that the K-12 system gets the 400 new positions promised by government. As well, Dale Lambe, who takes over from Trent Langdon as president of the NLTA, says recruitment and retention, and student attendance are right up there.

Absenteeism has been an issue for a few years, and Lambe says it has to be addressed because if you’re not in class, the educational outcome could be compromised.

Lambe, an administrator, says a lot of work is being done by administrators in trying to maintain student connection to the school system.

“If students aren’t attending, it makes it difficult for teachers to do their work,” says Lambe.