��ֱ��s – District 40

Lord Tweedsmuir Redevelopment FAQ

Mike Lee — Thu, 07 May 2026 23:11:53 +0000

Please note the following FAQ will be updated over time to include more questions from our community about the Tweedsmuir redevelopment project.

��ֱ��s will work with our partners in government and Burnaby Schools (SD41) to ensure all answers are as complete and accurate as possible.

Students and programs

Is this move for French and English?

This move is applicable for the whole of community which includes both the English and French programs.

What is the capacity of Stride? Does Stride have capacity for the French students?

Stride has capacity to accommodate all Lord Tweedsmuir students. The whole student population and staff will move to Stride.

Will this be K-5 or K-6?

We do not know what school configuration of schools will be built on the site. We are currently refreshing the District’s Long Range Facilities Plan (��ֱ��) as part of our yearly capital. Within this strategic work, the Board will consider which configuration best supports our needs, which will guide what projects to put forward in our capital plan requests to the Ministry of Infrastructure. The ��ֱ�� recommendations are coming before the board in June 2026. Based on the approved recommendations, this will guide the requests to government on the type and size of school at Tweedsmuir and other sites.

Will any school programs be affected by this?

No program impacts are anticipated based on what we know today.

In 2027–28 my daughter will be in Grade 6. Where will she go? Will she be at Stride, Glenbrook, will EFI and LFI students get moved to Spencer?

Planning is still underway. Based on what we know today, a student entering Grade 6 will attend Glenbrook Middle School to join the French immersion peer group that attends that school.

Facilities and construction

Why can’t one building be constructed while continuing to allow access to the existing building for students and families?

Building the full project at once is the most feasible option to minimize the overall construction timeline and reduce long‑term disruption for students.

What are the opportunities for outdoor learning?

Our school administration team will work through what opportunities can exist at the Stride Avenue school site.

From the perspective of the new construction at Lord Tweedsmuir, it is too early to say what outdoor play or learning spaces students will have access to as we have just started developing a business case.�� We are not yet at the building/site design.

What is the status of the Stride Avenue school we will be moving into?

Stride Avenue school is in operational order, and students are currently attending the school.

The Province will make sure the school is inspected for safety prior to the move from Tweedsmuir.

Will the students from both Tweeds and Stride be sharing the same greenspace and playground?

Yes, both schools will be sharing the greenspace on site. Work will be underway between schools to determine how best to allow students and staff to make use and enjoy the space.

Finance, staffing, and operations

How will this move affect both private and District-operated daycares at Tweeds?

The District remains committed to maintaining the number of spaces within the District.

It is the District’s intent that the school aged care operated by WCAS and the District will be relocated to Stride Avenue Community School. We are working with WCAS to confirm and will support any needed licensing matters to ensure this is done seamlessly if they are supportive of the temporary relocation.

We are working closely with childcare partners to identify options for the infant/toddler program. Families will receive updates well in advance of any required changes.

How are we paying for this move?

Relocation costs will be covered by the provincial government, as part of the overall capital project budget. District operating funds will not be used.

What is the cost of two new schools? Where is the funding coming from?

The cost of the two schools will be developed during the creation of our business case. If the business case is approved, the funding will come from the provincial government through the Ministry of Infrastructure.

Was retention of current teachers, EAs and other staff taken into consideration? If so, what?

This is always a consideration. We know that these two, new, modern schools will help us care for our students and staff.

Will there be a PAC at the temporary school?

While the physical school space is being relocated, there are no changes to the functionality as it exists today. The Lord Tweedsmuir PAC can continue as it is to support its school and students.

If PAC funds remain, what happens to them?

There is no change. The Lord Tweedsmuir PAC will continue to function as it currently does.

Will Tweedsmuir Teachers and Staff be moved together to the temporary location and then to the new school(s)?

The intention is to relocate the whole school as is. ��Of course, as there is every year through collective agreement bid processes, there may be some staff movement.

New Schools to be Built on Tweedsmuir Elementary Site��

Mike Lee — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 18:00:00 +0000

��ֱ��s, with support from the Province, is moving forward with a plan to address the district’s long-standing capacity challenges by proposing to turn the École Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary site into a major educational campus featuring two brand-new schools.��

“We are grateful to the province of British Columbia for advancing this business case,” said Cheryl Sluis, chair of the Board of Education. “This is an innovative approach to addressing the significant capacity pressures facing our district. We are especially grateful for our partners. By working together, we are much more effective advocates for our community.”

“The Government of British Columbia has initiated a bold approach to addressing the significant capacity challenges faced by ��ֱ��s,” said Mark Davidson, superintendent of schools “Inviting ��ֱ��s to develop a business case based on projected enrolment is welcomed innovation that will serve our community and students well. I am excited to continue the work with our community, the City of New Westminster, Ministry of Infrastructure staff and other partners.”

The district is now developing a formal business case for the Ministry of Infrastructure to support this redevelopment, which represents a significant step toward modernizing local infrastructure. The proposed “campus model” replaces the previous goal of purchasing new land in the city, a path the Province can no longer support due to mounting fiscal pressures and a lack of available property in New Westminster. By building on land the district already owns, the move ensures that students can finally transition out of portables and into permanent classrooms.

The proposed project aims to create an educational hub that will service between 2,000 and 2,300 students. The initiative will not only serve the Tweedsmuir community but also alleviate significant enrollment pressures facing ��ֱ��s by adding between 1,500 and 1,900 net new seats to the district. This project is the culmination of years of advocacy by families and the Board of Education to provide children with the vibrant, modern learning spaces they deserve.

Once construction preparations are underway, Tweedsmuir staff and students will relocate to the former Stride Avenue Community School in Burnaby. This temporary home was made possible through a partnership with Burnaby Schools (SD41), which offered the facility for use. In the meantime, no changes will occur at Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary in the year ahead. Everyone will remain at the current site for the entirety of the 2026-2027 school year.

The district recognizes the challenges this project presents to the Tweedsmuir community. To care for staff and families, ��ֱ��s will work closely with the Ministry to secure the resources and supports necessary, including (but not limited to) investigating transportation options, to make this transition as smooth and positive as possible.

As the project business case is still under development, the final form of the Tweedsmuir campus is still being determined. The Board and district administration will review options that reflect the community’s recommendations from the Long Range Facilities Plan survey. ��ֱ��s will keep Tweedsmuir families and the broader community updated and involved as this exciting future for our students begins to take shape.

NWSS Teacher Wins BC School Sports Award��

Mike Lee — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 15:40:57 +0000

New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) has another award-winning educator on its staff following BC School Sports’ (BCSS) announcement on April 16 that physical education teacher and athletic director Peter Battistin will be honoured with a Citation of Excellence award.

“I was shocked and surprised,” said Battistin. “I just figured another year had passed.”

Battistin is a veteran educator who has been involved with coaching for over three decades. In addition to his work at NWSS, he continues to serve on the board of the Burnaby ��ֱ��s Athletic Association, where he previously served as president for two years.

He was nominated for the BCSS Citation of Excellence by his colleagues: Chelsea Goodchild, Ken Bowman, and Roger Hamerton.

According to BCSS, these awards celebrate individuals and schools whose outstanding contributions strengthen school sports and student-athletes’ experiences within their communities. The citation Battistin will receive on May 8 at a ceremony in Whistler, B.C. recognizes his dedication and leadership as NWSS’s athletic director.

BC School Sports is the provincial governing body for interscholastic athletics, supporting a network of over 450 public and independent member schools. Each year, BCSS enables more than 123,000 student-athlete registrations across 18 sports and delivers over 60 provincial championships.

“I want to thank my PE staff for their continued support, patience, and understanding,” said Battistin. “I also want to thank our volunteer coaches, because without them, there is no program to administer.”

Update on the April 20 Incident at NWSS

Mike Lee — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 23:01:40 +0000

Earlier today at around 2 p.m., an incident occurred at New Westminster Secondary School that resulted in police intervention and a temporary lockdown out of an abundance of caution. The matter was resolved shortly thereafter and school routine resumed.

The issue arose when an altercation between two individuals at the school resulted in one of the parties claiming a weapon was brought out. A student then contacted the New Westminster Police Department and officers responded to the service call. The person of interest was no longer on the premises and NWPD officers are now working with the school and witnesses to identify the individual.

Statement on the Passing of Chief Rhonda Larrabee

Mike Lee — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 02:53:10 +0000

��ֱ��s was deeply saddened to learn of Chief Rhonda Larrabee’s passing today. We extend our most heartfelt condolences to her family and the Qayqayt First Nation.

“It has been an honour for our Board to learn from and work alongside Chief Larrabee,” said Cheryl Sluis, chair of the Board of Education. “Her vision for the Qayqayt First Nation and commitment to education as a path for reconciliation will remain as guiding lights for our community.”

“Chief Larrabee’s leadership, devotion to the Qayqayt First Nation, and her collaboration with our district have established a legacy that will resonate for generations,” said Mark Davidson, superintendent of schools.

Chief Larrabee was a dedicated leader of her Nation and a valued partner and friend. More than that, she was a champion for all Indigenous youth in our district, ensuring they felt seen, supported, and empowered throughout their educational journey in our schools. We are profoundly grateful for the guidance she provided to future generations in our community, and we will miss her greatly.

Provincial Government Provides $400,000 in Transitional Funding to Queensborough Bus Program

Mike Lee — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 22:00:00 +0000

New Westminster, B.C.��–��ֱ��s’��Queensborough Bus��Program��will run��in some form��for at least��another��school��year thanks to a $400,000��grant��from the��BC��Ministry of Education and Child Care.��The��program, which was slated to end this year,��was��thrown��a��critical��lifeline last week thanks to advocacy efforts by the��Board of Education,��New Westminster��City Council,��and Queensborough families.��

“We want to thank the��provincial��government for this timely and crucial investment in our students’ futures,” said Cheryl Sluis, chair of the Board of Education. “After the��successful��pilot program, it was clear how essential the��bus service is for our Queensborough families.��While this��isn’t��the permanent��funding��we were looking��for, it does��support us as we work��with partners on a��long-term,��sustainable��solution. ��We’re��thankful��the��Province��recognizes the importance of keeping these wheels turning.”��

“We’re happy and��enormously��grateful for the��provincial��government’s contribution,” said��Mark Davidson, superintendent of schools. “The��additional funding��is much needed and��gives us some breathing room to find a long-term transportation solution for our Queensborough students��and their families.”��

The��provincial��money,��slated to be��a one-time��payment,��will not be used to��maintain��the existing bus program in its��present configuration. Instead,��the��goal��is to��use these��resources to��transition from��the current��service��model��to��a new��and��sustainable��program.��ֱ��s��aims to��work with partners��such as TransLink and the City of New Westminster��to develop a��replacement��for this��valued service.��The board and district administration will��explore��options before the end of the current school year and have more information to share with families in the coming weeks.

The Queensborough Bus Program first launched in 2022-2023 as a three-year pilot. The program – currently run and managed by a third-party vendor – has a ridership of approximately 275 students and operates buses between Queensborough and New Westminster Secondary School every day during the school year.��

New Westminster Secondary’s “Mamma Mia!” Rakes in Awards

Mike Lee — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 02:00:00 +0000

The Musical Theatre Program at New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) has always delighted audiences with professional productions headlined by talented student casts. That passionate commitment to bringing a piece of Broadway to the local community was recognized on March 10 by the when NWSS’s most recent production, “Mamma Mia!” walked away with seven prizes.��

“It was a wonderful opportunity to share what [we] do and to celebrate youth involved in the performing arts,” said Frances Monteleone, one of the NWSS teachers who has been part of the staff group involved in producing musicals at the school since 2008. “There were cheers and laughter and high-fives, and a lot of love shared. Everybody is so incredibly supportive of each other.”

Monteleone works alongside other seasoned staff production veterans at the school that include teachers Traci Cave, Lindsay Waldner, Luke McAndless-Davis, and Steve Clements.

“I’m so proud of our students’ achievements,” said Mark Davidson, ��ֱ��s’ superintendent. “It’s amazing what they have accomplished through talent, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.”

The team’s work on “Mamma Mia!” received accolades in the following categories:

Outstanding Lead Performance – Rebecca Vander Zalm��

Outstanding Musical Theatre Solo Vocal Performance – Rebecca Vander Zalm (2^nd �ʱ��)��

Outstanding Supporting Performance – Olivia Muir��

Outstanding School Production – 2^nd �ʱ��

Outstanding Creative Team in a School/Program Production – 1^st �ʱ��

Outstanding Musical Theatre Large Group Dance Performance – “Lay All Your Love on Me”��

Outstanding Musical Theatre Dance Ensemble Overall Excellence – “Lay All Your Love on Me”��

Nominations were submitted by community members, parents, and program teachers to the Canada Young Theatre Awards, where entries were judged by local theatre professionals.

The Canada Young Theatre Awards celebrates talented young performers and recognizes outstanding achievements in several areas reminiscent of larger ceremonies like the Academy and Tony Awards. This year’s nominees attended a three-hour formal gala at the BMO Theatre Centre where the prizes were awarded. Attendees were by invitation only.

The NWSS Musical Theatre Program is no stranger to praise for the work its staff and students put into their shows. The program was similarly honoured in 2024 when the Canada Young Theatre Awards selected “Shrek: The Musical” as that year’s winner for “Outstanding School Production”.��

“Mamma Mia!” was a return to form. Like all of the program’s main-stage productions, work began the previous school year when the staff production team auditioned students and selected 50 performers for the as-yet undetermined musical. Interviews were, likewise, held for technical and backstage crews and musicians were recruited for the pit band. Together with student hair and makeup artists, “Mamma Mia!” was the cumulative work of more than 100 NWSS students.��

After being accepted into the Musical Theatre Program in spring, students began the process of auditioning for actual roles in September in what would become an intensive, but ultimately rewarding, experience for many not accustomed to the rigours of putting on a professional quality show.

“[Students] run a daily class on timetable in the first semester and then a block that meets after school,” Monteleone explained. “We have a strong group dynamic. We’re all invested and passionate and we work hard to create a strong community.”

During technical and show weeks, staff and students dedicated 80 hours of work outside of school hours. These efforts were supported by staff like department head Jeff Meville, who provided photography and design along with video with assistance from Brent Foster, and Scott Hodson and Chelsie Goodchild, who assisted with the lobby displays. NWSS alumnus Alden Sudjatmiko also contributed by editing the video performances, helping the entire team cross the finish line.

“They spend around five months putting the show together with additional rehearsals on weekends and lunch hours,” said Monteleone. “Students and teachers alike experience high stress, but the learning is incredible and worth the pressure.”

“Their creativity and work ethic are truly outstanding,” said Susana Quan, New Westminster Secondary School’s principal. “The program’s impact reaches far beyond the theatre. It’s developing future leaders, collaborators, and compassionate thinkers.”

Not content with resting on its laurels, the NWSS Musical Theatre Program already has its sights set on the next slate of junior musical productions. Coming in June are “Between the Lines JR” and “Emma! A Pop Musical”.

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Safer Schools Together e-Session: Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying

Mike Lee — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:51:45 +0000

As a parent or caregiver, you play a vital role in shaping how your child becomes a responsible digital citizen. By serving as a role model, you set the tone for how they interact with the online world and help establish healthy boundaries and safeguards where needed. With your guidance, your child can develop a strong foundation in digital citizenship—learning to navigate the internet safely, respectfully, and responsibly.

Note this is an adult-only event. We highly recommend attendees ensure no children are present when the workshop is in session.

Topics will include:

Social media updates
- The most current apps and trends in your children’s social media lives.
Digital parenting strategies
- How to have important conversations with your child around social media/online safety
Digital tattoo/reputation
- With recruiters and employers taking note – what will they find surrounding both you and your child online?
Family suggestions
- Recommendations for family guidelines on navigating the digital world.

Join us April 14, 2026 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. as we share practical strategies, up-to-date information, and key focus areas to help keep children safe and supported in their online experiences.

The event’s Zoom link will be shared with all attendees two days before the event.

Memorial Park to be Completed in Summer 2026

Mike Lee — Fri, 27 Feb 2026 18:46:08 +0000

A new “passive park” is taking shape next to New Westminster Secondary (NWSS). The 3.2-hectare (eight-acre) site will be completed in summer 2026 and offer visitors a quiet refuge where they can reflect on and contemplate local history.

Memorial Park was designed to maximize green space by keeping infrastructure to a minimum. While visitors can enjoy benches and paved pathways for walking and biking��– including a connection between 8^th Street and NWSS – the site was developed specifically with low-impact activities in mind. The decision honours the grounds’ history as a designated cemetery, which precludes more extensive development.��

To support visitors, the park will include expanded parking options together with existing stalls along 8^th Street and 10^th Avenue. Additionally, the site will feature a commemorative plaque that tells its story to ensure the location’s history and significance remain visible to the New Westminster community.��

Memorial Park’s design is the outcome of a decade of collaboration between the district and 33 different groups of rightsholders and interested parties. Representatives with direct, historical connections to the location were invited in 2016 to participate in a Memorialization Advisory Committee (MAC), where they advised on the most appropriate and respectful ways to commemorate the site’s historical nature on a $1 million budget.

Developed as a provincially mandated add on to the New Westminster Secondary School (NWSS) modernization project, Memorial Park will be managed by the district. The costs of its development were included in the funds provided by the B.C. Government for the NWSS rebuild. ��

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Long Range Facilities Plan Refresh Survey

Mike Lee — Mon, 23 Feb 2026 18:30:00 +0000

��ֱ��s is beginning the process of refreshing its��Long Range��Facilities Plan (��ֱ��). This strategic document��provides the district with��a 10-��to��15-year roadmap for school buildings and learning environments.��

To ensure our facilities remain safe, sustainable, and aligned with modern learning needs, we are inviting all families, students, staff, and community members to participate in a survey. Your perspectives on enrollment pressures, transportation, and potential grade configurations will inform our priorities for future growth and renewal.

Participation is voluntary and all responses are confidential.

How to participate

The ��ֱ�� survey can be completed online, should take no longer than 10 minutes to finish, and is open until March 13 at 12 a.m.

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����ֱ��s – District 40

Lord Tweedsmuir Redevelopment FAQ

Top questions

Students and programs

Facilities and construction

Finance, staffing, and operations

New Schools to be Built on Tweedsmuir Elementary Site��

NWSS Teacher Wins BC School Sports Award��

Update on the April 20 Incident at NWSS

Statement on the Passing of Chief Rhonda Larrabee

Provincial Government Provides $400,000 in Transitional Funding to Queensborough Bus Program

New Westminster Secondary’s “Mamma Mia!” Rakes in Awards

Gallery

Safer Schools Together e-Session: Social Media Awareness, Digital Citizenship, and Cyberbullying

Memorial Park to be Completed in Summer 2026

Gallery

Long Range Facilities Plan Refresh Survey

��ֱ��s – District 40