Principal's Message June 16-20th

June 19, 2025

This Week at Lord Tweedsmuir

Thursday, June 19th, 2025

Good morning Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary,

It is the final week of regularly scheduled classes for the 2024/25 school year. Our year has flown past, and as usual, our students and staff have accomplished so much. This week, our LTSS Panthers have been busy completing assignments and assessments. This is our final push for success, and an important time for all students to remain focussed, disciplined and on task! Congratulations to all students and staff on your semester of meaningful learning, citizenship and leadership across our community. We are very proud of our school and the positive and caring culture of excellence in learning we have created together.

Last Thursday evening, our Dance Program hosted their Year-end Recital. We had a full house of proud parents and supporters and were treated to an evening of very talented students and incredible performances! Congratulations to Ms. Okrainetz and all our dancers!

Last Friday was an exciting day for our school with the distribution of our Yearbook. Again, great thanks to our Yearbook class for all your hard work and inspiration. Our students love the book. It is a wonderful compendium of memories on a very full year of success and celebration at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary. Note: We do have a few books remaining… please contact the office if you would like to purchase our 24/25 edition.

Also on Friday was the annual SSSAA coaches AGM and banquet. This is always a special evening of recognition and thanks to our coaches for your countless hours of dedication to our students and Athletics program. Thank you so much for all you do to guide and mentor our student athletes. We are very grateful!

I had a chance to drop by and see the work and creativity of Ms. Bunker’s Art 8 students with their paper crane project! This is beautiful work and a very important symbolism for peace and understanding.

On Monday, we had the chance to meet as a Staff Committee for our final meeting of the year. This provided an opportunity to review this year’s attendance data and discuss school-wide and societal trends. Our goal, as an entire staff, will be to continue to emphasize the importance of regular attendance for our students. We strongly encourage all students and parents/guardians to review your (child’s) attendance pattern over the past year. Regular attendance directly supports engagement in learning and increased success.

I had the privilege of attending this year’s Final Music Concert of the year on Tuesday evening. Proud family members and friends enjoyed a beautiful evening of music from our very talented students. This year’s Music Awards were also presented and we appreciated the chance to recognize and congratulate Mr. De La Pena and all of his students for their year of dedication, hard work and learning. Way to go Panthers!

This week, another fun (and tasty) tradition continues. Our Home Economics students have been enjoying their “Cupcake Challenge” and have impressed us with their creativity and culinary talents. Congratulations to all participants!

Today our students cleaned and cleared their lockers for the summer. Thank you to students for your help in getting this important task completed. All students are reminded to ensure that your locker is clear, and that you have handed in your lock, with combination tag, to the office.

Tomorrow is the last day of regularly scheduled classes for the school year. All classes will be in session, and it will be a regular school day following our regular bell schedule. All students should be in class with the hallways clear and quiet. We will maintain our productive, positive and studious tone until the end of the semester. Thank you to all students for your citizenship and cooperation. Finish strong Panthers!

I would like to congratulate Vice Principal Ms. Miller on her transfer to Guildford Park Secondary. Ms. Miller’s leadership at LTSS has been so important in helping to guide and support our students and staff. We know that Guildford Park will be very fortunate. With this, we will be welcoming Mr. Kelly as our new Vice Principal. Mr. Kelly is currently Vice Principal at Sullivan Heights Secondary. We also know that he will be warmly welcomed into our learning community and that we will benefit with his strong and positive leadership!

Congratulations to Mr. Solari’s Urban Studies students on the creation of your cityscape dioramas! Amazing detail and creativity!

Have an excellent Friday and a happy weekend. Please note that the school is open next week, Monday through Thursday, for Semester Completion Days. Students are encouraged to take advantage of the additional tutorial support and time provided to you in order to complete all assignments. Please speak to your teacher to book some time next week. 😊

In closing, I wish all students and staff a restful, safe and happy summer break. Your contribution to our caring community of excellence at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary has helped create something very special. As a community, we have created an environment where excellence in all forms of learning is highly supported and celebrated. We are all very fortunate to be Panthers!

Take care, rest, enjoy new adventures!

Ken

Traffic and Student Parking

All Panthers are reminded that traffic around the school and parking on school property will be very busy with our increased enrollment and Extended Day schedule. All student drivers are reminded that it is very important to drive with care and attention while on or near school property. Safety is our first priority. Please drive safely and responsibly, be aware of pedestrians, and follow all traffic regulations.

If possible, all families are asked to consider alternative transportation options. Please walk or bike to school if possible. It would also be helpful if students are dropped off a couple of blocks away from the school and vehicles do not enter our school’s parking lot.

Please note that this year, students are only permitted to park in the Student Lot on the right side of our parking lot near our Portable classrooms. Students are not permitted to park in the Staff Lot.

All students wishing to park on school property must apply for a Parking pass. Application forms may be picked up at the office. Students must park in their designated stall.

Parking passes must be displayed on your car’s windshield at all times while on school property. Parking privileges will be revoked for any students not following our parking regulations or for unsafe driving.

Thank you for your help and cooperation in responding to our increased traffic challenges and protecting the safety of our community members.