Principal's Message April 20-24th

Good morning Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary!

Happy Earth Day Panthers!  It is a beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms and sunshine and warmer weather.  There is a renewed sense of optimism and positivity as we move into our Spring season.   I hope your week has been full of interesting challenges and new learning.  Life at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary is full of special events, celebration, and success.  This is always an exciting time for a school community.

This week we have been running the Provincial Numeracy Assessment for all of our Grade 10 students.  It has been a very significant project, requiring the rescheduling of students, teachers, classroom locations and supervisors.  Great thanks to all students and staff for your flexibility in allowing this important graduation requirement exam to occur.  

On Monday, our Staff Committee had an opportunity to meet.   This is always an important opportunity to gather feedback from our staff regarding the numerous systems that are in place and which allow the school to operate.  Thank you to all participating staff for your input.

On Monday, we also met with our Department Heads and had the chance to discuss various year-end procedures and events.  I was reminded of the various levels of procedure and protocol that are in place that allow our school to be aligned with our school district, Ministry of Education, our community and the many stakeholders that are part of our public education system.  I am very proud that our Lord Tweedsmuir students continue to be the centre of this very complicated system of support and structure.  As always, I am very grateful for the leadership of our Department Heads.  Thank you!

On Tuesday, students in our BASES program again participated in the District’s Unified soccer program.  Food, fun, and friendly competition, they had a great time.  Next week we will be hosting students from across the district.  Way to go Panthers!

Another integral group of staff that are essential to the functioning and well-being of our school community is our office clerical team.  Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, and we took the opportunity to thank our amazing team for all they do for the students and staff and community of Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary.  Thank you for your caring support, leadership and hard work.  Thank you Lisa, Dee, Teri, Brenda, Lauren, Alicia and Shaz. We are so fortunate!

On Thursday evening, our Parent Advisory Council (PAC) will be holding their AGM.  All parents/guardians are invited to join us on Zoom at 6:00pm.  Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82453565494?pwd=x8barCajGCn3HOSS1d2DK9Hbwsy5UK.1

We are looking forward to our discussion and the ongoing partnership between the school and our community.  We greatly appreciate the support that the PAC is able to provide our students.

Our LTSS Intramural program continues to be a great hit with our students.  Students are enjoying the chance to play volleyball at lunchtime.  All students are encouraged to come down to the gym to play or cheer on your friends!

Tomorrow, we will be hosting our final Grade 7 tour for the year.  We will be meeting with Grade 7 students from Surrey Centre Elementary and AJ McLellan Elementary schools. This is such an important opportunity for our incoming Panthers to learn about our school.   Our goal is to help Grade 8 students feel as comfortable and familiar with our school as possible.  Our senior student leaders will assist throughout the morning and demonstrate the value and importance of leadership.  Great thanks to all students and staff who have helped to facilitate this year’s tours.  

Have a great Friday and enjoy your weekend.  See you on Monday.

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.  

Note:  For the safety and privacy of our students, please avoid using the Elements Casino entrance as a designated drop-off/pick-up location.  

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.  

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.