Principal's Message February 23-27th
Good Thursday morning Panthers!
It is such an important time of learning for our Panthers. As always, at this time of year, our school community is very focussed on curricular and extra-curricular success. Time moves quickly in February and I am very appreciative of the leadership, service and dedication to learning that I witness everyday across our school. Way to go Panthers!
In addition, to all of our school-based activities, we are recognizing and celebrating a variety of special occasions at the school with Easter, Ramadan, Lunar New Year and Black History Month. The celebration of diversity and the creation of our welcoming, inclusive community are so important. We can be very proud of our school’s culture of acceptance, safety and spirit. Thank you to all students and staff and families for your contribution to our Lord Tweedsmuir community.
This week, our Basketball season has been drawing to a close with our participation in the BC Provincial finals and our hosting of the final games of the South Fraser Championships. Special congratulations to our Grade 8 Girls, Junior Boys and Senior Girls teams who recently competed in their final playoffs.
On Monday afternoon, we had the chance to gather our staff together for our first staff meeting of the 2nd semester. Among numerous other items, we spent some time in discussion regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence within British Columbia classrooms and student use of this emerging technology. We recognize Artificial Intelligence is here to stay, and that educators will be carefully managing its implementation. There will be much learning ahead for both students and staff.
This week, our Counselling and Admin teams have been very busy concluding this year’s Course Selection process with our visits to all of our Elementary Associate schools. We have been speaking to our Grade 7 students, sharing information about our school, and beginning the process of determining the classes that will be offered next year. Counsellors will be reaching out to Lord Tweedsmuir students who missed the course selection process over the next couple of weeks. Our goal is to have all this data in our system prior to Spring Break. Great thanks to our Counselling team for all your important work.
On Wednesday, our Mathematics Department continued a longstanding and valuable tradition with the offering of this year’s National Mathematics contest. Our students compete for top marks across our country and I am confident they will continue to make us very proud. Good luck Panthers!
Wednesday was “Pink Shirt Day” and a very important opportunity to highlight the need for all students and staff to feel safe, respected and included within our school. It is a day to celebrate kindness and compassion and recognize the role that we all play in creating our caring community at Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary. Thank you to all Panthers for all you do to take care of each other and celebrate our very special school.
Lisa Beare, Minister of Education and Child Care, said:
“Pink Shirt Day reminds us to come together – to stand up against bullying – and to support school communities where every student feels safe, respected and included. Today, throughout British Columbia, people are choosing to show kindness in their words and actions.
“This day comes during a period of deep sadness for many. Our thoughts are with the people of Tumbler Ridge, who are observing this day while continuing to process an unimaginable loss. We hold them in our hearts and stand with them in their grief.
This semester, our Experiential Co-Op students have had the opportunity to develop “on the job” skills as they complete their Work Experience placements in businesses across our community. Great thanks to our Careers Education Department for all your work in coordinating these amazing experiences for our students. We are confident that our Lord Tweedsmuir Panthers will continue to be wonderful role models and ambassadors for our school.
Speaking of wonderful Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary ambassadors, I would like to recognize two of our students and congratulate them on their recent achievements.
Congratulations Lowan L. for his podium finish at the National Judo championship. Lowan was also named as the 2025 U18 Male Athlete of the Year!
Congratulations to Sukhraj J. for his gold medal performance in Wrestling (74kg) at the BCSS Provincial Championships!
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.
