New Westminster: The Spirit of Place
Nestled along the Fraser River, the beautiful and historic city of New Westminster is a community rich in culture and history. It is also a city that continues to define itself while managing the constant growth experienced in many urban areas. This past week, I had the privilege of visiting New Westminster School District, visit organized by Ken Millard, Principal at Skwo:wech Elementary School. I left inspired by the thoughtfulness, dedication, creativity, and innovation of its leadership team.
In his book Spirit of Place, Lawrence Durrell emphasizes how the use of space reveals what a community values. This idea resonated with me during my visit to New Westminster, where rapid growth and space constraints challenge schools to adapt creatively. With a student population growing faster than almost any other district in the province, New Westminster is experiencing unparalleled demand. Schools seem to be in a constant state of construction, with no end in sight.
My first eye-opener came at Queen Elizabeth Elementary, where I met Principal Sarah Phelan and Vice-Principal Tammy Dewar. Outside this beautiful community school, visitors are welcomed at the entrance by a student garden that is adorned with hand painted rocks. Stepping inside, however, tells a greater story. It is a busy building with many little ones engaged in the activity of the day. In the ‘main building’ the amazing teaching staff have the students engaged in a multitude of activities. One can easily tell the connection of the adult team in the building.
Once inside, I was also struck by the construction dominating the play areas. The school is undergoing a significant expansion, expected to house an additional 21 classrooms by 2027—if timelines hold.
Despite the disruption, students and staff have adapted remarkably. During recess, they bundle up and head to the adjacent city park for playtime, embracing soccer fields and open spaces in place of their usual playground. If you follow the perimeter of the construction site, enclosed by towering gates that serve to keep the children safe during the construction, you are led to the second part of the campus where 12 portables are situated. This development is a testament to the district's determination to meet the community's needs.
At Lord Tweedsmuir Elementary, Principal Jen Richter guided me through a recently renovated space designed to serve over 350 students in both English and Early French Immersion programs. The school’s focus on student-centered learning and engagement is palpable, with every corner reflecting its values and commitment to the community.
Further up the hill, Connaught Elementary charmed me with its “California-style” design and central courtyard gardens. Principal Tu Loan Trieu highlighted how the school creatively uses its limited space, including the nearby park, to provide students with room to play and grow. On the day of my visit, the school hosted a Wellness Learning Day, featuring teacher-led sessions on well-being—a wonderful reflection of their focus on holistic education.
In the downtown core, Jim Russell introduced me to the Royal City Alternate Program, a dynamic and ever-evolving space supporting students who thrive outside traditional settings. One highlight was the graduation wall, a powerful testament to the program’s impact on its students. The staff’s dedication and excitement for their work were inspiring.
Finally, my visit culminated at the flagship New Westminster Secondary, a state-of-the-art high school that enrolls approximately 2,400 students from Grades 9 to 12, with numbers steadily increasing. The sprawling campus spans three city blocks and features outstanding programs, including International Baccalaureate, French Immersion, and apprenticeships, alongside performing arts and athletics offerings.
This impressive facility also serves as a hub for the community. It houses the district’s Welcome Center for new Canadians and also serves as the building where registrations for all students are processed. Twice a week, a nurse practitioner provides healthcare services at the Wellness Centre on campus, further enhancing the school’s role as a community cornerstone. Principal Susana Quan and her dynamic leadership team exemplify thoughtful and responsive leadership, guiding students through a meaningful high school experience.
New Westminster School District’s journey of managing growth reflects its deep commitment to community, innovation, and student success. The leadership team’s dedication to creating responsive and engaging learning environments amidst rapid change is a model of adaptability and vision.
Dr. Shannon Behan
sbehan@bcpvpa.bc.ca