Skwo:wech

About

Skwo:wech Elementary is located at 331 Richmond St, New Westminster, BC V3L 4B7, in the Sapperton neighbourhood. The school is a K–5 community offering both Montessori and Regular programs, serving around 460 students with the support of over 50 staff. In 2022, the school moved into a new building and adopted the name “Skwo:wech” (“sturgeon” in Halkomelem) as part of its commitment to reconciliation. The school highlights a diverse, inclusive community organized into five learning communities (Salmon, Bear, Wolf, Raven, and Eagle) and aims to provide a safe, respectful, caring environment that supports academic, social, and emotional growth.

At a Glance

School type: Public School (New Westminster)

Education language: English

Religious affiliation: None / Secular

Grades: K-5

Phone: 604 517-6090

Email: kmillard@sd40.bc.ca

Principal: Kathleen Chad

Programs and Services

Montessori program Skwo:wech offers both Montessori and Regular (neighbourhood) programs for K–5 students. Early years and childcare The school offers StrongStart and onsite daycare services to support local families. Food program Fuel Up! Lunch Program allows families to order nutritious, affordable lunches through a partner provider (The Lunch Lady). Menus align with provincial nutrition guidelines and include options such as vegetarian and halal choices. Student support / special education The school’s personal digital device policy includes exceptions for students who require devices for inclusion due to an Individual Education Plan (IEP), Learning Support Plan (LSP), or medical/health needs (as outlined in their plans).

School Culture and Expectations

Skwo:wech’s Code of Conduct emphasizes respect, responsibility, safety, and maintaining a positive learning environment, aligned with the BC Human Rights Code and district expectations. The school prohibits discrimination on protected grounds and explicitly includes protection for LGBTQ2S+ students. Expectations include using respectful language, being punctual and prepared, and following instructions. Personal digital devices are restricted “bell-to-bell” during the school day, with limited exceptions tied to IEP/LSP or documented medical needs; restorative approaches are emphasized where possible.

Transportation, Parking, and Getting Here

Families are asked to use sidewalks and marked crosswalks and to avoid the staff parking lots during drop-off and pick-up. Vehicle drop-off is available only on the upper end of School Street and along the back portion of Devoy Street, and the school suggests parking a block or two away and walking when possible. A suggested drop-off route is provided (north on Devoy Street, right on School Street to the passenger drop-off zone), and families are asked to avoid Archer Street during busy times due to congestion and lack of safe turnaround space. The school also points families to the City of New Westminster’s safe travel routes to support safe active travel to school.

Enrollment

Families are directed to follow the district’s registration process and timelines via the district registration page. For registering during the school year or after deadlines, families are asked to book an appointment with the district registration team, bring completed forms and required paperwork, and note that placement is based on catchment and space availability; families can request a translator when booking. If a school is at maximum capacity, out-of-catchment applications/transfers may not be accepted (with limited sibling exceptions), and placements for high-demand schools may use a lottery; students may be placed at the next available school and added to a waitlist for their catchment school.