The Board of Education for Coast Mountains School District was pleased to welcome Honourable Bowinn Ma, B.C.’s Minister for Infrastructure to Suwilaawks Community School in Terrace on Tuesday afternoon, June 24, 2025. 

Minister Ma was greeted by students and staff of Suwilaawks Community School who shared a vibrant song and thoughts about their school.

Board Chairperson Margret Warcup, Superintendent of Schools Tracey MacMillan and District Staff led a tour of the facility to see the installation of a new playground that is underway and review plans for the new four-classroom prefabricated addition that will begin construction at the school this year. 

Constructive conversations were had, sharing the District’s needs to address aging facilities such as Mount Elizabeth Middle/Secondary School in Kitimat to provide safe, effective spaces for learning.

Board Chairperson Warcup, on behalf of the Board of Education, extended
sincere thanks to Minister Ma for taking the time to visit our District and to view
the proposed site for the upcoming new playground and school addition for Suwilaawks Community School.

The opportunity for the District to host Minister Ma's in-person visit was greatly appreciated and to share the realities and priorities facing our school communities.  The Board of Education looks forward to continuing its collaboration as we work together to ensure every student in B.C. learns in a safe, modern, and inspiring educational environment.

Pictured top right:
Suwilaawks Community School students and staff welcome Minister Ma to their school on June 24.

Pictured bottom right:
Minister Ma visits Suwilaawks Community School on June 24.
Pictured l-r: Pam Kawinsky (Suwilaawks Principal), Tracey MacMillan (Superintendent of Schools), Margaret Warcup (Board Chairperson), Minister Bowinn Ma, Rob Schibli (Director of Facility Services), Roberta Clarke (Suwilaawks Vice Principal), and Greg Porter (Manager of Projects)