Tom Rokeby Trustee Nanaimo-Ladysmith School Board

05/05/2026

Remembering our stolen sisters.
No more.

05/03/2026

I attended my first-ever ComicCon yesterday...I was impressed!

Curious Comics takes over Country Club Centre with their annual event. Kids of all ages were out in their full creative glory. I can't say as I recognized more than I fraction of the characters, but I can recognize a community of passionate creative individuals enjoying an inclusive environment.

But why was I there this year for the first time?

Because each year ComicCon selects a local charity as the benefactor of the event. Last year the Boys and Girls Club (BGC) received close to $10 000 for local youth programming.

This year the organizers made the link between comics and literacy, and generously selected our team at Literacy Central Vancouver Island as this year's recipient. I represented the board along with our youth coordinator Qui and one of our amazing volunteers Hayden.
hy tsep qu' to all involved, it was great to see so many friends...enjoy the pics of some of their creative kids.

05/02/2026

What a great day to be a Trustee!

Started my day taking 2 week old chicks to Mountainview Elementary. The kids were so excited, and of course our amazing teachers turn that excitement into learning. When I returned two hours later the K1 students all had scribblers with their observations sketched out.

In the two hour interim, I went out to McGirr elementary to read to a grade 2 class. I made it a truly special day for the students by bring the author with me. My friend Ward Norcutt has written The Saunterlings and the kids loved the illustrations and the story that explores what happens when we put the tech down and engage our imaginations.

Finally, the School Board had a wonderful dinner with Nanaimo Lantzville MLA George Anderson. The conversation focused on how Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools and the Province can continue to be effective partners. Together we have rolled out the largest expansion in seats in the history of the school district.
..and when I got home the Raptors had won in overtime.

Great day.
haych qa siem

04/29/2026

I visited Mountainview to celebrate this milestone with staff and students.
The energy was tree-mendous...!

Did you know that Mountain View Elementary may be the first in North America to reach a tree-planting milestone of 2,722 trees?

For the past five years, leadership students at Mountain View Elementary have been raising money to plant six trees for every single student and staff member. On Earth Day, April 22, they announced to their entire school that they have reached their goal.

Read more of the story here: https://ow.ly/saXI50YS43J

04/25/2026

What an incredible impact two individuals can have in a community.

Tod and Jocelyn Maffin have brought more positive energy, economic activity and great people to Nanaimo than any politician...ever.

SwyAlana was a sea of love and good vibes today. Our beautiful city could not have been showcased in any more positive light.

The "Schools" table was hopping with Americans wanting to know how to register kids and/or join the Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools team. Each story was moving, and we would be so fortunate if even a fraction of these visitors made Nanaimo home.

Oh...and the kid made bank busking.
A lot of it in US$.

04/10/2026

What a great day for the students and families of Nanaimo Ladysmith...especially the Ladysmith part!
Not just one, but two new K-7 schools to serve the growing community. One in the old town, one in the south end which means kids are walking and biking to school again.
The first entirely prefabricated school in British Columbia will ensure accessibility and learning are paramount, while students and staff are safer in seismically upgraded facilities.
One school opens in 2027, the other in 2029.
Thank you to all our amazing SD68 staff who worked for years towards this amazing day.
hy tsep qa

03/10/2026

Our amazing schools caring for the whole child.

03/08/2026

They say women hold up half the world.
Its far more than that in the public education sector.
Hy c:ep qu' for all you do.

Happy International Women's Day! Today we celebrate all women and girls in our NLPS community. To those who lead and those who support- from our dedicated educators, trustees, and staff to our inspiring students and their caregivers- we are grateful for your contributions to our district and for the inspiration, empowerment and encouragement you provide our students each and every day! 💮

12/19/2025

Light a Candle for Peace...
performed by Fairview elementary students this evening at their Winter Concert.
So much extra work by teachers and staff is necessary to bring this annual tradition to families.

hy c:ep qa

12/08/2025

hy c:ep qa to my fellow SD68 trustees for returning me as Strategic Directions Committee chair.
Your trust means a lot.

Send a message to learn more