History of New Westminster School District New Westminster School District was established in 1930. The current New Westminster Secondary School, where most international programs are based, opened in 1955, and the International Education Program Office has been offering programs and services to international students since 1987. New Westminster Secondary School We are Canadian leaders in International Education, and as one of the first school districts in the nation to accept international students, we have a long history of distinction and international student achievement. Over the years, we have developed a full range of student services, including homestay placement and counselling. And because our office is right in the high school, you will receive immediate support on your first day of classes. Our International Education office supports both long-term and short-term programs for students and adults. Both programs have grown significantly over the years, especially short-term programs. We now host several annual short-term programs, including customized programs for particular schools and agents. Do You Know? New Westminster's nickname is "The Royal City". Queen Victoria of England named our city in 1859, and a year later, she appointed New Westminster the first capital of British Columbia in 1860.