Just Call Me "Hutch"
Yesterday, Mr. Robertson asked if I had my Chapel Speech ready for today. When your boss gives you an opportunity – even when he was probably joking – it’s a pretty good idea to step up. So of course I told him I was ready. I made a huge list of things to say last night and one of them was to tell you about my School and my days in School. Wait – scratch that one – Mr. Hall did an amazing job last weekend didn’t he? My days in school would be too much like his – but not nearly as good. Not nearly as funny.
I also thought about giving you a few life lessons. I’ve not been around that long, but I think I’ve lived a little and learned a bit too. But I have a feeling that not many of you know me that well. This is the fourth year since I was the House Director in Lonsdale’s, a rowing coach and a teacher. I spoke to the Chapel a few years ago but I’m sure three-quarters of you are new to the School since then.
It’s hard to be a stranger and have any credibility with a crowd telling everyone how to live their lives when you haven’t earned their respect yet. Respect is an important word in my life – and I believe that it has a special role at Shawnigan – a school where it is held in a very unique way. You know that you are in the right place – the right school, the right job – the right family – when your belief about an important principle fits perfectly with how life is lived around you – when everything just feels in synch. I think my feelings about respect are in synch with this school. . . .