SLS Now Archive
Tex/Mex
Following up on a suggestion from Mrs. Kingstone, Mr. Stroebel and his merry band of Staggers put together a Texan/Mexican theme evening on Friday. Students dressed in their favourite theme costumes and competed in an interhouse dance-off. Dancers were grouped together with their Brother/Sister Houses and under the expert guidance of our favourite DJ, Jordan, competed for the coveted Stag Food Gift Vouchers. Olivia and her team arranged all the activities in the front while Daine made sure that food and drinks flowed from the kitchen. Jordan's music and enthusiasm whipped the dancers into a frenzy while supporters loudly encouraged their favourite teams. Congratulations go to Jenn, Sophy, David and Macoy from Groves' and Lonsdale's Houses who were the winners of the dance-off. They are now able to partake in free sumptuous Stag Café food prepared by devoted Staggers.
Meanwhile, back in the Stag kitchen, Daine and his merry team of Entrepreneurship 12 students, ensured that food from the special menu, was supplied to their customers on demand. The menu was Mexican Burgers, Texan Burgers, Quesadillas, Burritos and cheese, milkshakes, Nachos and Cheese, Nachos and Dip, and fries. Thanks to all the staff and students who came along and ensured the success of a most enjoyable evening.
English Twelve
The devil was amongst the performers in Grade 12 in Ms Ferris' English class. Last week the students in her class performed the opening scenes of Goethe's "Faust" adorned in masks decorated by Kevan H., Courtney L. and Ms Ferris. The memorized lines were performed with fine acting, and everyone worked hard to present their scenes. Goethe's "Faust" is based on the legendary figure from the 15th century; however, bargaining his soul for the life of material, earthly pleasures proves alarmingly modern in its message. This week, the students in this English class will discuss the modern dilemmas of stem cell research, genetic engineering and artificial intelligence and how they can be considered "Faustian bargains" in their implications—do the benefits outweigh the negative possibilities?
– Jenny Ferris, English
Kilimanjaro Climb for Kids
Angus Murray has just returned from a 7-day fundraising climb of Mt Kilimanjaro, at 19,341 feet the highest mountain in Africa.
"I was the climbing guide for the group while on the mountain. The climbers raised $65,000 for the Amani Children's Home in Moshi, Tanzania. (www.amanikids.org) Amani (which means peace in Swahili) seeks to reunite homeless children, displaced by poverty and AIDS, with their extended families. Once children leave Amani they continue to receive both educational and food support. Climbing "Kili" is an incredible experience as the route crosses four different ecozones. On summit day, all members of the team battled altitude sickness and 60 km/hour winds to reach the "Roof of Africa." The highlight of the trip was visiting Amani after we came down from the mountain. I would like to thank David Robertson for his continuing support of this worthwhile service project. And thanks to the nursing staff at the School for the donation of medical supplies."
Social Studies Nine
In January, Mrs. Grass's Social Studies 9 class researched various people who have made significant impacts on the world. We learned about topics such as astronomy, medicine, politics, science, engineering, and aviation. We all found it extremely interesting to learn about the vital figures who contributed to these fields, including Louis Pasteur, Joy Adamson, Marie Curie, Boeing, Nelson Mandela, Carl Sagan, and Margaret Sanger. The project involved writing a report, drawing diagrams, creating a cover or title page, and citing our sources. We spent class time in the library to work on our projects, while Mrs. Stroebel and Mrs. Witt-McNie instructed us on how to properly use the APA style and present scholarly reports.
– Dylan C., Social Studies 9
AP Physics
The Physics 12 AP-B has recently been studying orbital dynamics. This topic involves the analysis of forces acting on satellites as they orbit the Earth, the Sun or any other central mass. Our understanding of these principles dates back to 1687 when Sir Isaac Newton published the Principia, a work regarded by many as one of the great achievements of science. Newton, of course, claimed to "have stood on the shoulders of giants," a reference to the work of, amongst others, Johannes Kepler and Galileo Galilei. Using Newton's same laws 282 years later, NASA successfully landed on the Moon and Neil Armstrong took humankind's first steps on an astronomical body other than Earth! A student from Duxbury House gave a presentation to his classmates on Kepler's 3 Laws of Planetary Motion. Here he is seen explaining these ideas, and showing the class the elliptical paths followed by planets in their journey around the Sun.
By the way, it's worth pointing out that the Earth actually passed through "perihelion" on 4 January; this means that on this date it was actually at its closest point to the Sun. The frigid weather here in BC would seem to contradict this fact, but perhaps the weather is a little warmer in Australia just now! The good news for us is that at perihelion the Earth is travelling around the Sun at its fastest. This means that when our summer finally arrives, the Earth will be travelling at its slowest and our northern summer will linger on for 5 more days than the southern hemisphere's summer. Thanks, Kepler and Newton!
– Stephen Lane, Physics
Chapel Music
One of two students who performed on Friday in Victoria to earn their RCM Grade Eight Vocal certificate, sang for us in Chapel this weekend. This grade 12 Kaye's House student has been singing since she was six and is in her 11th year of voice lessons. She will be participating in the upcoming Cowichan Music Festival and has seven songs prepared; six classical pieces and one musical theatre piece. In Chapel, she performed "Wohin?" by Schubert.
Vancouver Model United Nations
Public speaking is challenging! Getting up to speak for my first time at the Model UN, I was extremely nervous and my first speech consisted mostly of 'ums,' with a few 'ers' added in for variety. Although I still have along way to go, I'm convinced that Model UN helped me a great deal to improve my public speaking skills. As a team, Shawnigan did incredibly well! Half of our delegation walked away with awards. Arden G. earned an 'honourable mention' and Johnny B. won the outstanding delegate award in the Disarmament and International Security committee. Lisa Jane D. won the top prize as the 'best delegate' in the Historical British Cabinet and Carina L. won the outstanding delegate award in the Chinese Politburo. Although we didn't all walk away with awards, it was a great experience to participate in Model UN. Diplomacy isn't easy—trust me on that one—but it's certainly always rewarding.
– Jesse R., Debate Club
"Arcadia" Directed by Morgan McLeod
“Arcadia,” by Tom Stoppard, opens on Thursday this week and plays through until Saturday (January 29-31) at 7:30pm in the Assembly Hall. It is a challenging play for both the cast and the audience. Parents and the public are welcome. Tickets are $5.00 at the door.
Thanks to Wendy Woollven for taking photos during Wednesday's dress rehearsal.
Inter-House Academics
The return from Christmas Break means reuniting with friends, talking about the upcoming Ski Week and, of course, the release of the House academic standings for the first term! This year's first set of results, as always, show hard work and good effort all round. This makes it a close race between the Houses, in pursuit of the much-sought-after Academic Shield at the end of the year. However, some Houses are already pulling ahead of the rest: Duxbury is second in the boys' Houses, and Kayes' is second both for girls and overall. Lonsdale's came in a proud first for the boys and their sister House, Groves', won for girls and overall! The second term is already looking promising academically as the friendly competition continues.
– Leah C., Groves' House Academic Captain
AP Literature and Composition
This year's AP Literature and Composition classes journeyed to the University of Victoria's McPherson Library for a research trip. Students prepared by identifying a 16th, 17th, or 18th century poet for study, then collecting biographical information from the Internet and assembling a brief anthology of poems. Mrs. Stroebel visited these classes ahead of the trip to review with us the requirements for MLA bibliographies. She also provided tremendous help to students at the library. The outing provided access to critical articles and other printed resources not available in digital form and introduced students to the awesome world of scholarship. Many thanks to Mrs. Stroebel for her work on our behalf. (It was gratifying to discover several Shawnigan Alumni in the stacks!)
– Jay Connolly, AP Literature and Composition
Inter-House Squash
The Girls' Inter-House squash competition was contested on Saturday. The event provided the highest level of play ever seen in the girls' event at Shawnigan. The matches were very close and, in the end, a three-way tie had to be decided on points for and against each of the Houses. Congratulations to all on their good play and sportsmanship. Final placings were as follows: Renfrew (1st), Kaye's (2nd), Groves' (3rd), and Strathcona (4th)
Coaches were also impressed by the level of play in the boy's competition: Ripley's (1st), Lonsdale's (2nd), Copeman's (3rd), Lake's (4th), and Duxbury (5th)
– Lynne Grass, Head of Squash
US Inauguration Day
As in thousands of classrooms around the globe, Shawnigan students had the opportunity this morning to watch the presidential inauguration on television. Students gathered in their Houses to share in what many consider to be an historic moment. There was a genuine feeling of optimism and celebration amongst students and absolute silence while President Obama delivered his address.
Machine Vs. Youth Vs. Relic
For the Grade 8 Wednesday meeting this week, students participated in a math multiplying race. Mr. Evo Marcon, who works in the Learning Centre, challenged the class and proved that by understanding a process, even an old relic can be quicker than either a calculator or youth when multiplying numbers. Students learned how to multiply quickly using the number 11, how to determine if a number could be divisible by 9 and also learned how to multiply pairs of numbers that end in 5. All of the class quickly learned the process and enjoyed a new understanding of Math.
Headmaster's Gathering
The Headmaster addressed the School in Chapel this morning: "Today, in a very short time, the 44th President of arguably the last superpower and certainly the most influential nation in the world, will be sworn into office. Why, you may ask are we paying attention to this event and what possible importance could it have for us? Well, first of all, we do a very good job here of responding to the tragedies and the less-uplifting events that life throws our way, and that is as it should be. Now, here's an opportunity to see 'live'a historic moment that is the ceremonial beginning of something hugely important to us all."
Economic Summit — Debate
On Saturday, along with a few other students, I had the privilege of attending the economic summit at Pearson United World College. Truthfully, none of us really knew what to except from this experience. We were all given a country three days previously to research the current economic crisis within that country. We looked at the macro and the micro effects on each country, assessing what the full blow was to government and civilians alike. . . . Click here to read more.
– Sophy R., Debate Club
Athletic Colours
First Term Athletic Colours were awarded just before the Christmas Break. Students in the photos are wearing their snow gear as we had just received a tremendous snowfall.
Athletic Colours in individual sports are awarded to students who display strong skills and athleticism, as well as significant leadership and solid sportsmanship.
Dean's Dinner
168 students attended Dean's Dinner on Wednesday. Many of those students were on "Dean's" for the first time. There was great atmosphere and it was a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a special meal with friends. James McClellan and his staff prepared a marvellous feast: Grilled Striploin Steak, Chicken Cordon Bleu Roasted Redskin Potatoes with Goat Cheese, Mixed Seasonal Vegetables and Salad Bar with Mixed Berry Swirl Cheesecake for dessert.
Grade Eleven Leadership
The grade eleven class met on Monday evening to discuss their ideas and responsibilities at Ski Week. These senior students are looking forward to leadership roles in their grade twelve year and Ski Week will give them an idea about what this might entail. The gr. 11s will help organize and mentor the juniors, reading them bed-time stories and making sure that lodge rooms will meet inspection standards. They are responsible for the planning and implementation of all activities including Carnival, snow patrol (snow angels), polar coaster, ski competitions, snowboard and x-country races, broomball and the fire pit. They will spend the weeks leading up to Ski Week learning about and anticipating their important role—with the corresponding values and expectations—in making Ski Week a success.
– Erica Hamilton, Grade Eleven Round Table Leader
Academic Colours
On Tuesday, Senior Academic Colours were awarded for achievement during the first term. Mrs. Kingstone, Deputy Head, congratulated all students on their fine first term and challenged them to stay the course and stay focused during this short, but "sweet" second term. "Your teachers and advisors have commented on your efforts in your first report card, and you should make decisions accordingly. Their passion for learning and teaching stand them amongst the finest models of commitment."
Academic Colours are awarded to students who consistently demonstrate superior effort, achievement, and leadership in their studies while also maintaining a commitment to the many other facets of the Shawnigan program. Showing genuine interest, working to potential, and supporting classmates must be integral to a recipient's approach. Generally, students will have studied at the School for more than one year.
Civic Leadership
The students in the Civic Leadership Fine Art were baking on Wednesday in preparation for their bake sale on Thursday morning. The money raised from the bake sale will go to the World Vision charity. The girls made various "goodies" from Rice Krispie Squares to cookies as well as over seventy cupcakes.
– Emi Skopal, GAP Student
"Arcadia" Drama Performace
Senior drama students are fine-tuning their lines and stage direction after months of rehearsal for their upcoming production of "Arcadia" by Tom Stoppard. The play has two story lines running through it, one in the early 1900s and one in the present day. The set is an English country house as we follow two modern scholars as well as the lives of those who lived there 180 years earlier, including a teenager and her tutor. There is plenty of scandal, mystery and enlightenment amidst evaluations of mathematics, science, and history. A major, yet unseen, character in the play is Lord Byron and the investigation of a period of his life that has always been a puzzle. Themes throughout deal with the relationship between past and present, order and disorder, and the certainty of knowledge.
The show will be presented January 29 - 31 at 7:30pm in the Assembly Hall. Tickets are $5 at the door.
Grade Eight Leadership
Mrs. Kingstone taught the Grade Eights a thing or two about leadership this week. "Create a Game" was the title of the leadership activity. Mrs. Kingstone separated the Eights into six groups and assigned each group an assortment of five seemingly unrelated items. She challenged each group to create a game using all of their items and to report to the group the name of their game, the goal of the game, a clear set of rules for the game, who in the group took part in the game's creation and how well the group communicated. The groups had the opportunity to work together to achieve a goal, problem solve, practice communication skills, and to begin the exploration of leadership. We were amazed at how each group pulled together to fulfill Mrs. Kingstone's expectations and now know that the School will be proud of these future leaders.
Entrepreneurship 12
Donuts, sno cones and ice caps will be sold every Monday at break to raise funds for the Mill Bay Food Bank. Jordan, Bridget and Olivia have undertaken to support this project on behalf of the Entrepreneurship 12 team until the end of the school year.
– Georg Stroebel, Entrepreneurship 12
Grade Eights
Late in December, the Grade 8 students welcomed a special guest, Graham Anderson. At Shawnigan, Mr. Anderson is known as a very knowledgeable history teacher who often tells great stories about the School's past. The Eights participated in a "history challenge" designed by Mr. Anderson. In teams of three, they scurried around the campus attempting to find historic plaques and landmarks. Where did the library get its name? Where is the former sea cadet hall? Who donated the original organ in the chapel? They commented on how many times they may have passed a photo or been in building they knew very little about. Some students ventured to the top floor of the main building to find clues or answers in the archives. The history challenge culminated with Mr. Anderson sharing answers and discussing the historical significance of the School. Everyone realized how much they still have to learn about the School as they saw it through Mr. Anderson's eyes. We will continue to explore the buildings and stories that have made Shawnigan such a fascinating place to experience. Thank you Mr. Anderson for visiting our class and enlightening us!
– Val Donahue, Grade Eight Support Group
Stag Café Aid Fund
Entrepreneurship 12 students founded the Stag Café Aid Fund (SCAF) to raise funds for different community needs. They sat down to identify immediate needs in the local community and the first project was to raise funds for the Mill Bay Food Bank where there is a real need for assistance during the economic slowdown. The Stag Café is donating a large portion of monthly takings to the food bank for the rest of the School year and, where possible, will undertake other fundraising activities to increase monthly donations.
Mr. Georg Stroebel (photographer/teacher), Phil Patton (parent), Olivia and Jordan visited the Mill Bay Food Bank just before Christmas to hand over the SCAF Christmas donation to Terry Eden (President), Carol-Ann Wilkonson (volunteer), Traci Wait (Coordinator), and to wish them compliments of the season.
Grade Ten Art
Impressionism was a 19th-century art movement that began in the 1860s. The name of the movement is derived from the title of a Claude Monet painting, aptly named "Impression Sunrise" (Impression, soleil levant) in Le Charivari. Characteristics of Impressionist painting include visible brush strokes, emphasis on light play, open composition, movement, and unusual angles. The Grade 10 class has currently created their own Impressionist paintings, with landscapes being the primary subject matter. With images from the Pacific Coast to the jungles of Thailand, their work is a celebration of colour and atmosphere. Well done, Grade 10s!
– Carol Shaw, Art
Happy New Year!
Shawnigan welcomed three new students this week and three new Australian GAP students. The Headmaster spoke to us in Chapel about the coming term and his great expectations for 2009. Mrs. Kingstone let us know that there were only 24 days until Ski Week, eliciting happy applause from students and staff. Mr. Mayes spent a few minutes talking about the opportunities at Manning Park where they have over 200cm snow base—"the kind of stuff dreams are made of!"