SLS Now Archive
Cowichan Music Festival
A number of our students participated in the 60th Annual Cowichan Music Festival this past month. There were 18 individuals involved in the piano, vocal, and instrumental sections of the festival as well as group dance numbers, one of which included the entire cast of this year's musical. Of the 30 or so classes entered, Shawnigan students received 13 First Place certificates, 14 Second Place certificates, and 4 Third Place certificates. As well, Marisa P., Alex C., Adam M., Ethan C., and Ciara S. received prizes and scholarships while Ben R., Ethan C., Amanda D. and Krit K. were awarded prizes and asked to perform at the gala concerts. On Wednesday night of this week, Jeff T. has been asked to perform at the distinguished Festival Highlights Concert and will be receiving an award. Well done, performers!
– Shannon Bryant, Director of Music
Greening the Grounds
The School's Environment Club has recently put an ambitious "green project" in motion. A plan was initiated to replace the aging and inefficient 1-ton truck used by our recycling manager, Mark Forester. In an effort to reduce the significant carbon footprint generated by the vehicle, the Club hopes to purchase an electric truck as a replacement. Earlier this term, Niko Zorkin (Lonsdale's '73) shared his enthusiasm and expertise in environmental matters with the Club and offered guidance for getting this fund-raising project off the ground. A committee was struck to research accessibility of an appropriate vehicle (Canadian Electric Truck, based on Vancouver Island, lent us a prototype truck for a week) and another has been busy putting together a business plan to help validate and provide direction for the initiative.
Fund raising is now under way. The latest donation came in the form of a 1981 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham from staff member, Jenny Ferris, and her husband. The vehicle was subsequently sold and the Electric Truck Fund jumped by $800!
– Scott Noble and Angus Murray, Enviro Club
A Three-dimensional World
The Fine arts at Shawnigan is not just about exploring our two dimensional world. Our pottery and sculpture classes open up a whole new horizon, and seek to expand student's understanding of design it relates to the 3 dimensional world. Working primarily in paper, clay, paper mache, metal , soapstone, and foam core, concepts of relief, contour, structure and symmetry, are explored. In these classes, development of specific skills as they apply to three dimensional art forms help students to gain a deeper understanding of visual art.
– Carol Shaw, Art
AP Human Geography
In AP Human Geography, Reverend Holland made a guest appearance to enlighten us on more aspects of our current unit: Religion. The majority of what he talked about was Jerusalem and the history that has shaped the city that now holds the world's major religions (Christianity, Judaism and Islam). At the end of his talk, we had an opportunity to ask questions about anything religious. The questions varied from, "Why is the snake pool, called a snake pool and does it contain actual snakes?" to, "What exactly does the Pope do in his free time?" (The answer, Rev. Holland assured us, was that the Pope played long hours of shuffleboard in his basement.) All in all, the class learned a lot and appreciated Reverend Holland's visit.
– Harriet G., AP Human Geography
St. David's Day
Mr. Samuel spoke to the School on Saturday in Chapel about St. David's Day. A National holiday in Wales, the day celebrates Saint David, a Catholic Monk who died on March 1st (the year is uncertain, but it was in the latter part of the 6th century). Mr. Samuel challenged us with St. David's own words, "Do the little things"—pay attention to the details and the larger things will take care of themselves—and, "Be joyful." Happiness, said Mr. Samuel, is inside all of us. He played us various Welsh recordings of some of our favourite hymns. Mr. Doyle and Mrs. John, both also from Wales, helped with the service by reading prayers.
Athletic Colours
Colours were awarded to outstanding athletes this week. Senior Athletic Colours in individual sports are awarded to students who display strong skills and athleticism, as well as significant leadership and solid sportsmanship. Recipients must be in grade twelve, and generally will have at least two years of service to the sport.
Congratulations to this Term's recipients.