SLS Now Archive

Closing Day Address 2009 – David Robertson, Headmaster

Honoured Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen, Graduates of the Class of 2009,

I could be forgiven for starting my address to you today with some mention of the time and how quickly it has passed this year, but I will only be forgiven by the blazer-clad hordes if I can avoid making the time pass very slowly in the next little while! If you think that today is the longest day of the year, think again, the solstice, the longest day, is actually tomorrow and after that fall will be here in to time! That said, today is all about time – our last time together in this school year, the grads’ last time in their #1’s, ever, the School’s last time listening to the ramblings of the Headmaster, and even the time you’ll check, surreptitiously perhaps, as you wonder how long there is to go! Before that blissful release, however, we have some very important moments, some time well-spent, marking significant achievements and special bonds. One of the cleverer mentions of time for me was the old advertisement slogan of the watchmakers, Timex, who announced one Christmas that there was ‘ no present like the time’. Ask a small child what they’d like when their mom or dad is really busy and time would not be far from the answer. Try asking someone dealing with a bucket list if there is any greater gift than time and you can guess the answer. Unable to halt the march of time, however, it is to the other part of the slogan, to the gift and giving, that I will turn my attention in the next little while. The irony rippling through the audience of a Scotsman talking about giving is not lost on me, but, for a nation whose past is described by eminent author, John Prebble, as, “the long brawl of Scottish history,” irony is not uncommon. What is the difference, by the way, between a tight rope and a Scotsman? – even a tight rope gives a little!

The Grad Class of 2009 has given much to their school and the magnificent year that we have enjoyed is the direct result, but more of that later as I want to turn my attention first to the adults who work here. Some of them are moving on to challenges new and we wish them well. Sarah Wiley, Angus Murray, Neil Bryant, Gail Conway, Rachel Peters, Robin Byers, Evan Hall, Kiel Peterson and Doug Wooldridge –thank you so much, The rest, the superb faculty and staff of Shawnigan have given so freely of themselves yet again in the countless hours that they have invested in making this school the very special place that it is, and I would like you all to join with me in recognizing the ‘talented people of character’ that are so crucial to the creation of the moments, those weavers of the memories, the keepers of the dream – ladies and gentlemen, School – our staff!

I would like to focus for a minute or two on our teachers in particular as there can be few professions in the world, more frequently undervalued or under-appreciated and yet, after parenting, teaching can play one of the biggest roles in the creation of the societies that we all aspire to for our children. Perhaps it’s because everybody has taught something to somebody at some time that makes teaching a bit like editing a newspaper or coaching a sports team in terms of everyone thinking that he or she can do it better. At the risk of preaching to the converted, I would proclaim to anyone that the world needs great teachers more than it ever has, but we also need to create the conditions in which they can thrive, in which they can follow the mantra, “instilling a zest for learning is instilling a zest for life.” In his seminal work, “The Closing of the American Mind,” Allan Bloom wrote, “Fathers and mothers have lost the idea that the highest aspiration they might have for their children is for them to be wise…specialized competence and success are all they can imagine.” Schools must be equipped again to venture, confidently but sensitively, into the realm of values and character just as we do at Shawnigan. Only then, will we restore the richness to the profession, the involvement that makes it a vocation, not just a job – something more akin to this description that I read recently, “a teacher is like a candle that lights others while consuming itself”
 

Please click here to read the entire Closing Address.

(Thank you to Margot Allen and Stephen Lane for the photos!)

Classic Car Show Raises Funds for Cops for Cancer

More than 75 classic cars rolled onto campus on June 27 as part of a community fundraiser for the Cops For Cancer. Local car enthusiast and organizer, Lorin Inglis, said participants were thrilled by the School. "There were people here who do these shows all over North America and this is one of the best sites they'd ever seen," he said. "This facility is definitely world class."

More than 600 visitors came to see the gleaming autos and talk to their owners, and the event raised over $2,000. Lorin especially thanked Gary Dukelow, the School's External Programs Director, for making it happen and looks forward to “an even bigger event” here next year.

Five-Year Dinner

In the midst of closing week at Shawnigan, we take an evening out to honour those graduates who have been with us from grade 8 through to grade 12. The five-year dinner was hosted by Lynn Robertson who did wonderful job of creating a special evening for this group of students. Lynn Rolston, our archivist, put together a slide show of photos of the grads in their grade eight year at the School that excited much laughter and a few tears! After dinner, each graduate was then celebrated by a teacher, House Director, or advisor who told us why his or her student was unique and with what qualities that student had imbued his or her career at Shawnigan. It takes time to talk about each student, but because they have been together at Shawnigan for so long, the five-year students enjoyed the comments and appreciated the sentiments that could be shared in this small gathering.

Athletic Colour Awards

It seems just like just yesterday that many of you were learning to play rugby and field hockey for the first time. For a number of you, you have developed athletically in many areas and have found a passion in athletics. So much has happened since those early days in September; as a School we have competed successfully against many other top schools in the Province, in Canada and, in the case of rowing, North America.

We are here today to recognize those senior athletes who have excelled over the past term and who have lead their respective teams in search of excellence. Additionally, we will recognize those junior athletes who have contributed significantly over the year to their teams.

At this point I would like to recognize those people who have worked so hard and sacrificed a tremendous amount so that you would be successful. Please join me in thanking our coaching staff for all the work they do.

Junior School Colours are awarded to students who display strong athletic skills and athleticism, as well as significant leadership and solid sportsmanship. Recipients are in grade 10, and are judged according to their participation over the course of the year.

  • Junior Colours: Adrien H., Alex H., Alice C., Andrew H., Betty V., Brian K., Chris T., Elyse M., Francesca W., Jesse S., Jordan B., Josh L., Keah S., Kieran S., Lisa U., Maddie B., Max R., Monty T., Nico R., Rachel C., Savannah H., Shannon K., Sienna R., Tamlyn T., Emma S., Natalie B., Matthew S., Michael B.

Senior School Colours are awarded to students who display strong skills and athleticism, as well as significant leadership and solid sportsmanship. Recipients are in grade 12, and generally have at least two years of service to the sport. Having said that, the Headmaster will be presenting some Colours today to athletes who have made tremendous contributions over the past year of their career at Shawnigan.

  • Senior ColoursBoys Rowing: Brendan D., Alex M., Lachlan M. (Captain), Adam M., Rory R., Jess R., Alexander T. / Girls Rowing: Maggie R., Shannon M., Olivia S. (Captain), Michelle C., Carina L. / X-Country: Maddy M. / Tennis: Michael K., Sam M. (Captain), Jenna R. Double Colours, Louis T. Double Colours, Bogdan V. (Captain) Double Colours / Girls Soccer: Madison B. Double Colours, Monica C. Double Colours, Valerie D. Double Colours, Courtney L., Rachel M. Double Colours, Lia T. Double Colours, Aly Y. (Captain) Double Colours / Boys Rugby: Tommy N., Nicky M., Nick C. Double Colours, Robert P. Double Colours, Don S. Double Colours, Justin K., Sean O. Double Colours, Rick S., Joe H. Double Colours, Steven B. Double Colours, Cameron R., Kevyn V. Double Colours, Owen S. Double Colours, Carlin H. Triple Colours, Tye H. (Captain) Double Colours, Matt K. / Girls Rugby: Olivia H., Julia B. (Captain), Dayle M., Tasha B., Sarah P. Headmaster Commendation

– Darrin Austin, Director of Athletics

 

 

Academic Colours

Twenty-seven Grade 12s and eleven Grade 10s presently hold their Academic Colours for 2008/09. This week, the Headmaster presented the final Academic Colours to the following eight seniors: Ana C., Harriet G., Carlin H., Matt K., Lauren L., Maddy M., Bridget S., and Kelsey S.

Junior Colours were presented to: Savannah H., Ivan H., Josh L., Louis L., Tim L., Fion M., Melanie M., Sian M., Claire O., Kelly R., Milan V., and Betty V.

– Wendy Woollven, Registrar (Photos by Stephen Lane)
 

Dogwood District Scholarship Winners

In April, eleven of our students applied for the Ministry of Education Dogwood District Scholarship that is awarded for excellence in the areas of leadership, fine arts, physical education and second languages. All presented their work to a number of experts in their field, and of the 98 applicants from the independent schools on the island, 37 received the $1000 scholarships. At Shawnigan, these were given to Beckie B., for Visual Art 2D, Arthur Chen, for Visual Art 2D, Leah C., for Music Instrumental and to Tye H., for PE Performance.

– Wendy Woollven, Registrar (Photos by Stephen Lane)

Celebrating 20 Years of Women at Shawnigan

On Saturday, June 6, thirty Shawnigan Alumnae returned to the School to reconnect and share their experiences with current students at the first Shawnigan Women’s Day Celebration. The event was created to commemorate twenty years of co-education at the School, which forever changed the fabric of the School.

A highlight of the day was the chapel service, featuring the Girls’ House hymns and an address from Vicki Stronge ’94, who spoke about her experiences as one of Shawnigan’s first “5-Year Girls.” Vicki spoke candidly about the many changes to the campus since the early days and the pride she still feels for the School today.

After lunch and a tour of the campus, the alumnae gathered with several current female students at the Shaw Science Centre to take part in a series of networking workshops, with the grads speaking to the students about their experiences since leaving the gates of Shawnigan. The overwhelming message from the workshops was the sentiment that “you are never alone,” with the alumnae offering their services as mentors should our future graduates ever need direction and guidance.

Alumnae and students were also treated to a keynote address by a first-time visitor to Shawnigan, Ms. Heather White, CEO of 2020 Communications, Inc. Heather, an in-demand public speaker from Vancouver, delivered an engaging and informative address about the importance of building a professional network, developing personal and professional goals, and creating a positive, supportive work environment. Heather’s address was perfectly tailored for the occasion, and we look forward to welcoming her back to campus soon!

The day’s festivities wrapped up in the Upper Dining Hall, where the alumnae enjoyed a fantastic dinner. After the meal, the women heard an eloquent, moving address by Jacqueline (Croy) Flett ’97 who unveiled plans for a new bursary, to honour our female alumnae and that will be awarded to a deserving female student at the School in need of financial aid. Jacqueline’s words provided a fitting end to a truly memorable day. The School was overwhelmed by the support given for the weekend and is already looking forward to making Women’s Day a fixture on the Shawnigan calendar in years to come!

- Ryan Panton '97, Alumni Relations (Photos by Stephen Lane)

Fine Art Concert

After a barbecue dinner, the School gathered in Marion Hall for an amazing display of dancing, singing, video, musical performance, and speech art. The talent shown during the Festival of the Arts was truly astounding and that so many students have given so much to their particular art speaks volumes about their commitment and enthusiasm and about the richness of the teaching by our Fine Art faculty.

 

Fine Art Day

With the strains of the various pieces produced by our excellent bands forming a background ambiance, the static displays revealed the great talents and creativity of our staff and students and the tone was set for a marvelous afternoon. Students, staff, parents and friends, strolled through the grounds and the Hobbies Building appreciating the great works of art and enjoying the fun.

 

Fine Art Awards

We awarded the last of this year's Fine Art Colours as well as Fine Art Awards on Fine Art Day. We are proud of the dedication and leadership these young people have shown throughout the year. Mr. Rolston, our Director of Fine Art, commented that, “Fine Arts are not like sports in that there is no competition to spur artists on to excellence—this has to come from within. My greatest hope, and the aim of the department, is that those artists whose commitment is being recognized through colours and curricular awards, will enjoy a life-long enthusiasm for their art of choice.”

(Photos by Stephen Lane)

On the Road Again

The Shawnigan Jazz Band went on the road once again. It has been a busy few weeks for these musicians with the recent Thai celebration, prepping for AP exams and our year-end Fine Art concert, so we thought we would throw one more thing into the mix and offer to help at a fabulous community event. Musicians and other students from the School, under the guidance of Mr. Dukelow, "banded" together with many volunteers from the community to recognize the extraordinary effort shown by various care givers in the area. The "Around the Lake Walk" was well supported by the community and we were there to share
our talents along with other very talented musicians from the Valley. Many thanks to Mr. Dukelow and all students who participated.

Ralph Fraser (Photos by Brandon H.)
 

Shawnigan.ca

Welcome to our new website. We've been developing the content over the last several months, and going forward we'll be refining and expanding the reach of the site. In the meantime, we hope you like our bright new look and the opportunity the site will afford us to keep you up-to-date on all things Shawnigan.

 
 
S M T W T F S
 
 
 
1
 
2
 
3
 
4
 
5
 
6
 
7
 
8
 
9
 
10
 
11
 
12
 
13
 
14
 
15
 
16
 
17
 
18
 
19
 
20
 
21
 
22
 
23
 
24
 
25
 
26
 
27
 
28
 
29
 
 
 
 

Contact Us

1975 Renfrew Road
Postal Bag 2000
Shawnigan Lake, BC, Canada
V0R 2W1

Telephone: (250) 743-5516
Fax: (250) 743-6200
Email: info@shawnigan.ca
 

Watch the Latest from our
Video Library