SLS Now Archive
Terry Fox Run
Mike and Shannon, on behalf of the Grade 11 Round Table, spoke in chapel to promote the annual Terry Fox Run. Students brought “Toonies for Terry” and were encouraged to “run, not walk” the route set up around the campus. The afternoon sunshine made the run a great pleasure. Staff and students alike paid homage to Terry Fox, a great Canadian hero.
Grade Eight History Lesson
The Grade 8 students welcomed special guest, Graham Anderson. At Shawnigan, Mr. Anderson is well known as an erudite 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 two and 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? 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 have to learn about the School’s history. We will continue to explore the buildings and stories that make Shawnigan such a fascinating place to experience. Thank you Mr. Anderson for visiting our class and enlightening us!
– Val Donahue, Grade Eight Program
International Coastal Cleanup
The first few hundred metres of Shawnigan Creek, as it outflows from the lake, got its annual "once over" not only from Shawnigan Lake School's Environment Club, but with the welcome and spirited additional help from the School's new Service Club. The School has been taking part in the International Coastal Cleanup for a number of years now and this stretch of the creek has certainly benefited. Some of the most abundant forms of litter collected this year included the "usual suspects"—plastic bags (94), food packaging (246), plastic and paper cups (169), recyclable beverage containers (97) and tobacco packaging (153). But the big "winner" (culprit) was once again the dreaded cigarette butt. Students diligently collected a whopping 746 of them! In the end, over 1600 pieces of litter were collected!
The most interesting find of the day—one lucky member of the E-Club found a folded $100 bill in the bushes between the creek and the road. Well, it's what I have always professed. It pays to be GREEN!
Rev. Holland and I would like to congratulate all those who participated. Well done!
– Scott Noble
Photos by Stephen Lane
Alumni Garden
The official opening of the Alumni Garden took place September 15th, 2009. The warm fall afternoon was the perfect backdrop for the joyful celebration of a family’s passion for Shawnigan. Before Dr. John Burr ’49 (Lake’s) and his wife Katharine cut the ceremonial ribbon, Dr. Burr spoke movingly about what a pleasure it was for his family to be able to give the garden to the School. He thanked the School for transforming the initial concept into the beautiful oasis of tranquillity it has become.
Dr. Burr gave special thanks to former Admissions Director Judy Detchon for hatching the plan. It came about when John and Katharine were visiting the School to see their grandson, Austin Fisher ’07 (Lake’s). Dr. Burr had always wanted to repay the School for the life-long lessons he credits Shawnigan for teaching him. Discussion turned to what would become of the land where the last of the old Hill Houses—Lonsdale’s—sat after it was torn down and re-built across Lake Omar. Judy said it would be ideal for a welcoming garden. John and Katharine, who is an avid gardener, immediately seized on the idea. Plans for an Alumni Garden were set in motion. The Burrs were gracious enough to leave most of the design and execution to the School, but were always helpful and interested at every stage of the garden’s development. The result—a lovely setting that perfectly provides the desired outcome as stated on the dedication plaque:
It is intended as a place of beauty, tranquillity and reflection to be enjoyed for generations to come.
Trees for Tomorrow
Tree planting is underway at Shawnigan Lake School as part of the "Trees for Tomorrow" program, a provincial initiative designed to make communities green, safe, and healthy. Over the next five years, four million trees will be planted in urban and rural areas throughout British Columbia, resulting in the absorption of approximately one million tonnes of carbon dioxide (over the biological life of planted trees). These new trees will help clean the air and sequester (“lock away”) carbon dioxide that would otherwise contribute to global climate change.
In September 2009, a seasoned contract crew planted nearly 10,000 trees in approximately 35 hectares of unproductive sites at the northwest portion of the School property. These NSR (“non satisfactorily restocked”) areas, which were logged prior to the School acquiring the lands, contain a some dense brush species and pockets of trees of various sizes. A mix of tree species (Douglas-fir, western redcedar, and grand-fir) was selected for planting in order to meet specific ecological requirements at different sites.
Environmental responsibility is strongly rooted at the core of the Shawnigan Lake School’s curricular and co-curricular programs. Students at the School will be actively engaged in the implementation and follow-up phases of newly planted forest stands. The Trees for Tomorrow program provides a valuable opportunity to impart to students a lifelong knowledge, appreciation, and interest in the environment.
- Margaret Symon, Strathcona Forestry Consulting.
Photos by Stephen Lane
GroLo Barbecue
Groves’ House and their brother House, Lonsdale’s, had a BBQ to celebrate the start of the school year. Dylan H. worked the grill while Otis showed off his basketball skills. The Groves’ girls were delightful guests as always. Though most were somewhat tired from a busy first week (the Grade 8’s had just returned from camping that morning), everyone was happy to relax with some food, music and good company. We look forward to more GroLo events throughout the year!
– Tim Coy
Grade Eight Expedition
The Grade Eights spent three action-packed days at Horne Lake exploring the outdoors and getting to know each other. They were fortunate to have nine energetic and responsible Prefects overseeing their experience and leading them through numerous games and activities. Alasdair, Takeshi, Alana, Quinten, Camille, Ali, Brelan, Krit and Sean did a superb job as leaders and facilitators, along with Shawnigan Interns, James Roaf and Mia Bolton. Everyone camped, explored caves, paddled canoes, and tried rappelling. Mrs. Donahue and Mr. Loiselle really got to know the students well. We are excited to work with each of our youngest students on Wednesdays, as part of the Grade 8 Support Program. Thank you to all those who helped us make the trip a success!
– Val Donahue
Photos by Galen Loiselle
Shawnigan Advisor Meetings
Every student at Shawnigan has an academic advisor. Advisors keep track of student successes in all areas of the School and coach their advisees to make good choices and to beware of pitfalls. Regular meetings are a way of keeping aware of concerns and to "check in." Of course, an advisor at Shawnigan is always available and invites students to drop by or touch base at any time. On Wednesday, advisors met with their charges as a group. This is a great opportunity to build new friendships that cross grade and House boundaries.
Fine Arts Fair
On Monday, the after-school fine arts instructors put on a fair outside the Hobbies Building so students could gather information about the numerous fine arts offered at Shawnigan. This year, we are showcasing 24 fine arts at the senior level and 21 at the junior level. Students will be asked to personally narrow down this extensive list of fantastic, creative opportunities to their three top choices. Each student will then be assigned one fine art for the year.
Photos by Wendy Woollven
Inter-House Track and Field
Can friendly competition be fierce? You bet it can! At Shawnigan, House Spirit explodes on Track and Field Day. We had a great time on Canada Field flexing our muscles and cheering on our teams. Special thanks to Mr. Austin, Director of Athletics, for organizing this event and to all the Shawnigan staff from teachers, coaches and administrators to the catering crew and to our fabulous parent volunteers who made it all possible. The top standings in the Inter-House Track and Field competitions are as follows:
Girls: #1-Groves’, #2-Strathcona, #3-Renfrew
Boys: #1-Duxbury, #2-Lake’s, #3-Copeman’s
Photos by Stephen Lane
Transitions and New Beginnings
Our Chaplain, Jim Holland, welcomed new and returning students to Saturday Chapel. He spoke about transitions and new beginnings, explaining how they can sometimes be difficult but that a life that is lived in easy familiarity is unacceptable. Without new beginnings we would miss out on adventure and challenges. We need to be challenged to grow.
After the sermon, a Groves’ House Grade 12 student performed a song she composed herself that echoed Rev. Holland’s sentiments. Here are a few words from “When Life Falls Down:”
Life falls down / And our hearts will grow over time / Life falls down / And you will always find the steps you need to climb / You'll finally find the motivation / The missing piece of inspiration / After life falls down
Every bone inside you grows / Every feeling inside shows / And you realize you know / All you needed to begin / The secret key to let you in / You learn that you can finally win
Speaking From Experience
On Saturday, in chapel, a grade 12 student from Strathcona School House had a few words for new students:
I bet you’ve received a wonderful reception already from your House Director, Prefects and teachers so far, but I promise this is a welcome of another kind. Here’s a little message, not from someone who’s told to make the school sound good, or someone who can gain anything from it; only someone with a bit of experience here. This school is what you want it to be. You can rant and rave about life here all you want, or you can take advantage of what it has to offer.
There is so much opportunity in this place. Things you might never have a chance to experience again are sitting waiting for you to try. These are the years in your life when it’s easy to discover and explore, when you don’t have any set path—so go for it! You could learn how to make a shirt or a table, the rules of squash, or how to schedule voice lessons between graphic design and dinner with your roommates. Some things I’ve learned: How to make a bowl. I figured I’d get tired of pottery after a week, but I made more bowls than you can imagine, and despite what I thought, I loved it.
On the athletic side, People that know me can tell you I’m not a born runner, in fact, I am passed by power walkers and children—often. After joining cross country last minute, I surprised myself: I was running, and for some reason, I no longer thought of ways to fake a heart attack so I could stop (I still do that when I erg, though).
These are just some things I learned when I branched out of my usual niche: I promise that if you hold back, if you don’t capitalize on all these resources in front of you, you’ll regret it. Don’t think that you’re in this alone, either. You have so many people that will support you if you decide you want to try ballet or if you can’t figure out a math problem. Believe it or not, the people in this room are going to be beside you for this entire year, and some for the years ahead. You will make friends with them—some of the closest you’ve had—and you’ll grow together within these gates. They will be there when you need them, when you don’t need them, probably even when you don’t want them. It’s not going to be hunky dory all the time, it never is, There will be rainy days, fights and bad meals, but I swear to you, when you try to make the best of it, you will live out days and nights that you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Like I said, this isn’t coming from authority or power, it just coming from a little experience.
First Chapel Gathering
“This is my favourite day of the year!” said Mr. Robertson as he addressed students on the first day of classes. After introducing new staff members to the School, the Headmaster delivered what he described as his essential message to students and staff. “As we go into this school year, the challenge is to make it even better than the last several outstanding years at Shawnigan. Let's maintain our strengths and work at addressing any weaknesses. Above all, we are known as a very friendly, caring environment where people give of their best in everything, adopting an honest, wholehearted approach at every turn. At the same time, we are not afraid to talk about our mistakes and missteps. At Shawnigan, what you see is what you get and we always exceed expectations!”
Fun and Games Night
We spent the evening on Tuesday getting to know our new students and helping them get to know one another. The catering crew put on a great barbecue in the Quad and then students were welcomed officially by Mrs. Kingstone (Deputy Head), Mr. Robertson (Headmaster), and Ali (Head of School), in the Chapel. Ali reported that one of her goals this year was to take School spirit into a whole new realm. Students got some practice in this immediately as they were then sent off to "Fun and Games" in the gym, where they got into some pretty wacky new games and learned a little about what we mean when we say, "House Spirit!"
Photos by Wendy Woollven
Welcome to new Shawnigan families
Even though there was some natural anxiety amongst new members of our community, the energy generated by Prefects and grade 12 leaders on Opening Day was contagious and added to the excitement. We look forward to this school year and to the new friendships that develop while learning and living at Shawnigan.
Prefect Leadership
Nineteen School Prefects arrived at School last week to take part in a Leadership program. Led by Mrs. Kingstone, the retreat emphasized the important role this group will play in making 2009-2010 a successful year. Participants explored their individual gifts and talents to illuminate elements of character beneficial to group dynamics and to fulfilling their responsibilities as Shawnigan ambassadors. On day two, the students hiked up Mt. Tzouhalem and also picked blackberries for a blackberry crisp contest. A yoga session introduced them the to the art of breathing (even when faced with uncomfortable positions). Later, Mr. Robertson met with the Prefects to counsel them on essential leadership qualities and to discuss the opportunities they will have to mentor younger students and their peers. We all look forward to the leadership of this Prefect group.
Duxbury House Leaders
The Duxbury Pack (grade 12 leaders) came back to the School on Sunday for some meetings and bonding. One of the leadership sessions was spent zip-lining on Monday. They will meet the new families on Tuesday to finish their training.
– Gary Dukelow, Duxbury House Director