SLS Now Archive
Junior Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Grade 8 class are about to embark on their Junior Duke of Edinburgh’s Award program. Mr. Robertson, a Gold Medal recipient of the Award, visited the class to encourage the students to take on this great challenge. “The program is based on four pillars: Community Service, Physical Fitness, Outdoors Adventure, and Artistic/Cultural Skills. It led me to doing what I am doing now, and taught me to be self-sufficient, taught me how to make tough decisions, and taught me how to be an independent thinker. I hope you approach this program enthusiastically. It is well-rounded and will connect you with this beautiful country and you will look back on it with pride. The Award will always be a point of reference on your résumé as an accomplishment that sets you apart.”
Shawnigan Choreography
This year's musical production of Kiss me Kate is well underway, and promises to be an excellent show! Last week I visited Mrs. McLeod, the musical's choreographer, and some of the dancers that will be a part of the show. Although it is early days, things are really coming together. I was impressed with the professionalism an energy of Mrs. McLeod, and the wild enthusiasm and focus of the students! Not to mention the fact that everyone seemed to be having a great time!
– Carol Shaw
Video by Carol Shaw
Halloween Prep
Groves' House took a break from the ordinary and did some Halloween “Prep.” Leslie Smith helped the grade 9's host a grade 8 caramel apple night and Jenn C., Groves' Fine Art Captain, organized a jack-o-lantern carving evening for the big sister/little sister groups.
– Margot Allen, Assistant House Director
Photos by Margot Allen
"Emu Bobbing"
Mr. Noble and members of the Environment Club contributed a Sunday of hard but satisfying work cutting Scotch broom on Portland Island. We were transported from Mill Bay aboard two of Parks Canada's very impressive landing-craft type boats that delivered us straight to the worksite. We set about cutting down broom, many of the largest bushes having stalks several inches in diameter, and "emu bobbing" (the expression used by the Aussie restoration technician who accompanied us) as we stooped and plucked the smaller plants. By mid afternoon there were some large tracts of freshly cleared land and some gigantic brush piles ready to be torched. The next step in the restoration process is to replant with native species, especially forests that will shade out the sun-loving broom. Shawnigan is committed to the ongoing stewardship of a substantial area along the southern shores of Portland Island, under the direction of a Parks Canada ecologist.
– Peter Yates, Shawnigan EDGE Leadership
Photos by Scott Noble and Peter Yates
Copeman's House Sings!
Copeman’s House helped Reverend Holland organize and run the last Saturday Chapel service. With the help of the House Staff and the participation of all the boys, we managed to put together a smooth and successful service. The highlight was the musical presentation; this song was a Copeman’s original. Not to single people out, but Jeff played a big role with the writing of the lyrics and Arjun with the writing of the music. With the help of the whole House singing, the song came together quite nicely, making it a House presentation to remember.
– Kane W., Head of House
Thanks to Brandon H. for the video on the right.
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. . . .
Writers and Readers Festival
Last Thursday, students from the Writing 12 class left campus at 4:45 a.m. for the Vancouver International Writers Festival on Granville Island. Our first session, Thursday morning’s “Some Words on Film,” featured Don Calame and Robyn Harding, two versatile writers who work in both fiction and film. They shared with students the challenges, rewards, and perils of each genre. After the session, we visited the Vancouver Art Gallery, where the students saw a number of exhibitions, including “Dawn: Sketches and Paintings by the Group of Seven.” As part of the visit, we completed a couple of draft poems based on paintings. We were back on Granville Island Thursday evening for a reading and Q & A session by acclaimed American short story writer and novelist Lorrie Moore, who read from her new novel, A Gate at the Stairs. Moore is well known for her wit and for the power of her insight. These were on full display Thursday, prompting many students to purchase one of her books and have it signed.
On Friday, we attended “Coming of Age,” a panel discussion during which five vastly different writers talked about (and later read from) work focused on the journey through the challenging and sometimes brutal world of adolescence. After lunch at the Granville Island Market, our visit concluded with the “Mini Poetry Bash” on Friday afternoon. It was a pleasure to take such an appreciative group to the festival and to see them discover new possibilities for their own work.
– Jay Connolly
History 12
My History 12 class is currently studying a unit on the USA in the 1920s and 30s. The class participated in a simulation of the 1929 stock market crash. "The Bank of Olson" lent them each $50,000 as they got a chance to buy on the margin in this game. I also invested each of them equally into 5 commodities that we traded throughout the block. At the end of the trading, I called in my loan plus 10% interest for a total of $55,000. There were nine rounds of trading simulating the nine years of the decade that led up to the crash. The class listened to rumours and news from each year to determine if prices would rise or fall and then had two minutes to make trades on their trade sheet with their classmates.
The winner pre-crash was Jessica “The Oil Tycoon” E. who was up $251,000 after repaying her loan. The best survivor of the Black Tuesday crash was Kieran “The Wheat Baron” S. who was the only one who was able to repay his loan and still managed to have $6,050 left. The photos are of frantic action as the class got to experience what it would be like on the floor at the exchange!
– Andy Olson
Official Opening of the Shawnigan Sportsplex
Despite a torrential downpour, the ten-piece pipe and drum band leant a cheery, festive flair to the opening of the new Shawnigan Sportsplex. Immediately after the Founder’s Day Chapel service the pipers and drummers – stationed strategically at the top of the old Classroom Block stairs - began a rousing serenade to lure students, staff, alumni and friends up the hill to the new Sportsplex. Some 600 people walked through the wet to arrive at this marvelous new facility. They were piped into the giant new double gym for welcoming remarks by the Headmaster and the official ribbon cutting. It was noted that the previous night the school officially opened the new Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre to add to Shawnigan’s excellent Fine Arts capacity. Now with the new Sportsplex adding to the fitness component of Shawnigan life, the school is exceptionally well positioned to deliver the complete well-rounded education we are famous for. Mr. Robertson thanked the Board of Governors, parents and alumni whose generosity made the Sportsplex possible. The Sportsplex gives the school 4 new squash courts, the huge double-size gym, a cardio-fitness centre, two new tennis courts and an all-weather turf for field hockey – all in all a pretty fantastic package. With a ceremonial drum roll Board chair Mike Waites and Building Committee Chair Brian Johnson ’66 cut the black and gold ribbon to signify the Sportsplex officially open. The pipers and drummers concluded the ceremony with a poignant rendition of Amazing Grace before marching off into the rain…with just a bit of sun peaking out and the promise of great days to come thanks to the Sportsplex and all it will bring to Shawnigan’s sports program.
– Steve Housser, Executive Director of the Shawnigan Foundation
2009 Reunions
The Reunion Dinner on Saturday night was a huge success. With over two hundred and fifty guests, Marion Hall was filled with warmth and fun. We welcomed back the classes of 1969,1979,1984,1989, 1994, 1999 and The Gold Club (members of the class 1959 and previous classes). Representatives from each class stood to speak to the assembled alumni and staff. Their comments and thanks capped off a terrific day and were much appreciated by the School. Special thanks to our Executive Chef, James McClellan, and his catering staff—they served up a delicious and memorable meal.
Photos by Stephen Lane
Founder's Day Chapel Service
Thank you to all who attended our Founder’s Day Chapel Service. We were honoured to have alumni participate by reading in chapel: Peter Gordon ’69, Jenn Barratt ’94, and Kate Snihur ’99. A special musical offering was made by current student, Johannes R.—he entranced the congregation with “Rondo Alla Turka” by Mozart (click here to listen). Great thanks also goes to Mark Hall ’69 (and current staff member) for his entertaining and poignant reminiscence about his time at the School as a student in the Founder’s Day address.
Click to hear an excerpt of Mark Hall's address.
Photos by Stephen Lane
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Shawnigan Musical Production
The inaugural presentation in our new Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre was The Last Five Years by Jason Robert Brown. Starring Jeff T. and Ciara S., the story explores a five-year relationship between Jamie Wellerstein, a rising novelist, and Cathy Hyatt, a struggling actress. The show uses a form of storytelling in which Cathy travels backwards in time (beginning the show at the end of the marriage), and Jamie travels forwards (starting just after the couple have first met). The characters do not directly interact except for a wedding song in the middle as their time-lines intersect.
Gregg Perry, the show’s Director, was ably supported by Music Director, Shannon Bryant and her orchestra. The two student actors have spent countless hours since last spring under the tutelage of these two wonderful directors.
Other Shawnigan components of the show were; Hilary B. (Guest Appearance), Doreen Deane (Make-up), Dean Yole and Jason Feist (Set Construction), Brandon H. (Set Painting and Lighting Technician), Jessica Y. (Program), Emma V. (Assistant Stage Manager).
Photos by Stephen Lane
Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre
Before the ribbon cutting that officially opened of the Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre, we heard from Norah and David Wilkinson ’73 as well as from Carl Wright Bradley ’78. They spoke of the importance of Hugh Wilkinson’s commitment to the school as its 6th Headmaster and of his passion for theatre and about the commitment of so many who have been instrumental in creating and preserving a fine arts program at Shawnigan.
The following is an excerpt from David Robertson’s programme notes:
The performing arts have always had a place of importance in the Shawnigan complete education, but now we have the quality of facility that speaks to that importance. The design of the new studio theatre has ensured that there will be great flexibility in the way that this particular theatrical space is used and yet a sense of the intimacy that is always associated with Shawnigan is preserved.
The Studio Theatre would not have been possible without the generosity of our donors and we cannot thank them enough for making this wonderful facility possible. There is something very appropriate for us at Shawnigan in taking something old and preserving the best of it as we make it current. In many ways, that’s what has happened to one of the oldest buildings on campus, the original gym, later the Assembly Hall and now the Hugh C. Wilkinson Studio Theatre. This very exciting addition to our facilities has deliberately been designed with adaptability and flexibility in mind so that it can serve all the performing arts equally well. Lending itself to a multitude of configurations, the Studio Theatre will retain an intimacy that is in keeping with Shawnigan and yet will be as well-equipped as any theatre on the Island.
I congratulate four people in particular for making the vision into a reality in an unusually tight time-frame: Leith Anderson, the architect, who responded so readily to the design requests; Gregg Perry, the Theatre Manager, who streamlined and smoothed the correlation between structure and equipment so well; Dean Yole, our electrician, for the huge number of extra hours and; of course, our own Ray Hollings, Maintenance Manager, who pulled off the impossible by completing the facility you see tonight in just over three months – an extraordinary feat!
We would also like to express our thanks to our sub-contractors and suppliers without whose commitment, the project would not have been possible.
Photos by Stephen Lane
Moving Books
The following students (with Gaynor Stroebel and I) moved 14,000 books:
Lulu G., Camille H., Lisa-Jane D, Hyun-Sub S., Olivia B., Janelle J., Juliet M., Alex R., Emily R., Cicy F., Jessie R., and Kara L.
We loaded the last third of the 20-foot rental van from Jim and Jackie Barker's home, then unloaded the entire truckload into Cobble Hill Hall for the Garden House Foundation book sale. The book sale was on Saturday, October, 17th and the proceeds will go to a foundation created by Jim and Jackie Barker. The charities that receive money from the foundation are WAVA (Women Against Violence Association), Family Living (counselling and other services for families in crisis), and the SPCA. The Barkers were happy to let us know that our efforts combined with those of the foundation and their volunteers resulted in sales Saturday totalling $5766.53!
– Jenny Ferris
Photos by Jenny Ferris
Theatre Outing
On October 15th, the grade 11 Pre-AP English classes were fortunate enough to visit the Chemainus Theatre to see The Woman In Black—a haunting play that had many of us (especially me) screaming with terror! It was a fantastic horror that kept all of us on the edge of our seats wondering when "she" was going to pop out next! There was a "talk-back" session afterwards with the actors. One of the questions asked was, “When did you decide to become actors?” The answer for each actor was that they became inspired while in high school. I'd never been to a talk-back session before and I quite enjoyed it.
A big thank you to Mrs. Bell for arranging this fabulous night out at the theatre and to the Chemainus Theatre for giving us great seats for their scary show!
– Gwen H. (for Pre-AP English 11)
Grade 8s Find Research Fun
Grade 8 students working on a project about world religions for their social studies course spent some time in the library last week learning the intricacies of proper research methods.
“It included teaching them the very difficult pieces of proper referencing and documentation according to APA rules,” explains Head Librarian Mrs. Stroebel. The students rose to the challenge and even enjoyed the exercise as shown by emails Mrs. Stroebel received afterward. “I have never had documentation called ‘beautiful work’ as Joaquin T. described it,” she said.
Here's a sampling of other comments:
“Thank you so much for helping me with the referencing system and the Dewey Decimal system, I really appreciate it. They are skills I will need my whole life.” – Laurabeth G.
“Many thanks for teaching us about references. I hope you enjoyed our classes as much as I did. Hope you will receive us again sometime.” – Mariana Z.
“I would like to thank you for teaching us things about the library and how to do a citation and writing down references. Also for giving me a new perspective of the library.” – Gabiro B.
Senior Debaters Win Gold
Grade 12 students Lisa Jane D. and Robbie A. talked their way to a gold medal when they won a debating tournament held in Victoria recently.
How would you go about debating the resolutions “We need more socialism” or “Character is the key to success”?
With only half an hour to prepare either the negative or affirmative side of a given resolution, debaters call upon a variety of skills from quick and critical thinking to effective public speaking. “With each debate that SLS attends, students in this fine art build upon the skills that are essential to vibrant and democratic societies,” explains Coach Paul Klassen.
“Getting ready and preparing for the debate was tough, but actually being in the room and arguing was so exhilarating, ” says Nehmat B. a new junior debater.
“We invited Brentwood for a practice ‘pizza debate’,” adds Robbie. “Much to my surprise, I was up against a debate team with the same level of experience. Immediately, my nerves settled, and I let my brain take over. I have never been so hooked on an activity as I am with debate.”
Debates do not happen without the volunteer judges that join us at these tournaments. A special thanks to Mrs. Hutchins’ husband, Andrew Shepherd, and alumnus Chris Hyde-Lay ’77 (Lake’s).
Thanksgiving Dinner
Our traditional Shawnigan Thanksgiving dinner was delicious! Special thanks goes to our wonderful catering staff who went to so much trouble to make everything look and taste so good. Mr. McClellan, our executive chef, described the dinner in the following terms: 130 kgs boneless turkey breasts and thighs / 200 lbs of potatoes for mashed potatoes / 70 625g loaves of French bread for stuffing / 5 kg of cranberries to make cranberry sauce / 140 lbs assorted root vegetables for roasted veggies / 720 3-inch tart shells for pumpkin tarts.
Indeed, Shawnigan has a great deal to be thankful for!
Photos by Stephen Lane
Thanksgiving Chapel Service
We took up a collection of items for the local food bank during our Thanksgiving Chapel service. Mr. Holland then reminded us that gratitude is something we need to practice. “Some people keep a gratitude journal and the findings are that within three weeks of writing, they have created for themselves a greater sense of well-being and get a better night’s sleep.” Mr. Holland also gave us four steps to create more gratitude in our lives: 1) be aware of un-grateful thoughts; 2) Create grateful thoughts; 3) replace number 1 with number 2; 4) take the grateful energy you have harnessed and help others—make a difference! “Considering that you can actually change your personality by being thankful, Thanksgiving is a very practical holiday.”
When the sermon was over, representatives from each House expressed what they were thankful for. Mrs. Kingstone then read a poem by e. e. cummings, “i thank You God for most this amazing….” And, before dismissing us, Mr. Robertson said that he was most thankful for our willingness. “For the willingness of so many of you to adopt a positive attitude and to commit yourselves to making this term and this community such a success.”
Photos by Stephen Lane
New Visitor to Lake Omar!
Wow, how things have changed! Once the secondary treatment system for the School's sewage, Lake Omar has now become a vibrant and diverse shallow water wetland. Along with a variety of wetland plant species, the 'pond' plays host to a number of species of frogs, fish, ducks (and other birds), as well as muskrats, mink, otters, and even the odd turtle. Last week a new visitor appeared on the scene – a beaver!
– Scott Noble
International Week Preview Videos
Thanks to Brelan for capturing these performances on video.
International Week Preview
Mrs. Ferris presented a preview of International Week in Chapel on Tuesday. After a fabulous display of flags by the Comparative Civilization class and the Grade Eight class, Min Ji astounded us with her talent on Korean drums. Mr. Klassen and Ms Carballo danced salsa style and then we were happily startled by a set of South African gumboot dancers. Mrs. Ferris encouraged students to sign up for the country group that they find inspiring. “Most of all, we need your enthusiasm and your participation. This is about who we are—a community of people celebrating our cultural diversity and ethnicity.”
Run for the Cure
Shawnigan celebrated the annual Run for the Cure in Victoria early Sunday morning with 110 students and staff, raising $3,600 for the fight against breast cancer. Hundreds of runners and walkers gathered in the warm sunshine afterwards to bask in the satisfaction and pleasure of this important community effort, hugging, munching on raisin bagels, and making plans for next year's fund raising adventure.
– Jim Kingstone
Photos by Wendy Woollven and Jason Lam
Shawnigan Lake School Poet
Two of this student’s poems have been accepted for publication in a Cowichan Valley collection. She wrote them as part of her Writing 12 course work last year. She performed the poems in Chapel on Saturday. Here is one of her poems:
Tomorrow
Tomorrow called me the other night to vent.
He wasn’t happy with me,
said I’ve been riding too long,
roughin’ it too long,
said he don’t wanna be
my tomorrow anymore,
said my tomorrow’s mad.
Said I don’t deserve him,
said he hated my long nights,
double lives, my two faced talks,
said he don’t wanna be,
my tomorrow anymore.
So I hung up on tomorrow. Just like that.
Smack, insult on injury, smack.
It wasn’t that I didn’t want to see tomorrow.
It was only that I needn’t
fear him,
be consumed by him,
know him,
be assured by him,
because he is tomorrow,
and I am today,
and he is untouchable,
and I am like clay.
A Visit from Myanmar
On Saturday, October 3, Shawnigan was host to a visitor from far away Myanmar. Father Daniel, an Anglican priest, is the Youth Director for the Diocese of Sittwe. He serves the people of the Chin Region of Myanmar, one of the poorest parts of South East Asia. Father Daniel, who is part of a delegation visiting Vancouver Island this fall, said that his morning at Shawnigan was the best part of his trip so far.
– Jim Holland
Photos by Stephen Lane
Shawnigan Dance
The first dance of the year was held this weekend. The dance was put on by the Prefects with the support of many of the grade 12s. DJs Max and Mike played some awesome tunes. As you might guess from the photos, the theme was "a circus of colour.”
Photos by Stephen Lane
Shawnigan Welcomes Tour de Rock
Ali H., Head of School, addressed the "cops for cancer" when they stopped at Shawnigan during Tour de Rock:
It brightens up my day every year when the Tour de Rock honours us with their presence at our school. It amazes me to hear what they do for their organization, and what we in return do as a community to help build and grow their fund. Since grade 8, I have experienced standing by the edge of the road, watching as these amazing riders come through our campus. I would always stretch out my arm as far as I could just to clap maybe one or two of the riders that went by. I think I did this because I thought that what they were doing was something so cool. Having the opportunity to ride around the Island raising awareness and telling their stories....