SLS Now Archive
Academic Colours
The first Senior Academic Colours of the year were awarded in Chapel. The Colour citation was read by Ms Woollven, Registrar: Academic Colours will be 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. Senior Colours are only awarded to grade twelve students and consideration is given to performance in both the grade eleven and twelve years.
Photo by Stephen Lane
Douglas Burnet Smith
Poet Douglas Burnet Smith visited Shawnigan this week to speak to the Writing 12 class. Smith, a professor at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, was in the area on a week-long promotional tour for his most recent work, Sister Prometheus: Discovering Marie Curie, a series of prose poems investigating the life of one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century. In his lecture/reading, he reminded students of the profound challenges Curie surmounted— including a childhood in Russian-occupied Poland and her gender in the male-dominated academies of Europe in the late 19th and early 20th centuries—on the way to winning Nobel prizes in both chemistry and physics. Later, Professor Smith spoke to one of the AP Literature classes and guided them through a complex reading of Robert Frost’s "Design." It was a great privilege for students to work with a writer of such accomplishment and a teacher of such personal grace and patience.
– Jay Connolly
Economics 12
Since the Economics 12 class has been making and selling sushi for a while now, the time came for us to show our true sushi prowess. We hosted an "Iron Chef" style competition between ourselves, competing to see who could claim the title of the Sushi Master. We were to produce a minimum of five rolls, of various types: Spicy Tuna, California Rolls, Veggie Rolls, and special B.C. Rolls made from candied salmon. We then presented them for scoring by our panel of judges, namely Mr. Dukelow and the esteemed members of the Shawnigan Lake School Catering staff.
The sushi was scored on taste, appearance, creativity, and arrangement, and while the battle was fierce and hotly contested, Takeshi B. and Krit K. came out on top, with the best sushi overall. Still, the real "battle" is out in the marketplace, where the two classes sell their delicious rolls to the student body, in competition with one and other. Currently, the two "companies" (Simple Sushi and Complicated Sushi) are neck-in-neck for sales, but we'll see how it all plays out in the end!
– Lisa Jane D.
Student Selected for Canadian 7's Team!
Grade 12 student, Dustin D., has been selected to the Senior Men’s Sevens squad
that will represent Canada at the upcoming IRB tournaments in Wellington, New Zealand, and Las Vegas, Nevada! Dustin, a key member of last year’s Provincial Championship-winning 1st XV (and the captain of this year’s team), was surprised by the Headmaster at lunch on Tuesday as he learned of his selection in front of the entire School. One of the youngest players to ever represent Canada at this level, he is also the first current student to compete in a senior tournament.
Dustin is in his second year at Shawnigan and is the Head of Ripley’s House. Last year, he captained Germany in the 2009 European U18 Championships, winning the Group B competition. He is also vying for a spot on this year’s Canadian U20 team that will be competing in the World Junior Trophy tournament in Moscow, Russia. The entire Shawnigan community congratulates Dustin on this remarkable achievement and wishes him and his teammates the best of luck in the weeks ahead!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Photos by Stephen Lane
Kaye's House — Trust and Friendship
Kaye's House was given the theme of trust and friendship for our Chapel presentation. We decided the best way to convey our message was through an activity and song. For the activity, we made an obstacle course and the grade 12's were blindfolded and led through by their little sisters. In the two weeks preceding the service, many nights were spent practicing. It was really nice to see all the girls commit and devote their time to coming together to make it all happen. The result was a presentation we were all pleased with and hopefully those watching enjoyed it!
– Samantha P., Head of Kaye’s House
Photos by Stephen Lane
Super Y soccer brings out the best in girls
By Don Bodger - Cowichan News Leader Pictorial
Published: January 22, 2010 4:00 PM
Florida sunshine brightened spirits and illuminated the performances of four valley girls in the North American Super Y soccer championships in November. . . . to read the full story, click here.
Chapel Music
A Grade 9 student from Kaye’s House treated the School to a beautiful rendition of the 1st movement of Beethoven's “Moonlight Sonata.” Surprisingly, she has only been taking piano lessons for a year and a half, although she did take four years of violin lessons prior to that. To master this beautiful classic in such a short period of time is a testament to her musical talent. Well done!
– Shannon Bryant, Director of Music
Photo by Stephen Lane
Cross-country Running
The cross-country team rolled out of bed bright and early Sunday morning for the second annual Cobble Hill 10 km. A fine showing by juniors and seniors saw everyone place in the top ten of their age categories. Medals go to the top three in the Island Series categories and were awarded to Logan R. who placed first in the M U20 category, Alana M. who placed 2nd in the W U20 category and Simone V. who finished 2nd in the W U16 category.
– Jim Kingstone, Coach
Photo by Leslie Smith
Weekend Basketball Champions
Senior Girls and Senior Boys win weekend tournaments!
Senior Girls Stag Classic
The Senior Girls Basketball team played two strong games on Saturday to capture 1st place in their own “Stag Classic” jamboree.
In the morning game, we played a very tough team from Cedar Secondary School. Our team led most of the way, though the 4th quarter was back and forth. Shawnigan eventually won the game 59-58 in a nail biter. Top scores included Savannah with 22, Emilie with 14, and Nicole with 12.
In the afternoon game we played a Vic High team that was short 3 key players. The team approached this contest as an opportunity for some of the girls to fine-tune their team play. Nicole led the way with 12, Nikkie with 11, and Kathryn with 7.
The three ‘player of the game’ awards went to Rosa, Savannah, and Nikkie. Thanks to all the score keepers and the fans who supported us.
– Darrin Austin, Coach
Photos by Stephen Lane
Senior Boys - ISA Champions
In their opening game at the ISA Championships in Vancouver, the Senior Boys Basketball team defeated Fraser Academy 135-44. Pat E. scored a career high 52 points while Shavaan S. added 23 points. Lukas B., Wei C., and Luis O. combined for 40 points. Duncan L. contributed significant minutes and scored 8 points.
At 7:45pm, they returned to action and played St. John’s School. The boys finished the night with a final score of 89-31. Lukas B. played with great energy and hustled for double-digit rebounds and put back 6 points. Shavaan S. had 18 points while Pat E. and Luis O. scored 26 and 14 points respectively.
The team played St George’s B team in the cross-over match on Saturday at 10:00am. Shawnigan put together another solid performance and took the game 96-54. Shavaan S. had 13 rebounds and 22 points, Lukas B. collected another 11 rebounds and scored 14 points and Pat E. contributed 40 points to the win putting him over 100 total points so far in the tournament.
The team advanced to the Championship game against WPGA at 5:00pm and won the title 73-47. Wei C. was awarded the Best Defensive Player and Pat E. was the MVP.
– Vito Pasquale, Coach
Bring on the Black and Gold!
We are ready for a Black & Gold weekend! Many of our athletes are playing important games this weekend, so the whole School dressed in our best black and gold to support them in their efforts. Go Shaw!
Ice Hockey vs. Kerry Park
Last Sunday a combined Jr/Sr team played a local Kerry Park House League Team at Lake Cowichan Arena. Both teams were missing players but our roster was significantly diminished by the absence of John W., Forrest W., Derek D., Justin M., and Kieran S.
Ben M. played a solid first period, and we tallied first when Evan B. scored the first goal on the power play, with assists by Drew M. and Danny H. Kerry Park rallied back in the second to tie the game. Our team responded, regaining the lead, when Phelan R. scored after a collected rebound from a Drew M. shot. At this point of the game, our team lost composure, allowing our opponents to score not one, but two short-handed goals, and then an even strength goal, setting Kerry Park up in a good position for the last period. Determined to correct our costly errors, we took full advantage of our next power play by quickly scoring after a mere ten seconds. This goal by Matt B. with assists by Drew M. and Rob B. A little more time would have been beneficial, but there was none remaining. Final score: 4-3 for KP.
Some notable Jr. achievements – Otis D. had his first assist, Julianne H. played her first game this year, Danny H. and Sydney E. played the entire game.
Some notable Sr. achievements– Caleb M. played his first game. The team began to get a handle on their defensive positioning, and began to simplify their game with a better forecheck.
Next Game: Srs. vs. Chemainus on Friday, January 23.
– Paul Morris, Coach
Graphic Design
The Grade 10 Graphic Design class travelled to Cowichan Woodwork, a local cabinet and sign manufacturing facility (cowichanwoodwork.com). Each student had prepared a digital file in Adobe Illustrator to use as the basis for a sign of their own design. Rather than only seeing their work in print or on-screen, this was a chance to see how digital files can manipulate sophisticated machinery either in creative art form or for mass manufacturing. After some classroom theory and an introduction to the computer numeric controlled machine (C.N.C.) the process began. Choosing appropriate bits as needed and constantly changing direction and speed the C.N.C. began to create the outline form of the signs. Students were just able to recognize their work after about 15 minutes and then, rather than standing around watching, we all headed to Mill Bay for lunch. A change is as good as a rest—it's always good to get off campus for a bit! Upon our return to Cowichan Woodwork there were about 15 minutes left of machine time, just right to see the final product evolve, tuck the signs under our arms, thank the owner and head back to set up a display of the work in the Main Foyer of the School.
– Gordon Smith, Graphic Design, Architectural Drafting
Jr. Girls Basketball vs Brentwood
On Tuesday, the Jr. Girls Basketball team hosted Brentwood for the first match up of the year. Coming off a close loss the day before the girls rallied back to play a fantastic game. The team was victorious over Brentwood 55 - 13. They played amazing defense with almost all having a ball-steal and breakaway. Our top scorers were Ronna W. (16), Sydney H. (16), and Abby B. (13). The girls will travel to Vancouver this weekend to compete in the ISA tournament hosted at York House.
– Mia Bolton, Coach
Sr. Girls Basketball vs Comox
The girls played with a lot of energy in the first quarter on Tuesday night and took a 24-20 lead into half time. Unfortunately, a combination of turning the ball over and some unfortunate calls resulted in us losing the lead in the 3rd quarter and ultimately the game, 57-50. We had balanced scoring from Rosa with 12, Savannah with 8, Nicole with 8, and Emilie with 14. One thing to consider regarding tonight’s game is that Highlands Secondary dressed seven grade 12 players, whereas we dressed three grade 12’s and two grade 9’s (both started).
Our next game is this Thursday at 5:00pm vs Kwalikum Secondary. On Friday and Saturday we play host to our “Stag Classic” jamboree.
– Darrin Austin, Coach
Model United Nations
While most Shawnigan students returned home for a break this past weekend, the Model United Nations club was hard at work (as ever!) attending the Vancouver Model United Nations. We arrived at the Marriott Pinnacle in downtown Vancouver, awed by the sight of buildings taller than two stories, streets full of cars, and people we had never seen before—alien sights to a Shawnigan student—but there was no time for sightseeing.
Immediately after arriving, we were all hard at work in our committee sessions, discussing world issues with students from a dozen different schools. There were big committees: the World Health Organization, DISEC, specialized committees like NATO and a historical simulation of the Korean War and, finally, the Security Council, the smallest, and arguably most intense committee.
Several hard days of diplomacy followed, with negotiations reaching fever pitch during Friday night’s “midnight crisis” simulation—a committee session from one until three in the morning! More remarkably, most of the Shawnigan delegation was able to drag themselves out of bed to the session, although a few slept through all the excitement.
On Sunday, we attended the closing ceremonies, and many Shawnigan students walked away with awards—best delegate, distinguished delegate, and honorary mention among them. Everyone left the conference with a sense of accomplishment and a sense of wanting to sleep for a week to recover. It’s all worth it, though, and as the VMUN motto goes: “diplomacy is not a spectator sport!”
– Lisa Jane D.
Art & Soul – Celebrating Shawnigan Artists
Will T. (class of 2010) has been serious about art since he was thirteen years old. Possessing excellent technical skills, he derives inspiration from personal experiences, the things he’s seen and the lives of his brothers and friends. While his artwork is quite graphic in nature, Will doesn’t subscribe to a particular style, preferring his work to be up for individual interpretation.
Will is not sure how his artwork will factor into his future, but intends to stay authentic to himself and to continue to creating work that is both honest and without compromise.
Will feels that Shawnigan Lake School provides an amazing facility for artists. Help is readily available and constructive criticism is always there for the taking.
– Carol Shaw
Change
In Chapel, a Grade 10 student from Lonsdale’s House spoke to us about change:
For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Ngabo, and for those of you that do know me, my name is either Engee, or Engine, or Ngabu, or Engabu or any other accidental nicknames in my ever-growing list of accidental nicknames. I’m a new student here, even though I don’t feel very new anymore considering that I’ve been studying at Shaw for a few months now. The topic I really wanted to share with you today was something I learned to appreciate over the winter holidays and now hopefully you will too: change. Now I’ll be honest with you, before this winter holiday, I hated anything that took me out of my comfort zone, change included. And I don’t even use the word hate that often, because as many of you know, I don’t hate; I detest. But before this event, I really, really loathed change. . . .
Team Effort Leads to Victory
The Sr. Girls Basketball Team hosted Chemainus Secondary today, and defeated them 42-26. The win was a total team effort; the girls played solid defence, rebounded well, and had balanced scoring. Savannah was our top scorer with 19 points and Emily was our top rebounder with what seemed like dozens of rebounds.
– Darrin Austin, Coach
Jr. Ice Hockey Ties Chemainus
Though we did have two Sr. players on loan (Hunter P. and Kieran S.) for our missing Jr. players, the eight-member Chemainus squad provided a good battle for our twelve dressed skaters. We played a shorter duration game which benefited both teams with their short benches.
SLS grabbed the first goal in the first 30 seconds by some great pressure after the face-off by the top line of Evan B., Derek D., and Chris K. That excellent high energy start would maintain the lead for another ten minutes until Chemainus scored their first after some good battling in front of our net. We quickly responded with two more goals: Derek’s was the result of a won race to the puck over our opponent’s goalie, and the other by a quality wrist shot by sniper Kieran to hold the lead. Our opponents quickly rebounded with two quick goals early in the second, and then another later in that period to gain the lead. We tied the game when Logan L. swiftly moved in, unmarked, from the blue line to pick up a lonely puck in the slot waiting to be claimed. Chemainus did press us hard until the end and Carson L. needed to make some quality saves to maintain the tie.
Overall, this was a fun game with some great performances from the team. In particular, some solid defensive patience by Sydney E., Danny H., Logan L. and Tyler B.
– Paul Morris, Coach
Masks!
A mask is an article normally worn on the face typically for protection, concealment, performance, or amusement. Masks have been used since antiquity for both ceremonial and practical purposes.
This week, the students in Mrs. Shaw’s Art 10 class have been designing and making their own personal masks. From the silly to the sublime, they promise to be an interesting reflection of the multitude of personalities in the class. Stay tuned for photos of the finished product.
– Story and photos by Carol Shaw
Sr. Boys vs. GISS
On Tuesday, the Senior Boys Basketball team played their first league game of the new year at home against Gulf Island Secondary School.
At half time, our Shawnigan boys were up 52-10. Due to a late start in the previous game and returning ferry times, the third and fourth quarters were played using running time. All ten players contributed to a final score of 74-30. Luis O. had 15 points and 10 rebounds, Pat E. and Shavaan S. added 19 and 13 points respectively. Lukas B. went 7 for 11 from the field and scored 15 points.
Next action for the team begins Thursday in the Victoria Police Tournament.
– Vito Pasquale, Coach
Photos by Cathy Pasquale
Shawnigan Visits Alberta
During the last week of January, Shawnigan's Admissions Department will cross the Rockies into Alberta for a week of informational sessions and meet-and-greets with interested future students and their families. Director of Enrollment and Marketing, Chad Holtum, and David Hutchison, Director of Advancement, will visit four Alberta cities and are excited to meet with as many potential families as possible. Current parents are encouraged to invite any friends and colleagues with an interest in the School to attend any of the sessions for an opportunity to learn how their child might benefit from a Shawnigan education.
The itinerary for the trip is listed below. If you have any questions about any of the events or would like more information, please contact Chad Holtum at 250-743-5516 or via email.
SHAWNIGAN ADMISSIONS PRESENTATIONS
EDMONTON, AB - Tuesday, January 26th - 7 PM
Hilton Garden Inn – Liquorice Room
17610 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton T5S 1A2
Tel: 780-443-2233
JASPER, AB - Wednesday, January 27th - 7 PM
Whistlers Inn
105 Miette Avenue, Jasper T0E 1E0
Tel: 780-852-3361
BANFF, AB - Thursday, January 28th - 7 PM
Banff Park Lodge - Cedar Room
222 Lynx Street, Banff T1L 1K5
Tel: 800-661-9266
CALGARY, AB - Saturday, January 30th - 2 PM
Fairmont Palliser - Leduc Room
133 9 Avenue SW, Calgary T2P 2M3
Tel: 403-262-1234
Polar Push!
The Grade Ten Round-Table organized Saturday’s “Polar Push” helping to raise money for the 2010 EDGE trip. Students paid a small fee for raffle tickets which were then drawn for the prize of pushing in our courageous volunteer teachers: The brothers Wilke, Jenny Ferris, Peter Yates, Erica Hamilton, Tim Coy, Paul Morris, Jean-Jacques Receveaux, Mark Hall (with Lizzie), Paul Klassen and Jim Kingstone.
Four of the Grade Ten Round-Table members showed their appreciation for the successful fundraising by jumping into the frigid lake themselves at the end of the “Push.”
Photos by Mia Bolton
Chapel Music
On Saturday, in Chapel, this Grade 12 Copeman’s boy entertained us with his performance of the song, "Lost in the Wilderness" from the musical, Children of Eden. It is always a privilege and a great pleasure to hear him sing in his warm and self-assured manner.
Island Challenge Tournament
This past weekend, the Junior Boys Basketball team kicked off the new year traveling to Victoria for the Island Challenge Tournament. This tournament proved to be quite the “challenge” as it featured many good teams, but also because we participated with only half of our team present and healthy to play.
The team started well in their first game against Mount Douglas (eventual winners of the tournament), trailing only 26-16 at halftime. However, foul trouble coupled with a 3rd quarter run by Mt. Douglas put the game away.
On Saturday morning, our second game pitted us against Woodlands of Nanaimo. Shawnigan started the game on 12-0 run and never relinquished its lead. Despite a late surge by Woodlands, we maintained our discipline and composure to withstand their late run, and held on to secure the win.
Our final game saw us matched up against a very determined Brookswood team from Langley. Foul trouble and a short bench played huge roles in the loss against Brookswood. Midway through the 3rd quarter, three of our seven players fouled out, and we were forced to play with only four players on the floor for the remainder of the game.
The Jr. Boys will travel to Duncan on Tuesday to take on Cowichan in league play.
– Jason Lam, Coach
Out of the Warm Land
This talented Shawnigan student has been published in a new book—a compilation of poems and stories by local writers! Read about the book in the following newspaper account:
Dean's Dinner
170 students were invited to attend Dean's Dinner to reward their efforts in the First Term. Students were treated to a delicious steak dinner with potatoes au gratin and roasted vegetables, followed by individual strawberry chocolate parfaits. Mrs. Kingstone asked students, while they were eating and chatting with friends, to complete a survey on the current effort rating system.
– Wendy Woollven, Registrar
Cowichan News Leader Picks Shawnigan
In the December 30 edition of the Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, Shawnigan’s presentation of Thoroughly Modern Millie was chosen as 2009’s top High School stage production.
“The age-old lesson to marry for love came to life in fringe and set to speakeasy-style Jazz in Shawnigan Lake School’s spectacular spring production, Thoroughly Modern Millie. The song-and-dance extravaganza boasted a fantastic cast of characters, more than a few genuinely funny moments, a flawless live orchestra and an impressive assortment of sets and costumes.”
FROG Awards
"Fanatical Recycling's Our Goal!" — In fact, it's in our blood! While the whole school community embraces our comprehensive waste management program, it is the student body that determines its ultimate success. Each year, the Interhouse Recycling competition helps to provide that little added incentive to "do the right thing." With a whole crop of new students in September, each House is challenged to bring their new charges up to speed with their various compost/recycling/garbage systems in place. I have to say (and I know I speak for Mr. Forster, our Recycling Manager) that this year's efforts have been the best yet.
As for the competition . . . ? FROG Certificates are awarded to the top five Houses for their sorting expertise and this term's recipients were Kaye's, Strathcona, Duxbury, Renfrew South, and Groves'. The year-long chase for the coveted FROG Trophy has generated some heated competition, too. Front runners heading into Term 2 are Strathcona and Kaye's, with Duxbury hot on their heels. Exciting and green times are sure to lie ahead!
– Scott Noble, Environment Club
Surf's Up!
On an early morning in November, Mr. Klassen took a few boys surfing. They breakfasted at Tim Hortons and, knowing by then that the surf reports weren't positive, the boys kept their hopes up. “It ended up being an 'epic' day with near perfect waves, little wind and no crowds.” The group was made up of 3 Californians and 1 Mexican hosted by a Canadian surfer. They managed well and neoprene wetsuits made the cold water irrelevant. Mr. Klassen said that, “We were exhausted after two hours of paddling and surfing in the water. This was an outstanding day of living in the moment with a diverse group of kids coming from different parts of the continent that all touch the Pacific. As they say in Costa Rica, 'Pura Vida'.”
Rugby News
While most of the School was home enjoying their Christmas vacation, several members of Shawnigan’s Senior Rugby program gathered in sunny California to take part in a two match series between the Canada U17 team and the United States High School All Americans. The games, played on January 1st and 3rd at UC Santa Barbara’s Harder Stadium, featured forty-six top prospects, and was unique in the fact that in pitted several members of the 1st XV against one another.
Shawnigan players on the American side included Antoine B., Dan B., and Will T., while the Canadian contingent was ably represented by Lukas B., Dave M., Takeshi B., Monty T., Robbie A., and coach Gary Dukelow. Both matches were hard fought and included a number of passages of wide open, expansive rugby. Ultimately, the Americans proved too much for the game but overmatched Canadians, winning the opener by a score of 40-10 and following up by taking the rematch 32-5.
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations