SLS Now Archive
Environment Club in Cowichan Bay
The senior members of the Environment Club concluded their very productive year with a unique activity on Cowichan Bay. The five of them worked along side a research scientist (Dr. Ruston Sweeting) and two technicians from the Pacific Biological Research Station out of Nanaimo. The focus of the research is on juvenile salmonid populations (particularly Chinook and coho). From hauling in beach seine nets to identifying and counting the catch, the crew had a great time. Dr. Sweeting did a wonderful job of engaging the students in the importance of his research, and the students certainly benefited from this opportunity to engage in real environmental science.
– Scott Noble, Environment Club
Photos by Scott Noble
Inspiring Great Squash at Shawnigan
Sarah Fitzgerald – Former Squash World Champion at Shawnigan
Mike Johnson, Shawnigan's Head Squash Coach is currently away at Princeton University coaching at elite training camps. While he was away, his former star player, Sarah Fitzgerald stopped by the School for a visit, and to work with a couple of our players. We are fortunate to have Mike at Shawnigan as he was Sarah's coach at the height of her illustrious career, including some of the following highlights: 5 times World Champion / Commonwealth Gold medallist / Australian Athlete of the Year 2001, 2002 / Holder of 60 International Titles.
The Shawnigan players were happy to take a break from their studies and benefit from the experience and expertise of this incredibly accomplished and gifted athlete. Justin M. gained valuable tips and guidance from Sarah. Christian Q. (not to let the opportunity pass by) went on with his foot still in a cast after his recent surgery to hit a couple of balls around the court. Dennis T. and Krit K. also chatted to Sarah and learned something new about technique and court movement.
After spending some time in Canada, Sarah is heading back to her native Australia. We would like to thank her, and now look forward to her next visit.
– Lynne Grass, Coach
Photos by Christine Johnson
OuterEDGE 2010
On June 23rd the grade 8s and 9s embarked on the annual three-day OuterEDGE camping trip. They were led and supervised by 11 staff members. During their time away, the students took part in many activities, ranging from learning to cook outdoors to goal setting for next year—and, of course, having a great deal of fun! The girls’ camp was at French Beach while the boys’ site was near Port Renfrew (essentially at opposite ends of the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail). Both locations featured spectacular shorelines and forests. The grade 8s and 9s all came back in fine form and have been sharing their adventures off campus with the rest of the School.
Photos of the girls' camp by Ralph Fraser.
Photos of the boys' camp by Emma Hollings.
Ending
This year Lonsdale's has started something called "Word of the Month." When Mr. Coy asked me a few weeks ago, to choose the word of the month for the last month, I thought it would be easy. Then the pressure hit me hard. A word came to mind quite quickly. However, it seemed a bit too predictable. The word was "Beginning", as in "every ending is a new beginning." But just like that, without having another thought, a second word came into play. And the long debate began, much like having two little L.J.’s talking non-stop in your head. Anyway, it resulted in my choosing the word “Ending.”
Yes, it sounds a bit depressing and the dictionary meaning did not make it any happier. All it said was, "the end of life, or termination." So I am going to give you my definition of Ending. Ending does not mean it is the end, it means you have accomplished your goals. For example, your goal is not to just start your essay; you want to reach the end or finish it. You don't worry so much about the beginning of a race; you want to win at the end. So if there were no ending, there would never be a new beginning; you will only be . . . I guess-continuing. Always strive for the end and make it great.
As closing day is approaching, and the end is near, try to make the best and be the best for it. As Maria Robinson said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Thank you.
– Photo by Stephen Lane
FROG Awards
We have awarded recycling certificates to the top five Houses for the final term. The coveted F.R.O.G. (Fanatical Recycling’s Our Goal) awards went to Kaye’s, Lonsdale's, Groves’, Renfrew North, and Renfrew South. The over-all winner for the year is Kaye’s House and they were presented with the trophy for the top recycling House on campus!
Shawnigan Rugby Champions
Here is the latest "School of Champions" video by Steve Housser.
Rugby 2010 School of Champions from Shawnigan Lake School on Vimeo.
Latin Classes and More!
Not only is he Deputy Head of Duxbury House and a wonderful artist, but this Grade 12 student also takes great interest in his academics. He scored "5"s in AP Physics B and in Calculus, along with a 100% score on the Provincial Physics 12 exam—all at the end of his Grade 11 year! He spent a month in the city of Oxford, UK last July for a speech and debate program and, this year, he has spent some of his academic time focusing on Latin studies with Mr. Anderson.
(Photos by Stephen Lane)
Colours and The Goody Cup
On Thursday morning in Chapel, four over-due Colours were given out and the Shawnigan prize for Golf was also awarded: The Goody Cup—for “The Champion Golfer of Shawnigan Lake School for the year 2010.”
Photos by Stephen Lane
The Laramie Project
As their final performance project of the year, the Acting 11 & 12 class recently staged The Laramie Project in the Hugh Wilkinson Studio Theatre. Working from an exceptionally intelligent script, the students turned in outstanding and varied performances to deliver a memorable and moving evening of theatre. Based on the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay student at the University of Wyoming, the play explores complex attitudes toward homosexuality, violence, and justice in small-town Wyoming. In the hands of less capable writers, the script may have been reactionary or didactic. Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, however, let the townspeople tell the story in their own voices, revealing layers of irony and ambivalence at the core of our experience with “difference.”
The play offers significant challenges for student actors, as many students played multiple roles. As one student said, “The challenge was to make your characters different and believable.” It would be unfair to single out the performance of any individual in the play, but it is accurate to say that each cast member enjoyed shining moments on stage. The audience left the theatre impressed by the strength of our student actors and moved by a play designed to make each of us consider the prejudices that may linger beneath the surface of our lives. Kudos to acting teacher Morgan McLeod for another rich theatrical experience.
– Jay Connolly
Shawnigan and the Environment
For many years, the School's environmental awareness has been increasingly high. Between each House, the competition to be at the top of the charts continues to rise as students work together to become the best "Environmental House" at the School. Each House has garbage, recycling and compost expectations, and failure to meet those expectations will result in a decrease of "points." After each term, the points are tallied and put together as a whole, where they can then determine which House has the most points. Aside from sorting garbage, compost and recycling each week, the Houses are given the opportunity to expand their environmental thoughts by coming forward with numerous ideas on how to reduce the carbon footprint at Shawnigan. These points are awarded as Random Acts of Green (RAG) points.
With creative ideas from each of the Houses on how to become more environmentally friendly, Shawnigan Lake School's carbon footprint is diminishing as we speak. Since the start of the year, each House has come together to not only make a difference at the School but also to improve the environment in our community.
Here are some examples of how each House played an active role in reducing our carbon footprint:
Groves': A little while ago, the girls in Groves’ decided to have "meatless Thursdays" for the rest of the year.
Kaye's: The House introduced "Enviro Week" where the lights and heaters in the House were turned off during the day, laundry was being washed with cold water and dishes were washed by hand.
Strathcona: During Christmas time, Strathcona bought a second-hand tree and used recycled ornaments made from pop cans and recycled paper.
Renfrew North: They have been saving energy by using drying racks instead of drying machines.
Renfrew South: The House is signing in to Sunday Brunch with their reusable lunch bags and sandwich containers. Their packaging eliminates all paper and wax paper wrapping.
Ripley's: They brought a worthy environmental cause to our attention - a petition to encourage Norwegians to stop whaling.
Duxbury: Mike, Head of House, has brought a website to his fellow housemate's attention. A number of different causes are supported, including one protecting marine mammals by saying no (in a petition) to Arctic Ocean drilling that he and Mr. Noble both signed.
Lonsdale's: Their daily inspections include turning off the lights and they have done many garbage clean-ups around campus.
Copeman's: They completed an environment project that took almost half the year. Sacrificing a few hours out of the boys' weekends, they took turns working away at clearing the Copeman's hill that was once filled with garbage and out-of-control juniper. The project is nearly finished and is ready for the planting of flowers and grass seed. Not only did this project help the environment but it created a visually appealing embankment where the Copeman's sign can rest.
Lake's: The boys not only wash their clothes in cold water, but they also take cold water showers every morning.
"The manner in which the Houses have embraced the R.A.G. initiative has further demonstrated the commitment of the students to making SLS a greener place to live." - Mr. Noble (Enviro Man)
As the School year is coming to an end, the race in the competition is still underway.
– Savannah H., Yearbook
Letting off a little steam...
The Bouncy House was a gift from the grad class to the grades 8-11 on their last day of classes. Everyone came out to play in the sun. It was a wonderful way to complete the day and get rid of some extra energy before settling down to study for the coming exam period.
– Jo-Anne Kingstone, Deputy Head
Photos by Emma Hollings
Ripley's Chapel Presentation
Ripley’s took over the Chapel last Thursday morning and the theme was perseverance. With an amazing piece by Krit K. on the piano, an inspirational speech by Ed A. and “I Won’t Back Down” sung by the House, the service ended up being even better than we hoped. Many thanks to Mr. Fraser for volunteering his time to work with us, Mr. Doyle and Mr. Panton for their support and to the boys for all their hard work and commitment.
– Dustin D., Head of House
Five Years at Shawnigan
During our annual five-year dinner we honoured those graduates who have been with us from grade 8 through to grade 12. Lynn Robertson, our gracious host, created special evening for this group of students. Lynn Rolston, our archivist, put together a fabulous slide show of photos of the grads in their grade eight year at the School. After dinner, each graduate was celebrated by a teacher, House Director, or advisor who spoke about why his or her student was unique and with what qualities that student had imbued his or her years at Shawnigan.
Photo by Stephen Lane
Art Exam
For Grade 11 and 12 fine art students, the final exam of the year is rather like preparing for a marathon. First they get to choose from a list of topics, which range from more concrete themes such as Line and Texture in Nature or The Dancer, to more interpretive ones like Reflection or the Human Condition. They then have a week to prepare their sketches and assemble tools and materials.
On “the day”, they arrive in the art studio at 7 a.m. and spend the next 10 hours completing their projects. “Honestly it’s one of my favourite days of the year,” says Director of Fine Arts Don Rolston. “It’s a whole, uninterrupted day of art, and the energy in the room with 30 people being creative, each with a single-minded focus is quite something.” And so are the many creations that emerge from these talented students.
Photos by Don Rolston
Violin Virtuoso
This morning’s Headmaster’s Gathering was inspirational. The Headmaster introduced one of Lonsdale’s brilliant musicians who then played “The Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso in A minor” (French: Introduction et Rondo capriccioso en la mineur). Op. 28, is a composition for violin and orchestra written in 1863 by Camille Saint-Saëns for the virtuoso violinist, Pablo de Sarasate. Since its 19th century premiere, it has continued to be one of Saint-Saëns’ most popular compositions. The congregation leapt to its feet in appreciation of this marvellous beginning to our day. Thanks also to Mr. Shields who accompanied the violin beautifully on piano.
Photo by Stephen Lane
Strathcona House Chapel Service
Strathcona did their house presentation this past Saturday. Our theme was vision and we chose to sing “I Can See Clearly Now” by Johnny Nash. We sang with enthusiasm and heart and with everyone wearing glasses—I think it sounded and looked pretty good. Mrs. Hall is also leaving Strath this year, so we decided to dedicate our House hymn to her as well. It was a good chance for the House to show Mrs. Hall how much she means to us before the year ended. Over all, the girls had fun singing and we got some tears out of Mrs. Hall.
– Jules G., Head of House
Photos by Stephen Lane
Strathcona House of Shawnigan Lake School hosted Chapel on Saturday June 12, 2010. Featuring a beautiful Ave Maria solo, a house presentation of "I Can See Clearly Now" and an inspriring talk by Olympian Jon Beare on "vision."
Fine Art Festival
Beautiful music, played on the lawn by our excellent bands, formed a background ambiance for the static displays that revealed the talents and creativity of our staff and students. What a wonderful tone for a marvellous afternoon! Students, staff, parents and friends, strolled through the grounds and the Hobbies Building appreciating the great works of art and enjoying the fun. This year, there was also an opportunity to do some trout fishing in Lake Omar with the assistance of the fly-tying fine artists.
Photos by Stephen Lane and others.
Fine Art Performance
After a barbecue dinner on Fine Art Day, the School gathered in the Wilkinson Studio Theatre for an amazing display of dancing, singing, video, musical performance, and speech art. The talent shown during the Celebration 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. One of the highlights of the evening was, as always, Mr. Lane’s slide show—displayed below.
June 2010 Slideshow by Stephen Lane from David Hutchison on Vimeo.
Fine Arts Concert June 2010 from Shawnigan Lake School on Vimeo.
Colours
On Thursday, in Chapel, we enjoyed the last of this year’s Colours presentations and celebrated those students who have earned their Colours in academics and in athletics. The Headmaster also officially congratulated the Sr. Boys who won the AAA Provincial Rugby Championships and the Rowers who took part in Nationals at St. Catharines bringing back four medals and a fourth-place overall finish.
Fine Art Awards
We awarded the last of this year's Fine Art Colours as well as Fine Art Awards on Wednesday’s Fine Art Day. We are proud of the dedication and leadership these young people have shown throughout the year. We also said thank you and farewell to Mr. Wilf Hatch who has been teaching photography at Shawnigan for the last ten years and is now retiring. We will miss him! (Click on the second image to see him receive his Fine Art Colours.)
Photos by Stephen Lane
Voting for Prefects
It's time to select next year's Prefects. School Prefects are a group of Grade 12 students appointed by the Headmaster (with the recommendation of the school population) who take responsibility for many aspects of School life. Students from grade 11 were invited to submit letters of application for Prefectship to Mr. Robertson and Mrs. Kingstone and, after a list of nominees had been compiled, preferential ballots were cast on-line by the student body and the teaching staff. Prefects for the 2010/11 School year will be announced at the end of June.
Dean's Dinner
Although it wasn't the usual Dean’s Brunch, this year's final Deans Dinner was spectacular. The kitchen prepared a fantastic feast, consisting of steak or halibut, mashed potatoes or French fries, and a delicious Asian salad accompanied by a "make your own" ice cream sundae station. Out of the 161 people achieving Deans this term; many were grade twelve's, who throughout their time at Shawnigan had never ceased to miss Dean's festivities. All told, there was an amazing amount of effort put in by students this year.
– Patrick J., Yearbook
English 9
Following the reading of Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, students were given a series of project options for their final term assignment. Some of these included traditional assignments to capture the flavour of the novel but in a different form—such as a short story or one-act play or long poem. Students were encouraged to take a risk by experimenting with a project choice that involved developing a new set of skills. Two groups of students worked on a film, while two students decided to build a replica of Huck and Jim's raft. Working under the direction of Mr. Boyce, they discovered both the pleasure as well as some of the frustration of working with original materials. Resisting the temptation to use contemporary tools, their project, completed last week and ready for launching on Wednesday, demonstrated how much more physical life was for people living more than150 years ago.
Click here to read their Guide to Raft Building.
– Jim Kingstone, Head of English