Shawnigan Now
Dark of the Moon
Dark of the Moon, director Morgan McLeod’s rendering of a script by Howard Richardson and William Berney, opened on Thursday in the Hugh Wilkinson Studio Theatre. Calli N. (as Barbara Allen) and Jon H. (as John, the “witch-boy”) carry the lead roles and together create a compelling portrayal of young lovers threatened by the separate but equally intolerant cultures from which they come. (Students of Romeo & Juliet should pay particularly close attention to the story.) The leads are supported by strong performances from a large cast, with each and every actor making memorable contributions to an intense dramatic experience. The plot unfolds swiftly in this quickly paced tale and will keep the audience completely entertained. It is a credit to Mr. McLeod’s direction to see the actors employ characterizations both broad and subtle in developing their parts. Of course, the test of any high school production is this: Can the actors inhabit their roles to the degree that an audience of peers, teachers, and parents is transported away from the world of the school and into the world of the story? The answer, in this case, is a resounding yes.
– Jay Connolly
Photos by Stephen Lane
Dustin D. and the Canadian Sr. Men's Sevens
Canada's Senior Men's team, featuring Shawnigan Grade 12 student Dustin D., is through to the Cup Quarterfinal round in the IRB's NZI Sevens tournament in Wellington, New Zealand!
The Canadian team has been one of the stories of the tournament so far. Despite fielding a young squad including three players still in their teens, Canada managed to win two of their three opening-round games. They powered past Argentina 26-7 in their first match of the day, before dropping a 27-14 decision to a highly skilled Samoan squad. These first two results set up a "must win" situation for the Canadians against a more experienced and highly favoured French entry. The Canadian team trailed 12-7 at halftime, but surged back in the second half, with a last-second converted try seeing them run out victorious, 21-19.
Dustin featured in both Canadian victories, and will surely remember the thrill of playing before a capacity crowd of 40,000 at Westpac Stadium as a highlight of his rugby career. For now, though, the focus is on the task at hand as Canada prepares for a quarterfinal matchup against a powerful England side. Can the Cinderella run continue? Stay tuned...
- Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Poetry Olympics in English 8
The Grade 8s entered an Olympic challenge in their English classes, where many of them went for the Gold (medal!). The event: POETRY RECITALS.
To achieve a gold medal, a student had to completely memorize a poem of 100-plus words and recite it to an audience of literary judges. The poem had to be written by the student and had to contain seven figures of speech, six sound devices, and the other specific criteria. The silver medallists met slightly less challenging criteria, and the bronze a little less than that. In fact, most of the grade 8s went for the gold; there were a few silvers, but no bronze. An official medal ceremony followed the performances. These recitals were impressive, and clearly, this grade 8 class is rife with budding poets!
– Cari Bell
Renfrew Walks for Memories
Last Sunday, Renfrew North rounded up the troops and set out for Duncan. We jumped on a bus, courtesy of the School, and arrived at the Cowichan Sportsplex full of energy and enthusiasm. Our mission: complete laps around the track by running or walking in support of Alzheimer’s for the Walk for Memories. This was our second year attending the walk. It’s an event very near to our hearts as our House Director’s family has been touched by this disease. Feeling this closeness to the cause may have been a contributing factor to our successful morning. Once we arrived and donated our toonies, we met up with Ms. Conroy’s family. Ricky Martin, Ms. Conroy’s mother’s Boston Terrier (who is more pig than dog), quickly stole the show as usual. We were happy to see Mr. Sarsfield and Lucy (his furry friend), and enjoyed posing for photos with them.
We ran, skipped, jogged and walked, chatting in the bright sunshine all the while. We learned at the event that there are 770,000 individuals and families living with dementia in B.C. We also found out towards the end that this year’s event, before all the money had been completely added up, had surpassed last year’s amount coming in around $12,000. After our walk/run we mingled with Ms. Conroy’s family, particularly Ricky Martin (who had an appetite for Amanda’s chicken wrap), before dispersing. The morning panned out to be more than a civic contribution, but rather, a contribution that gave back both to the cause and to the people who participated. With a little personal investment, we made the day memorable for Renfrew North and helped out an important cause.
– Jacqueline S. ’10 (Renfrew North)
Horace McClelland’s 90th Birthday Bash
Whether it was the good clean living expected of a man of the cloth or lucky genes, the Reverend Canon Horace McClelland celebrated his 90th birthday in remarkably good nick. Given the significance of this major milestone plus the former SLS Headmaster, Chaplain and rugby coach’s 40-year association with Shawnigan, the School feted Horace and Mrs. Mac (AKA Sheila) with a big birthday gathering at the Headmaster’s House. The 90th bash drew dozens of alumni and former colleagues from as far a field as San Francisco. They made the trek to honour – and mildly roast – their former mentor. Emails flooded in from around the globe…some indicating surprise that Horace was only 90. The Hon. Mr. Justice Chris Grauer ’68 was perplexed, as he was sure Horace was already 90 way back in the 60’s! Others more kindly observed that they look forward to attending his 100th. Another noted that Horace had soldiered on so long that his age is now likely higher than his golf score. Old pal Ivor Ford remembered Horace saying that he heard ‘Jesus’, ‘Christ’ and ‘God’ mentioned far more often while he was refereeing rugby on Saturday than he ever did on Sunday at Matins or Evensong. But the best oratory of the evening was Horace’s reply to all the tributes. He joked that he could not recognize the fine fellow everyone seemed to be lionizing. For any age he was good, for 90 – astounding! Crisp, humourous, heartfelt and what a memory! He ran through several rugby teams – citing players’ names, positions, strengths, weaknesses and season outcomes. A stellar performance and no doubt just one of the reasons for such a loyal turnout for a fit and fine man. The School presented Horace with a giant birthday card featuring a life size portrait by Emma Hollings ’08 of him sporting his paratrooper’s red beret. Congratulations Horace on living life well. Next stop – 100! Cheers.
PS – Seven couples of the dozens of SLS marriages that Horace has performed showed up to put proof to the validity of his “life time guarantee.”
– Steve Housser ’67, Executive Director of the Shawnigan Lake School Foundation
Photos by Stephen Lane
Sr. Girls Basketball vs. Woodlands
The Sr. Girls Basketball Team travelled to Woodlands Secondary School to challenge for a berth to the North Island Championships. Despite being down 10 points at half time to a team loaded with grade 12s (Woodlands), our girls played with an amazing amount of composure and totally controlled the 4th quarter, winning the game 65-61. Emilie dominated the post position at both ends of the court, finishing with 26 points and what seemed like 30 rebounds. Other top scorers included Rosa with 16 and Savannah with 10. Savannah actually clinched the game by making two crucial free throws with the game tied and less then a minute on the game clock. Thanks to all the families who made the trip to cheer on the team, and also to Ms Woollven and Mrs. Kingstone for their support.
The team now advances to the North Island Tournament at Kwalikum Secondary this Thursday through Saturday.
– Darrin Austin, Coach
(Com)passion
In true Shawnigan spirit there has been an outpouring of concern and energy directed towards the people of Haiti and their plight since the earthquake that hit there on January 12th. Small groups sprung into immediate action: a math class organized a collection in Chapel that first Saturday, a fine arts group made and sold brownies, a socials class held a raffle at the Showcase Hockey Game, in Economics 12 sushi sales have been collected for the fundraising effort, and the list goes on. Small but determined gestures of hope and caring.
Following on a chapel presentation by the Headmaster on “passion” and another later in the week from Mr. Holland on “compassion”, a t-shirt was designed with over 600 sold to staff, students and their families. On the front of the t-shirt is the word “(com)passion” and on the back the definition which reads: “deep awareness of the suffering of another combined with unbounded enthusiasm to alleviate it.” At this point, over $11,000 has been raised and will be donated to a Canadian organization, Free the Children. We will not stop here, but continue to focus our efforts in support of those who have suffered and continue to suffer from this terrible disaster. And compassion will be our rallying cry.
– Jo-Anne Kingstone, Deputy Head
Photo by Stephen Lane
Children's Chapel Service
On Saturday, we had a special Chapel service celebrating the children in our community and the children in all of us. Reverend Holland's message reminded us that we can all learn from the excitement and courage of children. In response, three staff kids bravely stepped up to play piano for the musical offering – James (5), Hallie (7), and Matty (10). The service was enjoyed by all – those whose children have grown, those who currently have young children, and the students . . . who were children not so long ago!
– Shannon Bryant, Director of Music
Photos by Stephen Lane
SAR Training
One of the best rewards of my work is witnessing growth and development. When the SAR team had its baptism in early December it was a somewhat tentative and uncomfortable experience. A month and a half later every member of the group was alert but confident, thoroughly enjoying the excitement and challenge of the icy cold swiftwater environment. A good time was had by all.
– Peter Yates, Swiftwater Rescue Instructor
ISA Squash Tournament
This year, Shawnigan hosted the ISA Squash Championships for the first time. Our four international courts in the new Sportsplex
provided the perfect venue for the competition. There were some hard fought matches at all levels, but in the end Shawnigan dominated the Junior and Senior Boys’ events winning gold in both, and beating out rivals St. George’s, Brentwood, West Point Grey Academy and SMUS. Our less experienced girls played beyond expectations to edge out York House and capture the bronze medal. Congratulations to the SMUS girls on winning this event. The Shawnigan team members were:
Junior Boys: Justin M., Haydn E., Avi H., Rodrigo O D., Blake D., Sean T., Wesley W., and Macoy J.
Senior Boys: Christien Q., Chris M., Dorian L-W., Krit K., Ron S., Andy L., and Alex H.
Girls: Kat D., Betty V., Tom O., Megan L-S., and Caitlyn R.
Much of the Shawnigan success can be attributed to the dedication and skill of Head Coach, Mike Johnson, ably assisted by intern and former Canadian Junior Champion, Ashley Clackson, and Stewart Candelaria. Mike has spent many extra hours on court training and motivating the players to give of their best and reach their true potential. Shawnigan is also grateful to Mike’s wife, Christine, for giving so unstintingly of her time to the program.
Thanks go to everyone who came out to support the players. In particular, we were grateful for the incredible support of the Shawnigan Parents’ Association under the energetic and efficient guidance of Trish Letient.
At the end of the competition, Mr. Nick Gudewill had some inspiring words for all of the players before making the presentations of the medals and trophies. Nick is an alumnus of the School who generously donated one of the new courts, and who continues to be a staunch supporter of squash at Shawnigan and in British Columbia.
– Lynne Grass, Coach
Photos by Stephen Lane
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