Closing Day
Celebrating graduation and achievement
With smiles and tears, Shawnigan closed the most memorable year in the School's storied history.
Saturday's conclusion came after a dizzying final week of exams and preparation, with students enjoying a BBQ on Friday evening before the internal awards ceremony in the Shawnigan Chapel.
Students and staff then ventured to House parties that ran late into the night, as graduating students shared laughs, stories, and a few final hours together.
As usual, Saturday's celebrations began with a chapel service for grads and their families. Featuring prayers and musical offerings from some of the School's most treasured singers, a final performance from Tai W. provoked an emotional climax that spilled into the quad outside.
After lunch in the Headmaster's garden, guests converged on the Kaye Gardens for the closing ceremonies and graduation.
A Managing Partner for EY Law LLP, Shawnigan board member and parent, Fiona Macfarlane, gave an engaging commencement speech in which she urged graduating students to work towards meaningful change in the prevailing corporate culture.
In his words, Headmaster David Robertson celebrated the numerous accomplishments of the Centennial year, including a trio of Provincial rugby championships. Mr. Robertson also acknowledged that a revolution is underway in education, encouraging students and teachers – as partners on the journey – to embrace a creative transformation.
Finally, as black and gold balloons drifted skywards, teachers and students bid fond farewells, and wished good luck to the graduating class of 2016.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
