Why Boarding?

Learning by living

"The role of a House Director changes from one minute to the next, one day to the next. Broadly defined, I think we motivate, encourage and inspire young people to accomplish the goals they’ve set for themselves. We listen, we prompt, we suggest, we correct, we insist, we discipline—but above all, I hope, we hearten. We apply our insight, intuition, and experience to the advantage of the students." — Shawnigan House Director

Students often learn about modern boarding schools from friends or acquaintances. Word-of-mouth reports intrigue them, and, in their Internet research, they read about schools with long traditions and outstanding programs.

Parents sometimes greet the very idea of boarding school as out-of-step, as something from a time long-gone and indicative of "old school" thinking.

There is some "old school" at Shawnigan, but there's no lack of thought. Over the years, we have abandoned some dusty traditions because we do not believe in tradition for its own sake. We have carefully considered each aspect of our program and we have preserved traditions that support values we believe will never lapse.

Visitors are often struck by the courtesy of our students -- by their ease around adults and their readiness to smile or to engage in a casual conversation. It is a courtesy and consideration encouraged by example. It's a tradition, and it's the way we live here, together.

Boarding places disparate people together and broadens student experience in important ways. In a boarding house, students must learn to get along, to work toward House goals, and to create an environment that includes all students but also respects the differences between individuals. Boarding teaches compromise, leadership, individuality and community. Students don't make a mark in a House by being like everyone else; yet they can't make a mark by ignoring the community either.

By working together, they discover their unique gifts.