News Detail
C.W. Lonsdale Statue Unveiling
Now updated with video!
Driving through the Shawnigan gates is a new experience. First, you glimpse the Stag through the trees and then, as you approach the Main Building, there he stands, just outside the Headmaster's office and beside the Alumni Garden - C.W. Lonsdale, the School's founder.
"The last four or five Founder's Days have seen leaden skies and often steady rain - very west coast. This past week we were blessed with glorious weather for the transportation and erecting of the Lonsdale Statue. Then on Founder's Day, the warm morning fog and mist we had been experiencing steadily lifted and at the conclusion of the event the sun began to shine. How appropriate!
"We had come from Chapel where the Shawnigan choir had sung superbly the theme from the most recent James Bond movie, Skyfall; the refrain in it is "Stand Tall" after personal challenges. That was ringing in our ears when we stood to honour the Founder as an extended Shawnigan family community.
"It was a privilege to be a part of this landmark occasion for Shawnigan. In a way the Statue of the Founder - created so majestically by award winning artist, Mardie Rees - points us firmly on the road to our Centennial in 2016. What a great time for the School."
Photos by Stephen Lane, Margot Allen and Paul Tedrick
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"The last four or five Founder's Days have seen leaden skies and often steady rain - very west coast. This past week we were blessed with glorious weather for the transportation and erecting of the Lonsdale Statue. Then on Founder's Day, the warm morning fog and mist we had been experiencing steadily lifted and at the conclusion of the event the sun began to shine. How appropriate!
"We had come from Chapel where the Shawnigan choir had sung superbly the theme from the most recent James Bond movie, Skyfall; the refrain in it is "Stand Tall" after personal challenges. That was ringing in our ears when we stood to honour the Founder as an extended Shawnigan family community.
"It was a privilege to be a part of this landmark occasion for Shawnigan. In a way the Statue of the Founder - created so majestically by award winning artist, Mardie Rees - points us firmly on the road to our Centennial in 2016. What a great time for the School."
" Dick Lonsdale '62 reflected on his great uncle's journey from Westminster School in London to Western Canada and the vision and determination he embodied to found Shawnigan and take it through its early days through thick and thin from 1916 -1952.
" Stuart Milbrad, Head Prefect in 1948, spoke on behalf of the alumni in thanking everyone for their support and provided a glimpse of Mr. Lonsdale's profound influence on the students. He ended by quoting the words the prefects had to say to Mr. Lonsdale - in person - every night after rounds. " For the last time, sir, everyone present and correct."
- Phil Jarvis, Director of the Shawnigan Centennial
To watch a video of the Statue Unveiling click HERE.
Click HERE to read Phil Jarvis's speech from the event.
- Phil Jarvis, Director of the Shawnigan Centennial
To watch a video of the Statue Unveiling click HERE.
Click HERE to read Phil Jarvis's speech from the event.
Photos by Stephen Lane, Margot Allen and Paul Tedrick
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.
