Debra John
Debra John, is originally from a small seaside resort town, Porthcawl, near Cardiff, Wales. She trained as a P.E. teacher at Bedford College of Physical Education for Young Ladies. “They were just introducing men into the programme when I was there and then changed the institution’s name to De Montfort University. I went into teaching straight away after I graduated and have been teaching ever since. I guess I have been ‘at school’ then, since I was four-years-old!”
Debra’s first assignment was to Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, and she has taught at several schools in her near 30-year career, the last being Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales. How did Debra hear about Shawnigan? “My husband, Geraint, came to a Rugby Canada Camp at Shawnigan in January, 2006. He is the High Performance Director for Rugby Canada.”
Debra was convinced by her husband to leave her homeland for a life in Canada. “I wasn’t settled in Mill Bay long before the Headmaster called me about working at Shawnigan. The school needed a field hockey coach and thought it was high time to have a female P.E. teacher on staff.” So, unexpectedly, Debra began teaching in September, 2006 just nine months after Geraint was introduced to Shawnigan.
If teaching P. E. and Planning 10 as well as coaching field hockey wasn’t enough, Debra was asked to move again, from Mill Bay onto the campus to become the House Director of Renfrew in September, 2007. What was once a Residence of 28 girls, Renfrew’s population has now increased to 44. The girls are split between two buildings, Renfrew House and the old School House that has been renamed Renfrew North. Although Debra is House Director in charge of both buildings, her assistant, Rachel Peters, lives in Renfrew North and keeps things running there. “She is enthusiastic, competent and a good role model for the girls,” says Debra.
“Being House Director in two places at once is a big job and can be tiring—good thing I wear running shoes most days for running back and fore!” Debra’s biggest challenge is making sure that the girls feel united as one House, despite their separate locations. “We are aiming for ‘the best House on campus!’ The girls are wonderful. I am amazed at how well they have all gelled together—the grade 12s really workg hard on that. Everyone is settling in and they are full of smiles.”
Asked what sets Shawnigan apart from other schools in her experience, Debra answers that “it is the warmth and passion of the place—right from the Headmaster down. I was talking to the Head Gardener, Ed de Melo in passing recently and he was taking photos of the gardens to plan for next year! Everyone is so committed to making this a great place. Also, I have noted that it doesn’t rain as much here as it does in Wales!”
In moving to the Island, Debra left behind her son, Sam, who is at University in the UK. She shares her home with Geraint and their daughter, Lauren and their two dogs, Sam and Seren. (Yes, the dog was named after the son!)