Gary Dukelow
After playing rugby and teaching in Japan for three years, Gary joined Shawnigan as a math teacher and rugby coach in 1988. In 1991, Gary left the School to take the opportunity to join Canada at the World Cup and to work on his master’s degree in public administration. When he returned to the School, after a stint in the public system, Gary wanted a larger role and took on the “External (then summer only) Programme” as well as teaching economics. Gary’s stewardship of the summer campus created a “word-of-mouth,” “no marketing required” programme that has blossomed into a year-round campus retreat for organisations from all over the world. Groups ranging from Scottish Dancers to National rugby and rowing teams from the international World Youth Programme to the local brownie troupe. He has hosted 85 groups in Lecky House specifically (housing up to 36 people at a time) since 2004.
Gary uses this programme in his teaching as well. “The External Programme provides great practice in economic theory. Students take part in scheduling bookings and change-overs as well as working out numbers and costs involved in hosting—the programme keeps 30 Shawnigan support staff members employed over the summer!” Gary describes the External Programme as “subtle School marketing as well—the positive experiences people have here create personal ties to the campus and to staff and they take that enthusiasm out into the world. The presence of international students and athletes on campus during term is great for our students too.”
Lecky House was built with the specific intention of ‘bringing the world to Shawnigan,’ says Gary, “and every time I give a tour of this spectacular campus, I am reminded of how lucky I am to live and work here.” Gary took up year-round residence on campus when he became House Director of Duxbury. “House Directing is something Kathy and I have always considered doing. With both of our daughters now in high school, we felt it was the right time. It has turned out to be the best thing we have done as a family! The stage was set perfectly for us by out-going House Director, Al Olson and current Assistant House Director, Darrin Austin. Along with Duxbury’s unique House theme of the four pillars (integrity, respect, honesty and perseverance), the women of Duxbury—Mrs. Olson, Mrs. Austin, Mrs. Taylor, and Ms Byers—also have created an environment where boys respect and appreciate the roles women take in their House. Kathy does as much as she can to be a presence for the boys (particularly in the newly instituted ‘rice night’ at our home residence) but, more importantly, she acts as my advisor and sounding-board.”
“For years I have used the vehicles of mathematics, economics and coaching to teach things that I consider to be more important. In the House, I can go straight to these values, on a day to day basis. In my mind the House truly is the perfect teaching arena.”