Lynn Robertson
How do we describe Lynn Robertson without referring to her as “the Headmaster’s wife?” Although the Head, himself, will describe her as his “better half through more than 30 years of marriage,” those of us who work with her at Shawnigan know that she is a dynamic individual, quite aside from her partnership role.
Lynn came to Shawnigan in 1993 and took on the Lab Technician job in our science department. With her degree in Developmental Biology from Aberdeen University, and experience as a research technician at Loughborough University of Technology, she was more than qualified!
“I then gave up the School Lab Tech position when Dave became Headmaster because I needed to be in more of a support role for him and wanted to spend more time with our youngest son, Struan. I really fill in the gaps—I welcome visitors and new staff to the School, organize gifts, entertain guests in our home, order flowers for Chapel and for the School. And I am certainly not reticent to give Dave my opinion of how things should be and, of course, keep him in line!” laughs Lynn.
Lynn continues to works as a member of Renfrew House where she does House duty and has seven advisees. Lynn’s artistic talents have also been put to use at Shawnigan—she contributes to the planning of the interior decoration of new buildings on campus and has been the costume director for many of our School musicals. Lynn took on the production end of the School musical a number of years ago, and although she still designs the costuming, she is also the liaison with the Cowichan Theatre and coordinates the student travel, tickets and food services for the production. She organizes volunteers, gathers the props with Alison Dewis, and she builds and paints sets with Director, Gregg Perry. “I also keep Gregg in line!” quips Lynn.
All kidding aside, Lynn reports that Gregg’s vision for the musical is amazing. “He comes up with the most incredible ideas and I think, there’s no way we can do that—but Gregg always makes it happen.” Lynn is quick to credit many people with the great success of Shawnigan Musicals, from the voice and orchestral direction of the very talented Shannon Bryant and miraculous choreography of Kelli Mcleod to the dedication and hard work of volunteers like Don and Lynn Rolston. “We can’t forget people like Doreen Deane either,” she says. “Doreen, a past parent at Shawnigan, is a professional theatrical make-up designer and gives up countless hours of her time to train a group of students to help her with the make-up and hair for almost any theatrical production Shawnigan puts on, whether it be staged at the Cowichan theatre or at the School. She is a gem!”
Lynn and Dave’s children, Suzie, Russel, and Struan have all benefited from living on campus and have enjoyed a Shawnigan education. Lynn credits Shawnigan with creating an environment where the relationships with staff and students are close. “There is also the great feeling we get from seeing students develop into citizens of the world. The fun and laughter are always a part of the total experience—there is a lot more to this place than your desk and books!”