Sue Newns

Originally from Manchester, England, Sue Newns completed her teacher training in Durban, South Africa, and went on to teach art and art history at a large public school in that city. Sue came to Shawnigan in 1990 as School House Director and teacher in the English and Art departments, and was accompanied by her two children Sarah and Michael both of whom graduated from Shawnigan. Sarah has followed a career in the arts while Michael has a career in research and development technology.

Her children’s artistic and creative proclivity is not surprising given Sue’s talent for the visual and performing arts. Sue has taught drawing, painting, and sculpting at Shawnigan as well as set building and design. She has also directed, produced and “set” several Shawnigan musical productions.

It isn’t just in the arts that Sue uses her creative talents. Currently teaching Social Studies and Comparative Civilizations in the academic realm at the School, she is known as a marvellous teacher. One colleague who spent time in Sue’s classroom said, “In the face of Sue’s energy, passion, and knowledge, it is difficult for students to remain indifferent to learning.”

Sue’s modest and unassuming manner underscores everything she takes on. Sometimes it is hard for us to believe that she can accomplish all that she does at the School because of the quiet way in which she goes about it. Sue has been working on preparation for International Week in this way since last spring. This will be her second time in charge of directing International Week at the School and she takes many of her cues from predecessor, Liz Leary. “I hope that I have managed to carry forward Liz’s determination that we offer opportunities to recognize and respect all constituents of our student body, and in particular, that International Week offers a platform for the talents and traditions of our International students.”

When not totally immersed in all things Shawnigan, Sue finds time to enjoy her garden, and give extra attention to her cat, Clio (“the Proclaimer”—the muse of history).