Boarding at Shawnigan

List of 9 items.

• Who is boarding school for?

  Boarding schools like Shawnigan are a good fit for many different people. While it is a common misconception that students are “sent” to boarding school for behavioral issues, the reality is that families choose boarding school for high-quality academic, athletic, and arts opportunities and to set their children up for success in their post-secondary studies. The students who thrive at boarding school are those who are looking for a strong community, are highly motivated, and are keen to dive into passion areas – whether existing or yet to be discovered.
  
  Another common myth is that boarding schools are only for the wealthy and elite. This is far from the truth at Shawnigan. We are committed to providing access to diverse families, with 35-40 percent of our student population (representing over $6M annually) receiving some form of financial assistance.

• How often do boarding students go home?

  With over 80 percent of the student population living in boarding, Shawnigan recognizes the importance of regularly scheduled school breaks throughout the academic year (September–June). Multiple school breaks are built into the year, ranging from long weekends to a full week. During these breaks, students can either return home or stay with families who live locally. In addition to these shorter holidays, Christmas Break in December/January and Spring Break in March/April both run for approximately three weeks, ensuring students have the opportunity to travel further afield at least twice during the school year.

• Who looks after the students?

  They say that it takes a village to raise a child, and that is exactly how Shawnigan operates. As a 24/7 environment, the School surrounds students with adults who care for them in various capacities. This level of care starts in the boarding houses, where three live-in staff with their families are dedicated to each House of 50-60 students. Every student at Shawnigan is also connected to an academic advisor who checks in with them regularly and acts as a key figure throughout their Shawnigan Journey. The support network extends far beyond House staff and advisors, however. With over 70 staff and their families living on campus and over 250 faculty and staff employed by the School – from teachers to nurses to housekeepers to laundry staff and myriad others – there are many sets of eyes around. Sign-ins and other check points throughout the day ensure that students are physically safe at all times, while genuine connections with trusted adults ensure that students are mentally and emotionally cared for. 

• Will I be lonely at boarding school?

  Shawnigan’s biggest strength unquestionably lies in its community. With over 80 percent of the student population living on campus, there are always people around! Strong relationships are typically built with peers who are roommates, housemates, teammates, or classmates. These connections can occur during structured times such as team practices or mealtimes, but they can also happen during less structured downtime on campus. There are also plenty of trusted adults on campus who keep a close eye on students and are available to support at all hours, including House Directors, counselors, teachers, and more.

• How are my roommates chosen?

  All students at Shawnigan have roommates. Every situation is different, but most live in rooms of two to four students, with junior students (Grades 8-10) typically in rooms of four or more (including day students), and senior students (Grades 11-12) typically in rooms with fewer people. House staff, in consultation with the Admissions Office, carefully place students together. In general, every room in a boarding house will have both new and returning students, and roommates are usually in the same grade as each other. 

• What can I do in my free time?

  Although life at Shawnigan is quite full, there are still many moments of free time, particularly on weekends. With much of the School population on campus at all times, there is often something happening, whether structured (such as an inter-House event or a School concert) or unstructured (such as video or board games or seasonal drinks at the School’s cafe). Shawnigan’s extensive 270-acre campus offers a wide variety of options to keep students busy, including a range of athletic and creative facilities and equipment, beautiful trails for walking or running, and kitchens in the Houses for baking and cooking, just to name a few. Students generally stay on campus, but they can walk to the local village at allocated times, and trips to larger nearby centres are regularly organized. 

• What should I pack for boarding school?

  Families new to Shawnigan will receive a comprehensive packing list through our Parent Resource Board prior to the new school year. A few items to keep in mind include bedding, towels, and personal items to decorate your room; casual clothing to wear outside of the regular school day; basic clothing and equipment – including running shoes – for your sports of choice; and standard school supplies. Check out this blog for more ideas.

• How can I get home for school breaks?

  Shawnigan has a dedicated Transportation department – with multiple drivers and a large fleet of vehicles – and they are very busy! The department works closely with families to ensure that all students get to where they need to go for school breaks, including bringing students to and from ferries and airports. The School’s team of drivers also brings students to and from all off-campus activities, such as appointments, sporting events, and field trips.

• What happens if I feel unwell or need medical support?

  Shawnigan provides comprehensive, 24/7 health services through our on-campus Health Centre and Well-Being Centre. Our team – including registered nurses, counselors, and athletic therapists – works closely with local physicians to manage both immediate medical needs and the continuity of care for existing conditions. From on-campus doctor clinics to medication management with House Directors, we ensure every student has access to the professional care they need, whenever they need it. To learn more about health and well-being at Shawnigan, please click here.