News Archive
Barry Welsh departs
Shawnigan's Deputy Headmaster moves to Edinburgh Academy
Shawnigan has bid farewell to a treasured member of the staff.
Mr. Barry Welsh said his final goodbyes during the Headmaster's Gathering on Tuesday, speaking to students from a lectern from which he has delivered countless pieces of wisdom and humour.
In his typically-lighthearted fashion, Welsh quoted Drake and Snoop-Dogg, ultimately encouraging students to enjoy the experience, to make mistakes, to be happy and to follow the advice of Chumbawamba: "I get knocked down, but I get up again. You are never gonna keep me down."
A linchpin of the faculty, Welsh is leaving Shawnigan to take on a key role at Scotland's Edinburgh Academy.
"That was a special morning and a powerful message from a man who lives his words," said Headmaster David Robertson after Welsh's final remarks, referring to colleague as "The epitome of the servant leader."
"Barry has an innate knack for effortlessly making real, authentic connections, with both staff and students," says Groves' House Director Katrina Cholak. "He genuinely takes the time to appreciate people for who they are and encourages them to embrace themselves. Barry lifted you up, often through dry humour, and students left his presence feeling not only that he cared about them, but also empowered to be agents of change."
On Friday after dinner, students made their own tribute to the Deputy Headmaster, surprising him with sparklers and heartfelt chants.
Enjoy Mr. Welsh's final address the Shawnigan Chapel below.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
