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Inter-House Kicks Off
Inter-House competition is one of the most important community-builders at Shawnigan, so the first event of the year is always a big deal.
The School wastes no time in kicking off the inter-House year, with the first event taking place on the first weekend after students return to campus in the fall. That is no accident as it helps returning students get to know the latest additions to their Houses, be they Grade 9s who just moved after a year in Samuel House, or complete newcomers to Shawnigan.
“They get to know each other and have a shared purpose,” said Assistant Head – Student Life Mr. Matt Clinton-Baker. “The Heads of House find out who is good at what, and you can’t do that without finding out who the new students are, and through that mechanism, you get to know who’s in the House.”
The first event this year was track and field, which was won by Copeman’s House on the boys’ side, and Kaye’s on the girls’ side. Next up is air band, scheduled for later this month.
Over the course of the year, inter-House competition consists of a diverse group of events that allow all students to participate and contribute to the success of their Houses. The final points of the year come from the Houses’ respective academic success. Inter-House competition is also a big part of Ski Week, held every February when the entire School relocates to Manning Park for a week.
Inter-House is an excellent representation of what makes boarding life and the Shawnigan Journey special. There is so much more to it than just battling the other Houses on the sports field or other venues.
“The students love to represent their Houses in healthy but fierce competition,” Mr. Clinton-Baker said. “Contributing to the success of the House is something so important to the kids. The actual competition is about 20 percent of the value, and the other 80 percent is getting together as a House, wearing spirit gear, walking as a group from the common room to the event, and cheering and supporting each other.”
When Mr. Clinton-Baker interviews prospective Prefects, inter-House almost always comes up as one of the things that make Shawnigan special.
“It’s not specifically the track meet or volleyball,” he said. “It’s feeling something that symbolizes the sense of belonging.”
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 12 –18 on Canada’s beautiful Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
