News Detail
Opening Day for Prep
A diverse and supportive environment
Shawnigan's 'school within a school' has opened its doors to a new group of energetic young people.
Thursday marked Opening Day for Shawnigan Prep, as 16 students from across the world arrived to a feast of West Coast favourites from Hudson's on First restaurant in Duncan.
This year's cohort features eight boys and eight girls, from China, Japan, Vietnam, and – for the first time – Iran.
Now in its eighth year, the Shawnigan Prep School is focussed on bridge-building, as students develop their confidence in English and work towards entrance into the Main School.
A handful of Prep School alumni were on hand for the occasion, as they took leave of their Main School commitments to help welcome and translate for incoming families.
"This year's group has some exceptional skills," says Prep School Director Kimberly Edgson. "They're diverse kids from diverse backgrounds with diverse interests, and they have a great energy and include some amazingly talented athletes and artists."
Ms. Edgson says she was particularly happy with the social nature of the group, noting how the students all sought each other out immediately rather than unpacking suitcases or settling into their rooms. "To me, that was a great sign," she says, adding, "They're here to get involved."
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.
