Founder’s Day 2019

Golden leaves and sunny skies greeted alumni and guests for Shawnigan’s annual Founder’s Day reunion last weekend.

 

The gathering was the largest on record, with over 475 alumni and guests enjoying a weekend of reuniting with classmates and staff and touring the campus, some for the first time in decades!

 

A special Chapel started with Headmaster Lamont welcoming alumni, former headmasters and former staff, governors and other guests, on behalf of the Shawnigan community.

 

“With the ambition, vision, and spirit of our Founder in mind, we must all take on the challenges of our time – and challenge Shawnigan to continue to be relevant, purposeful and of service in a changing world,” said Mr. Lamont.

Fiona Macfarlane – elected that morning as Chair of the Shawnigan Board of Governors, the first female in our 103-year history to hold the position – presented the Founder’s Day address, Rev. Holland spoke, and student Mikayla B. ably recited The Founder's Prayer. Renowned First Nations artist Arthur Vickers, whose art hangs in the School, was also in attendance.

 

The first 36 females to Shawnigan were honoured for their role in making the School co-ed in 1989, and 50-year alumni were feted at a special Gold Club luncheon and ceremony for 1969 alumni. Other activities included a spirited alumni ice hockey game, a board reception, student-led campus and house tours, an alumni feedback session, a Saturday evening Marion Hall reception and dinner, and lively musical and dance cabaret performances by students.

 

Also on offer was an art class with Mr. Rolston, a class with Mr. Connolly, rowing and boat christenings, a live recording studio experience, robotics demos, student-led house and campus tours, and touch rugby! Some of our visitors were observed simply strolling around, kicking up the fall leaves, or sinking into the downy couch cushions in our newly-redecorated Mitchell Hall. To each his (or her) own: Shawnigan will always be your home.

 

By the time buses departed for hotel drop-offs, the campus was quiet, save for Marion Hall, where energetic Lonsdale’s House students helped with after-dinner cleanup. Thanks to our students for volunteering throughout the weekend. What a great, multi-generational event this was!

 

Thanks go out to the many School staff and volunteers involved in organizing and implementing Founder’s Day weekend. It was a team effort and so many members of our community contributed their time, but we particularly thank Mrs. Plater and Mrs. Brown for delivering a successful Founder's celebration.