While Shawnigan’s classes and community life are being conducted online through SOUL programming, campus is certainly a quieter place than during regular term-time. However, the crucial behind-the-scenes work that keeps Shawnigan running safely and smoothly when students are on site continues, ready for when the School campus opens once again.

 

Shawnigan is not just a school, but a community—home to hundreds of students during term time and to a number of individuals and families all year round. With hundreds of acres of grounds, multiple buildings and myriad sports facilities to be maintained, Shawnigan relies on a superb team of operational and administrative staff to look after every aspect of the campus. This care extends from the parts of campus that students, staff and visitors see and use on a daily basis, to the vital backdrop of infrastructure management, water treatment systems, kitchen services, recycling systems that support the functions of the School.

 

“We are fortunate enough to have a fantastic team of vital support staff providing essential services during an extraordinary time,” says Julian Butcher, Director of Operations.

 

From Mick Feist’s hands-on work with the water treatment facility and sewage systems, to Corey Sykes’ ability to turn his hand to any electrical issue across campus, the maintenance crew, led by Jamie Anthony, continue to keep the campus infrastructure and services running now as at any other time.

 

Erin Haverty’s recycling services ensure that campus is kept clean, keeping on top of food control and composting, and Jeff Gibson from the transportation team continues to support the School with critical deliveries and collections. Locally-owned janitorial company, Clean Sweep Services, managed by Dave Smith, is also working diligently to provide specialist protection in terms of high-level cleaning in classrooms, offices and building facilities.

 

Further afield, Ken Gillam’s team, including Kaleb Mason, manage the School’s sports pitches, while Ed de Melo and his grounds staff, including Anita Gilmore, Justin Theriau, Derek Reid and Isaiah Mckinley, are keeping Shawnigan’s gardens and lawns in tip-top condition.

 

Meanwhile, although Marion Hall is considerably quieter than usual, a culinary team consisting of Dustin Setso, Tracy O’Brien and Brian Hemstalk, are still working hard to provide breakfast and lunch boxes to all staff at this time, while also fulfilling the School’s weekly sandwich delivery to Victoria’s homeless through the Dandelion Society and producing healthy breakfast bars for local distribution as part of the ongoing commitment to Shawnigan Village and the Cowichan Valley.

 

And last, but certainly not least, Dennis Jepson and Dale Caddick’s nighttime security patrols continue, with regular check-ins throughout campus to ensure security for the families still living and working at the School.

 

Shawnigan students can rest assured that their campus is in capable hands—ready to welcome them back when the gates open once again.