News Detail
A Rich and Full Tapestry of Experiences
Looking back over the last week, I realize – in spite of the challenges for a boarding school presented by COVID-19 – my life remains a rich and fulfilling tapestry of experiences.
I found myself back in the classroom – not in the more familiar territory of the English Department but downstairs delivering a lesson to the Grade 10 French Immersion class. The following day, I was struck by the caliber of the delivery of the Model United Nations simulation by Grade 11 and 12 students and the courageous engagement of every member of the Grade 10 year group. On Saturday, sports tournaments continued across the campus (including an internal rowing championship) and I found myself having to dress up as Captain Hook for the field hockey tournament as the staff coaches had decided to play in Peter Pan themed costumes. In the evening, Shawnigan took its celebration of Hallowe’en to new heights with an interactive and highly imaginative production of “The Haunting of Prep House,” delivered by around 50 members of staff. It was a truly memorable experience for all.
I found myself back in the classroom – not in the more familiar territory of the English Department but downstairs delivering a lesson to the Grade 10 French Immersion class. The following day, I was struck by the caliber of the delivery of the Model United Nations simulation by Grade 11 and 12 students and the courageous engagement of every member of the Grade 10 year group. On Saturday, sports tournaments continued across the campus (including an internal rowing championship) and I found myself having to dress up as Captain Hook for the field hockey tournament as the staff coaches had decided to play in Peter Pan themed costumes. In the evening, Shawnigan took its celebration of Hallowe’en to new heights with an interactive and highly imaginative production of “The Haunting of Prep House,” delivered by around 50 members of staff. It was a truly memorable experience for all.
On Monday morning, we stepped into SOUL Seeking on campus and I have found myself talking to students about an incredibly diverse range of projects – from astrophysics to supporting Canada’s veterans, from interviewing Olympic rowers to recording songs written from the heart. Students are working on projects of passion and curiosity, and are developing the core skills necessary to be successful at university and beyond along the way.
A group of students asked Matt Clinton-Baker and I to support them this morning in visiting a local river in a wilderness area for research, fishing and documentary-making. Our beautiful campus and local surrounds form a playground of opportunity for such initiatives and our staff, and all of their collective expertise, are the perfect guides.
I continue to be struck by the determination of the students to make this term a success and the exceptional lengths my colleagues here at Shawnigan go to in order to support and enrich the experience of your children.
We have shortened November Break on the immediate horizon after an action-packed week and I again appeal to our parents to observe Shawnigan’s strong recommendations for preserving the safety of the Shawnigan bubble and campus. As educators and parents, we need to guide the young and sometimes this takes the form of managing their expectations and disappointment in terms of attending social gatherings etc. It is absolutely critical that the next period until the end of term goes as planned. Our House teams, in particular, are doing Herculean work to keep your children in a safe, protected and stimulating environment. Your House Director and his / her team are drawing on deep wells of stamina and endurance to support our Shawnigan families and I ask that you respect and return their dedication by ensuring that no shortcuts are taken or arrangements are set up that jeopardizes the safety of the wider School community. Please stay vigilant and work with our House teams to ensure the ongoing success of the academic year.
We are re-imagining Remembrance Day – an important and integral part of our Shawnigan traditions and annual calendar – and we look forward to reporting on student initiatives and contributions this time next week.
Thanks for your continued support.
Richard D A Lamont
Headmaster
A group of students asked Matt Clinton-Baker and I to support them this morning in visiting a local river in a wilderness area for research, fishing and documentary-making. Our beautiful campus and local surrounds form a playground of opportunity for such initiatives and our staff, and all of their collective expertise, are the perfect guides.
I continue to be struck by the determination of the students to make this term a success and the exceptional lengths my colleagues here at Shawnigan go to in order to support and enrich the experience of your children.
We have shortened November Break on the immediate horizon after an action-packed week and I again appeal to our parents to observe Shawnigan’s strong recommendations for preserving the safety of the Shawnigan bubble and campus. As educators and parents, we need to guide the young and sometimes this takes the form of managing their expectations and disappointment in terms of attending social gatherings etc. It is absolutely critical that the next period until the end of term goes as planned. Our House teams, in particular, are doing Herculean work to keep your children in a safe, protected and stimulating environment. Your House Director and his / her team are drawing on deep wells of stamina and endurance to support our Shawnigan families and I ask that you respect and return their dedication by ensuring that no shortcuts are taken or arrangements are set up that jeopardizes the safety of the wider School community. Please stay vigilant and work with our House teams to ensure the ongoing success of the academic year.
We are re-imagining Remembrance Day – an important and integral part of our Shawnigan traditions and annual calendar – and we look forward to reporting on student initiatives and contributions this time next week.
Thanks for your continued support.
Richard D A Lamont
Headmaster
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.
