Home
Christmas Carol Service
On a chilly winter evening, students and staff gathered together to share in a longstanding Shawnigan tradition – a festive Christmas dinner in Marion Hall followed by a candlelit Christmas carol service in the Chapel.
The Chapel service – a modified version of the traditional Anglican service of lessons and carols that follows the biblical Christmas story – was rich in Shawnigan tradition. As always, the service began with the hymn “Once in Royal David’s City,” with a solo performance of the first verse by Reese A. The choir sang the second verse as they processed down the aisle before being joined by the whole School for the final two verses.
In between carols – which included “O Come all Ye Faithful” with the first verse sung in Latin, another Shawnigan tradition – lessons were read by Lauren C., Grace L., and Domenic S. The School was also treated to an enchanting performance of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” sung by the choir.
In his reflection, Head of School Larry Lamont reflected on the theme of turning darkness into light. “This evening, we will light candles – another age-old tradition, across cultures, of turning darkness into light…. As we step into our winter break with this festive candle tradition, let’s reflect on how we have come together over the past year and met – with generosity and courage – the challenges of a global pandemic, the wildfires and extreme flooding here in BC, and the other ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.’ The candles this evening are a reminder of our bright future and better days in the year ahead. Our Shawnigan values, represented by the candles this evening, guide us in times when the world seems dark.”
Later in the service, Co-Head of School MacKinley B. reflected on her time at Shawnigan and the term gone by. “Christmas and the holidays are about love, giving back, and community. These past five years have really given me some perspective on what a special community we actually have here at Shawnigan.”
During the singing of “Silent Night” – the final carol of the evening – the choir walked through the congregation to light candles, which were then held aloft in a moment of silent reflection – a moving end to a beloved Shawnigan tradition, and the perfect way to end the first chapter of our school year.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.
In between carols – which included “O Come all Ye Faithful” with the first verse sung in Latin, another Shawnigan tradition – lessons were read by Lauren C., Grace L., and Domenic S. The School was also treated to an enchanting performance of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” sung by the choir.
In his reflection, Head of School Larry Lamont reflected on the theme of turning darkness into light. “This evening, we will light candles – another age-old tradition, across cultures, of turning darkness into light…. As we step into our winter break with this festive candle tradition, let’s reflect on how we have come together over the past year and met – with generosity and courage – the challenges of a global pandemic, the wildfires and extreme flooding here in BC, and the other ‘slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.’ The candles this evening are a reminder of our bright future and better days in the year ahead. Our Shawnigan values, represented by the candles this evening, guide us in times when the world seems dark.”
Later in the service, Co-Head of School MacKinley B. reflected on her time at Shawnigan and the term gone by. “Christmas and the holidays are about love, giving back, and community. These past five years have really given me some perspective on what a special community we actually have here at Shawnigan.”
During the singing of “Silent Night” – the final carol of the evening – the choir walked through the congregation to light candles, which were then held aloft in a moment of silent reflection – a moving end to a beloved Shawnigan tradition, and the perfect way to end the first chapter of our school year.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.
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 West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
