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Prefects Get the Year Under Way
The Prefects for 2023-24 were selected last spring and started working toward their new positions before the previous school year ended, but their work really got under way with the Prefect induction weekend.
Induction weekend started on Friday with a session about mental health literacy and safeguarding, and some preliminary discussion about the schedule and goals for the year.
“We have a diverse but cohesive group,” said Mr. Matt Clinton-Baker, Assistant Head – Student Life. “They complement each other well.”
The “main event” of the weekend was a visit to Portland Island, in the Salish Sea off the south tip of Salt Spring Island, on Saturday. After a 20-minute water taxi trip, the Prefects got more specific about goal-setting and became closer as a group as they spent the whole day on the island, talking as they hiked its extensive network of trails.
The School has 16 Prefects this year, focusing on 11 different areas of responsibility that they work on with staff members. All Grade 12 students, they are selected through an extensive process involving staff and their fellow students. They serve as leaders in the student body and set an example for their peers, upholding tradition and making positive changes to the School.
“We speak on behalf of the students,” said Grace S., Co-Head of School and Community Outreach Prefect. “We are a liaison between students and staff.”
The other Co-Head of School, Jackson P., who is also one of two Student Life Prefects, said he and Grace are excited to take on their positions.
“Both of us have been here since Grade 8, and we’ve looked up to the Grade 12s as role models, so we want to fill that role for the younger kids,” he said.
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.
