Every year, Shawnigan welcomes a new contingent of Grade 8 students. For many of these students, their first few days and weeks at Shawnigan represent not simply a transition to a new school but also their first experience of a living away from home and being part of a unique boarding community.

A number of early events are planned during September to help these new students settle, in, learn about the School and make friends. So far this year, the Grade 8s have enjoyed an exciting camping trip to Horne Lake Caves Park and a separate field trip to explore the nearby “City of Totems,” Duncan. As an additional welcome event to commemorate David Robertson’s final year as headmaster, the Grade 8s were invited to sit down with him on Wednesday morning to enjoy a breakfast of French toast and some convivial conversation.

Mr. Robertson was able to share some of his extensive knowledge about the history of the School, as well as his own special memories garnered over his 17 years as headmaster. The students learned that Marion Hall was specifically designed to reflect the community gathering purposes of European medieval halls, in order to support the central Shawnigan tenet of family-style dining. They were also able to learn more about the history of the campus and the varying uses of its buildings over the years.

In return, they were afforded the opportunity to ask their headmaster some questions about the building plans for the new girls’ boarding house, his thoughts on retirement and some of his best memories of his time at Shawnigan. They also asked what his favourite house is, which the head chose to respond to with steadfast neutrality and diplomacy!

Next week, the Grade 8s will have the opportunity to join Mr. Robertson in the recording studio to sing and explore one of Shawnigan’s technical treasures.