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An Inspiring Partnership
The Grade 8s in Samuel House aren’t up for points in the inter-House standings, which are strictly for the senior Houses, but they still take part in the competitions, which are such an ingrained part of boarding culture and do so much to bolster House spirit.
At inter-House rowing last Saturday, the Samuel House boys ended up winning, and would have taken the most points if they were eligible. The strong crop of Grade 8 rowers actually had their team in the lead in the early going, but ended up blowing the other teams out of the metaphorical water – inter-House rowing is contested in the gym on erg machines – with the help of athletes from Rowing Canada’s national team. On the girls’ side, Strathcona House was able to hold off the combined Grade 8/Rowing Canada team.
Thanks to a formal partnership between Shawnigan and Rowing Canada Aviron, the national team athletes train regularly on Shawnigan Lake out of the School’s boathouse. Rowing Canada also has a training space in the Sportsplex, full of high-end equipment that Shawnigan students have access to. The national team rowers can frequently be found enjoying a coffee in Duke’s Café after their training is over.
“It is really cool seeing the national team training here, because I know they are going off around the world, representing Canada in the Olympics and international competitions,” Grade 8 rower Jack P. commented. “When I see them, it is very inspirational because it shows that hard work pays off, and you can always feel free to approach them because they are always very friendly.”
“It is incredibly inspiring for our athletes to see these dedicated athletes around our campus,” rowing coach Mrs. Julie Platt said. “Not only in the boathouse, but also about on campus. Any interaction has the potential for our students to understand that they too can accomplish amazing things. The RCA athletes have formal presentations and informal chats with our students revealing humble beginnings and the value of hard work. As well, the entire School got to see them in action at the inter-House rowing competition, where Rowing Canada athletes teamed up with our Grade 8 students and took on the big Houses. It was a fun, loud event and Rowing Canada's participation raised the stakes.”
The partnership between Shawnigan and Rowing Canada Aviron dates back decades, but was formalized in 2019 when the School and the national organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding. The MOU was renewed in 2022, then again in spring 2025, when Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont and Rowing Canada CEO Jeff Powell put pen to paper, ensuring the partnership will last until at least fall 2028.
According to national team rower Terek Been, the Canadian 2000m erg record holder, the partnership is mutually beneficial.
“The partnership with Shawnigan is huge for us,” he said. “Being around the students brings great energy and reminds us why we fell in love with rowing in the first place. It’s pretty special to feel like we’re part of their rowing journey while they’re part of ours.”
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.
