About
Hallway Photos
When alumni return to campus, one of the first things they often do is seek out the framed photos representing their graduation year. A large frame displays key photos for each school year. The first such frame was created for the 1951–52 school year, an initiative of Shawnigan’s second Headmaster, G. Peter Kaye, who became Headmaster that year. The first frame includes the whole-school photo, the 1st XV Rugby team, and the 1st XI Cricket team. Since 1954, a photo of the School Prefects has always been included. The names of team members and Prefects are listed below each photo.
Over the years, reflecting the changes in sports programs and perhaps the relative success of various teams, others have been added, including basketball, track and field, tennis, and squash. When the School became co-ed, the frames increased in size to accommodate more team photos – for example, both male and female rowing, rugby, and basketball teams. Emphasis also shifted when photos of recipients of Academic Colours and Fine Arts (now called 360) Colours were added.
For many decades, an all-school photo was central to the frame. In the mid-20th century, the camera used for this photo was unusual: it actually panned across the assembled group. Once the camera began to move, a nimble student could run behind the group to the opposite edge and appear on both sides of the finished photograph. When the maximum practical frame size was reached, it became a challenge to decide how many photos – and which ones – should be included. As the student body grew, it became harder to fit the whole-school photo into its space while still identifying individual faces. After 1999, the whole-school photo was dropped.
The photos hang in hallways on the main and upper floors of the Main Building. Fortunately, the building now has an elevator, since the oldest frames are on the top floor. By the School’s 110th anniversary, there will be 73 large frames on display, with one more added at the end of the school year.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
For many decades, an all-school photo was central to the frame. In the mid-20th century, the camera used for this photo was unusual: it actually panned across the assembled group. Once the camera began to move, a nimble student could run behind the group to the opposite edge and appear on both sides of the finished photograph. When the maximum practical frame size was reached, it became a challenge to decide how many photos – and which ones – should be included. As the student body grew, it became harder to fit the whole-school photo into its space while still identifying individual faces. After 1999, the whole-school photo was dropped.
The photos hang in hallways on the main and upper floors of the Main Building. Fortunately, the building now has an elevator, since the oldest frames are on the top floor. By the School’s 110th anniversary, there will be 73 large frames on display, with one more added at the end of the school year.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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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.
