Opening Day

After an active summer on campus, it’s back to business as usual as a new academic year begins.

Over the past few weeks, it was all-hands-on-deck as academic departments and support services across the School busily prepared for the arrival of 167 new students on Tuesday and 346 returning students on Wednesday. In total, the 2018-19 student body is made up of 513 students from more than 30 different countries.

Notably, this school year, which marks 30 years of co-education at Shawnigan, the community will welcome its highest enrollment of girls—245 girls compared to 268 boys—since female students first arrived at the School in 1988.

On Sept. 4, Mitchell Hall was abuzz with Prefects, returning Grade 12 students, Admissions staff, faculty members and other support staff, all poised to greet the new arrivals and help launch them on their Shawnigan journey. A busy first day for the new students culminated in a BBQ in the Quad and a variety of activities led by returning Grade 12s in the evening.

On Sept. 5, the focus shifted to a welcome back for returning students and an opportunity for old friendships to be renewed as fledgling friendships continued to blossom. In the late afternoon, with both new and returning students settled in to their houses, the community gathered in the Chapel for a full school welcome.

Headmaster Larry Lamont extended a warm welcome to both returning and new students, noting that he too was a new arrival on campus and encouraging anyone who might feel a little lost in the days to come to reach out to fellow students and staff for direction and guidance.

“Again and again, I meet members of staff, students and parents who identify the unique sense of community we all contribute to at Shawnigan,” he said. “The shared experiences and conversations between individuals is, I believe, part of the magic of Shawnigan. What you learn about yourself and your friends along the way is at the heart of the experience. My message for the academic term ahead is work hard, connect, be thoughtful and mindful of others, share a sense of place and belonging, and do and be the best you can be. Please take full advantage of the opportunities presented to you over the course of the year, and enjoy yourselves.”

A return to regular academic life happens on Thursday with the start of classes, while Shawnigan’s Prep School students will arrive on campus for the first time on the same day. The Arts and Activities Fair will take place on Friday, and the first Inter-House event of the year, Track and Field, is scheduled for Sunday.