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Reflecting on the three Cs

Earlier this week, the Rev and I were discussing a theme for today’s Chapel Service and he invited me to give a reflection on one of the key messages delivered at the beginning of term.
I explained in the Opening Week to different audiences that the three structural pillars of a successful and flourishing co-educational boarding environment are ‘conversation, compassion and community’. 
 
‘The Three Cs’.
 
The Terry Fox Run last Sunday encapsulated ‘The three Cs’ – ‘conversation’ in the form of snatched moments of dialogue out on the run and encouragement of others; ‘compassion’ in terms of raising funds for and awareness of those who suffer from cancer; and another important ‘community’-building event.
 
My limited level of fitness dictated the amount of encouragement I was able to dispense to others out on the course. With Grade 8s and staff children speeding past me, Monsieur Klassen ran alongside me and thankfully opted for English as our means of communication – French was a bridge too far for my mind and lungs.
 
I deeply appreciated one student (who preferred swimming to running) who struck up a conversation with me as we ran up the hill towards the arena and who encouraged me to delve into my rapidly diminishing reservoir of perseverance for the final stage to the run.
 
‘The Three Cs’ apply to everything we do on campus - from breaking bread together and stimulating conversations in Marion Hall to the building of mini-communities in the Houses.
 
‘The Three Cs’ also go way beyond our own campus.
 
One of my favourite experiences of the past fortnight – alongside the Iceland hand-clap in the arena last Saturday - was being invited to join some students from the ‘Service XV’ and the Rev at a church kitchen in Duncan. Our students served some delicious food (prepared by our wonderful kitchen staff) and engaged in a compassionate and generous way through conversation with each member of the community that gathered that afternoon. 
 
It is important to listen, to really listen to other people’s stories.
 
We met someone who had studied at the University of Aberdeen, founded (as he pointed out) in 1495, with an encyclopaedic memory and mischievous sense of humour. He is saving his story about a date he had with Miss Scotland, beauty queen of 1959, for the next time we visit.
 
All of those gathered for dinner have fallen on hard times. I was very impressed with the way our students contributed so wholeheartedly to the gathering.
 
William Wordsworth, a nineteenth century English poet, called these moments of connection those ‘little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness’.
 
I like to think ‘The Three Cs’ and these acts of kindness define who we are at Shawnigan.
 
Living our daily lives by these touchstones in a co-educational boarding community is invigorating but also undoubtedly challenging. ‘The Three Cs’ are to be experienced, to be tested and, we hope, to be respected and treasured in the years ahead. 
 
Jojo and Tolani gave a lovely introduction to the Grade 9s in Chapel on Thursday. They described how each of us has challenging rivers to cross in our journey through Shawnigan and that, as prefects, they are here to help us cross.
 
Through real reflection and understanding of ‘The Three Cs’ of Shawnigan, let us – as staff and students - help each other to cross the rivers ahead.
 
Sept. 22, 2018
Richard D A Lamont
Headmaster
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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.