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GroLo Chapel
A tribute to loyalty
Shawnigan's first house chapel of the year saw Groves' and Lonsdale's houses unite to share lessons on love and loyalty.
Rather than passages from the Bible, readings came from contemporary sources, including J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Malala Yousafzai's I am Malala, and an original poem – The Love that Carries – by Hannah S.
"Being united does not mean we are all the same," Maria G. told the congregation as her Head of House speech began. "In Groves', you will be welcomed no matter who you are." Maria gave examples of the spirit and generosity she sees in her house, and spoke about a new award she has created – the Ross Award – named after a Groves' girl with a big heart and a love for sharing quesadillas with hungry peers.
In his heartfelt speech, Lonsdale's Head of House Nathan G. said, "The most important kind of loyalty comes from caring for someone else." His examples ranged from roommates bringing him food when sick to the sacrifices made during Inter-house competitions, as he expressed his love for his housemates, staff, and family.
It was, ultimately, a musical presentation of Charlie Puth's One Call Away that made the service truly memorable. Facing a malfunctioning microphone as they sang, Aria K. and Gou L. laughed together as they battled through the difficulties, bringing the entire congregation together for an unscripted but magical Shawnigan moment.
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 West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
