Academic Honours

Lauding effort and curiosity

Shawnigan's most dedicated students enjoyed good food and public recognition in this week's Dean's Dinner and Academic Colours presentation. 
 
On Monday evening, 230 students enjoyed a sumptuous feast as Mrs. Wendy Milne, Assistant Head – Academics, hosted the first Dean's Dinner of the school year. 
 
Featuring steak, ice cream cake, and all the trimmings, the meal was a treat for students' hard work in the classroom, offered to those earning an average effort score of 1.5 or lower on their most recent assessment.
 
Attending his first Dean's Dinner, Headmaster Lamont offered an insight into his own high school years at Winchester College in the UK.  Reflecting on a seat change in his French class (prompted by his teacher), Mr. Lamont moved away from his roguish friend Sam to sit next to a scholar named Reggie and, emulating Reggie's effort and focus, was soon markedly improving his grades. "Well done and keep aiming high," he encouraged students.  "And always remember to choose wisely where you sit in class."
 
 
On Thursday morning, the school's leading academics were honoured in the year's first presentation of Academic Colours.  In her introductory remarks, Mrs. Milne outlined some of the other academic prizes awarded at Shawnigan, and reminded the school that every student contributes to the academic portion of the Inter-house competition.
 
Aiming to inspire intellectual curiosity and commitment, science and robotics teacher Paul Doig regaled the school with his journey through childhood, a career in engineering, and ultimately to teaching.  Mr. Doig talked about his work for an upstart tech company during the early days of the digital revolution.  "We thrived on ideas.  Patents were filed weekly.  New products came off the shelf every single month.  Ideas and creative collateral were the currency that drove our business," he said.  "It was an amazing time to be part of this world."  Eventually, he recalled, his company was bought out, changing the creative culture and prompting his choice to become a teacher.  However, Mr. Doig insisted that he still thrives on the free-flow of ideas at Shawnigan.  "The kids coming up today are super curious learners.  Many of you are cut from the same cloth," he said, finishing with this advice:  "Think beyond, and be curious." 
 
In presenting Academic Colours, Mrs. Milne reminded students that the honour goes to students who consistently demonstrate superior effort, achievement, and leadership in their studies.  Quoting the Gold Book, she said that "Showing genuine interest, working to potential, and supporting classmates must be integral to a recipient’s approach.
 
First-term Academic Colours winners:
 
 
Markus B.
Vanessa C.
Sophia C.
Mishayla C.
Paige D.
Yang G.
Nathan G.
Keigo H.
Will H.
Mitchell K.
Anika K.
Mia L.
Dalan M.
Venera N.
Maddie N.
Melissa S.
Nicole S.
Jojo T.
Uma T.
Kerry W.
Josh W.
Aaron W.
Gigi Y.



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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.