Power of Appreciation

Shawnigan life, much like the still-falling snow, is gently settling back into regular rhythms following the adventures of Ski Week and the record-breaking snowfall on Vancouver Island that has transformed the campus into a winter wonderland.

 

It is perhaps especially appropriate that the first day back to classes coincided with Valentine’s Day – a day we take time to appreciate the people in our lives. “Things have been slowed down considerably in the last few days, allowing us time to think about and appreciate what is most important and significant in our lives,” noted the Rev in chapel. “The power of appreciation has the power to change relationships: to each other, to ourselves, to the things we have to do in life, and to the moments and opportunities before us.”

 

Headmaster Lamont took time during the service to offer gratitude and appreciation, remarking on the strength of the community and paying tribute to: “parents coming to the rescue and opening their homes up to stranded student travellers; our maintenance team and gardeners working long hours to clear snow and enable access around the campus; students on campus and living locally coming in to help clear pathways with their House Directors; the kitchen staff braving treacherous conditions to come in to serve food; the Finance, Arena and other teams on campus all here in full support; alongside all those other ‘little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness’.”

 

Headmaster Lamont thanked everyone who contributed to a memorable Ski Week, and singled out for particular thanks those operating ‘behind the scenes’ who worked tirelessly to support the safe return of students and the safety of the campus.

 

“Our transport team has done an outstanding job in these challenging, snowy conditions. I would first like to invite Mrs. Rennie up to thank her for her extraordinary commitment to our students at Ski Week, in recent days, and throughout the year in the true spirit of Shawnigan,” said the Headmaster, offering flowers and chocolates in appreciation. The Headmaster also invited representatives from departments who have been working above and beyond the call of duty, including: Ms. Russell on behalf of the transportation team, Heatherann Macintosh for the Finance Department, James McLellan on behalf of the catering team, Steve Beaudry for the IT Department, and Ed de Melo on behalf of the gardening and maintenance team.