End of term letter to Parents

This term has proven unimaginable but, at every step of the way, I have been proud of how students, staff and parents have tackled adversity. As we have shared previously, we plan to open campus for the launch of the academic year. Uncertainty of course remains, but we are available throughout the summer to give updates and answer questions. Enrolment has been very encouraging and, with the introduction of the Founder’s Fund financial aid, we aim to bring every student ‘home’ at the start of next term. Many parents have stepped forward to support this important initiative by donating their tuition credit. I thank those parents for their generous support and invite others to consider following their lead if your circumstances permit. The Shawnigan community is pulling together, and we are deeply appreciative of your investment and support.

 

Given uncertainties that we face, we are planning for a reduced overall number of students at the beginning of next term – to enable us to provide appropriate physical distancing in boarding houses and to meet government requirements.

 

The pandemic has placed the School in a challenging position. In line with the Strategic Guiding Principles we established in March to help us navigate the Covid-19 landscape, the School has done its best to support all our staff, regardless of role, in the face of real adversity. At this stage, with a greater understanding of the picture for September, we are making all of the adjustments that we need to continue to deliver an outstanding and sustainable Shawnigan experience.

 

We know that, post pandemic, the School will emerge stronger than before. Once we complete the necessary restructuring, Shawnigan will be positioned to pursue Project Future and our strategic pillars of academic excellence, co-curricular distinction, and financial resilience. Our strategic consultation process, including MyShawnigan and our Alumni Survey, has given us some invaluable insights as we establish and set the strategic direction of our School – and we are excited at what lies ahead in terms of developing Shawnigan.

 

I am pleased to report, on behalf of the Senior Leadership Team, that the School remains in good overall health – with the sustained presence of Conversation, Compassion, Community and Courage at the heart of our School. I am extremely grateful to the staff and students for all that they have given during this extremely unusual term. The SOUL Seeking projects have made our hearts sing over the final weeks – examples of student initiative, passion and creativity. I trust that we can pause to reflect on the term gone by with pride.

 

Please find a link here to a letter from Fiona Macfarlane, the Chair of our Board of Governors with a message to the Shawnigan community.

 

Thank you, as parents, for your continued support of our School. After thirteen episodes of LKPP Productions released weekly over the course of this term, Kathini, Phoebe, Poppy and I are signing off for some family time.

 

I wish you all a wonderful summer.

 

It continues to be a great privilege to be the Head of Shawnigan.

 

With best wishes  

  

Richard D A Lamont

Headmaster