Alumni
Staffing Update 2021/22
Part of the annual rhythm of the School includes changes to the staff team at the end of the academic year. This year those changes include four retiring faculty and staff! While it is always hard to say goodbye to members of the Shawnigan family, we are excited about the incoming staff who will be joining us this fall from all over Canada and the world to help us realize our Project Future pillars of “Inspiring Academic Excellence,” “Innovating for Co-Curricular Distinction,” and “Imagining Student Life Unparalleled.”
Brydon Boyce – Retiring Staff Member, 2006-2021
Before joining the Shawnigan team, Brydon was making a name for himself in the Cowichan Valley as a finishing contractor, a job which saw him work on some of the most beautiful homes in the area. In the fall of 2005, his daughter entered the School as a Grade 8 student. By the end of that year Brydon had formed a connection with Gordon Smith, the woodworking teacher at the time, who was in the process of starting his own business. Gordon asked Brydon if he was interested in taking over the after-school program for the next school year and the rest, as they say, is history. Brydon immediately connected with his students and loved watching them learn and grow. One year later, he had taken over the curricular woodwork classes as well.
Brydon’s focus was always on the students. He worked hard to create a fun and safe learning environment for them, aspiring to instill a passion for woodworking in as many students as possible. It was his goal to give each student skills that they could use beyond the School gates, including not only technique and experience with woodworking tools but also math, physics and problem solving abilities.
Outside of the woodworking room, Brydon gave much to the School community. It was the highlight of his year to join the staff team accompanying the annual Grade 9 camping trip; he loved connecting with students and colleagues in that environment. Brydon also played a key role in starting the robotics program at Shawnigan. Thanks to a close relationship with one of his woodworking students – who was also passionate about robotics – Brydon worked to set the School up with some basic equipment and facilitated the birth of the program, allowing his student to do much of his robotics work in the finishing room of the woodwork studio. By the end of that first year there were five students in the program and the team had qualified for the World Robotics Championships (Brydon makes sure all the credit is given to the students).
Brydon has been a passionate and loyal member of the Fine Arts Department at Shawnigan – a department which he insists is the heart of soul of the School. He retires from Shawnigan having poured his own heart and soul into the School and its woodworking program and having made a difference in the lives of his students as well as his colleagues.
Brydon’s focus was always on the students. He worked hard to create a fun and safe learning environment for them, aspiring to instill a passion for woodworking in as many students as possible. It was his goal to give each student skills that they could use beyond the School gates, including not only technique and experience with woodworking tools but also math, physics and problem solving abilities.
Outside of the woodworking room, Brydon gave much to the School community. It was the highlight of his year to join the staff team accompanying the annual Grade 9 camping trip; he loved connecting with students and colleagues in that environment. Brydon also played a key role in starting the robotics program at Shawnigan. Thanks to a close relationship with one of his woodworking students – who was also passionate about robotics – Brydon worked to set the School up with some basic equipment and facilitated the birth of the program, allowing his student to do much of his robotics work in the finishing room of the woodwork studio. By the end of that first year there were five students in the program and the team had qualified for the World Robotics Championships (Brydon makes sure all the credit is given to the students).
Brydon has been a passionate and loyal member of the Fine Arts Department at Shawnigan – a department which he insists is the heart of soul of the School. He retires from Shawnigan having poured his own heart and soul into the School and its woodworking program and having made a difference in the lives of his students as well as his colleagues.
Jay Connolly ’80 (Lake’s) – Retiring Staff Member, 1986-2021
In 1976-77, as a Grade 9 boy, Jay was a mid-year entry to Shawnigan from Winfield, BC. He was placed in Lake’s House with Graham Anderson as HD. Jay was a good athlete and solid academic, known to enjoy a good prank or two. Upon graduating from Shawnigan in 1980, he returned to the Okanagan, where he worked part time for his dad in the glass business, while also attending Okanagan College, where he discovered his talent for, and love of, writing. Thus began his successful writing journey. In 1982, Jay transferred to UVic to pursue a degree in English Literature followed by a master’s in Creative Writing, which at the time was not offered as an official master’s programme at UVic, but the powers that be made it happen for Jay, such was the promise he showed as a writer. In the meantime, Jay and Maureen married and welcomed their first son, Jack, into the Connolly nest.
In the mid-80s, Jay returned to Shawnigan as an English teacher under Doug Campbell’s Headship. In addition to Jay’s teaching, he later fulfilled the roles of English Department Head and Director of Studies. At this time, Jay and Maureen welcomed their second son, Sam into the family. In the 90s, Jay took a one-year sabbatical to co-run Oolichan Books in Nanaimo, as an editor. He then returned to teaching at Shawnigan for a few more years before being selected to fill the prestigious Hinton Chair at St. Michaels University School in Victoria for two years. When that fellowship ended, he was invited to stay on, but Jay found himself returning once again to Shawnigan to continue in his role as a Senior English teacher par excellence. He also delved into the world of writing song lyrics in partnership with his son, Jack, a talented musician in his own right. Furthermore, Jay was highly regarded as the speaker at grad each year. Grads looked forward to hearing Mr. Connolly’s address, encapsulating their year in his witty, poignant speech. In addition to his teaching and speaking, Jay was tasked by the School to write two books—Rough Diamond (1992) and Century (2017)—containing a series of anecdotes spanning the School’s history. He also wrote Cherchons (1996) about Strathcona Lodge School. To produce these books, Jay fastidiously pored through hundreds of School documents while also traveling near and far to interview key players in the School’s history. In doing so, Jay came to know more about the School’s history than most.
At Jay’s core was his love of words, but in addition to this passion, he enjoyed motorcycling, golfing, cycling, and traveling, to name but a few areas into which he delved wholeheartedly. He also had a penchant for pencils, especially Blackwings. Jay enthusiastically shared his pencil passion with colleagues and students, gifting many with one of these coveted pencils, which they continued to use following his departure. One student recently said that by using the Blackwing, he hoped it would inspire in him some of Mr. Connolly’s magic with words as he earnestly pressed the lead to paper in honour of his beloved teacher.
The Jay Connolly Creative Writing Prize will be awarded every June – from June 2022 – to a senior student whose passion for writing prose fiction is evident and is matched by their talent for the craft in conjunction with their disciplined approach to the editing process. This award comes with a box of Blackwing pencils and a Clairefontaine notebook, which were among Jay’s favourite writing tools.
In the mid-80s, Jay returned to Shawnigan as an English teacher under Doug Campbell’s Headship. In addition to Jay’s teaching, he later fulfilled the roles of English Department Head and Director of Studies. At this time, Jay and Maureen welcomed their second son, Sam into the family. In the 90s, Jay took a one-year sabbatical to co-run Oolichan Books in Nanaimo, as an editor. He then returned to teaching at Shawnigan for a few more years before being selected to fill the prestigious Hinton Chair at St. Michaels University School in Victoria for two years. When that fellowship ended, he was invited to stay on, but Jay found himself returning once again to Shawnigan to continue in his role as a Senior English teacher par excellence. He also delved into the world of writing song lyrics in partnership with his son, Jack, a talented musician in his own right. Furthermore, Jay was highly regarded as the speaker at grad each year. Grads looked forward to hearing Mr. Connolly’s address, encapsulating their year in his witty, poignant speech. In addition to his teaching and speaking, Jay was tasked by the School to write two books—Rough Diamond (1992) and Century (2017)—containing a series of anecdotes spanning the School’s history. He also wrote Cherchons (1996) about Strathcona Lodge School. To produce these books, Jay fastidiously pored through hundreds of School documents while also traveling near and far to interview key players in the School’s history. In doing so, Jay came to know more about the School’s history than most.
At Jay’s core was his love of words, but in addition to this passion, he enjoyed motorcycling, golfing, cycling, and traveling, to name but a few areas into which he delved wholeheartedly. He also had a penchant for pencils, especially Blackwings. Jay enthusiastically shared his pencil passion with colleagues and students, gifting many with one of these coveted pencils, which they continued to use following his departure. One student recently said that by using the Blackwing, he hoped it would inspire in him some of Mr. Connolly’s magic with words as he earnestly pressed the lead to paper in honour of his beloved teacher.
The Jay Connolly Creative Writing Prize will be awarded every June – from June 2022 – to a senior student whose passion for writing prose fiction is evident and is matched by their talent for the craft in conjunction with their disciplined approach to the editing process. This award comes with a box of Blackwing pencils and a Clairefontaine notebook, which were among Jay’s favourite writing tools.
Maureen Connolly – Retiring Staff Member, 1995-2021
Maureen Connolly has been a part of the School’s fabric since the mid 1980s when her husband Jay began his teaching career in the English department. The Connollys, including their two sons Jack ’02 (Lake’s) and Sam ’06 (Lake’s) lived both bordering the campus and on the campus for more than 30 years. When the boys were younger and before she started officially working for the School, Maureen ran a daycare on campus, caring not only for her own children but those of other staff. At that time, she was instrumental in the beginnings of the School’s magazine. Balancing her deep commitment to both her family and the school community, she became quite the thespian, joining the Shawnigan Players. In 1987, she played a barroom dancer with a heart of gold in a western spoof called The Death and Life of Sneaky Finch, which was a “smashing success in the old Shawnigan Lake Hall,” according to Alex Gallacher, a long-time member of the Players; “Maureen was great, playing the female lead, a triple threat in acting, singing, dancing. She was a fun supportive castmate to all.” She also took her hand in directing as well. It will come as no surprise, then, that Maureen was a great hit in the School’s much-loved Staff Review for many years.
In the mid 1990s, Maureen started working for Shawnigan Lake School as a webmaster in the Advancement department where she was responsible for generating the quarterly Report Card. In 2010, she took on the role of House Director of Strathcona Lodge School House while continuing to work in the Advancement department. In 2017, she was promoted to Communications Manager and in 2019, to Director of Communications. Being a House Director whilst fulfilling her full-time duties in the Communications department was no easy task, but Maureen took on both challenges with admirable determination and devotion. The girls in Strathcona quickly became fond of their new House Director and referred to her as “Mama C.” She could be found in the common room with the girls baking cookies or knitting blue and green squares to make a blanket for Lake’s House (Strath’s brother house). She selflessly gave of herself, counselling girls late into the evening, helping them to be their best selves and “true blue” Strathcona members. She instilled in the girls a sense of pride of both their School and their House. Maureen, a gifted singer, could sing any school hymn in the chapel by heart, and anyone sitting near Strathcona would be treated to hearing her sing “Be Thou My Vision.”
Chelsie Wong, Head of House 2020-2021 wrote the following of Maureen: “Mama C. was not only a mother figure to the girls, but the Houses’ anchor and cheerleader. Her leadership style has always been to put other’s first, and to always choose kindness. Grabbing onto hope was one of the many heartfelt values she modeled for us when times were rough. She set the tone and was the soul and essence of Strathcona. [She cared] about the underdog. No one, ever, should be left behind. She promoted diversity, equality and acceptance. We will remember her as the mom away from home who never failed to support us. We could knock on her door any time of the night, and she would be there. Her devotion to Strathcona will always be remembered as I know the girls will be telling future Strath girls the amazing stories about Mama C.”
The Strathcona Swan – given to the Grade 12 Strathcona student who most embodies the House’s motto, Cherchons (“Let us seek”). This internal House award will be given every June – from June 2022 – by the Strathcona House Director in honour of Maureen Connolly, House Director of Strathcona Lodge School House, 2010-2021, and the values she embraced.
In the mid 1990s, Maureen started working for Shawnigan Lake School as a webmaster in the Advancement department where she was responsible for generating the quarterly Report Card. In 2010, she took on the role of House Director of Strathcona Lodge School House while continuing to work in the Advancement department. In 2017, she was promoted to Communications Manager and in 2019, to Director of Communications. Being a House Director whilst fulfilling her full-time duties in the Communications department was no easy task, but Maureen took on both challenges with admirable determination and devotion. The girls in Strathcona quickly became fond of their new House Director and referred to her as “Mama C.” She could be found in the common room with the girls baking cookies or knitting blue and green squares to make a blanket for Lake’s House (Strath’s brother house). She selflessly gave of herself, counselling girls late into the evening, helping them to be their best selves and “true blue” Strathcona members. She instilled in the girls a sense of pride of both their School and their House. Maureen, a gifted singer, could sing any school hymn in the chapel by heart, and anyone sitting near Strathcona would be treated to hearing her sing “Be Thou My Vision.”
Chelsie Wong, Head of House 2020-2021 wrote the following of Maureen: “Mama C. was not only a mother figure to the girls, but the Houses’ anchor and cheerleader. Her leadership style has always been to put other’s first, and to always choose kindness. Grabbing onto hope was one of the many heartfelt values she modeled for us when times were rough. She set the tone and was the soul and essence of Strathcona. [She cared] about the underdog. No one, ever, should be left behind. She promoted diversity, equality and acceptance. We will remember her as the mom away from home who never failed to support us. We could knock on her door any time of the night, and she would be there. Her devotion to Strathcona will always be remembered as I know the girls will be telling future Strath girls the amazing stories about Mama C.”
The Strathcona Swan – given to the Grade 12 Strathcona student who most embodies the House’s motto, Cherchons (“Let us seek”). This internal House award will be given every June – from June 2022 – by the Strathcona House Director in honour of Maureen Connolly, House Director of Strathcona Lodge School House, 2010-2021, and the values she embraced.
Rita Fairfield – Retiring Staff Member, 1989-2021
“If you are looking for a warm, welcoming smile in Marion Hall, it is best to head into the kitchen toward Fairfield’s salad-making corner. No matter what the mood is anywhere else in the kitchen, or on campus for that matter, you are guaranteed a friendly encounter with Rita,” said a recent Lake’s House graduate.
This rings true for all Shawnigan students and staff who have encountered Rita during her more than 30 years at the School. Rita has been a stalwart member of the dining team, endearing herself to the Shawnigan community with her trademark smile and gentle manner. She has become the queen of the salad bar and has seen the School undergo many changes, including, most dramatically, the move to family-style dining when Marion Hall was built.
Rita received a well-deserved Stag Award in 2019, with the citation reading as follows:“A Stag Award is given to Rita Fairfield, who has worked at Shawnigan for the past 30 years. Rita started as a part-time cook back in 1989 and has worked tirelessly as a member of the Kitchen Team. She is in charge of the salad bar and also organizes daily snacks for the Ritz and packed food bags for trips. She is respected as a kind, thoughtful and dedicated member of staff by colleagues and students alike. We are proud to have her on our team and deeply appreciate her daily acts of kindness, creative contributions to the salad bar and the smile that greets all of us as we enter the kitchen. Her steering of the salad counter out into Marion Hall always remains on course in spite of student obstacles and targets. It can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions she makes every day.”
This rings true for all Shawnigan students and staff who have encountered Rita during her more than 30 years at the School. Rita has been a stalwart member of the dining team, endearing herself to the Shawnigan community with her trademark smile and gentle manner. She has become the queen of the salad bar and has seen the School undergo many changes, including, most dramatically, the move to family-style dining when Marion Hall was built.
Rita received a well-deserved Stag Award in 2019, with the citation reading as follows:“A Stag Award is given to Rita Fairfield, who has worked at Shawnigan for the past 30 years. Rita started as a part-time cook back in 1989 and has worked tirelessly as a member of the Kitchen Team. She is in charge of the salad bar and also organizes daily snacks for the Ritz and packed food bags for trips. She is respected as a kind, thoughtful and dedicated member of staff by colleagues and students alike. We are proud to have her on our team and deeply appreciate her daily acts of kindness, creative contributions to the salad bar and the smile that greets all of us as we enter the kitchen. Her steering of the salad counter out into Marion Hall always remains on course in spite of student obstacles and targets. It can truly be said that Shawnigan is a better place in consequence of the contributions she makes every day.”
Kelsey McDaniel ’97 (Lake’s) – Leaving Staff Member, 2011-2021
Kelsey has brought his own brand of colourful energy to Shawnigan ever since he first stepped through the School gates as a Grade 8 student in the fall of 1992. Throughout his time as a student at Shawnigan, he fully embraced life at the School and all the opportunities that came his way. In his Grade 12 year, he was a School Prefect, one of the leads in the school musical (Jesus Christ Superstar), and a key part of a competitive senior boys rowing crew.
Shawnigan was happy to welcome Kelsey back as an intern in 2011. Over the past 10 years, he has given invaluable service to the School through a variety of roles including Assistant House Director of Lonsdale’s House and leader of the School’s Search and Rescue program. He has played a key role in Lonsdale’s streak of highly competitive entries in the annual Inter-House Air Band competition; enthusiastically organized and run fireworks shows for the School; and passionately run the Search and Rescue program. He will be remembered especially for his enthusiasm for the outdoors, his rescue and survival skills and knowledge, and, of course, his infectious love of life.
This spring, Kelsey, his wife Kelly and their two children Grace and Juliette have decided that it is time for their next adventure. Kelsey is looking forward to pursuing his ambition of training as a trauma nurse – a role in which we are sure he will excel!
Shawnigan was happy to welcome Kelsey back as an intern in 2011. Over the past 10 years, he has given invaluable service to the School through a variety of roles including Assistant House Director of Lonsdale’s House and leader of the School’s Search and Rescue program. He has played a key role in Lonsdale’s streak of highly competitive entries in the annual Inter-House Air Band competition; enthusiastically organized and run fireworks shows for the School; and passionately run the Search and Rescue program. He will be remembered especially for his enthusiasm for the outdoors, his rescue and survival skills and knowledge, and, of course, his infectious love of life.
This spring, Kelsey, his wife Kelly and their two children Grace and Juliette have decided that it is time for their next adventure. Kelsey is looking forward to pursuing his ambition of training as a trauma nurse – a role in which we are sure he will excel!
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.
