News
Apres Ski Week a Success!
Shawnigan Lake School’s much anticipated annual Ski Week looked different this year, because, like so many things, the pandemic has required a shift in how things happen. The creative minds at the School took to the challenge and designed and executed a week to be remembered. With the goal of providing an opportunity for the students and staff to enjoy a change of pace midway through the academic year, the week was rebranded as Apres Ski Week and succeeded in encapsulating the core values of Shawnigan: Curiosity, Compassion, Community, and Courage. Curiosity and courage were witnessed in the many who challenged themselves and tried new activities – from skiing and snowboarding to bowling, esports tournaments and Reach for the Top quiz games. Compassion was shown to the younger students as older students led activities and helped on ski days, gaining valuable leadership skills. Throughout the week, with all that was taking place, the community building that occurred only made our foundation as a School community stronger.
The week was filled with events designed to get the students out of the classroom and into the great outdoors and there certainly was no shortage of things to do. Many students enjoyed day trips up to Mount Washington for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing, so the elements traditionally associated with Ski Week were present, just in a different way. While some were up island playing in the snow for the day, there were many activities taking place on and around campus. The younger students participated in kick-starter activities, (grade-wide bonding activities) to start each day, and had scavenger hunts to keep them on task. Games like Capture the Flag, Chariots of Egg-Races and Kick the Can meant that screams of joy and excitement filled the air with new friendships being forged as the week progressed. Others got to venture to Victoria to explore the Orca Exhibit at the Royal BC Museum as well as to Maple Bay to the Hand of Man Museum. In the evening, trips to the bowling alley and movie theatre were available, and with ping pong tournaments and the arena open in the evenings, there really was something for everyone.
House pride is amplified during Ski Week as it is the opportune time to hold Inter-House events and this past week was no exception. With a live-streamed esports tournament and a Reach for the Top quiz night, even though they weren’t in a room together, House spirit was alive and well as reigning champs and ongoing rivalries kept things engaging. No Ski Week would be complete without some great meals, and the dining team did not disappoint! An amazing spirit meal finished off the week with a smorgasbord of cheese fondue, chicken wings, nachos, cheese and charcuterie, and an incredible dessert bar which was delicious and brought smiles to many faces, especially those who thought drowning a cookie in warm melted chocolate was the perfect way to end the week. With hearts and minds full from the week of fun, students finished off an unconventional, yet successful Ski Week.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.
Shawnigan Lake School is adhering to all COVID-19 guidelines released by the BC Ministries of Health and Education.
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.
