News Archive
Alumni Notebook - February 2024
Nathan Bice ’16 (Duxbury) and Kyle Bell ’16 (Duxbury)
Nathan Bice ’16 (Duxbury) and Kyle Bell ’16 (Duxbury) visited the School in December 2023 to speak to Grade 12 students about potential job opportunities at Queen Charlotte Lodge.
Nathan and Kyle joined the remote fishing lodge in Haida Gwaii in the summers following their time at Shawnigan, originally as a way to save up money during university. They quickly came to love the environment and the culture at the lodge, and now have the opportunity to do the hiring for the same positions they once held.
The aspects they love the most are the qualities that remind them of their time at Shawnigan: living in a beautiful environment and alongside a community of people that are both professional colleagues and friends.
It was this sense of community that both Nathan and Kyle shared was their favourite memory of Shawnigan. This was exemplified most in Chapel, and attending a service during their visit was a highlight.
Nathan and Kyle expressed their appreciation for teacher Justin Wilke: “He was strict in a way we needed… tough, but fair. And the way that he taught and engaged with us in class made it so much fun.”
From their time at Shawnigan, Nathan and Kyle carried forward a sense of pride in themselves and what they do. This strength is clearly demonstrated in their success and passion for their work at Queen Charlotte Lodge.
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The aspects they love the most are the qualities that remind them of their time at Shawnigan: living in a beautiful environment and alongside a community of people that are both professional colleagues and friends.
It was this sense of community that both Nathan and Kyle shared was their favourite memory of Shawnigan. This was exemplified most in Chapel, and attending a service during their visit was a highlight.
Nathan and Kyle expressed their appreciation for teacher Justin Wilke: “He was strict in a way we needed… tough, but fair. And the way that he taught and engaged with us in class made it so much fun.”
From their time at Shawnigan, Nathan and Kyle carried forward a sense of pride in themselves and what they do. This strength is clearly demonstrated in their success and passion for their work at Queen Charlotte Lodge.
Sarah McDonald ’23 (Renfrew)
Sarah McDonald ’23 (Renfrew) is now a published scientific author! Last month, the Canadian Science Fair Journal published her research on the environmental effects of vaping liquids and cigarette butts. Sarah originally conducted this research for her Japan Super Science Fair project while she was a student at Shawnigan. In writing to share the news with Mr. Justin Wilke, she said, “Thank you so much for your support and guidance during that project, I truly couldn’t have done it without you. The science department was instrumental in that coming together for me and I will forever be grateful for such a wonderful opportunity.”
Sarah is in her first year at McGill University, where she plans on doing a double major in psychology and English with minors in microbiology and immunology.
Read her article in the Canadian Science Fair Journal here.
Sarah is in her first year at McGill University, where she plans on doing a double major in psychology and English with minors in microbiology and immunology.
Read her article in the Canadian Science Fair Journal here.
Chelsea Gladstone ’15 (Renfrew)
Chelsea Gladstone ’15 (Renfrew) graduated with her Juris Doctor degree from the Peter A. Allard School of Law at UBC in 2023 with a dual specialization in Business Law and Aboriginal Law.
Chelsea is working as an articled student at Boughton Law Corporation in Vancouver, BC. By pursuing a career in Indigenous Law, she hopes to create pathways that support the goals and needs of First Nations peoples.
Congratulations to Chelsea on her incredible achievements.
Chelsea is working as an articled student at Boughton Law Corporation in Vancouver, BC. By pursuing a career in Indigenous Law, she hopes to create pathways that support the goals and needs of First Nations peoples.
Congratulations to Chelsea on her incredible achievements.
Dylan Compton ’23 (Copeman’s)
Congratulations to Dylan Compton ’23 (Copeman’s) for winning the gold medal at the 2023 World Junior A Challenge with Hockey Canada West in Truro, Nova Scotia in December. A defenceman, Dylan finished the tournament with one goal and one assist in six games. Dylan spent two years with Shawnigan’s U18 Prep boys’ ice hockey team before playing last season with the Vernon Vipers of the BC Hockey League. He is now playing for the Brooks Bandits of the BCHL. Dylan is also committed to playing Division 1 hockey for Northeastern University beginning next fall.
Cassie Chang ’16 (Renfrew)
A shoutout to Cassie Chang ’16 (Renfrew) who will be covering the lead role, Laetitia, as understudy in the upcoming production of Gian Carlo Menotti’s opera, Old Maid and the Thief, presented by the Heroic Opera Company. The opera will take place on June 1 and 2 at the Orpheum in Vancouver. Cassie will be touring BC for the 2024-2025 season. She is hoping to bring a performance to Shawnigan.
Check out Cassie’s YouTube page for updated videos: Cassie Chang Soprano
Here’s a highlight from the concert Operatic Affair, which took place in Vancouver on January 7
Check out Cassie’s YouTube page for updated videos: Cassie Chang Soprano
Here’s a highlight from the concert Operatic Affair, which took place in Vancouver on January 7
Brendan Tang ’93 (Lake’s)
Tune in to CBC on February 8 to watch Shawnigan’s very own Brendan Tang ’93 (Lake’s), award winning artist and ceramics instructor, who will be a judge on the new show The Great Canadian Pottery Throw Down!
Learn more here.
Learn more here.
Ollie Nott ’13 (Ripley's): Top Pick for Vancouver Highlanders
Ollie Nott ’13 (Ripley’s) was the first player to be signed for the Vancouver Highlanders rugby club. Ollie has played rugby for Team BC from the U16 level up, has represented Canada at the U20 and Senior level, and has played in Major League Rugby.
The Vancouver Highlanders will compete in the Rugby Players’ Challenge, a new international rugby union competition.
During his time at Shawnigan, Ollie was the boys’ rugby 1st XV Captain, Sport Captain and School Prefect.
The Vancouver Highlanders will compete in the Rugby Players’ Challenge, a new international rugby union competition.
During his time at Shawnigan, Ollie was the boys’ rugby 1st XV Captain, Sport Captain and School Prefect.
Oliver Hooper ’23 (Duxbury)
In January 2024, Oliver Hooper ’23 (Duxbury) supported Julia Pollock, Director of Admissions, at a CAIS Boarding School Fair in Madrid, Spain.
Oliver is in his first year of a double degree program, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws, (LLP) at the IE Business School in Madrid. The intensive program involves studying and comparing various legal systems, such as French, US, German, Spanish, and British, versus just one, which is typical in other universities.
“Through the study and exploration of different jurisdictions, I have gained a broad understanding of different global legal systems. Despite being a challenge, this diverse approach has greatly enriched my perspective,” shares Oliver.
As part of the program, Oliver has the opportunity to practise and exercise law in the jurisdiction of his choice after his third year. Oliver is working towards studying for three years in Madrid and two years in Mexico at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM).
“Living in Madrid has added a unique dimension to my experience… The city offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration, contributing in an outstanding way to my personal and academic growth,” says Oliver. “What I enjoy the most about studying and living abroad is the chance to learn new things – from living alone to taking full responsibility for the opportunities and challenges that arise daily.”
Oliver is in his first year of a double degree program, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws, (LLP) at the IE Business School in Madrid. The intensive program involves studying and comparing various legal systems, such as French, US, German, Spanish, and British, versus just one, which is typical in other universities.
“Through the study and exploration of different jurisdictions, I have gained a broad understanding of different global legal systems. Despite being a challenge, this diverse approach has greatly enriched my perspective,” shares Oliver.
As part of the program, Oliver has the opportunity to practise and exercise law in the jurisdiction of his choice after his third year. Oliver is working towards studying for three years in Madrid and two years in Mexico at the Autonomous Technological Institute of Mexico (ITAM).
“Living in Madrid has added a unique dimension to my experience… The city offers endless opportunities for learning and exploration, contributing in an outstanding way to my personal and academic growth,” says Oliver. “What I enjoy the most about studying and living abroad is the chance to learn new things – from living alone to taking full responsibility for the opportunities and challenges that arise daily.”
Campus Visits
Brian Tutty, Kevin Tutty ’14 (Lake’s), Dr. David Groves, Scott Noble ’75 (Groves’), and staff members Louis Chancellor, Nigel Mayes ’89 (Ripley’s), Justin Wilke ’98 (Copeman’s), Ciaran Gargan, Patricia Hanbidge, and Alexandra Ballantyne.
Early stages of project to improve the water health of Lake Omar and stock trout population
Julie Anne Patton ’12 (Groves’) and Galen Loiselle
Byron Chang ’19 (Ripley's), Freddy Wang ’19 (Ripley's), Riley Billy ’20 (Ripley's), and Owen Evers ’20 (Copeman’s)
In December 2023, alumni Byron Chang ’19 (Ripley’s), Freddy Wang ’19 (Ripley’s), Riley Billy ’20 (Ripley’s) and Owen Evers ’20 (Copeman’s) stopped by Shawnigan for a visit. Bryon and Freddy recently graduated from film school in Los Angeles.
Chris Cassin ’02 (Copeman’s) & Corey Cheek ’00 (Copeman’s)
Chris Cassin ’02 (Copeman’s) returned to Shawnigan and spoke to a senior science class. On the same day, Corey Cheek ’00 (Copeman’s) visited with his children and both enjoyed lunch in Marion Hall followed by a Gathering in the Chapel.
Alumni Gatherings
Thank you to everyone who joined the Shawnigan community and alumni gatherings. It was wonderful to reconnect and spend time together in Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, Seattle and Kingston.
The Shawnigan community will be coming together all across the globe in 2024. Register for an event near you! For an up-to-date list of events, visit shawnigan.ca/alumni/alumni-events or check us out on Instagram, Facebook, Shawnigan Connect or LinkedIn.
The Shawnigan community will be coming together all across the globe in 2024. Register for an event near you! For an up-to-date list of events, visit shawnigan.ca/alumni/alumni-events or check us out on Instagram, Facebook, Shawnigan Connect or LinkedIn.
Announcements
Weddings
Dafydd Samuel ’08 (Ripley’s) & Emily Cox, Dec. 31, 2023 at Shawnigan Lake School
Births
First grandchild of Carl Wright Bradley ’78 (Groves’) and daughter of Olivia and Victor Simpson
Violet Clarke Simpson, Born January 3 11:54pm , 7lbs 15oz
Anton Lecky ’03 (Lake’s)
Second child, Noa Cole Sterling Lecky born on December 31, 2023
Passages
In this section we recognize those members of our alumni and greater community who have passed away. Please reach out to Rhodri Samuel at rsamuel@shawnigan.ca if you have information or updates you would like to share with our wider community.
Tristan Johnson ’00 (Lake’s)
Russell Griggs ’60 (Copeman’s)
Christine Wooldridge (spouse of David Wooldridge, former School Governor [1979-1999] and past parent of John Wooldridge '82 [Groves'], Andrew Wooldridge '84 [Groves'], and Mark Wooldridge '86 [Groves'])
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.
