Closing Day

Celebrating the class of 2017
Shawnigan was a sea of colour and emotion as the School celebrated Closing Day 2017.

After surviving final exams, camping trips, and the frenzy of June on campus, the Shawnigan family convened for one final farewell on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

For grads, the day began with one final visit to the Shawnigan Chapel.  The emotional service included a nostalgic speech from Head of School Jade A., as she counted down some of the memories she created while at the School.  "It's scary leaving a place where so many people care for you," she said.  "It's scary parting from a place that has become a home."  Jade thanked teachers, coaches and staff for their tireless devotion and, on behalf of her peers, thanked parents "For sacrificing time that you could have spent with your child to give them the best opportunities that they could have been exposed to."

The service also included heartfelt musical presentations from Hailey W. and Jackson G., as well as a choral presentation of OneRepublic's I lived.

In his remarks, the Reverend Jim Holland discussed what the Class of 2017 had meant to him, reminding the congregation of the numerous times that students had said, with passion and conviction, exactly what had been on their minds.  "We heard about your experiences, your struggles, your fights to overcome fears and anxieties.  You spoke to us of overcoming emotional, social and physical struggles," he said.  "And you did so in a way that woke us up, inspired us, and strengthened our bonds as a community."

After tea in the Headmaster's garden, the School moved into the Kaye Gardens for the annual graduation ceremony.

Headmaster David Robertson used his commencement address to discuss truth, wisdom and understanding, as well as the impact of politics and social media.  "More than any time that I can remember, the world desperately needs more good people," he said.  "Carry the lessons you've learned at Shawnigan in your hearts, as that's where your best instincts will come from."

Mr. Robertson then handed out the class awards, the School's major awards, and certificates of graduation to the Class of 2017.

The Headmaster also presented the 2017-18 School Prefects and announced Dean M. as the new Head of School, with Nyah M. as Deputy Head of School.

The ceremony concluded with a new twist on an old tradition, as grads released tethered, biodegradable balloons into the Shawnigan Lake skies.
 
Individual grad and award photos are available to students and parents by logging into ShawNet.
 
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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.