Gold Book
The first Gold Book was printed for the 1966-1967 school year. This palm-sized student handbook had a distinctive metallic gold cover (pictured above). The handbook contained a list of every boy in the School, broken into Forms, plus the Form Master. House and School leaders were named, including School Prefects, Heads of House, and Captains of each sport. It laid out the School year calendar, and a daily timetable with room for a student to fill in their own academic schedule. Daily routines, expectations, rules, courses of discipline, the grading system, emergency procedures, and leave guidelines were covered, as well as a description of when buzzers and bells would be sounded.
Over subsequent years, the book grew in its dimensions, including the number of pages. The lists of students in each Form were discontinued while other information was added, such as a dress code. In the 1990s, a daily agenda was added so that homework assignments and other important information could be noted for each class each day. While the Gold Book has retained its name, it has more often been printed with a black cover than a gold one. The 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 school years returned to the gold cover, but since then, it has returned to the more durable black cover.
Today’s Gold Book has evolved into being a comprehensive School handbook. Besides the daily agenda for noting homework assignments, and many of the topics covered in earlier versions, it outlines School purpose, mission, values, and policies, such as cell phone and technology use. The grading system, including effort ratings, are explained, as are the rewards for exceptional effort, and the consequences for not meeting expectations – yes, the Satis Card still exists! The First People’s Principles of Learning and an Interfaith Calendar listing several Religious Observances throughout the year are examples of just some of the content presented on its 160 pages. One of the newest additions to the first page of the Gold Book is an annual inspirational quote chosen from various world leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, initiated by Larry Lamont in 2018-2019, his first year as Head of School. And, in keeping up with the times, the Gold Book now comes in digital form for those who prefer an online agenda.
The Gold Book has seen many iterations over the years, but one thing that certainly has not changed is how students have come to rely on it as a critical organizational tool used to successfully navigate their busy time at Shawnigan.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
Today’s Gold Book has evolved into being a comprehensive School handbook. Besides the daily agenda for noting homework assignments, and many of the topics covered in earlier versions, it outlines School purpose, mission, values, and policies, such as cell phone and technology use. The grading system, including effort ratings, are explained, as are the rewards for exceptional effort, and the consequences for not meeting expectations – yes, the Satis Card still exists! The First People’s Principles of Learning and an Interfaith Calendar listing several Religious Observances throughout the year are examples of just some of the content presented on its 160 pages. One of the newest additions to the first page of the Gold Book is an annual inspirational quote chosen from various world leaders, such as Nelson Mandela, initiated by Larry Lamont in 2018-2019, his first year as Head of School. And, in keeping up with the times, the Gold Book now comes in digital form for those who prefer an online agenda.
The Gold Book has seen many iterations over the years, but one thing that certainly has not changed is how students have come to rely on it as a critical organizational tool used to successfully navigate their busy time at Shawnigan.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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 Pacific Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
