Pranks
On April Fool’s Day in 1953, teacher Frank Duxbury was surprised to find his bicycle hanging from the flagpole (pictured above) – an early sign that Shawnigan has always taken its mischief seriously.
Back in the 1920s, boys were responsible for lighting the classroom woodstove. Two enterprising students discovered that adding coal dust to kindling caused a small, delayed boom! To discourage a teacher from monopolizing the stove’s warmth, they prepared a “special” fire. When it exploded, everyone jumped – except the boys who laughed. Case closed. The teacher never sat there again.
Back in the 1920s, boys were responsible for lighting the classroom woodstove. Two enterprising students discovered that adding coal dust to kindling caused a small, delayed boom! To discourage a teacher from monopolizing the stove’s warmth, they prepared a “special” fire. When it exploded, everyone jumped – except the boys who laughed. Case closed. The teacher never sat there again.
During dinner one night in the 1930s, a few students were asked to line up outside the Headmaster’s office after the meal. When the first student entered, he was told that, because of poor table manners, he could choose between staying at school an extra week at the end of term, or getting “six of the best.” He chose the latter. Loud whacks echoed from the office – delivered enthusiastically from the Head’s cane – to a cushion. Then Lonsdale smiled as he pointed to the calendar: April 1. The boy was told to pretend he was crying as he left. The other boys in line trembled as they waited for their turn to enter.
Several pranks involved cars and buses. Cars mysteriously appeared in unlikely places: on the roof of the Craig Block or in the Main Building foyer. A bus might be “missing,” hidden behind Mason’s store. One elaborate prank involved engineless car bodies found in the forest near the playing fields. Two were carried to the Classroom Block; one was suspended from the entrance rafters at each end, preventing the doors from opening. Classes were cancelled for the morning while the cars were removed.
Even technology wasn’t safe. When a teacher confiscated a beeping digital watch, students heard vigorous smashing next door. He returned calmly with a destroyed watch – not the student’s – and placed it on the desk for later collection.
Outdoor assemblies held at the amphitheatre have featured a surprise appearance by a fake shark, complete with Jaws music. On another occasion, a boat of boys lazily fishing rowed into view from behind the island.
In 1988, an elaborate Chapel prank tipped water onto the Headmaster’s seat – thankfully eliciting a gracious nod of approval from him.
By 1999, the humour had gone ceremonial. As each graduate received their diploma from the Headmaster, they handed him a marble until, eventually, his pockets overflowed and spilled, prompting the inevitable conclusion: “The Headmaster has finally lost his marbles.” The tradition lives on, with each grad class delivering its own punchline.
After all, shared laughter makes for the best memories – and Shawnigan has never been short on imagination.
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.
Several pranks involved cars and buses. Cars mysteriously appeared in unlikely places: on the roof of the Craig Block or in the Main Building foyer. A bus might be “missing,” hidden behind Mason’s store. One elaborate prank involved engineless car bodies found in the forest near the playing fields. Two were carried to the Classroom Block; one was suspended from the entrance rafters at each end, preventing the doors from opening. Classes were cancelled for the morning while the cars were removed.
Even technology wasn’t safe. When a teacher confiscated a beeping digital watch, students heard vigorous smashing next door. He returned calmly with a destroyed watch – not the student’s – and placed it on the desk for later collection.
Outdoor assemblies held at the amphitheatre have featured a surprise appearance by a fake shark, complete with Jaws music. On another occasion, a boat of boys lazily fishing rowed into view from behind the island.
In 1988, an elaborate Chapel prank tipped water onto the Headmaster’s seat – thankfully eliciting a gracious nod of approval from him.
By 1999, the humour had gone ceremonial. As each graduate received their diploma from the Headmaster, they handed him a marble until, eventually, his pockets overflowed and spilled, prompting the inevitable conclusion: “The Headmaster has finally lost his marbles.” The tradition lives on, with each grad class delivering its own punchline.
After all, shared laughter makes for the best memories – and Shawnigan has never been short on imagination.
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.
