SLS Now Archive
Rugby Champions
Shawnigan Wins Boys AAA Provincial Championships!
On a picture-perfect afternoon at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium, Shawnigan's 1st XV capped off their perfect season by outdistancing St. Michaels University School 21-7 and claiming the 2009 BCSSRU AAA Provincial Championship. The victory marks the School's second provincial crown, and its first since 1998.
Things got off to a rocky start for the team, however, as SMUS took the game to Shawnigan in the first half and gained an early territorial edge through a combination of good defence, precision attacking, and some sloppy Shawnigan ball handling. St. Michaels’ aggression paid dividends with less than ten minutes to go in the opening half, when their outside centre broke through the Shawnigan backline and galloped home to stake his team to a 7-0 lead.
Rather than hang their heads, however, the 1st XV responded late in the frame with a total team effort that resulted in Number 8 Dustin D. touching down; the conversion by Carlin H. sent the teams into the intermission knotted at 7-7. A full year of tireless preparation and training was going to come down to the final 30 minutes of the season. After seeing victory snatched from them in 2008, the lads were not about to let this game slip through their fingers.
The team came storming out after the restart, controlling play and attacking the St. Michaels defence at every opportunity. The forwards dominated the set pieces and provided perfect attacking platforms for the backs to begin to break down the SMUS defenders. The determination paid off with sixteen minutes to play when Captain, Tye H., broke through from his inside centre position to score and give the team its first lead of the afternoon. The conversion put the team up 14-7.
Instead of sitting back on their heels and protecting the lead, the boys were merciless as they pounded the ball at SMUS, forcing their opponents to concede penalties and give up ground. Any attacks mounted against the 1st XV were thwarted by determined tackling and pinpoint kicking that kept St. Michaels trapped deep in their own half. With just over a minute to go, the team's tenacity paid off as Carlin H. scored between the posts, giving the team an insurance try and securing the victory.
As the referee's whistle blew at full time, the Shawnigan supporters in the crowd rushed onto the field to celebrate a well-deserved win and a truly memorable moment. Tye H. was named to the Commissioner's XV, but this was truly a team victory. For the 2009 1st XV, a season that began full of potential finished with the team at the top of the heap - Provincial Champions!
By Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations (photo by Wendy Woollven)
Low Tide Day
Ninety Grade 8 and 9 students eagerly participated in the 10th annual "Low Tide Day" in Cowichan Bay. Low Tide Day is an international event with communities around the world celebrating the same low tide on the same day. We gathered at Kil-Pah-Las Beach and worked in teams to clean and pick-up garbage and debris from the shores and estuary. It was real eye-opener for all! Following the hard work and effort, the crews returned to the beach for a well-deserved barbecue and live entertainment. The goal of the day was to celebrate the beauty of the seashore and raise awareness of our inter-tidal environment. "One tide, on one day, around the world…because we all live downstream." Shawnigan Lake students should be proud of their contribution and hard work. Cowichan Bay is looking good!
– Val Donahue, Grade Eight Program (photos by Julianne H.)
On-line Voting for Prefects
It's time to select next year's Prefects. School Prefects are a group of Grade 12 students appointed by the Headmaster (with the recommendation of the school population) who take responsibility for many aspects of School life. Students from grade 11 were invited to submit letters of application for Prefectship to Mr. Robertson and Mrs. Kingstone, and after a list of nominees had been compiled, preferential ballots were cast on-line this week by the student body and the teaching staff. Prefects for the 2009/10 School year will be announced at the end of June.
Textile Arts
Once again we have tie dyed and this time we sewed pajama bottoms and bags. The colours and patterns are fabulous! The girls enjoyed the exploration of this fabulous resist technique.
– Leola Witt-McNie, Textile Arts
(Photos by Leola Witt-McNie)
Enviro Club and Outdoors Trip
Recently, the Outdoors group was accompanied by a small contingent from the Environment Club on an adventure on Portland Island. We were generously given a ride to the island by a Shawnigan Alumnus, Kelly Stevenson '73 (Lake's), as well as a return trip the next day. After our quick exploration of the island, the Outdoors team arrived and the real work began. Our mission was to clear broom along the shores of the island, along paths and walkways that had the ocean hidden by the irritating and over-populated plant. After climbing small cliffs, and walking along numerous rocks along the coast, we had removed so much broom that the piles were towering. After our broom removal, we returned to camp, and enjoyed meals cooked together, and played songs with the accompaniment of some unique instruments.
– Shannon M., Environment Club
Photos by Marisa P.
Rugby News
Shawnigan's 1st XV is through to the AAA Provincial Championship Final for the second consecutive season after a well-deserved 38-14 win over the fifth-ranked Earl Marriott Mariners. Shawnigan's expansive attack proved too much for their opponents, running in six tries and finding themselves comfortably ahead for most of the game. Captain Tye H. scored three tries, with Steven B., Christian C., and Monty T. adding singles, while Carlin H. added a conversion, penalty, and drop goal to complete the scoring.
The win leaves only one team standing between the 1st XV and the realization of their season-long goal: St. Michaels University School, who needed an injury time try to nip St. George's 15-14 in their semi-final matchup. While Shawnigan came out victorious in the two teams' only clash so far this year, Coach Tim Murdy and his staff know that SMUS is not a team to be taken lightly and that both teams are playing their best rugby at a time when it matters most.
The AAA Championship Final will take place on Saturday, May 30th, at 3 pm at UBC's Thunderbird Stadium. Anyone in the Vancouver area is strongly encouraged to come out and cheer the boys on to what would be the School's second Provincial title, and first since 1998. We look forward to seeing you there!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Rowing News
On Tuesday, May 26th, more than thirty athletes and coaches will depart Shawnigan en route to the 2009 CSSRA National Championships in St. Catharines, ON. The Regatta runs from May 29-31 on the Royal Canadian Henley Course and features no fewer than twelve Shawnigan entries.
Of principal interest is the defending Henley Champion Senior Boys 8+ looking to recapture the title they claimed at last year's event. The Senior Boys crew is also featured in the 4+, Lightweight 4+, and Lightweight pair events. The School is also well-represented in the Senior Girls' events, with crews competing in the 8+, Pair, and Lightweight pair. Junior entries include the Girls' 8+, 4+, and Lightweight 4+, and the Boys' 4+ and double. Coaches Danielle Beare and Tim Coy have all of their young men and women primed and ready, and with a few days to acclimate to St. Catharines before the racing begins on Friday, staff and students at Shawnigan will be anxiously awaiting news of success.
The School would graciously welcome any alumni, parents, or friends in the Southern Ontario area who are available to come out and cheer these fine athletes on. For a complete schedule of events please visit the CSSRA website. All of the finals will take place on Sunday, which is sure to be a great day of action - if you can make it, come out and cheer on the Black and Gold!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Tennis News
Shawnigan Tennis team are off to the Provincials!
First results: The Senior Tennis Team played their first round matches today at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. They finished with one win and one loss, and advanced to the Championship round on Friday. The coaches are very pleased with the possible match ups for Friday. The first game is at 9:00am vs Sa-Hali of Kamloops.
Squash News
World Squash Day—"Squash For 2016 Day" produced a resounding rallying cry all over the world to support squash's bid for inclusion in the 2016 Olympic Games. www.worldsquashday.com
In support of this event, Shawnigan Lake School joined forces with Brentwood to host a tournament. The object was to introduce novice players to competitive play. There were a number of divisions, and all of the players experienced lots of match play and also learned some officiating skills. Jacob K., Tommy H. and Giselle H. were medal winners.
– Lynne Grass, Coach
"Brighton Beach Memoirs"
Standing ovations for "Brighton Beach Memoirs"—the cast of this Shawnigan production seemed perfectly suited to their roles and the energy and intelligence that they brought to this production was tremendous. They played to their appreciative peers, members of our community and, of course, some of our loyal Shawnigan parents. Thanks are due not only to these talented students, but to their supporting crew—Emma V., Jesse S., Doreen Deane (and the Deane Team), Gregg Perry, and their inimitable Director, Morgan McLeod.
Chapel Music
This past Saturday, I had the honour, not only of playing in Chapel, but of performing the 1st movement of Beethoven's Pathétique Sonata, op. 13, no. 2. Beethoven being one of my favourite composers, and Chapel being one of my favourite performance venues, it was, as always, a very positive experience. It was my first time ever performing this particular movement, and my second time performing in Chapel this year.
– Leah C., School Prefect
Hoops 4 Hope
Hoops 4 Hope was founded in 1995 to support youth development throughout South Africa and Zimbabwe. Mr. Pasquale spoke to us in Chapel about his involvement with Hoops 4 Hope and his current fund raising effort. Along with the Sr. Boys basketball team, Mr. Pasquale has sold 400 shirts to students and staff at the School this week, raising awareness and funds for this organization.
Click here to read Mr. Pasquale's Chapel Address.
Cross Country Running
Shawnigan students excel in the Shawnigan Lake Triathlon—Congratulations to Alana M., Emi S., Joel S., Jenn C., Michelle C., and Alasdair R. who competed in the Shawnigan Lake Triathlon yesterday.
Alana and Emi won their category, the female relay event. Joel, Jenn and Michelle were second in their category event, the mixed relay event. Alasdair completed the whole event, and finished second in his age group category.
– Sarah Wiley, Coach
Rugby News
The top-ranked Shawnigan 1st XV opened their 2009 BCSSRU AAA Provincial Championship on the right foot Saturday, easily outdistancing #16 Terry Fox 73- 5. The game was a success in every
sense, with each of the team's 26 man squad getting onto the field and performing well.
The victory sets up an all-island second round clash with ninth-ranked GP Vanier of Courtenay, who upset #8 South Delta 31-21 in their opening round clash. The game will take place on Wednesday, May 27th at UBC's Wolfson Field #3. Kickoff time is 4:00 pm. If you are available, make sure to get out and help cheer your team to victory!
NB - After the game the squad travelled to UBC to watch the Canadian National team battle Ireland. Although the Canadians came up on the short end of a 25-6 final, there were many moments of wide open, free-flowing rugby from both sides. A highlight for the lads came at halftime, when Shawnigan coach Jeff Williams was presented his "cap" from Rugby Canada in a special ceremony. This honour is bestowed upon a player who represents his country at the National team level and the School takes great pride in celebrating Jeff's achievements on and off the rugby pitch!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Tennis News
The season thus far – The SLS senior tennis team began the season on the wrong foot losing its first match to Brentwood. The team learned from that loss and showed resilience by bouncing back and winning it's next three matches. Along with the win streak came a title at the inaugural Franco Biondo invitational. The team was led in part by strong doubles play on the boys side with both the A and B doubles teams going undefeated. Next up for the team was the rematch with Brentwood. After practicing hard the players revenged the early season loss and won a highly contested match 6-5. The strong play continued to roll into the ISA tournament, with the boys taking silver and the girls taking bronze. Following a two-week break, they headed into the Island tournament confident and hungry for a title. With a blistering start the Shawnigan squad dominated both SMU and GNS; unfortunately the team couldn't keep up the pace and lost a tight match to Lambrick Park in the semis.
The team is now preparing for the Provincials which begin May 28-31 in Vancouver. The team is hoping that the strong play of senior standouts, Bogdan V. and Sam M. can continue, but is also counting on John W. and Annika V. to make an impact in the Provincial tournament.
– Colin Mascall, Coach
Rugby News
AAA Provincial Rugby Championship – Shawnigan's quest for our elusive second AAA Provincial Rugby Championship begins this Saturday, May 23rd in White Rock, BC. Coach Tim Murdy's boys will face Terry Fox Secondary in the first round at 10:00 am at South Surrey Athletic Park.
All Shawnigan rugby fans in the area are invited to come out and voice their support for the team as they attempt to bring a championship banner back to the School for the first time since 1998.
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Field Hockey News
Back in the Win – It was a beautiful night for a field hockey game last night! After the break (and the fact that the game was cancelled last week) we were well rested and ready to go.
The 'green team' opened the scoring a few minutes in with a funny deflection but the lesson was learned and Alex H. kept everything out thereafter. The scoring for Shawnigan then came in waves and we had a few beauties from the boys and some excellent deflection and rebound put-backs from the girls. The speed of the game was great and we worked on passing in the second half that really opened up the field. A "Happy Birthday" goal was scored by Andy L. who was set up by a long-ball pass from Madie B. who threaded it through a crowded space for a break-away. Final score was 5-1.
Well done to everyone! We're off to Duncan next week…
– Rachel Peters, Coach
Rowing News
The 2009 edition of the Shawnigan Lake School Regatta took place over Mother's Day Weekend. Sunny skies greeted the scores of high school athletes on Saturday and the rain mercifully held off until after the final race finished on Sunday. The threat of inclement weather on day two did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the School's top rowers, who exceeded even their own expectations by claiming first place in nearly all of the Regatta's marquee events.
The Senior Men's program built off their success at last weekend's Windermere Cup by winning not only the 8+ race, but also the 4+. Not to be outdone, the Senior Women were victorious in the 8+ and the 4+, as well as claiming victory in the pairs competition!
Details on additional races will follow, and the full results, when posted, will be available at www.sls.bc.ca/regatta.
Tim Coy and Danielle Beare have their crews firing on all cylinders heading into the CSSRA National Championships in St. Catharines, ON, and the two coaches and their assistants now face the unenviable task of selecting the entries to represent the School at the end of the month. Stay tuned for further updates as Shawnigan again seeks to prove our dominance on a national scale!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
Rugby News
Super Saturday has been and gone – and it truly was a 'Super Day' of rugby. A number of exciting matches took place on three of Shawnigan's fields. Our 2nd XV played a great game drawing 22 - 22 versus Carson Graham's 2nd XV. Kane W. saved the day by hitting a touch line conversion in the dying moments to earn the boy's a well-deserved draw.
The feature match lived up to it's billing as the number #1 ranked Shawnigan 1st XV took on the #2 ranked St. George's 1st XV in the B.C. Premiere Series Final. It was an outstanding game of rugby with many great moments for both sides. However, in the end it was Shawnigan Captain Tye H. who lifted the Derek Hyde-Lay Shield high above his head as the boys from Shaw won 36 - 29.
Shawnigan has not won this shield since 1997. So the boys are very proud for that reason, and for the obvious connection with the Hyde-Lay family. A great moment for the School!
– Tim Murdy, Coach
Rowing News
Senior Men's Heavy 8 Win—On Friday morning, the Senior Men's Heavy 8 departed for Seattle, WA for the 23rd Windermere Cup Opening Day Regatta. After the drive, ferry, unnecessarily long wait at the border and far too many renditions of "I'm on a Boat" the crew made it safely to Seattle. Braving heavy winds and heavy boat traffic Friday evening, the guys managed a quick row out on the course in the warm sunshine. In true Windermere Cup fashion the previous day's sunshine turned into mild temperatures and light rain. However, approximately 2000 spectators braved the light drizzle to cheer on the various Masters, Junior, and Collegiate events.
The Shawnigan 8 was entered in the high school event against three other crews. They raced well and ended up winning by just over 4 seconds. Much fun was had by all included. I know the crew especially enjoyed the words of encouragement from current UW oarsmen and SLS alums Max Lang, BJ Caron, and Stephen Connolly. Also, special thanks to the Macintosh, Rees, and Richardson families for their help, support, and photography.
– Kiel Petersen
Graduation Celebration at Whistler
This year's Graduation Banquet and ball at Whistler was a fabulous affair. A stand up reception, enhanced by numerous works of art by our graduating students, was followed by a three-course dinner. While everyone enjoyed their coffee and dessert, Heatherann Macintosh, David Robertson, and Jay Connolly spoke to the class of 2009 and their guests about what it means to be a Shawnigan graduate. Prior to Mr. Lane's powerful slide show retrospective, three talented students performed—Leah C. played "Imagine" by John Lennon and Marisa P. accompanied by Brianna P., sang "Brave" by Idina Menzel & Glen Ballard. Thanks especially to Rosemary Dolman and Margot Allen for organizing this fabulous evening.
Advanced Placement Exams
In the last two weeks, 131 students wrote AP exams in 17 different subject areas—a total of 247 exams! These university level exams, which are administered by the College Board in the US, will represent 100 per cent of the students' final marks, and represent the culmination of a great deal of time and effort by the students and teachers involved. The exams are graded on a scale out of 5, and some students can use their results at university next year to gain credit for first year courses, allowing them to advance into higher level classes.
– Wendy Woollven, Registrar
Fly Tying Fine Art
Recently, Lake Omar was stocked with approximately 200 cutthroat trout, thanks to Mr. Receveaux. After some extensive planning and organizing, the Fly Tying fine art at Shawnigan will use Lake Omar as a fishing source after the Fish and Wildlife Branch of the British Columbia government approved the filling of the lake. There was lots of excitement when the truck carrying these fish finally arrived and when the Fly Tying students carefully released the trout into Lake Omar. Since then, nearly every day, there has been a student out on the docks of Lake Omar casting to see if their new fly works and hopefully get a bite. At Shawnigan, we have a catch and release policy and all hooks must be barb-less to insure the well being of the fish. Some of the bigger fish are about 50cm and weigh about 1.5 to 3 lbs., whereas the smaller ones are 20cm and are expected to grow to 25cm by September of this year. We are all very excited to see this growth process and look forward to catching many fish in the future. On behalf of the Fly Tying class I would like to thank Mr. Receveaux for organizing this and his contributions to the fine art.
– Daine B., Fly Tying
Cowichan Bay Beautification
Our fabulous Grade Eight class spent several hours doing community service last week. They travelled to nearby Cowichan Bay and participated in the Cowichan Bay Beautification Project. With the help of our Grounds Manager, Ed de Melo, and landscape designer, Paul Donahue, students planted hundreds of annuals in boxes that were painted by Shawnigan art students last year. After all the hard work, the Grade Eights treated themselves to the locally famous, "Udder Guy's" ice cream. Cowichan Bay now looks more appealing than ever!
"Brighton Beach Memoirs"
"'Brighton Beach Memoirs' was one of my favourite plays growing up...and it is about precisely that, growing up," says Morgan McLeod who is directing the Drama students in the Neil Simon play that will be on stage at Shawnigan May 21-23. He said it typifies the phrase "a heartwarming comedy" as the plot blends the ups and downs of everyday life with more weighty issues of the late 1930s in Brooklyn, NY. Tickets are $5 and available at the door. Show starts at 7:30pm in the Assembly Hall.
Chapel Music
There was great excitement in Chapel on Thursday morning when a grade 11 student from Lonsdale's House performed. This talented rower has kept his musicianship under wraps and he stunned the congregation with his fabulous rendition of "Against The Grain" by Dallas Green. He explained that the sentiments in the song were, "…just about being happy with who you are and to go with what you believe in, no matter what the circumstances." This was a great way to begin our Half-Term break.
First Place in Hector McIntosh
The School's debating and public speaking students continue to impress audiences, with more awards won this week. Lisa Jane D. won first place in the Duncan Rotary Club's Hector McIntosh Award for public speaking and Grade 12 student, Carina L., earned third prize. Both students had also won an award as Best Delegate at the Model United Nations held in February in Vancouver. The Rotary award was initiated more than 20 years ago by former Shawnigan teacher, Hector McIntosh, whose name remains emblazoned on one of the School's Chapel plates.
BC Hydro Community Champions
Shawnigan Lake School's Environment Club is $1,000 richer after winning a BC Hydro Community Champion Award. "This is for making your school and community a greener place and teaching sustainability and conservation," said Ted Olynyk, Hydro's Community Relations Manager, in a presentation during Headmaster's Assembly on Tuesday. Mr. Noble said the money will go towards the purchase of an electric truck that grounds and maintenance crew can use to get around the school's 300-acre campus. "Getting this award was a wonderful surprise and recognition of our program. And it will certainly help in the fundraising for our truck," Mr. Noble said.
Saying Goodbye
Marion Hall was the setting for a wonderful celebration of food and entertainment as our Thai visitors laid on a fitting conclusion to their 3-week immersion in Canadian culture. Ralph Fraser's band students also contributed richly to the atmosphere of the evening, and their repertoire included several pieces written by the King of Thailand. This annual cultural exchange would not be possible without the support of the many Shawnigan families who generously provide homestays. In return for their warm hospitality they receive the heartfelt appreciation and enduring friendship of these truly delightful and fascinating cultural ambassadors. Seeing such a crowd in Marion Hall was a reminder of just how many Shawnigan lives are touched by the Thais in the time they spend with us.
– Peter Yates, EDGE Leadership
Tim Bowen Roberts
Lessons learned at Shawnigan helped encourage former Deputy Head of School, Tim Bowen-Roberts '99, to undertake a challenge never even considered by most of us: a 6,700 kilometre odyssey that will see him and a friend cross Canada—on a bicycle! For more than eighty days, Tim will brave gusting winds, rising temperatures, and ever-changing terrain (not to mention saddle sores) as he rides from Halifax to Vancouver in an effort to raise money for Ronald McDonald House of BC. The charity, one of twelve of its kind in Canada, provides living arrangements and support for the families of children forced to travel from their homes in order to receive medical treatment. As a volunteer at RMHBC, Tim has seen first-hand the difference the staff and volunteers of the charity can make in the lives of a sick child.
Tim will depart from Halifax on May 20th with the goal of being in Vancouver in the first week of August. Before leaving, however, he took the time to speak to the students in chapel about the charity, his volunteer works, and the first- hand benefits of "giving back." Those interested in learning more about, or contributing to his journey can visit his website at www.crossingcanadaforkids.com.
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations
"King Lear"
Mrs. Kingstone's English 12 class brought Shakespeare's "King Lear" alive, performing significant scenes complete with costumes and props in the Shaw Theatre. Students were required to memorize their parts and to convey the character of the person they were portraying. It was amazing to see the progress and enthusiasm of so many burgeoning actors!
Dogwood Awards
Eleven students attended the Dogwood District Awards Adjudication evening in hopes of receiving one of the $1000 scholarships awarded by the BC Ministry of Education for excellence in non-academic fields. Students were competing against other applicants from Island Independent Schools in the areas of Fine Art, Applied Skills, Physical Education and Second Languages. Of the eleven Shawnigan applicants, six presented portfolios of 8 pieces of work in the 2-D painting and drawing category. Once presented nine pieces for the Photography category. Two had interviews concerning their excellence and leadership in Rugby and Field Hockey, and two competed in Music—one choral and one on the piano. Final will be announced within the next 3 weeks.
– Wendy Woollven, Registrar
Swiftsure Big Band
The Swiftsure Big Band from Victoria, under the direction of Robin Bannister, came to the School to work with our jazz band students and to do some promotional recording in our music studio. This band has gained quite a reputation on the West Coast and a number of its members contribute to our pit orchestra and other musical endeavours throughout the year. Our students had a very enjoyable evening sitting next some pretty powerful players.
One of the tenors, now residing in Victoria, soloed with the Stan Kenton Big Band during the 70s and was very willing to share his expertise and experiences playing at such an accomplished level. They played with us on some numbers that we have been working on and then the students got the opportunity to tackle some of the charts that the Swiftsure Band had been working on. It definitely set the bar a little higher than normal. A big thank you to Mr. Bannister and we look forward to another opportunity to work with this very accomplished group in the future.
– Ralph Fraser, Band
Rugby News
A successful weekend was enjoyed by our Senior girl's rugby team—they travelled to Edmonton to play in the Ross Shepard Invitational Rugby Tournament. The competition was just what this young group needed and we definitely came out a better team and a closer group. We treated our Edmonton parents, alumni, and friends to 4 exciting games, winning three and tying one. This earned us top spot in the tournament, tied with a very good high school from Edmonton. The team led by Julia B. played their hearts out despite the bumps, sprains and bruises that come with tournament rugby. The coaching staff is extremely proud of the team's efforts and our determination to improve.
It wasn't all hard work with the West Edmonton Mall close by and the stores on White Avenue to keep the girls relaxed. A barbecue at the Goss's home with video clips and photographs of the weekend's games was great fun and a fitting end to two days of tough rugby. Our final stop was Barb and Ernie's Bavarian restaurant Sunday morning where we feasted on the specialty of the house Egg's Benedict, and the entertainment from our German host. A few Bratwurst were consumed by the hardier members of the group.
Congratulations to the "Iron Women" for their successes on the field and for being such great ambassadors of Shawnigan.
– Mark Hall, Coach
Rowing News
Senior Men's Heavy 8 Win—On Friday morning, the Senior Men's Heavy 8 departed for Seattle, WA for the 23rd Windermere Cup Opening Day Regatta. After the drive, ferry, unnecessarily long wait at the border and far too many renditions of "I'm on a Boat" the crew made it safely to Seattle. Braving heavy winds and heavy boat traffic Friday evening, the guys managed a quick row out on the course in the warm sunshine. In true Windermere Cup fashion the previous day's sunshine turned into mild temperatures and light rain. However, approximately 2000 spectators braved the light drizzle to cheer on the various Masters, Junior, and Collegiate events.
The Shawnigan 8 was entered in the high school event against three other crews. They raced well and ended up winning by just over 4 seconds. Much fun was had by all included. I know the crew especially enjoyed the words of encouragement from current UW oarsmen and SLS alums Max Lang, BJ Caron, and Stephen Connolly. Also, special thanks to the Macintosh, Rees, and Richardson families for their help, support, and photography.
– Kiel Petersen
Social Studies
Mr. Loiselle's Social Studies 11 class got some extra help recently from Mr. Anderson, Senior Master Emeritus. Because he immigrated to Canada after the outbreak of the Second World War, Mr. Anderson was able to enlighten the class on the effects of war both in England and in the Cowichan Valley, and how he experienced it. He described being at school in England as a young boy hiding in the basement of the school during air raids and he talked about the shortages and subsequent rationing on all kinds of merchandise in the Cowichan Valley—he remarked that neither he nor any of his friends had seen a new car since they were very young boys until after the end of the war. The students were completely enthralled by his anecdotal stories!
Tennis News
Junior Tennis Wins at Brentwood—Congratulations to the junior competitive tennis team for their win at Brentwood on Thurs. afternoon. Match winners were Matt L. and Lucile P. in singles; Julien M. and Josh L., Brian C. and Otis C., and Jesse S. and Daniel M. in doubles matches.
– Andy Olson, Coach
Senior Tennis Wins a Nail Biter—Congratulations to the Sr. tennis team for defeating Brentwood 6-5 in a highly competitive match. With the score tied at 5 sets apiece, the deciding match was mixed doubles. In a hard fought battle, the SLS team of Ana C. and Phelan R. clinched the win for Shawnigan with a 6-4 victory. The win gives the tennis team a 4-1 record on the season. Good work team!
– Colin Mascall, Coach
Field Hockey
First Loss for Wednesday Night Field Hockey—We had our first game off campus last night on the water-base pitch in Duncan. This turf moves much faster than our own and, if you’re not ready, it can be quite slippery! Charlotte Hartley ran a skills session prior to the game which definitely helped the players switch gears for this playing surface. After a quick group photo by Mr. Lane, we were off and running.
The other team had a few BC athletes on their side and their skills rose above. We were down 2-0 at the half but that didn’t stop the fight of these Shawnigan players! Without any subs, everyone kept chasing the ball and working very hard to get into the open so we could maximize our speed. Sian M. made some fantastic saves along the way to keep us in it. With under 9 minutes to play, the momentum was shifting and Julianne H. tipped a shot from Nate M.— we were on the board with new life! A mere 90 seconds later, Julianne (I like to call her Wayne… as in Gretzky!) was at it again and the game was suddenly tied! The other team seemed to pull up their socks and in a scramble, were able to go ahead with only 4 minutes to play. Alex H. had a shot off the post in the last minute but it sailed wide leaving the score to be 3-2.
In all, it was a fantastic effort. We host Brentwood next Wednesday night and it is lined up to be a fantastic challenge! Buy your tickets early!
Special thanks to Charlotte for running a mini practice, Mr. Lane for the photos and Lorna for driving the bus!
– Rachel Peters, Coach
Soccer
Junior Girls Soccer 2nd in the ISA Tournament—Over the weekend, the junior girls played in the ISA tournament and were placed 2nd. Its been a season of constant improvement. On Tuesday the girls played against SIMS and drew 4-4 losing in the penalty shoot out 4-2. The final game is on Thursday against Brentwood away.
– Debra John, Coach
Rugby News
Come to Shawnigan on Friday to see Senior Boys rugby action—Shawnigan vs. Brentwood: 5:00pm 2nd XV &
6:15pm 1st XV.
– Tim Murdy, Coach
Shawnigan Lake Iron Women Invade Edmonton—This weekend the SLS Senior Girls Rugby Team will be in Edmonton for the 2009 Thunderbird Invitational Rugby Tournament. The two-day tournament will see the girls play a total of four one-hour games:
FRIDAY, MAY 1
12:00 - vs. Harry Ainlay Titans (Edmonton, AB)
16:00 - vs. ME LaZerte Voyageurs (Edmonton, AB)
SATURDAY, MAY 2
11:00 - vs. John G. Diefenbaker Chiefs (Calgary, AB)
13:00 - vs. Ross Shepard Thunderbirds (Edmonton, AB)
All the games will be at Ross Shepard Field (13546-111 Avenue) except the 12:00 game on Friday, which will be at Clan Field (11060-111 Avenue). If you are available, we would love the support. Come cheer on the black and gold to victory!
– Ryan Panton, Alumni Relations