SLS Now Archive
Shawnigan Jazz Band
We are extremely proud of our jazz band at Shawnigan Lake this year. A fairly small and inexperienced group to be sure has risen to the challenge. Pictured here playing a full lunchtime set in Marian Hall before they played a Saturday afternoon "gig" at the Shawnigan Community Centre, this group of students has grown in both expertise and confidence. The Saturday function was in support of the Cowichan Caregivers Society which comforts and assists those in our community suffering terminal illness. The band played a varied program with Mike K. and Drew M. offering some very passionate compositions of their own. A big thank you to everyone in the band and we look forward to a couple more performances before closing day on June 26.
– Ralph Fraser, Band Director
Graduation Banquet and Ball
This year's Graduation Banquet and Ball at Whistler was a fabulous affair. A 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, Ali H., Head of School, toasted the Queen and our Shawnigan Parents and then her father, Helmuth, toasted the School. Mr. Robertson and Mr. Connolly addressed the graduates and their words were followed with a performance by Jenn C. of “The Call” and “A New World” was performed by Amanda D., Ciara S., Krit K. and Jeff T. Each musical piece was accompanied by Mrs. Bryant. Mr. Lane's powerful slide show retrospective closed the formal dinner with much cheering and a few tears. Thanks go especially to Rosemary Dolman for organizing this wonderful event.
To read Jay Connolly's address to the graduates, click here.
The Big Picture
The new Sportsplex and the Olsen building have been receiving a bit of colour these past few weeks, and the walls are coming to life! Painters Carol Shaw and Emma Hollings of the Fine Art Department, have given that old adage, "if these walls could talk," a whole new meaning.
With input from Mr. Kingstone, the Athletic dept and, of course, Mr. Robertson, our new Sportsplex now features two of five planned murals, all depicting the first Greek athletic events (Running, Wrestling, Discus, Javelin, and Long Jump) The style is in keeping with the art of that time, and the murals are created using only black and gold paint. How fitting!
In the English Department, murals celebrating Shakespeare's Hamlet, and Homer's The Odyssey are now complete, and preparations for two more in the Olsen building are now underway.
The Wilkinson Theatre
Since the beginning of the year, Shawnigan students and staff have been enjoying our remodeled studio theatre. The Hugh. C. Wilkinson Theatre has recently undergone more construction to its entrance foyer so that we can have a fully functional studio theatre. The students have already had the pleasure of enjoying theatric performances such as "Dark of the Moon" and our winter fine art concert. The prospect of a fully functional theatre was seen as a unique opportunity for the students enrolled in the drama program, as they can now present their hard work in front of the entire school in a fully functional, professional studio theatre.
– Tyson B., Yearbook
Valdes Island Trip
Seven students, two interns and Ms Ferris spent three days paddling in the Gulf Islands in perfect conditions, camping and hiking on Valdes Island. As you can see by the photos and videos, we all had fun—whether it was listening to the New Zealand national anthem as we paddled, hovering around the compass to make sure we were travelling in the right direction on our hike (which was going to be a walk on gravel roads and turned into threading through the forest and bog), or sliding back to camp to enjoy a scrumptious meal served by the gentlemen in our company, we enjoyed it all. The garlic bread roasted over the fire, tenderly cared for by Tyler was rivaled only by the delectable salad made by Nick and the butternut squash/spicy vegetable pasta dinner made by Karim, Oli and Brandon. Maddi almost kissed a slug which earned her an extra banana/chocolate/marshmallow boat, roasted to perfection in the fire. Check the photos for an artistic stone "dressing" of one student by Michelle and Jenny.
– Jenny Ferris, Outdoors
Photos by Jenny Ferris
Health and Wellness Day
Health and Wellness Day at Shawnigan has been given high marks by our grade 11 and 12 students. The conference was designed to expose the seniors to a variety of speakers who addressed topics focused on recognizing and sustaining a healthy lifestyle. The range of topics covered included nutrition and sports, buying and preparing healthy foods, goal setting for success, using your brain to maximize performance, sexual health, internet safety and self-defense. In addition, we featured experts on Zen meditation, acupuncture, yoga, stress management and strength training. Students each attended three sessions of their choice. We hope that what they experienced inspired the participants, and that they will be able to apply this new learning to their own lives.
– Jo-Anne Kingstone, Deputy Head
To read the Headmaster's latest blog on Wellness, click here.
Photos of Heath and Wellness Day are by Stephen Lane.
Experiential Learning
While the senior students took part in the Health and Wellness conference on Monday, the juniors took part in some creative learning opportunities as well. Under the leadership of Val Donahue, the grade 8 class traveled to Bamberton Beach for some science and a lot of fun. With the leadership of the Grade 9 Round Table (six elected student leaders), Ms Hutchins and Mr. Williams took the grade 9 class to visit to the Royal BC Museum and the IMAX Theatre, and followed it up with lunch and a swim at the Commonwealth Pool. The Grade 10 Round Table, Mr. Yates and Ms Ferris put together a similar trip to Victoria that included the IMAX Theatre, a picnic lunch, team building games, and a “photo scavenger hunt” to explore various sites around the city.
Photos by Claire Wilkie
Lake's House Chapel Presentation
Lake’s took over the chapel last Saturday morning and the theme was integrity. With a just rendition of “The General” by Dispatch, an insightful speech by Luis and “American Pie” sung a cappella by the boys, the service ended up being as good as we hoped. Many thanks to Mrs. Bryant for volunteering her time to work with us, to the Reverend for his support and to the boys of Lake’s house for their commitment.
To read Luis' address about integrity, click here.
– Valentine S., Head of House
Photos by Stephen Lane
Hector McIntosh Public Speaking Competition
Every year, we have several Debate students enter the Hector McIntosh Public Speaking Competition and regale all those assembled with humorous 5-6 minute speeches. Motivated by the spirit of competing against other schools in the Cowichan Valley, the contestants may also earn prize money for their efforts. Hector McIntosh, a Shawnigan teacher from 1945 to 1970, launched this contest many years ago and it is now sponsored by the Duncan Rotary Club. This year’s finalists, Lisa Jane D. and Malia M., both came away winners from the last round of competition on Monday evening. Malia won second place in her category and Lisa Jane won first.
Click here to read Lisa Jane's speech
– Paul Klassen, Debate Coach
Governor General's Award
Melissa Kim '09 has just completed her first year at Duke University where she is pursuing a biomedical engineering degree, with a focus on tissue engineering. She has been taking a variety of courses in engineering, math, chemistry, writing and psychology, earning a 4.0 GPA last semester and finishing at the top of her class. After Duke, she is considering graduate school.
While at Shawnigan, Melissa earned Dean's Dinner and Honour Roll status during every assessment from Grade 9 to 12. She received Colours in Academics, Fine Art and the House. She graduated as the Head Student and her name is on the Honour board in the main hall for having the highest academic results.
Melissa wrote 7 AP exams, and earned a 5 in Calculus, Chemistry, Physics B, Biology and Physics C. In grade 11, her final average was 97.8%. In grade 12, it was 97%. Her final average and her strong exam results earned her a $1000 Government Scholarship.
I’d like to thank Melissa for taking the time to come back to the school today, and would ask the Headmaster to present her with the 2009 Governor General’s Academic Medal and Certificate.
– Wendy Woollven, Registrar
Photos by Stephen Lane
Planning 10 P.A.R.T.Y. Program
The Grade 10's currently participating in Planning headed to Duncan Hospital this week for P.A.R.T.Y. (Preventing Alcohol Related Trauma in Youth), an annual program that takes place across the island to inform teens about the dangers of drinking and driving and other alcohol-related trauma. We were given a presentation on the importance of safe choices by several guest speakers such as a paramedic, and an ER specialist (who both work at Duncan Hospital), as well as a Cowichan Bay police officer. The grade 10's were shown memorable videos and told many tragic stories of youth who died from their poor decision making right here in the Cowichan Valley. The speakers' tales from the Duncan Hospital provided quite the reality check, proving alcohol related trauma can happen anywhere. We were shown a crashed car and took part in several startling demonstrations that taught us a lot about the dangers of drinking and driving and irresponsible use of alcohol. Although the outing's subject matter was somewhat solemn, the planning classes enjoyed themselves and all the grade 10's agree that it was very informative and helpful.
– Sarah A., Planning 10
Photos by Yearbook
Grade 8 Social Studies
Recently, during socials studies class, we went to the dining hall where Mr. Dukelow taught us how to make sushi. We are currently learning about feudal Japan, where sushi originated. To get more into the Japanese culture, Mr. Loiselle arranged for us to experience a little bit of Japanese cuisine, and who better to teach us then someone who not only lived and taught in Japan, but makes sushi, and teaches others to make it, on a regular basis. Mr. Dukelow is also very interested in many aspects of Japan, especially the Bushido code of the Samurai, which upholds ideals such as respect, honour, loyalty, and sacrifice, some of which Duxbury House uses in their own code. Mr. Dukelow also taught the students who make our school’s sushi, how to make sushi that is simple, but tastes great! We made fairly basic sushi, with some ingredients that you probably wouldn’t find in traditional sushi, such as shredded carrots, lettuce, imitation crab meat, cream cheese, as well as mayonnaise, ginger and wasabi, which we wrapped in seaweed, with rice (vinegar, sesame seeds, and sugar), using a bamboo mat. It tasted amazing, and was really fun to experiment with different flavours, making our own original sushi.
Sushi Haiku
Rain beating outside,
The taste of ocean and fields,
Our sushi is great!
– Fiona Z., Grade 8 Social Studies
Shawnigan Chapel Video
Our Thursday morning chapel service was streamed live on the Internet as a test. Once we work out a few technicalities, we hope to be broadcasting many events, including chapel, live to parents and friends of the School. This recording is of low quality, but when the fibre-optic connection to the Chapel is installed, we expect to have high-quality video available so that you can watch live from your homes. Click on the image to play video.
– David Hutchison, Director of Advancement
Scholarship Day
The sun shone brilliantly as 22 students and their families arrived on Saturday morning for Scholarship Day. External applicants arrived fresh faced and filled with slight trepidation as they sat both English and math exams. Headmaster David Robertson welcomed families in the Library as they anxiously awaited the commencement of the exams. While students wrote their exams, parents met with Department Heads and asked questions pertaining to academic choices and received advice from the experts. Later, parents enjoyed an information session held by our Deputy Head, Jo-Anne Kingstone, as well as several House Directors, and a student panel. Many questions were answered and a few laughs ensued. After the applicants were finished their exams, parents were reunited with their children who looked much more relaxed. A tasty lunch was served in the Upper Dining Hall allowing prospective parents to mingle while enjoying a sample of Shawnigan's food. Student led tours were then available for those who wanted to have a refresher!
– Margot Allen, Associate Director of Admissions
Sea Kayaking Trip to Portland Island
Tail winds and head winds, sun and rain, ebb tides and flood tides, moments of excitement and moments of tranquility, great meals and great companions: it was a weekend of learning, liberally sprinkled with fun from start to finish.
– Peter Yates and Jenny Ferris, trip leaders
Art in the Garden
Mrs. Ferris’ Studio Art class took to the Kaye Gardens Friday afternoon to sketch the Main Building. This beautiful weather has inspired everyone on campus!
Fin-clipping Program
This year's efforts in the Hobson Hatchery are culminating in a fin-clipping program to ID released coho fry as hatchery fish. As we (SLS) are the only ones to release coho into the Shawnigan watershed, we can be confident that any fin-clipped spawners to return to Shawnigan Creek in the years to come originated from our hatchery!
It has been a particularly satisfying year for our hatchery operation. The Environment Club got the facility up and running in the fall and this was followed up with a successful egg-take, fertilization and planting of over 19,000 coho eggs by Science 9, Environmental Science 11 and E-Club students. Of these, over 70% developed into fry and have been on a feeding program in our rearing tanks for the past 6 weeks.
My thanks to all those involved with the program this year. In particular, the E-Club was key to ensuring that the facility was kept clean and running smoothly. And a special thank you to Dennis and Maurice, our night security duo—they kept an eye on things during those critical times in the hatchery which coincided with our holidays and Ski Week. Just another example of the supportive nature of this community!
– Scott Noble, Environment Club
Photos by Scott Noble and Yearbook
Advanced Placement Examinations
In the next two weeks, 133 students will write AP exams in 15 different subject areas—a total of 224 exams! These university level exams, which are administered by the College Board in the US, will represent 100 percent of the students' final marks, and signify 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. With a total of 224 exams being written, it will be a busy two weeks for some and we wish them the best of luck.
– Wendy Woollven, Registrar
Renfrew Chapel Service
The Renfrew Chapel service this weekend went off without a hitch! After weeks of planning by the Grade 12's from both Renfrew South and Renfrew North, our presentation regarding hope spoke to the entire school community. The girls organized a House rendition of John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change" accompanied by the talented Gwen H. on piano, Nikki W. on drums and Tomoko O. on the electric guitar. Tala B. gave a speech about hope and to end the service, we collected a donation for MS. Well done, Renfrew.
– Hilary B., Head of Renfrew North and Chloe L., Head of Renfrew South
The Island Big Band
Twenty-four jazz and concert band students from Shawnigan took to the club scene Monday evening and listened to The Island Big Band at Hermann's Jazz Club in Victoria. Over the years we have frequented this very popular establishment and been inspired by the likes of Phil Dwyer, Ian McDougall, Campbell Ryga, Hugh Fraser, Ross Taggart, Kelby MacNayr, The Island Big Band and many other "monster" players we are so fortunate to have in our midst. We are in the heartland of jazz and the big band genre on the west coast and gain a great deal by watching musicians live, performing some of the tunes we play here at the School, but done with the expertise, power and passion that only years of honing one's craft can produce. I would like to thank the staff at Hermann's for their support and appreciate being given front row status every time we book. We never come home disappointed.
– Ralph Fraser
Shawnigan Math Student in the News!
For this teen, things just seem to add up – Student JJ L. and math instructor Erica Dalrymple have shared teaching duties on occasion.
By Krista Siefken - Cowichan News Leader Pictorial, April 28, 2010
"JJ L. doesn’t use a calculator. He doesn’t need to. The 14-year-old Grade 9 Shawnigan Lake School student has a 100 per cent grade in his Grade 11 math course."