Blog Archive
September 17, 2009
I'm glad to be back for my second year at Shawnigan! There are lots of new faces and so far, all of my classes are great. I have a new roommate and lots of "newbies" in my House! Grade 11 is definitely a step up from grade 10, because now I am a senior! It comes with a lot more responsibility and willingness to put the effort forward, but it will be worth it. It seems weird to know that a year ago, I was new and now I'm watching people re-learn what I have! But, that's the school cycle. After a crazy summer I am looking forward to getting back to the grind and meeting all of my new classmates. At Shawnigan, the fun never stops. It started with track and field last weekend, and the first dance of the year is this Saturday. Hope all of you newbies are ready and hope everyone has a fantastic year! GO RENFREW!
Gwen H., grade 11
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May 26, 2009
The grade eights went to Cowichan Bay and helped with planting trees and flowers. We split up into groups of three, planting at different locations; two beside the gift shop and the kayak store and one big group facing the main road. After the hard work, the grade eights entered the amazing ice cream shop “Udder Guys.” There were hundreds of different kinds of candy and sweets and dozens of flavours of ice cream to pick. It was a good and fun day at Cowichan Bay.
Curtis Z., grade 8
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May 14, 2009
Playing on the 1st XV is an honour. I've played for the premier rugby team at Shawnigan for the past three years. It's hard and it's a long journey to the provincial final. Having been in it last year, I understand what it takes to win. You must put the hard yards in and you have to work out. But most importantly, you have to believe in your teammates and yourself. In these last two weeks, we have played our two biggest rivals in the high school rugby world—beating Brentwood 18-6 and St. George's 36-29 ultimately winning the Derek Hyde-Lay Trophy. There is no other feeling like stepping onto the field where countless teams before you have and going on to play your heart out. It's a great accomplishment to win the trophy, but our journey ends on May 30th when we play in the AAA finals.
– Rick S., grade 12
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April 22, 2009
Squash at Shawnigan is a growing sport and is also great for recreation if people are looking for a fun sport. Squash is also the kind of sport that can push you to become a more competitive athlete. With Mike Johnson, a world class coach, and our four new courts coming, it's easy to say that Shawnigan has the best squash program in BC.
– K'odi L., grade 11
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April 8, 2009
In the time that we have been back from Spring Break, each science 10 class has had the opportunity to contribute to the beginning stages a long-running environmental science experiment. We took a break from our class work to plant young trees in the fertile area beside our fields. Each plot containing 100 trees, will undergo different variables, and the results will be monitored over the decades to come. This fun hands-on project was just what we needed to start up the spring term!
– Lisa U., grade 10
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April 8, 2009
After months of preparation from the cast, the annual Shawnigan musical opened on Thursday night—"Thoroughly Modern Millie." My House, Groves' attended on the Friday night and we were blown away. I found myself taken in by the story, and the twist at the end really threw me! The show was a great success and of course it wouldn't have been possible if not for the amazing effort from the entire cast. It was great to see our friends up there on stage showcasing their talents. I would love to be involved in something like this next year.
– Shannan D., grade 11
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March 11, 2009
This past weekend, the Senior Girls Rugby team went to play at the Joe McGeachy Tournament. After a long term of skills and fitness, we were pumped to finally be playing a game. On the Friday we had four games, each with 10-minute halves. Unfortunately, we lost our first game to Cowichan. However, we came back strong, winning our next three games. On Saturday, we played a full-length game against Vanier. We played hard, but the score was still tied 5 all when it was over. We all learned so much in this tournament; sometimes you just have to be thrown in the middle of the game. Thanks to all our coaches and our captain Julia, we never could have done it without you!
– Tamlyn T., grade 10
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March 5, 2009 - A Typical Day at Shawnigan
We rise early, 6:30 in fact
Our thoughts not yet intact
With groggy heads
And sleepy eyes
We race to the shower
And wait in line
We put on our best grin
Then off to breakfast
Our first sign in
Back to the house we collect our things
So we are prepared for what the day brings
Two classes then break
Two more then lunch
I'm starving so I will eat a whole bunch
Some fine Marion Hall food
The cooking is always yummy
It surely fills my tummy
Finally it's our last class
So far our day has been a blast
Stepping outside you can see the birds
Green trees and yellow bumble bees
Colourful flowers
The buildings are high like towers
The staff are great
They can always relate
My teachers are creative
And extremely probative
Now we're off to sport
There's always a lot of support
Now we're incredibly hungry
We mustn't forget out laundry
Thrilled for dessert
We pull up our skirt
Don't forget your shirt
Brush away the dirt
Eat some potatoes and meat
And now it's time for a treat
We're done our food so we say our prayer
We're always grateful for what we have shared.
Now its time for prep
What a rep
It's now 10:00
We bow our heads and once again
Say out last prayer
And amen
– Simone., grade 8
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February 27, 2009
At Shawnigan, we have an energizer bunny as band teacher. Last weekend, Mr. Fraser declared "Well, Jazz Band, let's go play in Marion Hall." So our Jazz Band was held in the dining hall and we played through lunch. We have 12 students currently in our Jazz Band program, but no trumpet this year. Mr. Fraser used to fill in the trumpet line in the beginning of the year, but I picked up the soprano saxophone and I was given to trumpet line—it makes for an interesting sound. This year, our jazz band won't be doing any massive band trips to Costa Rica like last year, but our teacher has us busy playing all over the Island at schools, community centres, and even festivals.
– Carl M., grade 12
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February 25, 2009
The weekend that just passed at Shaw was a particularly busy one. On top of the debate tournament that was going on, we had the Ontario rowers on campus. Saturday morning Chapel was especially entertaining, as we had two great musical performances. Saturday evening, the Oscars came to Shawnigan and we could take our pick of watching one of three Oscar nominated films.
My House (Renfrew North) went on a Sunday brunch outing to The Pioneer House and on Sunday evening there was a "date night" held and students could be served some special foods and entertained by a live band.
Between memorizing lines from "Othello" and prepping for a math test, I managed to find time to take a walk up to the village with my roommate to check out the local convenience store. It's always nice to get away for awhile, but once it started pouring rain, we were pretty happy to see the gates! I can't wait for next weekend, because my House Director, Ms Conroy, is taking me shopping for shoes in Victoria!
– Jacqueline S., grade 11
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February 21, 2009
Last weekend, we held the Head of the Shawnigan Lake Regatta. Even though it was cold, spirits were high and enthusiasm could be seen in all the rowers' faces. On Saturday I was in the quad (a boat with four people and a Cox.) It was a close race and near the final stage we were coming 2nd. Unfortunately though, we were overtaken by Vic City and Brentwood. As we were racing, the volunteer rowers were upstairs selling good food and drinks. On Sunday, I got to row in the VIII, (a boat with eight people in it and a Cox) it was really fun. What was even better though—our other junior boat came third out of seven. Overall this weekend is a memory I will cherish in spite of the cold weather. I cannot wait till next year to improve even more
– Ines R., grade 9
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February 13, 2009
Well, hockey season for the juniors is at an end. We had our last game recently. There have been a lot of ups and downs, and early morning practices but it's all worth it in the end. When I first joined hockey, I wasn't what you'd call a "seasoned skater," in fact, the first practice was disastrous! But I've come a long way from there! In our last game, I managed to score my first (and only!) goal of the season! There hasn't been a better moment than that this year. I've enjoyed all the hard work and practices that it has taken me to get to this point, and I can't wait for next year!
– Gwen H., grade 10
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