Shawnigan Now
Summer Information Package
** Reminder** New Students arrive at Shawnigan on Tuesday, September 7. Returning Shawnigan students should arrive on Wednesday, September 8.
Parents - It is now time to review all the information for the upcoming year. We have provided links to your summer information package. There are pieces to read as well as consent forms that must be completed and returned by August 1, 2010.
New Students (Grades 9-12) Summer Package
Returning Students (Grades 9-12) Summer Package
Closing Day 2010
Closing Day at Shawnigan is always a beautiful event. This year in the glorious sunshine, friends and family celebrated the day with us and watched as graduates received their awards and diplomas. Each student passed Mr. Robertson a dime as he gave them their formal handshake to commemorate his first ten years as Headmaster and to mark their own 2010 grad year.
To read the Headmaster’s closing address, click here.
To read Gwyn Morgan's closing address, click here.
To View the Closing Day Program, Click here.
To view and download Stephen Lane’s Closing Day photos, click here.
To view and download Stephen Lane’s “End-of-Term” internal awards from Friday evening, click here.
To download the full-sized photo of your student, first click on the photo and then click on the “All Sizes” icon above the photo and then click on “Original.”
Summer Reading
Annually, the English Department creates a fresh list of exciting and page-turning novels. The purpose of the Summer Reading Program is to not only prepare the students for their English classes in the upcoming school year, but to also provide the students with a resource of interesting and innovative book selection. The difficulty of the material varies within the grades and the courses, but each novel provides enjoyment as well as a challenge. For every grade, there is a diverse collection of novels--fiction and non-fiction, history and current times, tragedy and romance and so on. Each grade has a mandatory book that must be read for the School Year, as well as an independent choice of novel. On the whole, the Summer Reading Program is abundant with a useful selection of eye opening and captivating novels which are perfect for picking up whilst relaxing over the summer.
– Brynne B., Yearbook
Here are the reading lists for each grade in pdf.
Environment Club in Cowichan Bay
The senior members of the Environment Club concluded their very productive year with a unique activity on Cowichan Bay. The five of them worked along side a research scientist (Dr. Ruston Sweeting) and two technicians from the Pacific Biological Research Station out of Nanaimo. The focus of the research is on juvenile salmonid populations (particularly Chinook and coho). From hauling in beach seine nets to identifying and counting the catch, the crew had a great time. Dr. Sweeting did a wonderful job of engaging the students in the importance of his research, and the students certainly benefited from this opportunity to engage in real environmental science.
– Scott Noble, Environment Club
Photos by Scott Noble
Inspiring Great Squash at Shawnigan
Sarah Fitzgerald – Former Squash World Champion at Shawnigan
Mike Johnson, Shawnigan's Head Squash Coach is currently away at Princeton University coaching at elite training camps. While he was away, his former star player, Sarah Fitzgerald stopped by the School for a visit, and to work with a couple of our players. We are fortunate to have Mike at Shawnigan as he was Sarah's coach at the height of her illustrious career, including some of the following highlights: 5 times World Champion / Commonwealth Gold medallist / Australian Athlete of the Year 2001, 2002 / Holder of 60 International Titles.
The Shawnigan players were happy to take a break from their studies and benefit from the experience and expertise of this incredibly accomplished and gifted athlete. Justin M. gained valuable tips and guidance from Sarah. Christian Q. (not to let the opportunity pass by) went on with his foot still in a cast after his recent surgery to hit a couple of balls around the court. Dennis T. and Krit K. also chatted to Sarah and learned something new about technique and court movement.
After spending some time in Canada, Sarah is heading back to her native Australia. We would like to thank her, and now look forward to her next visit.
– Lynne Grass, Coach
Photos by Christine Johnson
OuterEDGE 2010
On June 23rd the grade 8s and 9s embarked on the annual three-day OuterEDGE camping trip. They were led and supervised by 11 staff members. During their time away, the students took part in many activities, ranging from learning to cook outdoors to goal setting for next year—and, of course, having a great deal of fun! The girls’ camp was at French Beach while the boys’ site was near Port Renfrew (essentially at opposite ends of the popular Juan de Fuca Marine Trail). Both locations featured spectacular shorelines and forests. The grade 8s and 9s all came back in fine form and have been sharing their adventures off campus with the rest of the School.
Photos of the girls' camp by Ralph Fraser.
Photos of the boys' camp by Emma Hollings.
Ending
This year Lonsdale's has started something called "Word of the Month." When Mr. Coy asked me a few weeks ago, to choose the word of the month for the last month, I thought it would be easy. Then the pressure hit me hard. A word came to mind quite quickly. However, it seemed a bit too predictable. The word was "Beginning", as in "every ending is a new beginning." But just like that, without having another thought, a second word came into play. And the long debate began, much like having two little L.J.’s talking non-stop in your head. Anyway, it resulted in my choosing the word “Ending.”
Yes, it sounds a bit depressing and the dictionary meaning did not make it any happier. All it said was, "the end of life, or termination." So I am going to give you my definition of Ending. Ending does not mean it is the end, it means you have accomplished your goals. For example, your goal is not to just start your essay; you want to reach the end or finish it. You don't worry so much about the beginning of a race; you want to win at the end. So if there were no ending, there would never be a new beginning; you will only be . . . I guess-continuing. Always strive for the end and make it great.
As closing day is approaching, and the end is near, try to make the best and be the best for it. As Maria Robinson said, "Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending." Thank you.
– Photo by Stephen Lane
FROG Awards
We have awarded recycling certificates to the top five Houses for the final term. The coveted F.R.O.G. (Fanatical Recycling’s Our Goal) awards went to Kaye’s, Lonsdale's, Groves’, Renfrew North, and Renfrew South. The over-all winner for the year is Kaye’s House and they were presented with the trophy for the top recycling House on campus!
Shawnigan Tennis Champions
Mixed Doubles – La coupe de toute saison
Earning its name in 1990 from having to be played in more than one term due to inclement weather, this year's tournament simply delayed its start – like all of this season's events – because of the frequent rains in May. Luckily, all participants cooperated with the intensive schedule and after some close semi-final play, the scene was set for an all grade eleven final between second seeds Elyse M. & Nader M. and Betty V. & Alex H. Elyse held serve to begin the match but then Betty & Alex won the next four games in a row and looked on the verge of an easy victory in the first set. Nader & Elyse bounced back to take the next five games and the first set 6-4. The second set unfolded with Elyse's serve being broken twice and Nader's once. Betty & Alex won it 6-3. In the third and final set at five games to four in favour of Betty & Alex, Nader served the longest game (14 points) of the match. At the eleventh point, Betty & Alex had a break point to win the match, but Elyse made two consecutive volleys to save the day for her team. Betty was then broken and Elyse served out the match, hitting three service winners. Elyse & Nader won the decisive set 7-5. This match lasted almost 2 and a half hours!
Girls' Singles – The Chu Cup
When the School became co-ed, girls' trophies needed to be acquired. Irene Chu, a fine tennis player in her own right, donated a trophy for the girls' singles event after she graduated. Appropriately, the trophy is named after her. This year's final saw last year's finalist Betty V. being challenged by newcomer Caitlin C., again, a grade eleven battle. Betty stormed off to a five nothing lead in the first set only to see Caitlin change her strategy and rebound to five games all. Betty responded by winning the final two games of the first set to take it 7-5. In the second set, Caitlin stuck to the strategy that almost garnered a comeback in the first set and led twice by scores of four games to two and five games to four. Once again, however, Betty's tenacious play took the final three games of the second set to earn her the longest two set match in Shawnigan Lake School's history by a score of 7-5. This match lasted two hours and thirty-seven minutes!
Boys' Singles – The Grogan Cup
This tournament's origins date back to the 1930's. In the 60's the Creighton brothers dominated the scene and then, in recent history, Malcolm Geddes holds the record with three consecutive wins. Last year's finalist, John W. was defeated by Bogdan V. and he came out on the court with something to prove. He took the first set easily against Nader M. 6-1. To his credit, Nader did not become discouraged after dropping the first two games of the second set, breaking John in the third game and then dropping two more games to trail 1-4. Nader won the next three games to level the set. Each player held serve until John, leading at 6-5 broke Nader a final time to win the match 7-5.
– Stewart Candelaria, Coach
Photos by Stephen Lane
Island Running Champion
Congratulations to Logan R. who competed in the Frontrunners Island Road Race Series and came in first place overall for the U20 division! To qualify for the series championship, runners were required to compete in a minimum of four races. Logan won the junior division in three of his races, coming first in the junior category and 26th overall out of 546 Island runners.
– Jim Kingstone, Coach