Cari Bell
Originally from Alberta, Cari began her university studies in Waterloo, Ontario and finished them at the University of Victoria. While doing her practicum at Quamichan High School in Duncan in 1993, Cari was invited to a workshop at Brentwood College. This was a particularly worthwhile workshop as Brentwood was looking for an English teacher at the time and Cari suitably impressed them and was able to apply. Cari subsequently started her professional teaching career with, as our Headmaster likes to say, “Our Friends and neighbours down the road.”
While at Brentwood, Cari married Jim Bell and took on the role of House Director of a new girls’ residence which is still referred to as “Bell House” by many at the school. Shawnigan staff that work closely with Cari can well imagine her leaving such a memorable legacy.
In 1999, her sixth year of teaching, she took a few girls from her residence to the local Starbucks and there, Cari bumped into David Robertson in the coffee line up. “He was Deputy Head at the time, but he already had the enthusiasm for Shawnigan that he demonstrates now as Headmaster. Because I had my first child, Matthias, by then I was particularly interested in the fact that Shawnigan didn’t have Saturday classes. David invited me for an informal visit to the School and hosted me so well that I wanted to work for him and his ideals as much as I did for Shawnigan.”
“He is particularly supportive of families here and that is so important at a boarding school.” This support has been of personal importance to Cari. Because her family is still very young (Mathias is 12, Jamie is 8 and Allie is 5), Cari is only teaching two classes this year. Asked why she teaches Grade 8 English along with the pre-AP English 11, Cari says that she enjoys teaching the challenging curriculum of the Pre-AP, but that she can’t imagine not teaching the Grade 8 class as well. “I love those Grade 8s. I think I get along particularly with the boys—at a residential school, they are so wrapped up in a male dominated, competitive world that they need some nurturing. I like to think I give them a little maternal guidance along with the other female staff members they encounter here.”
Since arriving at Shawnigan, Cari has noted a few things that really make our School different. “Ski Week! I loved that experience—the diversity of the week and the community-mindedness of it all. My own family was invited along with me and were totally immersed in the fun and welcomed by everyone.”
Another highlight of Shawnigan for Cari is Chapel. “I just couldn’t believe it the first time I heard the whole School singing hymns in the Chapel! The coming together and power of it really affected me. Chapel is a real expression of our humanity. Students and staff alike showcase their talents and tell personal stories. We also look at values in different contexts—through the Anglican church and other faiths, as well as through the many local community efforts people are involved in—that’s what Chapel is all about. Because of my own children’s schedule, I can’t always make it to the early morning chapel service, so I often start my first period class by asking students, ‘what happened; how did you process it; what information did you come away with?’”
Cari has been involved with three Houses since she started and is a valued member of the duty staff. “I did duty in Ripley’s House for a period and was amazed by the efficiency of the boys; they are in bed with lights out at 10:00pm on the dot! Girls, though… they have a whole different schedule and emotional dramas seem to flourish at bedtime. I am often in Groves’ House late into the evening sorting out problems and soothing teenaged angst. But I am glad to be able to ‘be there.’”
As an English teacher and book-lover, another of Cari’s favourite Shawnigan places is the library. “I think the Birthday Book Program is a wonderful initiative, but I would love to see the Library endowed with more funding. Still, it is a warm and welcoming place for my students.”
Indeed, one of Cari’s colleagues once said of her, “Cari’s thinking always begins with the students—with asking herself, ‘How can I organize the class so that the learning will be appealing, rewarding, and long-lasting?’” Cari is a marvellous teacher and a caring, supportive member of our staff. She teaches with gusto and great imagination; Shawnigan is fortunate to employ her talents.