Don Rolston

Don Rolston, Director of Fine Arts, has been at Shawnigan since 1981. In fact, three of the five Rolstons are currently at Shawnigan. Don’s wife, Lynn, is the Archivist and his eldest daughter, Jenny (Class of ‘01), is an Assistant House Director at Shawnigan. Katie (Class of ’03) has graduated from the University of British Columbia, and youngest daughter, Dana (Class of 07), is studying at UVic.

Don grew up in Vancouver and began his teaching career as an elementary school teacher. After several years, he returned to university for a degree in secondary school education and then found his way to Shawnigan.

The breadth and depth of fine arts at Shawnigan make Don’s job both exciting and challenging. Not only is he responsible for the plethora of courses offered during the academic day, but he manages the co-curricular fine arts programme as well. All students must select a fine art activity that they attend two afternoons each week for the entire school year. There are 21 different activities to choose from taught by Shawnigan staff and an army of local artists. From woodworking to computer graphics to sculpture to drama there is something for everyone.

Even after 25 years, Don remains impressed with Shawnigan’s commitment to the arts. "In a school such as ours where students are extremely busy in the classroom and on the athletic field it isn’t always easy to devote two afternoons each week to the arts." Don is part of the duty team in Copeman’s House and loves the beautiful new building—although he confesses to missing the intimacy of the old House.