Jim Kingstone

(by Taylor T.)

Jim Kingstone and his wife, Jo-Anne (Shawnigan's Deputy Head), and their two children Ben and Sarah, came to Shawnigan from California in 2005. Although finding a 24/7 environment for four unique individuals to reasonably live, learn, work and excel in together, would seem to pose an intricate challenge, the family has adapted with an immense openness of will, and at the same time enjoyed the change from an urban to rural a environment.

Mr. Kingstone has particularly noticed the concentration here on broad education—from living in a residential situation to balancing academics, sports, fine arts, leadership and other duties. His part in the programme exemplifies this kind of behaviour, acting as English Department Head, English Teacher, Cross Country coach, and Director of Curriculum while participating in events such as the Staff Review, for which he spent weeks preparing an intensely clever ten-minute monologue.

But Mr. Kingstone’s true passion is literature, and given his innumerable differing experiences in both the world of words and the world of family-man/leader, combined with his observant and penetrating disposition, one can easily perceive that he is wise beyond his years. Sometimes this wisdom, and consequential eccentricity, is perceived as absurdity by his students, but mostly it’s taken with a grain of salt or a barrel of laughs. Mr. Kingstone doesn’t beat around the bush—he pushes, encourages and educates with a serious and sharp wit.

What are his goals for the future? Having had a particular passion for running these many years (running his first marathon at the age of 22), he hopes to build up his fitness and possibly run some races in the fall. Moreover, he looks forward with a certain sense of pride to the graduation of his two children.