News Detail
Centennial Celebrations
The Official Opening of the Centennial Year
Shawnigan Lake School has bid a fond farewell to its first 100 years of educational excellence. On Saturday, under sunny skies and a sea of familiar smiles, the ribbon was cut on a new century of wonder and possibility.
The Official Opening of the Centennial Year began with a Chapel Service that seemed a little more fervent than usual. With a notable collection of dignitaries, as well as former Headmasters, in attendance, the congregation heard from the Honourable Lieutenant Governor Judith Guichon, who said that she had never experienced a greeting such as the one she received on her arrival at Shawnigan.
Dr. Stephen Spurr, recent Headmaster of London's fabled Westminster School, gave an engaging address, in which he noted many of the similarities between Shawnigan and Westminster, founder C.W. Lonsdale's Alma Mater. Dr. Spurr also shared his admiration for Lonsdale's treasured Packard convertible, brought to Vancouver Island from its current home in Nevada for the occasion. Referring to when he taught his own daughter to drive, Spurr stressed to Shawnigan's graduating class the importance of looking frequently in the rear-view mirror before pulling out from the curb. "Every school is only as good as its current student body," Spurr insisted. "So use this year to reflect not only on the past, built up by others, but on how you, here and now, are contributing to the impressive story."
The talent and enthusiasm of Shawnigan's students had been a theme of Headmaster David Robertson's remarks to the student body during Wednesday's 100th birthday celebration, when he referred to the energy of C.W. Lonsdale being constantly renewed by the yearly influx of gifted young people.
After lunch, guests assembled in front of Shawnigan's new Main Building, as Her Honour Judith Guichon cut the ribbon on Shawnigan's new 'Learning Commons,' which has been re-imagined for a new century of educational challenges and opportunities.
The afternoon allowed guests to enjoy a sampling of current-day "Shawnigan in Action." A Centennial Cabaret featured some favourite performers, while all around the blooming campus, students shared a glimpse of the School's myriad opportunities. New fixtures, such as the ice arena and observatory, were open to visitors. Elsewhere, students displayed their inspired passion for science and nature, the outdoors, athletics and fine art.
Of course, beyond the pomp and ceremony, the event was made more memorable by the moments shared between friends, teachers and classmates. From alumni peeking cautiously inside former dorms, to guests marvelling at the creative impulses of robotics and the recording arts, Shawnigan Lake School enjoyed perhaps its proudest moment in the company of those who helped lay the foundation.
The Shawnigan Centennial will continue with golf tournaments and a festival weekend in June, as well as a black-tie gala in November. The School will carry on with the busyness of challenging and inspiring young minds. With 100 years of history, Shawnigan continues to celebrate the past, while working eagerly to unlock the potential of the future.
- Jon Zacks
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
