Inspire the best in each to create the best for all
Our Mission
Spark Minds, Kindle Hearts, Forge Futures
Statement of Our Values
Shawnigan Lake School’s values build on our School’s history and traditions and Canadian heritage and values, and serve to inform how we interact with each other and with our world
A culture of curiosity and exploration lies at the heart of a Shawnigan education, inspiring a lifelong practice of discovery about oneself and the world around us. Wonder is the seed that bears the fruit of knowledge and innovation.
I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.
- Albert Einstein, German Scientist and Winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics
Shawnigan values a genuine understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives and challenges faced by others, combined with a commitment to having a positive impact in the world through humility, empathy, a shared humanity and meaningful action. Treating others with dignity and respect are key principles that guide our interactions.
What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It
is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will
determine the significance of the life we lead.
- Nelson Mandela, South African Statesman and Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize
Shawnigan’s culture is characterized by fellowship, teamwork, responsibility, mutual respect and support, celebration of diversity, a sense of belonging, and a shared purpose and mission. Lifelong friendships are forged here and we seek to guide our students to be community builders at Shawnigan and beyond.
...people will forget what you said, people will forget what you
did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
- Maya Angelou, American Writer and Civil Rights Activist
The word “courage” is derived from the Latin word for “heart; to show courage is to speak and act from your heart. We encourage our students to be thoughtful, ethical and principled, and to develop moral courage in the face of adversity. We also encourage them to embrace challenges, take risks, seek excellence and develop future-proofing skills in preparation for life beyond our gates.
I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you
try; dreams are made possible if you try.
- Terry Fox, Canadian Athlete and Humanitarian
Shawnigan can and should be a living model of these values.
To this end, community members have a personal responsibility to integrate these values into every aspect of their experience at Shawnigan. Conversation is essential to understanding and developing our values.
Through our personal commitment to these values, we can create an environment in which every individual can achieve their full potential and ambitions.
We seek to provide a balanced, well-rounded education and diverse, interdisciplinary programming along with the delivery of our purpose, mission and values. We nurture the growth of a student’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potential.
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.