Samuel House Grand Opening

Head of School Mr. Larry Lamont acknowledged that the opening of the House is a major milestone in Shawnigan’s 100-plus-year history, and spoke about how it will serve as a supportive foundation for our youngest students, many of whom will go on to become leaders in the School in their own right.

 

Not to forget the Samuels themselves, who have dedicated decades to the School in so many ways.

 

“From when I met them, when I came to the School to interview for the Head’s job, I realized these people were the soul of the School,” Mr. Lamont said. “It is wonderful that their combined 60 years of service to the School are being reflected here. They stand for the School, the leadership, and the strategic direction of Shawnigan.”

 

Speaking for himself and his wife, Rhod Samuel expressed his gratitude to everyone who made Samuel House possible.

 

“Thank you to the donors who have funded and supported this magnificent building,” he said. “To friends and the staff past and present that have played such a key part in our lives during our life here in Canada. Lastly a big thank you to Ms. Kathini Cameron for her interior vision and to you, Larry, for having the courage and vision to build a co-ed boarding house for Grade 8s, with one wing pointing towards Brynaman (Gaynor’s hometown) and the other pointing to Cwmgors (Rhod’s hometown).”

 

The Samuels’ sons, Owain (Rids) and Dafydd, also spoke about their pride in the House and their parents’ legacy at Shawnigan.

 

“This marks for us not just the opening of a new building, but the celebration of two lives devoted to Shawnigan and the continuation of their hard work and commitment which has helped shaped the lives of so many over the years,” Owain said.

 

“I can tell you, first-hand, that they really do live and breathe Shawnigan. They spend all their days here on campus, and go home in the evenings to talk almost only about School, or the pattern of floral shirt Rhod will wear the next day. Over the years, by will or osmosis, they’ve helped uphold and enrich the Shawnigan culture, supplement the School’s founding tenets, all while seeking to infuse their own brand of Welsh values and heritage.”

 

The campus has been more than just a home for the Samuel brothers. They grew up here as staff kids, then attended the School, and remain closely tied as their parents continue to work at Shawnigan.

 

“Needless to say, we could not have been more fortunate for having been raised here,” Dafydd said. “Through the years, as we kids and teenagers took in all the gifts this campus offers, we also got to witness Mum and Dad’s growth, professionally and personally, as citizens of SLS.”

 

Gaynor and Rhod continue to extol the virtues of Shawnigan to their sons at every opportunity, even if it’s not necessary.

 

“I find myself thinking, ‘I don’t need the sales pitch; I’ve already been here, and I’ll be darned if my kids are going to school anywhere else.’” Dafydd said. “But of course, it’s not a sales pitch; it’s the genuine pride and adoration they have for Shawnigan, its students and their successes, and the quality of young people it produces.”

 

The brothers want Samuel House to help provide a similar experience for the students of the future as they had when they lived at and attended Shawnigan.

 

“We hope that for you Grade 8s, and for generations of young students that follow, this House may be a home away from home and that the experience and relationships you form in it will enrich your lives long after you graduate, just as this School has for my brother and me.”

 

Two Grade 8s, Gabo C. and Fer M., also had the opportunity to speak.

 

“This has been a great upgrade from the last House and I have learnt how to be closer to my friends and classmates,” Gabo said. “Thanks to this House I have grown closer to my peers in Stanton and the day students in Levien.

 

“This new House is truly incredible, and I am so grateful to be able to use and enjoy this brand-new and incredible House. I want to thank all of the donors, House Directors and staff for making this possible, and last but not least the Grade 11 mentors.”

 

Fer M. spoke about how Samuel House has helped her adjust to living away from her home in Mexico.

 

“At the beginning, being an international student was a challenge for me, being far from home, away from family and friends, but when I first got here, I knew something about Shawnigan was different. And that thought could never be truer than when we moved into Samuel,” she said. “We have only had three months in this House, and it has already transformed my Shawnigan experience. As the years roll on, I can't wait to hear about the countless little girls that despite traveling far from home get to walk through those Samuel doors and find a home just like I did.”

 

Thank you to the House staff, leadership donors, all donors and supporters, Board members, operations staff, the building committee, and to the Advancement team for a successful fundraising campaign and organizing the Grand Opening reception.