In the Admissions Office, our team works with incoming families to support the transition into all things Shawnigan. At this stage of the year, we are transitioning from supporting families through the admissions process (submitting documents, providing admissions decisions, educating families on the School, campus visits, etc.) to setting them up for a successful transition onto campus. With students planning their move to our campus from all corners of the world, common questions revolve around what to pack. 

 

In late spring each year, new families who will be joining us in the fall receive a packing list, as well as some exciting promotional material made by our Student Council and Advancement Team. This year’s information will feature a video made by one of our students, and a Spotify playlist made by current students filled with songs that our students love to listen to. 

 

In addition to the standard packing list distributed, we asked Shawnigan students of all ages to name some things they wish they had packed when they first came to Shawnigan.

 

If you’re travelling from an international country or from somewhere you need to fly from, many of these items could be purchased after you get to Vancouver Island. Many students choose to bring their summer and fall clothing with them in September, and then swap it out for winter and Ski Week attire at December break. 

 

Packing a suitcase to move to boarding school can seem like a daunting task. Hopefully these tips and tricks will help prepare for the boarding school journey. They are by no means required items, but things that might help make for a successful experience.