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The Quad
By 1928, the new Main Building, the original Gym/Assembly Hall and the Chapel had been built. These three buildings surrounded a rectangular patch of land that has become known as the Quad: a grassy gathering place, used for many purposes. For a number of years, sheep grazed there as a way to keep the lawn trimmed. For many years, the June Closing Ceremonies were held in the Quad. When grad balls were still held at the School, elaborate decorations spilled out from the Assembly Hall into the Quad, everything from Japanese gardens to a pyramid. Not only a place for pomp, the Quad has also housed many a prank, such as a petting zoo. Each fall, the School gathers in the Quad to welcome the Cops for Cancer riders, where staff and student heads are shaved for fundraising. Since 2020, the Remembrance Day Service has been held in the Quad. More recently, it is where the Grad luncheon is served on Closing Day. In addition to these scheduled events, the Quad offers a pleasant place to throw a ball or just relax, and at various times throughout the year, School BBQs are hosted in this space.
When Marion Hall was built, replacing the original Gym/Assembly Hall at the north end of the Quad, the grassy rectangle was re-graded to create a sunken area surrounded by rock walls. The walls form natural seating around the Quad. Brick paths criss-cross the lawn. Occasionally shortcuts at path intersections have resulted in worn areas on the grass. Many students will remember Headmaster David Robertson's repeated admonitions for "cutting corners," his metaphor for not "cutting corners" in life, encouraging them, instead, to aim to do things thoroughly and to the highest possible standard.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
The information presented in this write-up is based on current information available in the School's Archives and consultation with key people who have some relevant connection to this "object." If you have further information about this "object" that you would like to contribute, please contact the School’s Advancement Office at alumni@shawnigan.ca.
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.
