News & updates

List of 5 news stories.

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  November Break Trips

  11/15/2024
  While many students returned home during November Break to spend time with their families, some opted to travel on School trips. Two groups visited Japan – one to attend the Japan Super Science Fair in Kyoto, and the other on exchange with Azabu High School in Tokyo – and another explored Vancouver Island and the west coast of British Columbia on an excursion packed with unique experiences and learning opportunities.

   

  Japan Super Science Fair

   

  Three Grade 11 students had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Japan Super Science Fair, hosted by Ritsumeikan Junior and Senior High School in Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto. Representing our school were Shannon C., Bella Z., and Angus W., accompanied by science teacher Dr. Ed Taylor.

   

  Shawnigan was one of 49 schools from 21 countries, and the only one from Canada. This is the 10th time that Shawnigan has sent a delegation to the JSSF.

   
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  Reaching for the Stars

  11/15/2024
  A star in the field of astronomy and astrophysics spent two weeks on campus just prior to the November Break, and in that short time shared his extensive knowledge of the cosmos, physics and coding, and inspired both students and staff at Shawnigan.

   

  Dr. Jon Swift, an astrophysicist and the Director of the Observatory at Thacher School in Ojai, California, made countless contributions to the School during his short tenure as Astronomer in Residence.

   

  “The work he did with all the science students, particularly the Grade 10s, was incredible,” said Mr. Nigel Mayes, Assistant Head Co-Curricular and science teacher. “He focused on what we do know and what we don’t know. He’s charismatic and engaging, and he could get the kids to really think.”

   
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  Remembering the Fallen

  11/15/2024
  Although students were away from campus on November 11 this year, the School still marked Remembrance Day and honoured the many from the Shawnigan community who have served – including 45 alumni and staff who died in the Second World War – with a service on Wednesday, November 13.

   

  This year’s ceremony began with a Chapel Gathering before students moved to the Quad for the traditional placing of poppies on crosses representing Shawnigan’s war dead and laying of wreaths at the School's cenotaph.

   

  The Chapel service was led by Head of School Mr. Richard (Larry) Lamont, and began with a land acknowledgement from Grade 11 student Toni D. (Sto:lo Nation), who also read a poem she wrote about Indigenous veterans. In addition to the hymns “I Vow to Thee My Country,” “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” and “Abide with Me,” there were also readings of Lt.-Col. John McCrae’s “In Flanders Fields” by Alex F., and Laurence Binyon’s “For the Fallen” by Lucas P. The students also heard an address from Lt.-Col. (Retd) Bruce Gundling MB, CD on the topic of service, reflecting on his 38 years in the Royal Canadian Air Force.

   
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  Día de los Muertos

  11/1/2024
  Shawnigan celebrated Day of the Dead this week with a moving Chapel service and decorations in the Friesen Centre.

   

  Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is celebrated in Mexico and Central America on November 1 and 2, but with students away for November Break starting this Friday, the School marked the special occasion in the Chapel gathering on Wednesday.

   

  As Patricio G. explained last week, Day of the Dead is a time to remember family members who have passed on. November 1, el Día de los Santos Inocentes, is a day to remember the souls of children who have passed on. Everyone else is honoured on November 2.

   
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  Founder's Day 2024

  11/1/2024
  Barbra Streisand’s "The Way We Were" was Billboard's No. 1 song of the year in 1974. Fifty years later, Shawnigan’s Class of 1974 joined counterparts from other years ending in four for Founder's Day 2024 to remember the way they were.

   

  Members of the Class of 1974 were inducted into the Gold Club at the Gold Club Luncheon, and alumni from 1964 and 1954 were celebrated as members of the Diamond and Platinum clubs, respectively. The Class of 1984 marked their Silver Reunion with a special reception at the Head's House.

   

  All alumni are welcome back every Founder’s Day, but those from 1954, 1964, 1974, 1984, 1994, 2004 and 2014 were particularly encouraged to attend to mark the decades since graduation, and the Classes of 1999 and 1989 also marked their 25- and 35-year reunions. The day was marked with reconnections, shared memories and enjoyed a variety of activities on campus, including touch rugby, rowing, a pottery class, and campus tours led by current students.

   
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