November Break Trips

Shannon and Bella showcased their research on "The Effect of Zinc Carbon Batteries on the Growth Habits of Raphanus sativus (radishes).” Their oral presentation was well-received, and their research poster was prominently displayed in the exhibition hall, drawing attention from participants around the world. Although Angus didn’t present at the science fair, he did take in the lectures and attend the science workshops

 

Throughout the fair, the students took part in a range of exciting science and engineering activities. They joined small groups to build the slowest marble run, design habitats for a new-world environment, and tour postdoctoral research laboratories. Additionally, they attended lectures on cutting-edge topics, such as iPS cells and genome editing, the chemistry of novel fragrances, lunar science, and the evolution of neural network computation.

 

Beyond science, the fair offered a rich cultural experience. Our students explored interactive booths hosted by different countries, enjoyed musical performances, toured an ancient shrine, and even had a shopping trip in downtown Kyoto. Two student “buddies” from Ritsumeikan High School were assigned to our group, guiding them to events, sharing a meal at Kyoto's top sushi spot, and ensuring they experienced the best of local hospitality.

 

The trip was a memorable blend of science, culture, and new friendships, leaving our students inspired by the global community of scientific minds and the unique experiences of Japanese culture.

 

Ten students and two staff members travelled to Tokyo to revive Shawnigan’s decades-long history of exchanges with Azabu High School, an all-boys private school in the Azabu district. It was the first time Shawnigan had visited Azabu since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Upon arrival, the students were welcomed by their host families and whisked away. The country was celebrating Culture Day, giving the host brothers and their families a long weekend to take the students around Tokyo, taking in food and cultural events, with one student even travelling to the culturally significant city of Nikko, outside Tokyo.

 

After the holiday Azabu students returned to school, with the Shawnigan students going alongside their host brothers. The Shawnigan students attended English classes and helped the Azabu students practice, learning some Japanese of their own in the process, with discussions and presentations comparing Canada with Japan and Shawnigan with Azabu. Shawnigan students participated in judo during PE class, and tried archery after school. They spent their evenings with the host families, either at home or out exploring Tokyo.

 

At the end of their time at Azabu, the students gathered at the school for a farewell party with teachers and host families. The Shawnigan students read messages to their host families and exchanged gifts. “It was quite an emotional evening,” said Ms. Arden Gill, one of the two staff members on the trip. “You could tell that there had been deep connections forged, and some of these relationships will last a lifetime.”

 

On the weekend, the Shawnigan group explored more of the Tokyo area and took the train to Kamakura. They visited more temples, did some shopping, and tried different foods, engaging with the Japanese culture.

 

“Every time someone has asked about my exchange trip to Japan, my answer has been the same: take me back as soon as possible,” Grade 12 student Sorath R. said. “I am by no means a city person, but my time in Tokyo, experiencing everything it had to offer with new friends and being immersed in the culture was a trip like no other. It'll definitely resonate with me as a highlight of my Shawnigan career."

"The Azabu Exchange Program was an incredible opportunity for our Shawnigan students to go experience and be a part of the Japanese culture," added Desi S. "We got to live with our wonderful host families for the majority of the trip, who took us all over Tokyo and showed us the sights. The girls on the trip had the chance to go around Asakusa in kimonos and we all enjoyed shopping throughout Shibuya. My favourite part of the trip was our day outing to Kamakura where we visited three different temples and shrines."

 

We look forward to hosting a delegation from Azabu in March 2026. We are grateful to Andrew Dean ’85 (Lake’s) and his wife Yukiko who hosted one of our students on this exchange and have been great supporters of Shawnigan and the exchange program.

 

 

The students who chose to explore Vancouver Island and the west coast of BC were treated to a whirlwind tour full of activities, adventures and cultural experiences. It began on Quadra Island, where the students stayed at off-the-grid Discovery Islands Lodge and spent time with Brad Assu ’83 (Lonsdale’s), a gifted carver and member of the We Wai Kai First Nation.

 

“Brad was a wealth of knowledge,” said teaching intern Ms. Julianna Weaire, who accompanied the students for part of the trip. “He shared so passionately and with such emotion his past experiences and culture. We further helped to carve a totem pole that will be placed on our own school grounds, one of the most special moments for myself and the students.”

 

The students then spent four nights in Ucluelet, exploring the town, visiting the aquarium, shopping, and hiking. After watching the surfers, they gave the sport a try on their final day.

 

“Students challenged themselves with getting up on their board and once completed, joy overcame their faces,” Ms. Weaire said. “This trip allowed students to bond in ways that may not happen on campus. Students mingled amongst everyone in attendance, cooking meals together, playing board games and always sharing a laugh. Such leadership was seen as the older students were always looking out and willing to help our younger students, with anything from cooking to homework. "

 

After their time in Ucluelet and Tofino, the students travelled to the Mainland, where they visited the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Sea to Sky Gondola, and went skating in Whistler.