Student Life
Grade 8s Honour Grade 11 Mentors
In this season of giving and gratitude, the Grade 8 girls of Stanton House wanted to express their appreciation to the Grade 11 students who provide guidance and mentorship in the House – and how better to do it than by throwing them a dinner party?
In addition to the House staff, led by Mrs. Rainbow Bartlett and Mrs. Rayna Hyde-Lay, the Grade 8 girls are nurtured by a group of Grade 11 students from different Houses who rotate through Stanton in pairs. The Grade 11s interview for the privilege of assisting the Grade 8s, and help out with everything from homework to sports to baking. The Grade 11s become like big sisters to the Grade 8s: familiar faces on campus who will help them transition to their senior Houses in Grade 9.
“I asked the Grade 8s what they would like to do to give back to the Grade 11s for their lovely mentorship and caring throughout the house,” Mrs. Bartlett explained. “The students came up with the idea to cook a three-course meal and put on entertainment for the Grade 11s.”
The delightful dinner party took place on an evening earlier this month. The Grade 8s decorated the House in a holiday theme, created a menu, made special drinks, served the Grade 11s and provided musical entertainment. They also made personal cards for each of the Grade 11s to thank them for their guidance.
Executive Director of Admissions Mrs. Gaynor Samuel dropped by the dinner to thank both the Grade 11s and Grade 8s for their efforts. This will be the last gratitude dinner in Stanton House as all Grade 8s at Shawnigan are getting set to move into Samuel House in February. The Grade 11 mentorship program will continue in Samuel House as well.
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.
