Copeman's House

House Colours: crimson and white
House Emblem: cross-crosslet
House Motto: Ubi Crux Ibi Lux – "Where there is a cross, there is light"
House Hymn: Lift High the Cross
Copeman's House was established in September 1929, and is named after John Y. Copeman, a Victoria lawyer who was a generous supporter of the School from its earliest days, and close friend of the Founder's. He was Chairman of the Board of Governors from 1953 until his death in 1958.

Copeman's House was a large, purpose-built dormitory holding up to 100 boys with its own kitchen and dining room. It actually housed two separate groups: Copeman’s House and Junior House. Junior House was for the youngest boys with their own Housemaster on the top floor.

In August 1968, the original Copeman's House was lost in a catastrophic fire. The boys were temporarily housed in trailers while a replacement was constructed. In September 1969, they moved into one of three new concrete buildings on the hill east of the driveway. The newest Copeman’s House was built in 2005, located close to where it started, near the top of the original Copeman's stairs. 

The original Copeman's House emblem was a griffin, with the motto Vix Ex Nostra Voco, translated "Scarce we call these things our own." The current emblem and motto were adopted in 1962.

For more information about Copeman’s House, please visit one of our previous write-ups here.

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.
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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.