Traditions Summer 2023

Do your best through truth and courage

Momentum: Strategic Directions for a Thriving Future

Chad Holtum, Head of School

This is an extraordinary time to be a part of Glenlyon Norfolk School.

As an exceptional school, we are constantly looking for ways to grow and improve, to ensure that students are empowered and prepared so that when they graduate, they’re ready for success. Not only for their post-secondary endeavours, but for wherever their life’s journey takes them. As a community, we are defining and redefining the possibilities of what a truly first-class education can be. One that values individuality. Community. Caring. Truth and Courage.

mygns_head It was a pleasure to visit with this great group of @r0undsquare exchange students this morning (three from @athenianschool and one from @havergalcollege). This is the first time since the start of the pandemic that we have been able to arrange these valuable experiences for our students, ones that allow them to make lifelong connections with their peers at other Round Square schools.

#mygns #roundsquare #studentexchange

mygns_head

#mygns #gryphonsforlife

Earlier this year, we introduced Momentum: Strategic Directions for Glenlyon Norfolk School, a ground breaking plan that sets the stage for the development of concrete short- and medium-term goals, allowing the school to respond, evolve, and thrive in our ever-changing world. The creation of this plan was a collaborative effort, with over 250 members of the GNS community, including alumni, current and past parents, board members, students, faculty, and staff, dedicating their time and energy to shape a roadmap that aligns with the unique needs and aspirations of the school.

Through an inclusive process spanning several weeks, our community delved into what truly matters to us and our children, and what sets GNS apart from other educational institutions. The Senior Leadership Team and Society and Foundation Board members worked closely to identify goals that would nurture an exceptional student experience from early childhood to Grade 12. Organized under three key pillars—Community Driven, Inspired Pathways, and Planning for a Bold Future—these goals position GNS to build upon its already remarkable momentum.

#learning #sharing #mygns

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our community members for their unwavering support in partnering with us to educate the next generation. The strength of GNS lies in the collective passion, dedication and collaboration of its people. As we embark on realizing these strategic directions, our core values—individuality, community, caring, truth and courage—will guide us every step of the way.

Together, we look forward to breathing life into these transformative goals. By staying true to our values and harnessing the power of our community, we will create an educational experience that empowers our students, equips them for an everevolving world, and nurtures their individual aspirations.

At GNS, we believe in the power of education to shape lives and futures. With Momentum as our compass, we embark on this exciting journey, united in our mission to create an extraordinary educational environment that inspires and prepares the leaders and innovators of tomorrow. Let us embrace the opportunities that lie ahead and build a future that embodies the spirit of Glenlyon Norfolk School.

Follow Chad on Instagram @mygns_head

mygns_head Well done Grade 3s on your summative projects for your Signs and Symbols unit of inquiry!

#ibpyp

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mygns_head What an honour to be with Hamish Simpson of the founding family of Glenlyon. We will be forever in their debt for their contributions to education. Thank you Simpson family!

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our community members for their unwavering support in partnering with us to educate the next generation.

GNS Pemberton Woods Campus Renewal Project.

As we embark on an exciting chapter for our Pemberton Woods Campus, we recognize the importance of engaging with our community every step of the way. Your input is invaluable as we plan long-awaited upgrades and improvements. Join us in shaping the future of our campus by participating in our meetings and workshops. Together, we will modernize the infrastructure, address seismic updates, enhance facilities and provide our students with the best resources and technologies available. Visit pwrenewal.ca for updates and additional resources, or to register for our upcoming events.

Welcoming the Next Generation of Gryphons

At Glenlyon Norfolk School (GNS), we take immense pride in the lasting impact we have on our students, nurturing not just academic growth but also creating a profound sense of connection within our close-knit community. Many of our former students fondly recall the atmosphere of belonging and encouragement that shaped their lives during their time at GNS and spurred them to success within and beyond the classroom. When alumni return and enrol their children at GNS, we see their desire to extend this experience to their children as a testament to the enduring strength of our community. They return confident that our commitment to embrace each student as an individual, support their strengths, and foster an environment where they can grow academically and personally remains unwavering. GNS is more than just a school. It is a home away from home. A place where lifelong connections are forged. We are honoured to continue this legacy by embracing generations of families within our cherished community.

Nick Anderson ’01

What was your experience like at GNS?

I have so many fond memories of my time at GNS, it’s truly a challenge to do them justice in just a few sentences. Beach play by the boathouse, the $5 boat race, and windy days with my coat flipped over my head to catch the breeze, are just a few of my most memorable moments at the junior school. I made life long friends and had some great experiences both in day-to-day life and with ‘Outweeks’ and sporting events. The CIS soccer tournaments with Mr. Bowers will always be a highlight of my childhood.

Why did you want to send your child to GNS?

I had a great experience at GNS. Looking back now, I had no idea how lucky I was to be at such a great school. I recognize that my final year at GNS was very focused on preparing me for post-secondary education and it was evident to me, even then, that Grades 9 to 11 were very intentionally preparing me for that final year. When I look at the school curriculum now, I’m impressed to see that same intentional progressive preparation starting within the First Steps and Junior Kindergarten programs. GNS was a great school when I attended and it’s incredible that it has gotten even better; after walking through the initial school tour, my wife and I both felt that the best option for our children was to get our kids into this upgraded version of the GNS I experienced.

How has their experience at GNS been?

Our kids love the Junior School. Although we had our share of dropoff tears in the first few weeks, the genuine smiles and happy skip/ run/hugs at pickup time leave no doubt as to their comfort and happiness while they are at school. We love the Seesaw program that helps us ask pointed questions about their day. Reviewing the days pictures and videos turns the standard response of “nothing” or “I don’t know” to a chattering about a variety of exciting topics. We

Nick and his wife Tracy with their sons Robbie ’34 and Benjamin ’36.

Nick Anderson continued…

get great support with helping our kids develop both scholastically and socially, and we are grateful to all the teachers and support staff for helping our kids work towards their full potential.

What are you looking forward to having your child experience while at GNS?

I really enjoy watching the boys play on the same grounds I remember playing on as a kid. It’s a priceless experience to watch your kids relive some of your best memories. I look forward to our boys exploring all of my GNS highlights and finding their own through the new and improved GNS curriculum and programs.

I am excited for the world of learning and experiences that lie

Susannah Wood ’89

What was your experience like at GNS?

One of the greatest experiences about attending GNS was the sense of family I felt while at school. Never did I feel alone or unsupported. The community that was composed of teachers, students, administrators and operations staff, all worked together and helped each other be successful. The community fostered a spirit of unfailing solidarity where we all knew the janitors’ names and they knew ours, we worked in a home away from home, and we were successful because of the spirit of positivity and the strength—it gave us in that anchor.

Why did you want to send your child to GNS?

For the very reason listed above. I wanted my children to have the feeling of unconditional support at home AND at school, and I wanted them to know that they could achieve anything they dreamed of. GNS helped me believe that.

How has their experience at GNS been?

Really good. My daughter has had the support she has needed during the highs and lows of being a teenager and through the

ahead for our kids as they move into higher grades. While we appreciate the early development, we recognize that our boys are just scratching the surface of what GNS has to offer.

What makes GNS special to your family?

Every time our kids come home with a new skill or a newly developed insight and understanding of the world, GNS becomes more special to our family. GNS will always be special to me for my own reasons, but like most parents, the growth and happiness of my kids overshadows my personal connection. We enjoy the closeness of the GNS community, and I especially enjoy seeing familiar faces of other alumni bringing their children back and getting to watch our kids learn and grow together.

many transitions of life. She has met lifelong friends and is learning who she is in the most positive environment I could hope for.

What are you looking forward to having your child experience while at GNS?

My child has done what I hoped she would do at GNS. She has become a kind, good person who will be a constructive, contributing citizen of the world on her terms.

What makes GNS special to your family?

The ‘acknowledgment and respect of the individual’ is what I love about GNS. If you aren’t an academic, or a super jock or a super art lover—it’s OK! GNS looks at its students strengths and embraces them while encouraging them to work through and manage the challenges. There are no failures. The other part of what makes GNS special to our family is our history there. My mother, Sally Learoyd, attended Norfolk House in the 1950s, my sister, and I attended in the 70s and 80s as lifers and I met the father of my children (Alexander Roethel) at an alumni event in the 1990s! He was at Glenlyon in the 1970s and 1980s. As a family we truly drink the GNS Koolaid!! I have to add, many of my closest friendships to date are people I met at GNS 35 years ago.

Sally Learoyd, Norfolk House. Fraser and Julia Roethel.

Fraser, Susannah and Julia.

Ashley Freeman ’00

Jean Bigelow, Alumni Liaison

It was a pleasure to meet Ashley Freeman for coffee recently to catch up on what she has been up to since her graduation in 2000. Reminiscing about her life at GNS, Ashley has fond memories of the warm, supportive small community that she enjoyed. Teachers can make a difference in a student’s life and she noted a few that stood out as outstanding teachers and mentors; Veronica Blake and Angie Girard were two that made a difference to her.

GNS is a small school and as a result, students participated widely in co-curricular activities. Ashley loved athletics, including cross-country running, soccer, rowing and field hockey. She was in the choir at one point as well.

GNS was a great place to develop and keep lifelong friendships, that have lasted to this day. Jill Newsome, Brydie McMullin, Erin Fitzpatrick and Peter Vallance are close friends who have stayed connected despite the busyness of their respective lives.

Ashley took a year off after graduating to travel and work before starting her first degree at UVic to study biology and psychology. Upon

completion of her degree, she moved to Ireland for medical school at the Royal College of Surgeons. She loved being there as, in addition to her studies, she was able to take advantage of being in Europe to travel. She took part in several medical trips to such places as Jordan, South Africa and Tanzania, learning how medicine works in other parts of the world. In Jordan, Ashley worked in a cancer hospital, which while intense, piqued her continued interest in oncology.

After completing medical school in 2011, Ashley moved to Washington DC to study internal medicine for the next three years, followed by another three years at the University of North Carolina for their cancer research programme. She continued to work in oncology, pursuing an interest in cancer immunotherapy, with a specific interest in cancers of the blood. Ashley returned to Victoria in 2017 for a research program at the BC Cancer Agency and stayed for a clinical practice position. She finds the work incredibly rewarding, allowing her to develop profound patient relationships.

Meeting her husband Dale in 2019, the two welcomed baby Annie in 2020 and they are in the process of building a home on the family property, living close to her mother, Debbie Todd, an old girl of GNS, graduating in 1969. Ashley and Dale are setting up a small hobby farm on the property and Ashley is enjoying biking, especially her new e-bike which she rides back and forth to work.

Ashley is a warm-hearted person with a ready smile and a gentle nature. She is helping people who face huge health challenges while she and Dale are raising their daughter and living her best life. It was great to see that GNS played a part in giving her the skills to do what she was passionate about.

Nicole Bottles ’10

Jean Bigelow, Alumni Liaison

I met with Nicole (and her beautiful puppy, Russett) one lovely sunny morning in May as she was opening her small knitting shop in Langford Station, a creative hub in that area. Nicole came to GNS in Grade 5, from the US. She remembers well many things about the school including knitting with Mrs. Tanner. She has fond memories of choir and band and her love of music continues to this day. Halfway through Grade 10, Nicole contracted Lyme disease, which became very debilitating for her. Despite a great deal of advocacy on her behalf, locally, Nicole eventually sought treatment in Eastern USA where Lyme disease appeared to be better understood and treated. Nicole ended up unable to walk much and used a wheelchair for mobility. The disease’s side effects made attendance at school a challenge but Nicole was able to complete Spanish and English at the IB level, for which she is justifiably proud.

After graduation from GNS, Nicole continued to be treated for Lyme disease for the following 8 years. She spent much of her time lobbying in Ottawa for Elizabeth May to bring forward a private members bill (C442) to create a federal framework for addressing the various issues around the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease in Canada. It standardized education regarding Lyme disease across the country. Supported by the Canadian Lyme Disease Foundation, Nicole worked with passion and dedication. She testified before the Senate subcommittee on this issue as well as presented to anyone and everyone who would listen. She wrote endless letters and met with every politician who would give her an audience. Nicole is delighted to report that the bill passed unanimously both in the House of Commons and the Senate. Throughout this process, Nicole learned more than she ever thought about politics and how things happen in this country. The disease caused so much pain that walking was almost impossible and that, combined with spinal issues, meant Nicole spent 12 years in a wheelchair. Due to continuous work on her recovery, she has now reached a point where she is no longer dependent on her wheelchair. She still is developing her stamina and energy, but things continue to improve, albeit very slowly. Nicole was taught to knit by her grandmother when she was seven years old on her week-long visits to Ontario. She had to puzzle things out in the times between visits as in those days there was no way to look things up on Youtube. At age nine, Nicole taught her first knitting class, a testament to the knitter she had become in two short years! When she was fifteen the local public library started a free knitting programme as a community service. The

items that were produced were donated to Our Place for the unhoused. She reports that these hand-knit hats and scarves were knit with love that could certainly be felt by those receiving them.

In 2013, Nicole started dyeing her own yarns a few skeins at a time. She loved the creative aspect of this and before long was selling her uniquely dyed wool at various markets in the area. She then started creating patterns, learning new skills at every point along the way. Finally, she opened her small shop which is where you can find her most days. A true problem solver, Nicole also does web design for other creators in the arts. She remembers Mr. Britten, the IT teacher suggesting that she might find a career in the tech field as he saw early on that she was a problem solver at heart.

I asked Nicole about her best memories of GNS and there were many, mostly centred around band and choir. The trips to Seattle and beyond were highlights, as well as the lifelong friendships she made at school. She fondly remembers Star Wyatt, her art teacher who brought out the very best creative instincts of every student.

As for advice to graduates, Nicole says that if you follow what truly makes you happy, you will build the life you are meant to have so always keep exploring what makes you happy. I’d say that’s great advice!

Nicole’s future plans include offering classes out of her shop and eventually hosting a yarn festival at the Langford Creation Station—very worthy goals indeed!

Eric Lowe ’08

Jean Bigelow, Alumni Liaison

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Eric to catch up with him after he finished with his last patient at the GNS Physiotherapy Clinic. Eric looks back on his time at GNS with fond memories. An IB student (allowing him to go straight into some secondyear courses at university), Eric studied kinesiology at UBC. His best memories of GNS centre around his participation in sports including being a member of two provincial-winning soccer teams (2005 and 2007), captaining the rugby team, and playing on the basketball team. Out of school, he was an active baseball player, playing for the Victoria Mariners Baseball Organization. At GNS Eric made lifelong friends with whom he still keeps in regular contact and that he considers to be his closest friends today.

provided him with some great opportunities to work in sports such as a five-year stint as the head physio for the UBC men’s baseball team, working with the Canadian men’s field hockey team as they prepared for the Rio 2016 Olympics, working as a member of the host medical team for the 2019 World Junior Hockey Championships, and working as the physio for the Odlum Brown ATP challenger event (helping many big-name Canadian tennis players).

Returning to Victoria, Eric accepted a full-time position at RebalanceMD. He was excited to learn that many of his colleagues have chosen to place their children at GNS. In the fall of 2022, he opened the GNS Physiotherapy Clinic, located in the Scott Fitness Centre at the Pemberton Woods Campus, to help serve the staff and students of the GNS community. That’s what he was doing the day we met. I had a few questions for him.

Eric met and started dating his future wife Monica Grundmann ‘09 at GNS. Together, they moved to Vancouver and attended UBC, eventually getting married in 2019. Eric and Monica moved back to Victoria in the Spring of 2021 and welcomed their son, Cooper, in the fall of 2021. They are happy to be back in Victoria, living in their old neighbourhood and close to both sets of grandparents!

Eric’s love of sports fueled his interest in the human body and eventually led him to begin pursuing a career in Physiotherapy. Upon completing his undergrad in Kinesiology, he was accepted into the Master of Physiotherapy program at UBC. Physiotherapy has

What made you want to start this clinic?

I was working in a similar setting in Vancouver, and I knew this model works. After seeing the Scott Fitness Centre I thought it was a good opportunity to reach out and see if the school was interested in my clinic proposal. I had already been seeing so many youth athletes and high school students at my other clinic, so I know the main barrier to receiving treatment is finding a time that works around the student’s busy schedules and the parents’ work schedules. This clinic helps solve that problem as students can access services

It has been great to be so warmly welcomed back into the GNS community! I have always looked back so fondly on my time at GNS; it is an institution that provided me with so much.

in a convenient and timely way. I also see it as a way for me to give back to the school that I have so many fond memories of.

How have things been going?

Things have been going really well, I am seeing a pretty even split between students and staff. Starting this last October, I feel the clinic has been steadily gaining momentum, with more people hearing of the clinic and knowing these services exist in such a convenient manner, I am confident that it will continue to grow.

What types of patients have you been seeing?

I’m seeing a wide range of things from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Although most patients are coming to see me with a specific injury, preventative physiotherapy plays an important role with our student-athletes.

What is Physiotherapy?

Physiotherapists are movement and exercise specialists. During a session, I will take a detailed health history and find out the client’s goals and why they decided to seek out physiotherapy services. Next, I will perform a physical assessment where I observe how you move and see if there are any restrictions or pain with specific movements and test your strength. Finally, I will perform a treatment consisting primarily of manual therapy, education and exercise. Other treatments I may provide if necessary are dry needling/acupuncture or taping.

Who should be seeking your services?

Physiotherapy can be beneficial for many people at any stage of their health and physical activity journey. It is a common

misconception that you have to have an injury to seek physiotherapy, but I see many patients for preventative reasons. Whether you are a national or provincial level athlete, weekend warrior or just thinking about getting back into a physical activity routine—physiotherapy can be beneficial for you.

What has been the best part of the clinic so far?

It has been great to be so warmly welcomed back into the GNS community! I have always looked back so fondly on my time at GNS; it is an institution that provided me with so much. The friends I made at the school are still my best friends today. And of course, I met my wife while going to GNS. It has also been great to reconnect with so many of my former teachers from the school!

What are your clinical interests?

While I am happy to treat anyone who wants to seek out my services, I have a special interest in treating youth athletes, especially baseball players and overhead athletes. I also enjoy treating patients post-operatively such as ACL reconstruction or shoulder surgery and providing safe return to sport guidance.

What are your goals for this clinic?

Ideally, I’d like to expand the hours of the clinic to service the GNS community four to five days per week.

What are your goals for your career?

Clinic ownership has always interested me, but with a young family, working full-time at Rebalance and running this clinic—this is good for now.

Clea BigelowNuttall ’99

Clea cam to GNS in Grade 6, when she, her father and brother moved back to Victoria from London, England to be closer to family after the passing of her mother Mary who graduated in 1968. Her mother was head girl and her aunts and cousins attended GNS, so she and her brother Chris were excited to join the GNS community that she had heard so much about.

An IB Diploma student, Clea loved the novelty of a program that was relatively new to the school. She appreciated the fact that it was internationally recognized as she had always hoped to study abroad. She felt that there was an elegant simplicity to the IB; it was rigorous but not out of reach. She especially loved Theory of Knowledge with Mrs. Chatterton because it was very openended and she found the discussions about thinking and learning enlightening. She found the self-directed Extended Essay the most challenging part of the Diploma Program, mostly because she did not take it as seriously as she might have. Treating it like a long book report did not quite do the job. It was her first real exposure to completely self-directed learning, and the skills she learned through this process prepared her well for her time later at Oxford. Clea’s fondest memories of the school include playing rugby (becoming captain of the team in Grade 12), swimming and running crosscountry, as well as nearly every Outweek experience, most notably the time she went climbing with Mr. Lidstone in the interior of BC. She reports being pushed far beyond her comfort zone, and loving the feeling of accomplishment on reaching new heights, literally! She remembers the academic dinners and sports evenings, where it was cool to do well both academically and on the field. She recalls having small parts in several plays, including Grease, Antigone, Cinderella and Oliver Twist all with Mrs. Treloar. Clea led the school as Games Captain with humour, grace and a strong sense of community.

After graduation, Clea did a GAP year in Kent, England, followed by her first degree at UVic majoring in French and English. She spent her third year in Dijon, France, returning to graduate in 2004. After graduating she moved to the south of France to teach English to French children for a year. In 2005 Clea was accepted into Oxford to study law, following her mother’s footsteps at Jesus College. Clea chose to train as a solicitor and completed a twoyear traineeship (similar to articling in Canada) with Lovells LLP, where every six months she worked in a different area of law such as insurance and reinsurance, construction and infrastructure, real estate, and international arbitration. Upon qualifying in 2010, she accepted a position in the international arbitration team of the firm’s Paris office. Clea remained in Paris for several years, specializing in international commercial and investor-state disputes.

In 2014, Clea was attending a wedding of a friend in the south of England when she met her future husband and fellow rugby player, Damien. Clea moved back to London in 2015, joining the firm Pinsent Masons. She and Damien have two children, Arthur born in 2017 and Beatrice, born in 2018. She was made partner of her law firm in 2022 and the family moved to their new home in Westcliff-onSea in June. She loves all things athletic and has recently taken up cold-water swimming. A busy mum, wife and lawyer, Clea is like the energizer bunny. A ready smile and warm heart are her trademarks. She credits GNS for giving her the confidence to follow her dreams.

Clea comes to Victoria as often as possible to see family and friends with whom she attended GNS.

Gryphon Gallery: Why are We Gryphons?

Stuart Brambley, School Archivist

Thirty-six years after the amalgamation of Glenlyon and Norfolk House Schools, it actually took a Grade 1 student to ask “Why are we Gryphons?”

A great and rarely asked question that provides an opportunity to tell why our school made a number of symbolic changes to herald in the new era of GNS.

Back in early 1986 and within three months of both founding school societies voting in favour of amalgamating, legal documents were signed, a new Board of Governors was formed and a new name was agreed upon. Several names had been discussed including Norlyon, but the final vote on May 13 1986, split only by whether to use a hyphen or not, sided with Glenlyon-Norfolk School. (The hyphen was eventually removed 20+ years later).

The crest and motto, developed by board member Jamie Henwood, demonstrated a strong loyalty to the founding schools. Following heraldic conventions, the crest became the first emblem of the new school and was immediately represented on ties and blazer badges for the school year starting in September 1986.

The motto under the crest combined that of NHS, “Do thy best and rejoice with those that do better,” with that of Glenlyon, “Veritas atque Valor” (Truth and Courage). The result was “Veritate Valore Optime Agis” (Do Your Best Through Truth and Courage).

Uniforms became the next decision for immediate attention. After consultation with a tartan weaver, a new plaid was developed that incorporated the blue and green of the founding schools, together with white and gold on a grey background, the colour of the boy’s pants. The navy blazer completed the Number One Dress code all of which was well received by parents and students alike.

At the Beach Drive Campus, an important tradition that also needed changing was the singing of “Glenlyon By The Sea.” Based on Kipling’s “Sussex” poem, the lyrics were created by Florence Simpson. These were updated slightly to recognise Glenlyon-Norfolk by the sea and went through further modifications to represent cultural changes at this campus as it accommodated a younger, coeducational student body.

Now to that Gryphon question and the school’s mascot. The Gryphon is a legendary creature with the body, tail, and back legs of a lion; the head and wings of an eagle; and sometimes an eagle’s talons as its front feet. PE specialists Andrew and Mully Jackson came up with the name. Initially, the newly amalgamated school had no mascot other than the GNS initials. Glenlyon had its Rampant Lion but Norfolk House used the NHS symbol. Mully took charge of the school store and wanted to have logos on the PE strip and sports uniforms. After looking around for ideas, the Gryphon was chosen because it’s a mythical creature, neither male nor female, and put it in the rampant pose like the lion of Glenlyon, therefore creating a new but fairly seamless change.

Although originally designed as a symbol for athletics, the Gryphon now represents all members of our school community and is an icon of GNS school spirit.

Gryphon Gallery: Sandy Drever

Stuart Brambley, School Archivist

Born in Calgary, Sandy Drever was hired at GNS in September 1988 and retired in June 2015 after 26 years as a PE teacher, coach in squash, volleyball, basketball and golf programs and Director of Athletics.

She was a high school standout athlete in basketball, volleyball, swimming, golf and field hockey. While attending the University of Calgary from 1968–1971, she was named the University of Calgary’s outstanding female athlete in 1969 for playing basketball. However, she opted not to play the following year in favour of volleyball and was selected in that sport for Canada at the World Student Games in Turin in 1970.

In 1971, Sandy was selected by Canada for field hockey and played until 1979 (from 1977–1979 as captain). It was in that final year that she was immortalized on a Canada postage stamp, publicizing the World Field Hockey Championship in Vancouver. The stamp was designed from the photograph of Sandy scoring a goal in a tour of Great Britain game vs. a Leicester club side.

During her field hockey playing years after graduating from university, Sandy coached the University of Alberta’s Pandas (women’s) Swim Team from 1972–1974, achieving a national title in her second season.

In 1979, she received the City of Calgary Recognition Award for Field Hockey and in the following year was named Head Coach of field hockey at UVic—replacing former Norfolk House School teacher/coach Jenny John. Her coaching was rewarded when, in 1984, the UVic women’s field hockey team captured the CIAU championship. Sandy guided the Vikettes to an undefeated 10-0-3 season and UVic’s first of 11 national championships (so far) in a sport previously dominated by the

University of Toronto, York and UBC. Although there were many skilled individuals in the line-up, the 1984 team captured gold because of the power of teamwork.

In 1983, Sandy and her husband, Stuart Dixon, were instrumental in establishing the Victoria Squash Club on Cook Street, developing and providing facilities for a long reign of provincial and national squash champions, including her own over-35 National Championship titles in 1985 and 1989. In 1991 Sandy was the recipient of the BC Squash Association President’s Plate “for the best supporter of our game and our Association.”

In 2012, she was presented with the BC High School Female Coach of the Year Award and became the inaugural winner of the “Coach” award on the GNS Centennial Wall of Honour. The GNS Centennial Wall of Honour was established to recognize those individuals who, through their involvement with athletics, have contributed significantly to sport at GNS as athletes, coaches, or as builders/administrators.

Sandy retired from GNS in 2015, at which time there were many accolades of praise, not the least being: “Ms. Drever found the perfect balance between treating students as equal partners and sowing her shreds of wisdom at the exact moment when they were needed most. It is, I think, the true mark of a great educator.” – Madeline Silver ’11.

What an amazing sports career, one that continues with good success by hitting that little 4.2cm white ball Into a 10.8cm hole from as far away as sometimes over 500m away.

Gryphon Gallery: Paul Kilshaw

Stuart Brambley, School Archivist

Entertainer, Magician

and

Balloon

Artist, Paul Alexander Kilshaw suddenly passed away on April 19, 2023 during his work as a Commissionaire at the Institute of Ocean Sciences.

You or your children may well have met Paul without ever realizing that he was a former student at GNS. It could have been at our own Wonder Gala, a local festival, the Oak Bay Village Night Market, the Royal BC Museum, the Butchart Gardens, or several other possible community events—he performed at them all as a magician and balloon artist. Paul was born on August 4, 1962, in Grostenquin, France, where his father, who was in the air force, was stationed.

The youngest of four, Kilshaw moved with his family to Ottawa then to Beach Drive, near Willows Park.

A member of Mackenzie House, he attended GNS (Glenlyon Preparatory) from 1972 to 1975 in Grade 5 through Grade 7, taught by former staff that included David Auld, David Bennett, John Crawford, and Madeleine Humer (Groos). It was at GNS’s Wonder Gala that Paul explained that he had fond memories of his time at the school, spoke highly of his experience and how thrilled he was to participate at the event!

His sister has fondly related the story of how Paul became interested in magic at a young age. “For the first few years, we sort of ignored him. You know, he was just a little boy doing stuff and then it kept on and the next thing we knew he was getting good.”

Paul wowed audiences in Victoria for over 40 years, spending many years and countless hours learning the craft that he fell in love with as a child. He would travel far and wide to study with the masters in this art and worked at the ‘legendary’ Tony’s Trick & Joke Shop honing his skills. A highlight of this lifelong passion happened in September 2016, when Paul was invited to entertain the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and their children at a children’s party at Government House during the royals’ visit to Victoria.

Sadly, Paul’s absence will leave many disappointed at upcoming community events but they will undoubtedly be glad to have met and known this wonderful, friendly, talented, iconic Victoria character.

The Harvey Thorau-Down

After more than three decades of dedicated service to Glenlyon Norfolk School, Harvey Thorau retired at the end of this school year. During his time at the school, Harvey was an integral part of our community as a teacher, administrator, coach and parent, and had a tremendous impact on the lives of countless students, families, alumni, colleagues and neighbours.

To celebrate Harvey’s career, the school hosted the Harvey Thoraudown Basketball Tournament on June 24. Alumni from throughout Harvey’s career as well as some current and former staff signed up for this 3x3 elimination event, which featured some very intense play. In the end, the team from the Class of 2020 came out on top.

At a reception following the tournament, Chad Holtum, Head of School, revealed that a special gift had been made to the school to honour Harvey’s legacy. Through the generosity of two alumni who experienced his impact first-hand, the gym in the Gudewill Building will now be known as the Thorau Gym.

We Say Farewell to Mary Anne

After many years at GNS, first as a parent and then as a member of our Advancement Team, Mary Anne Marchildon retired at the end of June.

Mary Anne Marchildon’s involvement with GNS started in 2003 on her daughter Maddy’s first day of school. Later, she brought her love for the school as well as her skills in organization and relationship building to her work with the Parents’ Auxiliary and ultimately to her role as a member of staff. She lit a fire under our Annual Appeal donors which caused an incredible increase in participation and funds raised over the years. Her dedication and hard work had an incredible influence on our entire community and are reflected in the many facility transformations on both our campuses.

In recognition of her many contributions, the Marchildon Courtyard has been dedicated in her honour.

Mary Anne, we will miss you. Your smile. Your passion. But we wish you much joy in your well-deserved retirement.

Annual Appeal 2022/2023

Sarah O'Kelly-Lynch, Annual Appeal Manager

It’s with great gratitude that we reach out to our Glenlyon Norfolk School community and thank everyone for your incredibly generous support during our Annual Appeal for 2022/2023.

Thanks to your kindness and generosity, we have been able to make significant strides towards our goals, allowing us to create a lasting positive change in the lives of our students.

This year the commitment to our Grade 5, 8 and 12 leaving gifts was commendable and showed your willingness to stand by us in our pursuit to move the GNS community forward. The 2022/2023 Annual Appeal saw increased support for the Head’s Discretionary Fund, symbolizing a shared vision for a better future and a strong belief in the leadership at Glenlyon Norfolk School.

Due to the support of our Annual Appeal, we have been able to complete Phase 2 of our Middle School transformation. The hallways of the Brooks Building have been infused with new life and the classrooms have evolved into modern spaces, which are awaiting the return of our Grade 7 and 8 students.

As a token our appreciation, we would like to keep you updated on the progress of our projects and initiatives. We invite you to follow us on Instagram @mygns and subscribe to our upcoming impact report by emailing us at advancement@mygns.ca

Once again, thank you for your invaluable contributions to our Annual Appeal. Your support fuels our passion, energises our efforts and reminds us why we continue to embark on the Annual Appeal journey year after year.

If you ever wish to get in touch, share your thoughts or participate in our Annual Appeal, please do not hesitate to reach out. We would be more than happy to connect with you. Please visit our website to review our Donor Recognition list for the 2022/2023 Annual Appeal.

85% of Grade 5 Families gave to the Grade 5 Leaving Gift of outdoor giant games for the Junior School Campus.

57% of Parents gave to the Annual

Appeal

“Supporting GNS through monthly donations is an easy way for us to have a positive impact on the school over the long term.”

– Ben Allard and Liz Bullen, parents of Meredith ’35 & Lillian ’33

98% of Faculty and Staff gave to the Annual Appeal

“I donate to the Annual Appeal because, quite simply, I believe in what we do at GNS. Making sure the next generation gets a strong start is central to my own values, and I think this community does a particularly admirable job of supporting, challenging, and celebrating young people. I daily see the growth in critical and creative thought that my students inspire in each other, and am happy to contribute to this community.”

– Jamie Elbert, Senior School Teacher Librarian

70% of Grade 8 Families gave to the Grade 8 Leaving Gift of contributing toward Phase 1 of the Brooks Building renovations.

67% of Grade 12 Families

gave to the Grade 12 Leaving Gift in support of improving the outdoor seating available to students.

Alumni News

Maria Cardona Madero ’03 is the CFO of a personal loan company that grants loans to immigrants in the USA. She is married to Carlos Orvananos and has three children: Carlos (9), Maria Jose (7) and Diego (2).

for e-commerce businesses, and more recently, Liet, a workwear and military-heritage-inspired clothing company. He and his wife live in Montreal.

Cassandra Adams-Johnson (nee Lyall) ’08 is a Physiotherapist and Clinic Owner in Victoria, BC. She is married to Thomas and has three children Isabella(3), Oliver (2) and Charlotte (6 months).

After graduating in 2004, Kit Burke studied Forest Resource Management at UBC. He now works as the Planning Superintendent at Chetwynd Forest Industries where he oversees a team that manages West Fraser’s forest harvesting licenses in the South Peace. He and his wife Meghan married in 2015 and they live on a farmstead that they built from scratch.

Liam Sarsfield ’07 is an entrepreneur and designer who founded Fluorescent in 2015, a software design and development consultancy

Drew Seigel ’09 is the Construction Manager with Townline overseeing the construction and execution of Hudson House in Victoria, BC. Drew spends his free time riding motorcycles and fishing. He married Nicole Kennedy in July.

Brittanny Dzioba ’10 obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from UVic and then her Master of Education, specializing in Adult Learning from UBC in 2022. She works in post-secondary educational development as a Learning and Teaching Advisor at BCcampus.

Leah Kuzmuk ’12 is a graduate student working toward her MSc in neuroscience doing oculomotor research with the Faculty of Medicine at UBC. In her free time, she is an avid cyclist and runner.

Agustina Flores Pitton ’19 is studying Civil Engineering at UBC where she recently finished leading a team of students to design, fundraise and build a nearly net zero carbon building on UBC’s campus. (https:// civil.ubc.ca/civil-engineering-students-take-on-the-challenge-ofdesigning-a-nearly-zero-carbon-building-lessons-learned-andachievements-gained/)

Want to reconnect with classmates? Find out about alumni events? Get involved with our mentoring program? Join mygnsconnect.com, our exclusive alumni directory and networking platform, and get in on all the action.

Life’s an incredible adventure, and we want to celebrate YOUR milestones with a bang! Whether you’ve just earned a degree or designation , landed a dream job tied the knot , welcomed a new addition , or embarked on thrilling adventures around the world , we want to know it all!

Share your jaw-dropping moments and heartwarming stories with us, and let’s spread the joy together! Your achievements inspire us, and your experiences connect us like an unbreakable bond!

Follow the link below to complete an alumni update form:

https://forms.gle/gmg5FZS9hmikunj87

#mygns #gryphonforlife #gryphonpride

Julianna Bourjeaurd ’15 lives in Los Angeles, California, where she works as a Social Media and Influencer Marketing Manager at GT’s Living Foods. She hiked Hadrian’s Wall in the UK this past fall.

Cameron Hahn ’17 graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a BA Honours Specialization in Geography & Environment and Commercial Aviation Management and is the Flight Operations Specialist at Harbour Air Seaplanes.

Andrea DeMeo ’18 recently completed a commerce degree at UBC Sauder School of Business and is currently enrolled in law school working on her Juris Doctorate degree.

In Memoriam

Dallas McLean-Lowe, Norfolk House class of 1966, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2023, in Mississauga, Ontario. After graduating, she moved to Ontario to attend the University of Toronto and earned a BA with honours and a MLS (Librarian). She worked at the University of Toronto Erindale College for 27 years as the Librarian Archivist and was honoured by the University for her years of service.

Reunions

We were pleased to help organize a number of reunions over the last few months. If you have any interest in gathering with your peers, please email alumni@mygns.ca.

Margaret Elizabeth Logan, who taught at Norfolk House and GNS from 1974–1994, passed away on November 10, 2022, at the age of 93. Her obituary noted that she loved teaching children and did so until retirement.

Michael McGoldrick, Glenlyon Preparatory class of 1955, passed away on December 12, 2021. He only attended the school for two years, but once shared that this experience was “the best thing that happened to me.”

In October 2022, Beth (Robertson) Mulliin and Jennifer (Druce) Bendl, both Class of 1991, dropped in for a visit with Deryn Lavell (former faculty) and Dr. Stephen Johnson (former faculty) at their home in Vancouver, BC. Deryn was a primary teacher at NHS and GNS and Stephen was Assistant Head Glenlyon 1984, Assistant Head GNS 1986–1991, and Director of Junior Boys GNS 1991–1996.

Thirty-five members of the Class of 2003 gathered together at the Beach Drive Campus in June to celebrate their 20-year reunion.

Members of the Norfolk House Class of 1953 gathered together in July to celebrate their 50 year reunion. The event included a tour of the old school buildings followed by a dinner at the Uplands Golf Course.

Members of the Glenlyon Preparatory Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 gathered together at the Beach Drive Campus in December with David Auld and Stuart Brambley.

Members of the Norfolk House Classes of 1970, 1971 and 1972 gathered together at the Pemberton Woods Campus in October with Jean Bigelow.

Victoria Pub Party

Numerous alumni from various classes gathered in June at the Herald Street Brew Pub in Victoria in June 2023.

Congratulations to the Class of 2022! This remarkable group of individuals has achieved a lot during their time at GNS. These 51 Gryphons have lots of choices in their futures as they have earned over 162 offers of acceptance from post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world. They plan to pursue studies in everything from business, engineering and sciences to the arts, theatre and kinesiology. And collectively, they have earned offers of over $1.8 million in scholarships.

Class of 2022: where are they going?*

Jack Barry University of British Columbia

Miia Bekker University of British Columbia

Izzy Berry Western University

Benny Blum Camosun College

Rhys Butterfield University of British Columbia

Ju Hyeog Choi Queen’s University

Matt Dang York University

Mary Dunne Simon Fraser University

Devan Duquette University of Toronto

Drew Erickson GAP Year

Emily Esser York University

Emily Goodman University of British Columbia

Mackenzie Heaney York University

Zane Huang University of Toronto

Lainey Hunt McGill University

Eya Ibrahim McGill University

Hannah Jeon Western University

Hopper Kendregan Cornell University

Taya Lee University of British Columbia

Yoanna Lee University of Toronto

Quinn Levinson University of Colorado Boulder

Jiaying Li University of Toronto

Brian Lim Stanford University

Jaiden Lo University of British Columbia Okanagan

Anna Mallory Queen’s University

Helena Mundstock McGill University

Deaton Pollock University of Victoria

Lemon Pollock University of British Columbia

Juliet Prosalendis University of Victoria

Arseni Revoy University of British Columbia

Alison Roberts Culinary Institute of America

Calla Roberts Simon Fraser University

Connor Roberts University of British Columbia

Arran Robertson University of Victoria

Angelina Safarik University of British Columbia

Hannah Sawchuk GAP Year

Callum Seredynski University of Victoria

Grace Serfas Concordia University

Hui-Lin Shan University of British Columbia

Si-Han Shen University of Toronto

Mira Sobkin Dominican University of California

Carmen Spencer McGill University

Dylan Sprang Queen’s University

Harrison Starke University of British Columbia

Amelie Stiebleichinger EHL Hospitality and Business School

Jack Walton University of British Columbia

Ethan Wharton University of Victoria

Savanna Yaremchuk University of Victoria

Brayden Young University of Victoria

Matt Zarzour University of Victoria

Wen-Jie Zhang University of Waterloo

*As reported at time of graduation 2022.

Congratulations to the Class of 2023! This remarkable group of individuals truly demonstrated their caring natures by completing over 4900 hours of service learning during their time in the Senior School with 2200 hours completed during their Grade 12 year. These 67 Gryphons have lots of choices in their futures as they have each earned an average of 3 offers of acceptance from postsecondary institutions across Canada and around the world. And collectively, they have earned offers of over $1 million in scholarships.

Class of 2023: where are they going?*

Lizu Aitken University of British Columbia

Bjorn Allerdissen University of Victoria

Suhyon Bae University of Victoria

Rohan Bandechha University of Victoria

Angelina Blum Queen’s University

Beauregard Boehme University of Victoria

Aidan Briscoe Toronto Metropolitan University

Bowen Cao University of Alberta

Mason Carlson Queen’s University

Jeffrey Chan University of British Columbia Okanagan

Colin Chen University of Toronto

Joan Chia University of Toronto

Cian Davis University of Victoria

Sophia DeMeo University of Alberta

Mats Dorsam University of Victoria

Faye Dryden McGill University

Olivia Dunkley McGill University

Louisa Eder Western University

Lizzie Emslie University of Edinburgh

Alana Escamilla Faulkner IE University Spain

Seth Feldhuhn University of British Columbia

Nathan Fourt University of Victoria

Danny Gillen University of Victoria

Emilia Giommi Western University

Aoife Golonka University of Victoria

Eva Grand Western University

Sofia Hewlett University of Guelph

Jacob Hier University of British Columbia

Lily Jeon New York University

Jacques Jolivet University of Victoria

Ruixin Kang University of Toronto

Riya Kang University of Toronto

Madeleine Kelly GAP Year

Naoko Kojima GAP Year

Niko Krusekopf University of Alberta

Chanel Lafrance University of British Columbia

Kieran Laurie-Winston Camosun College

Cole Marriette University of Victoria

Joelle Marshman Western University

Parker Morrison University of British Columbia

Bryan Müller-Clemm University of Victoria

Ruby Narte University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Ling Yin Ngai Queen’s University

Rebecca Palm University of Guelph

Christopher Pollard Queen’s University

Satchel Ramraj University of British Columbia

Anton Richards University of British Columbia

Virginia Sandler University of British Columbia

Zachary Scott Western University

Callum Shillington St. Bonaventure University

Mila Somogyi University of Guelph

Yichen Sun University of British Columbia

Tallulah Tam McGill University

Suky Tang GAP Year

Ian Taylor Queen’s University

Phu Minh Truong University of Alberta

Owen Twamley University of Saskatchewan

Alex Vroom University of Victoria

Joshua Wai University of British Columbia

Finlay Walker-Cutt University of Victoria

Keenan Warhurst Queen’s University

Spencer Wright Toronto Metropolitan University

Henry Yam University of British Columbia

Shunkichi Yamamoto University of Victoria

Jason Ye University of Waterloo

Solomon Yi-Kieran University of Oxford or University of British Columbia

Annica Yu University of British Columbia

*As reported at time of graduation 2023.