THE SHEPARDS Mulgrave School Alumni Family Interviewed by Michelle Noble | December 2017
ABOVE: The Shepards with Cypress Mountain in the background.
M
ulgrave is the school it is today because of the dedication of our founding families’ drive for
excellence, coupled with the vision and passion that our current families possess. Our success can be attributed to the combined efforts of the entire Mulgrave community, past and present, and perhaps nobody believes this more than the Shepards - Curt, Helaine, Taylor, and Kate. The Shepards came to Mulgrave in 2002, and found an instant family. While their two daughters, Taylor and Kate, got involved in a myriad of activities like field hockey, dance, science competitions, and theatre productions, Curt and Helaine dove head first into the community where they spent their time spearheading Galas, attending assemblies, and organising grad events, BBQs, fundraisers, and MVP events - just to name a few! Today, six years after Kate’s graduation from Mulgrave, the Shepards are still heavily involved in the community. While Helaine sits on the Board of Directors providing insight and leadership to guide the school toward future success, Kate remains as a Class Representative for the Class of 2012, Taylor sits on the Alumni Advisory Board working to connect alumni families with our Alumni Association, and Curt can still be found at nearly every big event and assembly the school hosts. The love the Shepards have for Mulgrave is truly touching, and we’re lucky to have a family like theirs ‘Sheparding’ us into the future while still keeping us so connected to the past.
ABOVE: Kate & Taylor at the alumni Pathways event in 2014.
ABOVE: Helaine, Zak, Curt, & Ms. Mitchell at the 2016 alumni Winter Social event.
We’re so excited to have the chance to spotlight your family. Can you
ever growing WISH LIST kicked in with equipment and supply
tell us about your first visit to Mulgrave?
needs. With each Gala, the community rallied together, fulfilling the
Helaine & Curt: WOW! There’s a day we’ll never forget. We actually made lifelong family friends on our initial Mulgrave tour; they had two boys, we had two girls - the questions were broad and varied. Our two families were happily shown around the school by an extremely friendly, informative, and capable young student tour guide. She clearly spoke from the heart and was genuinely beaming with pride to show us her school. Kate enthusiastically peppered our
WISH LIST, stocking shelves, and providing materials highlighted by each department. Members truly played an integral role in building Mulgrave from the ground up. The Spring Gala was a massive fun/ fund raiser. While everyone worked together to achieve a common goal, a further resounding benefit emerged as camaraderie and lifelong friendships evolved. Friendship was, and continues to be, the heart of the Mulgrave experience.
well-spoken guide with questions while Taylor was totally enamoured
It was no small feat to move from a portable to a world-class school
with the snake in the science department. An overwhelming
in such a short time. This accomplishment was made possible
observation throughout the entire tour was the eye contact and
by the efforts, expertise, drive, and foresight of our founding
personal greeting made by every student, staff member, and parent
community. They set the template for future families, teachers, and
we met. The warm welcome and individual acknowledgement was
administration to continue this exciting and ever-developing journey.
sincere and very much appreciated. It was amazing how much we
Today, under the remarkable leadership of our Head of School, John
gleaned just by watching our guide interact with fellow students and
Wray, our highly skilled and dedicated teachers, and the strength and
teachers. It was a friendly, inclusive, and caring environment; the
passion of our current community members, we enjoy an outstanding
sense of community was unfolding before us. The formal presentation
level of education that is both ambitious and always forward looking.
of the tour was delivered by the founding Head, Linda Hamer. Her address was inspirational and compelling as she shared her vision of education. There was a resounding buy-in from the theatre full of attendees. What year did you first arrive at Mulgrave? What was the school like in those days?
Being such a small school, the community played an integral role in building Mulgrave’s foundation. In what ways did the community come together to support the school? Helaine & Curt: Great question! The school community was, and continues to be, the heart and soul of Mulgrave. Parents, students, staff, and administration all worked together toward a common goal
Helaine & Curt: We joined the school in 2002. To this day, we
- the school welcomed and promoted the volunteer efforts of the
are forever grateful for the vision and generosity of our founding
entire community. Volunteering at an event, organising an event, or
members - a formidable, passionate group that made the Cypress
attending an event was a triple win as you were able to both help
Lane campus a reality. While the building was now complete, the
and support the school while making connections and developing
partnerships with the larger community, not just your specific grade.
years as they prepared me for the range of opportunities outside of
Mulgrave was one BIG family. An unintended benefit was the bond the
Mulgrave. I am grateful for the direct instruction and years of practice
students formed with each other while patiently waiting after school
honing my collaborative skills, dating back to group presentations
as their parents prepared for events, both big and small. Teamwork
(ie. Junior School Friday assemblies), to opportunities for public
and friendship was woven into the fabric of Mulgrave.
speaking (ie. Middle School Night of the Notables), to creative and
Taylor, you now sit on the Mulgrave Alumni Advisory Board as the Alumni Association Strategist with an aim to reconnect and engage non-graduating alumni and alumni families with the school. Why was this an important role for you to take on?
comprehensive writing styles (ie. Senior School Extended Essay), just to name a few. All the time, effort, and hard work prepared me for both college and for my current career at Neoscape, a creative agency in Boston. The skills I learned at Mulgrave are life skills that I utilise in both my daily work and life in general.
Taylor: The people are what make Mulgrave an exceptional school. Obviously, the facilities and resources are phenomenal but what is a
What is your favourite Mulgrave memory?
‘stand out’ in my mind, are the individuals and families that make up
Taylor: I have many fabulous memories of Mulgrave but one that
this amazing community. I feel it is incredibly important to keep all
stands out in my mind is Hair for Hope Locks for Love. Everyone
those who have been involved with Mulgrave engaged - regardless of
congregated in the main lobby and filled the balcony above as friends,
geographic location or years spent at the school, they are all part of
teachers, fellow students, and parents bravely shaved their heads
the building blocks that created this community. I attended Mulgrave
(I cut my hair) to raise money for cancer research at BC Children’s
for my Middle School years, and am grateful for the important role
Hospital. This event remains vividly imprinted in my mind as the level
it has played in my daily life. I have always considered Mulgrave to
of synergy and excitement was beyond electric! Music was blaring,
be both a school and a community. I know others feel the same way,
people were cheering, and the play-by-play commentary was feeding
and so it was important for me to provide avenues for people to stay
the crowd as people were shedding their locks; the enthusiasm was
involved with Mulgrave after leaving.
similar to watching a sporting event. This was a perfect example of a
Kate, do you feel Mulgrave prepared you for your university and career experience in the United States?
community coming together for a common cause - whether you were a participant, a spectator, or a generous supporter, everyone played a role. When we delivered the cheque and toured BC Children’s
Kate: Absolutely! Of course, I was both excited and slightly anxious
Hospital, I will never forget the profound sense of pride we felt for
for the next chapter, but once I arrived at Skidmore College, I felt
being a part of Mulgrave – a community that valued helping others.
equipped with all the tools and skills that Mulgrave taught me. I appreciated the variety of teaching styles and assignments over the
ABOVE: Kate between her two Mulgrave friends, Michaela & Angie, in Grade 3.
Kate: Wow, there are too many memories over my 10 years to pick just ONE! A recurring theme involved the three major aspects of
ABOVE: Kate, 10 years later at graduation with the same friends, Angie, & Michaela.
ABOVE: Helaine (right) with fellow Mulgrave parents, Robin & Viv, at the Welcome Back BBQ in 2003.
what makes up Mulgrave — the exciting opportunities offered at the
possible by my teacher’s support. I cannot thank them enough for
school, the unwavering support from the teachers, and, of course, the
working with me to pursue my passion for both dance and education;
amazing lifelong friendships.
this experience prepared me for completing a double major in
The remarkable experience to explore new cultures and assist others, such as the service trip to Swaziland, the fall outdoor camping
Business and Dance. Their work ethic has had a profound impact on me.
trips that provided an environment to foster lasting bonds between
Helaine, why was it important for you to stay involved with the school
students, and the engaging and educational Spirit Week activities,
even after the girls left Mulgrave?
such as the vow of silence, are memories that will be forever etched in my mind.
Helaine: That’s an easy answer - I am extremely passionate about education, and Mulgrave’s mission and vision continue to align
The teachers brought life to the courses and support to the
with my personal values. I am deeply proud of the school and its
students. From a young age, I remember the teachers emphasising
achievements and want to support it any way possible. I appreciate
the importance of being a lifelong learner. Their support and
that Mulgrave members ‘walk-the-talk’, roll up their sleeves, and
encouragement brought joy to the classroom, giving breadth and
work side-by-side to achieve a shared goal. The Mulgrave spirit
depth to a variety of topics while sparking an internal curiosity for
embodies commitment, tenacity, compassion, and humility. I love that
learning.
Mulgrave is never complacent - it is always forward-looking. It has
And of course, the friends I made along the way brought my favourite memories to life. I am deeply thankful to have met such a phenomenal group of friends. I know that these friends are for life, regardless of where we are situated around the globe - we have a special bond forever. What was the most inspirational aspect of the Mulgrave community? Kate: The support and encouragement from the teachers was (and still is) remarkable. They always made time for you and were genuinely interested in your overall well-being. In my case, the constant juggle of the IB Diploma Programme and a full-time professional dance programme was quite the balancing act, made
ABOVE: Ms. Anson’s Film Class in 2012.
been my distinct honour and privilege to serve with many Mulgrave community members in various ways. What sets Mulgrave apart? Helaine & Curt: One defining difference that sets Mulgrave apart is the overwhelming commitment from all members involved. It is the community that built our school and it is the community that continues to build our school today. Mulgrave is an incredibly well-oiled machine. When joining Mulgrave School, it offers both an incredible education and a remarkable community, which consists of students, parents, teachers, alumni, and administration all working together.
ABOVE: Taylor with fellow 2008 classmates, Kian & Steve, at the alumni Pathways event.
ABOVE: Mulgrave awards ceremony with Christie, Chris, Meg, Taylor, & Hugh .
ABOVE: Traditional first day of School Pic with Tay & Hugh (Grade 7) and Kate (Grade 3).
An equally defining difference would be the teachers - they are truly
Another stand out tradition would be the incredible Friday morning
outstanding. They are highly skilled, dedicated, and committed to
Junior School Assemblies - a weekly event attended by our
the overall success of every student, with many available early in the
students, parents, grandparents, friends, neighbours, teachers, and
morning, after school, and reachable by email in the evening. They
administration. It is a very treasured time where our community
are supportive, caring, and inspirational leaders. Our family considers
celebrates and supports our students across the Junior School
many Mulgrave staff members friends for life.
grades.
What is your favourite Mulgrave tradition?
As a school that started off in a portable, Mulgrave has experienced
Taylor: This is going to sound silly, but I really loved that we were greeted every morning as we walked, or in my case, ran into school. Granted, I was normally late (I’m not a morning person) and
considerable growth in all aspects, including its education, facilities, teaching, leadership, and size. What do you think has been the key to the school’s success?
supported and dragged by one of my oldest friends as we stuffed
Helaine & Curt: Staying true to its core values has been key to
everything from textbooks, badminton rackets, and field hockey
Mulgrave’s success. The continued commitment from the school’s
sticks into my bag. Their smiling faces were a great way to start the
founding members is a true testament to their unwavering support
day. I think having someone look you in the eye and greet you at the
and continued belief in our mission and vision. Today, the support
door by name, sent a powerful message to each individual student
of our core values is evident in the hard work, leadership, and
that they were a valued member of the Mulgrave community. That
dedication of our current members. It’s similar to running a relay
simple action set the tone for the day.
- everyone carries the baton, and even when it is passed on, they
Helaine & Curt: There are so many wonderful traditions that Mulgrave celebrates, it is impossible to select just one. We absolutely adore the full school assemblies, such as Opening Day where the Grade 12 students are piped into the gym, walking hand-in-hand with the new Kindergarten students. Symbolically, it is a powerful message of friendship, support, and continuity. Every Remembrance Day, we are moved by the meaningful stories shared and beautiful performances given by our students and community partners. The overwhelming tone in the gym is one of respect, honour, and compassion, which transfers into a teachable moment for everyone. And, of course, the Grace Assembly where the students acknowledge the selfless parent volunteers is another one of my favourite traditions.
remain an integral part of the team. The overall endorsement to provide the best quality education possible has been met with resounding support from past, present, and future families. What are the takeaways from your Mulgrave experience? Everyone: 1. It will be a lot of work, but it is definitely worth it in the end. 2. Use the Mulgrave community – teachers, administration, friends, and family – as a support system. 3. Get involved. 4. Enjoy the ride! The Shepards, 2017