THE
A MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY
Spring 2019
SHIELD The Georgian Net How Connection Strengthens our Community
How Movement Fuels Connection David Baker ’00 and David Clark ’08: Colleagues and Mentors Chance Encounters and Changed Lives Faculty Spotlight: Sensei David Miller
Contents
The Shield Spring 2019 Email: shield@rsgc.on.ca General Inquiries: 416.533.9481 Alumni Inquiries: 416.516.5202
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Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86 Editor: Lauren Alpern Copy Editor: Dave Mitchell Designer: Jonathan Cresswell-Jones Photography: Lauren Alpern, CanGrad Studios, Gustavo Gonzalez, RSGC Archives, RSGC Community, Tom Stevens Editorial Committee: Scott Ackley ’04, Lauren Alpern, Marin Anderson, Stephen Beatty ’86, Drew Blanchette ’96, Maria Jordan, Clare Samworth RSGC Board of Directors Officers
FEATURES 12 Alumni Spotlight BY LAUREN ALPERN David Baker ’00 and David Clark ’08: A Georgian bond at the office. 14 Student Spotlight BY LAUREN ALPERN Jacob Buchan, Class of 2021, and Charlie Cameron, Class of 2028, have connected through the Peer Tutoring program.
100% 100% GEORGIAN PARTICIPATION
16 Parent Spotlight BY LAUREN ALPERN Susan Mazan leaps into politics after staying at home to raise her three sons. 18 Faculty Spotlight BY LAUREN ALPERN Sensei David Miller talks about his career, his boys and RSGC.
Annual Giving 2018/2019
From facilities to financial aid, our Annual Giving campaign
20 The First Task Is to Listen BY SUMNER & LANG Great community relationships begin with listening to new and different voices. 24 Moving is Connecting: How Running and Dance Fuel Personal Growth at RSGC BY LAUREN ALPERN Teachers at RSGC share their passions with students to connect with them on a completely different level. 28 Chance Encounters and Changed Lives BY SUMNER & LANG Sometimes you meet someone who changes the path of your life. Sumner & Lang share two stories from the Georgian community.
makes an immediate impact on the lives of our students today and will continue to benefit the boys that follow them. Please use the enclosed form to make your gift or visit the Giving Tab at rsgc.on.ca Charitable Registration Number 887281087RR0001 For more information, please contact Maria Jordan at mjordan@rsgc.on.ca or call 416-533-9481 x 298
DEPARTMENTS 4
Events
6
Giving
11
Alumni Connections
31
Our Changing Lives
Chair: Bruce Chapple ’87 Vice-Chair: Cathy Cranston Past Chair: James Crossland Treasurer, Audit and Finance Committee Chair: Steve Geist Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86 Chief Financial Officer, Board Secretary: Jane Nyman Directors Roma Dubczak, Strategic Planning Committee Chair Brad Holland, Advancement Committee Chair Adrian C. Lang, Nomination and Governance Committee Chair Clare Samworth, Guild Representative Alex Edmison ’02, Alumni Representative Christine Allen Dorothy Byers Ryan Cookson ’03 Jennifer Keenan Alison Leung Peter Mann Jesse Parker ’01, Clergy Gordon Raman The Shield is the official magazine of Royal St. George’s College. Serving RSGC’s alumni and community, it strives to engage, inform and connect all audiences.
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LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER
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“Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose with the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.” – E. M. Forster, Howard’s End
his issue of The Shield is about connection. In thinking about the preeminent importance of this theme, I think about Margaret Schlegel’s plea in Forster’s novel, “Only connect. That was the whole of her sermon.” In connection there is, I believe, the essence of the intangible specialness of our beautiful College. Every day, I have the privilege of seeing this human-to-human connection: adult to student, boy to boy, young man to young man. As they graduate, our Georgians tell me, again and again, that their connection to the adults
at school is the aspect of life at 120 Howland Avenue that is most special for them and should be most safely guarded. When I look back on my own education here, more than 40 years ago, I would have said the same thing to John Allen. Connection provides us all with the four most important words that sustain us in moments of fear, uncertainty or anxiety: “You are not alone.” Alumni come back to the school and speak about the connections from their school years that have lasted and sustained them through the ups and downs of adult life.
Education is about connections being made apparent. If we’re successful, our students come to understand important connections that will inform the rest of their lives. Georgian values connect hard work with improvement, kindness with success, humility with courage, and manners with manhood. Chance connections, intentional connections and multi-generational connections are celebrated in this
issue. The open-hearted, open-minded character of all of the Georgians featured is a reminder that we need not live in fragments. Only connect.
Stephen Beatty ’86 Headmaster
Message from the Editor
A
nd just like that, another year at the College has gone by in a flash. As
much as I’m excited to see the final issue of the year hit mailboxes, I’m also sad to say goodbye to the boys I have watched grow and develop into young men over the years. It’s a funny time of year! This issue is all about connections. The connections Georgians form with each other, with teachers and with staff, and the lasting impressions they make along the way. While much of my job involves sitting behind a desk, I do connect with a lot of
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President Drew Blanchette ’96
Keeping Connected
Dear Fellow Georgians,
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RSGCAA Executive
MESSAGE FROM THE RSGCAA PRESIDENT
Georgians — largely through Right to Play. You can read about the work our boys do with Right to Play – and the mark that they make with younger children in the community – on page 20. My favourite article in this issue explores how our staff connect with the boys in the school by sharing their passions (see page 24). So many of the extracurricular clubs on campus are run by staff or students who simply have a passion and want to share
it — something Mr. Beatty has always supported and nurtured. These clubs have worked wonders in sustaining the tight-knit community that we have at this wonderful place.
Enjoy the issue! Lauren Alpern Editor, The Shield lalpern@rsgc.on.ca
he theme for this issue could not be more fitting: connection. As another graduating class gets ready to leave the school and launch into their next life adventures, we hope that they will remain connected to the College and to their classmates. I can personally attest to the importance that RSGC connections can play in one’s life. The best friends I made as a student at the College are still my best friends today. In fact, I remained so connected to RSGC that I found my way back here to be an educator after spending many years working in other fields. This is the incredible power that I hope our new graduates feel too: that they are always part of the RSGC family. In many ways, the entire raison d’être of the Alumni Association is to maintain the connection between RSGC community members and the College. But this year, in particular, the Executive
Committee has endeavoured to focus on helping to build stronger and more varied connections among alumni. From keeping up with longstanding traditions like the Old Boys’ Dinner and the Carol Service, to growing new initiatives like our alumni mentors participating with RSGC advisor groups, we have been able to help keep the RSGC community connected more than ever. Our hope is that you have all benefitted in some way, be it personally or professionally, from these connections. In this digital age, it is easy to remain connected with the College community. While taking advantage of these online connections is important, I believe that now more than ever we need to continue to foster in-person connections. The Alumni Association hosted a number of mentoring and networking events this year with that goal in mind. Given how easy it is to get swept up in the digital
A Note from Anne and Tim Gallagher, Georgian Alumni Parent Representatives
Vice President Eddie Beqaj ’08 Committee Chairs: Jonathan Lucas ’03, Fundraising Chair Geoff Osborne ’08, Mentoring & Networking Chair Thomas Robson ’14 and Riley Wong ’12, Communications Co-Chairs
world, I encourage everyone in the RSGC community, and our new graduates in particular, to prioritize making face-to-face connections in our community and beyond. The members of the Executive Committee and I look forward to seeing you at one of our events next year, and wish you and your families a happy and healthy summer.
Drew Blanchette ’96 RSGCAA President alumni@rsgc.on.ca
RSGC
ALUMNI
ALWAYS GEORGIAN
Dear Georgian Alumni Parents, It is hard to believe that we are coming to the close of another school year. It has been a pleasure serving as your Georgian Alumni Parent Representatives and so much fun to see you at various events throughout the year. And what a year it has been! From Mistletoe Market and the reception at the Albany Club following the Service of Lessons and Carols, to the very popular second annual Hot
Docs screening in conjunction with Parent Connections, we have enjoyed keeping our relationship with the RSGC community. The highlight, of course, was the Back to the 80’s Prom Gala at Rebel. We welcome Elizabeth Hugessen, your new incoming Alumni Parent Rep, and wish her the very best for the year ahead. Have a wonderful summer! Anne and Tim Gallagher Parents of Connor ’15 and Carlyle ’18
Committee Members and Alumni Liaisons: Peter Antonoff ’82 (Established Alumni 25 years+) Will Fripp ’88 (Established Alumni 25 years+) Steven Hobé ’88 (Established Alumni 25 years+) Dan Mitchell ’99 (Midlevel Alumni 15-25 years) David Clark ’08 (Young Alumni 6-14 years) Sam Morse ’11 (Young Alumni 6-14 years) Andrew Krausz ’12 (Young Alumni 6-14 years) Elias Blahacek ’13 (Recent Alumni 5 years or less) Connor Byrne ’13 (Recent Alumni 5 years or less) Anthony Lisi ’15 (Recent Alumni 5 years or less) Otis Moore ’15 (Recent Alumni 5 years or less) Committee Representatives: Alex Edmison ’02, Past President and Representative to the Board of Governors John Buckingham ’71, Representative to the Foundation Board Kreher Fisset-Algarvio ’19, Student Liaison Michael Hugessen ’19, Student Liaison School Representatives: Stephen Beatty ’86, Headmaster Maria Jordan, Executive Director of Advancement Marin Anderson, Manager of Georgian Relations Scott Ackley ’04, Alumni Relations Officer & RSGCAA Representative to the Faculty and Students
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Hidden Gems
EVENTS
Georgian Moments RSGCAA Art Night
Georgian Events Don’t forget to add these exciting events to your calendar! September 20 – Terry Fox Day October 3 – Grad Alumni Speed Mentoring Event
The RSGCAA was thrilled to welcome David Silcox, Order of Canada, Governor General’s Award Recipient and author, who spoke about his most recent book, Tom Thomson: Life and Work, on January 23.
October 3 – RSGCAA AGM October 10 – RSGC Open House October 22 – Legacy Father & Sons’ Breakfast October 25 – Old Boys’ Dinner
KW Alumni Reunion On January 31, Stephen Beatty ’86, Scott Ackley ’04, Nick Van Herk, Luke Rankin and Chris Newton hit Molly Bloom’s Pub in the Kitchener/Waterloo region to visit with the alumni in the area.
November 6 – Grade 9 Take-Your-Kids-to-Work Day November 15 – Senior School Day of Service November 18 – Mistletoe Market and Cocktail Reception November 25 – Georgian Round Table November 29 – Admissions Application Deadline
London Alumni Reunion Headmaster Stephen Beatty ’86, Scott Ackley ’04, Nick Van Herk, Ashleigh Gledhill, Rachel DeBlois, Rickesh Kotecha ’00 and Julie Girvan were in London, Ont., on February 1 to catch up and raise a glass with many alumni now at Western University.
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Our talented community came together for the Hidden Gems concert on February 7. Held in the Black Box theatre, the annual event showcased the incredible hidden talents of our community in support of the Georgian Scholarship for the Arts.
Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF) On April 7, a group of Junior and Senior School boys participated in the CISMF at Roy Thompson Hall.
Grad Mothers’ Tea This special day for mothers of boys graduating in 2019 was held in Ketchum Hall on April 20.
Showcase Concert
Junior School Mother’s Day Tea
The Junior and Senior School bands took over Trinity St. Paul’s Centre on May 1 for the Annual Spring Showcase Concert.
Mothers of boys in Grades 3 to 6 were treated to a special Mother’s Day Tea in Ketchum Hall on May 10. They were served by the Grade 8 Captains!
December 16 – Grandparent and Neighbourhood Carol Service December 17 – Alumni Legends Ball Hockey Game December 18 – Service of Lessons and Carols December 18 – Alumni & Alumni Parent Carols & Cocktails
9th Annual Networking & Mentoring Event presented by Gluskin Sheff + Associates Inc. On May 23, the RSGCAA hosted a group of both young and established Old Boys at Gluskin Sheff for an evening of networking and mentoring. The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 5
GIVING
New Middle School Space Opens New Opportunities
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ver the past four years, a major focus of the College has been to enhance the learning environment of the Junior School. Over $4 million has been raised through the generosity of our entire community. It all began with the renovation of Ketchum Hall. Aside from the Chapel, Ketchum is the only space at the College shared by all students. It has been transformed from a simple dining hall into a Great Hall. Our kitchen facilities were also expanded and improved to provide a variety of “home-style” menu choices. This has allowed us to feed our boys fresher meals and create more food from scratch as part of a wholesome approach to cooking and eating. This year, we enter the final phase of the Junior School Redevelopment Plan with a goal of raising $1 million. This phase includes a re-imagination of the lower level classrooms in the Middle School. What had previously been two classrooms will be completely opened up to create a single, flexible, multi-purpose learning space. Students will have the opportunity to learn together, then break out into smaller studios and nooks to work collaboratively. Architect Tye Farrow of Farrow Partners Inc, an alumni parent and former Chair of the Board of Governors, worked very closely with the Head of the Junior School, Catherine Kirkland, and the teachers to come up with the design. “We tried to imagine pedagogically how they teach boys in the Middle School and how this relates to the physical place. How do we place boys at the centre of the function? How do we create a sense of belonging to about 110 boys? How do we give them
something that’s their own, something that’s inclusive and open,” said Tye, who ran a collaborative process with the staff called a charrette during the design phase. “It’s all tied back to the leadership in the Junior School, along with the pedagogy – how boys prefer
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to learn and how they learn naturally. That’s so important because if the space is adaptable and flexible, it will ensure that RSGC will continue to adapt and evolve its offerings to boys.” The lower level will now feature windows with plenty of daylight, a terraced
learning landscape, carpeted flooring, learning steps, columns and numerous white boards. Most importantly, the space will be able to be used in a variety of ways for different teaching opportunities. Tye says it will be a different type of space than the rest of the school. “The most exciting thing for me is that the lower level has never really been seen as one of the great places on campus,” he said. “But both spatially and from a pedagogical standpoint, it will probably be one of the best places at RSGC by the time September comes around.” Catherine is excited about the new, multipurpose learning space and how it will change the learning in the Middle School. “The boys are going to have to develop more self-monitoring, self-advocacy and independent learning skills – they’re going to have to be honed,” said
Catherine. “Learning how to work with each other, critical thinking, asking great questions, being great listeners, working collaboratively, problem solving, research and design. All of those things that are really important in the work force today.” Catherine also believes that the shared learning spaces will be extremely beneficial to both the boys and the teachers. “Shared spaces are good because they are more creative spaces. It gives a lot more flexibility to how you teach and how the boys are learning,” she said. “It’s not the teacher at the front of the classroom – it puts the kids at the centre of the learning. There’s a lot of flexibility and collaboration in planning. The teachers have to be collaborative in what they’re planning for the kids and the students have to be collaborative in their learning.” Grade 8 Humanities teacher Stefanie Turner believes the new space will really support a culture of learning.
“We won’t be constrained to seeing the space as a traditional classroom anymore. This design will allow the boys and teachers to start interacting with the new space as a fluid space for learning and connecting,” said Stefanie. “It will encourage collaboration between teachers and students and across subjects. Boys can take steps to become agents and designers of their learning, and teachers can act as coaches and facilitators. We will have the opportunity to connect in large groups, but also break out into differentiated smaller clusters for more intimate learning experiences. The question of ‘what type of learning experiences do we want the boys to have?’ has been at the centre of the process, and the space is designed to be versatile, meaning it will respond to the learning needs of the users.” Be sure to pop by the campus in September to visit the new Middle School.
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Back to the 80’s Prom GaLa – TotaLLy Awesome! O
n April 26, the RSGC community came together to celebrate everything 80’s at the Back to the 80’s Prom Gala, held at Rebel. Proceeds from the event benefit the final phase of the Junior School Redevelopment Plan and our Manners Maketh Men Scholarship and Bursary Fund. Four hundred and fifty guests walked like an Egyptian and cut footloose to a live band, and then danced late into the evening with an 80’s Video DJ Dance Party. A special thank you to all who attended and to our auction winners, who gave generously to help us reach our fundraising goal and raise $250,000. An event of this magnitude takes the efforts and talents of many people. Thank you to our organizing committee, so ably chaired by RSGC parents Cindy Barkway and Julie Dreger. To see more photos, visit RSGC’s Facebook page.
Thank you to our sponsors, who helped make this event a great success: Faculty and Staff Ticket Sponsor: Cindy Barkway and Julie Dreger Design Sponsor: Caroline Coulson and Craig Shibley – JC Shibley Red Wine Sponsor: The DiCapo Family & The Estate of Villa Le Calvane 80’s Prom Photographers Sponsor: John and Anastasia Kanellopoulos – Kallo Developments Coat Check Sponsor: Blair Levinsky and Andrea Lenczner – SMYTHE Table Centerpiece Sponsor: Alison and Jeffrey Leung Flashdance Sponsor: Scott McCain
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Print Sponsors: The McGeachie Family – Mi5 Print & Digital Cocktail Reception Sponsor: TD Bank Back to the Future DeLorean Display Sponsor: The Ternan Family – Bolt Developments Inc. 80’s DJ Video Dance Party Sponsor: David and Kate Wallace Instaprint Photo Booth: Tom and Ruth Woods The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 9
ALUMNI CONNECTIONS
Being Georgian Who taught you what it means to be a Georgian and how? Garry Davidson ’80: John Kiddell – Integrity and selflessness
Chris D'Arcy
David Bourne ’89: Chris D’Arcy – Leadership, strength, intelligence, determination towards John Kiddell problem-solving and continuously bettering oneself. And… how to write on a whiteboard with four markers in one hand!
Rory Gilfillan ’91: They all did. Mr. Wilson taught me rigour, Mr. Pengelly taught me math, Mr. Ackley taught me to take the direct line to the puck, take the hit to make the play, and helped me understand that working hard was an end in itself. And Mr. Love taught me intensity and passion, not by anything he said, much less by what he professed to believe, but Murray by his unflagging iteration of these traits. But it is in hindsight that I understand that it Pengelly was the school itself that forged me by taking a chance on a marginal student when no one else would and then pushing me to be better until one day I was. It is no accident that I am a teacher at another independent school. Gage Love Every day I take chances on students not Bill Wilson so different from me. Anthony Mariano ’12: Throughout my 10 years at RSGC, there were two individuals who taught me what it means to be a Georgian: Hal Hannaford and Dave Fitzpatrick. At the beginning of each term, Mr. Hannaford would usually go over the standards that RSGC stands for (i.e. Manners Maketh Men, the Georgian Code, handshake, etc.). He would also challenge us to go above and beyond what is being asked of us. These include wiping tables in Ketchum without being voluntold or showing affection to our parents when they drop us off every morning. While I did not do these Hal Hannaford with great enthusiasm during those first
shaky years in the Junior School, I learned to adjust and take these tasks in stride. It even became routine whenever some classmates were too unmotivated to take on any task Mr. Hannaford would give us and I happily gave my mom a hug before leaving the car. Mr. Fitz would usually kick off each Dave Fitzpatrick Senior School assembly with the phrase, “Right time, right place; look the part and get involved.” While I did not get it at first, his words truly resonated during times when I showed up late to class or had any uniform infraction, while balancing to keep up with my work and activities. Just like with Mr. Hannaford, Mr. Fitz taught that being Georgian goes beyond the academics in the classroom, but doing the little things that help us become better individuals long after we graduate. As someone who is kickstarting his own teaching career, I hope to pass on these lessons and others to my own students. Max Vannicola ’16: I learned what it means to be a Georgian on my first day at RSGC back in 2010. Mr. Mazurek and Mr. Bibby were certain to show us that being Georgian was about more than just attending RSGC. It was about being empathetic, shaking hands, being kind to one another and, most of all, being an all-around good person. If there’s a new boy, invite him to sit with you at lunch. If you’re new, go say hi and have a nice conversation with someone. If you’re on the TTC, give your seat up to someone in need of one. Hold the door for anyone and always be respectful. I remember my first day of Grade 8 when I realized the new Headmaster, Mr. Beatty, lived in my Wayne Bibby neighborhood. As I saw him get on the subway, I thought, “Oh man, that’s my Headmaster. Uh-oh.” But knowing that it was the good thing to do, I went up to him and said hi. We spoke the entire train ride and walk to school and it was a great experience that I’ll never forget. Being kind and caring is to me what being a Georgian is. Caring for or towards all people will only result in positive feedback and great outcomes. Ben McLaughlin ’12: Hal Hannaford taught me what it means to be a Georgian in my first year at the College in Grade 7. At just about every assembly, he was teaching us the ingredients of a proper handshake, that Manners Maketh Men and much more. The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 11
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
David Baker ’00 & David Clark ’08
The Value of the Georgian Bond BY LAUREN ALPERN
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hen David Baker met David Clark at a business dinner, he decided that Clark, who was with RBC at the time, was just the kind of guy that the Client Wealth Management team at Gluskin Sheff needed. They went for a coffee and the rest, as they say, is history. During that coffee, “the Davids” discovered that they were both Georgian alumni. And while David Baker graduated in 2000 and David Clark in 2008, the Georgian connection is a strong one. “It’s been a great help that we have the Georgian experience in common,” said Baker, who started at the College in Grade 5. “It’s not so much a bond as an understanding.”
RSGC parent Jim Bantis, David Baker ’00 and David Clark ’08 all work on the same team at Gluskin Sheff.
In fact, Gluskin Sheff has a big Georgian contingent. Both Baker and Clark report to RSGC parent Jim Bantis, Executive Vice-President, Client Wealth Management. They also work with alumnus Adam Penny ’05; while Peter Mann, whose three sons attend RSGC and who sits on the Board of Governors, is the Executive Vice-President, Co-Chief Investment Officer & Head of Equities. It’s a small portion of the company’s 130 employees, but a powerful indication of the Georgian reach. Clark, an RSGC lifer, believes his Georgian values played a role when he interviewed for the role of Analyst in the Client Wealth Management group at the firm in 2016.
David Baker ’00
David Clark ’08
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“When I met with Jim Bantis, we talked about the values that I had – many of which came from RSGC,” said Clark. “To him, it was a benefit. The school instills very positive values in kids.” So perhaps it’s not a big surprise that “the Davids” didn’t hesitate to get involved with the RSGC Alumni Association when President Drew Blanchette ’96 and Mentoring and Networking Co-Chair Geoff Osborne ’08 came knocking. They started by leveraging the strong Georgian network to get Gluskin Sheff to sponsor the annual Mentoring and Networking Event, which now takes place at the firm’s Bay Street Office; posting available jobs on the RSGC alumni job board; and taking time to meet with students or young alumni who are looking to make connections and get advice on starting or growing their careers. “We really want to tap into the annual mentoring event and leverage the network,” said Clark, who started out as a mentor to Grade 12 students when he was just two years out of the College. “We have some big ideas for the event that we’d like to pursue, as well, that I think will really benefit the guys looking for a job.” “The Davids” were more than happy to give their time and energy back to the College, especially knowing that it would help their younger fellow Georgians engage with RSGC. “I’d really like to see RSGC’s young alumni community thrive. We can continue to grow it, make it palpable and
give younger Georgians career opportunities,” said Baker, who has been at Gluskin Sheff since 2013 and holds the title of VP, Client Wealth Management. “It’s rewarding to give back to the next generation of Georgians, especially kids who have just graduated. Now more than ever, it’s important to have an alumni network in place and foster that relationship.” Clark is happy to help because he knows he would have benefitted from something similar when he was about to graduate from high school. “I know that if I had that kind of help from somebody when I was younger, I would have been really appreciative,” said Clark. “If that’s how I felt then, why not put some time and energy to help someone out now? Why not give back? I also believe that having a strong alumni network and community is a benefit to the school to attract new students.” It is because Georgians like Baker and Clark have stepped up to the plate that the RSGCAA can increase its offerings to alumni. While they’re both excited to help expand the efforts of the alumni network and foster the relationships between generations, they both know how important the Georgian values are when it comes to getting a job. Both Baker and Clark say their Georgian values have helped them in their roles at Gluskin Sheff and certainly throughout their careers – and they look for those values when they’re interviewing to fill a position on their team, whether or not the applicant has a Georgian background. “Every person I’ve met who has gone to St. George’s is very well rounded. You’re going to find good people with good values who are smart, fun and who grew up in a good environment,” said
Clark. “The Manners Maketh Men motto, the respect, the responsibility and the voice become part of your DNA.” Clark stresses how valuable it is to use the Georgian connection when networking and looking for a job. “It’s such a great connection. As soon as you find out about it, there’s a familiarity and an immediate willingness to spend time with members from the community,” he said. Their boss, RSGC parent Jim Bantis, is thrilled that “the Davids” have become so involved with RSGC’s young alumni. “I think it’s brilliant that they are giving back to the school, creating a forum for the alumni to meet on a regular basis and giving feedback on the opportunities for alumni to have when they’re out in the world,” said Jim, whose son Andrew is Class of 2019. “That’s what we want to create, and both Davids are terrific at it.” Jim, who describes Baker and Clark as exceptionally smart, hardworking, collaborative and possessing great emotional intelligence, thinks it’s extremely important to have a mentor, regardless of age. “It’s so valuable, whether it’s David Baker having a mentor, David Clark having a mentor or these young grads having a mentor who went to RGSC,” said Jim. “It’s a challenging, competitive environment on Bay Street and it brings a lot of insight in terms of going into interviews, but it also helps prepare them for what they’re getting into as a career.” With this drive to foster mentorship connections increasingly front and centre for the RSGCAA, it’s now more true than ever that a Georgian connection can open doors and spark lifelong connections.
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP
JACOB BUCHAN & CHARLIE CAMERON
Jacob and Charlie worked together all year through the Peer Tutor program.
BY LAUREN ALPERN
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hen Grade 3 student Charlie Cameron sees Grade 10 student Jacob Buchan, he is really excited to run across the tarmac and say hello. The two know each other from the Peer Tutor program, which has just finished its sixth year. The boys spend one hour a week in the library, during which Jacob helps Charlie with his homework and then they have time to talk, play outside and just get to know each other. The program is enriching for everyone involved. While it started as a tutoring initiative, mentorship plays a significant role as Georgians work together to become better versions of themselves. Jacob, who started at RSGC in Grade 7, says he was always interested in becoming a mentor to a younger student because he knows how much value there is in having that relationship. “Little kids really value connecting with an older kid. I know I always looked up to the prefects when I was younger,” said Jacob. “Now, it just takes one hour a week to be a role model and be that person that they can look up to. It’s a nice feeling to have a small impact, a small influence on somebody else.” One of the reasons Jacob thinks the program is so great is because he feels it’s really similar to the College’s mottos. 14 The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College
“Everyone is known and loved – and that’s more than just the faculty,” he said. “For a boy in Grade 3, if he’s working with a Grade 10 or 11 student, that means the world to him and that’s incredibly important. It’s solidifying these messages and building a practical application to them. Mr. Beatty always talks about this, but this program is the perfect example of doing the right thing when no one is looking. You can say whatever you want when you’re doing a speech, but when you build a relationship with someone, no one sees it. We both benefit, though.” In 2014, Learning Centre Coordinator, Laura McPhedran, and Shawn Wu ’14, implemented the program. Laura agrees the relationship between students is mutually beneficial. “For both boys, it is about developing a meaningful relationship with another Georgian, who is at a different stage in their journey at RSGC. Building community and helping each other is part of the fabric of our school.” For Charlie, not only does he now have a friend in the Senior School, but he also has someone to look up to. “I look forward to our time together,” said Charlie. “Not only do I get to finish my homework before I go home, but I also get to say ‘hi’ to one of the Senior
School boys when I see him! I really like Jacob. He’s very nice and caring towards everyone he meets and he treats people with respect.” As for Jacob, he thinks Charlie is a great kid, full of laughter, chatter and confidence. He knows the importance of a younger child having a mentor and he loves being that person for Charlie. “It’s incredibly important for younger people to have older people to look up to. It gives them a basis for where they think they want to go,” said Jacob. “As a younger kid, feeling that you’re known gives you a lot more confidence. I don’t think a lot of people appreciate that. It really does mean the world to younger kids when older students acknowledge them.” Laura has seen the benefits of the program – especially when the mentor and mentee are able to work together for multiple years. Busy schedules do make it complicated to match boys, but the teachers in the Learning Centre do their best to establish lasting partnerships. “We try to pair boys together who will connect with each other,” said Laura. “It is rewarding to watch relationships develop and see the boys shine. That’s what keeps the program going and what makes it special. The win-win of it; that’s why we do it.” Laura doesn’t know Jacob well, other than through this program, but she can already see that he is a wonderful addition as a mentor. “I know that he is extremely reliable and responsible,” said Laura. “He cares deeply about making a difference and I think he has been a fantastic tutor this year.” Her favourite time is walking into the library when all of the mentors are in there with their mentees. “Sometimes the buzz in the library is incredible because you have three or four pairs of Georgians working together to solve problems,” said Laura. “When you see the Junior and Senior School blazers side by side there’s a great sense of a supportive community.” Ultimately, both the younger boy and the older boy are benefitting. “While Charlie is learning from Jacob, Jacob is learning from Charlie,” said Laura. “Being a peer tutor helps our boys learn more about their individual learning style and how they can be academically successful.”
The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 15
PARENT SPOTLIGHT
SUSAN MAZAN: TAKING A LEAP INTO POLITICS BY LAUREN ALPERN
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hen Susan Mazan decided to go back to work after staying at home for 11 years to raise her three sons, she didn’t do it quietly. She threw her hat into the race for Township of Muskoka Lakes councillor late last year. “It was so busy and rewarding raising the boys, but Mike and I always knew I’d like to go back to work when the time felt right,” said Susan. Susan, who was born in Toronto and moved to Bracebridge at the age of nine, has deep roots in the Muskoka area. “I have a long history in Muskoka. My grandfather built my childhood cottage during the depression and I grew up calling Bracebridge home,” she said. “Muskoka has always been my anchor, which is why entering politics in this area made sense to me.” Still, she didn’t take the decision to run lightly. “The public nature of politics can be overwhelming, but I always knew I’d like to add my voice to something I cared about,” said Susan. “That’s why I chose to go back to work in a public service role in politics. While it’s exciting, it’s also life-changing.” She had a lot of relevant experience to draw upon, with a background in communications and public relations, and years working for a company where she led a national sales team and managed multiple clients. Susan also credits her volunteer efforts at her children’s schools for preparing her for the new role. Fortunately, this new career allows Susan to stay connected to a place where she has deep roots, yet still allows her to stay close to her family.
“We have structured council meetings in Muskoka once a month, which has provided me the opportunity to spend time with my ‘first family’, because my parents, siblings and many friends are still in Bracebridge,” said Susan. “And with the nature of today’s communication via e-mail, phone and leveraging technology, I can easily connect with constituents wherever they may be – in Muskoka, Toronto, Florida and anywhere else in the world.” Susan says there was no one thing that convinced her to run, but rather a confluence of factors that all pointed towards a more public role. “There were many events that led to this moment and the timing was right to bring my experience to the council table,” she said. When Susan decided to run for council in Muskoka Lakes, Mike and the boys
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Susan's campaign to run for councillor in the Township of Muskoka Lakes was a family affair. Her husband, sons and extended family were all out putting up signs and delivering brochures.
were very supportive of her decision. They, along with Susan’s parents and siblings, all chipped in with the campaign, making her realize that it truly does take a village. “My boys helped put up my signs and deliver my brochures, which in the case of Muskoka meant using a boat to distribute brochures on docks. They also attended events and came to my speeches,” said Susan. “My mom and siblings put up signs, went door-to-door and helped spread the word, particularly to those who remembered me by my maiden name – it was a real pleasure when old acquaintances realized it was me.” Ben, Class of 2020, thought it was a fantastic learning experience to drive around the area with his uncle finding the most impactful locations for signs. He wasn’t surprised that Susan won and is very proud of his mother. “She really worked hard – there’s a lot involved in campaigning,” said Ben. “Even though there were times, like the debates, when my mom was outside of her comfort zone, she just kept at it. She’s very determined when something matters to her.” Ben says his mother’s return to work has been a bit of an adjustment, but the changes at home have been manageable. “My brothers and I have to take on a bit more responsibility, but it’s not too different than before,” he said. “Recently, my mom was in Muskoka for an entire week and my Dad was in Calgary, so taking on new roles and responsibilities helped us get through the week. She does work from home a lot, so it’s not a complete change.” And while everyone is getting used to the new reality in the Mazan household, Susan is now focused on representing her constituents. Like most municipalities, there are many important issues facing the Township of Muskoka Lakes, and Susan is embracing the challenge alongside the rest of council.
The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 17
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
DAVID MILLER
PASSION AND PERSISTENCE BY LAUREN ALPERN
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ensei David Miller had never wanted to study judo. But when two of his three younger and smaller brothers were able to throw him thanks to what they’d learned from judo, he knew his pizza slices and ice cream cones were at risk, so he gave it a shot. And he was horrible at it. “Hockey was my first love, but I came from a poor family. We lived in Ontario housing, my parents were young, both working, and we were struggling. Hockey was really expensive and they could barely get me suited up to play,” said Sensei. “They found an inexpensive judo program in the neighbourhood. That was when I was about 11 years old. I really sucked at it until I was 19.” That’s when he came into his own. Sensei began training with a new instructor, and the pair really clicked. He started doing well and became a member of the Ontario Judo Team. From age 20 until he retired at age 45, Sensei was the Ontario champion about 20 times. During those difficult early years, Sensei didn’t give up. He stuck with it because he loved the people involved in judo and he really enjoyed the judo style of fighting. The more Sensei trained, the more it helped him to overcome the fact that he has a physical disability. “I’m legally blind in one eye. I was never supposed to play hockey and I wasn’t supposed to be allowed to do judo,” he said. “But my parents believed that despite any type of physical challenges, if someone really has the heart and soul to put into something, they can succeed. It wasn’t until I really got into judo that my vision disability stopped being a concern for me. My life in judo
Sensei has had a huge impact on the College's judo program. Head of Senior School Paul O'Leary believes RSGC may be the only high school in Canada to offer judo as a full-credit course.
Sensei and his three sons.
gave me the confidence I needed to be able to do that.” Sensei went on to become Canadian National Champion, winning the Canadian Heavyweight Championships in 1995. He also represented Canada at the World Championships in Japan and, twice, narrowly missed representing Canada at the Olympics. Sensei ended up training and teaching judo in Japan for a decade, where he formed his deeply rooted relationship with Tokai University and Matsumae Bosei Gaku Juku. He was recently awarded the Rusty Kanokogi Award for Significant Contribution to
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Women’s Judo and International Judo. After his time in Japan, during which he grew to love the Japanese culture as much as the sport of judo, Sensei knew that he wanted to come back to Canada to share his experiences with as many young Canadians as possible. “I wanted to build bridges between the Canadian and Japanese cultures,” he said. It worked out well that Royal St. George’s College was looking for a parttime judo instructor. They found Sensei 21 years ago through Judo Ontario. He started out teaching the boys in Grades 7 and 8 for one hour every other day for
six weeks. Gradually, that expanded to the entire Junior School and then moved into the Senior School, where there is now a full-credit course. Assistant Headmaster and Head of Senior School, Paul O’Leary, who at the time was a teacher responsible for some Junior School physical education programming, had been looking to bring something to the College that wasn’t a typical North American sport, and was more of a draw to students who preferred an individual sport. He liked the appeal of the judo culture. He believes RSGC may now be the only high school in Canada to offer judo as a full-credit course. Paul is certain that the success of the program is due to Sensei’s passion for judo and love of RSGC. “Sometimes the success of a program is based on the passion of your teacher. David’s love for judo is clear, so the evolution was natural. We started with mats in a rented gym at St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, then mats in a portable on campus, and now he has his own dojo,” said Paul. “There are about a dozen guys who are disciples of the program. I know by the
number of boys who come into my office to say they want to take judo. They’ll move mountains to take it. It’s not all about the judo, it’s about their teacher, Sensei.” Sensei’s love for the College is almost as big as his love of judo. And after 20 years coming to Howland Ave., the love hasn’t waned. He knew within his first year here that this was where he wanted to spend the rest of his career. He also knew that he would do whatever it took in order to give his three sons the gift of a Georgian education. “I was so invested in the philosophy of Royal St. George’s College and impressed that everything that was said actually happens here – it’s not just a line,” said Sensei. “I couldn’t think of a better place for my children to spend their high school years.” Sho ’12, Michael ’15 and Denis ’18 all started at the College in Grade 9. Sensei is very open about the fact that he could barely afford to send his kids to this school, and that it has been and continues to be a financial strain. “I told my boys that they weren’t getting an inheritance, that they were getting a gift of coming to RSGC instead. They all realize what a gift it was. It was very easy for me to do without a lot of things in order to provide them the experience here,” he said. “I’m as proud, if not prouder, of being able to provide a Georgian education to my
boys than anything I’ve done in my life.” Michael, who has followed in his father’s footsteps and is currently in Japan training in judo, knows how much his dad gave up for him and his brothers. “Just to send us here, he made many great sacrifices for us every day. He does so many things for us every day and I really appreciate them,” said Michael. “I don’t think I could ever do anything to show my appreciation for everything he has done, but I think he knows.” Paul O’Leary, who calls Sensei a friend in addition to a colleague, is so impressed by what he did for his sons. “He was so committed to giving them more than he had – he sacrificed a great deal so that his kids could have a better education,” said Paul. “He believed in this school enough that he was willing to take on a significant financial burden so that his sons could benefit from what RSGC had to offer.” As for Sensei, the 2018/19 school year was the first one in a decade that he didn’t have at least one of his sons with him in the car for the ride to school. “The upside is I that get to control the radio station,” he said. “It’s been lonely not having them here, but on the other hand, I have approximately 447 sons here at the school with me, so it’s been a bit easier to get over the fact that I miss my boys.”
The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 19
FEATURE FEATURES
Right To Play Program
THE FIRST TASK IS TO
LISTEN
Great community relationships begin with listening to new and different voices.
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Through Right To Play, RSGC has developed a meaningful relationship with Lord Dufferin Public School in Regent Park.
BY SUMNER & LANG
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hilosopher and theologian Paul Tillich once said that our first task in building new relationships is mutual listening. Mutual listening is taking others into account in a compassionate and fairminded way. It’s working toward justice by being open, curious and attentive to lives different from our own. It’s also hearing those quieter voices that can go unnoticed in a noisy and sometimes inequitable world. Some of those quieter voices can be found in Elizabeth Baltazar’s Grade 5 classroom at Lord Dufferin Public School in Toronto’s inner-city Regent Park neighbourhood. It’s not that it’s a hushed group. It’s that really having a voice means having the confidence to speak up for yourself, help a friend in need or lead a team activity. Developing that voice and that confidence begins with spending time with others who want to listen. That’s what RSGC students do in Elizabeth’s classroom with the Right To Play program. “My students really appreciate that someone is taking the time to visit and play with them,” said Elizabeth. “They look up to the St. George’s boys as role models, while also connecting to them as kids. They love the games they play together, which teach cooperation, respect, kindness and empathy. By experiencing those values in action, my students learn how to apply them in their own lives.” Elizabeth sees the positive impact of the weekly Tuesday afternoon visits
on her students. She also sees growth in the Georgians who participate in the program. Adam Daudi ’16 was one of those Georgians. He became involved in Right To Play in Grade 9 after initially viewing his community service requirement as an item to check off the list. Having just finished his third year at Carleton University earning an Honours BA in Law, Adam remembers how the program changed him. “I first thought, I can leave class early, so why not?” he recalled. “By my second week, I was already invested in the kids. I was surprised by how rewarding it was to help them learn social skills. So long as they were engaged in the games, they were learning and developing. So, my job was to connect to them personally and make it fun.”
By Grade 10, Adam started organizing and leading the RSGC Right To Play group. He maintained his commitment through to graduation, finding it as valuable as his school work. “St. George’s has a culture of helping,” said Adam. “I took that sense of family and togetherness with me to the larger community. It wasn’t work – it was a pleasure to be a friend and a mentor to those kids, and it has shaped who I am today.” Elizabeth regards the RSGC-Lord Dufferin partnership as beneficial for all involved. The relationships and bonding go both ways, with older and younger students alike sharing who they are and learning to be better leaders. “It’s important to be exposed to people of different backgrounds,” she said. “It develops empathy on both sides. And we
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Vermont Square Program
Friday Food Ministries
RSGC's relationship with Vermont Square sees an art teacher sharing his love for art with seniors, and students visiting with residents on a weekly basis.
The RSGC community prepares and serves three full meals every year for guests at St. Thomas's church, and students also help out every Friday.
can tell that the RSGC kids want to be here. They’re enjoying themselves too and really care about my students.” The power of mutual listening – being open to others and inquisitive about their lives – is also evident in the school’s relationship with Vermont Square, a longterm care facility close to the College. Boys like Grade 8 student Sebastian Appleyard spend an hour every Tuesday visiting with residents and striking up conversations on any topics of shared interest. “I’ll ask questions about sports, school or cooking,” said Sebastian. “I talk to a resident who was a librarian about books and plays. Another used to have a Ford Mustang and play hockey. You can always find something in common or that you’re just curious about.” Sebastian enjoys viewing the world through different lenses, and many residents like to share their childhood memories. Some are chatty; others are quieter and mostly listen. Either way, a
connection is formed across generations. “They light up when they see us,” said Sebastian. “Our lives are different, but we still learn things from each other.” Art teacher Myles Vivares has a similar experience when he visits Vermont Square to offer weekly art classes. This is the first time he has worked with seniors and people with mobility limitations on drawing, painting and craft projects. “Art is a great way for residents to engage with visitors and with their own lives,” Myles said. “Many recreate images from their youth, like growing up on a farm. They have strong ties to their past and their memories, so they explore those. It’s an incredible shared journey to build a relationship while helping someone express themselves in that way.” Having witnessed the transformation on both sides when the boys and residents interact, Myles is working to expand this new program to include more sessions and students. He also enjoys
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getting to know the residents. “Myles is so warm and friendly,” said Vesna Adams, Programs Manager at Vermont Square. “He’s comfortable and open working with the residents, and they feel that. The art also helps them to relax, and they enjoy talking about what they’re making and what it means to them. The mix of creative expression and personal contact with Myles improves their social, emotional and psychological well-being. It’s just great for them.” Vesna describes the relationship between RSGC and Vermont Square as a “beautiful friendship”. James Shire, the director of the Friday Food Ministry program at St. Thomas’s Church, shares the sentiment. The school prepares and serves three full meals every year for the church’s guests, and students also help out every Friday. “There is a strong sense of community here,” said James. “We have a lot of regular guests who come every Friday to meet their friends, play cards, even read a book. It’s a social space and offers continuity and support for people living in poverty and with insecure housing. The students who join us are keen to pitch in and are a welcome part of this community.” James reports that guests especially look forward to the big meals the school hosts – sometimes accompanied by the jazz band – and enjoy getting to know the boys who regularly help out. “The students not only lighten the workload, but are also a source of joy for our other volunteers and guests, especially the boys who come often,” he said. “They really believe in working together to help meet the needs of others.”
Nicholas Ramsubick ’16, now in third year biomedical engineering at Queen’s, was one of those students. He wanted to connect with people he wouldn’t otherwise meet and eventually became the Community Service Prefect in Grade 12. “I really wanted to help students see the importance of building strong ties
ON A MISSION
within the community,” he said. “The more aware we are of others, the more we take them in, the better all of our lives become. The best way I could do that was with the Friday Food Ministry. Meeting so many different people and breaking down barriers between us was really important to me.” Nicholas continues to make those community connections through Soul Foods, a student-run organization that delivers extra food from campus cafeterias to Kingston shelters. “Universities can be insular places,” he said. “Getting out and connecting to others is important for making our communities better. The way I move in the world now, I am always talking and listening to people. I don’t want to stand behind barriers. That all started for me at RSGC.” The first task in building better communities is to listen. After that, anything is possible.
Every Friday, Grade 12 student Peter Kirby and his father, Doug Kirby, take leftover food from the Ketchum Hall kitchen and deliver it to the Scott Mission. “We take containers of soup, macaroni and cheese, pasta sauce, chicken – all of the leftovers from our weekly lunches,” said Peter. “I’ve also volunteered at the mission during the summer, working on food prep. It’s a place that relies on volunteers.” Peter and Doug have gotten to know the staff at the mission, especially Trevor Smith, Manager of Volunteering and Community Outreach. “We always go in and say hi to Trevor and everyone else,” said Doug. “There’s a great group of really friendly and dedicated people. They’re very grateful to Peter and the school for contributing to their meal program.” The Scott Mission provides both hot meals and daily bagged lunches for those who are homeless or living in poverty. It also offers low-cost daycare, good quality free clothing, an overnight program, an after-school program for children and youth, and many other services. Peter appreciates how welcoming the staff is and how comfortable they make him feel. At the same time, he is also reminded of how secure his life is. “Others have not been so lucky,” said Peter. “Homelessness is a terrible burden and a life I can barely imagine. The guests there deserve to live in better circumstances. I’m glad to do what I can to make one part of their day better.” With Peter graduating this spring, father and son are mindful of the continuing support the Scott Mission needs. “I’m hoping that a new family will take over the reins starting in September,” said Doug. “It takes less than half an hour on Fridays and it’s a wonderful way to make a difference.”
Georgians interested in volunteering at the Scott Mission are encouraged to speak to Emma Totten at etotten@rsgc.on.ca. The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 23
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FEATURE
MOVING IS CONNECTING: How Running and Dance Fuel Personal Growth at RSGC
24 The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College
BY LAUREN ALPERN
hen Jack Beatty was in Grade 5, there was no denying it: he couldn’t run around the block if his life depended on it. Now, with the first year of high school under his belt, Jack is aiming to make OFSAA next year and it’s all thanks to the Friday Morning Fitness club with Junior School teachers Drew Blanchette ’96, Kate Hubbs and Brian Robinson. The trio, along with fellow Junior School teacher Jay Kearsey, gathers a crew of boys every Friday morning at 7:00 am, rain, snow or shine, to train for the ultimate goal of running the Sporting Life 10K event held every May in Toronto. What started out as a group of about 10 has grown to around 30, with numerous faculty, including Peter Smith and Christopher Newton, often joining as well. Over 80 people from the RSGC community ran the race this year. Jack has been a regular for four years and is the perfect example of why Drew, Brian and Kate keep the club going. “I was indisputably the worst runner in my grade. That’s just a fact,” said Jack. “I don’t really remember what made me go the first time, but what made me continue going was this one older student, who, as I was dying just going there and back, was really encouraging. Eventually, it got to be more and more fun. When I ran the 10K that year, it took me an hour and 10 minutes. I’ve run it every year since then – it was 44 minutes last year. This year, my goal is 40 minutes.” Brian, Kate and Drew have seen the improvement year after year, and credit Jack’s dedication for making it possible. “Jack has really come a long way, from being unable to keep up and almost vomiting on the side of the road to being the fastest runner in his grade at the Terry Fox Run,” said Drew. “I’ve watched him grow in all aspects, from his strength and his speed to his mental prowess. He even runs outside of school now. He has definitely found his niche and is an exceptional runner.” Jack would even go so far as calling himself an athlete now. “I was so far from an athlete when I started, but I absolutely would consider myself an athlete now,” said Jack, who is now a member of the running club,
The Friday Morning Fitness Club runs every Friday morning, regardless of the weather.
Monarch Athletics. “After I started running, I got better at every single sport. I got faster. I can jump higher. I’m even better at basketball. I’m passable at every sport now.” But the perks don’t end there. While Jack notices a difference in every sport and has set goals for himself in competitive track and field, and cross country, he now also shares a bond with his teachers through his passion for running. “It’s not even just about the actual physical running – it’s about having people like Mr. Robinson with us and Mr. Kearsey sometimes who are all really
enthusiastic about running,” said Jack. “There’s a culture and a feel about running with the people in your school that’s really cool. There’s no question that I feel one hundred per cent better connected to staff now. Mr. Blanchette even gives me a ride in on Friday mornings so I can make it to the club.” Drew, an Ironman athlete who started running in 2008, loves sharing his passion for running with the boys and sees that there are benefits for him as well. “For me, it was a point of connection with the boys because it’s something that I love to do. And I know how
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important it is for me to do from a mental health and wellness perspective,” said Drew. “It’s something you can do for your whole life. Some of them can connect to that. Plus, you can get some of the kids who aren’t perceived as athletes. Then they come and find that their inner athlete actually exists, which creates confidence for them. I also love that they push me to work harder because a lot of them are faster than me in short distance and I love doing something alongside them instead of just as a facilitator.” Running is an easy way for Drew to connect with the boys, especially when it’s a shared passion. “It’s so different than connecting with a kid in the classroom – you just connect on a different level,” said Drew. “You also get to have them for a lot longer than you do in the classroom – they could run with me for 10 years! You’re really going to get to know somebody. And seeing them accomplish something that they didn’t think they could accomplish is a nice way to connect.”
Drew Blanchette ’96 and Brian Robinson share many passions, including running.
The boys love working with the dancers from the Male Initiative.
you are,” said Sarah. “It just became about dancing – not how well you can do the moves. It was amazing to see the shy guys go to the centre of the circle to show off some moves in front of their friends.” At the same time, sharing her passion with the boys has allowed them to learn a
little bit about what makes Sarah tick. “I think anything you do at a school outside of teaching allows the students into your personal life a little bit, which really helps build a relationship with the boys,” said Sarah, who worked with the entire school community to choreograph
the Footloose video that was produced for the Gala. “They start to see you as more than just a teacher – everyone has hobbies and passion outside of school. I’m glad I can give them a little glimpse into who I am.” For Zach Chabursky, who has always loved to dance, it’s been great to be able to hone his dance moves at school, and it has built his confidence in other areas of his life. “I haven’t had much time to dance, so I’m happy I can do it at school now,” he said. “Seeing my teachers dance makes me more familiar with them and I feel more comfortable asking more questions in class. I feel like it’s a cool way to connect with them outside of the classroom. It really just helps immerse you with different people in general. I’d never met many of the younger boys in the Junior School and now I get to collaborate with them too. I don’t think the other guys would have tried it if they didn’t think they might love it. That makes an automatic connection between everyone in the room.”
FEEL THE RHYTHM Grade 5 homeform teacher Krithia Chandra wasn’t a natural dancer, but then she discovered Zumba about five years ago. Now a licensed Zumba instructor for both adults and children, Krithia enjoys the Latin dance-inspired mix of salsa, merengue, reggaeton and cumbia because there is no single proper technique and it can look different for everyone. “That’s exactly what dance looks like for kids – it’s just exploring how their body can move and hearing the rhythm of the music,” said Krithia, who teaches Zumba three times a week and considers it a passion. When Krithia arrived at RSGC in 2017, she saw a void in that form of physical activity at the College. “I wanted to introduce the boys to how vigorous dance could be and how much strength it takes, so I started a small dance club for Grades 3-6 and I took a small group of boys to CAIS Dancefest,” she said.
Krithia Chandra dances with the boys in dance club.
This year, she teamed up with Senior School Math teacher Sarah Jessani; Zachary Chabursky, Class of 2022; and Shavar Blackwood from the Male Initiative – a training and mentorship program for emerging male dancers – to build up the club. “Dance is definitely a harder sell at a boys’ school, so getting the choreographers from the Male Initiative was instrumental in showing that anyone can dance and learn choreography,” said Sarah, who started dancing for fun at a young age before becoming a member of a dance company in high school. “It’s all about getting more boys into the arts.
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This year, from Grades 3-12, we had 27 boys attend weekly.” So far, feedback has been really positive and the boys have loved working with Shavar and his team. Many boys have even started dancing outside of the one hour of club time. For Krithia and Sarah, it has been rewarding to see the boys’ progress. “The biggest change I saw in the boys was confidence. At the beginning, you could see how many of them were nervous and shy to participate, but the group did a really good job of building a sense of community and safe space where it wasn’t about showing people how good
Sarah Jessani loves being able to dance at school. The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 27
FEATURE As an act of kindess towards a senior, Nathen Wilk, Class of 2022, shovelled his grandmother's driveway.
Andrew Bennett ’91 and Otis Moore ’15 have become great friends after a chance encounter.
FILLING UP AND STEPPING IN
CHANCE ENCOUNTERS AND CHANGED LIVES
A man stopping at a gas station is asked by an elderly woman to help loosen her car’s gas cap. Happy to oblige, he suggests that she wait in her car, as it may take a while. Out of sight, he then secretly fills up her tank at his own expense. When he lets her know she is good to head out, he is surprised by the depth of her emotion. Her response far exceeds a warm thank-you for an unexpected gift. Later, pondering the encounter, the man suddenly understands: the gift was
less one of resources than of recognition. The woman simply appreciated being seen. “I realized in that moment that we have pushed seniors so far away that they are disappearing from view,” said Paul, father of Mariano Elia ’15, of his chance encounter that day. “Our seniors feel invisible in our society. That experience changed me, which is why I founded the Seniors’ Wish Foundation of Canada.” The goal of the Seniors’ Wish Foundation of Canada is to help alleviate the loneliness and invisibility of seniors. The Foundation doesn’t ask for money. Instead, it encourages acts of connection and kindness. Stopping to say hello or
helping with errands requires a little investment of time, but none of capital. In addition to raising awareness, the Seniors’ Wish Foundation of Canada also provides opportunities for art initiatives that connect seniors to students. “I talked to the head gerontologist at Mount Sinai Hospital about how to engage seniors,” said Paul. “He said, try art. Art activates the creative parts of the brain. As we age, we tend to focus more on routine tasks and activities, and less on the imagination. Art offers sensory and creative stimulation. Partnering with students then adds in social contact and strengthens communication.”
BY SUMNER & LANG
One of RSGC’s core principles is that each boy is known and loved. Why? Because being seen, understood and valued lays the foundation for connecting meaningfully to others, and because a genuine sense of connection cultivates the ground for empathy, self-discovery and lifelong learning. Sometimes that genuine connection happens outside school and out of the blue. Our community enjoys its fair share of unexpected moments that make a difference or change the direction of a life – perhaps because, in the words of Louis Pasteur, chance favours the prepared mind. Being seen and valued also lays the foundation for seeing and valuing others. Here are a few chance encounters that have changed lives. 28 The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College
Art is a great connector. Focusing on sketching, painting or sculpting allows for easy conversation about everything from shape and colour to favourite hobbies and childhood memories. Royal St. George’s College recently approached the Seniors’ Wish Foundation of Canada to ask if it had a challenge for Grade 9 students to address in their Foundation Year Project, which focuses on creating a product or service that supports a social issue. Paul had a ready response. “Our main challenge is to get our message out to a larger audience,” he said. “I met with the students and said, ‘You can take this forward, you can get this known more.’ The four teams came up with all kinds of ideas, from social media campaigns, changing the logo, improving the website and contacting the TTC to place posters, to refining our target audience based on Google analytics. They’re quite a group.” Paul views the partnership between the Seniors’ Wish Foundation of Canada and RSGC as a perfect fit. “One thing Mariano always said is that there are no invisible students at RSGC,” he recalled. “I want that to be true for everyone. And these boys are helping to make it happen.”
REACHING ACROSS THE YEARS Art is a great connector. For the Day of Service last November, a group of RSGC students visited the Annex Seniors Home and participated in watercolour painting with the residents.
When Andrew Bennett ’91 was recently invited to a reunion night in Ottawa, he was excited to catch up with his former classmates. Coming five years behind Headmaster Steve Beatty ’86 while at
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RSGC, Andrew was also looking forward to reconnecting with someone he remembers as “really cool”. “I was chatting with some of the Old Boys I knew when a young guy walked up to me, stuck out his hand and said hello,” recalled Andrew. “I had never met him before, but I was struck by his openness and friendliness. We talked for a long time that night.” That young guy was Otis Moore ’15. “Mr. Beatty told me to go introduce myself to Andrew, and I always do what he says!” laughed Otis. “He knew that I was interested in politics and hope to be an ambassador one day. Andrew has had this incredible career, including having been the first and only Canadian Ambassador for Religious Freedom. He also has a PhD in political science and is a Deacon in his church. We share a lot of interests.” Though a generation apart, the two have become close friends, bonding over music, their Christian faith, and lives (spent and planned) in public service.
Andrew Bennett ’91 In the fourth year of was a Prefect at RSGC. his Honours degree in Conflict Studies and Human Rights at the University of Ottawa, Otis has worked for the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and is a member of the Governor General’s Foot Guards in the Rifle Company. Andrew has been engaged in public life for about 20 years and is familiar with parliament Having had important and the larger Ottawa mentors himself growing community, both secular up, Andrew genuinely and faith-based. enjoys helping Otis explore “I see Andrew as a good his vocation and his faith – friend and someone I trust, and also learning from him. who always makes time for A connection across me,” said Otis. “I look up to decades is by no means a him, from his education to one-way street. everything he has accom“You can never anticiplished. He’s incredibly pate a new friendship,” intelligent and also easy to said Andrew, recalling the be with. He makes me feel night they met. “But it’s a like an equal, even though wonderful gift. It helps that he’s also a mentor. My Otis and I share a connecconfidence has grown a lot tion as alumni to a special through knowing him.” place that encourages Andrew is more than fraternity and recognition happy to share his insights of others. After that, our and experiences with bond is our own, based on Otis, whom he describes being very much ourselves. as a unique individual And we’re both better with great self-awareness. people for it.” Otis Moore ’15 and Stephen Beatty ’86
30 The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College
Our Changing Lives BIRTHS Alex Edmison ’02
Georgian Legacy Society… because the world needs more Georgians Your legacy gift to Royal St. George’s College will ensure that we can continue our 50-year tradition of educating future Georgians – inspiring them to become the best version of themselves. For more information on leaving RSGC in your will, please visit www.rsgc. on.ca/plannedgiving
Alex ’02 and his wife Dana are thrilled to announce the birth of their son John Maxwell Joseph Edmison. Max entered the world at 7:32 am on March 29, weighing 8 lbs., 7 oz. Sophie, born in 2016, is excited to be a big sister.
Emily Mather, Senior School French Emily and her husband Bart welcomed their daughter Taylor Sloan Mather Egnal to the world on January 22, 2019, at 2:54 pm. She was born at St. Joseph’s
Hospital, weighing a tiny 4 lbs., 8 oz. She joins big brothers Kye (7) and Fraser (3) in the minivan!
Alessandra Matera, Grade 8 Twins Leo and Camilla Matera Genova were born at Mount Sinai Hospital
on January 11, making Junior School teacher Alessandra and her husband Sam proud firsttime parents. Leo arrived first at 6:52 am, weighing 6 lbs., 9 oz.; while Camilla arrived six minutes later, at 6:58 am, weighing 5 lbs. Congratulations!
Taylor
Leo and Camilla
Max
DEATHS William (Bill) Henry ’84 William passed away on March 20, 2019. Bill was known for his unbridled enthusiasm, unfailing sense of humour, and for being a pillar of advice and guidance among his family and friends. He demonstrated exemplary bravery, perseverance and optimism. He will be lovingly remembered as a wonderful brother and best friend of his sister, Elizabeth Henry-Walford and his brother, Michael Henry ’87. He will be remembered with love and gratitude by his nieces and nephews, including Patrick Walford (Class of 2022). Bill will be greatly missed by his partner, Michelle Ryan. Bill was blessed with a wonderful group of steadfast friends with whom he enjoyed skiing, golfing and cycling.
He enjoyed an exceptional friendship with Greg Petkovich ’84. Greg was with Bill and the Henry family on every step of this difficult journey. After university, Bill joined the TD Bank Financial Group, where he worked for 28 years in a variety of roles. Most recently, Bill worked as a Senior Financial Planner for TD Wealth. A passionate and accomplished downhill skier, Bill helped children with special needs as a ski instructor in the Special Olympics program at Earl Bales Ski Centre. He was immensely grateful for his opportunities and was delighted to give back to others. Please consider a donation to the Terry Fox Foundation or to Royal St. George’s College. The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College 31
DEATHS David Stirling ’06 October 13, 1988 March 11, 2019 David, much loved son of Chris and John Stirling, adored brother of Andrew and Alison Stirling, and caring uncle to Madeleine and Graham Stirling, accidentally died in Toronto on March 11, aged 30. As a six-year old, David was enormously proud of having selected from the litter the beloved family dog, Ginger. As a teenager, he was passionate about snowboarding, hockey and skateboarding and continued with the latter sport well into his twenties. In recent years, he pursued his interest in music by learning to
David Stirling
play the guitar. David was excited to become an uncle again, and met his 5-day old namesake, Graham David Stirling, for the first time on the day before he died. David’s mental illness became evident in his early 20’s. With the support of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), his family and friends, David emerged from his
dark years to again enjoy life and be a pleasure to live with. He took pride in his job as a courier with A-Way Express, an organization which is run by and employs survivors of mental health challenges. He will be sorely missed. Donations may be made to CAMH or to A-Way Express. (Published in the Globe and Mail)
anybody. Charades and so much else will never be the same. Missed terribly by his family: parents Robyn and Peter; his siblings Charlotte, Brooks and Mimi Coffey; and aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A service and celebration of his wonderful life was held December 28 at Royal St George’s College. Donations welcomed to CAMH.
Patrick Coffey ’12 Patrick, born February 27, 1994, died at home on December 20, 2018. He was a genuine, funny, lovable, accepting, charismatic and resilient human being who never said a bad thing about
Patrick Coffey
Retrospective
sporty, helpful, adventurous, co-operative, kind, clever.
2000s Andrew Lahodynskyj ’08 Andrew ’08, a freelance photographer and photo editor, is the recipient of the 2019 Tom Hanson Photojournalism Award, presented by the Canadian Journalism Foundation (CJF) and the Canadian Press (CP). The coveted award is in memory of the late, prize-winning CP photographer Tom Hanson. Andrew will join CP’s head office in Toronto this summer for a six-week internship covering breaking news, major sports and key cultural events. His photos have most recently appeared in publications such as the Toronto Star and the London Free Press, while his work as a photo editor includes the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors and Maclean’s. Lahodynskyj’s portfolio was selected from numerous submissions by students and early-career photojournalists from across the country. He accepted the award at the CJF Awards on June 13, 2019 at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto. 32 The Shield Spring 2019 • Royal St. George’s College
We asked each boy to describe himself in just six words.
2010s Ethan Farbridge ’15 Ethan ’15 is the proud owner of an X-Ring after his recent graduation with a BBA from the Schwartz School of Business at St. Francis Xavier University in Nova Scotia. The X-Ring is said to be, after Super Bowl and Papal rings, the third most recognized ring in the world.
Their answers were as diverse and as individual as the school itself; a place where each boy is challenged and inspired to become the best version of himself.
Experience the difference at our Open House: October 10 from 9:30–11:30 am. Call 416.533.9481 rsgc.on.ca
RSGC. Here, I am.
Feed your family with quality eggs from Burnbrae Farms, part of our Georgian Family
Burnbrae Farms is a 5th generation Canadian family agribusiness, owned and operated by the Hudson family. We produce and process eggs and egg products, truly local and farm to table. Visit us at burnbraefarms.com to learn more about our family, our company and our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility. Margaret Hudson, President Mother of James Rogan, Class of 2023