2 minute read
Head's Message
Looking back over the past year, it strikes me that we have adapted, innovated, collaborated and accelerated at a pace that occasionally surprises even ourselves.
Throughout the pandemic we have done what we do best here at Shawnigan: teaching the next generation, creating a nurturing home-awayfrom-home environment, and providing impactful opportunities to build confidence and experience.
And we have come together as a community with students at the centre of attention.
In early 2021, we launched our strategic plan, Project Future, and it now serves as our North Star. As part of the consultation process, we created a new purpose for the School: Inspire the best in each to create the best for all. This speaks to our role as educators to inspire each individual with the hope and expectation that they will, in turn, improve the world around us.
In recent weeks, we invited members of the Shawnigan community, past and present, to write a tribute to their person, advocate and champion whilst at the School and we have been overwhelmed by the number and nature of the responses. Earlier this week, I looked through the letters from our current students to members of staff – from teachers to the laundry team to the housekeepers – and was struck by the gratitude expressed by our students. The letters also stood as testament to the calibre of the people who work here and inspire our students, day in, day out.
Our focus and success in broadening access to the School demonstrate that we have not allowed the pandemic to distract us from our commitment to attracting students with potential, irrespective of their background. As Head, I remain wholeheartedly committed to developing the deliberate diversity of our campus and am thrilled by the number of donors who are stepping forward to ensure that Shawnigan is accessible and welcoming to students of all backgrounds.
The generosity of spirit flowing from our philanthropic supporters in this historic time has been inspiring and has set the stage for Shawnigan to emerge from this period of global adversity stronger than ever. From the success of the Founder’s Fund, which continues to ensure that no students are unable to return home to Shawnigan due to pandemic impacts, to the outpouring of support for health and wellness initiatives on campus, we have so many reasons to be grateful. This is a direct result of the generous donations and moral support provided by over 500 parents, alumni, staff, and Board members, past and present.
Thank you for your ongoing support of our School and your continued active participation – it means a great deal to all of us.
I send my deepest appreciation and best wishes,
Richard "Larry" Lamont
Head of Shawnigan Lake School
