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Chair's Message
Reflecting on the 2020/2021 school year, it is clear that we are living through an historic time as a society generally and at Shawnigan Lake School specifically. The impacts of the persistent worldwide pandemic, climate-related weather events, and broad-based societal change are widely felt by our students and our broader community. In this context, the progress we are achieving as an educational institution and the inspiring foresight presented by Project Future bring reassurance that we are contributing to a better future through Shawnigan’s values of Curiosity, Community, Compassion, and Courage.
Our School continues to adapt in a rapidly changing and fast-paced world, developing our educational vision based on experiential, inquiry-based learning that is deliberate in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, agility and resilience. I encourage everyone to connect with Project Future’s strategic pillars of Academic Excellence, Co-Curricular Distinction, and Student Life Unparalleled, which inform and uphold our efforts to deliver the very best Shawnigan Journey for all students. Our foundations of Community and Financial Resilience, as demonstrated in this Philanthropy Report, greatly enhance these worthy pursuits and enable us to maximize our positive impact in the world.
I have treasured the time spent over the past year working collaboratively with fellow Board members, the leadership team, staff, and Shawnigan’s parents and alumni to guide the School forward. Navigating the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced new challenges that require tremendous levels of extra thought and planning, and it has been a labour of love. Throughout the pandemic we have seen many facets of society, some disheartening, but the experience we have shared at Shawnigan has generated hope and gratitude that is felt throughout the entire School community.
In the end, the secret sauce is our collective passion for Shawnigan and commitment to the success and happiness of students. I keep pinching myself that I get to serve alongside a Head of School and staff who give their all, a Board that continues to delight with its engagement and love of the School, and a community that is so generously supportive of our cause.
On behalf of the Board of Governors, thank you to everyone who has committed, and continues to commit, their volunteer and philanthropic support to Shawnigan Lake School. We are deeply grateful to have you with us on our shared Shawnigan Journey.
Fiona Macfarlane
Board of Governors, Chair
