AlumniNews A WARM WELCOME Headmaster Richard ‘Larry’ Lamont and family.
09/2018
A Warm Welcome
HEADMASTER RICHARD ‘LARRY’ LAMONT AND FAMILY
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A warm
Spending time with Larry and Kathini Lamont is an exercise in the value of multiculturalism and the benefits of time spent living and working amidst different cultures and people. It’s clear that their six years at UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway have not only shaped who they are as individuals and the values they uphold as a family, but have changed their outlook on the world, on education and how they think and act as community leaders.
born whippets, Ibsen and Fossen, are not the only part of that collection of unique and progressive cultures that have travelled with them to Shawnigan.
From the Norwegian concept of ‘friluftsliv’, or open-air living, to the Finnish idea of ‘sisu’, a notion encompassing strength and perseverance in the face of adversity, the Nordic region has made an indelible mark on the Lamont family. Their Scandinavian-
“We see some echoes and symmetry between Norway and Canada. The Nordic region feels closely aligned with Canada in terms of values,” Larry explains. “In many ways, it feels like a natural transition.”
Interestingly, neither Shawnigan nor Canada feel to the Lamonts like a step too far removed from their lives at UWC Red Cross Nordic, a diverse, multicultural, humanitarian community located next to the village of Flekke in the Norwegian fjords.
m welcome We see some echoes and symmetry between Norway and Canada. The Nordic region feels closely aligned with Canada in terms of values. Their professional lives as part of the international United World College family had already brought them to Vancouver Island on several occasions, and they were enjoying a developing friendship group here when the opportunity arose for Larry to apply for the position of Headmaster at Shawnigan. “It looked like a really exciting brief,” says Larry. “Both the boarding school element, as well as the co-education piece, as those aspects reflected my experience at Marlborough College in the UK, UWC Waterford Kamhlaba in Swaziland and at UWC Red Cross Nordic in Norway. What I read about the philosophy of Shawnigan was deeply attractive: a valuesbased education and holistic approach, as well as the commitment to access through financial aid. Those aspects helped me make that slight educational philosophical shift to an independent school once again.” With 18-year-old daughter Phoebe graduating from high school, the timing was right for them to make a move with their younger daughter, 6-year-old Poppy. When they decided to pursue the opportunity at Shawnigan, Larry threw himself enthusiastically into the research process, reading Rough Diamond and immersing himself in the world of Shawnigan in preparation for their visit to campus. Larry’s extensive career experience leading operationally effective and strategically directed boarding schools, his understanding of the “machinery, madness and magic” of
these unique communities, and his acute multicultural and global awareness all stood him in good stead during the selection process. “I was incredibly fortunate that the search committee and the Board of Governors thought it was the right match,” says Larry. Kathini adds, “I think Larry was very mindful about everything. And we were very excited and incredibly honoured when he was offered the position as Headmaster.” With the most significant logistical elements of their international move now behind them, the Lamonts are happily settling into life on campus. For both Larry and Kathini, it is a combination of their prior professional, leadership and community experiences as well as their personal beliefs and passions, that will help inform and guide them in their approaches here at Shawnigan. “I’ll be throwing down anchors and opening doors,” Kathini explains, noting that she’s keen to focus initially on making a home for the family on campus before widening her scope. “I think I’m going to let my role evolve rather than just jumping in everywhere. Over the course of the next year, I’ll watch how this amazing place is run and how it works, and I’ll see where people need me. I’m very open to ideas.”
Larry, meanwhile, is most looking forward to connecting with the students. A passionate English teacher, he has managed to maintain an International Baccalaureate class over the last six years as Headmaster at UWC Red Cross Nordic. While taking on a class here at Shawnigan isn’t part of his immediate plans, it is a possibility for the future. “Maintaining that class was a great way to connect me with a subject I love and for the students to see me in that context,” he explains. “It was challenging at times, but it kept me grounded and connected, and I loved every minute of it.” UWC Red Cross Nordic’s ethos of the “beauty of deliberate diversity” is also something that they will bring with them to Shawnigan. For Kathini, embracing this idea has helped pave the way to a more meaningful and authentic way of being. From receiving UWC Red Cross Nordic campus visitors such as patron Queen Sonja of Norway to interacting and connecting with students from Cambodia, Colombia, Iraq, Nepal and Nicaragua on the Survivors of Conflict program, Larry and Kathini have embraced the richness that comes with diversity and difference, making it not just a professional policy but a fundamental part of their lives. “I think the most important thing I learned at UWC Red Cross Nordic was humility,”
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A Warm Welcome reflects Larry. “It’s such a great life quality. There’s one line in the Norwegian workplace regulations manual that I absolutely loved: that my responsibility as an employer was to ‘maintain the dignity and integrity of all employees.’ That really taught me something. I talked to my leadership team and said that we should really extend this to the students. However they have transgressed, when they come into our offices, we must try our hardest to maintain their dignity and integrity. If we are able to do that, it will make for a stronger community. I also think it’s the Head’s role to see people. Not just faculty, but every single person here who contributes to the success of the community — you have to see everyone and take those opportunities to focus on everyone.” For Larry, his initial approach to his new role of Headmaster of Shawnigan is to embrace a thoughtful and intentional process combining listening, learning and reflecting, drawing on prior experience and considering the possibilities. “A good boarding school has to have those elements of conversation, compassion and community,” he explains. “I don’t think of us as just a five-year production line; it’s about all the interactions between every member of our community, and it’s about training our students to make a positive impact in whatever professional and personal communities they join in their lives. If I was going to take it to a level beyond, I also think that we should be creating the ethical leaders of tomorrow. As a parent, I want Phoebe and Poppy to be happy and live fulfilling lives, but I also want them to be community builders and to make ethically responsible, inclusive decisions. That’s really what I want Shawnigan students to feel at Closing Day and beyond: that the Shawnigan experience equipped them for the world ahead, to make a significant impact in a positive way, in whatever community they join. I can see Shawnigan having that potential.”
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Another Scandinavian concept currently making waves around the world is that of ‘lagom’, the idea of everything in just the right amount, of balance and of moderation. The word is Swedish but the concept itself is universally Nordic, and represents another facet of the Lamont’s Nordic influence. While Larry has been captured by the magic of Shawnigan, by the School’s history, traditions and legacy, he’s also mindful of balancing this with a focus on the future and the importance of preparing our students for the increasingly diverse and global world that they will enter as independent adults. “I’m a real traditionalist at heart,” he explains. “I’m a product of classic boarding schools myself, so I have great respect for the traditions that underpin them, but at the same time we can’t be handcuffed entirely to the past—and what we can’t be is a bastion of elitism, which I think is quite dangerous. There’s always room for growth. The landscape of education is forever changing—
the question is how does Shawnigan move with those times and strive always to be an exciting, inclusive and relevant place at which to study?” As the days slowly get shorter and weather hints at the approach of fall, Shawnigan will gear up once again to welcome its students, both new and returning. The start of each school year is always an exciting time, replete with fresh faces, friendships, ideas and goals. What makes this year different is that, for the first time in a number of years, this upcoming school year does not just represent a new start, but also a new beginning.
JOIN US FOR AN EVENT IN YOUR CITY •• WED, OCTOBER 31, 2018 - HONG KONG PUB NIGHT •• TUES, NOVEMBER 6, 2018 - L.A. ALUMNI & PARENT GATHERING •• SAT, NOVEMBER 17, 2018 - VANCOUVER PUB NIGHT •• SAT, JANUARY 5, 2019 - ROBERTSON WINTER CLASSIC RECEPTION •• THURS, JANUARY 24, 2019 - TORONTO ALUMNI & PARENT GATHERING •• FRI, APRIL 5, 2019 - VICTORIA PUB NIGHT •• THURS, JUNE 6, 2019 - 27TH ANNUAL SHAWNIGAN GOLF CLASSIC •• FRI, JUNE 7, 2019 - CLASS OF 2014: 5 YEAR REUNION CLICK FOR FULL DETAILS
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Updates
Lauren Barto (now Gheysens) ’18 (Groves’)
After graduating from Shawnigan, Lauren went to UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. She started her career in fashion while living in Los Angeles. After three years of working in the design room, Lauren and her husband moved to London where she started a business that brought together her passion for the 18th century and fashion. Royal Day Out is what Lauren describes as an “immersive fashion experience in London.” Guests start the tour by choosing their 18th century costumes, most of which are custom made following Lauren’s own designs – gowns, wigs, jewelry, embroidered jackets, everything is there. Once their transformation is complete, they are ready to hit the streets of the United Kingdom’s capital for a striking contrast between the old and the new, and some very social media-worthy photos. Lauren and her husband Max, the tour owners, have always felt the “urge of reliving the golden years,” which is why they have decided to create the Royal Day Out tour. Their standard offer includes a stroll around Notting Hill and Portobello Road and then sitting down for a picnic or afternoon tea in one of the Royal Parks – with Kensington Gardens being a great favourite, under the gaze and sceptre of Queen Victoria’s statue.
Congratulations Kyle Fredrickson ’17 (Lonsdale’s) 6 / A lumniNe w s
Congratulations Kyle Fredrickson ‘17 (Lonsdale’s) on his outstanding performances, including a gold medal win, at the World Rowing Championships in Bulgaria! Kyle visits campus with his gold medal this week, so watch for more on his story in the next issue of Alumni News. Alumni Rowers: Interested in getting back out on the water with former classmates? Register for the Rowing Celebration on Founder’s Day, October 20th.
umni Sophy Romvari ’08
“Since graduating with my Bachelor of Motion Picture Arts from Capilano University I have been pursuing a career in independent filmmaking. I have written and directed six short films in the last three years, most of which have gone on to play film festivals such as Hotdocs, VIFF, True/False, Maryland Film Festival, Sheffield Doc Fest, London Short Film Festival and more. My most recent short film, Norman Norman (about my little black dog that I had even back when I was at Shawnigan!) is going to have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival. I have been living in Toronto for the last two years and I am currently earning my Masters from York University in Film Production. I am beginning to prepare my first feature film which I will shoot in 2019. At the moment, I am on a research trip to Budapest funded by the Canada Arts Council, discovering my heritage and filming along the way!” Read about Sophy on CBC.
Sign-up now to participate in one of the following alumni activities: Ice Hockey Game | Touch Rugby Games | Field Hockey Game | Rowing *NEW Printmaking Class *NEW Interactive Robotics Showcase *Already registered and want to participate in a new event? Email events@shawnigan.ca to sign-up.
**Registration Deadline October 5th**
Learn More & Register
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Generations
THE LEGACY CONTINUES Bruce Anderson ’77 (Copeman’s) Charlotte Anderson ’20 (Groves’) Vancouver, BC
When reflecting on what was the highlight of his time at Shawnigan, Bruce shares that it was the huge variety of sports and activities that he could try and pursue. “Everybody could find something that they really liked and were really interested in,” he says. “It was the guys who didn’t get involved that didn’t like Shawnigan.” He also says that he got to know the boys in his class so much better than he would have in another school setting, and for that he is grateful. His time at school here taught him to work hard and be thorough in his training if he wanted to succeed, and this has set him up for success in his life. “It teaches you tenacity,” he says. “The whole encompassing life of boarding at Shawnigan: sports, academics, friendships. It gives you a broader and a more involved education.” Although much has changed on campus since his days as a student, Bruce remarks that the School is still about character. “It’s about who you are and not who your family is. It continues to encourage students to find one or more things that they are good at, so that every kid graduates with the feeling that they’ve found something.” Outside of work, these days Bruce is most passionate about playing badminton and music, both of which he did as a student at Shawngan. He says, “I’m not an all-star, but
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I continue to love these activities.” He plays the tenor sax, attributing his skills largely to the “extraordinary” jazz training he received under Lance Bean. He had played for years in bands and orchestras but stopped when Charlotte was 2 years old; however, he is very pleased to have just re-joined an orchestra. Thank you, Bruce, and good luck to Charlotte!
A Campus Visit John A. Pearkes ’49 Michael Birch ’49 The School had the pleasure of recently welcoming back two old boys from the Class of 1949 – John A. Pearkes ’49 and Michael Birch ’49. While John has continued to be a regular visitor to the School and is involved in many of the events that Shawnigan hosts in Vancouver, Mike had not been back on campus since he left following the 1949 Closing Day celebrations. A quiet, pensive man with a quick wit and indefatigable spirit, Mike was finally encouraged back to campus at the urging of John, who had reconnected with Mike after re-positioning his sailboat from Gaspe, Quebec. Over the course of the morning and afternoon, I had the pleasure of touring John and Mike all around the School and showing them how it has transformed in the nearly 70 years that have elapsed since their graduation. A trip to the Museum and a visit with Rosemary Dolman was our first stop after lunch in Marion Hall. The Museum is always a favourite amongst alumni, as many memories coming flooding back, some favourable and some not! Following his Shawnigan career and a brief period at UBC, Mike charted a remarkable career course as a multi-skilled itinerant worker and then as a passionate and successful sailor. A quick Google search for his name produces many articles, video clips and accounts of the incredible exploits he has undertaken in his 87 years. The following excerpt from the Canadian National Film Board describes a documentary about Mike, capturing the essence of a man who spent many years involved in the building of high performance sailboats and participating in numerous competitive transatlantic crossings.
Mike was born in Vancouver in 1931. After leaving university he worked all kinds of jobs. He became a roughneck, a gold miner and even a cowboy. Then one day he packed a bag, boarded a cargo ship and left Vancouver to see the world. Later, he settled in England and began to deliver yachts to make a living. As he gained experience, he started racing.
to France to officiate and celebrate the 40th anniversary sailing of the now-famous Route du Rhum. I am most grateful to John for encouraging Mike to return to campus and for organizing a most enjoyable visit. Hilary S. Abbott
In 1976, Birch competed in his first transatlantic race and placed second. Two years later, he raced in the first edition of the Route du Rhum, a transatlantic singlehanded yacht race. After three weeks alone at sea, Mike surprised everyone when he surpassed the leader and won by 98 seconds … and a legend was born. These days, Mike splits his time between his family’s home in Gaspe, Quebec and France. Soon he will cast off once again, this time to drive across Canada by van, and then on
Mike is a sailor and one of the world’s best. For years, he has raced sailboats across the North Atlantic. It’s his job and it’s his passion; a passion passed by an intense desire to live life to its fullest and that goes a long way back.
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Legacy Matters A feature in the Globe and Mail caught my eye this summer. I printed it with the thought that perhaps it would make for an interesting topic to raise in my next Legacy Matters column. The headline alone was enough to catch my attention: How much money should you
leave your kids?
The article goes on to talk about how billionaires such as Warren Buffet and Bill & Melinda Gates plan to leave the majority of their respective estates to charities, while leaving a fraction of their wealth to their children. Granted, even a fraction of their estates is a sizable figure, but it still presents an intriguing idea.
If you are so inclined, I would encourage you to read some of the stories these people share about why they give or plan to give away the majority of their wealth to other organizations, foundations and charities. As we are bombarded with a cacophony of atrocious news daily, it is inspiring to read some good news. Moreover, if you are motivated to consider leaving a legacy gift and Shawnigan Lake School is one of the charities you might consider supporting, I welcome the chance to discuss options with you further.
Buffett is often quoted from a 1986 Forbes Article on this matter, saying that he planned to leave his kids “enough money so that they would feel they could do anything, but not so much that they could do nothing.” Buffett, along with the Gateses, created The Giving Pledge in 2010 to encourage more of the super rich to leave the majority of their wealth to philanthropy. The Giving Pledge is an effort to help address society’s most pressing problems by inviting the world’s wealthiest individuals and families to commit more than half of their wealth to philanthropy or charitable causes either during their lifetime or in their will. Viewing The Giving Pledge website reveals an array of extremely successful individuals from their 30s into their 90s – 184 individuals to date – have chosen to commit a sizeable proportion of their wealth to a wide range of charities. In effect they are setting an example which will see the transfer of more than $3.9 trillion between generations over the next decade.
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Hilary S. Abbott Legacy Giving habbott@shawnigan.ca (250)743-6236
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