Shawnigan Lake School - Yearbook (Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia Canada)

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Shawnigan Lake School Magazine tain harmful trends of conduct which are a by-product of the war. Wages may be earned, often out of all proportion to the value of the services rendered, and there is bound to be a strong temptation to spend such money in self-indulgence, even though half the world is starving and the sum-total of human misery is mounting daily. We deeply appreciate the loyal support of all parents in helping us to teach their sons that the earning of money entails the respon- sibility of spending it wisely. Though war is a grim and terrible business, it gives to all, who open their eyes to see, and hearts to feel the sorrow and suffering it causes, exceptional opportunity of unselfish service. The School is proud of all boys, past and present, who have accepted this chal- lenge. They need neither thanks nor congratulations from us, for it is in the nature of such service that their own deeds will rise and bless them. « School Notes » CONGRATULATIONS to P. H. Haddon on his appointment to First Lieutenant of the new Royal Canadian Naval College at Royal Roads ; and to C. P. Nixon to the same position at H.M.C.S. Kings. Our grateful thanks to Messrs. D. J. Angus, John Cross, W. S. Lane, J. H. Roaf, Alex. Ripley, P. A. Woodward, Captain and Mrs. Groves, Mrs. Glen Hyatt, The Hon. E. W. Hamber, Dr. G. R. John- son, Mrs. W. R. Ripley, and Mrs. Irene Rogers for so generously returning their Debenture Interest and so making up in some part for fees of Evacuee boys. Lectures were given by Dr. Benjamin Belilovsky on Russia, Dr. Sajet on his escape from Holland, and Flight-Lieutenant Parker who gave a most interesting talk on various phases of the war which usually we do not hear about. We have had a succession of Motion Picture Shows on alternate Saturdays through the winter months, including one given by the Forestry Service and one very interesting one organized by Miss Sara Spencer. We have been busy trying to organize an A. R. P. Post. And thanks to Mr. Tomlin of the B. C. Cement Company, we have an excellent Air Raid Shelter and by dint of much practice we have greater fire-fighting efficiency. We regret to announce the death of Captain R. E. Barkley, an enthusiastic friend of the School ; also the news that W. J. McMullen is missing. He Avas for ten years one of the best and most loyal servants the School ever had. [ 4 ]

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Shawnigan Lake School Magazine THE year is drawing to its close and the time has come to present our readers with another number of the School Magazine, the twentieth consecutive number since its inception in 1023. We make no apology for its slimness, which is due to the policy of war-time economy. Such a policy might reasonably enough have dictated the indefi- nite postponement of further publication of the Magazine. We have not taken this step for two reasons. Not only would it break the continuity of the Magazine ' s annual appearance, but the break would occur at a time when we particularly wish to send this record of the School ' s doings in 1942, to the Old Boys, so many of whom are serving in various parts of the world. For these boys we hope this number may be a link between the known past when they worked and played in the peace and security of Shawnigan, and the unknown future to meet which the whole world is blindly driving in a welter of blood and destruction. No man can foretell the pattern of the future world ; nor has the School an official oracle. Nevertheless it is eternally true that every man can face the future if he can face himself, and find in himself those qualities which mould the character of the true gentleman — mental and moral cleanness, courage, loyalty, humility, and reverence. Add to these qualities the assured knowledge of the great paradox that the curse of Adam has become mankind ' s greatest blessing, and you can bear tin 1 hardships of the present with courage, and the uncertainties of the future with hope, by putting: into the job you have in hand all your strength of mind and body. Such is our interpretation of the aims and objects of the School, as set forth in the terms of its foundation. If the School consist- ently holds by these ideals, it, too, should survive the difficulties of the present, and advance into a wider and more prosperous future when the Avar is over. It is well for us Ave cannot know the future; it reveals itself to us little by little in the few short hours of present. It comes upon us with the dawn and departs at sunset Where the day meets the past eternity. Each day brings its problems, sufficient often to tax our patience and to shake our courage. What with increased taxes, rationing, and various other govern- ment regulations, the inroads of the war on our prosperity have been severe. These things, however, only touch our pockets or cur- tail our freedom of action : they teach in the most practical way the need of economy. The School has worse enemies than these in cer- [ 3 ]

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Shawnigan Lake School Magazine An interesting article in the Cowichan Leader on Navy Week reminds ns that Mr. P. T. Skrimshire has been a valued member of the staff for eighteen years and it speaks highly of Skrimshire ' s School at Qnamichan Lake. The Leader mentions several names of Old Boys of Qnamichan Lake School who owe much to the influ- ence of Mr. Skrimshire. Congratulations to the School Dramatic Society, not only is it doing good work but it is organized by the boys only. We have received a most interesting and valuable gift from Mr. Athelstan Day of Duncan. It consists of a very large and complete collection of Butterflies and Moths and represents a lifetime of col- lecting by the late Mr. G. O. Day. « Chapel Notes » CHAPEL services have been held as- usual throughout the year and additional evening services during Lent. On two occasions the Bishop of Columbia visited us and preached in Chapel. The Head Master addressed us twice, and the rest! of the services Avere conducted by the School Chaplain. The Kev. E. M. Willis was present for several of the Early Services. The Bishop came to us on Palm Sunday, March 29th, for the annual Confirmation Service. Six boys and seven girls from Strath - cona were confirmed at this service. The beautiful flowers were again given by Mrs. P. A. WoodAvard. On April 26th, the Lieutenant-Governonr, Colo nel W. C. Wood- ward, inspected the 19th Company of the Cowichan Rangers. After the inspection, there was a special service in the Chapel at which His Honour gave the address. The Annual Carol Service was held on the last Sunday of the Michaelmas Term, and the fine music presented well justified the hard work of Miss Lonsdale and the Choir. Donations have been made from the Chapel Fund to the Cana- dian Legion Poppy Fund, the Canadian Red Cross Society, St. Barnabas Church, the Cowichan Rangers and the Diocese of Columbia. r 5 ]