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

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Editorial During my years at Shawnigan I have often heard and become involved both for and against the school. During those arguments I often wished that I could tell everyone in the school what I thought of it, but now that I finally have my chance to say exact- ly what I feel I can only defend it. Just looking at the surface of the school many of its advan- tages come plainly into view. In academics these advantages are most obvious. In a school of this size it is possible to give every student the individual attention he deserves. With classes of only fifteen or twenty the master can make sure each student is work- ing to his full capacity. Also at Shawnigan with the teacher always available it is strictly up to the student to decide how much he wants to learn. For many years grade twelve ' s have finished the first-year university French course and many grade eleven ' s have finished Math 12 a year ahead of time. Being able to receive teach- ing and extra help at almost any time of the day is only possible at schools like Shawnigan. But Shawnigan does not want to turn out a batch of comput- ers every year, this is why so much time and energy is spent on making sure the hobbies programme is successful. The hobbies have become so diversified in the last few years that it is impos- sible for a boy not to be interested in at least some aspect of school activities. Sports play a large part in life at Shawnigan because it is felt that sports can teach us many important lessons that we may not have learned otherwise, such as sportsmanship, teamwork, pride and discipline. Of course Shawnigan also has its faults and short-comings but is is constantly trying and learning how to get rid of them with new ideas. Every year it changes and improves and comes a little closer to the ideal it is seeking. But I feel the most educational part of Shawnigan is just the every day to day life here. It teaches things that you could never learn in a classroom; things you will use for the rest of your life, perhaps more than anything else. These are such qualities as get- ting along with other people, being able to stand on your own feet, or the value of discipline and self-confidence. Shawnigan is really a miniature society, it has its own estab- lishment, its own dissenters, its own injustices and its own rewards. I ' m sure that if you can fit into Shawnigan and make a success of your time here, then you will have no problem with the outside world. That is why it is such a good experience to come to Shawni- gan because you get a chance to learn and adapt to the real society before you are thrown out into it. At Shawnigan you have the chance of preparing yourself for the years ahead in the best possible way. It ' s all up to you. Many boys have come to this school with everything in their favour but because they were unwilling to work or make an effort have gained little from their time spent here. Then there are others not so naturally gifted who have worked to capacity and have gained from all aspects of school life. Shawnigan is the type of school that rewards effort and dilig- ence. It is therefore up to you. Shawnigan can give you the key to any door, as long as you are willing to work for that key. 16

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PETER MACDONALD Though he never liked to be known as the Headboy this was the most accurate description of Peter ' s attitude and achieve- ments in the school. Pete was the playmaker of the 1st XV, captain of Cricket, member of the Basketball team and a top student and in all of these activities he received his school colours. He also was made a member of the Stag Club for his fine work as editor of last year ' s annual. As well as all of this he found time to actively participate in many hobbies around the school. It was no surprise that he won the Groves all-rounder award at the end of the year. Though Pierre the Bear was rather quiet at times, this was not always the case as many may well remember at the first fif- teen party. Pete is heading off to U.B.C. next year and we all hope he enjoys the same success there that he had at Shawnigan. Head Boy ' s Letter The cynic would look at Shawnigan and probably say Oh yes, Shawnigan offers a real substitute for public school. The difference lies in the fact that for one the government foots the bill and for the other you can pay thous- ands out of your own pocket. We know, of course, that this is a very ignorant statement, but the ' fact that it is said and believed is frightening. The main op- tion is not financial but educational. At Shaw- nigan the options are a better education, a friendly disciplined society, living with and learning about people, and an atmosphere where student, athlete and artist alike all can thrive and strive forward. One way to counteract the cynic is to tell the general public of the advantages of our in- stitution but that is very doubting. The best way is while at school to live with your re- sponsibility to the school ever present in your mind, and when away from the school to ex- ude a pride that only a great school could in- still. The success and reputation of a school is measured by its students and we the students must keep this in mind if we wish to improve the school. It is only with a concentrated effort and a sense of responsibility that we can improve the school and if by our example we can prove the worth of a Shawnigan Education we have by that proof enhanced its worth. 18