WE ARE DOG PEOPLE | GAME TIME | DADDY STANCOMBE | JUSTIN GOES TO COLOMBIA
THE SAINT THE MAGAZINE OF ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL | FALL 2017
WEAVING THE FABRIC OF
COMMUNITY
THE SAINT THE MAGAZINE OF ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
MANAGING EDITOR JOE SANTOS Head of Communications SENIOR COPY EDITOR NANCY KUDRYK GRAPHIC DESIGNER BRUCE ELBEBLAWY GEORGIANS EDITOR IAN YEN ‘03 Head of Georgian Relations PRESIDENT OF THE ST. GEORGE’S OLD BOYS’ ASSOCIATION DIRK LAUDAN ‘87 PHOTOGRAPHERS Richelle Akimow Photography Bob Frid St. George’s School Archives Clement Woo Ian Yen '03
THE SAINT is published twice per year, expressly for Georgians, parents, and friends of St. George’s School. It is also distributed to other Canadian independent schools and selected public or private institutions. Comments about any of the articles are always welcome. Address all correspondence to: JOE SANTOS, Managing Editor St. George’s School 3851 West 29th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6S 1T6 CANADA T: 604-221-3891 | F: 604-224-7066 | E: jsantos@stgeorges.bc.ca THE SAINT is copyright © 2017 St. George’s aSchool, Vancouver BC Canada. Reproduction rights: We encourage you to circulate or copy this material 2017
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COVER STORY
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WEAVING THE FABRIC OF COMMUNITY
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WE ARE DOG PEOPLE >
FALL 2017
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ONE CAMPAIGN
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY 36
GAME TIME! 44
A LOOK AT THE LIBRARY
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DADDY STANCOMBE
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SAINTS’ NOTES
SAINTS LIFE
4 | THE SAINT
SAINTS LIFE
JUSTIN GOES TO COLOMBIA A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME RUGBY TOUR
BY: CHRIS BLACKMAN
FALL 2017 | 5
SAINTS LIFE
G
rade 11 student Justin Litherland recently received an invitation he didn’t want to pass up. It was a chance to go to a country he hadn’t visited and to play one of the sports at which he excels—7s Rugby. So Justin quickly said, “Yes!” and was welcomed into a rather exclusive rugby club—The Howlers.
Officially named The Dog River Howlers Rugby Club, it is an invitational club (men’s and women’s sides) founded in 2007 by life-long rugby-enthusiast Karl Fix. The club is based in Dog River, Saskatchewan, the fictional home of CTV’s Corner Gas series (and in reality, the City of Regina). The Howlers’ teams are made up of players and supporters from across Canada, as well as a few other countries, who believe that “Rugby is more than a game, it is a way of life”. The Club tours to interesting parts of the world, plays Rugby, and enjoys unique cultural experiences, while also giving something back to that country’s sport and/or people. The Howlers raise funds and contribute to worthwhile endeavours that are not related to Rugby; they use Rugby as a vehicle to build bridges between people around the world. Head of Rugby Mike Stiles regularly connects with Karl Fix and had suggested six Saints boys as possible invitees for the Howlers Junior 7s 2018 Tour to Colombia, October 29th through November 6th. Justin accepted the invitation to join the tour group, which represents 9 countries and will include 49 players, 5 coaches, 9 support staff and 20 parents/supporters. The teams will be competing in the “ColomboCanadiense Rugby 7s” and will also be involved in a number of volunteer initiatives. 6 | THE SAINT
Immediately following the Varsity Basketball try-outs (Justin was a starter for the Junior Varsity team last year), his rugby road trip will start with a flight to Toronto, then another flight to Bogota, and finally, after more than 16 hours, he’ll land in Medellin. The tour will be based primarily in Medellin, however, they will also visit Moldavia barrio, Guantepe, and La Cruz barrio. The plan is for the members of the touring party to live in the style of the locals, so no all-inclusive vacation resorts are on the itinerary. Varsity Rugby Coach Mike Stiles notes, “We always encourage our multi-sport athletes to continue with their passions. Rugby is still on the fringe in Canada, so we are continually seeking out athletes from other sports to come and try Rugby. At St. George’s we are fortunate to have the history and tradition of Rugby, and many of our students come to the Senior School with a few years of playing experience from the Junior School or club rugby. Many core skills and fundamental movement patterns are transferable from sport to sport, so those athletes who are new to Rugby can quickly learn the game.”
SAINTS LIFE
Justin, why did you decide to accept the invitation to join this tour? I was excited about getting to visit Colombia and experiencing a very different culture. I was also interested in the chance to play on a team with rugby players from other parts of Canada and the world, none of whom I have ever met before. I am looking forward to seeing a very different country and playing Rugby 7s, which I really enjoy. What do you think you’ll gain from the experience? I am hoping I will become friends with a few of my new teammates. I understand that we will be spending some time in communities where people are quite poor and have very few of the things that we take for granted. I am sure I will gain perspective on how Colombian people live, what things are important to them, and how they view Canadians. I expect I will come home more appreciative of just how good we have it here in Canada. Is being a student-athlete important to you? It is for sure. My main sports are Basketball and Rugby, and both are a big part of my life at St. George’s. I enjoy the competition and physical challenges of both sports. I also like representing my school and the rivalries that we have with schools like Vancouver College for Basketball and Shawnigan Lake for Rugby. It is not something we talk about now, but I realize that I am building memories that I will keep for a long time.
Justin is also part of the selection discussion for the Senior Rugby Tour to Argentina over Spring Break 2018. That trip starts with a training camp in Buenos Aires followed by two games in the area. The group of 45+ players and coaches will then travel to Rosario for a third match. The tour ends in Santiago, Chile with a fourth match. If you meet this accomplished studentathlete in the School’s hallways, on the basketball court or on the rugby pitch, he will be happy to tell you all about his rugby road trip to Colombia. Justin is the son of Georgian Geoffrey Litherland who attended St. George’s from 1975 to 1984.
FALL 2017 | 7
SAINTS LIFE
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November 1st opening night of our Senior School show, The Philadelphia Story, was a huge hit and the buzz spread quickly through our community. Staff, faculty, parents, and friends were impressed with the high level acting, the amazing set, and the professional level of all aspects of the show. Closing night was flawless, and Dr. Tom Matthews delivered a glowing review to the audience at the final curtain. Our volunteers were celebrated at the after party and we toasted another successful production that required all members of our community, from audiences to volunteers to the student cast and crew to pull it off. It was yet another example of the power of the St. George’s community in action.
SAINTS’ PLAYERS THEATRE COMPANY’S 2017-18 SEASON IS OFF TO A GREAT START, AND WE HAVE MUCH MORE DRAMATIC GOODNESS ON THE WAY!
PHILADELPHIA STORY BY: ROBERT WISDEN
8 | THE SAINT
SAINTS LIFE
But we’re not finished! Stay tuned to the St. George’s eNews for future show announcements and make plans to see our Junior School show, Robin and the Sherwood Hoodies, which runs February 7th-8th and then our Middle School play, Larceny and Old Lace, a funny parody of the great Agatha Christie novel, that opens March 8th and runs through the 10th. But wait, there’s more for theatre buffs! At the end of the year, come out and enjoy the fast-paced high-energy three nights of V1STA (Vancouver Independent Schools Theatre Alliance), our very own independent schools One-Act Play Drama Festival! This is always an amazing explosion of creativity and joy as only drama students can produce, and it’s free! Mark your calendars now for May 23rd-25th!
All this wonderful creativity takes place concurrently with students in our Senior School drama classes proudly showing their work in our Curriculum Theatre Program. These modest but compelling short performances take place throughout the year, starting with the Middle School ‘Issues Play’ slated for November and finishing with the one-act play season in May. Our performing arts cohort, Express 10, will also be taking their original show out on the road in April on their 2018 Vancouver Island Tour! We hope you will come out to enjoy the work of our wonderfully creative and expressive students in the Theatre Arts Program throughout the year; the support of our Saints community makes it all possible.
COMING SOON!
MARCH 8 - 10, 2018 FALL 2017 | 9
SAINTS LIFE
The 2018 Global Stewardship Conference takes place on January 31 and February 1, 2018 at the Senior School. We are currently seeking recommendations for workshop sessions, off-campus experiences, and keynote speakers! We invite all members of the St George’s community to consider leading a session or making introductions to colleagues and networks. What is global stewardship? It is infusing an ethic of care to how we treat ourselves, each other, and places. We look to infuse this ethic by exploring culture and diversity, contributing to environmental sustainability, and acting for social, political, and economic justice locally and globally. Please email our hard-working conference team of students and staff via globalstewardship@stgeorges.bc.ca if you have ideas, would like to make connections, or would like more information from us. You can also touch base directly with Sarah Coates (Senior School, scoates@stgeorges.bc.ca) and Pat Pachchigar (Junior School, ppachchigar@stgeorges.bc.ca) for global stewardship actions and ideas throughout the year.
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SAINTS LIFE
SAVE THE DATE
SAINTS SOIREÉ F O R T H E 4 TH A N N U A L
• Make sure to mark your calendar for this party of the year. • No auction, no ask. • Our only ask is that you come ready to have a great time! • Only 450 tickets will be sold so make sure to get your tickets early. • Valet parking available., but if you plan to drink, we suggest that you take a cab.
FEBRUARY 3, 2018 IMPERIAL VANCOUVER | 319 MAIN STREET
TICKETS AVAILABLE AT:
WWW.STGEORGES.BC.CA/SAINTSSOIREE
TICKETS ARE
$125
PER PERSON
Price includes: FREE FLOW OF CANAPÉS WELCOME COCKTAIL OPEN BAR FALL 2017 | 11
FEATURE STORY
WEAVING THE FABRIC OF
COMMUNITY Every year, at the New Parents Dinner, I make the point that the parents in attendance have done much more than simply enroll their sons in a new school. Whether they realize it or not, they also have joined a community, and in doing so, they have adopted what for them and their sons will become a way of life. Similarly, when I meet with recent graduates and ask them what they miss about St. George’s, they inevitably talk about the importance of community. As one young man recently explained: “Don’t get me wrong, sir. I love university. I like residence and my courses, and I’ve made lots of friends. What I miss most about St. George’s, however, are the close connections that I had with my teachers and coaches, and the sense of brotherhood that I enjoyed with the other grads. That part of Saints is irreplaceable.” Focusing on the theme of community, this edition of The Saint will help you understand more fully what it is that makes the St. George’s community so distinctive. With articles addressing a variety of topics, ranging from the our tradition of welcoming dogs on campus through to the success of the Senior School’s Pride Week celebrations, I know that you will enjoy the opportunity to learn more about the Saints community. In addition, as always, the Class Notes section will update you on our Georgian community and the accomplishments of individual Old Boys. As you may notice, in the article focusing on our new boarders from Tanzania, the Netherlands, and Bhutan, one of the Bhutanese boys provides an interesting insight into the essence of community. When asked what he enjoys most about the St. George’s community, he replies: “I feel included and safe.” Together with our traditions and our commitment to the well-being of our students, it is that sense of belonging that makes the St. George’s community so appealing. We embrace our diversity, and we work hard to ensure that everyone feels included and safe. That is how we weave the fabric of community here on a daily basis, and that is what we enjoy most about St. George’s School.
DR. TOM MATTHEWS HEADMASTER
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OUR COMMUNITY
FALL 2017 | 13
FEATURE STORY
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OUR COMMUNITY
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL IS
MY COMMUNITY A PARENT’S TAKE BY: CHRISTINA BROWN
FALL 2017 | 15
FEATURE STORY
The article below is an adaptation of a speech delivered by current parent, Christina Brown, mother of Samson (Class of 2022), Matthew (Class of 2023), Angus (Class of 2026), and James (Class of 2028), at our annual New Parents Dinner on September 26th, 2017.
SO WE MADE IT…WE’VE PREPARED AND TAKEN THE SSATS, COMPLETED THE INTERVIEWS, AND ANXIOUSLY WAITED FOR MARCH TO ARRIVE TO RECEIVE THE EXCITING NEWS THAT OUR SONS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED TO ST. GEORGE’S. YOU HAVE NAVIGATED THE SCHOOL STORE AND SUCCESSFULLY CLOTHED YOUR SON IN HIS UNIFORM. YOU BRIEFED YOURSELF ON THE PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF PROTOCOL. YOU BOUGHT THAT EXTRA TIE AND BELT, JUST IN CASE, AND THEN YOU SENT YOUR SON OFF TO SCHOOL WITH HIGH HOPES OF A GREAT YEAR AHEAD FOR HIM. AND THEN, THE MAGIC HAPPENS...
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THE MORE FAMILIES THAT PARTICIPATE FINANCIALLY IN BUILDING OUR SCHOOL, THE DEEPER THE IMPACT WILL BE FOR OUR BOYS TODAY AND IN THE FUTURE.
Can you explain what you define as ‘the magic’? The faculty, the staff, and the Leadership Team at St. George’s have the role of weaving your son into the community and culture of Saints. At the beginning of the year, you start to receive short updates about the cool new classrooms that are equipped with white boards and bean bag chairs. You also hear from your son about a new boy he met that shares a common interest in Basketball. And then, it gets even better... At dinner, your son shares with your family the complexities of bitcoin and cryptocurrency technology. It is your 1st grader, who doesn’t typically like to stay still, telling you he plans to sign up for Chess Club. It is your other son who decides he’d like to put his hand up and apply to attend a Leadership Conference. It is your son spit-balling ideas with his dad about whether a floating solar panel would help humanity. It is your son coming home beaming with pride to share that one of his art pieces was selected for the Art Show at Van Dusen Gardens. It is your son standing locked arm-in-arm with his teammates and coaches as they prepare for the match ahead. It is you, glancing down the field to see Mr. Devenish and Dr. Matthews standing on the sidelines cheering on the boys. I could share with you countless moments in my home and in our community where I see the influence of the faculty and the Leadership Team at Saints shining through my children. 16 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
How do these moments equate for you as a parent? Some may call this St. George’s delivering alpha, some may call it the differentiation point. I define it as one of the key elements that further strengthens the commitment my boys and our family have to Saints. How do you think St. George’s is able to create this unique environment for our boys? All of the incredible resources St. George’s has to offer our sons is due for the most part to the foresight and vision of the School’s Leadership Team and the Board, and the generosity of parents and alumni. It is the families that attended the New Parent Dinner many years ago who made the commitment to support Saints’ vision of what the school campus ‘could be’ for our boys. So that vision. How did that vision become a reality? Tuition revenue only covers 72% of the actual operating costs; the remainder is made up from donations. We are all beneficiaries of the parents and the Alumni (known as Georgians) that have come before us. It is their contributions and legacy donations that have built the facilities and provided for the teaching and learning experiences our boys now enjoy. How does your family approach supporting the School financially? There is a responsibility for all of us to uphold that legacy and give back. There is also an understanding that it can be challenging for families to keep up with the appeals. There are no rules, but I would encourage you to give something. The more families that participate financially in building our school, the deeper the impact will be for our boys today and in the future. This school year is your family’s third year at Saints, and you already feel very connected and part of the St. George’s community. Why is that? This occurred organically and quickly because we said YES.
The next email I open is the request for volunteers for the Hamper Drive in December—I replied YES. I find myself standing alongside faculty and students assembling hampers for families in need, knowing this hamper is going to positivesly impact the holiday experience for the family who receives it. So all parents need to do is say YES? Now, full disclosure, when I said yes, I really didn’t know what I was saying YES to. I guarantee you, when you say yes at Saints, you will not be thrown into the deep end. There will be parents and faculty that have experience in the role and will guide you through. Think about it. We are hoping our sons will say yes. We hope they will put themselves out there and get as much out of their experience at St. George’s as possible. So I am challenging the parents to say yes. To put themselves out there. It is those shared experiences you have with faculty and parents that shapes your family’s engagement and connection to Saints. If you had two key take-aways for families as they navigate St. George’s, what would they be? 1. When you are contacted by the Advancement Team, respond, and become familiar with the vision and goals Saints has for the School. Your son and your family are an important part of the future for St. George’s. 2. When you see an email from the Class Parents or the SGPA, say YES. There are exciting times ahead for your sons at Saints and the magic has just begun...
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The first year our family was at Saints, we received the email looking for volunteers for the Saints Fair—I replied YES. Next thing you know, I am working with a fun group of parents that range in years from 2nd grade to 11th grade, raffling wine and beer to attendees of the Fair.
De facto ‘momma’ to generations of Boarders; Honourary Georgian; Robinson Distinguished Service Award recipient; retired Pediatric Nurse Practitioner; Provincial award winner from the Registered Nurses Association of B.C. for ‘Excellence in Nursing Practice’ during her tenure at St. George’s School.
MRS. NORMA J. PARKER R.N. (RETIRED)
FALL 2017 | 17
FEATURE STORY
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OUR COMMUNITY
The article below is an adaptation of a speech delivered by 2017-18 School Captain Jaden Bains at our annual New Parents Dinner on September 26th, 2017.
I WAS GOING TO OPEN WITH THE AGE-OLD STORY OF THE KNIGHT SLAYING THE DRAGON—A TIMELESS ONE, A STORY EVERYONE MIGHT KNOW—BUT INSTEAD I WANTED TO TELL YOU A VERY DIFFERENT, AND MAYBE, WITHOUT COMMITTING TREASON, A BIT MORE OF A REAL STORY. ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL IS
MY COMMUNITY A STUDENT’S TAKE BY: JADEN BAINS '18
I’m the only boy in my family, and I have three sisters, which means my childhood was nothing short of traumatic, and often democratically unforgiving. I have seen it all, from Twilight to straightening irons, and growing up with sisters was pretty fun. But there was always something missing, always that one thing that I thought I could never have: brothers. And one day, at this School, that changed. In Grade 7, at the Junior School, we were assigned a group project. Our classroom was divided, the scholars in one corner, the athletes in another, the kids that were effortlessly cool on the side, and the kids like me—the floaters—scattered around. With this kind of crowd, the idea of a group project was brutally daunting. We held our breath, and the teacher gave us our groups. And, in a moment I could best describe as perfectly Breakfast Club, the teacher called out the names of the star of the basketball team, a young boy from Hong Kong who was way too smart, a cool kid, and then, of course, she called out my name. So we went to work in a classroom on the fourth floor of our fairy-tale castle on 29th Avenue that somehow made you feel like you were locked in the sky, and let a boy’s imagination run into space. After 20 minutes of work, we found something that changed the history of our lives: an
apple. And, as every group of procrastinating boys would do, we made ourselves an “apple game”. Every boy, in turn, had to push the apple closer to edge of the highest window in the school, to see which unfortunate boy would push it just enough to send it flying four stories down. The boy from Hong Kong pushed first, then the athlete, then the cool kid, then me. This went on at least five times before the apple was almost two-thirds over that ledge. That’s when the most horrifying noise tore the room apart: the door opened…teacher was back. We all looked up in terror. “What are you doing?” the teacher asked, also with terror. We all looked back at the apple and we saw the most horrific sight…it was gone. Which meant not only did we push an apple off the Junior School but that our teacher watched those fateful final moments. But, as that apple fell down the stone walls and smashed into the concrete, I realized something. After years of searching, I finally had brothers. Now I know what you’re thinking—is it too late pull my kid out this school? But I have to say, it is the moments like this that make Saints incredible. The moments when all the things the grads told you about brotherhood finally come true. Sure, we were in trouble, but the four of us, as different and as diverse as we were, were in trouble together. I realized that brotherhood means solidarity in the face of challenge and comradery in standing together.
BY: MARKO RNIC
FALL 2017 | 19
FEATURE STORY
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OUR COMMUNITY
ADJUSTING TO CHANGES IN
THE BC CURRICULUM A LEARNING COMMUNITY BY: SAM JOHNSTON
FALL 2017 | 21
FEATURE STORY
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL IS A LEARNING COMMUNITY. Of course it is—it’s a school. It’s no surprise that we think of St. George’s as a Learning Community. It almost goes without saying. Almost, but not quite. Because, even more than in the traditional sense of learning in school, St. George’s is a learning organization, an organization that models the skills and dispositions that are required for learning in our complex and rapidly changing world. It is a place that embodies learning instead of just talking about it. Directed by our Guiding Educational Principles, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom; it happens in every corner of the school, developing character and core values, critical and creative thinking skills, and global perspectives. It is how we improve, how we innovate, how we lead—as a community.
Leading innovation is really about creating time and space in which others are willing and able to do the hard work of innovation. Almost a decade ago, the faculty, under the direction of newly appointed Headmaster, Dr. Matthews, created a framework for professional learning for all members of staff to use to continuously improve. What came from it was a shift in mindset from having all of the answers to searching for interesting questions. This simple change gave us license to try new and innovative things, specifically about how we could improve our professional practice to make the experience more relevant, engaging, and meaningful for our students. What has unfolded since has been a lot of hard work, but all of it well worth the effort. The work that has come out of this shift is exciting and has given rise to the implementation of research-based instructional strategies and ways to more effectively draw students into the learning process. It has also seen the creation of Cohort Programs in the Senior School and Neighbourhoods forming in our Junior School, changing how we organize learning in an effort to blur the lines between traditionally siloed subjects in order to allow students to grapple with complex, multidisciplinary topics. It has even shifted the bricks and mortar of our classroom walls to give us the opportunity to play with new ideas about how our environment impacts learning. You may have heard in the news that the Ministry of Education is going through some major reform. Fortunately, their new model matches the moves we have been making over the past decade. There is a much greater emphasis on what students can do with 22 | THE SAINT
their knowledge. Instead of focusing so much on dates and dead European kings, boys will learn to use mapping software to represent complex ideas like migration or conflict on a dynamic map. We are moving away from the teacher as the source of all information, and we are finding ways to give students ownership of their learning. In the old model, there was an emphasis on control and efficiency; what we are seeing now is engagement and creativity. Well before the changes to the curriculum that the Ministry has been implementing were a hot topic of conversation, St. George’s was dissatisfied with the tired idea of having students sit back and absorb the teacher’s knowledge only to reproduce it on a test later in the week. Together, as a community, we asked how we could be better, how we could engage students more in the learning process, how we could motivate them to take the lead. As a result, we have seen the implementation of instructional strategies like Harkness, a discussion protocol for engaging all students in the issues and substance of a reading so they may deepen their understanding of concepts and develop their communications skills. Project-based Learning, a method that focuses on students using their knowledge to synthesize and create something in order to share their learning with others, has given our students the opportunity to grapple with challenging concepts and present their ideas in creative ways. Inquiry is a research strategy that gives students more ownership of the learning process and motivates them to share their new knowledge. These strategies started as a question from one or more of our faculty, and after research and reflection become ingrained in the culture of teaching and learning at the School.
OUR COMMUNITY
GUIDING EDUCATIONAL PRINCIPLES 1. The development of character with particular emphasis on values such as empathy, humility, integrity, respect, responsibility, and resilience. 2. A rich and diverse educational experience rooted in the liberal arts tradition and embracing academics, the arts, athletics, outdoor education, service, and leadership. 3. Varied, engagivng, and research-based instructional practices acknowledging the diversity of learners and meeting the learning needs of boys.
In the same way we examine classroom practices, we tackle classroom environments as a community. The classroom environment has changed dramatically since I was in high school. Row upon row of clunky, uncomfortable, and inflexible desks have turned into tables and chairs on wheels that can easily shift from small group collaboration to large round-table discussion to independent study. Classrooms aren’t dark little boxes that no one looks into and no one leaves. Now they are a mixture of glass and wood that promotes collaboration, and they are covered in surfaces on which students can show their thinking. They are open and inviting to the whole community, with plenty of sunlight, and they provide different contexts in which teaching and learning can occur. Take the recent renovation of the fourth floor in the Junior School as an example. Who wouldn’t want to go to school in classrooms that look and function like that? With space for students to work in their own way and areas to creatively display student work, these classrooms really celebrate learning in all its forms. However, creating this amazing learning space didn’t happen overnight. Those classrooms were designed after the model had been researched and then thoroughly tested. Its predecessor, the Grade 7 Neighbourhood, was
a pilot project with the express purpose of testing different structures for organizing classrooms and different furniture to activate boys’ learning. We have learned a lot from the process; we took our lessons from the pilot project, and we have created something magical. St. George’s is a learning community with continuous improvement as the goal. The process of professional learning gives us a framework to put ideas into action. What I have witnessed in my time here, is a systematic process of trial and reflection on 21st century learning practices, both physical and pedagogical. Everything that we do is done with our students at the forefront of our thinking. This process of continuous improvement, of questioning, researching, prototyping, reflecting, and learning is done so that we can provide greater opportunities for students to grow and develop in our care. At the same time, this process also models how we want our students to learn, both here and after they have graduated from our halls and are taking on all of the challenges that the world presents them. Linda Hill of Harvard’s Innovation Lab calls it “Creative Agility”, and it is not an easy feat in schools.
4. T he development of key skills, including creativity and innovation, critical thinking and real-world problemsolving, communications, collaboration, and leadership. 5. T he strengthening of our students’ physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being through mentorship and counselling, physical and health education, and an athletics program promoting active participation and healthy competition. 6. A culture of continuous school improvement through which all are inspired to do their best.
FALL 2017 | 23
FEATURE STORY
A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
INTERVIEWS WITH BOARDERS FROM TANZANIA, BHUTAN, AND THE NETHERLANDS. BY: CLEMENT WOO
24 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
W
ithin the St. George’s School community are many micro-communities. Each of them is special in its own way and Harker Hall is no exception. With 113 boys from nearly 20 countries, the Harker Hall boarding community is globally diverse. While many communities share a common heritage, Harker Hall is unique because many of the boys come from very different backgrounds and cultures. However, rather than dividing, the differences each boy brings to Harker Hall strengthens and unites the community, as everyone is able to learn from each other and broaden their perspective of the world.
At Harker Hall, the boys not only study, work, and play together, but they also live and grow together during one of the most transformative times of their teenage years. While a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood is evident throughout both the Junior and Senior Schools, the boarding experience is extraordinary, and the bonds that the boys create are something truly special. St. George’s strives to be “Canada’s World School for Boys”, and this is evident in the diverse student body that is representative of the world beyond our campus.
FALL 2017 | 25
FEATURE STORY
Tell us about yourself. I am a new boarder from Ethiopia, but I had been living in Tanzania for the past eight years. I play with the 10A Soccer Team and I enjoy playing Rugby for fun. I like to watch comedy movies and horror movies but only with a large group of people. Why did you choose to attend school in Vancouver and, specifically, why St. George’s? I heard that Vancouver was not as cold as most other places in Canada. I also credit my Skype interview with Mr. Camenzind as the main reason, because it excited me and made me eager to come to St. George’s and to Harker Hall even more. What is your favourite thing about St. George’s School? About living in Harker Hall? The friendly environment in the School is amazing. There is always someone around to offer a helping hand. In Harker Hall, I love the intramurals and the friendly competitiveness of the houses. There is also a positive feeling of brotherhood between the boarders which makes the experience much better. What did you fear most about boarding before you arrived? What were you most excited about? How did you feel after arriving at St. George’s? I feared being away from my family and having no support. I was excited to explore another city and place on a different continent. I was also excited by the chance to get to build my independence. When I first arrived, I felt even more excited and nervous than I was before, but now I am feeling more confident and settling in quite well. What does “community” mean to you? Community means being around a group of people and enjoying the companionship offered by those people. It means that you can be yourself and feel accepted. How does it feel to be part of the St. George’s community? It is fun and enjoyable. It feels wonderful and although I do miss my home, Harker Hall is honestly welcoming. How is the community in Vancouver and at St. George’s different from your home country and previous school? It is not too different, but there seems to be more effort towards school work. There is also a lot more expected from you, but the expectations build character, so they are very useful. There are also more opportunities offered to volunteer and give back to the community here. What is it like living in the globally-diverse community at Harker Hall? It’s very interesting and a learning opportunity of what it is like in other countries around the world. You can learn a lot of interesting things from the rest of the boarders and their experiences.
ABE GIRMA 26 | THE SAINT
How do you build community within Harker Hall? Participating. Taking part in the numerous activities offered creates a feeling of comradery in the boarding house. This feeling is what creates the remarkable friendships in and beyond the boarding house.
OUR COMMUNITY
THINLEY REYCHUNG WANGCHUK Tell us about yourself. My name is Thinley Reychung Wangchuk. I came from Bhutan and started attending St. George’s School in September 2017. My family consists of my mother, my father, and my brother. I like to play tennis, listen to K-Pop, cook, and clean. Why did you choose to attend school in Vancouver and, specifically, why St. George’s? I got the opportunity to study at St. George’s, and I wanted to go because I heard it was a really good school and I wanted to get the exposure to schools outside of my country. I also heard that St. George’s was culturally diverse. What is your favourite thing about St. George’s School? About living in Harker Hall? My favourite thing about the School would be its facilities and the wonderful activities that it organizes. I love living in Harker hall because it feels like home. It gives the full experience, combining fun and school. I really like all the people that are at Harker Hall—it gives this homey and comfortable vibe. The House Parents are really supportive, and Mr. Hesketh does so much work around the house.
What does “community” mean to you? Community is a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common. How does it feel to be part of the St. George’s community? It actually feels nice, and I feel like I’m actually doing something in life. I feel included and safe. How is the community in Vancouver and at St. George’s different from your home country and previous school? It is actually very different, from the education to the people and the activities offered. What is it like living in the globally-diverse community at Harker Hall? It is actually very eye-opening. I see all types of people, and interacting with them gives me a lot of ideas on the world. How do you build community within Harker Hall? I actually don’t know yet. I feel like me answering this is not accurate because I don’t know that the things I have done are really helpful to the community.
What did you fear most about boarding before you arrived? What were you most excited about? I feared that I wouldn’t fit into a “foreign” community where everything was so different and it felt so unreal that I would be going to this School. I was mostly excited about the world I would live in here.
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FEATURE STORY
Tell us about yourself. I joined this School in September 2017 from Bhutan and I am having a great time here so far. Back home, I have two sisters and a brother who are all older than me. I am taking Tennis as my sport for the term since I love Tennis and I have been playing it since I was 10 years old. I love to walk around the city with my friends and go to a restaurant to eat after I get tired from the walk. Why did you choose to attend school in Vancouver and, specifically, why St. George’s? Dr. and Mrs. Matthews visited my school. That is how I found out about St. George’s and decided to apply. What is your favourite thing about St. George’s School? About living in Harker Hall? I love the ranges of courses they offer, the sports activities, and the weekend activities at Harker Hall. What did you fear most about boarding before you arrived? What were you most excited about? How did you feel after arriving at St. George’s? I was afraid that I would be isolated and singled out, but the people have been accepting and I’ve made a lot of friends. I was excited about studying here since this is one of the most reputable schools in the world. Like I said, I was afraid that I’d be isolated but I haven’t felt homesick and it’s a nice atmosphere in the school and the boarding house.
How does it feel to be part of the St. George’s community? I feel really proud and honoured to study here because everyone in this school is very intelligent and smart. How is the community in Vancouver and at St. George’s different from your home country and previous school? I don’t see any bullying or mocking in this school. Everyone is friendly and greets you when you run in to each other. What is it like living in the globally-diverse community at Harker Hall? We get to learn how to say stuff in many languages, and I feel that brings the world closer in some way. How do you build community within Harker Hall? I try to be as friendly as possible to other people and I try to help them. I share my emotions and my thoughts with my friends, which makes our friendships stronger.
What does “community” mean to you? It is a place where people are treated equally and they help each other when in need.
TSHERING TOBDEN 28 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
Tell us about yourself. I started at Saints in Grade 8, shortly after moving to Canada with my family. I enjoyed my Grade 8 and 9 years as a Day Boy before my family and I returned to our home in the Netherlands. I spent most of my Grade 10 school year there, but soon decided to come back to Saints as a boarder. It was a tough decision, but I’m confident that it was the right one. I love Saints, and try to be involved and active in what the school has to offer in terms of community, athletics, academics, and co-curriculars. Why did you choose to attend school in Vancouver and, specifically, why St. George’s? To me, returning to Saints was like coming home. Vancouver is an incredible city, and St. George’s is an incredible school. What is your favourite thing about St. George’s School? About living in Harker Hall? My favourite thing about Saints is that it offers an extremely broad range of activities, clubs, subjects, and other programs. There’s something for everyone, and often, students surprise themselves and fall in love with a subject or a cocurricular activity that might have been initially foreign to them. What did you fear most about boarding before you arrived? What were you most excited about? How did you feel after arriving at St. George’s? Coming to Saints as a boarder, I was worried that my teachers would be too strict, my timetable too rigid, and Harker Hall too lonely; however, I found that my fears were nothing to be worried about. I was not the first student to join boarding, nor will I be the last. Lots of kids come into boarding with similar concerns, and as a result, the boarding program consistently finds ways to address them. I was excited about rejoining a lot of the programs I had been a part of prior to my move to the Netherlands—specifically Rowing, Saints Conference, Student Government, and Latin. Once back at Saints, it quickly started to feel like I had never left, and I was very busy (in a good way).
SEBASTIAN SMITH
What does “community” mean to you? Community is not about everyone being the same; rather, to me, community describes a common or shared background. In a community, people are united in their differences and support each other in both their collective and individual goals. How does it feel to be part of the St. George’s community? How is the community in Vancouver and at St. George’s different from your home country and previous school? At Saints, you’re encouraged to work hard and be involved. Peers (not just teachers) inspire the success of each other in a variety of contexts. It’s fun to geek out with classmates who share certain academic interests and get competitive with teammates. It’s cool to be a part of Saints, and that attitude is important to growth. What is it like living in the globally-diverse community at Harker Hall? Before I came to Canada, I didn’t know the rules of Hockey, and my snack options were limited to a strange combination of European delicacies. Now, I trade my Dutch Stroopwafels for 마이쮸 with my Korean roommate, and I’m an enthusiastic fan of the Edmonton Oilers. With each cultural exchange at Harker Hall—whether it be in the context of food and sport or of broader worldviews and ways of thinking—our community challenges the norm and grows. As a result, I think I’ll leave Harker Hall more aware of the world around me, more understanding of different perspectives, and with a greater capacity to engage with my environment. How do you build community within Harker Hall? Community is shaped by the breadth and depth of the Residential Life Program. Most importantly, however, it’s built by the aspects of boarding life that can’t be described in brochures and slideshows. With every shared achievement, common experience, and smile in the hallway, Harker Hall grows stronger, and it’s thanks to those intangible moments, our understanding background, and the unwavering care and support of our House Parents and staff, that our community continues to grow.
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FEATURE STORY
LY D N E I R A DOG-F NITY COMMU
WE ARE
DOG PEOPLE LM AT PA BY: P
ER ‘8
0
THE HISTORY OF DOGS ON CAMPUS AND THE DOGS OF TODAY
30 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
HAS SAINTS GONE TO THE DOGS?
I was asked recently by a visitor to our senior campus about the number of dogs at St. George’s: was this a new phenomenon? My simple answer to this question was, no. Dogs have always been part of the fabric of this school, but how and, perhaps why, has Saints evolved into such a dog-friendly place?
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FEATURE STORY
In the very early days of the school, then Headmaster John Harker brought his two German Shepherds, Lobo and Sheba, to school with him. They were given free run of the property and very soon were joined by three puppies: Smith, Sampson, and Solomon. The tradition of dogs at Saints was off to a running start. The growing school at 29th and Crown developed a reputation of being a school that embraced dogs almost as readily as it did boys. As the School purchased more houses, and more faculty moved into boarding, more dogs arrived to roam the neighbourhood and frequent the campus. Headmaster Harker seemed to be a chief contributor to the population of dogs throughout his 30-year tenure at Saints, and it was his Shaughnessy that saw him to eventual retirement in 1963, when he passed the mantle of leadership on to his brother Douglas. When Douglas Harker returned to the School as Headmaster he observed, “There was the usual crowd of dogs—a spaniel on the front steps, two Labradors in the hall, a beagle and a mutt of indeterminate origin in the Head’s office. They gave me an enthusiastic greeting, putting black paw-marks on my clean white
32 | THE SAINT
shirt and hairs on my dark suit.” The tradition of dogs at St. George’s would clearly continue! In the late 60s and early 70s dogs were commonplace, particularly at Junior School, and especially at lunch break! Trumpeter could be found in Mr. Blackmore’s office and Jo Jo was a resident of Mrs. Westmacott’s Grade 3 classroom. On cool, wet days Jo Jo would sit on the radiator to dry off and warm up, and the classroom would fill with that unforgettable wet-dog scent. Jo Jo’s party trick was adding numbers: “Jo Jo, what’s two plus four?” would produce six quick, sharp barks. Not the standard of PJ up the road, but still pretty good. Jo Jo was such an integral feature of the Grade 3 classroom, that when a boy arrived with serious allergies to dogs, a phone call was made to the Headmaster. Douglas Harker explained that St. George’s has always had dogs around the place. He felt that dogs were good for most boys and that if the boy’s allergies were serious, he would need to find a different school. Apparently the boy did leave, but returned to St. George’s when he entered a grade that did not feature a resident canine.
OUR COMMUNITY
During the 1970s there were lots of dogs around Saints. Gareth Hill’s Dylan, David Overton’s Scipio, Thor Young’s Lulu, and Chris Goodwin’s Rosie were common sights at both campuses. Rosie was the school’s canine hostess, she greeted everyone and was a friend to almost all the boys. Scipio was a character, named after a Roman general; he was DRO’s constant companion around the School,
and was even known to help deliver the food for weekend rugby matches. I am not sure if “Food Safe” protocols would welcome the contributions of a large hairy mongrel in the delivery of buns and cookies to hungry rugby players nowadays! Not to be left out, the new Headmaster, Alan Brown, brought his dog, Rommel (aka ‘Foogy’) to school with him. Foogy was an Airedale, and he was known around the senior campus for stealing bag lunches in a rather aggressive manner. Foogy did not ingratiate himself with the students. In his 1976 Prize Day speech Head Boy Alastair Fyfe, remarked, “Talking about dogs, I was once told that if a teacher at St. George’s had a “respectable” dog, their salary was also increased by a respectable amount. We must feel sorry for Mr. Brown, for, by purchasing ‘Foogy’ he became the first teacher to have a reduction in salary.” Foogy did not last long at Saints, and a short time later, Daniel, a yellow lab arrived. As with any lab, Daniel was easygoing, friendly, and welcome in most parts of the School. He was even known to appear on assembly—on one occasion sporting a new ‘dye job’ thanks to the efforts of a few nameless grads. Daniel was also the last of the free-running Saints dog pack, and after
“
“
Trumpeter was John Blackmore’s dog. The beagle was ever-present in Mr. Blackmore’s office and did cause a little consternation from time to time. When she was interviewed for the position of School Nurse, Norma Parker (then Thompson), became quite concerned over the Principal’s health as relatively noxious fumes periodically radiated throughout the office. At the end of the interview, Mr. Blackmore called to a previously unseen Trumpeter, to take him for a walk. Norma was quite relieved to observe Trumpeter propel himself out of the office with a significant tail wind and realise that the kindly Principal was not, in fact, incontinent! When Trumpeter eventually passed in the mid-1970s the whole Junior School gathered to present Mr. Blackmore with a new beagle puppy, and so Bugler came to Saints.
BEING ABLE TO BRING DOGS TO SCHOOL IS A WONDERFUL PRIVILEGE FOR THE OWNERS WHO TEACH AT SAINTS. I AM NOT SURE IF ANY OF US COULD RESPONSIBLY HAVE A PET WITHOUT THIS FREEDOM. PAT PALMER ‘80
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FEATURE STORY
Daniel passed, few dogs frequented the school until the late 1990s. Having been a student during these later dog years, I have strong memories of dogs being all over the place. There is a comfort and familiarity that can come from having pet dogs around. Some of my stronger memories of Senior School dogs are associated with Rosie, particularly in Grades 8 and 9, where she seemed a constant, gentle companion to the younger students. Dogs bring a positive energy, but also a calming influence, to an all-boy environment. Teachers have observed distracted boys being more focused with a puppy in their lap. Teens who are struggling with emotions are often calmed by stroking and petting a dog, and dogs seem to have a wonderful empathy for troubled young men. One teacher observed that boys don’t tend to get mad or very upset when a dog is around. In the summer of 1998, my wife and I acquired Jasmine, a Rhodesian ridgeback. Realising that care of this beautiful but large dog would be easier if she came to school with me, we approached Headmaster Toy, to get his views on having a dog at the School. Mr. Toy, felt that if the dog was quiet, well-behaved, gentle with students, and did not make a mess that she would be permitted to come on a trial basis. Jasmine remained in my office and soon became a novelty at the School. She did not run free, as previous dogs had, but she did receive lots of visitors in my office, particularly when I became Head of Grade 8. It was striking to see the effect of a dog on young teens. When I was dealing with students who were upset, Jasmine was a welcome, gentle distraction. Students could and did relax more easily, quiet boys could speak to the dog when answering difficult questions, and she did welcome hugs. Shortly after Jasmine’s arrival, other dogs appeared in various offices around the school. Molly appeared in Carol Pollock’s office in counsellor’s row, Charlie resided in the office next to Ms. Tourout’s lab, and Ona arrived in the art center. Each dog brought its own character and temperament, and each one became a welcome and sought-out feature in their area of the School. Sadly, Molly and Ona have recently passed on. When asked, the dog owners of Saints reflected on the value of having dogs at school. Having a dog at school requires its owner to take a break and get outside, even in the worst of weather–a canine-supported mindfulness escape. 34 | THE SAINT
Mr. Becott reflects on coming up with some of his best essay topics while walking through the trails near the School. There are some downsides— not all dogs are suited to the energy and noise that sometimes erupts in an all-boy environment. There is the occasional office escape, which can be a little stressful for the owner, exciting for the dog, and quite entertaining for anybody watching! One teacher also recalled having to buy a replacement lunch for a student who left his bag in a vulnerable place. Dog owners are also mindful that not everyone is comfortable with dogs and are aware of the need to insulate some students and parents from their attention. Touring around the School, you will now come across Zack in University Counselling, Charlie in the Math Department office, Rollie and Bodhi in the PE Offices, and Lola in the English Department office. You might even spot Dr. Matthews watching a sporting event with Rosie, his Bernese mountain cross, bouncing on the end of a leash. In a visit to Junior School you may see Becs and Hugo in Mr. Sturgeon’s office, Sylvie and Charlie in the Music office, Bentley in the Art offices, and Lexie and Franklin in Grade 4. In my office next to the Grad lounge, Jackson now resides, and his chief task is to ingratiate himself into the affections of the Grads, in the vain hope that they will give him a treat. In the words of Xavi Delgado, in his Head Boy’s address of 2017, “The Grade 12 fearless leader—the one who puts up with the constant yelling next to his office; the one who picks us up when we’re down, and always greeted us whenever we showed up at his door… Jackson, the dog!” Being able to bring dogs to school is a wonderful privilege for the owners who teach at Saints. I am not sure if any of us could responsibly have a pet without this freedom. The School has developed a Dog Policy to ensure that owners are responsible and that students and guests who are uncomfortable with dogs do not feel threatened or exposed by the animals’ presence. Anyone who has witnessed the special connection that can develop between a dog and a teenaged boy will not question the value there is having ‘man’s best friend’ in our community.
OUR COMMUNITY
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FEATURE STORY
A HOCKEY COMMUNITY BY: CHRIS BLACKMAN
RESTRUCTURING THE ICE HOCKEY PROGRAM
GAME TIME! 36 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
HIGH SCHOOL HOCKEY IS ‘BIG’ IN ONTARIO AND IN QUEBEC;
there are literally hundreds of teams in dozens of programs scattered across the small towns of each province. By comparison, in British Columbia high school hockey is almost non-existent because community- or associationbased hockey is the norm. Despite the low profile for this layer of our national winter sport in BC, St. George’s has had a multi-team Hockey Program for close to 30 years. Georgian, current faculty member, and long-time Hockey Coach Luke Fredeman ’84 was the driving force for the vast majority of those three decades. Those teams competed in the Ross Cup, showcase games, and other tournaments and a proud tradition had been developed.
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FEATURE STORY
Just over a year ago, a group of interested parents gathered to consider a significant change in direction for the Saints’ Hockey Program. The landscape in the hockey world had been changing. It was commonly accepted that “association hockey” did not provide an ideal environment for boys attending St. George’s, mostly due to scheduling. The root idea under consideration was moving Saints’ hockey to a higher level with professional coaching and a schedule that supported a boy’s involvement with all the Saints has to offer. Several discussions were held and the immediate focus was on a move to join the Canadian Sport School Hockey League (CSSHL). At the start, there were mainly questions: How many boys at Saints already play rep hockey? Was the CSSHL the right option? Can enough ice time be secured for practices and games? How many teams do we start with? Can we structure training so no class time is missed? Who would we consider for the coaching roles? What should be factored in for a program budget? Can it be an affordable program? Is there enough time to pull together a proposal? Very quickly there were answers. Accurate and complete data was available and the overall analysis was providing positive momentum. Meetings were held with key staff at UBC as dressing room space and ice time for practices and games were needed. Those times needed to fall outside of the academic window of Monday – Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm. This was not to be an “academy”, but a new Ice Hockey Program at Saints. In November 2016, with a clear understanding of the support available from UBC and with the knowledge that there was significant parental support, the decision was made to submit a proposal to join the CSSHL. Once the vote was confirmed and the School knew we had been accepted into the CSSHL, the workload increased significantly to prepare for the 2017-18 season. In short order: • an ID Camp was scheduled; •p rogram information was shared with dozens of families; •a lease agreement for a dressing room at UBC was developed; •c ontracts for outside coaches were revamped and resumes were received; •a thletic trainers were recruited to work with both teams and new supplies were purchased; •p ractice and game times were secured at UBC and a weekly schedule was confirmed; •u niforms and athlete/player gear were designed, a fitting session was held, and everything was ordered.
38 | THE SAINT
Once an experienced Head of Hockey was secured, one who would be a good fit with the St. George’s community, the process of building a coaching team was started. A full schedule for two teams, including tournaments and showcases that took into account major school events, pro-d days, and holidays was set out. The schedule also accounted for the challenges of the new environment our Grade 8 athletes would encounter at the Senior School and the fact that some of our Grade 9 athletes would also be new to the St. George’s community. We would be dealing with a new program with new coaches, new staff in the Athletics Department, a league to which we were new, a new relationship with UBC, and new uniforms. Thankfully, Saints’ boys playing hockey wasn’t new. As August passed, a newly-renovated dressing room in UBC’s Father Bauer Arena became the receiving and holding room for 30 boxes filled with hockey bags, tracksuits, Bauer clothing and equipment as well as logoed travel bags and backpacks—a new program needs a lot of gear! A coaching team was confirmed over the last few weeks and the first on-ice practice sessions quickly led to the first-ever CSSHL games for our two teams. Part of the plan was to have the two teams face each other in their first weekend. The Bantam Varsity 1 team is almost entirely Grade 9 while the Bantam 2 team is almost entirely Grade 8. However, we are a program, and we are sharing resources in a large number of areas—two teams in one program that will eventually be three and, in all likelihood, four teams within a few years. With the CSSHL teams training and competing, it was time to consider the hockey options for our senior boys. Discussions with a few veteran Grade 12 hockey players resulted in a plan for a single team, mostly Grade 12s, that would compete in the traditional oneoff ‘showcase’ game v. Brentwood in late January. It was also agreed that two teams, one for Grade 10s and 11s and the other for Grade 11s and 12s, would be entered in the Ross Cup in early March. Finally, it was agreed that a single team, mostly Grade 12s, would be entered into Tier 2 of the BC High School Hockey League (as was done last year) for the eight-week season in Term 3. The new structure for the Saints’ Ice Hockey Program is complex, and it will continue to evolve in the coming years as our commitment to the CSSHL expands. The League is growing across Canada, the quality of hockey is excellent, and there are strong connections to NCAA & Canadian university opportunities and other hockey leagues. Options for our senior boys will continue to be available, primarily in Term 3. The Hockey tradition at Saints continues!
OUR COMMUNITY
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FEATURE STORY
40 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
The ONE Campaign is the largest fundraising campaign in the history of St. George’s School, with a mission of transforming our students’ experiences through the construction of dynamic new teaching and learning facilities. This issue outlines the fundraising outcomes and impact to date, announces the decision to extend the ONE Campaign, and shares information on the evolution of the Senior School campus design process.
A GIVING COMMUNITY AN UPDATE ON THE ONE CAMPAIGN
FALL 2017 | 41
FEATURE STORY
“
If there is one thing The ONE Campaign has made our graduating class feel, it’s pretty jealous. When we see the incredible new spaces coming up at the school, we can only imagine how student lives will change. The great thing about Saints is that it knows how boys think, and the new flexible learning spaces and programs will not just teach students what to learn, but how to learn. On top of that, the sense of community we feel right now will skyrocket with the new courtyard and dining hall. To put it simply, the biggest regret of our grad year is missing this awesome evolution.”
JADEN BAINS
SCHOOL CAPTAIN 2017-18
“
I am fortunate to have the opportunity to teach in such a beautiful new neighbourhood where I have watched my students become more aware of who they are as learners, decide where they need to work to be successful and how to collaborate positively with their peers, and become more responsible for and take pride in their shared community space. Most importantly, my students feel safe with taking risks in their learning through being comfortable within their environment. The Grade 5 teaching team and students truly benefit from these amazing facilities in the Junior School and are very thankful for the ONE Campaign!”
MONTANNA HOWE
GRADE 5 TEACHER
42 | THE SAINT
PHASE ONE FUNDRAISING SUCCESS
TWO ACADEMIC BUILDINGS, TWO NEW NEIGHBOURHOODS, AND ONE MAKERSPACE. Thanks to the generosity of more than 300 donors, we are delighted to announce the completion of the first phase of The ONE Campaign. Launched four years ago, the overriding purpose of the Campaign is to revitalize academic spaces on both campuses in support of our uniquely boy-centred, 21st century approach to teaching and learning. As detailed in the 2017 Report on Giving, we exceeded our $40 million goal and secured more than $46 million in cash and pledges by the end of June. This is an unprecedented accomplishment, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who supported the Campaign and made this early success possible. The generosity of the Saints community has already had an extraordinarily positive impact on our students and their learning. As you know, ONE Campaign funds allowed us to renovate the entire fourth floor of the Junior School during the summer of 2016 to create brand-new neighborhoods for Grades 5 and 6 and to install a state-of-the-art HVAC system to regulate heating and ventilation airflows. These dynamic new facilities are allowing
our teachers to work collaboratively, to develop highly-engaging new programs, and to implement a wide variety of instructional strategies. Along with the transformation of the fourth floor this summer, we created a new Makerspace on the Junior School’s main floor. Reflecting our commitment to exploration, discovery, and creativity, this welcoming and engaging new facility is supporting inquirybased learning, and beginning this year, it will welcome every Junior School student from Grade 1 through to Grade 7. Graeme Webber, Inquiry Teacher/Librarian, describes this space as, “a hands-on learning environment, designed to give our boys the opportunity to develop their curiosity, creativity, and design skills. This space is open to all classes to use and is also home to the Self-Inquiry Program where boys have the opportunity to study a personal area of interest. Already, the boys have loved the new space and it’s exciting to see the vast array of projects that they are working on!”
ONE BIG THANK YOU!
OUR COMMUNITY
CAMPAIGN
TRANSFORMING THE STUDENT ENGAGEMENT EXPERIENCE ON CAMPUS Due to our fundraising success and the savings that will come from building more at once, we hope to include in our first Senior School construction project, not just two new academic buildings, but also several additional elements, including a Student Centre, a central plaza with extensive landscaped green spaces, and a dedicated community gathering space/dining hall. Constituting the heart of the student experience, the Student Centre will include the Learning Commons, the Student Success Centre, the Heads of Grade, Personal and University Counselling, and informal gathering spaces. Similarly, the community gathering space will be large enough to accommodate the entire Senior School for assemblies and special occasions such as Graduation and Remembrance Day. The revised Campus Master Plan and Senior School rezoning application was submitted to the City of Vancouver in early 2017, and we are working hard to move this process forward with the hope of securing formal approval sometime in the winter term. Although this process has taken longer than anticipated, it has provided us with a valuable opportunity to enhance the design while continuing our fundraising efforts and our commitment to engage every school family. Later in the academic year, we will be sharing more detailed information on our enhanced plans, along with exciting images of the additional proposed spaces. We believe you will be thoroughly impressed, and we are confident that the St. George’s community will continue to support The ONE+ Campaign’s mission to enhance our students’ learning experiences, both present and future.
“
CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP
One of my favourite spaces in the Grade 6 neighbourhood is “Gondola” - the soundproof room where I can lounge comfortably in a bean bag and focus on doing my work without any distractions. The flexibility of all of these bright and cheerful spaces - including the hallways - enables me to be more productive and have fun working with my fellow classmates during my school day.”
The Campaign Steering Committee (CSC) is comprised of volunteers with a shared dedication and passion for St. George’s who work in collaboration with school staff and leadership. They bring extensive experience in capital campaign fundraising and leadership to help guide us to our philanthropic goals.
ZACHARY LO
GRADE 7 STUDENT
CAMPAIGN STEERING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jake Kerr ’61 Campaign Chair Lesley Bentley Campaign Vice Chair Peter Armstrong ‘72 Christina Brown
THE ONE CAMPAIGN STORY SO FAR
Jamie Brown ‘86 Paul Dunstan
TOTAL CASH DONATIONS, PLEDGES, AND GIFTS IN KIND FOR THE ONE CAMPAIGN:
Tony Lee TOTAL # OF DONORS FOR THE ONE CAMPAIGN: 2014-2015
2015-2016
41 DONORS 132 DONORS 2013-2014 $1,618,150
2014-2015 $10,784,070
2015-2016 $30,977,116
2016-2017 $46,149,322
336 DONORS
Catherine McCauley Andrea Thomas Hill Tom Matthews Headmaster Nik Williams-Walshe Senior Associate Director of Advancement
TO DATE
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FEATURE STORY
ST. GEORGE’S JUNIOR SCHOOL IS UNQUESTIONABLY A READING COMMUNITY peek into any classroom and you will notice boys with their noses in books at all hours of the day. In fact, boys at this school love reading so much that it’s not uncommon for teachers to confiscate books during lesson time, because some boys literally just can’t stop reading. It’s a nice problem to have.
A READING COMMUNITY BY: ELIZABETH WALKER
READ THAT! A LOOK AT THE LIBRARY
44 | THE SAINT
OUR COMMUNITY
FALL 2017 | 45
FEATURE STORY
And I like to think the Junior School Library is a big part of this problem. As the Teacher Librarian, one of my major responsibilities is collection development, which means I regularly get to drop some serious dough at Vancouver Kidsbooks and scout out books that I think our boys will enjoy. What do the boys enjoy reading? Well, research into boys’ reading habits tell us that boys gravitate towards comics, books in series, humour, and non-fiction on areas of personal interest. I’m not an academic researcher, but I do have two methods for tracking which books are popular with our students. The simplest method is to look for the messiest shelves. It’s always the graphic novel section. You know the myth of Sisyphus? That poor dude who had to push the boulder up a hill every day for eternity, only to have it roll down again? That’s kind of like tidying the graphic novel shelves. Same goes for the hockey section. And dinosaurs. And optical illusions. If a shelf or section is perpetually messy, it means the books must be popular.
are perpetual favourites, and the Grade 2s have recently discovered our joke section—811 in the Dewey Decimal System, and a bit messy lately. Primary parents, prepare yourselves for some real groaners over the coming weeks. (Sorry.) A surprise hit over the last year has been a non-fiction graphic novel series about World War I and II. The series is called Graphic Modern History, and it’s been flying off the shelves. Many boys are interested in the World Wars, and this series has been an engaging introduction for many of our readers. Not only has it been burning up the non-fiction charts (eight of the top non-fiction books are part of the series), but the first set of paperback copies started to fall apart within months, which is actually a good sign! It just means they’re well-loved. Statistics can also tell us who is checking out these books. In the lead is our Grade 4 cohort, who are responsible for a whopping 519 circulations—that’s 519 individual books checked out—since September!
And, with the advent of technology, more scientific methods are available to my nerdy librarian mind. I can use our library software to produce statistical reports on what’s being checked out and by whom.
As you can see, as the boys move up in the Junior School, they check out fewer and fewer books. This is a constant challenge for me, and I am always looking for ways to engage more closely with the older boys to encourage them to use the library and read.
Our circulation statistics bear out the aforementioned research: since the beginning of classes in September, the eight most popular books by number of checkouts are graphic novels. The Amulet series, by Kazu Kibuishi, has maintained its popularity for many years now, and of those top eight books, six are from Amulet. Rumours abound that the eighth book is coming soon, so I’m sure Amulet will retain its winning streak for years to come.
Now, statistics are so impersonal—let’s get to know some of the boys behind these numbers! Recently I sat down to interview some of our regulars. These boys LOVE to read, and spend most lunch recesses hanging out in the library, noses in books. Edward and Spark are two new boys in Grade 4, and since Day 1 have been reading like crazy. Between the two of them, they’ve checked out 102 books to date! Will and Austin, in Grade 5 and 7 respectively, don’t check out as many books, but they do come to the library every day at lunch recess and choose some books to read until the bell goes.
All of the top ten books are part of series; the only stand-alone book to make the top 20 is a knock-knock joke book, which goes to show that humour is also very popular. Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate
NUMBER OF BOOK CHECK-OUTS BY GRADE 600 500 400 200 200 100 0 GRADE 1
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GRADE 2
GRADE 3
GRADE 4
GRADE 5
GRADE 6
GRADE 7
OUR COMMUNITY
EDWARD
SPARK
WILL
AUSTIN
9 YEARS OLD GRADE 4 NUMBER OF CHECKOUTS TO DATE: 40
9 YEARS OLD GRADE 4 NUMBER OF CHECKOUTS TO DATE: 37
10 YEARS OLD GRADE 5 NUMBER OF CHECKOUTS TO DATE: 8
12 YEARS OLD GRADE 7 NUMBER OF CHECKOUTS TO DATE: 2
Have you always been a big reader? I have been a reader since preschool. The books I read were quite simple, like The Very Hungry Caterpillar. I still like those books they bring back good memories.
Have you always been a big reader? Yes. I grew up reading. I even go online to read some books. My mom downloaded an app to read Chinese books. My mom’s a big reader—I think I got it from her.
Have you always been a big reader? Yes, I think back to about kindergarten or maybe Grade 1. As long as I can remember.
Have you always been a big reader? Not exactly. I started reading when I was seven or eight years old.
How many books do you read per week? Depends what books I read. If it’s chapter books, about 200 pages—I aim to read one per week, but if it’s comic books, I read one per day.
How many books do you read per week? 10.
What was one of the first books you remember reading? Winnie the Pooh—my parents read it to me. What book first got you hooked on reading? There wasn’t one, really. For me, when I started reading, I read one book and then another and another and I just kept on reading. And then, before I knew it, I was reading. Do you have a favourite genre? Sci fi. Do you have a favourite author? E. J. Altbacker [Shark Wars], Roland Smith, and Harry Mazzer. What do you like the best about the library here? I like the environment and the teacher.
What was one of the first books you remember reading? The Ear Book. It was a board book; it was really easy to read. What book first got you hooked on reading? Spy School - I read it about a year ago. Do you have a favourite genre? Action Adventure Do you have a favourite author? Stuart Gibbs What do you like the best about the library here? It has lots of graphic novels, and I love graphic novels.
How many books do you read per week? I try to go to VPL and get books as often as I can, so maybe three a week. If it’s the kind of book I really like I can read up to five. I just really like reading; it’s my favourite thing to do. What was one of the first books you remember reading? I can’t remember! I’ve read so many books! What book first got you hooked on reading? Amulet, Asterix, and Garfield Do you have a favourite genre? Comics! Do you have a favourite author? Jim Davis [Garfield] What do you like the best about the library here? It’s got a good graphic novel section with a bunch of comics I like.
How many books do you read per week? It depends on what books there are and how many there are, but usually a bad habit of mine is demolishing one book in a day or two. So unfortunately, I’ve read all the books in the house, so I don’t read too many books now. What book first got you hooked on reading? A Geronimo Stilton that was sitting on my shelf for a year or six months, and I just decided on some impulse to pick it up and start reading. Do you have a favourite genre? Action Adventure Do you have a favourite author? Rick Riordan [Percy Jackson], Tui Sutherland [Wings of Fire], and John Flanagan [Ranger’s Apprentice]. What do you like the best about the library here? There’s a lot of books here, so there’s a lot of options of what you can read. It’s also a very comfortable space so you can sit wherever you want.
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FEATURE STORY
LGBTQ+
PRIDE WEEK A DIVERSE COMMUNITY BY: HAYLEY JACOBS
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OUR COMMUNITY
FALL 2017 | 49
FEATURE STORY
T
he third Annual LGBTQ+ Pride Week, proudly promoted by the St. George’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), was an inspiring initiative in support of diversity and inclusion here at St. George’s Senior School. This year, the theme was allyship—a call to action to serve one’s peers and better one’s community. In advisor class the previous Friday, students explored and discussed what allyship meant to them, what qualities one may need in order to participate in allyship, and what actions one can each take in support of allyship at St. George’s School. Students were also reminded that making errors when learning is to be expected, but that it is the “try” that counts.
During the week, we offered numerous initiatives and activities for involvement. For example, we were once again proud to fly the Pride Flag in front of the School and to fly large-scale flags in both Dixon Gym and the Great Hall, the Learning Commons presented an LGBTQ+ book display, and educational information was posted on the Personal Counselling board. In Harker Hall, a series of events were offered for all day and boarding students. In an effort to remind students that all areas of the School should be safe spaces for everyone, members of the GSA placed Safe Space and Empathy posters in locations identified by students during their LGBTQ+ Pride Week advisor sessions last year as areas where they did not feel safe. On Monday, we introduced all the initiatives and activities occurring in the week at the LGBTQ+ Pride Week Assembly and presented a video featuring students and staff defining what allyship means to each of them. At lunch, we launched a very successful bake sale with all proceeds going to Qmunity—a Vancouver-based LGBTQ+ Community Centre. On Tuesday, the St. George’s School Senior Jazz Combo played music by Queer composers in the Lower Great Hall. On Wednesday, we all enjoyed the informative and engaging X-Block presentation from Out in Schools and, at lunch, many students participated in a lively LGBTQ+ themed game of Kahoot! On Thursday, October 19 we celebrated Spirit Day. Everyone was encouraged to wear something purple in a stand against bullying 50 | THE SAINT
and in support of LGBTQ+ youth. At lunch in the Lower Great Hall, we offered a visual presentation of Lana Wachowski’s (The Matrix Series and Sense8) acceptance speech for winning a HRC Visibility Award, with an introduction to start and a discussion following. New this year, students were given the opportunity in some of their classes to study LGBTQ+ themes as part of a fresh curriculum initiative, and we were very proud to introduce the addition of two permanent all-gender washrooms to Senior School. We were also pleased to highlight the schedule for the week on the St. George’s website, and we were honoured to have Dr. Matthews write a feature article about the week for the St. George’s eNews. Additionally, we opened each school day with music in the Great Hall by LGBTQ+ artists and allies, and we handed out buttons made by the GSA, with donations also going to Qmunity. The goal of LGBTQ+ Pride Week at St. George’s Senior School is to raise awareness, offer discussion, and celebrate sexual orientation and gender identity in an effort to support LGBTQ+ youth and to eradicate homophobia and transphobia. We look forward to bridging this diversity and inclusion program to the Junior School next year, and exploring opportunities for parent education. On behalf of the Gender and Sexuality Alliance, I would like to offer a special thank you to the Senior Leadership Team, and all supporting faculty, staff and students for making diversity and inclusivity a priority at St. George’s Senior School, without fear or favour.
OUR COMMUNITY
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OLD BOYS
MAKING CONNECTIONS CONNECTING THE OLD BOY COMMUNITY BY: IAN YEN ‘03
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O
OLD BOYS
ne of the most common phrases I hear during the Saints Reunion Weekend and OBA Chapter Reunions is, “I haven’t seen you in forever! What have you been up to?” It is great to witness that the friendships and bonds that were formed at St. George’s School have lasted and that many Old Boys are excited to see and reconnect with former classmates and peers. However, by the end of the night after all the stories have been told, and the event starts to wind down, the most crucial question is usually forgotten: “Hey, we should catch up some more. What’s the best way to contact you?”
GEORGIAN CONNECT ENABLES YOU TO: • Re-connect – Find and reminisce with classmates, see what they have been up to, and stay in touch. • Give back – Introduce, employ, or become a mentor. • Expand – Leverage your professional network to get introduced to people you should know. • Get ahead – Advance your career through inside connections working in top companies and access exclusive opportunities. • Stay informed – Events and news, including the monthly eNews will be posted here.
In the past, some Old Boys tried to navigate the archaic OBA directory to find a contact, only to come up empty handed or with an out-of-date contact. Others have turned to the Head of Georgian Relations to help track down an email or phone number. The amount of work to simply reconnect with a friend often resulted in frustration and was quite discouraging. Thankfully, the Old Boys are not known to be a quiet group and many expressed their concerns with the complicated and convoluted OBA directory. The School agreed that this should be a priority and decided to revamp the old directory in order to help reconnect with its alumni community and provide a platform that would allow easier communication. Ms. Adrienne Davidson made it her mission to have a new and improved communications platform in place before she retired as Director of Advancement in August 2017. After meticulous searching through various companies and programs and evaluating best practices for alumni community management in private and post-secondary institutions, the Advancement Department agreed on Graduway. Working closely with Graduway, Ms. Davidson and the Head of Georgian Relations, Ian Yen ’03, created a hub that could be easily navigated for all things related to the Old Boys’ community. The goal of the new site, Georgian Connect (www. GeorgianConnect.ca), is to help bring the alumni of St. George’s closer together.
Georgian Connect has been designed to be a platform that is more user-friendly for all generations than the previous directory. In order to reduce stress and the amount of time required, the registration process can be easily set up by pre-populating information from a user’s Facebook profile or LinkedIn account. The platform will automatically suggest groups that might be of interest to each user based on their location and graduating class. The Facebooklike layout allows the Old Boys community to easily navigate and interact through photos, events, and groups. The real highlight of this new platform is that it allows older alumni to identify themselves as potential mentors, advisors, and facilitators. This feature will help younger alumni search and find fellow Old Boys that are willing to grab a coffee and discuss ideas and provide advice on everything from careers to sports teams. The Old Boys’ Association (OBA) is a welcoming and tight-knit community. Historically, the OBA has always looked out for its members, regardless of whether they have recently graduated or celebrated their 60th reunion. Georgian Connect will be a tool that will help this proud community to continue to grow, connect, and network in a very organic way. If you have not already signed up, DO IT NOW! It only takes five minutes and you will automatically be reconnected with the Old Boys’ Community! Sign Up with the new Alumni Communication Portal today! www.GeorgianConnect.ca
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OLD BOYS
For many Old Boys, St. George’s has a number of larger-than-life teachers that have helped mould them into fine young men. Headmaster John Harker, Mathematics teacher Mr. Parker-Jervis, Art teacher Mrs. Nan Oliver, and the timeless Science teacher Dr. Tony Mercer are a few names that spring to mind. However, there is one individual that has had a lasting impact on over five generations of students at St. George’s School:
MR. GEOF STANCOMBE.
DADDY STANCOMBE A SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY BY: IAN YEN ‘03
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OLD BOYS
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OLD BOYS
K
nown as “Daddy”, Geof Stancombe was more than instructor, he was the heart and soul of St. George’s School for over 30 years. He joined the School in the early 1950s as a student, graduated in 1962, and then returned to teach in 1969. During his time as a student he excelled in athletics, making his mark on the Rugby field and the Track & Field Team.
Mr. Stancombe was a constant in the lives of many students for over 30 years. He provided an ally and guidance to many young men throughout his years as an educator, leaving an indelible influence on generations of Georgians. The younger Georgians may not recognize the name Geof Stancombe, but his influence can still be felt at St. George’s today. He was the founder of the annual Hamper Drive, a strong advocate for the Scouts, the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, and other service endeavours. He helped shape the Rugby and Track Programs, and withstood the challenges of Outdoor Education. His selfless efforts and extraordinary, transformational contributions earned him the honour of being named a Builder of St. George’s School in 2013. Many students from “Daddy” Stancombe’s time have a story about how he made their experience at St. George’s life-changing. In the early 2000s, Mr. Stancombe was involved in a devastating car accident that forced him into early retirement. However, being the true fighter that he is, Mr. Stancombe has maintained his connection to the St. George’s community. Most recently, his health has deteriorated further and he has been unable to participate in many of the school events that brought him so much joy and happiness. It also left a very big gap in the St. George’s community who had become accustomed to his jolly and uplifting energy.
In early 2017, Nick Chan ’95 started a Facebook group, “Say Hi to Daddy Stancombe”, after hearing about Mr. Stancombe’s declining health. The group began small, but has quickly grown to over 300 members that include former students, former teachers, and other friends from his time at St. George’s School.
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OLD BOYS
Why did you start this Facebook group? Why is it important to you? I was aware of Daddy’s health issues and wanted to do my small part to help someone who has helped so many others. I’m certain this is something that Daddy would have done himself. As a father with two girls of my own, I now realize what an important role teachers play in students’ lives, and this is just one small way for me to say thank you to Daddy. And, it’s become just as important for me to help other Old Boys say thank you to Daddy too, and to let him know that he is loved and remembered. What do you hope this group will do for Mr. Stancombe? My hope is that this Facebook group will lift Daddy’s spirits and keep him connected to his Saints family. He’s not able to get out and about easily, so let’s bring the love to him! More importantly, I want Daddy to know that he is loved and remembered by all of the Old Boys, as I have learned that one of his biggest fears is that he has been forgotten. What impact did Mr. Stancombe have on you? I’ve struggled how to articulate this…Daddy taught a lot of the “Man’s Man” subjects: Woodworking, Consumer Education, Outdoor Education, Sports—all things that I never really did at home. I didn’t realize it at the time, but Daddy introduced these things to me and made me feel comfortable when I was nervous about them. Woodworking was the first and only time I have ever used a lathe. Man, was I scared I was going to hurt myself! (And my parents still have the hot plate that I made in his class.) Consumer Education was my introduction to the stock market, and my team won the stock game. For a project, we had to go out and get an informational tour from a local business. I was nervous as heck as I was quite shy in high school, but I did it, and we ended up touring the chocolate factory of Daniel Le Chocolat Belge. What is your fondest memory of your time at Saints with Mr. Stancombe? I was on the Senior Basketball Team in Grade 12, but was a bench warmer. I wasn’t having any fun and my confidence was super low. Truth be told, I had always looked down at Daddyball because I had been on the competitive teams since Grade 4. One day, he took me aside and said, “Look, I see you’re not having fun and we could use you. Come play Daddyball.” I did and I loved it. That was Daddy in a nutshell. Always looking out for the boys and trying to find a way for them to fit in and be part of the group. And in this process, I learned not to jump to conclusions, to be open to everything, and most importantly, to have fun—all things that have served me well in life.
Nick’s hope was this group would help to lift the spirits of Mr. Stancombe, but on reflection, this group has been able to show just how strong, connected, and caring the Old Boys’ community really is!
What does the Old Boy Community mean to you? To this day, many of my closest friends are Old Boys that I went to Saints with in Grade 4. The Old Boys Community represents lifelong friendships and a common bond that spans grad years, athletic teams, concert bands, and geographical boundaries. How do you feel the Old Boy Community has reacted to the group? Have you been surprised? The Old Boys have given an amazing response to the Facebook group, and more than 50 Old Boys from a range of grad years have posted messages of love and support for Daddy. More importantly, they have shared new, hilarious, and inspiring stories. That didn’t surprise me. Saints has a strong alumni network and of course— it’s for Daddy! What do you hope the Old Boys community will get out of this group? A sense of togetherness. You can see it in the comments and the posts. Hearing and re-living these Daddy Stancombe stories has not only been amazing for Daddy, but it’s reminded us if how much fun we had together at Saints. Daddy Stancombe has had some setbacks on his road to recovery. This simple Facebook group, filled messages of love and support from the Old Boys’ Community, helps boost his spirits and his drive. Nick hopes that in the coming months more Old Boys, friends, and colleagues will join the group and continue to add more messages, stories, and updates. “We need more stories and pictures to be posted on the “Say Hi To Daddy Stancombe” Facebook group. We’ve had an amazing response so far, but this isn’t a one-time thing. I want to keep this going with new stories and friendly faces to share with Daddy.” Nick stressed, “It’s one thing for me or Heather to read the posts to him…it would be amazing if people sent him a video message. It doesn’t have to be professional or lengthy. I plan to edit together a video so he can watch on the TV in his room. In this way he can feel connected, even when he doesn’t have visitors.”
If you would like to join the “Say Hi to Daddy Stancombe” Facebook group, it can be found by searching on Facebook. If you would like to visit Mr. Stancombe at his care facility, please contact the Head of Georgian Relations, Ian Yen ’03 (iyen@steorges.bc.ca) for further details. FALL 2017 | 57
OLD BOYS
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REUNION WEEKEND
n the fourth weekend of September (22nd-23rd), St. George’s hosted our annual Reunion Weekend. Over 200 Old Boys returned to the to celebrate their O 5th, 10th, and even 50th Class reunion, with many arranging to go for dinner afterward. The Great Hall was filled with laughter and stories from days past. Headmaster Tom Matthews and Head of Georgian Relations, Ian Yen ’03 hosted a special 50th Reunion dinner for the Class of 1967.
PHOTO ALBUM 58 | THE SAINT
OLD BOYS
>
UBC PUB NIGHT
On September 29th, 25 Old Boys gathered together at the UBC Mahony and Sons and launched the Old Boys’ Social Calendar for this year. Georgians from the Class of 1985 to 2016 enjoyed each other’s company while reminiscing over a pint.
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SAINTS’ NOTES
SAINTS’ NOTES 1996 JOHN BROMLEY ’96 has been named one of this year’s Business in Vancouver’s Top 40 Under 40 Award recipients. The award highlights the achievements of 40 of BC’s outstanding young entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals.
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SAINTS’ NOTES
1977
The nonfiction documentary, Mary Pickford—The Muse of the Movies, produced by TOM COLDICUTT ’63, was nominated in the first-round ballot for the Television Academy 2017 Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special. Mary Pickford was featured in primetime on Turner Classic Movies in October 2016.
1963
CHRIS CATLIFF ’77 was recently awarded the 2017 BC CEO award by Business in Vancouver. He joined BlueShore Financial in 2000 and since then has led it through a successful rebranding, technological innovation, and strong organic growth, including a quintupling of Assets Under Administration.
JON KIMURA PARKER ’77 received an Honorary Degree, a Doctor of Letters (honoris causa), at the 2017 Spring Congregation from the University of British Columbia.
1987
1972
PETER ARMSTRONG ’72, founder and owner of Rocky Mountaineer, will be inducted into the Business Laureates of British Columbia Hall of Fame in May 2018 at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
1992
PETE FRY ’87 ran in the October 14th city council by-election as a member of the Green Party.
DAVID SMITH ’92, a Managing Director of Pinnacle Fund Services, has received the 2017 Volunteer of the Year award from CFA Institute. This award recognizes society leaders who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, society involvement, strategic achievements, innovation, and involvement beyond the society. David has served on the Board of CFA Society Vancouver for six years and the past two years as President. CFA Society Vancouver was also recognized for exemplary performance as the recipient of 2017’s Most Outstanding Society.
The SUCCESS Foundation held its annual general meeting on August 31st, 2017, where BRANDON HUI ’99 was elected as the new chair, and Walter Soo and Chris Chan as vice-chairs.
2001
JOSH OWEN ’01 started Olympic Painting in 2014, a commercial and residential painting and renovations company, and was recently featured in Professional Painting Contractor magazine for his work on the new Expedia corporate headquarters, spanning two floors and covering 28,497 square feet.
2003
1999
On October 14th, 2017, mClinica founder and CEO FAROUK MERALLI ’03 was honoured by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health with its Public Health Innovator Award during its Alumni Association Awards. Meralli graduated from Harvard in 2009 and returned to this event as the youngest recipient in the award’s history at only 31 years of age. GEOFF NG ’03, was part of a select group of individuals and journalists that were involved in covering and working behind the scenes with the NHL in China.
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SAINTS’ NOTES
2008
SAMSON LEE ’08, Video Coordinator for the LA Kings, participated in the NHL pre-season games in China as part of the LA Kings team that traveled to play the Vancouver Canucks. In a recent LA Kings Insider article, he was singled out by the organization as key member. “Sam—first star on the trip,” Head Coach John Stevens said. “A lot of times you can go to a foreign country, but there’s still a lot of English in the country, but in this case there wasn’t. So, to have Sam around, whether it was dinner time, at the rink, even getting through the airport when there were some issues, just to be able to understand what was going on and communicate in the situation was huge. It made it a lot easier for everybody involved, and I think it was a good trip for Sam. Not only is he good at what he does, but certainly having him kind of be the liaison and give us the ability to communicate a lot better was extremely helpful.” www.lakingsinsider.com/2017/09/26/samson-lee-first-star-china-trip-china-photos-kings-men-podcast/
On August 19th, 2017 a charity bike ride, Rory’s Ride, was held in memory of Rory Munro, father of SEBASTIAN MUNRO ’10.
2010
The 2nd Annual Point Roberts Investment Club Classic took place in August. There are 12 Old Boys in the Club. The Class of 2010 was represented by (from left to right) ALEX MILANI, ZACH FISHER, ISAAC JACOBSEN, SHEA THORNE, DAVID MCFAYDEN, SEBASTIAN MUNRO, SIMON TONG, and ALEX EPSTEIN.
NAEEM BARDAI ’10 represented the Ugandan National Team in a match against the US in an ICC World Cricket League (WCL) Division 3 match during their quest to qualify for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019. The US won that match 145-132.
2012
BRAYDEN JAW ’10 joins ZACH YUEN ’11 as a member of the Kunlun Red Stars in the KHL this season. 62 | THE SAINT
On June 18th, SAJEN GILL ’12 helped run and coordinate the Kids Play Satnam Singh Basketball Camp. Kids Play is a non-profit organization working to keep kids away from the lifestyle of drugs, gangs, and violence. Kids Play holds sports tournaments, conferences, and other projects for the youth community to learn about the opportunities they can seize in life.
As a volunteer artist for the MORHAN Brasil, YURI GUERRA ’12, met with Pope Francis in a General Audience at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on July 4th, 2017. Yuri also performed for the Holy Father as an homage from the Movement.
SAINTS’ NOTES
2013/2014 2012 / 2013
KARSTEN LEITNER ’13 and HARJUN GILL ’12 were part of the 2017 BC Bears team that won the Canadian Rugby Championship. The BC Bears defeated Ontario 30-29 to take home the MacTier Cup in August. KARSTEN LEITNER ’13 (Captain) and JAMES PITBLADO ’12 represented Canada with the Maple Leaf 7s in the RugbyTown 7s in Glendale, Colorado.
Headmaster Tom Matthews and wife, Sheena, enjoyed a visit with Georgians JOSH KANG ’14 and WINSTON JIN ’13 while in Baltimore for the annual IBSC Conference in late June. Josh is going into fourth year at Johns Hopkins, majoring in neuroscience with a minor in Latin. Winston just graduated in the Public Health Program and is going to take a GAP year to work in a Washington, DC hospital. Winston cited Andrew Jones as a teacher who had a profoundly positive impact on him, while Josh named Catherine Mori.
2015
FRASER HURST ’15 represented Canada at the World Rugby U20 Championship in Montevideo, Uruguay in late August. Canada finished 7th overall.
2017
OWEN PITBLADO, WILL SAUDER, SPENCER COOPER, and SAM TURNER helped TEAM BC (U19) successfully defend their title at the 2017 Canadian Rugby Championships (CRC), beating the Ontario Blues 29-17 in Truro. This is the third year in a row that BC has secured the U19 Boys title, underlining the successful development of age-grade rugby in the province. FALL 2017 | 63
SAINTS’ NOTES
DAVE MUNROE ‘06 married Karina Mills on May 27th, 2017 in a ceremony at the Vancouver Club. In addition to other Georgians in attendance, CHRIS MUNROE ‘04, CHRIS CHENG ‘06, HESTON KAN ‘06, and ZACH SYMES ‘06 were members of the wedding party.
BIRTHS
LYLE PERRY ’03 and Hanna Parkman welcomed their first child, Ramona Perry to the world on August 26th, 2017. Ramona is also the granddaughter of MARK PERRY ’73.
MARRIAGES
JAMIE CRUICKSHANK ’07 married Kate Walker in Kelowna, BC on August 26th, 2017. Old Boys in attendance included: Honourary Old Boy ROB CRUICKSHANK ’14, JEFF CRUICKSHANK ’91, GREG CRUICKSHANK ’94, JOE CRUICKSHANK ’00, MATTHEW CRUICKSHANK ’12, BILL HOLE ’06, MIKE HOLE ’08, NASHEEL KASSAM ’06, and ELIOT RAIBL ’07. 64 | THE SAINT
SAINTS’ NOTES
OLD BOYS WHO HAVE PASSED… Rafe’s fourth career was that of a writer. He authored nine books and wrote various articles and op-ed pieces for Equity Magazine, The Financial Post, The Vancouver Courier, Easy Living Magazine, The Georgia Straight, The Vancouver Province, The National Post, The Globe & Mail, and many other publications. Rafe was also a strong advocate for environmental issues, and latterly, issues relating to mental health. In this regard, Rafe made it publicly known that he had suffered from depression and anxiety during his life and, in his later years, supported mental health organizations.
KENNETH RAFE MAIR ’46 was born on December 31, 1931 in Vancouver. He attended St. George’s School for Grades 6 to 9, before transferring to Prince of Wales Secondary School, where he graduated with Junior Matriculation in 1949. Rafe then attended the University of British Columbia and graduated with a Bachelor of Laws in 1956. During his life, Rafe essentially had four careers: law, politics, broadcasting, and writing. His accomplishments were numerous. Between 1961 and 1975, he practiced law, eventually starting the law firm Mair & Co. (now Mair Jensen Blair LLP), which became the largest firm in the BC interior. In 1975, Rafe was elected to the BC Legislature and was a cabinet minister in the Social Credit Government until 1981, holding portfolios for Consumer Services, Consumer and Corporate Services, Environment, and Health. During the last three of those years, Rafe was also responsible for Constitutional Affairs and attended First Ministers meetings along with Premier Bill Bennett. In 1981, Rafe resigned from politics and moved into broadcasting. He took the position of morning Public Affairs Talk Show Host with CJOR, 600AM radio in Vancouver, and then moved over to CKNW 980AM, where he enjoyed massive ratings and hosted his show for 19 years. Rafe also appeared on CityTV and OMNI TV.
Over his career, Rafe received numerous awards, including in 1993 the B.C. Association of Broadcasters Broadcast Performer of the Year. In 1995, he received the prestigious Michener Award from the Governor General of Canada for courageous journalism (the first radio broadcaster to be so honoured). In 2003, he was given the Bruce Hutchison Award for Lifetime Achievement, and in 2005 he was inducted into the Canadian Association of Broadcasters’ Hall of Fame. Further, in 2009, Rafe received an Honorary Doctorate of Law degree from the Simon Fraser University. One award that Rafe accepted only reluctantly was that of the Distinguished Georgian Honour for 2013, based on his lifetime achievements after leaving St. George’s. Rafe had not been back to St. George’s since 1946, when he left after Grade 9. However, after 67 years, Rafe returned on the evening of April 26th, 2013 to attend the Annual Georgians’ Dinner in McLean Hall and receive his award. On October 9th, 2017, Rafe Mair passed away at age 85. He is survived by his wife Wendy Conway-Mair, as well as his children, stepchildren, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. According to Wendy, Rafe was a loving husband and had a passion for flyfishing, chocolate labs, and travel. “He was just a big teddy bear. Very emotional, very loving. All the things you didn’t always hear on the air.” she said. By: Geoffrey Litherland ‘84
ANTHONY KING WOOSTER ’50 October 13, 1932 - July 15, 2017
BILL WALSH ’67 May 22, 1947 - June 10, 2017
Born in Hong Kong to Hiram F. Wooster and Alison King Wooster, Tony attended St. George’s School and UBC, graduating with a degree in law in 1956. Predeceased by his brother Bill Wooster (Fran), he is survived by his wife of 59 years, Katie; son Peter; daughter Anne Gates (Todd); grandsons Sam and Bennett Gates; granddog Rojo; sister Grace (Bob); and numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins in Canada and the US. Tony had a robust enthusiasm and curiosity about everything in his life. He was an avid reader and bridge player, tenacious tennis partner, cyclist and skier, as well as a passionate fan/coach of his teams: Chicago Bears, Cincinnati Reds, Stanford Cardinals, San Jose Sharks, and the BC Lions. He was always interested in meeting new people, listening to their stories, discussing obscure historical facts, and sharing his experiences. He loved dogs and making up crazy bedtime stories for his grandsons. Special thanks to Lita, his devoted caregiver, Dr. Caroline Condon, and the second floor nurses at Arbutus Care Centre.
Bill Walsh died of a heart attack on June 10th, 2017. He was predeceased by his parents George and Elizabeth, and his brother John. He is survived by his sister Betty, sister-in-law Kirsten, nieces Karin and Eileen (Jack) and nephews Hansen and Hendrik. Bill loved music. He sang in the Vancouver Bach Choir, the Vancouver City Singers, and the Willan Choir. He was a long-time subscriber to the Vancouver Opera and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. Bill was also a faithful member of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church for many years. IAN MAW ’73 passed away on July 3rd, 2017. He is survived by his best friend and loving wife Nancy Barker, his sister Buff Woods, and brothers Pete and Jamie Maw ‘69.
WILLIAM BRADY ’65 passed away on September 22nd, 2017 near his home in Washington State. He leaves behind his family of wife Kathy, son Peter, and daughter Ali. Bill often reminisced fondly of his years spent at St. George’s and the many friends that kept in contact though the years. FALL 2017 | 65
OLD BOYS
Builders The
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We are now accepting nominations for the 2018 Builders of St. George’s School Recognition Program. Please visit the School website or contact Nancy Kudryk in the Headmaster’s Office or Nik Williams-Walshe in the Advancement Office. Please note that the deadline for nominations is January 15th, 2018. This year’s Builders’ Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, April 19th, 2018. 66 | THE SAINT
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OLD BOYS
UPCOMING EVENTS DECEMBER THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 HY’S BUSINESSMAN’S LUNCHEON 12:00 – 1:30pm Hy’s Steakhouse 637 Hornby Street, Vancouver
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FEBRUARY LONDON CHAPTER REUNION DETAILS TBA
For more information on our events, please visit our online calendar at: www.stgeorges.bc.ca/georgiansevents
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