Grove News Fall/Winter 2006
Calendar of Events 2005-2006 For details please refer to our school calendar at www.lakefieldcs.on.ca, click NEWS FEBRUARY
MAY
3
Kingston Pub Night
13
Trustees' Meeting
11
Winter Carnival
26
Grove Society Annual General Meeting
17
London, ON Pub Night
27
Regatta Day
APRIL
JUNE
13
Grove Society Meeting (LCS)
10
Grove Society Pot Luck Luncheon
20
Victoria Pub Night
15
Grade 8 Graduation Dinner
21
Vancouver Pub Night
17
Closing Grade 12 Graduation Dinner
Class Reps Workshop (Toronto) Toronto Pub Night
22
Grove Golf Tournament
MAY 5
Trustees 2004-2005 Board Chair Jock Fleming '74
Jack Curtin
Paul Hickey
James Matthews '58
John Schumacher
Peter Dunn '62
Howard Hickman
Scott McCain
Maureen Sinden
Past Chair Marilynn Booth
Andrew Durnford '85
Rachael Honig '06
Andrea McConnell
Nancy Smith
Michael Eatson '83
HRH Duke of York '78
Don McGuire
Scott Smith '87
Bishop George Elliott
Tim Hyde '76
Fiona McNestry '06
David Thompson
Ann Farlow
James Hyslop '85
John McRae '70
Stuart Thompson '91
Bill Gastle '68
Alan Ingram
Val McRae
Ann Tottenham
Bruce Gibson
Warren Jones '88
Betty Morris
Tim Ward '62
Kenneth Gill
Angie Killoran
William Morris '70
Gordon Webb
Janice Green
Janet Lafortune
Christopher Ondaatje
Chris White '90
Jennifer Gruer
Kathleen Leonard
Travis Price '85
Jamie White '79
Terry Guest
Nicholas Lewis '77
Tony Pullen '63
Terry Windrem
David Hadden
James (Kim) Little '53
Kathleen Ramsay
Chris Hadfield
Laleah Macintosh
Douglas Rishor '57
Goodith Heeney
J.M. (Bubs) Macrae '33 Gretchen Ross
John K. Hepburn '68
Kevin Malone '77
Cindy AtkinsonBarnett Heather Avery Nicole Bendaly '93 David Bignell Gerry Bird Walter Blackwell Gordon Blake Scott Campbell Brian Carter Andrew Clarke '85 Janet Cudney '94
Directors in Bold
John Ryder '77
Front Cover: Energy levels run high as players prepare for the third game of the Hockey For Heroes Tournament (see p.11) on the new Bob Armstrong Rink (to be dedicated at the Winter Carnival, February 11, 2006) made possible through the generous leadership of John Hepburn ’68 (p.26). Photo by Simon Spivey.
piii
Editorial Belinda Schubert ’99 One of my law school professors, unable to monitor a group of examwriters, told us she would just have to trust us. I was surprised. I hadn't realized that she didn't trust us to begin with. My sense of belonging to a community, united by our interests,
influence the interactions of the
goal is not merely to have acknowl-
students amongst one another. It
edged an issue; it is to have made a
creates unity and pride in the school
real difference through substantial
that shine when students go beyond
efforts.
its walls and contributes to the quality of life described by John “Bubs” Macrae ’33 (p.28) in this issue of the Grove News.
The Class Dream Bursary Challenge (p.24) is an effort to make this unique Lakefield community a reality for students who would otherwise be
gave way to the realization that we
In my law school surroundings, there
unable to attend the school. The
are just a group of strangers. This is a
are obvious consequences of the lack
chance to have my gift doubled with
stark contrast to the values-rich
of trust and community. For
a matching donation is too good to
atmosphere to which I was accus-
instance, student groups raise money
miss, despite law school debts. In
tomed at Lakefield and as an
for themselves—not others. Lakefield
closing, I would like to put out a
undergraduate.
is a stark contrast: in this issue of the
special challenge to readers of the
Grove News, Hilary Bird describes
Grove News to join me in supporting
some of the phenomenal fundraising
the The Class Dream Bursary
initiatives by students.
Challenge knowing that our dona-
The strong values system at Lakefield ensures students are a family— united by common goals and inter-
tions will come to life in the experi-
ests—rather than a mere group of
The nature of these initiatives goes
strangers. Teachers and students rely
beyond a mere recognition of poverty
on each other to act honourably. As
or need. The amount of care and
Belinda Schubert ’99, a freelance
Archbishop Andrew Hutchison ’50
concern expressed by students like
writer and editor, is currently
describes in his article (p.20), the
D'Arcy McDonell is evident in their
attending law school at UBC. She
Chapel's Light of the World window
innovative approach to fundraising,
graduated from Princeton in June
can be seen to symbolize the
finding new ways to encourage
2003 with a degree in English
strength of the Lakefield community.
participation (p.10). The students’
Literature.
This sense of community doesn't just
ences of Lakefield students.
piv
pv
From The Chair Jock Fleming ’74 You just have to pick up a newspaper or listen to the radio on any given day to see that many leaders in business and government seem to have lost their sense of values.
(p.27). We maintained a strong financial position over the past year, while building our endowment and raising $3.8M through fundraising efforts. The Grove continues to offer a vibrant learning environment, with 56% of its 2005 graduates receiving university scholarships, and yet another Rhodes Scholar with
And we don't have to look globally for a number of
the recent achievements of Kim Rutherford '01.
examples. Our value systems are being challenged daily in our work environments, in our schools, and in the communities where we choose to live and raise our families. As the adherence to the values that govern our lives diminishes, the world becomes more complex, making choices between right and wrong less clear.
To position Lakefield as Canada's finest boarding school, we will begin to implement Securing Our Future, Phase II. Our recent Board retreat identified that “marketing” Lakefield will be important to our long-term success. It will require a strong investment in this area. The Board will balance this with its diligent focus on day-to-day priorities including
The Grove has always had a strong sense of values
protecting and building upon Lakefield's core values,
and in 1996, the Board of Governors approved
generating additional revenue to meet endowment,
Lakefield's mission statement—to challenge and
financial assistance, program and capital goals, as
enable students to reach their individual potential in
well as optimizing the school's physical plant and
mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is strong and is
intellectual capital.
supported by a statement of six values (see p.13). This mission and these values also guide the direction and the priorities of our Board of Directors. We live by the same value system as the staff and students, and work conscientiously to further the school's mission and adhere to the values through our actions and decisions.
This year will be an ambitious one. Achieving our goals is possible with the continuing support of our strong management team, our dedicated faculty and staff, our committed volunteers, and a dutiful respect for and adherence to our mission and values. We know that celebrating our mission and values is the easy part, and that the success lies in living them out.
We accomplished a great deal in 2005. In April, a
We hope that these values, coupled with our mission,
visioning document was presented outlining the
will guide us through the challenging days ahead,
rationale and a new structure for the school's
ultimately providing our students with the competen-
Foundation. The original five-year plan (Securing Our
cies in life to do well and to do good, leading not only
Future) was completed ahead of schedule which
successful, but happy lives.
resulted in the creation of a new five-year plan, Securing Our Future, Phase II. With Lakefield's strong emphasis on outdoor experiences, new tennis courts were constructed in the summer and the very “grovey” outdoor shinny rink opened in November
Opposite: (Top & Bottom Right) “Grove-style” learning always leaves room for fun; (Bottom Left) Jock Fleming ’74
pvi
Letters The article “Buckley's Lake” by Bubs Macrae ’33 in the
turning a blind eye to the occasional case of “test-o-
latest edition of the Grove News brought back fond
phobia.” As with all the Lakefield staff, the Whitneys’
memories of cold winter afternoons of skating or
door was always open, and a ready ear was always
playing shinny hockey on the crystal clear frozen
waiting. Sometimes it was waiting just behind the
expanses of the pond, fortified by hot cocoa (heated
connecting door to Memorial House’s Dorm One,
over an open wood fire) and buns. I can still visualize
ready to put a stop to whatever shenanigans were
G. Winder Smith deftly stickhandling through our
brewing!
motley crew. I was very fortunate to have Dave Whitney ’80 in my Andy Harris ’44 once recalled being bodychecked into
class, where he proved to be a capable leader and
the weeds by some aggressive individual and on
often a voice of reason in a somewhat fractious group.
looking up noted that the culprit was Mary Mackenzie
While he could have been a “Day Boy” and lived at
(daughter of Dr. Mackenzie) who many years before
home, as far as I can recall, he was always a boarder,
had played on a renowned women's hockey team
taking full advantage of that lifestyle (dorm raids,
which toured the county. It was perhaps an omen of
playing Bob Seger albums at full volume, etc.).
the eventual introduction of co-education at The Grove.
As for “Big Ben” himself, it would take a book to sum up his myriad contributions to The Grove in general,
I enjoy receiving the Grove News and being kept up-
and the Junior School, in particular. Be it putting a
to-date on all the activities and events at the school.
stop to “Fausting” (his term for laziness) or putting the
There are always interesting and insightful articles in
fear of God, the “Red Missile” and Himself into any
the magazine. One is heartened and impressed by the
transgressor, he always did it with humour, spirit, and
recent humanitarian project carried out by the LCS
style.
students in Honduras. I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the entire Peter Grant ’54
Whitney clan in this time of loss and sorrow. I would also like to extend a hearty “Well Done” to [Jamie] “Whitey” [White] ’79 and everyone else involved in starting this bursary. Anne Whitney’s quiet but solid contribution to life at The Grove meant a lot to all she
It is with great sadness that I heard of the passing of
touched, and should not be forgotten.
Anne Whitney. The whole Whitney family made a great impact on those fortunate enough to attend the Junior
Dave Kirby ’80
School, and not just with “The Red Missile!” Anne was an angel of mercy, as one of the school nurses (the other at that time being Jeanne Armstrong), offering support and sympathy to the afflicted and (I believe)
Editor’s Note: To contribute to The Anne Whitney Bursary, please contact Theresa Butler-Porter at tbutlerporter@lakefieldcs.on.ca
In this Issue School Highlights
2
The Value of Citizenship
4
Celebrating Our Values
7
ENG 4U
16
The Class “Dream” Bursary Challenge
18
Triumph of Ice: The New Bob Armstrong Rink
20
Eighty Years as a Grovite—Celebrating John “Bubs” Macrae ’33
22
International Service Can Change Your Life
24
LCS Parent Satisfaction Highest of 21 Canadian School Surveyed
25
Honorary Alumni/ae—The Grove Society Celebrates Exemplary Service
27
His Story—More Than Just a Name On A Brass Plaque
28
Keele River Trip 2004, Bill Stewart ’70
30
Stephen Marshall ’87: Cultural Critic
32
Canvassing The Landscape: Artist Paul Chester ’75
34
Class News
36
In Our Memories
40
Editor: Tracey Blodgett; Layout & Design and Copy Editor: Christine Vogel; Contributing Editor: Belinda Schubert ‘99; Editorial Committee: Jeanne Armstrong, Heather Avery, David Hadden, Richard Johnston, Richard Life, Sarah McMahon, Tom Milburn, and Lisa Clarke. Contributing Photographer: Simon Spivey. Please address correspondence to the Communications and Constituent Relations Office: Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 tblodgett@lakefieldcs.on.ca
p2
School Highlights Twelfth Night
Paul Mason, a well-known member of the Lakefield College School teaching staff, had his first book published by Turnstone Press in the summer. Already a published author of three plays (The Discipline Committee, Circles of Grace, and Sister Camille's Kaleidoscopic Cabaret), Battered Soles represents Paul’s first full length novel.
Battered Soles—A Review James McGowan
Lindsay Joseph, Grade 12 This fall, Lakefield College School's production of Twelfth Night hit the stage putting a contemporary spin on Shakespeare. Thanks to the hard work of the cast and crew, the show was a great success bringing smiles and laughter to all who saw it. With a cast of mostly first-time Shakespearian actors at their disposal, Director Paul Mason and Musical Director Sarah Young
“The seeds of my Lakefield adventure were sown
had quite the task ahead of them. However, with
in a Chapters bookstore in Toronto.” Thus begins
a little hard work and many hours of rehearsal,
Paul Mason's delightful novel about one man's
the cast was able to bring the comedy to life—but
trek to discover what exactly is causing pilgrims
not without a few hiccups along the way.
to make the trip north (on foot) from Peterborough to St. John's Church in Lakefield.
Problems started early on when a couple of cast
And, as is the case in so many instances, the
members made the decision to bow out of the
fictional Mr. Mason (our protagonist) finds out
production due to a previous commitment made
along the way that the real value is derived from
to the Round Square Conference in Australia.
the journey, not from the destination.
Thankfully, a few brave students stepped up to the plate to take on double rolls and the show
Battered Soles opens with Mason incredulous
went on. The cast and crew then encountered
that he hasn’t heard of these goings-on in the
another problem: no music. It was a week and a
town where he attended university. Upon
half before the show was to open when sheet
learning more about the mythology behind the
music finally arrived. The tunes were learned
one-day trek to the church, he resolves to take
quickly and thanks to the dedication of all
the pilgrimage himself—with both hilarious and
involved, opening night couldn't have run more
poignant results. It is the combination of these
smoothly.
two unlikely bedfellows—humour and faith—that make this novel a worthy and enjoyable read. The
The cast and crew of Twelfth Night would like to
surprise for me—and perhaps it shouldn't have
thank all those who came out to support them
been a surprise, given the skill of the author—
during the four nights of production.
was the degree to which this narrative found its energy through the subtle and effective blend of the two themes. Whether relating a touching anecdote about the healing power of touch, or appreciating the rough-hewn, obscenityspouting tendencies of his newfound sidekick, Ernie Gold (“‘He's from Kitchener,’ I said, by way of an explanation”), our protagonist finds enlightenment in the most unlikely of places. Mason's willingness to embrace all of it—and to take us along with him while he's doing it— makes this novel a rare and precious find.
Opposite (L-R Top to Bottom): The Space Mouse, in support of The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research, was received with enthusiasm while visiting The Grove in November; Congratulations to the Tier 1 Soccer Team who qualified for the finals; Fall school play production of Twelfth Night; Internationally-acclaimed foreign journalist and author Gwynne Dyer lectured at LCS and responded to student inquiries regarding world affairs; House Spirit Day during orientation week—a Grove tradition; “Making the sale,” during a bake sale for the student lead Generate Hope Campaign (see p.11).
p4
The Value of Citizenship Hilary Bird, Senior in Charge of Charities and Fundraising .. “I met Hilary Coburn ’05 at the beginning of my Grade 11 year. I would have to say that what she told me was probably the most influential and inspiring piece of advice that I have encountered in my four years at Lakefield. Hilary once said, “I don't understand how people can do nothing. I just can't wrap my head around it. We are so lucky to be healthy, to be happy, to be here [at Lakefield]. We are the luckiest people on the planet, and with what we have comes great responsibility. We have a duty to give hope to the world.”
From birth we, as members of the
in struggle, and still many of us
neglected. More and more I am
richest society on the planet,
decide to do nothing. By doing
faced with the disturbing reality
carry a responsibility to the
nothing we deny them our
that we are a world that has little
people of the world. We are a
respect. We deny them our atten-
hope for the future. I believe that
society that can manage luxury,
tion. We deny them shelter, food
due to our blessed fortune, we
accommodate extravagance, and
and the fundamentals of survival.
[the fortunate] have a responsi-
afford comfort, and with this
We deny them hope. We deny
bility to act, to help the human
comes a responsibility to give.
them a future.
race—not only live, but to live in
From those who have much, much is expected.
happiness and in comfort, and it What is it that draws a line between us, the fortunate, and the
is with this philosophy that I try to do everything in my power to
What entitles us as citizens of the
less fortunate? Well the answer is
richest culture in the world to
simple—nothing—nothing but
have hope for the future? Millions
money. As equals, are we all not
I believe that this is the same
of people are starving, unedu-
entitled to the same opportuni-
motivation for many other
cated and alone. And yet they
ties? Are we all not entitled to
students at LCS. It is through
smile. They sometimes smile
hope?
attending a school as diverse and
more than we do in a society where everything we could possibly think of is right at our fingertips. Millions of people around the world live in poverty,
help those in need.
multi-cultural as Lakefield, that I find that more and more I am faced with the disturbing reality that we as a human race are starving, uneducated, and
one can see that we are a community that is extremely blessed and fortunate. This school also gives us the chance to get involved and
p5
Hilary Bird introduces Shadow of Yesterday, one of the many bands that played at the Live Aid Concert for Honduras in Peterborough
help out through the many
I have been truly amazed to see
Michael Wilson and Aaron Wilson
community service opportunities
just how aware and compassionate
co-organized the year’s first Coffee
offered and gives us, as students,
students and members of the
House to benefit the victims of
the confidence and motivation
Lakefield community can be. This
Hurricane Katrina. Through this
needed to stand up and do some-
year alone, Lakefield raised over
event, and a Clean Casuals Day,
thing. We as teenagers are a “force
$8000 for charities all around the
Lakefield raised over $1,000.
to be reckoned with.” Our deter-
world. D’Arcy McDonell has organized
mination, willpower, and compassion can drive us to do miraculous things. I have seen such things at Lakefield.
Fiona McNestry (Grade 12) and I
the Hockey for Heroes Tournament
have organized the Generate Hope
in support of The James Fund for
Campaign, a campaign to set up
Neuroblastoma Research. Nearly
and buy a generator for a small
100 Lakefield students are involved
village in Northern Rwanda. Over
in this endeavour and I have no
$2,000 has already been raised for
doubt that the outcome of such an
this campaign; however, we are
event will be monumental.
still fundraising to meet our final goal of $4,000.
A famous Chinese Proverb says, “Where there is hope, there is
Lakefield held a Live Aid Concert to
faith, and where there is faith
set up a scholarship for Honduran
miracles happen.” I have seen
children. This event was organized
miracles at Lakefield. To the
by Monica Farlow (Grade 10) on
students and staff of LCS, thank
December 10th at Market Hall in
you for being so inspiring and for
Peterborough.
living up to your responsibility.
p7
Celebrating Our Values
Lakefield's current mission statement—to challenge and enable students to reach their indi-
David Hadden, Head of School Excerpts from Opening Staff Chapel and a collection of stories from Grove community members In this past summer’s edition of Dialogue magazine, I was struck by a colleague’s assessment of the
nuity to teach such fundamental dichotomies as right and wrong, good and evil, or the nature of success and failure ... “Almost by default, it has fallen upon schools and teachers to pick up the fraying strands and weave this mess back together.”1
vidual potential in mind, body, and spirit—was approved by the Board of Governors in February 1996. It was borne out of an inclusive—and exhaustive— year-long process that sought input from students, staff, board members, trustees, parents, and alumni/ae.
magnitude of the challenge facing
Never before have the expecta-
educators today. He observed:
tions of our parents, the needs of
“Those of us engaged in the art of
our students, and the time and
teaching live in a perilous time ...
resources required to meet them
[a time] that may present more
been greater—or more complex.
Every one of its 15 words was scrutinized to ensure that the mission reflected accurately the traditions and history of the school and served its future in a
change, more challenge, more uncertainty, and ironically, more
To meet these challenges, we
opportunity, more information,
must be very clear about the roles
and more knowledge than at any
we must play, the
other time in our existence ...
serve, and the values and beliefs
purpose we
that guide us.
progressive and timeless manner. Our mission is supported by a statement of six core values: Education of the Whole Person, Trust, Learning, Healthy Caring
“Consider the world students face. They are seduced by unlimited
Former U.S. Chaplain Peter
possibilities, yet confounded
Marshall's observation, “Give to
by contradictions and hypocrisies
us a clear
of those in whom they place their
know where to stand and what to
trust. Threads that for genera-
stand for ... because unless we
tions have been woven together to
stand for something, we shall fall
create the fabric of society
for anything” lends credence to
continue to unravel each day.
this year's school-wide goal, “To
Family, religion, communities,
communicate, model, and cele-
and institutions no longer provide
brate the mission and values of
either the certainty or the conti-
our school.”
vision that we may
Community, Individuality, and Citizenship. Opposite: LCS students are the primary focus of Lakefield’s mission.
p8
The essence of every good inde-
nize that our approaches to their
Bryan Jones. I was doing some outside reading
pendent school comes directly
learning must be varied and highly
and found what appeared to be an error in our
from its mission and those core
personalized. We are acutely
values that are deeply rooted in its
aware that our students possess
stakeholders. Believe me, there
very different learning styles,
exists an enormous difference in
interests, and abilities.
I remember studying Grade 13 history with
textbook. I asked Mr. Jones about this and he suggested that I write to the author and ask him about it. The author admitted that he was in error. Although it had been Bryan Jones's idea
the level of motivation between a
that I write, he showed my letter to Headmaster
community directed by a
Windy Smith and indeed the entire faculty. He
sincere commitment to values and
made it sound like this had all been my idea. I
one merely following a dutiful
learned from him that building self-confidence
adherence to codes and proce-
in another person means giving them the chance to try and not taking the credit when they succeed.
dures. Lakefield is no different.
effective we will be.
most of the year preparing for the annual cadet
tives, attitudes, and approaches
inspection. I found cadets challenging espe-
that will serve our students over
squad. At the last moment he changed his mind and I participated. Later he told my father that he didn't have the heart to take me out of the parade. Jack Matthews showed faith and trust in me and demonstrated that the needs of students always should come ahead of the needs of a teacher. This "kids come first" philosophy remained part of my 27-year teaching career. HARRY HOBBS '64
that the more we personalize our approaches we apply, the more
way we help to shape the perspec-
If I missed my step I could throw off the entire
equally, with the understanding
essence of what is distinctly Lakefield. They direct the unique
wouldn't be marching in the cadet inspection.
students uniquely rather than
Our values direct and reflect the
Jack Matthews was another remarkable man.
meningitis. Jack Matthews told me that I
pride in our ability to treat
work with them, the more varied
Lakefield had cadets at my time and we spent
cially as I was lame as a result of childhood
We have always taken considerable
the course of their lifetimes. At Lakefield, we “challenge” our students by making them participate and encouraging them to strive for excellence in a broad range of endeavours. We “enable” them by building a strong sense of community around them and around a common vision. Lakefield is more a shared idea than a shared place. It is the feeling that generates strong
Personalization absolutely implies options for students, different ways and settings for different individuals. We are thoroughly committed to providing a holistic education for our students, educating them in mind, body, and spirit. We highly value academics, but we also value highly the important learning that comes from a young person's involvement beyond the classroom: physically, artistically, interpersonally, intrapersonally, and spiritually.
bonds that come from its core
We believe that self-assuredness
values, to be a trusting, caring,
and independence are best
open, giving, and inclusive
fostered by exposing young people
community.
to a breadth of opportunities and
To help our students reach their individual potential , we recog-
by encouraging them to employ the full range of their abilities.
p9
and failures. We become
edge” then we must employ
emotionally connected to them.
methodologies to enable our students to pursue their own
One educator defined the nature of the depth of this type of Ralph Waldo Emmerson high-
commitment when he observed:
lighted the value of trust when he said:
“The
courage to teach is the
“personal knowledge,” a term coined by Karl Polanyi. Knowledge is not the same for everyone; it is not static, it must be discovered.
discovery is dependent
courage to keep one's heart open
Its
“The glory of friendship is not the
in those very moments when the
upon each individual's perspec-
outstretched hand, nor the kindly
heart is asked to hold more than it
tive. As much as possible, we must
smile, nor the joy of companion-
is able, so that teacher and
provide student opportunities to
ship. It is the splendid inspiration
student and subject can be woven
pursue methods of inquiry to
that comes to one when he
into the fabric of community that
construct their own personal
discovers that someone else
learning and living require.”
knowledge.
believes in him and is willing to trust him.”
Lakefield's descriptor for learning, “A disciplined study of the
I was in awe upon my arrival at The Grove. I was nine years old and starting Grade 5. The
Trust is our most important
evolving state of human knowl-
value. We have come to learn that
edge and the methods of inquiry
its tone is a precious and fragile
to establish this knowledge,” has
commodity—the most difficult to
sparked lively debate about the
establish and sustain and the
relative importance of content
I was definitely marked by one individual
easiest to destroy. At Lakefield,
and skill development.
when I was there. I continue to be inspired by
between adults and students, creating a healthy relationship of mutual respect between them.
than life. Some day, I told myself, I'll be in a navy blue blazer too.
that same mentor, Julian Lannaman ’75, to
trust colours everything. It provides the essential bridge
Grade 13s were so much bigger and larger
One thing for sure, the exponential growth of knowledge continues to be increasingly frightening. Those of us who enjoy facing its complexity and
We nurture trust by actively
uncertainty openly with our
seeking out and reacting to our
students model the type of
students’ suggestions and opin-
learning they will need for the
ions, by being open, honest, and
world in which they will live and
authentic with them, by believing
work. We are happy to relinquish
and having faith in them, by
control to them, intensely inter-
investing in them in a personal
ested in developing their critical—
way that invites them into our
and
lives in some meaningful
toward grappling with the esca-
relationship.
lating complexities that face all
creative—thinking skills
of us. We demonstrate a genuine interest in their lives. We are uplifted by
If as Alfred Whitehead said,
their accomplishments; we feel
“Education is the acquisition of
disappointment for their losses
the art of the utilization of knowl-
this day, since I've had the opportunity to work with him for the last 15 years and he keeps on helping me to mature every day. I'm hoping the friendships I made at The Grove will last forever. The morals, etiquette, and respect for others which I acquired are being passed on to my own children and hopefully beyond. I was given an opportunity to be an achiever in life, whatever my endeavours, and I am forever grateful for the inspiration to excel that Lakefield gave to me. MARC-LASZLO PORTER '83
p10
A few months ago, late on a Friday afternoon
We hope the values—Education of
(it was after 5:00 p.m.), I came across a student
the Whole Person, Trust, and
standing outside the Business Office—which
Learning—coupled with our
had closed for the day—who was a little upset. Her parents had given her permission to get a cash advance in order for her to go to the movies that night with her friends. She had no
mission, will give our students the competencies in life to do well and to lead happy and successful lives. supposed to be happy all the time,
funds left in her personal bank account and thus had no money for the weekend. After she explained the situation to me and
But as NAIS President Patrick
that hardship or struggle
Bassett observed at a conference
shouldn't happen, that constant
recently, the conditions, “happy
pleasure should be the norm.
started to leave, I asked her if lending her $20
and successful,” on their own
would help. It was all I had on me. Her face
merit can be misleading. He
lit up and off she rushed to join her friends. Hers was a fairly new face to me, so I wasn't
referred to a study completed by sociologist Anthony Campolo.
sure of the student's name and I knew from our
Campolo asked Japanese and
brief conversation, she didn't know who I was,
American mothers to complete
so I wondered a bit when I would see my funds returned. No sooner had I entered my office the following Monday morning, when this student came to see me. She returned my $20—along with her sincere gratitude. She also shared her “weekend” with me and how the girls liked the movie, etc. She ended the visit with another "thanks so much for helping me and trusting me," and the comment that, "where else can you go to school where you are surrounded by surrogate moms and dads who really care about you?" This reinforced my belief that we are all here to
the following sentence: “I just want my child to be ... ”
“Wise parents would complete the sentence this way: ‘I want my child to be ... good (meaning virtuous).’ As it turns out, longitudinal research out of Haverford College demonstrates that preoccupation with success or with happiness seldom, if ever, leads to
Bassett recounted the results:
either. Rather, independent school graduates who are
“In Japan, mothers always say, ‘I want my child to be ... successful.’ Sadly, the children of Japan have paid a very high price for the culture's driven obsession with a narrow definition of success, where kids go to school after school and on Saturdays, and have little time to play or to experience a wider world than obsessive
successful and happy later in college, and in life, more often are those who have been involved (extracurricular is the best predictor) and have been ‘good’ in the sense of virtuous. Quite ironically, it is goodness that leads to success and happiness, not the pursuit of success or happiness itself.”
studying. In the U.S., mothers invariably complete the sentence
It is our remaining values—
by saying, ‘I want my child to be ...
Healthy Caring Community,
happy.’ Equally sad is the conse-
Individuality, and Citizenship—
BARB RUTHERFORD,
quence for American kids who
coupled with our mission that
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS
grow up thinking that they are
most encourage our students to
serve our students, and when we give them our trust and they return it, we feel blessed.
do good, in addition to doing well, during the course of their lifetimes. As a healthy caring community, we strive to create a community in
p11
Below: Lakefield College School strives to graduate “good citizens�
p12 I want to be Laura Ratcliffe '05 when I grow up.
which every member feels a sense of dignity. The word
I started teaching Laura in her Grade 9 year, which was also my first year at LCS and as a teacher. Overwhelmed by the newness of it all, I was pleasantly surprised by the
dignity
comes from a Latin root that means worth. One's sense of
enthusiasm, respect, and work ethic of some of my young students. Laura stood out
worth, both individually and as a
among her peers as she was willing to try anything new and always had such a positive
community, comes from knowing
outlook. She truly lived and breathed LCS’ core values. As the years passed, I was lucky
that you are appreciated and
enough to continue to work with Laura and watched her grow and change, but stay true
respected. By-products of these
to who she was and what she believed in. One day after finishing about 83rd out of 85 ski racers, Laura exclaimed with the utmost
values are compassion and responsibility.
sincerity, "Alright, I'm 83rd!" To Laura it was not the winning, it was the experience. By
We strive to create a community
the end of her skiing career at LCS, Laura finished as one of the top racers in the league
that fosters the type of individu-
and helped her team win the championship.
ality that permits its members to
In her final year, Laura worked diligently with me on LEAF (Lakefield Environmental Action Force). We laughed, we cried, but above all we started a movement here at The Grove that is still in motion. Over the four years that I was able to work with Laura and other students like her, I have learned so much about life, community, drive, and determination, and above all, myself. LCS enables students and staff to further their interests, to take action for what they believe in, and to realize that no matter where you are, there is always room to grow.
be themselves, in an unpretentious, down-to-earth, open and honest way. Whatever Lakefield's communitywide expectations about things like dress, conduct, and deportment may be, may we always find ample room for the Lolly Krugers (’05) of
TIA SALEY, FACULTY
our world to be themselves and to express their individuality.
(L-R) Seniors, Laura “Lolly” Kruger ’05 and Katie Uhlmann ’05, exercising their individuality of expression in a skit during Assembly facilitated by the Leadership Class at The Grove—Fall 2004.
I received a letter from Lolly this summer, expressing her appreciation for the impact Lakefield has had on her growth and development. She wrote: “I am writing you because I didn't feel I could say these things in my chapel speech without losing my ‘negative,’ perhaps James Deanlike reputation. I hope that my ‘slightly more flamboyant personality’ didn't shock Lakefield too much. LCS helped me come out of what little shell I had. “It doesn't really matter how my ‘Lakefield career’ started, or how it's ending. What matters to me is what’s happened and affected me in the parts in between. I think from just a general point of view that kids who go here are a hell of a lot more likely to end up with more love in their lives (be it from
p13 friends, teachers, significant
to help our students understand
that produces a culture of
others, etc.), more healthy (both
“with privilege comes responsi-
honesty, that allows professional
body and mind ... oh God, stop
bility.” Our responsibility is to
development to occur on the firm
me) and smarter or more aware of
help raise a good person, not just
ground of sharing . Structural
their surroundings. When I look
a knowledgeable one.
routines and webs of support that
at how my Peterborough friends
are more important than in-
have all turned out, I have to say,
During the spring term, Paula
‘thank you parents for forcing me
Mirk, the vice president of the
to go to a place with a promo-
Institute for Global Ethics, spent
tional video that sounded like it
several days here interviewing
came from a Christian Family
staff and students conducting a
Fund commercial.’ I can truly say
study to determine commonalities
I am so happy that, in possibly the
amongst ethically-driven schools.
most susceptible and exposed
She shared her observations with
part of my life, I was protected by
me about the characteristics of
About discipline, she observed,
people, friends, teachers, staff
such schools and about what truly
“Discipline is always about
members, and the buildings of
distinguishes Lakefield. I was so
learning, never about punish-
Lakefield College School.
affirmed by the way her observa-
ment. At LCS, there is no sense of
service days. A professional development culture that draws from each other as much or more than from outsiders. An enormous openness to sharing and the very positive synergy that comes from it.”
tions reflected the mission and
‘lawyer-like accountability.’ There
“I realize this sounds like the
values of our school. On
is always the sense that you are
beginning of ‘Cheers,’ but I meant
authentic school input she
going to get inside each individual
every word I said here. I can't
observed:
and take in the music to discover
imagine my adolescence being
the ‘why.’ Discipline is never
spent anywhere but Lakefield and
“So many schools’ administrations
when I try to explain this to
‘seek buy in.’ They don't actually
anyone who doesn't go here, they
really want to respond to student
On community, she commended
can't possibly understand. I have
input. Structurally, students may
the fact that, “At Lakefield, innova-
a lot to thank LCS for and I know I
be given jobs but the real deci-
tions are deliberate to help build
would definitely not be nearly as
sion-making occurs with the
community. You work hard at
proud of the person that I am
adults. Schools that are driven by
teacher collaboration and
today had it not been for
ethical decision-making take risks
building relationships. You work
Lakefield.”
with their young people.
really hard at inclusivity.”
politically motivated.”
Lakefield gives up significant On the subject of citizenship ,
control to its students.”
She was impressed about the type of learning at Lakefield when she
we continue to provide everincreasing opportunities for our
On the subject of professional
observed that, “Doubt is not a
students to exert leadership and
development, she was highly
four letter word. Really good
become “contributing members of
impressed by the way Lakefield
teachers are keen to learn with the
our local and global community.”
provided “on-the-ground profes-
kids. At Lakefield, there is no
Last year, remarkably, 46 students
sional development in a manner
scariness to complexity or
participated in international community service projects. Beyond this commitment, locally, our students invested over 11,000 hours in community service endeavours. Always, it is uplifting to learn about the impact of these experiences on our students. Our goal is
The Grove of the 1940s was a very different place than it is today. We were about 110 students in total, ranging from six years of age through to fifth form (Grade 13), and we were all boys. The woods surrounding the school were spotted with huts built by the boys, and equipped with wood burning stoves—for warmth in the winter and cooking on a Wednesday or Saturday afternoon. Privacy was at a premium in the school. Younger boys slept in large open dormitories with a locker beside each bed. Evening study was in a single large classroom adjacent to the Chapel under the supervision of a master. Given our numbers and the range of ages, we were at a disadvantage in sports relative to the larger independent schools; But there was a strong emphasis on outdoor activity. It was not unknown for the Headmaster to announce at breakfast, “Boys, there has been a good snowfall overnight, so classes are cancelled, and the buses will be here at 9:30 for those who want to go skiing at Bethany.” The days were framed by Morning and Evening Prayer in the Chapel using the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, and most often with the Headmaster presiding. Into that world I arrived as a six-year-old boy, like many of the boys coming from very difficult circumstances at home. My mother was dying of cancer, and my father's job kept him away from home for two or three months at a time. Initially I was desperately homesick—something impossible to hide in open dormitories. In time, I found companionship and comfort in my new found family at The Grove. Nothing seemed to focus that more than those times in the Chapel at the beginning and end of each day. Over the Chapel altar is a very famous stained glass window. It is a copy of two identical originals by Holman Hunt—one in Keble College, Oxford; the other in St. Paul's Cathedral, London. It is known as the “Lux Mundi” (Light of the World—pictured right). I could not have known any of this at the time. Jesus is depicted with a crown of thorns on his head, with a lantern in his hand. He is knocking at a door. There is no handle on the outside of the door, and the door is overgrown with vines, indicating that it has not been opened in a long time, and it can only be opened from the inside. So taken was I with the window that at other times I would visit the Chapel alone simply to look at the window. Sometimes I would imagine myself to be on the outside of that door with Jesus, and at other times on the inside wanting to open it and invite him in. But in either mode, the window helped me realize that I was not alone, and it brought comfort and strength for difficult days. With all the change that has come about at The Grove, I am pleased to see that the Light of the World still presides over every assembly of LCS students in the beautifully expanded Chapel. May it serve to bring light and hope in the darker moments of life for those who look on it with the eyes of the heart. THE MOST REV'D ANDREW S. HUTCHISON ’50 PRIMATE OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA
p15 openness. Teachers and staff ‘learn’ together. There is real sharing here. Lakefield's teachers ‘lean into complexity.’" And finally, about modeling, she concluded, “The staff displays concrete, small, but significant examples of ‘walking the talk.. We are talking about a ‘true deliberate practice by the adults in a community.’ At Lakefield, teachers are acutely aware that their behaviours are important.” Communicating and celebrating the mission and values of our school is the comparatively easy part—we just did that. Modeling them—day in and day out—is the hard part. Young people learn the positive values of community by experiencing them in their relationship with others and by observing them in those with whom they associate. For a large part of the year, they spend the majority of their time in our company. This places a tremendous responsibility on us. For it is largely by the way that we treat each other as adults, by the way that we respond to our students, and by the way that we allow them to treat each other, in our presence, that we provide the type of atmosphere that reflects our core values. If our students learn from such an atmosphere, there is no reason to worry about where they will go to university or what they will do with their lives. They will feel happy and successful about the good they are doing and we will have the satisfaction of knowing that we have made a significant difference in their lives. Notes: 1. Peter Sturrep, Dialogue Magazine, Summer 2005
p16
... “completing this assignment ‘forced me to thoroughly consider my personal beliefs. I had to reflect on the everyday values by which I live my life. It was a very unique assignment!’”
WH ENG 4U Tom Milburn Imagine being asked to delve deeply into your own personal identity to consider your most cherished beliefs and values ... the ideas that shape the core of who
Hamlet. In more recent years, the
to relate to the drive and passion
theme of the course has become
that acted as the backbone of
“Who am I?” inspired not by the
Chris’ interesting life,” says
classic Who rock song, but by Jean
current student Anthony Heller.
Valjean's soliloquizing lament in
“Without passion in life, one
Les Misérables.
cannot fully succeed in the pursuit of individual happiness.”
you are. If someone asked you
“As students reflect on and
which people had the most influ-
discuss the characters they study,
The course concept gave rise to
ence on you, what would you say?
I believe they are able to learn
an Independent Study Unit (ISU)
And if you were asked to discuss
more about themselves,” says
that asks students to look within
at length a personal journey that
teacher Sarah Young. “Through
themselves to understand their
forever made an impression on
agreement, disagreement,
beliefs, values, and passions.
you, which one would you iden-
honesty, and open-mindedness,
tify?
students are able to form strong
These are the sorts of “big questions” tackled by the one required Grade 12 course at Lakefield
opinions about what is important to them. To me, this is the most valuable aspect of the course.”
“The ISU rose out of a desire to create a project that would enable students to meet the curriculum requirements while also fulfilling a need to better understand
College School: Grade 12 English.
The year's first reading is Into the
themselves and where they stand
The course is a case study in how
Wild, by Jon Krakauer (also the
personally and academically at
a traditional and content-driven
author of the even better-known
the end of their high school
course can nonetheless reflect the
Into Thin Air), which tells the true
career,” says teacher Kerrie
core mission of Lakefield.
story of a young man named Chris
Hansler, who created the project.
It was the drive of beloved former English teacher, Dr. Rosalind Barker, that established the senior English course as having an overall theme that united the texts—“the search for meaning” in
McCandless, who finished university and “dropped out” of life, travelling nomadically across North America, before finally dying tragically in the Alaska interior.
life. This thematic concern gave
Many students make an imme-
an overarching connection to
diate connection with Krakauer's
texts as diverse as James Joyce's
account of McCandless’ quest for
Dubliners and Shakespeare's
individuality. “I found myself able
O
p17
AM The ISU asks students to
person is an important part of
encouraged my self-discovery and
complete a creative portfolio
Lakefield's core values. Very often,
realization.”
where, through words and
experiences from Outdoor
creative images, they explore what
Education or Round Square
they understand are their core
service projects figure promi-
beliefs and values, and how these
nently in these accounts.
developed by teacher Jim McGowan and based on a 1950s radio program where well-known guests discussed their beliefs. The program's archives are preserved on-line.
treasure for the years to come,
write about their beliefs and expe-
providing as it does a record of
riences, but to find a way to illus-
who they are at the end of their
trate them creatively. This require-
high school career.
ment has inspired a huge range of presentation formats, including scrapbooks, drawings, photo-
“The real value in our discussion
models, collages, journals and,
of ‘This I Believe’ is, of course, our
from one student last year, a
students having the chance to
series of sculpted masks.
promotes both individuality and inclusion,” says McGowan.
throughout the ISU,” recalls Arielle Dalle. “I learned that, for the most part, my life has been about taking off my mask. Overall, the ISU project was one
“It's nearly impossible to share
ments I've completed because it
everything about myself and like
was one that asked me to look
most people, there are some
deeper into myself, who I've
things you don’t want to share,”
become, and who I still aspire to
says Arielle Dalle ’05. “In my
be.”
Anthony Heller says completing
opinion, this is a comparison to
this assignment “forced me to
life behind a mask. Therefore, the
thoroughly consider my personal
theme of my ISU last year was
beliefs. I had to reflect on the
based on masks and whether life
everyday values by which I live my
is about putting a mask on or
life. It was a very unique
taking one off.”
assignment!” Joanna Dafoe ’04 realized how As the year continues, students
important certain people were
also write about important
when working on her ISU. “I was
personal influences and experi-
able to reflect on the important
ences they've had that have
role of family and friends in influ-
helped to shape them. This focus
encing my daily attitude and long-
on the development of the whole
term life goals. The ISU really
“I learned a lot about myself throughout the ISU, ... I learned that, for the most part, my life has been about taking off my mask.”
“I learned a lot about myself
of the most enjoyable assign-
read about how other people are their core beliefs in a manner that
teacher! The completion of this
Students are asked not just to
graphs, web sites, dioramas,
able to voice their opinions about
students always pick up from the task results in something students
were shaped. Students start with an activity called “This I Believe,”
The ISU becomes one assignment
All this and Shakespeare too! That's life in the Grade 12 English course at LCS. This article is part of a periodic series on innovative course offerings at LCS
I
p18
Calling all Alumni/ae To Take the Challenge … The Class “Stand often in the company of
What exactly is the Class Dream
This means that, while the chal-
dreamers: they tickle your common
Bursary Challenge?
lenge continues ( January 1, 2006
sense and believe you can achieve things which are impossible.” M. RADMACHER
until December 31, 2006), your gift It all started when a group of committed individuals at Lakefield College School—recognizing the
Imagine being able to make
importance of investing in
dreams come true. By partici-
deserving students whose dream it
pating in the first ever Class
is to attend The Grove—issued a
Dream Bursary Challenge you will
bold challenge to alumni/ae:
be able to do just that. You can
“With any gift made to expendable
make the dream of a Lakefield
financial assistance by an alum, a
education a reality for a young
matched gift—equalling the same
person by supporting this ground-
amount—will be dedicated within
breaking initiative.
an endowment fund to scholarships and bursaries.*”
immediately helps to fulfill the dreams of students by providing bursaries and scholarships. At the same time, its matching endowment gift will be dedicated on behalf of your graduating class to continue to generate funds in perpetuity. This ensures that resources are available to maintain financial assistance for our students well into the future. With every gift you make, your class’s bursary will be credited for
p19
“My dream is to travel across the globe, there are so many places in the world worth visiting and there's no time to lose. I want to experience foreign culture and activities while challenging myself along the way.” DREAM #342: GRADE 10 STUDENT
“Dream” Bursary Challenge the gift as well as its matched gift. Go online to compare class partic-
spent. Our investment policy
Take the Challenge. Help make
provides for continued growth
dreams come true.
and expenditure.
ipation rates. Gifts of all sizes are
For more information on how
welcome during the challenge;
This sounds great! I always
your gift for financial assistance
there is no minimum required to
wanted to help out but didn't
can make an immediate differ-
participate.
think my gift would make a
ence, contact Theresa Butler-
difference. I'm convinced. What
Porter at 705.652.3324 (ext. 329)
do I have to do now ?
or tbutlerporter@lakefieldcs.on.ca
support a deserving student, but
Visit www.lakefieldcs.on.ca and
“As you enter positions of trust and
what exactly is an endowment?
choose Discover/Support LCS to
power, dream a little before you
make a secure gift on-line or mail
think.” TONI MORRISON
I understand that any gift I give today will be used immediately to
An endowment is a special fund
your gift to:
whose principal earns interest income. Only the interest income
Lakefield College School,
is spent by the school for financial
4391 County Road #29,
assistance. The principal is never
Lakefield ON K0L 2H0
* Gifts will be matched to a maximum of $50,000 per class.
Triumph of Ice: The New Bob Armstrong Memorial Rink “The rink is about more than our competitive hockey teams. It's a place where kids can get out and play hockey or just skate; Canadian kids and kids from around the world who wouldn't get this type of opportunity elsewhere. They're outside on the ice, learning how to skate and play hockey, having fun with their friends—it's a truly Canadian experience.” IAN ARMSTRONG, DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS
p21 Ice defines winter in Canada. It is a sensory experience
today and 70,000 worldwide. Bob’s lessons provided a
anticipated by skating enthusiasts each autumn. Hockey
blueprint on how to work together as a team.”
players crave it—sharpening skates and taping sticks— waiting for the first ice of the season.
With the leadership of John, and the support of fellow hockey enthusiasts in the Grove community, the vision
The history of ice skating and hockey games extends
of the new rink came to life over the summer and fall of
over a century at The Grove. Outdoor rinks behind Grove
2005. The students celebrated the rink's first hockey
House entertained generations of students playing
game on the 17th of November, which, coincidentally,
shinny and practising technique. Boys trudged with
was the night of the first snowfall of the season. It was a
shovel in hand to Lake Katchewanooka and Buckley's
magical night. The Grove community gathered around
Lake to hold spontaneous hockey games using winter
the boards to enjoy fireworks, the singing of the national
boots for goal posts.
anthem, and the opening game of the “Hockey for Heroes 2005” tournament, a charity event organized by
This year, Lakefield College School proudly opened its first permanent outdoor ice rink. The full-sized artificial ice surface is equipped with modern refrigeration technology making it usable from late fall to early spring each year. It is illuminated by twelve flood lights for
over 40 students to raise money for The James Fund for Neuroblastoma Research at the Hospital for Sick Children. It was fitting that this magnificent gift to the school inspired an immediate spirit of philanthropy within the students.
evening skating and even boasts its own Zamboni. Students use the rink for hockey, recreational skating,
For a generation of alumni/ae at The Grove, memories of
figure skating, and broomball. During the off-season,
hockey are inextricably tied to memories of teacher and
the rink will be used for ball hockey, skateboarding, and
coach Bob Armstrong. Friend and fellow teacher, the late
rollerblading.
Andy Harris ’44, wrote upon Bob's retirement, “Bob was an outstanding athlete over the years and besides being
The vision of an outdoor rink was conceived by LCS alumnus John Hepburn ’68 who has enjoyed a life-long love of hockey fostered, in large part, by former LCS coach and mentor, the late Bob Armstrong. “When I was at Lakefield from 1963 to 1968, the outdoor rinks were so much a part of the school. Bob Armstrong arrived my
an N.H.L. defenseman for the Boston Bruins he was also an inter-country baseball player, a high school track star, and an exceptional amateur golfer. … Statistics can be expressive but they alone can never reveal what a wonderful motivator and friend Bob was to the boys he coached and taught.”
first year and I joined the Third Hockey Team. We practised on these outdoor rinks.” Throughout his years at
“Bob's Boys,” as his hockey players are affectionately
The Grove, John lived and breathed hockey with his
called, were forever transformed by the coach's keen
classmates. In 1964, John moved to the prestigious First
interest in their personal successes. “Bob represented
Team with Coach Armstrong. There were seven hockey
everything we believed in at The Grove,” remembers
teams at the school, but above all, the First Team flour-
John. “The team was more important than any indi-
ished. Bob Armstrong wrote in The Chronicle 1967-1968,
vidual. It was always more successful than the sum of
“The First Team had one of its most successful seasons
its parts. He was the centre of our lives—a second father
in the school's history this year with a 15-1 record. The
to all of us.”
only loss recorded was against R.M.C. but was avenged on the return game at Lakefield.” John and fellow player Rod Hendren ’68 shared the M.V.P. award. “Both played unselfish hockey, scored key goals and killed penalties exceptionally well.”
In recognition of his incredible influence on school life, the new rink will be dedicated in memory of Bob Armstrong during Winter Carnival on Saturday, February 11, 2006. John hopes the rink will be a place where “students have a chance to have the same memories as
It was the lessons that Bob Armstrong taught about
we have. Anyone can suit up, climb over the boards, and
teamwork and values that John took forward to
play hockey … it's about freedom with friends and expe-
Princeton University and Harvard Business School
riencing Lakefield.”
where he studied, and later to Wall Street. He says, “Teamwork became very important when we were building Morgan Stanley’s business in Europe. We started with 28 people, growing to 7,000 in Europe
Opposite: (Top) New Bob Armstrong Rink (Below L-R) The “Latin Line of 1966,” John Hepburn, Rod Hendren, and Murray Hunter; Grove shinny rink circa 2007
p22
Eighty Year Celebrating John "Bubs" Macrae '33 “I know you will be happy there, and it will be good
Queen's University. He served in the Canadian Navy
for you.” A father's parting words to a nervous 10-year
from 1942 to 1946 before joining Canadian Charts and
old boy at Toronto's Union Station. It was 1926 and
Supplies Ltd. in his hometown of Oakville, Ontario.
the long day's journey to Lakefield, Ontario by rail would mark just the first of many memorable returns to The Grove made by John “Bubs” Macrae.
After the sale of the company in 1968, he had a “hankering to get back to education in some capacity.” He had maintained ties with his alma mater
Eighty years later, Lakefield College School celebrates
in Lakefield over the years as a parent of two gradu-
its friendship with Bubs in this milestone year. An
ates, president of the Old Boy's Association, and an
alumnus, a parent, a grandparent, a Senior Master, a
ex-officio member of the Board. He therefore sought
board member, and a Trustee, Bubs’ affiliation with
advice from Headmaster Jack Matthews about
the school has afforded him a unique and indispen-
exploring his “first love” of teaching. Bubs promptly
sable history of stories and memories that transcend
received the response: “You're not making any big
time.
decisions in the next three days are you?”
Today, heavy heels of students thunder through the
The next afternoon Bubs and his wife Gilly came up
Grove House residence preparing for a full day of
to meet with Mr. Matthews. Bubs said to himself, “I
study and activity. The clamour echoes generations of
hadn't been in the classroom for 19 years, what use
enthusiastic youth preparing for morning at The
would I be?” But with two older faculty members
Grove. Bubs wrote in his manuscript Random
mumbling about retirement, the school needed
Reminiscences of an Elder Old Boy, “I remember being
mature instructors to create a balance with younger
startled into life in the morning by the penetrating
staff. “So I came up here and boy-oh-boy did I hustle
clang of a sizeable hand bell carried by the master-
for four years,” says Bubs. “I commuted to Trent
on-duty. … Apparently years of trial and error had
University and was busy learning content. I was
established just how much time a young boy needed
getting to know the job all over again.”
to get dressed in the morning.” For 15 years, Bubs “loved” teaching modern world Before graduating in 1933, Bubs had lived through a
history to a new generation of “Grovites.” After his
campus plumbing revolution, owned his own “hut” in
retirement at 67 years old, he was invited onto the
the woods, and paraded to Buckley's Lake for hockey
Board of Governors. It was then that Bubs contributed
season. “Friendships were utterly complete,” remem-
to a decision that would forever change the shape of
bers Bubs of his time as a student. “It got so that we
Lakefield College School's history: co-education. “I
were at a loss when we went home for the holidays
was strongly in favour of co-education when I came
and saw our elementary school friends. We were
back here to The Grove as a teacher,” explains Bubs.
‘Grovites.’”
“The same single-sex situation I had experienced during the war played out here: the wrestling and the
Upon leaving Lakefield, Bubs joined the teaching staff at St. Andrew's College and acquired a B.A. from
hooligan games. I thought to myself—this place needs some civilizing.”
p23
s a Grovite Twelve years later, Bubs celebrated the graduation of
still maintains a strong affiliation with the school.
his granddaughter Kristin (Macrae ’01) at The Grove,
“The things I see at the school are the best yet,” says
a significant occasion for a family who had enjoyed
Bubs. “We do more than teach kids here. We have a
three generations of adventure on the shore of Lake
net gain in quality of life.”
Katchewanooka. A Trustee for the past 10 years, Bubs
Gilly and John “Bubs” Macrae ’33
p24
International Service can change your life Impressions From The Round Square Service Project (RSIS) India 2005 Liza, Kelly, Torie and I (Bianca Bell) along with 25 other students, learned a way of life that is drastically different than ours ... We learned the greatest gift is a handshake, and the easiest gift is a smile ... We learned that no job can be done without teamwork, whether it be filling a hole with mud or building back a tsunami devastated community. We recognized that we all have disabilities and that we should focus on our strengths, not our weaknesses ... These work projects aren’t about getting enough community service hours to graduate, or getting a great reference for your college application ... These trips are about leaving your safe happy Lakefield bubble and gaining a greater respect for the rest of the world. On these trips you will receive in a sense more than you give ... Top of page: (L-R) Bianca Bell, Kelly Gallacher, Liza Shelley, and Torie Patterson while particpating on international service project to India; Women preparing food. Below: Indian market. Read more at www.lakefieldcs.on.ca and choose NEWS, Friday 1/13/06
p25
LCS Parent Satisfaction Highest of 21 Canadian Schools Surveyed
According to a recent survey, Lakefield College School
ranked their satisfaction level 4 or 5 out of 5. LCS
parents are highly satisfied with their children’s
was the only school, of 21 Canadian schools surveyed
educational experience at The Grove.
by Lookout Management, to achieve this high a rating.
In January 2005, LCS conducted its first-ever, comprehensive parent survey. This is the second in a series
97% of parents indicated that LCS was their first
of surveys conducted by the school, the first being an
choice among schools. This was a new high score
alumni/ae survey completed in 2003.
among measured schools.
The purpose of the parent survey is to bring to the
The school scored strongly on measures of individual
school a better understanding of the market it serves.
attention related to students including:
In doing so, the administration of the school will be poised to respond more effectively to this group's
N class size;
needs and interests and to do so with improved effi-
N quality of interaction between faculty and students;
ciency.
N leadership opportunities for students; One of the greatest values in conducting this survey is in using the results as a benchmarking tool, to measure gains and losses on a regular basis and to refine and redirect energies and resources to areas of need.
N sense of community for students; N individual attention to student needs. In addition, from a list of 27 specific school life elements, LCS scored strongly in:
The survey was conducted by Lookout Management Inc., based in London, Ontario. Lookout has conducted more than 100 satisfaction surveys for 50
N international service opportunities and student exchange program;
independent schools and universities throughout
N physical safety of students;
North America.
N co-curricular programs;
The survey was set up online for parents to complete
N university guidance;
and submit via the web. Two hundred and four (204)
N health services;
parents completed the survey - a 56% response rate.
N technology;
Results
N athletics.
On a scale of 1 to 5, overall parent satisfaction with
The school scored somewhat lower in some areas
LCS was 4.4. Ninety-four percent of respondents
relating to individual attention to parent needs,
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including the sense of community for parents and
N Quality of food;
volunteer opportunities/experiences. The consultant
N Endowment for financial assistance;
notes that although these scores were somewhat lower, they are high for a school that is predominantly a boarding school. They go on to state that “the
N Frequency of communications from teachers and advisors.
school’s obvious success in addressing parents' need
"Finances" and "having a child living away from
for communication, have countered the natural
home" were the most frequently mentioned hurdles
anxiety for parents of boarders.”
facing Lakefield families.
Of 18 questions relating to communications from
Lakefield College School is proud to have received
faculty and administration, 72% achieved the 4.0
new best scores (of the 46 Canadian and American
threshold. This is very high among measured schools
schools surveyed) in several areas including:
with most other schools averaging only 52% (at the 4.0 threshold). Written communications and publications materials were all rated 4.0 or higher, an exceptional score according to the consultant. In a series of attitudinal measures, the highest level of agreement was for the statement “I support the school's policy on substance use.”
N Student counselling services and emotional support programs; N Quality of, and access to, the school's technology resources; N Accessibility of residential staff and staff in the guidance office; N Student enjoyment of co-curricular activities and
On the question of Lakefield's greatest strengths, the following were listed most frequently: N Sense of community; N Family atmosphere; N Dedication of staff; N Favourable student to staff ratio;
competitive sports; N Support services offered to students to enable them to work toward their full academic potential; N The school's contribution to students' growth in self-confidence, to be self-directed in their learning, and to help students cope with peer pressure.
N School size and class size. We look forward to further analyzing the results of In the areas for improvement, the following were
this survey, to implementing emergent recommenda-
listed most frequently:
tions, and to conducting additional surveys in the
N Need for a gymnasium; N Technology costs;
years ahead to compare to this baseline study.
p27
Honorary Alumni/ae The Grove Society Recognizes Exemplary Service
This fall the Grove Society honoured four members of the LCS community with the prestigious title of Honorary Alumni/ae. Citations were presented to Goodith Heeney, Susan Hadden, Win Lampman (posthumously), and Bob Goebel. Kate Ramsay shared her thoughts as to why she felt that Goodith should be honoured: “Goodith has been one of the Grove's champions for many years … as a mother involved in the Grove Guild, as a Board member through challenging times, as a dedicated Trustee, as an advocate for access through endowment. She has been (and continues to be) a member of The Grove family whose advice and counsel is sought out and carefully considered, whether in matters of governance, capital campaigns, or chaplaincy. She is a valued mentor to younger champions of The Grove, and a role model in her
Goodith Heeney receives her citation from Grove Society President Scott Smith ’87
contributions to community (in a school which celebrates such contributions) are perhaps unparalleled.” Katharine "Cubby" Clarke, daughter of Win Lampman remembered her mother by submitting the following nomination:
“‘Bobby G,’ as he is affectionately known by students and colleagues, always tops the list of popular faculty members at The Grove. His dedication and obvious affection for his role in students' lives is apparent whether he is teaching the finer points of calculus to
“Winifred Mackenzie Lampman was the eldest of
his students, convening the SLASH hockey league, or
Alick and Helen Mackenzie's children and maintained
sharing anecdotes of the antics of his beloved cat. He
a lifelong connection with the school (from 1889 to
has enriched the lives of everyone who has had the
2000). She was a part-time staff member, serving as
fortune to meet him throughout his 22 years at The
dietician during the war years when help was hard to
Grove.”
find. She taught art, first in the late 1930s, then for a period after the war until failing eyesight brought an end to her classes in the 1960s. She also provided
Warren Jones ’88 shared why he was inspired to nominate Susan Hadden:
extra accommodation for one or two senior boys
“Although Sue's presence on campus is highly visible
when space in the school was at a premium. Her
(and her contributions truly appreciated), I believe
memory spanned this history of the school for almost
that she is a largely ‘unsung’ hero. By recognizing her
the entire 20th century. She was an enthusiastic
as an Honorary Alumna , we could all thank Sue
supporter of co-education at The Grove and claimed
Hadden for the many ways that she has raised the bar
proudly that, because she had had her early schooling
in the fulfillment of her duties, and gone way beyond
at The Grove (before being sent to Bishop Strachan
the call in her day-to-day caring for the school and
School in her teens) she was the school's first ‘old
each member of its community.”
girl.’” The Grove Society congratulates and welcomes our Bob Goebel was celebrated by fellow faculty member Gerry Bird:
newest Honorary Alumni/ae.
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His Story—More Than Just a Name on a Brass Plaque Bruce McMahon Among the treasures of the LCS
past to life by having them appre-
Geoffrey's name appears on two of
ciate those connections.
the honour boards in the lower school block. The school archive
archives, exist pictures of young
Several years ago, I stumbled upon
men who died during the Great
two websites that provide the
War. The same men are seen in
window to the past that I was
other pictures as boys at The
seeking for my students. The
Grove proudly representing their
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
teams in antiquated uniforms.
(www.virtualmemorial.gc.ca) and
They were students then; just
the Canadian Expeditionary Force
boys. They experienced The Grove
Database (www.collection-
(Lakefield Preparatory School) as
scanada.ca/02/02010602_e.html)
our students do today, but now
are wonderful research tools. I
their pictures hang on the wall
suspect that many of us recall a
and their names are inscribed on a
history class that asked us to write
brass plaque at the entrance to the
a letter imagining we were in the
Chapel. Each November 11th, we
trenches during the Great War.
read their names out loud in the
Now imagine the same assignment
Chapel, and, for a moment, the
with a bit of reality thrown in. The
past is rocketed into the present.
sites allow Grade 10 students of
History has to be more than just names on brass plaques. The LCS students of today share connections with the individuals on the wall. As a teacher of history, it is my pleasure and responsibility to find interesting ways to bring the
today to select one of the LCS names on the plaque, or perhaps a name of a relative; they use their laptops to enter it into the database. For instance, the Hilliard brothers, Geoffrey and George, both attended Lakefield and then served overseas during the war.
has pictures of the brothers and one of George’s letters from The Front to Win Lampman. The letter mentions Kenneth Mackenzie, future Headmaster of The Grove, and a comment about an eye injury he sustained in December 1917 during the Halifax Explosion. With a little searching, students are able to locate the brothers Attestation Papers (sign-up papers). Students can also see, in George’s handwriting, details about his personal life and nextof-kin. His occupation, religion, and even remarks about significant body markings are also included. With copies of these documents, students then search the Virtual War Memorial. His burial site information at Etaples Military Cemetery in France comes complete with a photo and location map (www.vacacc.gc.ca/remembers/sub.cfm?sourc e=collections/virtualmem/Detail&ca sualty=497297). With that wealth of information in hand, students can then locate the Military War Diaries for the Royal Canadian Dragoons and read in the events of the day that
Left (L-R): The Hilliard brothers, George (attended The Grove from 1900-1905) and Geoff (who attended from 19081914). Opposite: Excerpts by Karine Gauthier (Grade 10) writing as Geoffrey Hilliard to his father.
p29
Geoffrey Hilliard was wounded
bridge between the present and
which some of our Old Boys actu-
somewhere near St. Julien, France.
the past is transversed. Students
ally participated.
then take the liberty of using At the end of all this research is, in the minds of the students today, a true sense of the humanity of the students who became soldiers so long ago; the face in the photograph and the name on the plaque become a real person. The
these details they have gathered, and the sensibilities developed, to learn about the Battle of Vimy Ridge. They adopt their soldier's identity as inspiration to write a letter home to a relative, at a real address, with details of a battle at
Lieutenant Geoffrey Hilliard died on December 11th, 1917 from his injuries. His time at The Grove lives on in picture and word. He will continue to return each year to help me in the teaching of history.
Geoffrey Hilliard Royal Canadian Dragoon CEF Dear Father, I was so glad to see your letter last month and thank you so much for the mittens—it kept me warm for a little bit. Since it is so muddy and wet in the trenches it's terribly hard to keep anything dry or warm. Don't worry we will be able to get out of these trenches soon, I hope, and go to the reserve and wash them. I'm terribly sorry I couldn't write sooner. I would have but we were preparing for the fight against the Germans to take over Vimy Ridge. It was very hard and took a lot of time. There were twenty thousand men who had to be taught everything about the battle. Imagine all the Canadians from coast to coast fighting side by side. We woke up that morning bright and early after spending a restless night in the trenches. The battle started at 05: 30 hours. It was so cold outside and the clouds were low with snow blowing into our faces. We couldn't see far up the ridge but we could see enough to continue as planned. The bombardment of the last two weeks had made great work of the Hun guns. I was unfortunately in the first wave to go over into no mans land. We did this new advancing technique that you would have been proud of. It is called the 'Vimy Glide.' We practiced walking one hundred yards every three minutes. In front of us rained a curtain of artillery shells. This kept the Hun's heads down in their trenches and not up firing at us. This continued until we got to the closest trench. I know Dad that you are probably curious about how we got all of the shells and artillery here in the first place. Well, we actually built a railway just for bringing supplies to us. Some of these lines even went underground. I think there are more men carrying supplies than firing rifles in this war. Then another wave of troops would go over us and get to a farther trench. This allowed us to rest and this also allowed the other troops going over to use their ammunition if they ran out. It went on like this until we had gained most, if not all of the Ridge. In the first day we had taken more ground than any other battle to date. This was the most amazing battle I have ever taken part in. I am so glad I survived and will now be able to tell the story of this magnificent event. Although it was exhilarating taking part in a battle so important to us, I am very glad we are done and can now relax for a while. I've been meaning to ask how mother is doing. I read in your last letter that she is now working. I hope she is doing ok. Speaking of home I was actually talking to George the other day. You will be happy to know he is in fine form and looks well fed. I also read in your letter that aunt Jan's new baby Cassidy has finally learned to walk. I wish I could be there to see her grow up. Oh well I've got to just tell myself that I am here for my country and to help all of you back home. Once you start battle you realize the things that are really important in life, like family. I miss you guys a lot and hope to see you very soon. I was meaning to ask in my last letter, if you could send me a few pairs of socks. It would be much appreciated since mine are soaking wet, muddy and quite cold. Say hello to the rest of the family. I'll say this now since I don't know when I will be able to write my next letter, so happy early birthday. Love, Your son Geoffrey
p30
Keele River Trip—2005 Bill Stewart ’70 What a wonderful trip we had!
joked and teased each other in an effort to control the adrenaline pumping through our systems. It was late in the afternoon by the time the canoes
On July 15, 2005, we [Bill Morris ’70 and wife Betty, John McRae ’70 and wife Val, Bill Stewart ’70 and Bill and Carol Corner (current parents)] departed from Peterborough. John Pace ’72 and wife Sheila joined
and equipment were unloaded and our winged ride was gone. Although we would not travel far tonight, we were anxious to wet our paddles and get our adventure underway.
the group in Toronto. After passing through Edmonton (where we met Betty's sister Margaret),
The river speed was faster than anticipated as there
and Yellowknife, we stood on the banks of the mighty
had been recent rains, but we were well prepared as
MacKenzie River with Al Pace ’77 and wife Lin.
Al and Lin had taken time to provide us “lake
Al and Lin are the parents and intrepid leaders of an
paddlers” with some fast water instruction below the
adventure tour company that specializes in canoe
dam in Lakefield in early spring. This practice session
tripping in Canada's far north. They have the equip-
had allowed them to assess our comfort and skill level
ment, the knowledge and the experience. We brought
which further allowed them to partner us and estab-
the spirit and the excitement of school kids facing a
lish a canoe order.
brand new adventure. They had met us at the airport in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories and after quickly transferring our gear into canoe packs and barrels, we climbed into the twin otter and were off to our launch spot on the Keele River, approximately two hours south west.
We would be on the river for ten days traveling 400 km. The first eight days we spent descending through spectacular, expansive mountain vistas—truly outstanding, beautiful country. The final two days would be spent heading north on the Mackenzie to our pick-up spot at Tulita. There, at the mouth of the
As the plane snaked its way through the Mackenzie
Great Bear River, we would catch a couple of water
Mountains, our excitement continued to build and we
taxis back to Norman Wells.
Below: (L-R) Pilot, Lin Ward, Betty and Bill Morris ’70, Sheila (directly below) and John Pace ’72, Margaret Pearce, Val and (Directly above) John McRae ’70 , Carol and (directly above) Bill Corner, Al Pace ’77, and Bill Stewart ’70
p31
The scenery was magnificent and although the
We fished and enjoyed a fresh bull trout dinner, we
weather was somewhat uncooperative, we saw moose,
walked beaches, tracking moose or bear or just
caribou, eagles, black bears, and even a couple of
enjoying the freshness of the air and the awesome
grizzlies.
beauty around us. Many of the group had spent time in our local forests or on our “cottage” lake, but this
Yes, we saw outstanding scenery and had wonderful
was different. There was a feeling of deep respect for
paddling but it was the human dimension that made
this inspirational environment. We camped by the
this adventure very special. After each day’s paddle
“talking cliffs” and at the base of Great Bear Rock. We
and following camp set-up, we gathered around the
enjoyed layover days that allowed us time to reflect
fire to share an outdoor happy hour. The different
on what we had seen, what we were doing, and what
eras of “old boys” exchanged stories about their days
we had learned—both about ourselves and this
at The Grove. Different ages and different eras but all
unique place.
with similar positive and mostly humorous stories about our teachers, coaches and experiences while at
Our final dinner in the Mackenzie Valley Inn in
Lakefield. We laughed together, we learned about
Normal Wells was an emotional, but extremely
each other and from each other, and our respect for
fulfilling, evening. The previous day we laid down
each other grew.
over at the mouth of the Great Bear River. It was this day that we took time to write poetry, take photos or
The food was outstanding both with respect to
walk the banks of the Mackenzie reflecting on our
selection and quality and with three teams of four we
adventure. Maybe, to a greater or more important
all had the opportunity to harass each other as camp
extent, we developed a philosophy that we could take
chore rotation took place.
back to “civilization” and to our day-to-day lives that
In this environment, there is no need for a watch. The agenda is flexible and varied with Mother Nature and
would reflect positively on ourselves and those with whom we interact.
group mood being the primary elements in any deci-
To all we say, do this—you really should. There
sion. Whether work or play, whatever needed to be
is no place like it. Canoe North will customize the trip
done—was done. We helped each other and
to suit your objectives and your skill level. Too many
supported each other. We shared emotions and we
Canadians never visit this remarkable part of our
shared a very special connection. We felt larger than
great land. If they did, they'd understand that this
life, but were humbled by the vast natural beauty that
small narrative is nothing compared to the human
surrounded us. We understood that here, we must
experience in which they will participate and from
cope with nature (not the other way around) and that
which they will learn.
we stood as one, not against the elements, but rather with the elements and with each other.
What a wonderful trip we had and how close we all have become.
p32
Stephen Marshall ’87: Cultural Critic Paul Mason This is the second in an occasional series of profiles on graduates of The Grove.
experiences outside the academy,
ridden continent and it excited
however, Stephen grows almost
me.
lyrical, especially when he speaks of a one-year trip through Africa.
“For the next eight months I traveled from the east coast of Kenya
“I began in Egypt, where I stayed
through war-ravaged Uganda, to
for over a month battling a bad
the mouth of the Nile, up into the
case of dysentery … and then trav-
eastern mountains of Zaire (to see
eled south. But the war in Sudan
one of the last families of moun-
was so bad at that time that I was
tain gorillas)—from where I made
forced to turn back and fly to
a harrowing escape from the
Ethiopia. As our plane was
looting and murdering Zairean
preparing to land, the Eritrean
soldiers. Then down through
After Lakefield, Stephen went to
revolution took full power in Addis
Rwanda and Burundi (where the
Queen's University, but he says
Ababa and we were forced to land
Hutu/Tutsi violence had already
very little about the university. On
in Kenya. So my first taste of
begun, but had not yet turned into
the subject of formative
Africa was as this revolution-
full genocide), down into Tanzania
The Grove has graduated a fair number of students who have gone on to prominence in various fields—business, ministry, politics and the arts—but arguably our most famous cultural critic and filmmaker is Stephen Marshall ’87.
“It's times like these, when questioning government policies is characterized as near treasonous, that one appreciates the skillful dissent displayed by the Guerrilla News Network. “ USA TODAY
hen Marshall ’87 © Munich International Film Festival
p33
on Lake Tanganyika and across the
beauty—or sleeping outside for a
earned him a place on the interna-
flatlands of Zambia, crossing
hundred nights in a row, that made
tional speaking circuit. It also led
Victoria Falls into Zimbabwe, and
me vow to never again live by the
to a three-part series on CBC's The
then hitchhiking to Cape Town,
dictates of an industrial society.”
National.
Since graduation, Stephen has
In 2000, Stephen co-founded
South Africa where I decided to stay for three months.
worked as a director and author.
Guerilla News Network
“Africa changed me completely.
His first company was a film
(www.GNN.tv); GNN has since
Traveling alone, I was given the
project called Channel Zero, which
become one of the most trafficked
rare kind of access that only fellow
moved the Village Voice to say,
destinations for youth seeking
travelers can receive from the
“Leave it to a Canadian to revolu-
alternative news sources. His
African people. I met busi-
tionize television.” The worldwide
success with GNN led him to
nessmen, shamans, writers, crimi-
critical success of the Channel
direct politicized music videos for
nals, and even a political leader in
Zero films—which were round-the-
Eminem, Beastie Boys and 50
exile.
world journeys into dark and
Cent, but he is most proud of his
dangerous places—
award-winning documentary
“Perhaps it was the African light— which attains hues of unparalleled
BattleGround, which was finished in 2004 and bought by Showtime Network for broadcast in the U.S. He directed his first feature film, This Revolution (starring Rosario Dawson), in 2004: the movie had its world premiere at Sundance. And his list of future projects, writing and directing, is equally impressive. In remembering Lakefield, Stephen speaks fondly about his teachers, but one has the sense that his relationships with his peers and with the natural environment - the woods - were every bit as important as what he gained in the classroom. And there's no doubt that Stephen Marshall will continue shaping the media environment in the years to come. He may not revel in what he calls "industrial society," but it's clear that he understands its dynamics, and clear too that he will do what he can to creatively subvert its less humane features.
p34
Canvassing the Landscape: Artist Paul Chester ’75 Roch in Paris. He then concentrated on sculpture at the Ontario College of Art and Design, gaining insight from his art instructors. “It was more of a conceptual training. The formal aspect of my schooling was learning about art history and historical arts.” A member of the Society of Canadian Artists, Paul began exhibiting his sculptural work in 1981. Moving back to the Kawarthas in the early 1990s, he began to develop his landscape paintings for which he has garnered so much success. “I paint contemporary landscapes in oil and sometimes acrylics. They could be described as impressionistic, but modern too.” He Above: Paul Chester ’75. Opposite: Paintings by Paul Chester, ”Fall Bay” (top) “Wildflower 4” (bottom)
builds layers of painted glazes until a complexity is achieved, sometimes using a palette knife to reveal accents of colour. In his most recent collection, Paul
“The best is yet to come,” says Paul Chester ’75 of his life as a successful landscape painter. "Every year I get closer to where I want to be." Growing up on a tree farm in Pickering, Ontario, Paul was surrounded by a creative family and natural beauty. “My parents were both encouraging in art. They simply wanted me to enjoy what I did in life.” The oldest of four children, Paul attended Lakefield after his mother's death in 1967. “It was a difficult year for me emotionally and Ben Whitney, Junior Master, was very supportive. Dean Smith was also a key figure looking out for me.” He was embraced by the diverse community of The Grove. “The school was such an eye opener, a melting together of international students. It was awesome.” After he returned home two years later, Paul began to focus his talents in visual arts. Over the next 20 years, he studied drawing and painting at Art’s Sake, a private art school in Toronto, and the Academy St.
also uses inserted canvas raised in plywood on his pieces to extend a focused image outward creating the impression of a fragmented glimpse of nature. Inspired by walks in the fields and hills that surround his studio in Keene, Ontario, 20 minutes from Lakefield, Paul describes his paintings as rural impressions of “fields and forests, bodies of water, big skies, and distant horizons. These impressions, painted from memory, are inserted into a frame that becomes part of that experience, a place seen in passing.” It is this gestural landscape, the atmospheric and dream-like quality of his scenes, that has gained Paul national exposure. Since 1983, Paul has made art his full-time career showing professionally in commercial galleries from Whistler to Boston, Santa Monica to London, England. Part artist, part business person, he explains that an idea of a painting is only just the beginning. “I work with many galleries, eight right
p35
now, coast-to-coast from Nova Scotia to British Columbia. The galleries do all the selling which gives me more time to paint. But I find every opening and show special.” Although he travels across Canada to attend gallery openings and gather inspiration from Canada's varied horizons, he finds he enjoys himself most during the process of painting “windows to the natural world.” Surrounding himself with a talented team who enjoy selling his art, he has more time to focus on “the act” of creating unique impressions of the Canadian landscape. “The most important thing in art,” he emphasizes, “is that you do what makes you happy.” Paul will be exhibiting locally at the Russell Gallery in Peterborough from the Fall of 2006. Please see his website at www.paulchester.com for more exhibition information.
p36
Class News
This fall, LCS welcomed back a record number of alumni/ae to our annual Reunion Weekend in September. To read about recent LCS events, news, and view snapshots please visit our website at www.lakefieldcs.on.ca, choose NEWS (more news). The 1980s After completing a Master of Science in Business Administration at UBC, Konrad Yakabuski ’84 followed his dream of becoming a business journalist. After a few years at The Star in
Class of 1992 Reunion. Back Row (L-R): Rob Tupling, Steve Hutchinson, Matthew Hines, Bill Lett, Dave Stephens, Ehren Mendum. Middle Row (L-R): Ben Tong, Marcia Tupling (Gidley), Sonja Veal, Franziska Hines, Kristy Hook (Lett), Shari Stephens, Melanie Mendum. Front Row (Left group of three): Dave, Elaine (Lee), and Callia Chui; (Middle group of three): Marco, Katie (Brown), and Daniel Gagne; (Right group of three): Heather, Jason, and Aidan Haigh
Toronto, he returned to Montreal in 1994 to work at Le Devoir. During the heated 1994-1996 political debate surrounding sovereignty, he was posted at the National Assembly in Quebec City and covered social policy, including a vast reform of Quebec's welfare system, pay equity, and a host of other progressive issues where business and social activists clash. In 1996 he joined The Globe and Mail as its Montreal business correspondent and today he primarily writes a Quebec business column and magazine features.
launch a year ago. It examines the
research at Oregon State
depletion of oil worldwide and
University.
the public’s lack of awareness of its negative, longterm effects on life. He is now looking forward to his next film Escape from Suburbia. Gregory currently lives
Trent University’s Wenjack Theatre in November. The End of Suburbia has been gathering praise internationally since its
graduate program at Humber College. “... So long London, hello
The 2000s
The 1990s Ehren Mendum ’92 and his wife, Melanie, recently hosted an informal pre-Christmas reunion of the Class of 1992. The enthusiasm for this event was so strong annual event! (See photo above).
Nicholas dePencier Wright ’00 completed an honours degree in philosophy from the University of King’s College, Halifax and next year will be finished both an MBA and an LLB from Dalhousie University. He also ran in the 2006 Federal election in the riding of
brought his award winning documentary, The End of Suburbia, to
into the Public Relations post-
Toronto!”
in France.
that they plan to make it an Gregory Barker Greene ’86
Sarah Jennings ’99 was accepted
Sarah Dudas ’93 defended her
Halifax for the Green Party of
doctoral thesis in non-indigenous
Canada.
species (oceanography) at the University of Victoria in August of 2005. She is now working in
Christie Borkowski ’02 is currently working as a firefighter in British Columbia at the 150
p37
Mile House Volunteer Fire Department. She plans to attend the Justice Institute of B.C. to take the Primary Care Paramedics course. Ali Kara ’04 proudly writes that he is “… an official medical student at the University of St.Andrews in Scotland. What a dream come true!”
Five alumni from the class of 2000 decided to return to Algonquin Park in November of 2005. The group took off on a three-day expedition where they retraced the route they took during their expedition while attending LCS. Despite temperatures dropping to - 5ºC and the lakes being frozen over in parts, everyone made it back safe and sound! (L-R): Ian Fung, Trevor Johnston, Joel McElravy, Mark Sunderland, and John Stelzer.
C oCongratulations n g r a t uTolOur a tRecent i o nRhodes s KScholar im Kim Rutherford, Class of 2001 A resident of Peterborough, Ontario, Kim graduated from Lakefield College School to pursue her honours degree in microbiology/ immunology and mathematics at Dalhousie University. Upon completion of her degree, she received the University Medal for the highest academic standing in her major. In addition to her numerous volunteer commitments, Kim works as a teaching and lab assistant. She intends to pursue graduate studies in microbiology and further her studies in infectious diseases to prepare for a career in medical research. Kim joins LCS alumnae Allie Binnie ’93, Hélène Deacon ’95, and Erin Freeland Ballantyne ’99 as the school’s fourth Rhodes Scholar since 1997.
Congratulations Kim—we are very proud of you!
p38
(L) Robert von Hermann ’81 and Andrea Hertzsch (M) Jen Helsing ’92 and Geoff Cooper (R) Scott Ross '95 and Kristin Skibsrud
Marriages Robert von Hermann ’81 and
Ontario. Marcia’s brother, David
in a beautiful lakeside ceremony
Andrea Hertzsch were married on
Gidley, ventured home from
in Gananoque, ON. The Sealys
October 1, 2005 in Seefeld, Tirol,
Australia with his wife Natalie for
happily call Kingston home.
Austria—a wonderful setting in
the special day. Rob and Marcia
the mountains, which hits close to
are living in Mississauga, Ontario.
married Kristin Skibsrud by the
home since “Seefeld” translates to “Lakefield!” David McEwan ’81 (Best Man) and Bill Rae ’81 witnessed this step, which meant so much to Rob.
On May 21, 2005, Matthew Hines
ocean in St. Andrews-by-the-Sea,
’92 was married to Franziska
New Brunswick. A great celtic
Buechele in the Walburgiskapelle
celebration followed with friends,
at the Kaiserburg in Nuremberg,
family and three-year-old sprite
Germany.
Mairianna. Scott and his family
Jen Helsing ’92 was married on June 11, 2005 in Ottawa to Geoff Cooper. Laura Penny ’92 (Maid of
On August 20, 2005, Scott Ross '95
currently live in Fredericton, NB. Andrea Francq '95 and Kevin Sealy were married on July 9, 2005
Honour), Brian Mok ’92, Adrian Dunn ’92, Bill Lett ’92, Andrew Grace ’93 (Best Man), Matt Hines ’92, and James Smith ’93 were in attendance. Marcia (nee Gidley)’92 and Rob Tupling were married on September 10, 2005 in Bala,
(L) Marcia (nee Gidley)'92 and Rob Tupling (Middle R) Hines-Buechele wedding: (L-R) Sal Majeed, Laura Penny ’92, Jen Helsing ’92, Matthew Hines ’92, Franziska Buechele, Bill Lett ’92, Kristy Hook, Melanie McKee, and Ehren Mendum ’92 (Bottom R): L-R: Hélène Deacon ’95, Chris Howard '95, Kirsten Franklin, Scott Ross '95, Heather Paterson '95, Todd Lamont '95, and Sue Holland '95
p39
(L) Harper Shirley Veronica Hyslop (M) Al, Griffin, and Paula (nee Crawford) Mbonda ’99 (R) The Carlow family
Births Rob MacKinlay ’70 and his wife,
(born November 13, 2001) and
born on March 18, 2005 in Perth,
Wendi, are the proud grandpar-
William (born September 7, 2003).
Australia and weighing 3.33 kg.
Jack Dooley Danford Heeney was
Paula (nee Crawford) ’99 and Al
born to Polly and Matthew
Mbonda have had permanent
Heeney ’87 on June 3, 2005,
smiles on their faces since July 11,
ents of Madeline Grace MacKinlay, who arrived to parents Rob Jr. and Stephanie MacKinlay on August 10, 2005.
weighing 8 lbs. 7 oz. He is the
2005 when their son, Griffin
Crown Prince Felipe ’85 and
tenth grandchild for Goodith
Maloney Mbonda (a.k.a. Fin)
Princess Letizia of Spain gave
Heeney, and cousin to Trevor ’00,
entered the world—named after
birth to Leonore on October 31,
Malcolm ’02, and Rachel (Gr. 9).
the Guelph Gryphon Arena where
2005.
his parents met. Alumni uncles, Brian Mok ’92 and his wife,
Harper Shirley Veronica Hyslop
Christine, have a new addition to
arrived into the world on
their family, Nathan Elias Mok
November 30, 2005, weighing in at
was born on August 8, 2005
a healthy 5 lbs. 10 oz. Proud
weighing in at 7 lbs. 10 oz.
parents are Carlyn and James Hyslop ’85.
Cameron Crawford ’02 and Mackenzie Crawford ’05, make excellent role models. Triscia, toddler Jack, and Ray Carlow (staff ) welcomed Kathryn
Annabel Craig ’00 and Philip
Mary Carlow on August 26, 2005.
Craig ’91 are pleased to announce Laure and Ian Hamilton ’87
that their brother, David Craig
Faculty members, Stuart Lee and
would like to update their class-
’89, and his wife Sarah, are the
Diane Rogers gave birth to Stuart
mates on their family, including
proud parents of Matilda Craig,
Parker Rogers Lee (7 lbs. 14 oz.)
Emilie
on October 17, 2005.
(L) Emilie and William Hamilton (M) Matilda Craig (R) L-R: Tilson, Diane, Stuart, and Stuart Parker Rogers.
p40
Remembering Reverend Jack Cranston ...
Reverend John “Jack” Cranston on June 7, 2005 in Newport, RI
where his parents and sister lived.
until June of 1956. He then
Canada being at war, Jack came to
returned to the U.S. and taught in
the school in September of 1941 to
Wallingford, Connecticut; then to
teach, having met the headmaster,
Newport, RI in 1963 as Head of St.
Windy Smith, earlier in the year.
Michael's School. In 1971, he was
Being a U.S. Coast Guard
invited to become the first head-
Reservist, unfortunately for us he
master of "The New School" when
was called back for active duty
it was founded. He retired in 1983
when the U.S. entered the war.
and has since been connected in
His war years were spent
various capacities with his church,
convoying ships from
St. John the Evangelist.
Newfoundland to Britain, C.O. of a cutter convoying ships from the
Bob Ketchum '49 Boys who were at the school in the 1940s and 50s will have been
Mississippi to the Panama Canal and finally as the C.O. of a tanker carrying aviation fuel.
His parents had a boys’ camp in the mountains of New Hampshire near Hillsboro which Jack helped run during the summer months, and several Grove boys had their
saddened to read of the death of
After the war, he came back to the
first summer jobs as counsellors.
Jack Cranston in the last issue of
school in the spring of 1946 and
Their first trip to the U.S. North
the Grove News. He was a beloved
taught to the end of June 1948. He
Star Camp was magical as many of
teacher and friend to all at
then went to the General
the boys had never been out of the
Lakefield and will be greatly
Theological Seminary in New York
city. It was also Jack's favourite
missed. My first memories were
City, was ordained an Episcopal
place. His ashes are scattered
that of a small boy in one of the
priest in 1952, and then to
there.
junior dorms, being read to, in
Columbia University 1952-1953.
nightly installments, after lights
He also received his Masters
out, The Wind in the Willows, by
degree in theology from the
Jack in his most expressive and
Berkley Divinity School at Yale
delightful manner that kept us on
University.
Jack leaves his wife Elizabeth, sister Priscilla, daughter Althea, head of the English department at a private day school in Cambridge, Massachusetts, son, James, a
the edge of our beds. He returned to Lakefield in 1953
builder of note on Martha's
Jack was an American who had a
with his delightful bride, Elizabeth
Vineyard, and son Jeremy, who
degree from Brown University,
Finlayson, to teach and be the
builds and/or restores old homes
living in Wakefield, Rhode Island
Chaplain, and stayed at the school
in Seattle.
In Our Memories Katherine “Betty” Mockridge on March 2, 2005. Mother
Marjorie Edna Carter on August 6, 2005. Mother to
of John Mockridge ’53, Britton Mockridge ’59 and
Brian Carter and grandmother to Andrew Carter ’96.
William Mockridge ’66. Pam (Heseltine) Balfour on August 6, 2005. Wife of William “Bill" Archbold on August 4, 2005. Father of Richard Archbold ’69.
Paul Balfour ’81.
p41
... and Leonardo Brizio ’68 Bob Mackett '68 From the early to late sixties, Leonard was a classmate, roommate, teammate, thespian, and friend to a number of people who attended Lakefield College School. While he was only at Lakefield for what in hindsight seems like a few short years, he has left a mark with his classmates that will last a lifetime for each and every one of us.
At The Grove, Leonard was recog-
rable dramatic productions staged
nized as a hardworking athlete,
at the school. He worked on the
learning new games and devel-
team that produced the school
oping the skills that went along
year book and so one suspects that
with playing them well. He always
his love of the world of newspa-
played with a great deal of heart
pers in fact had an embryonic start
and spirit. Football in the fall,
at Lakefield.
hockey in the winter and cricket in the summer...quite a testament to the determination of a young boy who but a few short years before had emigrated to Canada from
Within a short period of time after
Italy without knowing a word of
his arrival at Lakefield, Leonard
English let alone the knowledge of
seemed bent on establishing a
how to play any of these games. He
reputation as an entertaining
eventually earned a position on
maverick (some might even
the first team for each of these
describe him as the ultimate
sports. In his final year he was also
enthusiastic eccentric!). From his
appointed a Prefect of the school.
rendition, from the front balcony of the school on May Day, as he addressed “the proletariats” in the courtyard, to his own rendition of working in the pits at the Indianapolis 500 as we changed a tire on Hendren's “meat wagon” (the ancient limousine sometimes transported the team bus overflow of boys to sports events) on the shoulder of the 401 highway while Ken the driver stood spellbound and just watched.
It was quite a journey from Bologna, Italy to Lakefield College
Many of us from the Class of ’68 were fortunate and privileged to spend time with him last year when he returned to Canada for our class reunion. We were a happy family and we all miss him today. He has left us with a wealth of memories to tide us over in the years to come.
Leonardo Brizio ’68 on December 7, 2005 in Hong Kong. Image below is of Leonard while at The Grove, 1967
School. While at Lakefield Leonard became engaged in most activities offered as part of the extensive school curriculum. He derived great pleasure in gently baiting many of the masters who attempted to put us through our academic paces. He never missed the opportunity to perform on stage and was an active participant in many of the most memo-
David Sanceau Walks ’53 on August 10, 2005 in
Ray Coyne ’59 on September 15, 2005.
Niagara on the Lake. Dr. William Eugene Pace on November 10, 2005. David Gordon Dunn ’62 on August 13, 2005.
Father of John Pace ’72, Al Pace ’77, and grandfather to Taylor (Grade 11).
John Syrett on August 18, 2005. Father to Nick Syrett ’93 and Tim Syrett ’95.
Photography by Simon Spivey
4391 County Rd. 29, Lakefield, ON Canada K0L 2H0
If addressee has moved, DO NOT forward. Return with present address if known. Mailed under Canada Post Publication Agreement # 40025808 The Grove News is published twice a year by the Advancement Office. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact Tracey Blodgett at 705.652.3324 or tblodgett@lakefieldcs.on.ca, or visit our website at www.lakefieldcs.on.ca