Spring/Summer 2010

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Calendar of Events 2010/11

For details please refer to our school calendar at www.lcs.on.ca September

JANUARY

21

Grade 7 & 8 Parents’ Reception

28

Kingston Pub Night

24

Grade 11 & 12 Parents’ Reception

20

Montreal Meet & Greet

25 Grade 9 & 10 Parents’ Reception Fall Fair/ Home to the Grove Reunion

FEBRUARY 11

London, ON Pub Night

October

18

Peterborough Pub Night

7

UK Friends of LCS Dinner (London)

APRIL

8

London, UK Pub Night

6

Toronto Meet & Greet

13

Grove Society Meeting (LCS)

18

Grove Society Meeting (LCS)

15

Halifax Pub Night

20

LCS Parents’ Reception (Toronto)

23 Admissions Open House

MAY

30 Trustees’ Meeting/Dinner

14

Trustees’ Meeting

November

27

Grove Society Volunteer Recognition Event

4

Networking Speaker Event (Toronto)

28

Regatta Day

6

Pre-1950s’ Old Boys Reunion

JUNE

19

Guelph/Waterloo Pub Night

8

Grove Society Pot Luck Luncheon

24

Ottawa Meet & Greet

15

Grade 8 Graduation Dinner

18

Closing Grade 12 Graduation Dinner

22

The Andy Harris Cup Grove Golf Tournament

DECEMBER 3

Grove Society Christmas Meeting and Luncheon

Lakefield College Trustees 2009/10 School

Board Chair John Ryder ’77 Past Chair Jock Fleming ‘74 Vice Chair Paul Hickey Cindy Atkinson-Barnett David Bignell Walter Blackwell ’56 Doug Blakey Marilynn Booth Andrew Clarke ’85 Stephen Coates ’90 Susan DeNure Peter Dunn ’62 Signy Eaton-Shier

Michael Eatson ’83 Stephanie Edwards Bishop George Elliott Ann Farlow Romina Fontana ’94 Bill Gastle ’68 Janice Green Nicole Groves ’93 Jennifer Gruer Terry Guest* Tim Heeney ’83 Alan Ingram Warren Jones ’88 Jennifer Kotzeff Janet Lafortune Kathleen Leonard Nicholas Lewis ’77 James (Kim) Little ’53 Luke MacDonald ’10

Taylor Mackenzie ’10 Kevin Mako ’03 Kevin Malone ’77 James Matthews ’58 Andrea McConnell Jim McGowan John McRae ’70 Val McRae Tracy Morley ’93 Betty Morris Bill Morris ’70 Anil Patel ’93 Travis Price ’85 Tony Pullen ’63 Vicki Pullen Sean Quinn ’82 Kathleen Ramsay Douglas Rishor ’57 Michaele Robertson

Gretchen Ross John Schumacher Murray Sinclair ’79 Nancy Smith Scott Smith ’87 Amanda Soder ’98 Manal Stamboulie John Stelzer ’00 Losel Tethong ‘89 David Thompson Stuart Thompson ’91 Richard Tucker ’77 Tim Ward ’62 Jane Waterous Gordon Webb ’72 Chris White ’90 Jamie White ’79 Cathy Wilson Terry Windrem

(Front Cover) Joel Brennan ’12 practising new white water techniques while out with the LCS Kayaking Team.

Jock Fleming ’74 John K. Hepburn ’68 Angus MacNaughton ’48 Jeffrey Marshall Andrea McConnell Robert McEwen Honorary Chair Rosemary Phelan Paul Desmarais Jr. ’73 Kathleen Ramsay Chair Donald Ross ’48 Bill Morris ’70* Thomas Ryder ’53 (as of May, 2010) Géza von Diergardt Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87 William Wells ’78 Marilynn Booth Richard Wernham Bruce Boren ’87 Graham Worsfold Jonathan Carroll ’87 HRH Duke of York ’78 Brian Carter* Michael Cooper Directors in Bold Stan Dunford * Honorary Alumni Erin Yeatman HRH Duke of York ’78

Foundation

Our Majestic Grove Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 A few years ago, I received a call from a distant relative who wanted my impressions on The Grove.

He was considering sending his daughter to the school and wanted

Expedition, the extensive Outdoor

solutions (p.14). Another article

Education program and the

expresses concerns over the

waterfront setting, students are

annual Turtle Race at Closing,

extended a wealth of opportunities

demonstrating how the community

to not only enjoy nature but to

places the importance of nature

respect and cherish it.

above tradition (p.11). Imparting such environmental stewardship

to know everything before deciding

Within the pages of this issue is a

if it was a good fit for her. He asked

reminder of The Grove’s majestic

about the academic strengths of

setting and how both academic

the school, what living away from

and non-academic activities are at

home was like, the extracurricular

the very core of the school’s ability

programs, and concluded by asking

to inspire students. Lisa Clarke

one simple question: “What makes

writes that “if the grove of maple

Lakefield different from other

trees is the school’s heart, the lake

institutions?” In thinking about my

is its belly” (p.17) and that few

time at The Grove, I immediately

independent schools in Canada

pointed to the advantages of the

are as fortunate to enjoy such a

Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 is

school’s location and the outdoor

nature-filled campus. Dr. Heather

a Toronto-based journalist and

activities that I was fortunate

Avery examines Mike Arsenault’s

writer who has written for such

enough to participate in. From

biology class where students spend

publications as the Globe and Mail

going on canoe trips, taking part

time investigating environmental

in the Brigantines, to the Irving

problems and thinking about

and participating in outdoor activities is the same sentiment that I tried to convey to my relative: that The Grove not only teaches students about the natural world but also opens up opportunities for them to experience and learn about it in a very intimate, handson manner.

and Maclean’s.

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | i

From the Head of School David Thompson From his Closing Speech, June 2010 When Sparham Sheldrake founded the school 131 years ago, there was a large private house, some cow barns and a square in front of the house where wood was piled for the furnace.

The students at The Grove adapted to a life of pumping the water out of the well, heating it on the kitchen stove, and pouring it into a wooden tub in which three students would have a Saturday night bath. The toilets were about a hundred feet outside and as one student proclaimed, “It was not very pleasant, especially at night.”

By the 1900s and under the leadership of Dr. Mackenzie, the school added classrooms, an assembly hall, and dorms to accommodate up to 40 students. In the mid1920s a chapel was built for $5,000 and the following year a wing was added for an additional $10,000.

After some challenging times, Winder Smith erased the school’s deficit and debt, purchased the land between Grove House and the lake and oversaw the construction of Memorial House, the classroom wing, and the dining hall.

Since then, there have been many additions and renovations including a refurbished theatre, residences, new field space, a new chapel, Duke of York Hall, the

ii | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

learning centre and, most recently, Hadden Hall and Cooper House.

Today, we talk less about outdoor plumbing and more about carbon footprint and environmental sustainability. In the past two years, the school has made many strides forward in this area including ground source heating and air conditioning, tankless hot water heaters, school-wide energy management systems, energy efficient lighting, composting of organic waste, and solar panels in the near future.

During the history of the school, we have seen the student population grow from 15 boys to 220 boys to a coeducational school with 365 students. This year, we celebrated 20 years of coeducation.

We tend to think of established schools as steeped in tradition and resistant to change. But Lakefield has always understood that change is important, necessary, and part of the healthy evolution of the school. Prince Philip once said, “Change does not change tradition.

It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an opportunity, not a threat.”

As much as there have been substantial facility improvements and changes to composition and size, the emphasis on maintaining the mission and values of the school by focusing on educating the individual student in a holistic way has remained paramount.

One of the first advertisements for The Grove read: “Mr. Sheldrake receives a limited number of pupils into his house for board and tuition and gives his whole

experience and we want to be in a position to allow any deserving student the opportunity to participate in that experience.

and undivided attention to their instruction in all

Today we celebrate and say farewell to a graduating class

the elementary branches of an English and classical

that has truly embraced the values of the school and is

education. Special care is taken to inculcate moral and

part of our evolving change. Farewell may sound like a

gentlemanly principles and every possible attention is

permanent word, but it has an overtone that is right for

paid to their domestic comfort and happiness.”

today. Because saying farewell carries a touch of sadness

Ironically, that decree is not that far off the school’s current promotional tagline of “the best day ever.”

The mission and values statement of The Grove today could have been the mission statement and values of The Grove 131 years ago. I would contend these are even more relevant and important in today’s society. In many ways, our faculty strive even harder to emphasize these goals in their daily interactions with students.

Trust, education of the whole person, and a healthy caring community represent the foundation upon which all change at The Grove must stand. Our mission and

for me, as it does for the entire faculty; in the time that you have spent with us—whether that is one year or six years—we have all grown very fond of you.

Each of you has strengthened the school in your own unique way. I am particularly grateful to our head students, Cam Boland and Marshall Slipp, for their guidance and boundless enthusiasm.

The graduates have worked hard, experienced much, and contributed to the betterment, not only of our community, but many around the world. All of this has opened the doors of opportunity for them.

values of individuality, citizenship, and learning are the

This opportunity brings responsibility and I would ask

roots that have allowed The Grove to flourish.

that you consider the following as you leave us:

With this backdrop of tradition, a strong foundation,

NN Enhance the well-being of those less educated and

and highly relevant mission and values, the school has

less fortunate than you. Share the good fortune that

embarked on a new strategic plan that will guide us to

you have lived with at The Grove so that you will

2017. This is an exciting process in an educational and

make this fragile planet a better place to live.

economic environment that is dramatically shifting.

For this reason it is important that the values of the school remain constant. I would like to share some of the thoughts that are emerging from our preliminary discussions.

We know that the role of technology will continue to change the way that we think about and deliver

NN Value truth and pursue it in your studies and in your work days ahead. Look around the world today and know that it is desperately needed—demand it of yourself and of others.

NN Remember that you, as a group of 99 individuals, will never be assembled like this again. The

education.

memories of what you have lived and learned

We also know that critical thinking, synthesizing

other. Preserve them and revisit them often.

information, collaboration, and imagination are skills that will allow our graduates to excel when they leave

together as a class are your unique bond with each

NN Rejoice in the love and support of your family,

The Grove.

friends, and faculty and remember to say thank you.

The challenges of sustaining our fragile planet and the

you may cherish these friendships.

people on it become more profound each year. Our graduates will play an important role in making sure we

Look after each other so that for many years to come

Remember that your life, like Lakefield College School,

all live in a better world.

will undergo many evolutions, but that The Grove values

The school understands the significant financial

beacon.

sacrifices made by families to allow their children to attend The Grove. Our responsibility is to ensure that our students have a rewarding and enriching

that we have shared with you will serve as a bright

We have asked you to leave the school and our world better than when you arrived—you have done that and more, and we commend you all.

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | iii

From the Chair of the Board John Ryder ’77, Chair of the Board From his Closing Speech, June 19, 2010

experience, but at the same time an expectation for different skills and approaches to careers, to education, to social interaction, and to the opportunities that

These last few months have given rise to a different

are available to us as we explore and interact in other

perspective and appreciation—in this case for

regions of the world.

community, friendships, and their support. These are things that we all benefit from and have been so freely and generously extended to me. Social structures are integral features of our community here at The Grove as they are elsewhere in our lives. They nurture our growth, they encourage adventure, and they share in our successes as they support us in our failures or times of need.

What we learn from this emerging view is that there is increasing emphasis on mantras surrounding collaboration, productivity, sustainability, value, and innovation. In a sense, although we consider some of these as necessary ingredients for preservation, or for progress and enhancement, they are a by-product of the application of knowledge. That is to imply that at the core of this is perpetual education, and that it has

The custom of freedom to explore—a hallmark of

an ongoing and integral place in our lives to prepare

Lakefield College School that has been retained

us to investigate and synthesize information for

because of the belief that the results would be worth

application and innovation.

the risks—achieves greater results when coupled with the strength and support of community. “The Grove Experience,” or perhaps “The Grove Exploration,” is as much about academic or athletic pursuits as it is about citizenship, a sense of respect for others, or an expanded awareness of our role and place in a modern global environment.

Our community, our friendships, our collaborative social and professional networks extend further today than they have in the past. Yet, we know that these networks will reach even further tomorrow with the advent of new technologies, lessening influence of geographical separation bringing with this fewer accessibility constraints. This expanding reach is as much a reality of the workplace as it is for us here at Lakefield College School. The accelerating pace of technological change and globalization brings tremendous opportunity to broaden the educational

iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 2008

Whether it be in an academic pursuit or an adventure, the result is undoubtedly greater as a collaborative activity. The supporting resources of an investigative and interpretive approach place greater emphasis on research and communication skills, to some extent the technology to facilitate access, as the enablers of experience and of exploration.

The freedom to explore, because the results are worth the risks in an increasingly collaborative environment, can only lead to greater achievement and fulfillment.

Our challenge as we leave today, whether as Grads, or to return next year, is to embrace, to accept the challenge, experience, and explore with the confidence that comes from the support of your community. We are so fortunate to have so much available to us.

Thank you.

New Interim Head for Lakefield College School

2

Head Students’ Closing Address

4

Closing Awards

6

Remember, Life is Constructed, Dan Needles ’69

8

The End of a Tradition

11

School Highlights

13

There is No Life Without Water

14

Lessons From the Lake

16

Our Very Own Dog Whisperer: Over 20 Years at The Grove and Loving It!

21

David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar

23

The Value of Financial Assistance

24

From the Archives

26

Down With Kyle Fairlie ’03

28

Gandhi Pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all

30

Class News (Weddings, Births)

33

In Our Memories

38

Editor: Tracey Blodgett; Layout & Design and Copy Editor: Christine Vogel; Contributing Editor: Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ‘96; Editorial Committee: Heather Avery, Lisa Clarke, Richard Johnston, Richard Life, Sarah McMahon, Tom Milburn, and David Thompson. 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@lcs.on.ca

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 1

New Interim Head for Lakefield College School On June 22, 2010, David Thompson tendered his resignation as Head of Lakefield College School and CEO of the Lakefield College School Foundation.

David, his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys, John and Matthew enthusiastically immersed themselves in the LCS campus and community upon their arrival in the summer of 2008. David arrived in time to oversee the final stages of construction of the student recreation centre followed closely by the start of construction on the Cooper House Residence. He led the school during the period of economic recession. In addition, David’s passion for the environment was a driving force in the many sustainable initiatives the school has adopted and in other projects yet to be implemented.

John Ryder ’77 (Chair, LCS School Board) and Bill Morris ’70 (Chair, LCS Foundation Board) shared in a recent communication, “We are grateful for David’s leadership of LCS during the past two years of economic challenge.

Both the school and foundation are very well-positioned for continued success. David’s passion and energy in the areas of environmental leadership, curriculum innovation, and endowment have inspired the Lakefield community. These initiatives will continue to be priorities as we plan for the future of the school.”

Subsequently, the school and foundation boards jointly announced the appointment of Sarah McMahon, Associate Head: External & COO of the Lakefield College School Foundation, as the Interim Head of Lakefield College School for the period August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011.

Their message states, “Sarah joined the LCS team in 1999 as Director of Admissions after holding similar positions at Wasatch Academy in Utah and Sedbergh School in Québec. Over the past decade she has excelled at a number of roles and key projects that have been crucial to the success of Lakefield College School … Sarah has been a trusted friend, advisor, and ear to hundreds of students and parents who have called LCS home during that time … Sarah is fond of the phrase, “It’s all about the kids” and we expect this will be a prime focus for her year as Interim Head.”

In response to the announcement, Sarah replied, “I am deeply honoured to begin my role as Interim Head of Lakefield College School … I would like to thank the school and the foundation boards for their confidence and support. I look forward to working with them during the year ahead and I will rely on their active participation and wise counsel. Similarly, I will seek the broad support and guidance of the school’s management team, faculty, and staff—a dedicated group of professionals who love The Grove as much as I do.”

The school and foundation boards are pleased to report that, “Lakefield College School is in a very strong financial position. Whether you look at the exceptional school year we have just wrapped up for our students, the marketleading admissions numbers we have earned in a very competitive and challenging environment, or the energy and innovation at work within the academic program and school life areas, we are very optimistic about the school’s future. We trust that you will join us in congratulating Sarah on her new role and provide her with that special LCS support that this community is so famous for.”

The boards have begun the process of a formal search for a new Head/CEO to begin in the 2011/12 academic year. Paul Hickey, incoming Chair of the Lakefield College School Board, has been selected to chair the search committee.

2 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 3

Head Students’ Closing Address—June 2010 Cameron Boland and Marshall Slipp, Class of 2010 Congratulations Grads! There are 99 individuals in our

afraid of diversity; just as different types of wood and

graduating class and today is our day to remember how

different fuels make for a good fire, diversity in the

we spent our time and what it is that we learned at this

student population makes for a better school. We

school. All we really need to know about how to live

should all celebrate our differences.

and what to do, and how to be, we learned here at The Grove!

We have learned how lucky we really are—there is a difference between a right and a privilege. Many

We learned about how important traditions are—

of us have travelled to third world countries to help

everything from the fun and silly little traditions that

underprivileged families. We are all members of a

the students have in their last weeks here at The Grove

small planet and the only thing separating us from

to the long-standing traditions like the crest that is

these families is the privilege of where we were born.

emblazoned on all of the students’ jackets—and how

We are all lucky to be attending such an amazing

they have a place in life.

school.

The school crest holds the school motto—mens sana

We have learned to take out our trash. We are not

in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body. One

perfect, however, when we make a mess we have

hundred and thirty-one years after Sparham Sheldrake

learned to take ownership.

opened the school, this has remained as the central way in which the school operates. Participating in these traditions helps to build and create meaning in your life.

We have learned to do good things always. At every turn in life’s path there is often a chance to help someone else; do not expect anything in return … do it because it is most rewarding.

We have learned the importance of saying “thank you.” We have the privilege of being here because of the support and encouragement of our family, friends, and teachers. We will always continue to support each other and remember to say “thank you.”

We have learned to be happy in all we do in life— both good and bad. When you carry a smile it has a contagious reaction. It will not only make you feel

We have learned how important it is to always walk

better, but it will brighten the lives of everyone you

through puddles. It is OK to occasionally get a little bit

meet.

dirty as you travel life’s path. You shouldn’t spend too much time sanitizing every part of your life or you will wash the colour and character out of yourself.

We have learned the meaning of the True North. You should always show your true colours in life and be who you really are. Don’t pretend ... be engaged! It is

We have learned how important unicorns are—well,

the spontaneous moments in life you will remember

that’s basically all that many of us learned in Grade

and that people will really remember you by. So much

9 outdoor education. But outdoor education was

of life can be covered in that oily paint of the polite and

something different. In that class we learned how

correct—yet it is the unvarnished moments that we will

important it is to spend time and learn outside.

remember.

We have learned how to build a fire. The first thing you

You learn a lot of things during your time here at The

should do is establish your base. Start with kindling

Grove, but what really matters is what you take with

and continue by strengthening the foundation with

you.

different types, sizes, and shapes of wood. Don’t be 4 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

So as we realize what this school has taught us about

remember the quote from Robert Fulghum, “No matter

how to live and how to be, we also realize that our

how old you are—when you go out into the world, it is

graduation isn’t the end, but merely just the beginning

best to hold hands and stick together.”

of our lives.

To next year’s graduating class: we learned how to

In our time here we also learned that it can be helpful

show respect and be a role model. Be yourselves, lead

to throw away your pruning shears. Success is not

by example, and always remember to have fun. Don’t

always about conforming to what everyone else is

turn back if you make a mistake, just learn from the

doing, but about creating and ploughing your own path

mistake and carry on. Make next year your best year

towards what makes you happy.

yet! And remember to always say please and thank

All of the graduates standing behind us here today have

you.

had to suffer through the last few months of perpetual

What will our future hold? No one can answer this

questions by friends, family, and strangers—“Do

question, but we can always look back and remember

you know where you are going to university? Do you

our time here at The Grove.

know what you are going to study?” With seemingly underlying questions, “Are you going to be successful?”

But what is the true meaning of success?

Success in life is having friends. Success is when you develop depth of character. Success is the feeling you get when you reach the finish. If you work hard at something and feel you have contributed, it is your success. Success is …

Well, success means something different to everyone.

Bring the things you have learned here at The Grove to help bring about success in your life, and always

When we look around at all of the graduating students behind us we see artists, musicians, potential politicians, athletes, and leaders. Every action of this class has been informed by spirit, passion, and a commitment to excellence, but the one thing that defines our character is our legacy of unity. We lived by what we said, leading by example and following through.

So, take what we have learned and run with it, and always remember what Mr. Spock from Star Trek said, “Live long and prosper.”

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 5

Closing Awards—June 19, 2010 Academic Proficiency Standing Top of Form

Grade 7

Adrien Vilcini

Grade 10

Samier Kamar

Grade 8 Richie Lee

Grade 11 Rebekah Sibbald

Grade 9 Millie Yates

Grade 12

Katie Jones (Governor General’s Medal)

Curriculum Area Prizes English

Fine Arts

The Grade 7/8 Humanities Prize: Devon Cole

The Junior/Intermediate Drama Prize: Samier Kamar

The Dela Fosse Prize (Junior): Teraleigh Stevenson

The David Bierk Visual Arts Prize: Derek Shin

The Intermediate English Prize: Rebekah Sibbald

The Senior Music Prize: Angela Lee

The Senior English Prize: Emmy Pullen

The Senior Drama Prize: Megn Walker

The I. Norman Smith Prize for Studies in English Literature: Katie Jones

Modern Languages

The English Writers’ Craft Prize: Gabrielle Cormier

The Junior Modern Languages Prize: Christopher Chan

Fine Arts

The Intermediate Modern Languages Prize: Robert Selman The Core French Prize: Christine Davidson

The Hubert Eisdell Award (Junior/Intermediate Music): Risako Tamura

The Advanced Placement Extended French Prize: Gabrielle Cholette

The Junior/Intermediate Fine Arts Prize: Christina Chan

HRH Prince of Asturias Spanish Prize: Maki Ishida

(Below) Back Row L-R: Grade 8 Graduates Tom Chan, Sam Dalton, Elisha Sarkis, Ivraj Cheema, Nik Nemeczek, Jaron Kaller, Alex Hooke-Wood, Scott Garland, Alex Sifton, Graham Andras. Front Row L-R: Nikhil Rajdev, Daniel Zahradnik, Devon Cole, Evie Jenden-Selway, Rachel Grant-Steinkrauss, Joanne McCloskey, Natalie Wagner, Nic Worsfold, Prag Rajdev, Richie Lee. Missing: Jessica Williams

6 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Curriculum Area Prizes Mathematics

Science and Technology

The Grade 7/8 Mathematics, Science & Technology Prize: Richie Lee

The Physics Prize: Katie Jones

The Paterson Junior Mathematics Prize: Samier Kamar

The Communications Technology Prize: Meggy Chan

The Intermediate Mathematics Prize: Teruki Tauchi

The McLimont Scholarship for Engineering: Harry Lee

The Earth and Space Science Prize: Megn Walker

The Mathematics of Data Management Prize: Angela Lee The Advanced Functions Prize: Taylor Joo

Social Sciences and Outdoor Education

Professor M. Mackenzie Prize for Calculus: Kathleen Logie

The Grade 7 & 8 Social Sciences Prize: Prag Rajdev

The Larry Griffiths Prize for Advanced Placement Calculus: Katie Jones

The T.H.B. Symons Canadian Studies Prize (Junior): Teraleigh Stevenson

Science and Technology

The Intermediate Outdoor Education Prize: Teraleigh Stevenson

The Junior Outdoor Education Prize: Josh Walker

The A.W. Mackenzie Environmental Award for Junior Science & Technology: Celeste Hutton The Intermediate Science and Technology Prize: Michael Casson

The American History Prize: Emmy Pullen The Susan Guest Outdoor Education Prize: Rebekah Sibbald The Classical Civilizations Prize: Kate Seo

The Biology Prize: Ashley Patel

The Economics Prize: Ashley Patel

The Mrs. A.W. Mackenzie Prize for Biology Advanced Placement Biology: Katie Jones

The World History Prize: Gabrielle Cormier

The Chemistry Prize: David Evelyn

The Canada & World Issues Prize: Priya Maini

The Advanced Placement Chemistry Prize: Katie Jones

The Politics Advanced Placement Prize: Gabrielle Cormier

The Canadian and International Law Prize: Dina El-Baradie

The Advanced Placement Computer Science Prize: Harry Lee

Character and Achievement Awards The Harman Award: Jaron Kaller

Senior Edson Pease Prize: Robbie Dickinson

The Gaby Award: Nik Nemeczek

H.M. Silver Jubilee Award: Cameron Boland

The Junior Grove Society Prize: Lyndsay Armstrong

The Nelles Prize: Keenan Murray

The Fred Page Higgins Award: Millie Yates

The J.R. Anderson Award: Maki Ishida

Junior Edson Pease Prize: Samier Kamar

John Pearman Martyn Sibbald Prize: Bea Chan

The Jean Ketchum Prize: Rhiannon Gilbart

The Ondaatje Foundation Award: Gabrielle Cormier

The Stephen Thompson Prize: Rebekah Sibbald

The Monty Bull Award: Hillie Allen

The Senior Grove Society Prize: Matt Chi

The Jack Matthews Humanitarian Award: Priya Maini

The Milligan Awards: Marshall Slipp, Kate Carroll

The Whitney Prize: Kelsey Slobodian

The King Constantine Medal: Dana Madill

Jean and Winder Smith Award: Jamie Cooper

The Grove Award: Andrew Dupuis, Harry Lee

The Trustees’ Prize: Katie Jones

The Crombie Award: Ashley Patel

British Alumni Travelling Scholarship: Kate Carroll

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 7

Remember, Life is Constructed Keynote Address by Dan Needles ’69, Closing 2010 I had a pretty rough start here at Lakefield in the fall of 1964. For some reason, my mother decided I should bring a sheep with me to school.

I had raised an orphan lamb on a bottle that summer at the farm. Her name was Myrtle and she followed me around like a dog. The day we left for Lakefield, my mother suddenly ripped the back seat out of our Volkswagen and shoved Myrtle in beside my big trunk.

The headmaster, Jack Matthews, just shrugged his shoulders when he saw Myrtle and said maybe she could be the mascot for the football team. So she moved down to the stable to live with the horses. Maybe my mother thought Myrtle would be lonely without me. Maybe she thought that showing up at school with a sheep would help her son build character. But it took me two years of fistfights before I could walk down a hallway in this school without hearing someone say, “baaaaa!”

Sheep have appeared at several turning points in my life. After LCS, I went off on a tour of the world to find myself. I got all the way to Australia and found work on a sheep station in Western Queensland.

On the first day, my employers Mick and Dave took me out to an enormous truck with three decks crammed full of sheep. Mick pointed to the ladder and said, “Danny, climb up there and throw every sheep off that has no top front teeth.” I climbed up to the top deck, grabbed a sheep and pulled up his lip and found, as luck would have it, no top front teeth. I pitched it down the chute and went looking for another one. Same thing. This went on for about fifteen minutes until I came back to the top of the chute, out of breath and sweating and said, “Mick, none of these sheep has any top front teeth!” And Mick said, “Hey Dave, that’s 42. I believe the Canadian has set a new record.” For sheep do not have top front teeth.

That is the oldest joke in Australia. Then they put me to work out in the fields “dagging.” This is pretty much the worst job in Australia. It involves taking the crappy dag ends of wool off the rear ends of sheep with a pair of hand shears. They drove me out into the scrub until we found a flock of sheep and they dropped me off with two sheepdogs (also named Mick and Dave), a water bag, and a pair of shears. The two dogs would run circles around the flock, bunching them together so tightly that I could wade into the middle of them and grab any sheep I wanted. I was supposed to find the ones with crap caked on their rear

8 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

ends and cut it off with the shears. These were usually

months later, I married that brown-haired shepherdess

the ones with no top front teeth.

and we’ve been keeping sheep together ever since.

I did this every day for six weeks, in blistering heat with

If you are anything like my kids you probably have

nothing but Vegemite sandwiches and a quart sealer of

some deep concerns about the state of the world. That’s

tea for lunch. One stifling afternoon, I remember it was

understandable. When I left these grounds 42 years

well over a hundred degrees in the waterbag and a huge

ago, I was pretty worried about the world, too. 1968 was

cloud of flies followed me wherever I went. I tipped up

not a very good year for North America. My grandfather

yet another disgusting old ewe and I stared at her for

was also deeply worried about the world when he was a

the longest time. Then suddenly, inspiration struck

student here at Lakefield in 1896. He was so upset about

me like a thunderbolt. I said to myself, out loud to the

the failure of his teachers to grapple with the world’s

other sheep, as I remember, “Maybe I should go back to

problems that he walked down the hill into the village

school.”

and hopped on a freight train back to Toronto.

I also have pleasant associations with sheep. Many

I remember what bothered me more than anything

years later I drove out of Toronto one crisp morning

else was the nagging feeling that the world was full and

in March to visit with one of the neighbours in the old

there wasn’t really any room left for me. I wasn’t sure if

farm community where I grew up. The farmer was out

I would be needed for anything. Then I spent the next

in the barn with his daughter, a very pretty girl with

couple of years travelling in Australia and the South

her long hair tied up in ribbons. I soon found myself

Pacific, and cycling around England and France. At the

helping with the spring lambing. The young lady dried

University of Toronto I found writers from a hundred,

off one of the newborn lambs, held it up to her face

two hundred, even five hundred years ago who all

and just breathed it in. “They have a wonderful smell,”

thought that the world was in terrible shape. And then I

she said. “They smell new.” I held it up to my face

read playwrights from ancient Greece who complained

and breathed it in. It smelled like poop to me. But six

that all the good stories had already been told. I started

that all the good stories had already been told. I started

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 9

making my living with the one gift I knew I had, which

Remember that life is a constructed thing. It doesn’t

was the ability to put words together on paper. And

happen all at once no matter how much you want it

I found work as a journalist, later as a speechwriter,

to. You have to build it piece by piece, patiently over a

and later still as a public relations executive for a big

period of three generations, if you’re lucky. You’ll hear

insurance company.

people say that you need to make plans but in my view,

Then I found the shepherdess and she helped me to make a complete leap into the dark. I decided to give up my secure job at the insurance company, move back to the farm community where I grew up and try to make a

plans aren’t that important. There is an old Yiddish proverb that says men make plans and God laughs. What is really important is to make decisions. Life can be very unkind to people who won’t make up their minds.

living as a writer. I look back on it now and it seems like a

I like farmers. I like the way they talk. I like the way they

crazy decision. But it was the best thing I ever did.

think. I have been listening to farmers ever since I was

When they asked me to give this address today, I wondered what on earth I might have to say to a young person starting out in the world. I have two sons and two daughters of my own, two in university and two still in high school. So I’ll say the same thing to you that I say to them.

The best thing you can do is to make a home; shoulder your way into a human community, sit in one place and try to do good work. If you have spent any time at all in this school you should know what good work is. It could mean writing plays or keeping sheep or any number

a kid and they have helped to shape the way that I look at the world. The thing I admire most about them is that as soon as they get out of bed in the morning they start looking after the life around them. They are driven by a deep affection for the land and its possibilities. That’s what gives them a sense of purpose and meaning to their lives.

If you make a habit of looking after the life around you, doing good work and watching for that moment when you will be asked to take a terrifying leap into the dark, believe me, you’re going to do just fine.

of things. But good work is something that tries not to

Dan Needles is a noted author and playwright best known

cheat or do damage.

for his series of Letters from Wingfield Farm books and plays.

10 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

“And the turtles, of course ... All the turtles are free—As turtles and, maybe, all creatures should be.” DR. SEUSS

The End of a Tradition There are many memories that Lakefield College

from their natural habitat and the risk to endangered

School alumni share—swimming at the waterfront, a

species. As a result, the school has decided to no longer

game of outdoor shinny, running through the tunnels,

hold the turtle race.

camping in the outdoors. But one memory that is shared across the generations is the annual turtle race —going down to the waterfront, picking their racer and taking care to ensure it was ready for the annual race at Closing, and ultimately, the race. It was a natural fit for a school in such a wonderful natural setting to include the symbol of The Grove—the turtle—in our traditional Closing Ceremonies. And each year, at the end of the race, each turtle was returned to its natural environment with great care to ensure it was not harmed.

The school has been challenged to consider the implications of this race for the health and safety of our turtle population. In discussions with the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, two issues of legal

So the question has become … what will our new tradition be? How will we replace the turtle race—an integral part of our Closing traditions for generations?

There were many creative ideas including racing the Grade 9 students (dressed as turtles) on Andy Harris Field, a papier maché turtle race zipline from the dining hall; but in the end, the students and staff agreed that in reverence to a long-held tradition and our love for our environment, it cannot truly be replaced and so it will not be.

The turtle race will forever remain in our history along with the Spring Trots and the huts in the woods. It is a beloved part of LCS history that will always be remembered and cherished.

concern were raised: the removal of wild animals

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 11

12 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

School Highlights Congratulations on Spring Athletic Wins The Junior Boys’ won their first Rugby Championship at LCS since 2004, rounding out an incredible season by hosting the CISAA Junior Boys Division II Championships on our home pitch on Regatta Day.

ovations for the cast and crew. Director Paul Mason was pleased with how the group of students, with a wide range of talents and experiences, came together so successfully, “I can’t tell you how proud I was of my cast and crew,” said Mr. Mason. “They’re a lovely group of young people.”

The Girls’ Rugby and Boys’ Senior Rugby teams

Music Triathlon

wrapped up the season with impressive silver championships.

The weekend of April 16 to 18 will not easily be

The LCS Ultimate Team, Supernova, defeated Greenwood College at the CISAA Division 1 for their second Division 1 championship in three years, finishing 11th in the province!

forgotten by the 19 LCS musicians who participated in the annual Conference of Independent Schools Music Festival (CISMF) at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto.

Three days of rehearsals culminated with an exciting performance on Sunday afternoon at the home of

The 1st Softball Team captured its second CISAA

the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Our musicians

softball championship in as many years and remained

participated with over 1,400 other student musicians

unbeaten, with a perfect 14 - 0 record over the past two

from 30-plus independent schools from across Canada.

seasons.

Challenging History Sailing to the Youth Olympics

Mr. John Boyko, Dean of Social Sciences and history

Sarah Douglas ’12 was chosen to represent Canada

teacher, has recently published his fourth book, a

at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in August,

biography about former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett:

2010 in Singapore. Sarah, who recently won the 2009 Ontario Laser Radial Championship and was awarded

Bennett: The Rebel who Challenged and Changed a Nation.

the Ontario Sailing 2009 Female Junior Sailor of the

Mr. Boyko’s other publications include: Into the

Year, will be competing in the girls’ one person dinghy

Hurricane: Attacking Socialism and the CCF (2006), Last

class. Sarah was the top female sailor at the regional

Steps to Freedom: The Evolution of Canadian Racism

qualification regatta in Grand Cayman.

(1998), and Politics: Conflict and Compromise (1990).

Haiti Relief The LCS community successfully raised approximately $30,000 in support of the Haiti Relief Fund through a variety of fundraising efforts/events since the devastating earthquake. With the match of funds by the Canadian Government, the school contributed roughly $54,000 to UNICEF. In recognition of raising the most funds by a school, Bilaal Rajan ’13, Youth Ambassador for UNICEF Canada, shaved his head for the cause!

Staging a Mystery This spring, cast and crew worked together to develop the spring play, Murdered to Death—a British murder mystery farce. All three performances, with the final one on Regatta Day, were well received with standing

Duke of Edinburgh Awards On Monday, July 5, eight LCS alumni received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip at a ceremony that was held at the Royal York in Toronto.

(Opposite-Top) L-R: Champion Junior Boys’ Rugby Team; staff, students, and friends gathered to watch Youth Ambassador for UNICEF Canada Bilaal Rajan ’13, shave his head in celebration of funds raised by LCS. (Middle) Cast and crew of the spring play, Murdered to Death (Bottom) L-R: Alumni, Bianca Bell ‘06, Erica Allingham ‘07, Alison Corner ‘07, Monica Farlow ‘08, Dominique Murray ‘08, Mackenzie Crawford ‘05, Melissa Zubrickas ‘08, and Andrew Sainsbury ‘02 at the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Ceremony.

To view these and other news stories visit our website at lcs.on.ca (search by date and/ or keyword)

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 13

There is No Life Without Water New ways of teaching senior biology at LCS “Water is life’s mater and matrix,

these learning experiences are

what is for Mike a primary goal

mother and medium. There is

available to the students Mike

of education—to “understand

no life without water.” So wrote

encounters at the waterfront.

themselves in context”—to see

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Hungarian

Teachable moments abound, and

how the actions of their own

biochemist and winner of the

spontaneous teaching happens

species affect others.

Nobel Prize for Medicine. And

continually while students are

Mike Arsenault, teacher of

ostensibly learning to sail or

Although he has always been

Advanced Placement Preparatory

windsurf.

interested in water, in September 2009 Mike returned from a

Biology and AP Biology, would concur. That’s why he has situated

In fact, Lakefield’s waterfront

sabbatical energized and ready

water as the foundation for study

changes enough, even in the span

to tackle his teaching of senior

in both these classes.

of four to six years, that many LCS

biology in a new way. He had re-

students learn firsthand of shifts

surveyed the whole subject area

Mike has always been a fan of

in the ecosystem just by observing

while on leave, and realized that

water as a teaching tool and for

the waterfront during their time

he wanted to be able to “paint

him Lakefield’s waterfront campus

at the school. Zebra mussels have

pictures” for his students, to

offers a fabulous opportunity for

filtered what used to be cloudy

inspire them to deeper reflective

learning. Flipping rocks to look at

water, and that filtering in turn

thought about the material they

crayfish, understanding the power

has encouraged weed growth.

were studying, rather than place

of water and weather by handling

Witnessing this human impact

his focus on the factual elements of

waves in a canoe, observing

on an ecosystem offers students

the discipline. He also spent some

fish nesting in the spring: all of

the opportunity to experience

time investigating environmental

14 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

problems, and thinking about biology’s connections to the questions these problems posed.

When fall rolled around, he was eager to meet the “spectacular kids” that AP and AP preparatory courses attract, and to help them move from memorizing information to grasping challenging concepts and to seeing the real-life connections of the material they were studying to environmental issues.

To begin this task in the AP preparatory course, Mike turned to a familiar subject: water. “Water,” he acknowledges, “is not really on the existing curriculum of either of these courses.” But, he explains, the difficult concepts that are in the curriculum are more readily grasped by students when they study water first. When students understand how water—as the main solvent of all life works— they have a basis for approaching complex biological processes such as transpiration. Accordingly, the first unit of AP Preparatory Biology is aptly named “Water and the

is important to offer students that

in terms of how humans respond

Fitness of the Environment” and

hope, to give them the intellectual

to it, and see the “entirely different

students complete a hands-on lab

motivation to work for solutions.

experience” of water for aquatic life

entitled “Water and Life.”

forms.

Advanced Placement Biology,

Understanding the nature of water

taught to students in their Grade

“If there is magic on this planet,

also allows students to comprehend

12 year at LCS, continues the water

it is contained in water.” Loran

an environmental issue such as acid

theme, exploring topics such as

Eiseley, American anthropologist

rain. Mike sees acid rain not only

homeostasis that demonstrate how

and natural science writer made

as a complex scientific process, but

organisms adapt to various water-

this observation over sixty years

also as a science story that needs

based environments. Such study,

ago, and it still holds true in Mike

to be taught because it offers hope.

Mike notes, allows students to think

Arsenault’s classes. Mike allows

The acid rain saga demonstrates

about how forms of life respond to

his students to see the magic in

for Mike’s students that they can

harsh environments, and eventually

water—and from that experience,

change the world using what they

adapt to their circumstances.

to see their own role in preserving

study: in the case of acid rain,

Thoughtful reflection on aquatic-

and conserving its miraculous

environmental catastrophe has

based organisms pushes students

properties.

been at least partially averted

toward seeing the world from a less

through the application of scientific

anthropocentric view: they break

knowledge. Mike believes that it

away from thinking of water just

DR. HEATHER AVERY

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 15

Lessons from the Lake It is 7:00 am. The sun is barely over the horizon, teasing with the promise of warmth. The water reflects the dark foliage enveloping us. The echo of a loon dances in the mist. The chill has seeped beneath layers of sweaters nudging our sleepy bodies towards alertness.

We are hushed by the task of coordinating boats and bones. Yet, with the ripple of the first canoe disrupting the calm lake water, a rousing energy begins to build. Hearts begin to race, to pace with the slice of the paddle. The sunlight fans across the tree tops and we are awakened to the sense of being: being with one another, being with the lake, being with the earth. We are connected to the world through this sunrise paddle.

16  |  Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

The shoreline of Lake Katchewanooka is more than just an appendage of Lakefield College School. If the grove of maple trees is the school’s heart, the lake is its belly. For it is at the lake that a student’s sense of curiosity, exploration, and adventure is fed.

Students ingest the waterfront experience at the beginning of each school year during orientation events, school-wide barbeques, and campfires by the shore. And symbolically, they drink in their last graduating experience during the annual grad jump after final exams. A sunset at the waterfront truly offers nourishment for the mind, body, and soul.

(Above) Naval Cadets, Lakefield College School 1951. (Opposite) Sunrise paddle, 2010.

There are few independent schools in Canada that have the

canoeing on the lake, and the boys

navy-trim and laser-sharp.” Indeed,

good fortune to enjoy a nature-

enjoyed many annual boat rides

the waterfront did transform in

filled campus environment away

and regattas. John Morgan Gray ’23

response to Canadian participation

from the distractions of city life.

wrote in Lakefield College School:

in the Second World War: the

Fewer still that rest lakeside

The First 100 Years of his school

school introduced a cadet program.

with a fully bustling waterfront

days in the 1920s: “The great days

culture. Yet, throughout the 131

in the school year had little enough

years of Lakefield College School

to do with academic pursuits.

history, the waterfront has been

Spring and fall terms usually

embraced as an extension of the

included a ‘trip up the lakes,’ when

indoor classroom: a place where

one of the little lake steamers—

independence, confidence, and

the Islinda, the Manita, or the

life skills have been fostered for

Stoney Lake—would be loaded

generations of students in a myriad

with boys and their rented canoes

of ways.

and their food, together with the

In the school’s early days, the boys of Lakefield Preparatory School,

headmaster’s family and a few friends, for a day’s outing.”

as it was then known, made rafts,

I. Norman Smith, who arrived at

competed in across-the-lake

The Grove in 1918 as a young boy,

swims, participated in regattas,

observed years later that: “Our

constructed elaborate water wheels

clothes change, the buildings, fields

on the spring freshets, and played

and facilities grow Topsy-like, and

shinny hockey out on the winter

the waterfront we shared happily

ice. The May 24th holiday meant

with turtles and mud has become

In 1948, the land between the school and Lake Katchewanooka was purchased. The cadet program was in full stride at the waterfront, under the leadership of W.E. (Bill) Rashleigh, and students would conduct training exercises in the school’s whaler, run sail-pasts in cutters, and even construct a simulated ship for the annual cadet inspection. In 1963, Lieutenant Michael Townsend ’51 took over the Corps.

“The lakefront was an adjunct to the school experience,” says Tony Pullen ’63. “The cadet program was as integral to the school as the three big sports—football, hockey, Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 17

James. The Independent School

the school was able to charter a

Dinghy Regatta was founded and

second brigantine, T.S. Playfair, to

teachers including Alex “Doc”

include all forty Grade 10 students,”

McCubbin, Ken Sunderland, and

relayed Bryan Jones in The First

Mike Arsenault all offered their

100 Years. The Brigantine program

leadership on the water in both

continued at The Grove for over 30

sailing and wind surfing. “In Grade

years.

8,” recalls Tam Matthews ’73, “Olympic sailor Paul Henderson visited the school and gave a talk

“The reawakening of interest in nature and the environment which

on sailing.” This experience greatly

swept North America in the sixties,

influenced him and sparked a

was what those at The Grove had

life-long interest in water sports.

always known,” continued Bryan

For Tam, and many other alumni

Jones. With the introduction of

including Alan Redfern ’78,

the Outdoor Education Program

Duncan Lewis ’79, Doug Nugent

developed by David Hodgetts and

’80, and Michael de la Roche ’73,

David Thompson in the mid-1970s,

sailing was a passion and the

students in Grades 8 through 10

facilities at Lake Katchewanooka

learned and developed camping,

supported them in their goals

canoeing, kayaking, and rock

to accelerate to provincial and

climbing skills, which served

national levels—Michael sailed

them well when the entire school

with the Canadian Olympic

travelled to Algonquin Park for a

team in 1976 and Tam in 1980,

four-day camping adventure every

1984, and 1996. Tam returned

September. The graduating class

and cricket—and Chapel. The

to Lakefield College School to

now continues the tradition of

primary event of the year was the

work in Admissions and to help

September’s Algonquin Expedition,

Cadet Inspection weekend; it was

supervise an overwhelmingly

but younger students continue to

bigger than Closing.” For Tony, as

popular waterfront program,

learn at the waterfront in a variety

head student and a leader in the

which offered a “learn to sail” and

of ways.

Cadet band, the lake was part of

competitive program, in addition

The Grove’s fabric. “The lake gave

to windsurfing, with coaching for

us all the opportunity to learn skills

a variety of levels on JY15s and

about sailing. Canoeing was a relic

Lasers.

(Above) LCS students of today connect with nature while learning boardsailing

of the past; there was no kayaking and no concept yet of Outdoor Education. We hardly left the school property—beyond the two islands seemed like the end of the earth.” He continues to explain that during the Vietnam War there was a shift in ideology and the Cadet Corp program eventually no longer resonated with the students.

Today’s waterfront includes programming for sailing, windsurfing, and kayaking; Outdoor Education; academics

“The school’s long association with

and school life. “Getting kids

Toronto Brigantine, through the

to understand the power of

Lorriman family, saw the launching

nature and to understand their

of another experimental program

boundaries is an important goal

in the mid-seventies. In 1974, a sail

of the waterfront program,”

training program was inaugurated

says Mike Arsenault. “Students

aboard the sailing training vessel

of different nationalities and

Pathfinder for twenty Grade 10

cultural backgrounds have the

students. For many boys the

unique opportunity to understand

program afforded an extraordinary

themselves in the environment

By the 1970s, the sailing program

introduction, not only to sailing

by learning new vocabulary,

had reached new heights under

and teamwork, but also to self-

connecting them to the water, and

the leadership of Coach Doug

discovery and self-esteem. In 1978,

developing skills they didn’t think

18 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

they had.” The life sports program

“It is important for students to do

“The reality is that the world has

continues to offer “learn to sail”

something adventuresome,” says

shifted away from the natural,”

and skill improvement for more

retired teacher Doc McCubbin.

continues Garret. “Nature Deficit

competitive sailors, including Matt

“The calming influence of being

Disorder,” a recently-coined term

Ryder ’08, Sarah Douglas ’12, and

lakeside is there for the students

by author Richard Louv, describes

2008 Olympian, Greg Douglas ’08.

every day. With supervision, skill

that shift as a disconnection

teaching, and empowerment,

with nature and environmental

students learn tactics, thinking on

concerns, which coincides with

their feet, and resiliency.” Garret

a global increase of obesity,

Hart, Head of Cooper House and

connection to technology, and

outdoor enthusiast agrees. “At

psychological disorders. Yet at

LCS, there is a holistic approach

LCS, students run down to the

to teaching the students not only

waterfront after classes to play a

how to paddle a canoe, but what

game of beach volleyball, enjoy

is involved in building a canoe,

a boat ride or swim in the water,

paddle, and even a wannigan

gather for a barbeque and campfire,

(a storage box). These tools are

and even to haul maple sap to

practical and useful, but also

the sugar shack in early spring.

artistic and beautiful.”

Many also participate in the Earth

In Outdoor Education, all students learn how to navigate moving water with basic canoeing strokes in Grade 9, and advance to white water in Grade 10. They have the opportunity to canoe to an overnight expedition at the Northcote Campus, and learn the skills required for the Irving and Ondaatje Expeditions. In class, they experience an ice rescue simulation, participate in a crisis management simulation by the water, and even do a little canoe ballet. The Ondaatje Challenge, a

(Below) LCS students enjoy the waterfront and a game of beach volleyball on Regatta Day

“challenge by choice” spring event, continues the tradition of acrossthe-lake swims and a 3 km solo paddle up Lake Katchewanooka.

In biology classes, teachers Gerry Bird and Mike Arsenault (p.14) have used the waterfront to demonstrate taxonomy of fish and invertebrates in the water, and the insects on shore, as well as to discuss the lake bottom. “It is a wonderfully unique opportunity to don chest waders and be immersed in your learning environment,” says Gerry Bird. Students examine the cell structure and photosynthesis of the Elodea plant found at the waterfront and keep a keen eye out for the Bald Eagle family, tracked

by Bird Studies Canada, that nests on Third Island. “Where else could you be just steps away from such a wilderness experience?” asks Gerry.

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 19

Day sunrise paddle, the Ondaatje Challenge, and the annual Regatta Day races.

Bryan Jones believed 30 years ago that “All Lakefield headmasters have had an abiding love of ships and sailing, and they have shared the belief that to educate the whole boy means to expose him to new experiences outside as well as inside the classroom.” Through the 1920s and 30s, eager school boys enjoyed sailing trips on Dr. Alick Mackenzie’s boats, Gilpie I and Gilpie II. G. Winder Smith also shared his love of the water with his students on the Happy Return. Bryan also recalled when Terry Guest came to The Grove as headmaster: “Terry first arrived at The Grove for an interview in a van loaded with a canoe and trailing a sailboat.” Tam Matthews ’73 spoke about his father Jack Matthews, headmaster from 1964-71, during his memorial service in October 2007, and what inspired Jack as an educator: “The beauty and wisdom of his life is there in the trees, in nature, and when you look out on water from the Kawartha Lakes, linked to Canada’s Great Lakes, and to the oceans—water that touches most people in the world.” In 2010, the spirit of learning at the waterfront is very much the same. “I firmly believe that 50 percent of a student’s LCS education comes from outside the classroom,” says retired teacher David Walsh. “From interactions on the field, in residences, and at the water, we offer education in life, relationships, personal growth, and unique experiences.”

LISA CLARKE (Opposite) LCS Earth Day 2010

20 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Our Very Own Dog Whisperer Over 20 years at The Grove and Loving It! Anyone who has met CONNIE

Rescue and the LOYAL Rescue.

gets married and LCS friends

BROWN in the guidance office

Along with her two dogs, Jenny

from around the world attend the

over the past 20 years knows

and Ritchie, and her three cats,

ceremony.”

that she embodies the words of

she fosters mill dogs, abused, or

Immanuel Kant: “We can judge the

abandoned dogs, helping them

heart of a man by his treatment of

to learn basic skills including

animals.” In the same time span

toileting, eating, and socializing

as she has supported our students

with people and other pets, before

in their academic and university

being adopted into new families.

goals here at Lakefield College

In addition, as a Reiki master and

School, she has made a significant

therapeutic touch practitioner,

contribution to the lives of rescued

Connie offers her limitless

dogs across North America.

compassion to the community,

Before coming to LCS, Connie worked at the Office of the Solicitor

including as a palliative volunteer at Hospice Peterborough.

It amazes her that in 20 years, the graduating class has grown from 35 students to approximately 100, yet the school facilities look and feel more home-like than ever, bringing the community closer together. She has also witnessed the evolution of students developing strong social skills and manners, and raising the bar scholastically. With governmental and university experience, Connie

General in Regina, SK. She then

Connie shares her values of

sees the move to co-education, the

moved to Peterborough to work

compassion and community with

constant evolution of the campus

at Trent University. Her daughter

the students of LCS. Over the years,

and academics, and the amazing

Cheryl, a nurse; wonderful

she still admires their camaraderie

relationships this community

son-in-law Benny; and three

and companionship, and how

fosters as the key strengths of the

grandchildren currently live

alumni keep and maintain close

Lakefield College School of today.

in Bloomington, Indiana. Neil,

friendships across continents

Connie’s son, is a personal trainer

and oceans. “I think it’s great,”

at a health club in Toronto.

she says, “when a former student

LISA CLARKE

She began working in the guidance office at Lakefield College School in August 1989, the first year of co-education.

Her administrative support to the department includes creating and co-ordinating transcripts, administering mark notarization for international students, and much of the background paperwork that follows students throughout their LCS careers.

Beyond the school, Connie has been a volunteer and evaluator for a local therapy dog program, visiting the residents of Applewood Retirement Residence and local hospitals for almost two decades.

She also offers rescued dogs foster care for both the Canadian Hound Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 21

22 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends.”

~Richard Bach

David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar During this year’s Closing Ceremonies, keynote speaker

Hall, Cooper House, and the Bob Armstrong Rink—

Dan Needles ’69 said (p.8), “Rather than making plans,

for David, the values that the school was founded on

we should be making decisions.” After 20 years at

remain constant. “The emphasis on strong relationships

Lakefield College School, and a 35 year teaching career,

between staff and students is very different from other

David Walsh takes this statement very much to heart.

places,” reflects David. “It defines this community:

On Saturday, June 26, the morning after the last of his

every decision we make, how we deal with issues, and

teaching responsibilities were over for the school year,

what best reflects our values. And the most important

David had some very big decisions to make about what

value is respect; it is the foundation for all the other

to do first during his retirement.

values we hold.”

David grew up in Lindsay and studied French and

After moving into the town of Lakefield, David became

German at Trent University. After his third year of

involved with the Lakefield Trail committee to develop

university, he had the opportunity to teach English in

and maintain the trail system in the village. In addition

France and play in a semi-professional hockey league.

to hiking the trail, he continues to play recreational

To the French, David was a hockey super-star. Upon

hockey every winter, cross country ski, and camp.

graduating from teacher’s college, David began working

Although his travels have taken him across the world,

in the independent school system—a big decision that

he is proud to acknowledge that he has explored his

he and his family truly enjoyed.

own country—visiting every province, and the Yukon

David joined the LCS staff after three years at Trinity College School and a 12-year residential and teaching career at Appleby College. His wife Margaret and children Megan ’00, Elise-Marie ’03, and Dan ’06 moved onto campus, and in addition to teaching, David was a Head of House for 10 years in Lower Colebrook House,

Territory, in Canada. Always ready for an adventure, David, along with Marg, also leapt into the sport of ballroom dancing eight years ago. Together, they have helped instruct ballroom and swing dancing to staff and students, and have been featured in the annual Dance Showcase.

Lampman House, and Matthews House. He began

After planning every day of his life for the past 35 years,

teaching French and introduced a German program that

David is ready to make decisions about life beyond

continued for seven years. In 1992, he took over the Duke

academics. “I would like to force myself to grow in new

of Edinburgh program from fellow teacher Arnie Boyle.

ways.” One of his first decisive moves will be to “think

Over the years, LCS has produced more gold award

pink” and support Marg’s training for her Dragon

recipients per capita than any other school in Ontario.

Boat team. Although David’s legacy will be as a true

During the Closing Ceremonies in June, David was

gentleman and scholar inside the classroom, it will be

recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh program for his

his quick wit and fast feet that will be missed the most

extensive contributions.

beyond the classroom.

Although LCS has undergone many physical

LISA CLARKE

transformations during his tenure—the building of the Desmarais Academic Wing, Duke of York Hall, the Bryan Jones Theatre, the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel, Hadden

(Opposite) L-R: Elise-Marie ’03, Dan ’06, Marg, and David Walsh on Closing Day Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 23

The Value of Financial Assistance Each year, Lakefield College School provides more than $1.7 million dollars in bursaries to deserving students. This financial assistance is funded by income generated by the school’s endowment and by gifts to the annual fund. The gift of a LCS education has made a dramatic difference to the lives of thousands of young people who have received bursaries to attend The Grove. A recent study of the engagement of bursary recipients at the school has demonstrated that students who receive financial assistance also make a significant contribution to the school in return for the support they have received.

In order to understand the value of financial assistance to the school as a whole, LCS has undertaken a quantitative analysis of the academic performance and co-curricular involvement of bursary recipients. We were interested in learning whether the investment the school makes in financial assistance has a genuinely positive impact on the academic and co-curricular culture of the school. Our analysis of data from the 2008/09 school year was very encouraging.

We compared the June 2009 academic results of students who received financial assistance with the June 2009 academic results of students who did not receive assistance. Bursary recipients, on average, earned academic grades several points higher than the rest of the student body. We also compared the co-curricular involvement of students who did and did not receive financial assistance. The scale awarded points for playing on a school team, being a member of a school musical ensemble, doing community service, etc. On this measure as well, we found that, on average, students who received financial assistance were more involved in co-curricular activities than their classmates who did not receive assistance.

It is very important to emphasize that the data reported in the previous paragraph refers to averages. Many students who do not receive financial assistance earn very high academic averages and make extremely strong contributions to the co-curricular program. Students who receive financial assistance must maintain a minimum level of standing to maintain their bursary, so the average academic performance of this group is bound to be high. Nonetheless, the analysis makes it clear that, during the 2008/09 school year, the students who received financial assistance raised the overall levels of academic performance and co-curricular involvement in the school community. As a “rising tide lifts all boats,” the entire student body surely benefited from the enriched academic and co-curricular environment that existed at the school as a result of the enrolment of students who could not otherwise afford to attend Lakefield College School.

Young people are powerfully influenced by the competencies, attitudes, and behaviour of their peer group. Although there is much further research to be done (we are now commencing an analysis of data from the 2009/10 school year), the school’s initial study of the impact of financial assistance suggests strongly that bursaries at The Grove benefit not only those who receive them, but they also benefit students whose families are able to fund the full price of their child’s LCS education. Financial assistance at Lakefield College School makes the school a better place for students to learn and to grow—whether or not they receive financial assistance.

24 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

From The Archives This is a photo from our archives from 1971 without a caption.

Do you recognise this group? Can you help us fill in the missing names? Please contact Richard Johnston at rjohnston@lcs.on.ca

Down With Kyle Fairlie ‘03 A student like Kyle Fairlie ’03 does not come along often in a teachers’ career. His fun, witty, and energetic personality made him a memorable character in my OAC English class and made each discussion about Into the Wild, Hamlet, or other texts interesting and provocative. Kyle’s quirky and unique interpretation of a creative writing assignment for our Shakespeare unit created a piece entitled Hamlet–Rap Superstar, a rap he composed that perfectly encapsulated Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It was this talent that would land him a spot in the group Down With Webster whose single Your Man is currently in the top 30 on the Canadian radio charts and recently hit #1 on MuchMusic’s Video Countdown.

Kyle spent only one year at Lakefield College School but in that brief time he made fast friends, lived in Matthews House and skateboarded around campus. He recalls his time here by saying that his favourite memories were “the teachers and staff, the students and, believe it or not, the education! I was never a fan of going to school until I decided to attend LCS and although my current career isn’t of a traditional academic nature I know my time spent at LCS will be useful throughout the rest of my life.”

(Below) Kyle Fairlie, far right, with fellow Down With Webster members. Courtesy of DWW Entertainment Inc/Universal Music Canada

28 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Like many students, Kyle’s decision to attend private school was his own and his choice involved looking at a variety of different schools to see what they had to offer.

Alright, yo, Ok, so there is a dude named Hamlet I say,

Kyle says that he “looked at tons of schools, LCS seemed

And he was walking through his castle one day.

for me to be the best fit. With all of the athletic programs

He saw his mom’s kissing some dude,

and outdoor activities, I was sold.”

Prior to coming to LCS, during his time here, and after, Kyle built a successful voice and acting career, including

He quietly said to himself that’s kind of rude.

parts in films: One Week (2008), The Little Bear Movie

The dude did turn, and what Hamlet saw was a burn

(2001), A Holiday to Remember (1995), Look Who’s Talking

He did see his uncle’s face looking at him in dismay,

Now (1993) and in the television: the Franklin series, Rolie

Claudius then blurted, “You got a new father today!”

Polie Ollie, Amazon, The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog and many more.

Down With Webster is a seven-member group that was

Hamlet was not really mad,

formed for a junior high school talent show (which they

Even though he just got had,

won) and have since gone on to create more than 200

But he just bottled it up,

songs and play hundreds of concerts around North America. Kyle joined the group in what many would call a chance meeting. Kyle explains “I met a couple of the guys skateboarding. They told me they had a band and asked if I wanted to come by their studio. I went down to check it out, listened to some of their tracks and then I was asked if I had any musical talents. I wrote a verse for a song and they later debuted it at the Beaches Jazz Fest where I was called up as a feature. I continued hanging around with the guys and we quickly became friends, I suppose the rest is history as they say!”

Down With Webster’s first album Time to Win vol. I was released by Universal Motown in October 2009.

Their second album Time to Win vol. II is scheduled to be released later this year. Unlike many of today’s performers, Down With Webster writes, produces and performs all of their music and has gained international acclaim from many including Timbaland and Gene Simmons (KISS). When asked what sets Down With Webster apart from other groups, Kyle says, “I think the fact that there are so many of us really helps. We all have varying musical preferences and a lot of different influences which help us to create a unique sound. We have always had a hard time describing exactly what our musical style is and it seems to be ever-evolving.”

The group’s unique composition of musically talented individuals allows for a variety of roles within the group.

He put his anger in a cup Hamlet-Rap Superstar (2002), Kyle Fairlie ’03 Kyle explains that his “official title is Hypeman although I wear a few different hats, I sing and rap but most of all I run around and have fun!”

When asked where his stage name “KapOneOh” comes from, Kyle explains that is derives from his nickname Captain, “which, at the time it was decided, the spelling would be “KAP-10”. I later made the change to “Oneoh” for the “10” and there you have it” Down With Webster is halfway through a year in which they have performed over 100 concerts across North American, including performances with Timbaland, Ludacris, Cobra Starship, and many headlining shows.

When asked, Kyle says “Although I like being up-close and personal with the fans at our shows, the highlight for me on this tour was opening for the Black Eyed Peas. We had a great day doing radio performances and interviews and followed it up with a show for a massive crowd, on a huge stage. So much fun!”

Follow Kyle and Down With Webster: www. downwithwebster.com KERRIE HANSLER Grove Grove News News Spring/Summer Spring/Summer 2009 2010 | 29

Gandhi Pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all It’s 7:30 on a Sunday morning, and Gandhi Pinder has only been in bed

doors for me—to speak in very public and in

for a couple of hours. Life is very busy for this vibrant and dynamic young

very intimate settings.”

woman—the afternoon voice of GEMS 105.9 FM in the Bahamas. But Gandhi’s grogginess swiftly dissipates, and it’s soon very clear why she is in radio: she speaks with wonderful fluency, her voice at once warm and animated.

“Doing a broadcast for a local children’s home a few years ago opened the door for me to become more involved there.

I ask her what she’s done since graduating from The Grove in 2002. “I went to

Now I’m on the Board of Directors at the

Western University for two years,” she replies, “and did some modelling and

Ranfurly Homes for Children (an institution

some theatre. I also did some travelling, most recently in the Philippines. I

that houses children who are orphaned,

witnessed Obama’s inauguration in living colour! I completed a media touch

or who have been neglected or abandoned

course in Winnipeg in 2008, and I’ve been volunteering at a local children’s

or removed from their home). And a few

home for about five years now—first the Nazareth Centre, and now the

other ladies and I have started a mentorship

Ranfurly Homes for Children. Oh, and I did some relief work in Haiti, too,

program there for young girls—SYSTAS. I’m

right after the earthquake.

really passionate about that and dedicated

“I’ve been in broadcasting for almost four years. At present I am a radio announcer (and part time news reporter). I have my own show, “The Afternoon Drive,” on which I play an eclectic mix of music and talk about important topics … most weekends I’m booked for a broadcast on a Saturday, either to cover an event or promote a product or business.

to seeing them become the best they can be: … When I meet someone and they say, ‘… something you said two years ago helped me to leave an abusive relationship’—or, ‘listening to you has changed my life’ … or when someone calls me in the GEMS

“I get to do a lot of exciting interviews—heightening people’s awareness of

studio to pour out their life story or share a

various causes, and telling them how to become involved in making the

struggle and breaks down in tears and I say

world better. I’ve also had a number of speaking engagements at schools and especially at graduations. I host concerts, I hosted Miss Teen Bahamas World, I’ve travelled abroad to cover events. I’ve hosted lectures, twice at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve covered the Turks & Caicos Music Festival. I’ve interviewed people like Ricky Smiley, Anita Baker, Candy Staton, Jerry Butler, Muggsy Bogues, and Tyler Perry. It’s pretty exciting!”

What, I wonder, is she most proud of having accomplished?

“Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

It’s a message I’ve internalized and something I try to live. Everyone is searching for their purpose, and I am humbled and grateful to be operating in mine. Connecting with my purpose! I believe that would be my greatest accomplishment to date.

“I’m glad I’ve been on the airwaves for the last four years. I’ve found my niche.

What makes me really proud is having the opportunity to not only touch people individually, but to reach large numbers of people and be in a position to help liberate them from whatever it is that’s holding them back, to help them realize their full potential and pursue it with the ‘clarity of passion’ so they can ‘be that change.’ Being an on-air personality has opened so many 30 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

the right thing or I’m just there to listen ...

“Very soon I will be returning to school to finish my degree—that’s a must for

When I see a smile on a child’s face because

me. And in the near future I have plans to start my own television show and to

she is confident, maybe for the first time,

have a syndicated radio program. I believe that the possibilities are endless,

that she won’t be left alone … that’s purpose

as long as I stay in God’s will for my life.

in motion! I thank God for the opportunity!”

What, I ask, would Gandhi like to achieve in the future?

“At the end of the day I want to impact my generation, and build a better Bahamas and a better world by ‘being the change I’d like to see.’”

I close by asking what Gandhi learned from her years at Lakefield College

“I’m in the process of writing a book, and

School, and I swiftly realise that I could have spent the whole interview on that

I hope to write many more books that will

subject alone.

inspire people all around the world … I’m thinking about going into full-time ministry, which would mean I wouldn’t be on the radio as much—though I still hope to keep my inspirational hour going. I’m going to make more time to do the things I’m truly passionate about and make myself more available to help develop and serve in the various ministries at my church, New Life

“Going to Chapel every morning and having to be on time: discipline and the importance of community,” says Gandhi laughing. “Going from having my own room to living in a dorm with 12 other females was also very interesting.

Learning to deal with different personalities and being able to get along at the end of the day was sometimes a challenge, but we made it work. May I send a shout-out to my first roomies ever—Jenna Shelley ’02 and Kathryn Ast ’02 and the Memorial House girls. And also to my roomie in my second year, Pamela Ho ’02 from Hong Kong, who taught me some Cantonese!” She laughs again.

Fellowship, and work a lot closer with more

“Meeting people from all around the world was wonderful … Having in-

charities and causes I believe in and support.

depth conversations with my fellow students exposed me to new cultures and thought patterns. I’d never been to many of those countries, but I feel like I’ve just about travelled the entire world.

“I had the choice of going to a boarding school in Florida or Canada. My brother chose Florida. I had never been to Canada before, but I wanted to experience a different culture and I’d only been in snow once before then. It was a bit of a culture shock for me, especially being at that time one of only three black students at LCS. I learned up close the beauty of diversity and that even though we are different in so many ways, our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all.”

I end our conversation with reluctance, sorry to have to detach myself from such a dynamic personality. But I doubt that Gandhi’s mellifluous and sympathetic voice will be heard only in the Bahamas for very much longer.

Look out, Oprah! I think to myself, as I move from telephone to keyboard.

Note: You can watch and listen to Gandhi live from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on www.gemsbahamas.com.

PAUL NICHOLAS MASON

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 31

32 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Class News The 1950s Rod Baker ’58 is proud to say that his business Baker Cleaners Inc. is celebrating its 23rd anniversary (BakerCleaners.com). Rod and his wife Anne enjoy life in Cobourg and spending time with their six grandchildren from 2 years to 21 years old.

Peter Elkerton ’58 and his wife Helen celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary this summer.

They have three great kids and five beautiful grandchildren. After a career in the finance industry, Peter tried his hand at hemp farming and, “found out pretty quickly why most small farmers have jobs off the farm so that they can keep the farm alive. I now

(Above) We were pleased to welcome George “Paddy” Hall ‘69 this summer to The Grove for the first time in over 45 years! Paddy works as a trapper around Lindsay,

work part-time at Home Depot

Ontario. He shared, “while I was at Lakefield my love of the outdoors was further

so that I can buy all the goodies,

encouraged by the masters I had. From Big Ben Whitney to Chris Gordon and a few

toys, and tools needed to complete

others, they put up with my love for the outdoors!”

the restoration of the pioneer log house we live in that was part of the original farmstead.”

volunteering at his local public

overt symptoms, and so has been

school and for the race crew at

able to continue teaching, writing,

Don “Frenchie” Hosking ’59

Georgian Peaks. He is learning

and participating in a variety of

enjoyed his career as a driller or

to read music while singing in a

sports. Contact him at

consultant for over 60 years in

Collingwood community choir. He

gerry3@bell.net.

38 countries. He slowed down

and his wife are still keen sailors

recently for a knee replacement

and have two grown sons living in

and a quadruple open heart

Hamilton (cr@bmts.com).

surgery (2009), but he reports he is feeling great and living in New

Gerry McCready ’60 spent most of

Liskeard, Ontario.

his career teaching at St. Lawrence

The 1960s Rod Innes ’60 is “mostly retired and living in Thornbury, ON with his wife Cathy and their two cats.” He spends his spare time

and Algonquin Colleges and Concordia University. He and his wife Charlotte live in Kingston, Ontario and have two daughters and five grandchildren. He was diagnosed with MS early in his teaching career, but suffers no

Ratch Wallace ’62 has retired from BC Ferries and is working on film production in Toronto for the next year.

(Opposite) Throughout the year, alumni get together at LCS Pub Nights to catch-up and share memories. (Top) L-R: Enjoying the Kingston Pub Night held in February: Kyla Murphy ’09, Hayley Findlay ’08, Greg Douglas ’08, Emily Farncomb ’08.

(Bottom) L-R: Rob Blanchette ’02, Andrew Wells ’02, Kathy Makowchik, Duncan McRae ’03, Kevin Mako ’03, Janice Greenshields ’03 at the Peterborough Pub Night in December.

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 33

The 1970s From Johnny Wales ’72: “Any Grove people who are flying Japan Airlines this year (assuming JAL is flying that is) might take a look at their in-flight magazine, Skyward, because I am doing this year’s cover illustrations beginning April.

Each month will be a painting of a different area of Japan.”

Lou Gindl ’78 lives on the West Coast near Vancouver with his wife Michele. He still volunteers for ski patrol on Grouse Mountain when he is not running his company, West Coast Safety. Any Grove alumni in BC who wish to contact him can email lou@westcoastsafety.net.

The 1980s

Jake Dudas ’90 and Sue Morley

agencies and Fortune 100 brands in

Guests included LCS alumni Nik

David U.K. ’81 is the Founder,

Canada on behalf of established and

Rishor ’89 and David Rishor ’89.

Managing Director and Executive

high profile U.S. and International

Producer of Digital Percent and

Broadcaster and Publisher Web

Digital BranZ. Digital Percent is a

Properties.

The 1990s

syndicates Digital Branded

Jake Dudas ’90 was married to Sue

Entertainment/Video Content

Morley on Saturday, August 29,

for agencies and clients. Digital

2009 in the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel.

BranZ, wholly owned by Digital

A small reception followed at his

Percent, sells online advertising and

father’s home on nearby Clear Lake.

partnerships to major advertising

professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University

Digital Entertainment Company that develops, produces, and

Kevin Fung ’90 is an assistant

of Western Ontario. He is in his sixth year of practice in London; previously, he spent two years at the University of Michigan training in head and neck reconstructive microsurgery and laryngology.

He is also the Director of Undergraduate Medical Education in his department, Deputy Chair of the Clinical Clerkship at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, and cross-appointed to

(Left) Stuart Thompson ‘91, Kathryn Meehan ‘91, and Sarah Mason ‘91 reconnected recently at the Back to the Future event in Toronto. They send a shout out to their classmates and look forward to reconnecting with you at your 10 year reunion (September 24, 2011). Mark it on your calendars!

34 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

the Department of Oncology and Don Wright Faculty of Music. He lives in Arva (north of London) with his wife Samantha and their two daughters, Katelyn (5) and Alexa (2). In their “spare time,” Samantha and Kevin climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in 2007.

Beau Ahyoka (Florian) Adler

Nicole Florian ’91 and Seth Adler had another baby girl! Haven is a very loving affectionate big sister to Beau Ahyoka Adler born on January 18th, 2010 just shy of 11lbs! She is pictured in her Tsitah Threads (www.tsitah.com)monsoon winter baby blanket.

Scott Current ’93 and Deborah Ciuffreda were married on March 22, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The couple resides in West Palm

Scott Current ’93 and Deborah Ciuffreda

February 23, 2010. She and her

Jason and Nicole (Bendaly) Groves

husband Nick are very excited and

’93 are thrilled to announce the

adjusting to their new life.

birth of their son, Jackson, on

Cross Country Canada announced that Davin MacIntosh ’95 was hired as Executive Director of the national governing body for the sport—a key role in ensuring the

February 21, 2010—one week early!

Jackson weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz and was 22 inches long. His uncle has visions of a Stanley Cup in Jackson’s future!

continued growth of Canada’s

Erica Chellew ’95 and Derek

cross country skiing sport system

Doucet welcomed Nigel Baker on

Kelly Dimitroff ’93 is thrilled to

well beyond the 2010 Olympic and

December 22, 2009. She writes,

announce the birth of her twin

Paralympic Winter Games.

“Derek and I are thrilled that he is

Beach, Florida.

healthy and pretty happy, and eats

boys, Jack and Ben Maiese, on

Jack and Ben (Dimitroff) Maiese

Jackson (Bendaly) Groves

Erica Chellew, Derek Doucet, and Nigel Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 35

like he’ll never get another meal (what more could we really want?).”

Daisy Moores ’96 and Adam Smith are proud to announce the birth of Peter and Leo Smith-Moores on November 2, 2009. Both boys

Peter, Leo and Daisy Moores

are doing great, and are happy, healthy, charming little guys. The family lives in Hull, QC, where Daisy is finishing up her residency in Family Medicine and Adam is a post-doctoral student at Carleton University.

Katie Hadden ‘00 and Jeff Sands Wedding. (Back Row) L-R: David Hadden, Susan Hazell, Jon Hazell ‘00, Mark Sunderland ‘00, Megan Walsh-Lohmann ’00, Kate Anthony ‘00, Gerry Bird, Sandra Bird. (Middle Row) Susan Hadden, Jessica Arsenault ‘00, Heather Hadden ‘97, Sara Simpson ‘00, Janie Smith. (Front Row), the Bride and Groom.

Mark and Jenny (McRae) Cooper

at the Radisson Hotel, Kingston

’99 gave birth to a little girl,

Waterfront.

Taylor Helen Cooper on May 13, 2010 in Toronto. Taylor is the first grandchild for Val and John McRae

Artist Jess Perlitz ’96 recently had

’70 who are thrilled, and she is the

two successful art exhibitions in

niece of Cameron ’01, Duncan ’03,

NY at The Cue Arts Foundation on

and Gilly McRae ’06.

West 25th and David Krut Projects on West 26th.

Congratulations to Jess Fitchette ’97 and Garret Hart, Head of Cooper House, on the birth of their beautiful baby girl Isla Helen Hart born on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Jess Fitchette and baby Isla

36 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Stella Carlyle Tennant, the new daughter of Carolyne Mondoux ’00 and Dave Tennant ’99, was born in Ottawa on December 24, 2009 at 10:07 p.m. Big sister Makenzi loves the new addition to the family and

The 2000s Katie Hadden ’00 married Jeff

enjoys helping with diapers and baths.

Sands on the grounds of the Sands’

Megan Walsh ’00 was married to

family home in Battersea, north of

Corin Lohmann on March 20,2010

Kingston on Saturday, July 10, 2010.

in Fernie, BC. They were joined

The reception was held afterwards

by fellow LCS friends and family:

Taylor Helen and Jen (McRae) Cooper

Carolyne Mondoux with Stella Tennant

David and Marg Walsh, Elise-Marie

where she is teaching and in a resi-

Walsh ’03, Dan Walsh ’06, Kate

dential position as a Head of House.

Anthony ’00, Paula (Crawford) Mbonda ’99, AJ Sainsbury ’99, Mark Ambler ’00, Mark Sunderland ’00, and Sean Harris.

You never know who you will bump in to while visiting The Grove! Hatim Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08, and Rakesh Rajdev ’08 happened to

Allie Caldwell ’03 submitted the

reconnect at The Grove while they

winning entry for her documentary,

were visiting for the day!

Unheralded, in the National Film Board (NFB)-TVO 2009 Calling Card Program. Allie and fellow team member Aaron Hancox received a cash prize and mentorship from members of the film community to take their documentary from

(Above) Megan Walsh ’00 and Corin Lohmann

concept to television premiere.

Lianne Schumacher ’05 and Leslie Schumacher ’06 were honoured as top athletes by Trent University.

Leslie received a University Athletic Award and Coach’s Award for her

Hatim Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08, and Rakesh Rajdev ’08

contribution to the volleyball team and Lianne was acknowledged for her outstanding commitment and

Staff News

dedication to the women’s rugby program with a MVP Award and

Social Sciences teacher and Head

OUA (Ontario University Athletics)

of Memorial House Kerrie Hansler

All Star distinction.

and her husband Martin Carbajal welcomed their beautiful boys,

Jess Foran ’03 was married to Dan

Nicolas Santiago Carbajal Hansler

Roud on August 22, 2009 in Picton,

and Noah Martin Carbajal Hansler

Ontario. After completing a teaching

on Sunday, March 28, 2010.

(Above) Jess Foran ’03 and Dan Roud

placement in Outdoor Education at LCS in March. Jess joined the staff

Another LCS baby! Science

husband Matt Dunkin announced

at Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby

teacher Vicki Boomgaardt and her

the arrival of Molly Boomgaardt Dunkin on Wednesday, April 28, 2010. According to his parents, Big Brother Griff was convinced that Molly would be either a girl, a boy, or a policeman. So they had to deputize her as soon as she arrived.

Nicolas and Noah Hansler

Molly Boomgaardt Dunkin

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 37

In Our Memories William Buckham ’76 on February 3, 2010 in Cavan, Ontario.

David Gunn ’41 on March 29, 2010 in London, Ontario. Father of Andrew Gunn ’73 and John Gunn ’76; brother of John Gunn ’32 (predeceased), Stuart Gunn ’34 (predeceased).

Andrew Hull ’82 on May 8, 2010 in London, England. Brother of Geoffrey Hull ’79.

Stephen Paul Hunter ’56 on March 10, 2009 in Tweed, Ontario. Father of Paul Hunter ’91.

Charles E. Regan ‘55 in March, 2009 in Victoria, BC.

Michael Townsend ’51 on May 26, 2010 at his cottage on Stoney Lake (p.40).

A Man Ahead of His Time Rickart Hepburn ’35 (1916-2009) Rick Hepburn, who passed away in his 93rd year in Oakville, Ontario, will be missed by The Grove community. He leaves a strong legacy at Lakefield College School.

Rick left his home in Picton, Ontario at the age of 8 and entered LCS in 1924. The school’s 60 boys all lived in what is now Grove House. Dr. Mackenzie was the Headmaster. Rick’s favourite memories of the school included playing hockey with mates Tim Dunn ’35, John “Bubs” Macrae ’33, and Ian “Snoop” McLean ’35. Their friendships continued for over 80 years. Cricket and building huts in the woods also took an important amount of time.

At the age of 16, he and his Grove classmates accompanied Windy Smith to Europe in the summer of 1932 to broaden their education.

After 10 glorious years at LCS, Rick moved to University of Toronto Schools, and then headed off to Queen’s University to study engineering. Upon graduation from Queen’s, Rick joined the Royal Canadian Navy and fought in the North Atlantic during World War II. The Hepburn tradition continued with Rick’s sons, John Hepburn ’68 and Rob Hepburn ’71 both of whom were keen hockey players at the school. Two grandsons, Thomas Hepburn ’01 and Rick Hepburn ’03 loved playing hockey for LCS as well.

Rick served on the board of trustees of the school for many years and helped to champion the transition to coeducation with his friend Tim Dunn. The phone calls from his old buddies were evenly divided on the subject, but Rick, ever patient, remained calm. He was a man ahead of his time.

The Hepburn Family continues to support Lakefield College School. The B. Rickart Hepburn Bursary and Bob Armstrong Bursary are major beneficiaries of this support on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Hepburn classroom and the Bob Armstrong Rink received significant backing from Rick and the Hepburn Family.

Rick will be missed by the entire Grove community and his family. The twinkle in his eye, his quiet determination, and generosity to the school will be remembered by all.

JOHN HEPBURN ’68 (Below) L-R: John Hepburn ’68, Helen Hepburn, Rick Hepburn ’35, Janet Hepburn Burt, Rob Hepburn ’71

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 39

He Believed in Learning by Doing Michael Townsend ’51 (1934-2010) Michael Townsend’s daybook of commitments would have daunted many a CEO. Even as his vision began to abandon him completely, Michael was a regular supporter of community and Grove events. The village and the school were his axis, as student, teacher, and community volunteer.

Michael’s independent, upright figure was a familiar sight as he strode down Queen St. from his home across from the school, not always keeping to the sidewalk.

With his trusty knapsack, he managed his errands easily despite the white cane that signaled the hereditary loss of vision. He might be heading off to post a letter to the editor, get groceries for his annual Rashleigh boys’ dinner, or to attend a historical society meeting or the Literary Festival. Regardless of the season or the weather, he would decline offers of a lift, insisting that walking helped maintain his health.

Michael always managed independent transport. As a day boy living in Young’s Point, he either peddled his bike or paddled down Lake Katchewanooka to get to school. At 70, he would still gleefully report launching his canoe over precarious ice to the open water, eager to be the first LCS paddler of the season.

The waterfront was an integral part of Michael’s life at Lakefield College School. After joining the Sea Cadets at The Grove, he went on to Royal Roads, then a naval training academy. He first joined the staff at LCS in 1956, then completed a degree at Queen’s and returned as a master in 1958. On the waterfront, he was “Lieutenant C.M. Townsend” and became Commanding Officer of the Cadet Corps. The R.C.S.C.C. St. George was disbanded in 1970, but the sailing program Michael helped build up continues to flourish. In 1967, Canada’s centennial, six boys under Michael’s watch sailed to Expo in Montreal in a 32-foot cutter.

Michael believed in “learning by doing.” Several years ago he was asked to tutor a student struggling in a subject he hadn’t taught and didn’t know. Michael invited his pupil to teach him everything the young man had learned each week, using the text book as a guide. That young man passed that course with honours. A former board chair remembers Michael’s hands-on approach involving the scraping of sailboat hulls, and acknowledges he too learned to do that very well!

Michael died suddenly at his island cottage on Stoney Lake on May 26th, 2010. He would have thought that a very suitable place to take his leave.

KATE AND ALEX RAMSAY ’53

40 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2010 Fifth Row (Back): (L-R) Andrew Ross Keenan Murray David Hintelmann

Dex Campbell

Marissa Vazquez

Kaitlyn Gillis

Kate Carroll

Kevin Healy

Dana Madill

Katie Jones

Fiona Cameron

Gabrielle Cormier

Jocelyn Stevens

Kate Seo

Katie Rice

Monica Mann

Fourth Row: (L-R) Leonie van Haeren

Third Row:

Maki Ishida

Christine Davidson

Harry Lee

Kathleen Logie

(L-R) Frances Wang

Jane Hickey

Julie Trott

Jasper Zimmermann

Carley MacEwen

Emily Keating

Kaho Han

Priya Maini

Connor Sullivan

Emma Walshe

Jamie Macklem

Jack Cole

Ann Lin

Ned Burgess

James DeBerardine

Second Row:

Victoria Seale

(L-R) Michelle Sung

Marshall Slipp

Michael Aben

Gabrielle Cholette

Brian Bunting

Pauli Volz

Mathias Dutil

Phillip Iatridis

Ashley Patel

Tobias Lengerke

Sara Fitzsimmons

Carl Anton Waldeck

Stephanie Worsfold

Tayub Bilwani

Robin Prest

Andrew Greenbaum

Philipp Ortmann

Kirsten Neuendorff

Felipe Castello

Leanne Scott

Luke MacDonald

Campbell Bryk

Guillermo Costello Oliva

Cameron Boland

Melisa Icgoren

Earl Sheppard

Marina Wang

Arianne Grimaldi

Terry Jeon

Taylor Joo

Haley Kemp

Robbie Dickinson

Bea Chan

Claire Foster

Derek Shin

Laura Burns

Kelsey Slobodian

Christiane Dash

Theresa Hogan

Ashley Millward

Alina Jebens

Andrew Dupuis

Hillie Allen Taylor Mackenzie Matt Chi Will Lawler Kyle Bennett-Walcott Alex Ko Jason Weaver

Hamish Martin Paulo Engelke Jamie Cooper Dianne Li Lindsay Bibbings Arabella Becker

First Row (Front): (L-R) John Liu Ryan Kinslow David Evelyn Riley Garneys

ABSENT: Laura Elcock, Andrew Caruso, and Matthew MacKenzie

Lakefield College School, 4391 County Road 29, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada K0L 2H0

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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@lcs.on.ca, or visit our website at www.lcs.on.ca Lakefield College School is committed to the environment. We use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper in all school publications. For more information on FSC, visit www.fsc.org