Grove News 2021/22

Grove News Lakefield College School | 2021/22

INSIDE:

Head of School and Foundation: Progress on a Sustainable Path

History in the Making: The Opening of Ross House and Parent House Food for Life: Alumni in Food Businesses

Events 2022/23

Visit www.lcs.on.ca/events for details

NOVEMBER 2022 2

Halifax Alumni Social Montreal Alumni Social

3

Montreal Parent Social

4

Mexico City Community Reception

8-10

Parents’ Week, LCS Campus

16

Madrid Community Reception

17

Kingston Alumni Social Ottawa Community Reception Hamburg Parent Reception

22

London, ON Alumni Social

15

Winter Concert, LCS Campus

JANUARY 2023 6

London, UK Friends of LCS Dinner

31

New York City, Alumni Social

APRIL 2023 26

Home to The Grove Alumni Weekend Celebrating milestone reunions ending ‘3,’8

JUNE 2023 17

Board Chair Hugh Macdonnell ‘85, P ‘18

James Matthews ‘58, P ‘99 Griffin Mbonda ’23 Sarah McCain Coulson ‘05 Joel Allen ‘01 Brian McCaw P ‘18 Bianca Bell ‘06 Karen McKnight P ‘13 ‘16 Tim Bell ‘00 John McWilliams ‘65 Nicole Bendaly ‘93 David Miller ‘77, P ‘15 Marilynn Booth P ‘98* Antoine Mindjimba P ‘16 ‘19 Carlo Bos ‘94 Bill Morris ’70, P ‘99 ‘02 ‘05 Rose Bouchard ‘18 Kelly Nottage ’00 Jennifer Cameron P ‘09 ‘10 ‘15 Lisa Orr P ‘24 ’26 ‘17 ‘21 Stephen Coates ‘90, P ‘19 ‘23 ‘24 Andrew Parke ‘03 Alex Parker ‘96 Tim Cooper ‘98 Jonathan Popper ‘87 Alison Corner ‘07 Emmy Pullen ‘11 Joanna Dafoe ‘04 Sean Quinn ‘82 Allyson Delevadova Abby Reeds ’23 Chonée Dennis P ‘14 ‘16 ‘19 Heather Ross Peter Dunn ‘62, P ‘92 Cait Sainsbury ‘96 Amanda Ethier ‘98 Danielle Saputo P ‘20 ‘22 ‘24 Ann Farlow P ‘03 ‘04 ‘08 Belinda Schubert ‘99 Ian Fung ‘00 Rola Shaheen P ‘17 ‘21 ‘24 Sue Guest P ‘85 ‘89, GP ‘21 Murray Sinclair ‘79, P ‘11 Terry Guest* P ‘85 ‘89, GP ‘21 Scott Smith ‘87, P ‘23 ‘25 Wendy Hepburn ’00 John Stelzer ‘00 James Hicks ‘84, P ‘17 ‘20 Tom Stevenson ‘78 Kalen Ingram ‘99 Maurice Switzer ‘63 Brett Jackman ‘03 Losel Tethong ‘89 Warren Jones ’88 Stuart Thompson ‘91 Anne-Marie Kee P ‘17 ‘19 Chris Valentine ‘86 Jai Kim P ‘21 ‘23 Cara Westcott P ‘14 ‘16 Johanna Kruger ‘97 Chris White ‘90, P ’25 Kelly Leveque P ‘22 Hilary Windrem ‘07 Nick Lewis ‘77 Daniel Woolf James (Kim) Little ’53, P ‘81 ‘84 Susan Wright GP ‘13 ‘17 Mary Fang Zhou P ’20 Ross Little ‘81, P ‘13 ‘17 Kevin Malone ‘77, P ‘22 *Honorary Alumni Patrick Marshall ‘90 Directors in Bold

Toronto Annual Alumni Dinner

MAY 2023 26-28

Trustees 2022/23

Closing 2023, LCS Campus

www.lcs.on.ca/events Be sure to regularly visit our events page online to view all upcoming alumni receptions and other events.

LCS Foundation Board Chair Andrew Durnford ‘85 Honorary Chair John K. Hepburn ‘68 Chair Emeritus Paul Desmarais Jr. ‘73, P ‘00 ‘03 ‘03 ‘11 Emilio Azcarraga Jean ‘87 Marilynn Booth P ‘98* Bruce Boren ‘87, P ‘21 ‘23 Michael Cooper P ‘07 ‘08 ‘10 ‘12 Sandra Delisle P ‘23 ’24 ‘25 Bryce (B.C.) Douglas ’88 Jock Fleming ‘74, P ‘03 ‘06 Zack Kembar ’87, P ’24

Johanna Kruger ’97 Sarah McCain Coulson ‘05 Bill Morris ‘70, P ‘99 ‘02 ‘05 Marc Parent P ‘15 ‘18 ‘20 Rosemary Phelan P ‘08 Donald Ross ‘48, P ‘79 ‘80, GP ‘17 Felicia Ross P ‘17 Rupel Ruparelia ’89, P ’22 ‘23 John Ryder ‘77, P ‘08 ‘13 Tom Ryder ‘53, P ‘77 ‘01 GP ‘08 ‘13 ‘15 ‘25 Murray Sinclair ‘79, P ‘11 Tom Stevenson ‘78 Alexandra von Rehlingen P ‘21 Richard Wernharm P ’06 *Honorary Alumni Directors in Bold

FRONT COVER (L-R): Marc Parent P ’15 ’18 ’20 and Donald Ross ‘48, P ‘79 ‘80, GP ‘17, Ross House and Parent House Opening, October 1, 2022

The Golden Rule Excerpts from Opening Staff Chapel Address, 2022 There’s something great about us being together in our Chapel. I know that people usually associate our Fitness and High Performance Centres with getting stronger, but

it was brought into much sharper focus in the last 30 months. We continue to care about one another, we continue to look out for each other, and we continue to be strong for one another.

I think when we get together in this place, at the start of

In that spirit, I’d ask us to think about the Golden Rule of

the year...well, it’s a strength-building exercise for us. We

most world religions. Although the wording may be

look to each other and think about what has happened

different, The Golden Rule is the principle of treating

in the past, what is happening now, and what we hope

others as you want to be treated. It is a maxim that is

will happen in the future. We find strength in one

found in many religions, cultures, and philosophies. It

another, in being together.

can be considered as an ethic of reciprocity in some

If you are like me, there are times when a friend or colleague or student says something to you that sticks in your mind through the years. Over ten years ago, a group of LCS students and staff went to Nepal and hiked into

religions, although other religions treat it differently. It is interesting that despite differences in religion and belief systems as people, treating everyone kindly is part of almost every single one.

Mount Everest base camp together. It was truly amazing.

Kindness is telling a struggling soul that there is love to

That group has remained friends throughout the years,

be found in this world.

and I’ve also stayed in touch with our guide from that trip. His name is Angus Murray. In the years following the Ondaatje Expedition to Nepal, Angus and I would talk from time to time, about a variety of things. On one particular phone call, I remember him saying something about parenthood that really stuck with me. I’ve thought about this conversation many times over the years.

What Angus said was this: “when you are a parent, it’s kind of like being in a log cabin with your children. You are inside with them, helping them to learn and grow.

And a big part of your job is barring the door of that cabin from the storm that is raging outside. Your job is to help them grow up until they are old enough and wellequipped enough to go out in the storm.”

Kindness may also be considered one of the foundational tenets essential to building an Inclusive, Caring Community (one of our school Values) and leading with empathy to create a sense of belonging for all.

Nurturing a feeling of belonging, building community—a sense of responsibility to each other and our planet— and participating in meaningful and authentic learning experiences is an area of focus for us at Lakefield. These are the themes that resonate, as you flip through the stories and pages of this issue of the Grove News.

Whether we are focussed, as our Head of School points out, on programs that enable our students to explore positive solutions for change (p.2); or classes that

When I think about the faculty and staff at Lakefield

provide students with the skills to better understand the

College School, I realize that—on some level—this is

impacts of war (p.14) and how histories are framed

what we have been doing over the last two and half

(p.16); we are keen to provide students who are looking

years, during the pandemic. Classes, teams, dances,

for more, with choice (p.32). This includes looking to the

airbands, and K-Rod, all took place inside the cabin,

future and considering how we will leverage our natural

while the storm was raging outside. The kids were

campuses to their fullest potential as sites of inspiration

allowed to be kids—we helped them, and we helped each

and transformation (p.34). Our confidence is

other. We put our heads down and did our best,

strengthened by the continued support of our

together, to help our students learn and grow.

community (p.39) whose willingness to share their time,

And although you may not have thought about it in these simple terms, my belief is that the kindness and the friendships that exist within this learning community kept us strong. It is how we got through these last two

talents, and resources (p.6, p.10, and p.30) help us to achieve our mission.

JIM MCGOWAN P ’20 ’22 ’25

and half years together. Indeed, we’ve always done it, but Grove News 2021/22 |

i

SAVE THE DATE Join your classmates at The Grove for the weekend: May 26-28, 2023. We’ll be celebrating milestone reunions for classes ending in ’3 and ’8. (See HTTG 2022 highlights p.55)

Watch for invitations coming soon.

We look forward to seeing you!

ii | Grove News 2021/22

Table of

CONTENTS 2

Head of School and Foundation: Progress on a Sustainable Path A Message from the LCS Board Chair: Our Commitment to Strong and Effective Governance

6

10

40 Years a Teacher: Lessons Learned From Mike Arsenault

16

Reframing History: Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice Class

30

History in The Making: The Official Opening of Ross House and Parent House

The War Experience: Grade 10 Integrated English and History Class

Closing 2022 and School Highlights

Choosing the More Challenging Path: The Advanced Placement Program

34 42 59

14 18

32

A Vision For Northcote Campus: Campus Master wPlan Identifies Nine Keystone Experiences Strong Results for LCS: Highlights from Our Recent Community Surveys

39

Food for Life: Alumni in Food Businesses Sam Turnbull ’03: Vegan Brand Builder Danny McCubbin ’82: A Force for Change Ryan Lee ’12: The Freedom to Explore Jess (Arsenault) Thoem ’00: A Sense of Community LCS Alumni Class News

52

LCS Foundation Update: Our Newest Board Members In Our Memories.

Educator, Adventurer and Life-Long Learner, Ken Sunderland (1955–2022)

60

Editor: Christine Vogel Editorial Committee: Vicky Boomgaardt P ’25, Dave Darby, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ‘19, John Runza P ’17 ’20, Tim Rutherford P ’19 ’22 ’23 ’26, Shane Smyth ’96, Dean Van Doleweerd. Photographer: Simon Spivey.

Please address correspondence to the Communications Office: Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 communications@lcs.on.ca OPPOSITE: (L-R) Top to Bottom: Home to the Grove Reunion 2022—Members of the Classes of 1995, ’96 and ’97; Members of the Classes of 1980, ’81 and ’82; Members of the Classes of 2015, ’16 and ’17.

HEAD OF SCHOOL AND FOUNDATION From

THE

2 | Grove News 2021/22

Progress on a Sustainable Path Lakefield College School has a long history of prioritizing sustainability. In

For those who are new to Lakefield, here’s a

fact, an advertisement in Maclean’s magazine in 1911 boasted that the

quick backgrounder on our Northcote

“school has its own farm”. You may be entertained to note that the same

Campus. Situated a few kilometres north of

ad says, “Backward and delicate children given special care and attention”.

the school, it has been in the school’s hands

So here’s proof that some change can be a very good thing (our admissions

since 2007 but has a long history of

standards are much higher today). Fast forward 110 years, to the middle of

connection to our school, including one of

a global pandemic, when we launch a farm and consider it innovative.

the school’s founders. With 7,000 feet (2,133

Now we know we were—quite literally—going back to our roots.

metres) of shoreline on Lake Katchewanooka,

As part of our strategic plan, unveiled in 2019, we announced a renewed commitment to experiential learning and sustainability in our “Outdoors Every Day” pillar. Our plan builds upon long-standing pillars of the Lakefield experience and the use of our separate 160-acre Northcote Campus as a catalyst and launchpad. It is an initiative for environmental

it’s a parcel of land with significant wetlands, forests and meadows. While the land has not been farmed for many years, the school has been using it primarily for outdoor education and special events like our Winter Carnival.

responsibility, but the underlying mission is actually one directly focussed

During the pandemic, I happened to spend a

on the needs of our students, today, as they begin to focus on their future.

considerable amount of time walking the

Young people are increasingly feeling anxious and isolated. They are fully aware of the turmoil facing society in these times—environmental threats and climate change but also the many issues surrounding war, social and economic imbalances, economic and workplace turbulence, global health challenges and more. All of the world’s problems get full coverage in pervasive media, and students are plugged into all of it.

At the same time, we have gone through a grinding pandemic that has magnified isolation that was already problematic. Isolation has come in part from a breakdown of traditional social structures and the proliferation of an often false or two-dimensional world of social media and consumerism where parasocial relationships proliferate. A sense of belonging is elusive and unachievable for many. As wise observers have said: loneliness is the new epidemic (e.g. MIT’s Sherry Turkle, researcher of technology and social disconnection).

At Lakefield, we are working toward positive changes. Our mission is one of focussing on solutions to a worldwide challenge—the environment — but at the same time, it’s a mission of mental health. We see our passion for the environment as, at once, a classroom and a fountainhead of mental and physical wellbeing.

property, along with my family members and the dogs. It was during those long walks that we came to visualize Northcote’s potential as a nucleus for education surrounding environmental responsibility based on firsthand outdoor experiences, with a small teaching farm as the focus.

Our goal with Northcote, and for Lakefield as a whole, is a transformative student experience. Families want to know that we’re taking an active and innovative approach to promoting environmental responsibility and personal wellbeing through sustainable, community-oriented activity, including understanding how harvesting and accessing food—farming—impacts us all. It’s a top priority for us.

But environmental education, while creating awareness, doesn’t always inspire lasting behavioural changes. Engagement and the

Building relationships is something we do especially well as a school.

immersive experience of nature, including

Environmental responsibility and our programs at Northcote (p.34) will

activities like harvesting from the land, does

contribute mightily to that crucial aspect of Lakefield life. The belief that

change behaviour, and is proven to improve

teaching respect for the Earth and respect for people go hand-in-hand, is a

personal wellbeing. And doing it as a

value to which we aspire.

community builds a whole forest of relationships.

Grove News 2021/22 |

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Lakefield is striving to be a global leader in this area. By

Since the spring of last year, all houses and cocurricular

sharing in the common project of growing food for the

groups have been taking part in a variety of learning

school and the organizations that we partner with

opportunities at Northcote and we are working on designs

(Nourish Peterborough, Lakefield Community Foodbank,

to accommodate overnight stays with a plan for each

Food not Bombs, and Kawartha Foodshare), we want to

house to spend three days, contributing to an authentic

instill an appreciation for belonging and contributing to

farm experience. Our hope is that it will become as much

our community. At the same time as they connect with

of a memorable hallmark of the Lakefield year as our

one another, we believe our students will also connect

four-day Algonquin paddling expeditions.

with themselves, finding self-confidence in the experience, their productivity and the firsthand

Strength and Permanence

knowledge they will gain. And if students end up dirty and

One of the key features of our third pillar of the strategic

physically spent, with the odd mosquito bite, that’s all

plan, Strength and Permanence, is our commitment to

part of the experience!

Tuition Assistance and extending the diversity of

It’s these types of experiences—ones which we hope will have an important and lasting change in our students— that we’ve identified as priority outcomes within our strategic plan. We have made strong progress, to date, having launched initiatives under each of the four pillars of the plan: Authentic Learning, Community First, Strength and Permanence, and Outdoors Every Day.

Authentic Learning With authentic learning, our goal was deeper learning and self-discovery through a program rooted in experiential and university-style methods such as our Outdoor Education, Harkness and the Advanced Placement

representation within our student body even further. We believe greater diversity brings greater strength. For a long time now, we have been growing our needs-based tuition assistance program which has generously distributed over $2.3M annually to one-in-three students and covered up to 80 percent of tuition. Working closely with local partner organizations (New Canadian Centre Peterborough, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Peterborough, and Youth Unlimited Lakefield), we’ve launched our newest initiative which makes our school accessible to families with the greatest need by enabling us to offer a number of full tuition bursaries to students who would otherwise be unable to attend Lakefield.

program. One outcome of this goal was the introduction

Fundraising continues for this initiative, but we have

of our new modular schedule, which replaced a year-long

already raised nearly $2 million toward this endeavour

roster of eight courses with shorter rotating modules of up

thanks to the passion of engaged alumni and parents who

to four courses at a time. The new schedule was

have supported this idea from its inception. We believe

intentionally designed to support longer periods and a

that the Lakefield experience can truly benefit students

less frenetic pace with more time to focus on fewer

who otherwise cannot afford it, and that a greater

courses and even stronger student-teacher relationships.

The new schedule has allowed for even more opportunity for student-teacher consultations and projects that apply learnings to specific real-world problems.

Community First Of primary focus, under Community First, is building a stronger community and sense of belonging for all students. One of our goals is to renovate all of our 12 houses to include larger common rooms, full kitchens, and day student rooms to ensure there is sufficient space for house gatherings and for all members of the house— day and boarding students, advisors and residential staff—to gather and connect. These smaller house groups, organized with even smaller advising groups within each house, also play an important role as we roll out participation plans for our farming initiative at Northcote.

4 | Grove News 2021/22

diversity of economic circumstances in turn will truly

actions through activities, such as regenerative farming,

benefit our student body. If this is a program you are

and feel they are part of a solution.

interested in supporting, please contact me, as I am passionate about continuing to fully support students

Our guiding vision is bright, and students can already see

every year.

the product of their work here. This summer, 90 percent of the produce we consumed in Winder Smith Dining Hall

Outdoors Every Day With all of these advances, we are embracing the pillar of Outdoors Every Day with even greater determination, because it is fundamental to our goals of environmental responsibility and education as well as the communitybuilding that grows strong relationships.

We have set the table, so to speak, with the approval of our new campus master plan for Northcote, with several keystone student experiences in mind (p.34). We have also hired an architect to envision dedicated learning and sleeping spaces on the property. Our design vision will pay homage to the land and will offer a fresh take on outdoor and open indoor spaces—communal, unplugged

came from our own farm. The rest was donated to our local community food partners. Although we are incredibly proud of this fact, our goal is not to produce the maximum amount of food we can. At our heart, we will always focus on providing a transformative student experience, environmental education, and relationshipbuilding within a strong community.

In the future, we hope to welcome you to our farm and show you how it is used for all kinds of inspirational projects and purposes. These could include anything from eco-centric experimentation with wind, water, and solar-related energy, seed studies, water conservation or purification to ecologically themed art installations.

and much different from a classroom, where students can

The world will need leaders who understand how food is

stay for periods of time, work the farm, study, cook and

produced, how the forests, water and air around us can

dine in a natural yet forward-looking, farm-friendly

be better protected, and what we can do to live

atmosphere. If you are like me, you are probably wishing

comfortably, in harmony, with each other and the natural

you could go back to school here.

environment. We are confident that our young people at

One of the biggest lessons from the pandemic was the benefit of being outdoors, and with our new scheduling and house programs in place, our focus is turning to the new outdoor programs that we will introduce around sustainability, the environment, and community farming.

More than talking about the dangers of environmental threats, we want our students to see the benefits of their

Lakefield will gain the understanding to be those leaders who care, connect, and contribute to making the world a better place.

BELOW (L-R): Grove Prep for Grades 7 and 8 summer students gain hands-on experience at Northcote; longer class periods and small class sizes provide the time and space for our students to connect with their teachers and dive into their learning.

A MESSAGE

from THE LCS BOARD CHAIR

Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P’18

LCS Board Chair Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P’18 acknowledges outgoing LCS Staff Trustee Jess Fitchettte Hart ’97. Every year up to four LCS faculty and staff participate as school trustees while serving for three-year, and two-year terms.

Our Commitment to Strong and Effective Governance It’s been my great honour and pleasure to have served as

special and quite unique governance structure. We

your School Board Chair since 2019. I have many reasons

believe that it has been a significant differentiator for the

to love this school. I am a proud alumnus of the Class of

school and has helped drive our success.

1985, a proud parent to alumna Betsy Macdonnell ’18, and a proud cousin of Monty Bull ’37. My connection to Lakefield runs deep and through a variety of capacities.

Like many of our peer schools, our Foundation is a separate legal entity from the School, and both the School and Foundation have their own Boards of

Throughout my involvement with the school, I am

Directors and Board Committees. What is different,

continually inspired and humbled by the generosity of

however, about governance at LCS is that we also have a

spirit and time that so many volunteers are willing to

group of 72 School Trustees and 24 Foundation Trustees

share with our little school. Our governing bodies

who provide crucial advice, insight, and support to the

provide an excellent example of this dedication in

School and Foundation. There are currently over 100

action. I know my Foundation counterpart, Board Chair

people directly involved in volunteer governance roles at

Andrew Durnford ’85 (p.59), feels the same way.

LCS; these volunteers are extraordinarily generous with

For those who are new to our school community, you will quickly realize that Lakefield College School has a

6 | Grove News 2021/22

their time, expertise, and support. Indeed, we believe our high-engagement Trustee model has been particularly crucial to mobilizing the strong fundraising support we

have sustained at LCS since the inception of our modern

The review also identified five core areas of opportunity

Trustee governance structure in 2007. More broadly,

for enhancement, which related to: (1) accountability;

however, the impact that these volunteers have had

(2) efficiency; (3) relationships and alignment among

collectively on the School and Foundation has been

the various groups; (4) size and composition of key

absolutely transformational.

governance bodies; and (5) supporting infrastructure,

Of course, the larger scale and complexity of our

policies and systems.

governance model compared to most of our peer

When presenting the recommendations to our Trustees,

schools is labor-intensive to sustain and must be

Susan Wright (Wright Management Consulting)

carefully managed to ensure alignment, efficiency, and

conveyed the following: “Great schools are able to focus

effectiveness across the various governance bodies. To

their energies first and foremost on the needs of the

this end, during the 2017/18 school year, the School

students of today and tomorrow—driving continuous

undertook a comprehensive Joint School and

improvement and programmatic innovation to enable

Foundation governance review process to identify and

better teaching and learning. Lakefield needs to ensure

highlight opportunities to improve our governance

its energies can be focussed on this.” With this in mind,

structures and processes while at the same time

the governance review process culminated in ten key

preserving and further enhancing the strengths of our

recommendations, grouped around four key objectives,

model.

aimed at strengthening governance at LCS.

Key Findings from the 2017/18 Joint Governance Review

These four key objectives emerging from the 2017/18

The review process identified six key strengths of governance at LCS, including:

Joint Governance Review were: (1) Clarify Accountability, (2) Increase Efficiency, (3) Enhance Trust, and (4) Position Lakefield for the Future.

•

engagement;

Celebrating Progress Five Years Later

•

inclusion;

The 2022/23 school year marks five years since the

•

a more democratic approach;

•

checks and balances;

implemented a wide range of enhancements to our

•

separation of the Foundation from the School; and

governance structures and processes, contributing

•

strong results in fundraising.

significantly to an overall strengthening of governance

completion of the 2017/18 Joint Governance Review process. We are very pleased to have successfully

LCS and LCS Foundation Trustees at their joint meeting in October 2022, Lakefield College School Grove News 2021/22 |

7

at The Grove. While the enhancements we have

maximize the use of management and volunteer

implemented to date are numerous, some of the major

time

steps have included:

•

1. Clarify Accountability •

Implementation of a clear matrix of responsibilities

Enhanced focus on generative discussion as opposed to information sharing during governance meetings

•

for key functions between management and the

Size range of the School Board reduced from 12 to 18 members to 10 to 16 members

various governance bodies, delineating specific roles for each group with respect to such functions (i.e.

•

governance bodies

which group is to be responsible, accountable / approval authority, supportive, consulted and/or

Improved annual work planning processes for

informed); key focus on ensuring management is

3. Enhance Trust

responsible for strategy development and

•

Centralization of the role of Head of School and

implementation with oversight and input from the

Head of Foundation into a single person to promote

governance bodies

effective communication, alignment, and trust between the School and Foundation

•

Bylaws, governance policy manuals and Memorandum of Understanding Between the School

•

Increased number of joint meetings between School

and Foundation altered to implement recommended

and Foundation governance bodies, as well as

amendments to approval authorities and

increased opportunities for dialogue and social

responsibilities as between the various governance

engagement / relationship-building between such

bodies in alignment with governance best practices

groups (e.g., periodic joint trustee meetings and joint board meetings). The increased meetings were

•

Development of new organizational performance metrics document and target-setting processes to enhance governance monitoring and evaluation

2. Increase Efficiency •

School Board Risk Management Committee, School Board Human Resources Committee and Joint School and Foundation Strategic Planning Committee eliminated in recognition of the concept that these functions should reside with management, with board oversight to ensure appropriate processes in place

•

Joint Head Performance Review Committee renamed to Head Support and Evaluation Committee to reflect broader focus, including setting of annual goals and priorities, providing ongoing support and feedback, and facilitating professional development

•

Substantial proportion of governance meetings shifted from in-person to online, thereby saving management and volunteers significant travel time and better enabling participation of individuals residing outside Ontario/Canada

•

Governance meeting schedule revamped to better align with the school calendar, to promote streamlined and efficient governance and to

8 | Grove News 2021/22

particularly valuable during COVID, enabling the

•

Recruitment of external board members drawn

School and the Foundation to be able to more

from outside the LCS community to contribute

effectively support the School Leadership Team.

important skillsets and perspectives

Increased focus on clarity and publication of

•

Implementation of a wide range of enhancements

governance responsibilities and expectations, and

to the infrastructure supporting our governance

enhancements to orientation process for

bodies

governance roles as well as self-evaluation procedures

4. Position Lakefield for the Future •

•

Looking to the Future Both Andrew and I are proud of the progress made over the past five years to further strengthen governance at

Introduction of an enhanced approach to the

LCS as a result of the 2017/18 Joint Governance Review

identification and recruitment of prospective

Process. At the same time, we also remain deeply

governance body members, including approval of a

committed to working continuously to further enhance

revised School Board Nominations Policy, School

governance at LCS as we strive to ensure we provide the

Trustee Nomination Policy as well as the

best possible oversight and support to both the School

development of a School Trustee Skills and

and Foundation in the delivery of their missions.

Competencies Profile •

In particular, increased focus on the recruitment of individuals from a broader diversity of backgrounds to LCS governance roles (including, for example, ethnic, gender, and age diversity); new Joint Board DEI Statement adopted

Below (L-R): School and foundation trustees, faculty and staff participated in round table discussions on a diverse range of topics during the joint meeting of the school and foundation trustees, October 2022. Former LCS Foundation Board Chair Jock Fleming ’74, P ’03 ’06 receives the prestigious Page Wadsworth Award for volunteerism, acknowleding a lifetime of dedication and commitment to Lakefield College School, October 2022

Mike Arsenault P ’00 ’03 ’04 (third from left) with former students (L-R) Werner Dietl ‘89, Joel Finlayson ‘89, P ’24 and Geordie Dalglish ‘89, P ’25.

The Windsurfing Hut at Lakefield College School was dedicated to Mike in May 2022 in honour of his retirement and for his incredible contributions to the school.

40 Years a Teacher

Lessons Learned from Mike Arsenault LCS faculty member Mike Arsenault P ’00 ’03 ’04 retired in June 2022 after forty years. Mike joined the school as a teacher in September of 1982 following correspondences with Headmaster Terry Guest earlier that spring. Committed to lifelong learning, Mike conducted research, published articles, and often drafted memos to school leadership regarding topics such as the Socialization of Young Adults and proposing a teacher purchase plan for computers. He taught Biology, Earth Science and Environmental Science, has led the Science and Technology department, and has been the Head of Brown House and Grove House. He mentored countless teachers new to the profession and fostered a love of science in many Grove students. Mike, a champion of windsurfing, not only developed this program at LCS, but also kept our students safe as the Director of Waterfront. Trying to include all that Mike has given to LCS in 40 years is not possible to do in four pages. Careers that span 40 years are not necessarily uncommon, but careers that span 40 years in one place are extraordinary. Mike has experienced so much throughout his expansive career at Lakefield College School and we were pleased to capture some of the lessons he’s learned after educating teenagers for over four decades.

You Have Something to Offer Every Student When I first came to LCS, I thought there were two main kinds of students: those students whose parents had done everything they could to shape them into well-rounded adolescents and were looking for additional support and those who were already moulded into leaders with a range of skills and talents. We still get a mix, but now we also get a 10 | Grove News 2021/22

“Capacity is about the size of your cup; the capacity of that particular vessel to contain what you are is small to start. My job is to increase the size of the vessel, to increase your capacity to do things.” much wider range of kids with a variety of backgrounds.

students—kindness, integrity, generosity, empathy—in

What I’ve learned over time is that it doesn’t matter

the smallest moments every single day.

where the student comes from or what life experience they have, I’ve always asked myself, “What does this

Teaching is an Artform

teenager need the most to allow them to flourish?”

Books, paintings, and theatrical productions are all

Throughout my 40 years at LCS, I aimed to effect the

commonly recognized as the products of artistic

changes necessary for each specific kid, based on the

composition. Teaching, however, is also an art; one that

unique qualities and talents they brought with them.

took me many years to master and truly understand. It

Teach the Individual, Not the Collective

became obvious to me when we began teaching virtual classes during the pandemic that there is a craft to

I soon learned the value of teaching at an individual

teaching; a spark that ignites between the learner and

level, rather than teaching to the collective. We’re lucky

the teacher that allows information to come to life.

at Lakefield to have a student-to-educator ratio that allows for deeper connections and more individualized teaching. I’ve seen this student-centered approach have a great impact on our pupils’ abilities to grasp course concepts and really engage with the material in a meaningful way. It’s so important to know each student and understand who they are and what their wants and desires are. When I know my students, I can teach in a way that resonates with them such that they see the value of the lesson beyond just earning a high school credit. They begin to see the greater picture of how the skills and learning strategies they develop, whether in a Biology class or in a Dance class, can help them throughout their lives.

When the world drastically shifted to a digital environment in 2020, we were all asked to dramatically change the way we delivered our classroom lessons. I realized, at that time, that there’s a tight feedback loop that exists in an in-person classroom dynamic. That feedback loop is something I took for granted before I knew it was such a precious part of the learning dynamic. Magic comes from students delivering feedback, whether it be verbal in the form of questions or chatter amongst themselves, or non-verbal (shifting in their seat, giving a puzzled expression, or exchanging wide-eyed looks with their classmates). All of this information is critical for me to gauge how they are receiving the ideas in that moment and what gears I

It’s Important to Foster the Essential Qualities of a “Good” Human

need to shift to ensure everyone is on the same

One question with which I anchored so many of my

Safety is Key for Success

interactions with students was, “What are the essential components of a ‘good’ human?” Every day, I tried to remind myself that intellectual, emotional, physical, and spiritual development are the key ingredients to a wellrounded, genuine person. The next question I would ask myself was “How can I go about nurturing those things?”

proverbial track.

We are feeling beings who think, we are not thinking beings who feel. As soon as I understood that concept, every interaction that I had needed to underpin that perspective. I know that if a student opens up to me in some sort of vulnerable fashion, they need to know they are safe in doing so. I also know that if I do anything to

At Lakefield, I think we do a pretty good job of helping

compromise that safety, they’re going to shut down, and

students develop in each of those areas. This speaks to

it’s going to take much longer for them to let me in and

the talents of our staff, because in order to develop a

for us to hit critical learning thresholds.

multi-faceted multi-skilled teenager, our teachers and staff members take advantage of the real teachable moments, beyond the classroom, to have a widespread impact. This means fostering the best qualities in our

It’s also important to acknowledge that each student comes to Lakefield with a sort of protective armour. For some students, it’s like a soft shell that cracks with Grove News 2021/22 |

11

gentle maneuvering; for others, it’s a thick wall that insulates them from the rest of the community. One way to help break that armour is to ensure that school is a safe space where they know they can express themselves and still be treated with kindness and respect.

Whenever the opportunity presented itself, I tried to model and encourage the values we hold as a school. If I saw an interaction between students that was outside of our value set, I addressed it. But, I would never do it in a way that embarrassed the student because that would fracture safety. I aimed to bring the issue back to who we were as a collective and get them thinking on the same wavelength: “this is who we are; this is what we’re trying to do; there are a thousand ways to do this; how are we going to do it together?” In other words, we looked at what we wanted to achieve, together, and then discussed the best approach. That perspective-taking can happen at any time, any place, and anywhere.

One of the Heads of School years ago used to say “adventure builds character, so we do lots of adventurous things.” But that was deepened for me when someone else said “it’s not adventure that builds character, adventure reveals character.”

And that made me realize I need to understand where students’ comfort levels are before I can push them to the edge. That’s another way of keeping students safe; they know they’ll be pushed but they also know we won’t push them so far such that they’re treading to keep their head above water (figuratively speaking, of course; we are an Outdoors Every Day school, after all!).

Genuine Care is Crucial Showing deep and genuine care is—and has to be—a component of how you gain trust and engage with students. In any one year, I had direct interaction with about a third of the school. That’s a lot of people who I had to have a “read” on and understand. But, it’s important to get to know everyone. It matters when you show a student you care, especially when you know them well enough to acknowledge when they’ve made improvements, academically, socially, and athletically.

Being seen by another human is powerful; it’s a superpower when you can do that, really.

Fortunately, teens can’t sink into the background here. They can’t hide. The network of support we build around students— Advisors, Heads of House, Guidance Counsellors, Associate Faculty, Coaches, and Teachers—ensures that no one can slip through the cracks. And when you can’t hide, you have to be who you are.

12 | Grove News 2021/22

Advice for New Teachers Understand the Student Experience

Stay Curious

One of the enduring pieces of advice I received in my

Spend time in vastly different subject areas. Though I’m

first year as a teacher was “find ways to experience what

a teacher and I spent a lot of time mastering my subject

students experience”. As a new teacher, I shifted from

areas, I also read materials from outside of my discipline.

directing students to empathizing with what they’re

Exploring information outside of my area of specialty

going through. When you know that, you can adjust

allowed me to take great ideas from others and

yourself and your behaviour accordingly. As a teacher,

implement them into my own practice. My aim is to

you always have an agenda but know that your agenda

constantly learn and develop new skills, to always be

needs to be tempered by where the students are in the

willing to take on new challenges.

moment, intellectually and emotionally.

Be Yourself

Reach Out Reach out. Bounce ideas off other people as much as

Be yourself. You can’t be your favourite book character

possible. Apart from constantly reading, I would seek out

or your favourite mentor, you can only be you. Students

individuals in very different disciplines to find out what

will see through any facade you put up because what

they’re doing. Seeing and knowing how professionals in

they want most is the true, honest version of you. When

other fields, such as the world of business where

you can be yourself in the classroom, students learn that

constant learning is a necessity, allowed me to seek out

they can be themselves, too.

new ideas and find ways to reinvigorate what’s

Take on Alternative Perspectives I needed a lot of different perspectives. It was important

happening in my classroom.

ELISE MOORE

for me to get to know every level of the organization, not just my colleagues. Get to know the people that help make the school run on a day-to-day basis. If you don’t have a pulse of what’s going on around the place, you’ve lost a lot. You don’t have all the components necessary to shift what you do in the classroom based on what the student experience is at that point in time.

Focus on the Student—Not the Ego I’ve mentored some very strong teachers in the past and while I know that part of our desire is to show our prowess, I always gave my mentees a difficult reminder: it’s really not about you, it’s about the student. If there’s another adult in the room, new teachers often want to impress that adult. But that’s not the focus. The focus is

In May 2022, The Windsurfing Hut at Lakefield College School was dedicated to Mike Arsenault. The dedication reads: “Dedicated to Mike Arsenault for his incredible contribution to Lakefield College School. Teacher. Mentor.

Friend. On and off the water.

1982-2022.”

on supporting the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of everyone in the room. Part of that is subjugating your own ego. In fact, I don’t believe ego has any place in a school. When that begins to dissipate, authentic learning and connection-building happen. I think part of being able to let your ego dissolve is to share the student experience.

Grove News 2021/22 |

13

Grade 10 Integrated English and History teachers Amy McGrath and Rory Gilfillan P ‘23

THE WAR EXPERIENCE Grade 10 Integrated English and History Class LCS teacher Amy McGrath and I are Canadians who

never has been. We are, as author and former LCS

teach Canadian History to many students whose first

teacher John Boyko, wrote, “a warrior nation.” Canada

experience with the country began the moment they

has thousands of young men buried all over Europe

stepped off a plane in September. Our job is more

because they felt that it was worth dying so that people

complicated than it used to be. Aside from teaching

they had never met, in faraway places, might be free.

students that while there are numerous overlaps

Canada fought both World Wars from start to finish.

between Canadian and American History, and that

When the French broke the lines and left, our soldiers

throughout the last 250 years, we have had the

stopped the German assault at the Second Battle of

propensity to get involved in each other’s wars,

Ypres, holding urine-soaked handkerchiefs over their

occasionally against each other, there are stark

faces to stop the Great War’s first gas attack. Some of

differences between American and Canadian History.

our (LCS) Old Boys flew bombing missions to Berlin,

Our main task, however, is to separate fact from myth.

Hamburg and Dresden, when the odds of coming back

Canadians are destined to be misunderstood both by themselves and others. Despite popular rhetoric to the contrary, we are not a country that thanks bank machines, apologizes when slighted by others and the vast majority of us don’t live on the tundra but within 100 kilometres of the American border. Most Canadians reside in places that are far more temperate than either

alive made it the closest thing to a suicide mission that the Second World War offered. Canada sent troops to bolster the defense of South Korea in 1950 dying on numbered hills and, during the Vietnam war, a conflict our government officially wanted no part of, 12,000 Canadians felt differently, crossing the border to the USA, to enlist and fight, mostly in Marine units.

Minneapolis or North Dakota. In real life Canadians are

We have fought all corners, sometimes even turning

not the self-effacing and goofy caricatures portrayed in

against ourselves, removing Indigenous children to

the few times we appear in film. We have been forged in

residential schools, and interning Japanese Canadians

conflict. Canada is not a peace-keeping nation and

during the Second World War. In the major conflicts of

14 | Grove News 2021/22

the blood-spattered 20th Century, Canadians have been the

write and defend, and often change their mind. We demand

first to fight and the last to lay down their arms. Often in

that they stand on fact and truth. Students do this through

noble causes. Sometimes not.

exacting research, impassioned debate, Harkness table

The truth is Canadians have fought and will continue to fight,

discussions and Socratic lessons.

and will travel thousands of miles out of their way to do so.

This course is new but the spirit behind it is not. The A.W.

The War Experience—one of two unique new Grade 10

Mackenzie Chapel, on campus, is a standing memorial to our

integrated courses that brings together studies in English and

Old Boys who fell defending the freedom of strangers in far

History—considers this idea. The course is not a celebration

away places. The War Experience course commemorates that

of war but an honest evaluation of its impact on Canada.

sacrifice and connects our students to their valour.

Through literature, primary historical sources and—above all—hard work, students understand that the truth is

RORY GILFILLAN P ’23

attainable but also, that history is complicated. War has long been an accelerator of change. Women gained the right to

Integrated courses at LCS cover all the curricular

vote in 1917 because of the First World War. Because of war,

expectations of two ministry courses. In this case, it is Gr.

aircraft rapidly evolved from primitive wire and wood kites

10 English and Gr. 10 History. The War Experience is

that could fly for three minutes in 1903, to machines capable

taught through the lens of how war has influenced

of dogfighting high over the Western Front fifteen years later.

Canada, Canadians, and the many people impacted by this

Advances in antibiotics, wireless technology—the progenitor

phenomenon. LCS students have two teachers who

of the modern cell phone—and the ebb and flow of fear of

facilitate the course, ensuring the exploration of this theme

bigotry were also possible because of war. Combat has and

in diverse ways, while also intently focussing on the

continues to bring out the very best in us and the very worst.

However, it is in a time of relative peace for Canadians, that

development of the technical skills inherent in reading and writing. Like the War Experience, LCS also offers Grade 10

the pursuit of historical truths has never been more

students the opportunity to apply to participate in its Page-

important or more dangerous. Accordingly, the Grade 10 War

to-Stage (integrated English and Drama) course which

Experience course is not a sedentary experience but a

encourages an authentic exploration of literature,

crucible where students are challenged to develop their

examining the components behind its creation and the

understanding and take a stand on contentious issues. We

many pieces involved in staging it.

ask the very best of them, pushing them to think, research,

Grove News 2021/22 |

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RE-FRAMING HISTORY Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice class

At Lakefield College School, we are grateful to have

from various perspectives, including the perspectives of

students who are deeply engaged in their learning and

the writer, LCS alumni, and Indigenous Peoples. In the

whose curiosity and compassion guide their exploration

process of this analysis, they deconstructed the use of

of complex and complicated histories. Last spring,

adulating language to describe not only the “rebellions”

Lorraine Brown’s Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice

but also a prominent figure featured in the article, Dr.

class did just that over the course of two discussions

Campbell Mellis Douglas.

with special guest and valued member of the LCS community, Maurice Switzer ’63.

The article mentions that Dr. Douglas, a British army doctor and an early owner of the Northcote property,

A member of the school’s Diversity, Equity, and

was a recipient of the Victoria Cross—at the time, the

Inclusion Task Force, and a current LCS Trustee,

highest military honour awarded in the British

Maurice is a citizen of the Mississaugas of Alderville First

Commonwealth—for bravery in rescuing 17 fellow

Nation, where his Grandfather Moses Muskrat Marsden

soldiers during the Sepoy “Rebellion”. The article also

served as Chief from 1904-1909. He lives in North Bay

notes that Dr. Douglas was present at the 1885 Battle of

and currently serves as a member of the Indigenous

Batoche (Saskatchewan) during the NorthWest

Reconciliation Working Group of the Ontario Human

“Rebellion”. Through their analysis, our students

Rights Commission and Nipissing University’s

discovered how native Indians refer to the 1857-59

Indigenous Council on Education. Still a practicing

Sepoy conflict—as “The First War of Independence”

journalist, Maurice was an editor and publisher at five

against colonization, in which 6,000 combatants died,

Canadian daily newspapers.

most of them Sepoys (Indian infantrymen). They also

Ms. Brown and Maurice guided the Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice class through an investigation into word choice and language use with regard to historical storytelling and reporting. They examined the article, “A Farm with Roots” from our 2021 issue of the Grove News, which addressed the history of our Northcote campus. In preparation for a Harkness discussion, students read the article in addition to historical accounts of the NorthWest “rebellion” and Sepoy “rebellion” as well as the Doctrine of Discovery. Using the discernment skills they’ve developed through course readings and assignments, the class analyzed the article through a critical lens and aimed to understand the text

16 | Grove News 2021/22

learned that Canada now officially references the Batoche conflict as “the Northwest Resistance” of First Nations and Metis warriors whose lands the Canadian government wanted for settlers and the Canadian Pacific Railway. Eight Canadian soldiers died at Batoche, and 173 Indigenous fighters. In addition, eight First Nations men were executed for their role at Batoche in the largest mass hanging in Canadian history. The class reviewed these additional historical references and perspectives, and how their omission from historical storytelling and reporting (in this case with regard to Dr. Douglas’ invovelment) reinforce biases often found in journalistic pieces.

Maurice guided the class through a conversation about

“There’s always more than one viewpoint, particularly

these realizations. Students discussed the use of the

when it involves conflict, and especially when it involves

term “rebellion” with respect to how this particular term

colonization,” said Maurice. He reminded students in

does not reflect an Indigenous Peoples’ understanding

the class how valuable open discussions like this can be

of the conflict. Maurice prompted the class to consider

and how constructive it is for schools and other

how it could be that the terms “NorthWest Rebellion”

institutions to demonstrate their willingness to explore

and “Sepoy Rebellion” are reflective of a colonizing bias.

these topics in an open and sincere way. When

When reflecting on these terms as well as other choices of diction, Maurice remarked, “These things happen. It doesn’t mean that the writers or editors had evil intent.

It means that they don’t have the same point of view as

Shenda Fitton ’22 asked what we might do to further truth and reconciliation, Maurice responded, “what we are doing right now is an act of reconciliation. These kinds of conversations are the way forward.”

some of the cultures referred to in that article.”

As a class our students, guided by Maurice Switzer and

Continuing this point, Maurice said, “It behooves people

their teacher Ms.Brown, bridged the divide between a

who are thoughtful citizens in today’s world to learn

colonizing perspective and a post-colonial perspective.

from cultures past and hopefully to not repeat the same

History was re-framed. We extend our deepest gratitude

mistakes.”

to Maurice for sharing his time and facilitation skills and

Students listened as Maurice, a journalist himself, explained that we should always be critical when we consume media information, history books, and textbooks because they often contain singular points of

to our students for embracing the opportunity to learn with and from Maurice.

ELISE MOORE

view that reflect the systems of justice that were created by people who have historically held positions of power.

The class engaged in a discussion about colonization and systemic racism, asking thoughtful questions and reflecting upon the impact of power relations in the past and present.

BELOW: Lorraine Brown’s Grade 12 Equity and Social Justice class Zoom in with Guest Speaker Maurice Switzer ’63 for an investigation into word choice and language use with regard to historical storytelling and reporting

Grove News 2021/22 |

17

Closing 2022

Highlights

The Lakefield College School community was thrilled to celebrate our 143rd Closing in person and on campus. We enjoyed a number of milestone traditions including our all school awards ceremony, Closing Chapel and photo, and Grade 12 Graduation and Closing Ceremony with our full community.

98.6% The average for Grade 12 Top of Form student and recipient of the Governor General’s Medal, Vincent Cloutier ’22

281

Scholars with Distinction

Students with averages of 85% or higher

$1.5M

Over in scholarship and other funding offers received by the Class of 2022 from top post-secondary programs around the world (p.26).

See where LCS graduates go: lcs.on.ca/postsecondary

642 Most community service hours completed in 2021/22, Maya Ruparelia ’22

View more Closing highlights including videos at: lcs.on.ca/Closing2022

CELEBRATING OUR RETIRING STAFF MEMBERS During our 2022 Closing Ceremony, we honoured several valued members of the LCS community who have chosen to retire with a special remembrance and recognition of the impact they have made on our school. Thank you and congratulations to Pam Birrell P ’13, John Boyko P ’00 GP ’26, Su Armstrong P ’13, ’15, and Mike Arsenault P ’00, ’03, ’04.

RETIRING AFTER OVER TWENTY YEARS OF SERVICE AT LAKEFIELD COLLEGE SCHOOL:

JOHN BOYKO—25 YEARS

18 | Grove News 2021/22

SU ARMSTRONG—30 YEARS

MIKE ARSENAULT—40 YEARS

All school photo, June 2022

ANNE-MARIE KEE P ’17 ’19, HEAD OF SCHOOL AND FOUNDATION “Graduates, the lessons you’ve learned through your challenging high school experience can be carried with you as you tackle the real world ahead, and I hope you use your education for action. I cannot help but ask—what better people to handle this new normal than the Grads of 2022 who have lived through a time like no other? As O’G said in his Chapel Talk last night, “You crushed it!” On behalf of our staff, let me say that we are proud of you and the amazing places you will head to next year.”

HUGH MACDONNELL ’85, P ’18, LAKEFIELD COLLEGE SCHOOL BOARD CHAIR “I guess my hope for you is that you remember the way this place feels. Remember the way it feels when you lose your voice on Gladiator Day and then need to do a Chapel Talk. Remember the way it felt when you jumped into Lake Katchewanooka for the first time, the last time. This will always be your home. Know that whether you are near or far, whether you visit monthly or in 25 years, you will always be welcome here.”

2021/22 CO-HEAD STUDENTS DAVID CRISPO ‘22 AND SARAH JIANG ‘22 “We may all be going separate ways next year, or traveling down different paths, but yet, ultimately, the memories and connections we make from this place are ones that will always stay with us and have shaped us as the people we are today. At times, graduation feels as though it marks the end. The relationships we’ve all formed are ones that will go so much farther beyond The Grove, the trees, the waterfront or the red doors. This is where our journey together only really begins.”

Grove News 2021/22 |

19

2021/22

Highlights Student Leadership in Action In October 2021, our Co-Head Students, Sarah Jiang ’22 and David Crispo ’22, hosted a National President’s Panel with student council leaders from Canadian Accredited Independent Schools (CAIS) across Canada. Sarah ’22 and David ’22 were motivated to design a panel that explored

stunning student choreography and a wide variety of dance genres; it was truly a night to remember. From aerial silks and hoops to jazz to a contemporary TikTok-themed performance, it was wonderful to see the breadth of talent our students possessed and performed confidently for our community to enjoy.

leadership. They spoke with students from 17

Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of 2021

Canadian boarding schools about the key issues—

Lakefield College School was named one of

including physical and mental wellbeing, school

Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures of

culture, and inclusion—facing boarding schools

2021 by Waterstone Human Capital. In November

in the 2021/22 school year.

2021, members of the LCS Leadership Team

the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on

OFSAA Cross Country Championships 2021 In November 2021, Lakefield College School welcomed over 1,100 students from over 200 Ontario schools to compete in the 2021 OFSAA Cross Country Running Championships. The LCS community was abuzz, eager to cheer on the 10

attended a gala in Toronto in celebration of this award and to hear from a series of guest speakers who addressed important topics, such as “Thriving Through Culture” and “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Tools for Change” which offered creative ideas for how we can continue to improve the LCS experience for students, staff, and faculty.

runners from our very own Cross Country team

2022 Peter Dalglish Art Award

who qualified for the event. Congratulations to

Congratulations to Alana Kim ’22, the Peter

Jana Karan ’25, Ali Abell ’24, Gabriel Roti ’25,

Dalglish Art Award recipient for 2022. The Peter

Richard Hong ’24, Nate Andras ’24, Auston

Dalglish Art Award was established in 2014 by

Zhang ’25, Alistair Ward ’24, Clea Yates ’22, Evan

Geordie Dalglish ‘89 and Kim Dalglish Abell in

Armstong ’23, and Thomas Larson ’22 for their

honour of their father’s affection for Lakefield

dedication and commitment to training, which

College School and his commitment to supporting

led to their ongoing success in races leading up to

young artists. The purpose of the award is to

OFSAA. This momentous day was made even

inspire, encourage, and recognize artistic talent

more special as our Junior Boys Cross Country

at LCS by promoting promising young artists and

team qualified for the race—the first LCS team to

their future contributions to art in Canada and

qualify for OFSAA in over 20 years!

beyond.

ReLaunching Live Performances at The Grove

Student-Led Black History Month

After two years of virtual and hybrid

about Black History Month, our student-led

performances, the LCS Dance Company was

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Club worked

thrilled to (safely) welcome LCS parents back to

with other student clubs on plans to educate the

campus for “ReLaunch”—an incredible live

wider school community through a variety of

performance showcase. The show featured

resources.

20 | Grove News 2021/22

Motivated to drive exploration and conversations

+85 LCS students

participated in two musicals: Anything Goes! and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

+7,000lbs

of veggies harvested each growing season at Northcote. 50% for the dining hall, and 50% going to meal and food programs in Lakefield and Peterborough

+700

20

members of the LCS community returned to campus for Home to The Grove

alumni, parents and friends of the LCS community shared their story on Career Day

$2.3M awarded in tuition assistance to 1 in 3 students

77 co-curricular

courses offered in the Arts, Athletics and Culture

175lbs

+100

honey harvested from the school’s apiary

student-led spirit events

+1,100 student-athletes ran our revitalized trail networks at 2021 OFSAA Cross Country

Grove News 2021/22

ABOVE (Top to Bottom) L-R: 2022 Peter Dalglish Art Award recipient Alana Kim ’22; 2021/22 CoHead Students, Sarah Jiang ’22 and David Crispo ’22; ReLaunch Dance Showcase; Leadership Team members Vicky Boomgaardt P ’25, John Runza P ’17 ’20, and Tracy Reid at Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures Gala in Toronto.

| 21

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

2021/22

Highlights

Shiming Fei

Community Relations Manager, International Life Before Lcs “I worked at The Hospital for Sick Children Foundation, where I fundraised and supported development and outreach activities. Prior to SickKids, I was at the Research Bureau in Ottawa.

My office reported to and supported Prime Minister Trudeau’s office directly on the diversity outreach efforts. My first job was as a news journalist, which I really liked.”

B.A. (Communications and Media Studies), University of Windsor

Unique Achievements “I once gave a “how to WeChat” training to over 30 Member of Parliament offices across Canada, to explain the features that can help to engage with local constituents.”

Current Passion Project “To promote Lakefield’s “one-of-a-kind learning experience,” to as many families as possible, because I truly believe that LCS is an amazing school in so many ways.”

My LCS Difference “The LCS community is very genuine, encouraging and authentic. Who doesn’t like to work and contribute in such an environment?”

ABOVE: Images of our Cross Country Running Team and Nordic skiiers. In November 2021, and February 2022, LCS hosted students from schools across Ontario to compete in the OFSAA Cross Country Running Championships (p.20) and CISAA Nordic Skiing Championships (p.25).

See more: bit.ly/CISAANordic

See more: bit.ly/OFSAAXCR2021

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

Todd Melville P ’21 ’21 ’24 Program Area Leader: Science, Advisor Life Before Lcs “Before coming to LCS, I completed a Ph.D. in Physical Chemistry at Dalhousie University and had an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at UBC. Early on I realized I wasn’t that happy with just a research position so I decided to make the leap into teaching. I went back to school for my B.Ed. and started teaching Science and Math at Halifax Grammar School. My family moved to the Peterborough area in 2005 and I started at LCS a couple of years after.”

B.Sc., University of Waterloo Ph.D. (Chemistry), Dalhousie University B.Ed., Mount Saint Vincent University

Unique Achievements “I’ve coached ultimate frisbee for 20 years now and in 2014 and 2015, my team won back-to-back national championships. This gave me the opportunity to join the Ultimate Canada National (U20) Team as an assistant coach. In 2016, the U20 World Championships were in Wroclaw, Poland, and in 2018 they were in Waterloo, Ontario. In both tournaments, we finished second behind the United States.”

My LCS Difference “My LCS difference is the great experience my three kids have had at LCS. The coaches, teachers, and advisors here are incredible, and I’m constantly impressed with the positive impact the people at LCS have had on my kids’ development.”

(Top to Bottom) Anything Goes! Spring Musical; Head of School Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19, LCS Foundation Board Chair Andrew Dunford ’85, H.E. Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Ambassador of Spain and students during tour of campus; Students in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

2021/22

Highlights They curated resources for students designed

particular, following two years of inconsistent

to address concepts such as pluralism in

competition (due to COVID).

identity, code-switching, hybridity, double consciousness, cancel culture, and more.

They continued to build on these resources throughout the school year with a goal to continue gaining new knowledge.

“Exploring the culture behind this month of recognition and celebration is a foundational principle that is guiding our efforts,” said Clea Yates ’22 and Sarah Jiang ’22.

Anything Goes!

In March 2022, our students were thrilled to share a live musical performance for the first time in almost two years. Anything Goes! was a stunning production. Set in the 1930s aboard an ocean liner sailing across the Atlantic Ocean, the story encompassed antics about a love triangle between Billy Crocker (Ben Freeman ’23), Hope Harcourt (Ava Mason ’23),

Welcoming H.E. Alfredo Martínez Serrano to LCS

and Baron Ludwig Von Schneider (Fritz

Our community was delighted to welcome

’24) joined forces with Reno Sweeney (Kate

H.E. Alfredo Martínez Serrano, Ambassador

Bemrose ’22), to help Billy win Hope’s heart. It

of Spain to Canada, to The Grove twice during

was a show full of jokes and by the end,

the 2021/22 school year. His Excellency first

Anything Goes! revealed its full silliness to the

came to Lakefield for a tour of campus and to

audience’s delight.

meet with our students and faculty, to whom he recounted King Felipe VI of Spain’s experience attending Lakefield College School in 1984 and 1985. His Excellency returned to LCS in May for the world premiere screening of the short film ‘Goya 3 de mayo’ at The Bryan Jones Theatre. Joined by Professor Adrian Shubert (doctor of history) from York University, guests enjoyed a lecture about the film’s origin, style, and meaning.

Fischer-Appelt ’22). Moonface Martin (Alex Bemrose ’24), and Erma (Maude Rose Craig

Career Day We welcomed over 20 guests from the LCS community (p.58) and beyond to The Grove for Career Day. Our guest speakers’ careers ranged from architecture to marketing to law to psychology and more. These passionate individuals shared their unique career paths and helped our students to learn more about future options and how to navigate upper

LCS Hosts CISAA Nordic Skiing Championships

high school years, when making decisions

In February 2022, LCS welcomed students

attend sessions to learn more about guest

from across Central Ontario for the CISAA

speakers who work in fields of interest to

Nordic Skiing Championships. This was our

them. They were grateful to hear first-hand

first Nordic Skiing event of 2022 and our

from professionals who sat in the very seats

students and staff were excited to see

they were in just a few years ago.

competitive athletes from the local area and beyond take part in this event. Twenty-six Lakefield students competed in the event, many of whom achieved top place finishes.

After unveiling our new 900m sprint track early in 2021, we were thrilled to finally see it come to life with teems of passionate skiers.

Student excitement was at an all-time high, in

about post-secondary schools can be most intimidating. Our students were keen to

LCS Presents Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Congratulations to our students and staff for last spring’s delightful play, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The show featured spirited dance numbers and contemporary songs, such as “Bye Bye Bye” by the Backstreet Boys. From the hilarious accent of Augustus Gloop (Sacha

View School News and watch our latest videos at lcs.on.ca/News

Kayudin ’23) to the posh affectation of Veruca Salt (Grace Warner ’22), the personality and Grove News 2021/22 |

25

2021/22

Highlights charm our students brought to their roles was

Congratulations to this year’s graduating class

infectious. Charlie Ward ’23 delivered tender and

who received offers totalling over $1.5 million in

charismatic energy in her role as Charlie Bucket

scholarship and other funding offers.

while Ben Freeman ’23 brought a whimsical and eccentric liveliness to his character, Willy Wonka.

Riveting, imaginative, and idiosyncratically fun, this production brought joy to our community.

Irving and GEO Expeditions This summer, we were thrilled to resume offering the Irving Expedition and launch our new Guest

Congratulations to our 2022/23 Co-Head Students

Expedition Ontario (GEO) trips—two enriching

Congratulations to Griffin Mbonda ’23 and Abby

Thanks to the expert leadership of Lin Ward, Al

Reeds ’23 who were elected as Co-Head Students

Pace ’77 P ’07, and the guides from Canoe North

by their peers and staff in the spring. On the topic

Adventures, six LCS students and two staff had

of leadership, Griffin ’23 shared, “It’s about

the opportunity to see the Canadian Northwest

listening and being part of the conversation...

Territories during the Irving Expedition. Over

leading by example...doing the right thing when

thirteen days, the team paddled 310 kms down

no one is watching...being true to myself so that

the Keele River and 80 kms on the Mackenzie

who I am on the inside aligns with the way I

River to finish their journey in the town of Tulita.

relate to people and execute my duties on the

Students honed their outdoor skills, learned

outside.” Abby ’23 shared what being a leader

about the flora and fauna (including moose and

means to her, saying, “Being open, warm, and

caribou sightings and evidence of grizzly bear

receptive to feedback…putting your own

and wolf tracks), enjoyed delicious food, and

opinions aside and working towards a goal that

learned about the Mountain Dene people and the

will satisfy the community as a whole...being a

Northern way of life.

programs designed to challenge and engage students with new perspectives in the outdoors.

trusted spokesperson, and someone dependable and friendly that can be trusted to represent others.” We wish them all the best in 2022/23.

We also launched GEO for the first time this summer. Designed to provide expedition experience and help younger students grow their

LCS Graduates Offered over $1.5M in Scholarships and Funding

confidence in a supportive setting, Eight

Every graduating class tells a story. The story of

pink rocks of the French River and paddled

the Class of 2022 can be illustrated with a few

through the crystal blue waters of Georgian Bay.

words: ambition, perseverance, and confidence.

This biennial Ontario-focussed expedition will be

The combination of destinations, program choices, and sheer number and breadth of post-

students kayaked between Killarney and the French River, travelling through the Harvey First Nations Territory. They visited the picturesque

available for 8 to 10 students in Grade 9 and 10, with a willingness to take on an adventurous outdoor experience.

secondary school applications reveals our students’ individual strengths, values, and

We are so grateful for the generosity of the Irving

ambitions. This year, the graduating class is

Family, Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18, Andrew

travelling to schools all over the world. Whether it

Dunford ’85, Jock Fleming ’73, P ’03 ’06, Tom

is pursuing studies in Engineering, International

Stevenson ’78 and others who led the way in

Relations, Kinesiology, Environmental Science,

making these trips possible. The support of these

Architecture, Fashion Design, or Fine Arts at New

LCS families and alumni ensures that our

York University, Carnegie Mellon, UCLA, IE

students have a chance to immerse themselves in

University, or Acadia University, Lakefield will be

once-in-a-lifetime opportunities like these.

represented worldwide and across a range of programs.

26 | Grove News 2021/22

OUR PEOPLE LCs staff snapshot

Amit Chopra

Director of Information Systems Life Before Lcs “I started my career in Aeronautics, working on robotics programming with NASA before venturing into security analysis, compliance and fraud detection systems with AMEX. This led me to Information Systems Design. I’ve worked on projects for organizations such as the Toronto Maple Leafs, and IBM. Eventually, I moved into the Education sector, working first as the Technical Advisor and Head of Database for Holy Trinity School, before reaching my final destination at LCS as the Director of Information Systems.”

Bachelor of Technology, Computer Science & Engineering, MD University

unique achievements “I designed the Trinitarian Award, a coveted symbol of recognition, given by Holy Trinity School. It’s similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award and is capable of automated evaluation, approval, and progress tracking. During my career at LCS, I have designed several systems and automation such as the L-CAT COVID-19 assessment tool, the LCS online store, and a robust cybersecurity infrastructure.”

current passion project “I have designed my own home AI-based security and smart systems using 37 different Raspberry Pis. They perform various functions like opening doors based on facial recognition, climate control, and monitoring house security.

I’m currently working on a self-propelled lawn mower and snow blower that would operate on their own.”

My LCS Difference OPPOSITE (Top to Bottom) L-R: Members of the Class of 2022; 2022 Guest Expedition Ontario, French River; 2022/23 Co-Head Students Griffin Mbonda and Abby Reeds; 2022 Irving Expeditionin the Canadian Northwest Territories.

“LCS is my family and it’s good to be with my family.”

OUR PEOPLE LCS Staff Snapshot

Stephanie Sparkman

Math and science teacher, advisor Life Before Lcs “I’m originally from Kenora, Ontario where I grew up camping, fishing, and playing every sport I could find in our small community. I moved to Peterborough to attend Trent University and complete my Bachelor of Forensic Science.

While at school, I played varsity soccer for Trent and rep hockey for the Peterborough Ice Kats. After graduating from Trent, I began working at LCS and I’ve been here ever since.”

B.Fr.Sc., Trent University B.Ed., Trent University

Unique Achievements “My most unique achievement is probably that I have a brown belt in karate. I practiced karate for six years when I was younger and worked my way up to that level. Another achievement I’m very proud of is the academic scholarships I received while attending Trent. I received two years of fulltuition scholarships and two years of partial scholarships for academic achievement.”

My Lakefield Difference “I haven’t lived anywhere near my family or home since I was 17 and have always felt a bit homesick. When I started working at LCS, I was accepted into the community with open arms and I started to feel “at home” again. It gets said all the time, but the people truly are the Lakefield Difference.”

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FALL 2022

Highlights Opening the 2022/23 Year

students in Grades 9 to 11 to The Grove. We

The Grove returned once again to its vibrant

throughout the year as they take up the

state as 425 students arrived for the 2022/23

mantle in support of our values and school

school year. Our new students quickly

spirit.

look forward to their continued leadership

learned about the traditions and culture at LCS (including what it means to be a positive psychology school during Flourish Fiesta) and our returning students were quick to immerse themselves in leadership actvitities and fun games to help them connect with their peers. Orientation activities included learning about how to nourish a safe and healthy community (physically, emotionally, and spiritually), Paper House Games, and more. Our students were thrilled for a return to LCS traditions and a return to the sense of normalcy we have all been craving since 2020. We look forward to making this year a year like no other.

Communing with the Great Outdoors Every one of our students spent time outdoors this September during Orientation activities and as part of our four-day fall intersession. Grade 9s explored and learned outdoor skills at Camp Kawartha, like building fires with birch wood; our Grade 10s scaled new heights at TreeTop Trekking in the Ganaraska forest; and our Grade 11s swam, hiked, and played outdoor games at Camp Kandalore.

Our Grade 12s called upon an impressive mix

Fostering Leadership

of effort, grit, determination and teamwork

During their first few days at Lakefield, our

Ontario during their paddling trip in

Grade 12 students participated in our Grad

Algonquin Park.

while exploring the beautiful wilderness of

Leadership Conference, an important annual tradition that creates their foundation for

For some, it was a huge step outside of their

leadership for the year. Each day, they

comfort zones. For others, it marked a

engaged in activities focussed on leadership

celebration of three years in our Outdoor

skill development. Through a series of

Education program. For everyone, the

workshops, our Grads covered topics

Algonquin Expedition provided

including “Culture of Consent and Care”,

opportunities to be physically challenged,

“Fostering a Welcoming Environment”, and

disconnect from the demands of technology

“How Do We Frame Our Grad Leadership?”

and social media and reconnect with

Our Grade 12 students then had the

themselves and their peers in some of our

opportunity to apply the knowledge and

most beautiful natural fall landscapes.

confidence they gained during the first few days as they welcomed new and returning

OPPOSITE (Top to Bottom) L-R: All school sing-a-long (Sweet Caroline) during first waterfront Chapel of the year; Kaneza Wandege ’23 and new student Sohun Joshi ’26 compete for house paper points during orientation games facilitated by Kaneza and her class; Grade 10s TreeTop Trekking in the Ganaraska forest; Grade 12 students Pen Murray, Ben Freeman, Tyler Jervis, Max Wenborn, Will Harrington, Rayn Shamji, Jaden Ruperelia,and Mateo Elosua Cajigas on the Algonquin Expedition.

Grove News 2021/22 |

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HISTORY IN THE MAKING

The Official Opening of Ross House and Parent House On October 1, 2022, Lakefield College School was thrilled to

really make the school what it is.” He paused to acknowledge

celebrate the official opening of our newest student

the work of dedicated faculty and staff who care for, teach,

residences, Ross House and Parent House. The new houses

and guide students daily.

are named in honour of the Ross Family and Parent Family in recognition of their dedication and commitment to the LCS community and the leadership-level philanthropic support that made this important project possible. Students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, trustees and board members attended the event to mark the extraordinary milestone in the school’s

Donald’s grandson, Ross Hutchinson ’17, shared “Providing opportunity is what my grandfather is great at doing, and Lakefield is also good at doing so. It only makes sense for the two to be connected and intertwined.”

Marc Parent, who originally announced his gift in honour of

history. They gathered outside the 32,000-square-foot double

his three children Alexandre ’15, Sabrina ’18, and Stephanie

residence to witness the formal address and ribbon-cutting

Parent ’20—in gratitude for the indelible mark the school left

ceremonies honouring the two families, and friends, for their

on their lives—remarked, “I can think of no better way to

extraordinary support of the school.

honour what Lakefield did for my family than to create the

Head of School and Foundation Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19 Donald Ross ’48, P ’79 ’80 GP ’17, Marc Parent P ’15 ’18 ’20, Board Chair Hugh Macdonnell ’85, P ’18 and Honorary Foundation Board Chair John Hepburn ’68, were among those who addressed the community. Donald spoke of his affection for the school community saying, “To me, the idea of people who provide the odd nickel to have a building

opportunity for more kids to enjoy this magical place.” His son, Alexandre ’15, who was also present, shared, “Every house has its own character and I can’t wait to see Parent House develop its own through the generations of students it will house. A nice house is not what makes Lakefield special, however. What makes Lakefield special isn’t something tangible. It’s its people, its culture, its soul.”

named is a very good thing and we hope it continues to

The construction of Ross House and Parent House was

happen. But I think we sometimes underestimate the people

identified as a priority project in the school’s strategic plan in

on the ground, who deal with the students firsthand, who

2019. The addition of these two new houses allows LCS to

30 | Grove News 2021/22

Opposite: Ribbon Cutting for Parent House. (L-R) Tom Stevenson ‘78, Susan Stevenson, John Hepburn ’68, Alice Begin ‘23, Laurie Begin-Deschênes ‘25, Alexandre Parent ’15, Isabelle Begin, Marc Parent P ’15 ’18 ’20, Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19. Above: Donald Ross ’48 and Gretchen Ross with the members of Ross House.

continue to welcome new and outstanding boarding students

and Parent House feature a rainwater recovery system,

to its community, while also taking the necessary time to

improved thermal performance, upgraded insulation, and a

upgrade and renovate existing residences.

steel roof. LCS families were also keen to learn that the trees

Congratulations and thanks to Bill Lett ’92, P’23, ’26 and Michael Gallant (of Lett Architects), XBMC Project Management led by Vanessa Rogers, and the Mortlock Construction team, led by Craig Mortlock, for the beautiful building.

The double residence is intentionally situated on the lower north side of campus, adjacent to Rashleigh House and Colebrook House, allowing students to enjoy views toward Lake Katchewanooka and the beautiful woodland forest. In addition, the spacious common rooms, large house kitchens and dedicated day student spaces are designed to fulfill a new standard that includes day students and staff as part of every house group, and will help support a strong sense of community.

The building is surrounded by nature and embraces innovative sustainability practices inspired by the Leadership in Energy and Environment Design Principles. Ross House

cleared for the construction of the building were repurposed into finishings within the building and for new Harkness discussion tables that students have already enjoyed using this year.

We are forever grateful to the Parent Family and Ross Family for making this dream a reality. We are also immensely appreciative of the significant philanthropic support of Susan and Tom Stevenson ’78, Barb and Tom Ryder ‘53, P ‘77 ‘01 GP ‘08 ‘13 ‘15 ‘25, Joe and Dorothy Barbaro P ’04, ’07, and other anonymous philanthropic supporters for their generous funding of this project. The two house common rooms were dedicated in honour of The Stevenson Family and, a surprise, to The McMahon Family, for what they have contributed to the life and heart of the school.

Countless students, today and in the future, will benefit enormously from the remarkable gift of Ross House and Parent House and the transformative relationships that will be forged within each.

“We hear from our alumni time and time again, that the friendships formed in our houses last a lifetime. To Donald Ross and Marc Parent, and to their families, thank you for your vision and passion for our school.” Head of School and Foundation Anne-Marie Kee P ’17 ’19 Grove News 2021/22 |

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Choosing the More Challenging Path THE ADVANCED PLACEMENT PROGRAM

“There are no real shortcuts to finishing high school at Lakefield. Contributing to Harkness discussions, experiencing Grove Time, joining teams and clubs, taking risks by performing in a musical, going to spirit events with your House—going to Lakefield has always been a choice about trying to get more from each day.”

There are many reasons why a family would want a

they will face when they get to university. When students

Lakefield experience for their children. One of the most

achieve a high degree of success on their AP exam

important reasons would be the opportunity to have an

(usually a 4 or 5 out of 5), most Ontario universities will

academic experience that is enriched and rooted in

recognise this by granting university credit for that

relationships between students and teachers. When

course. Beyond these compelling reasons, students take

families choose Lakefield, they are in many ways,

AP courses as a means of differentiating themselves

choosing more. In the classrooms, a significant way we

when applying to particularly competitive programs or

offer enriched opportunities for students is through our

institutions. When a student chooses an AP course, they

Advanced Placement (AP) program. For more than a

demonstrate courage to take the more challenging path.

decade, Lakefield has been offering AP courses to

While all of our courses meet Ontario curriculum

students. And, for most of that time, the growth of the AP

expectations, our AP courses are enriched with further

program has been modest and steady.

content, making the course broader and deeper. This can

The AP program is one of choice for students. Not everyone has to choose to take an AP course; however,

be a reason for students to either take or not take an AP course, depending on their motivation and tenacity.

the many benefits of AP programs are well documented.

In these last few years, we have observed a dramatic shift

We encourage students to take AP courses as a way to

in student choice. At Lakefield, students have been asking

authentically experience the kind of work and demands

for more opportunities to take AP courses, eager to take

32 | Grove News 2021/22

on a challenge. In the last three years we have responded

Despite, or perhaps because of, the many breaks in

to their interest by offering more sections of existing AP

learning students have experienced since March 2020,

courses and by expanding our offerings. In return, we’ve

more students are choosing to participate in the AP

experienced more than 100 percent increase in

program. In response to being forced to stay home, learn

participation. We now offer the AP Capstone program,

online, and accept less from their high school lives, our

giving students the opportunity to add the AP Capstone

students have returned to the classroom and demanded

Diploma to their experience. Included in this are two new

more. They have been presented with the opportunity to

courses, AP Seminar and AP Research. Beyond these

do more, study harder, and commit more deeply to each

courses, we have also added AP Art as an opportunity for

day’s experience, and in numbers we have not seen before,

our students.

they have chosen to be in AP courses.

The pandemic has brought with it many miseries. Beyond

Lakefield College School prizes community involvement;

the ways in which it has impacted the health of families, it

the school is best served when everyone participates. We

has also wrought troubling and long-term challenges for

have seen our students recognize the value of

students as they progress through school. Much has been

participation and they have been awoken to the fragility

written about this issue and the ways in which unfinished

of the educational experience. They are choosing to be

learning will impact students, families, and society.

involved in an impressive, and very “Lakefield” way. There

Studies and reports have examined how students

are no real shortcuts to finishing high school at Lakefield.

struggled to develop core skills in reading and math. At

Contributing to Harkness discussions, experiencing Grove

Lakefield, every year, we welcome over a hundred new

Time, joining teams and clubs, taking risks by performing

students from around the world. During each year of the

in a musical, going to spirit events with your House—

pandemic, students from all imaginable experiences have

going to Lakefield has always been a choice about trying

joined our campus. Students have returned to our

to get more from each day. This is now what we are seeing

classrooms—some not having seen in-person experiences

in our most challenging courses. More students are

for over a year—and we have seen the reality of this

choosing more and they are doing so at a time when we

learning loss. We also see how students are responding to

are poised and excited to give it to them.

the pandemic.

DEAN VAN DOLEWEERD, Assistant Head: Academics

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The Northcote Team (L-R): Allyson Delevadova (Seed-to-Table:Adventures in Eco-Farming Teacher) Bruce McMahon (Director of Northcote), Garret Hart (Outdoors Every Day Manager (Apiary and Maple Harvest Programs)), Janice Greenshields (Assistant Head: Sustainability), Ashley Garland (Farmer) and Kohl Kuntz (Farmer). (Absent) Hayden Canning (Outdoors Every Day Coordinator). Opposite: Students harvesting vegetables at Northcote.

A VISION FOR NORTHCOTE CAMPUS Campus Master Plan Identifies Nine Keystone Experiences

“At the heart of these Keystone Experiences is the idea to scaffold a program that is diverse, transformative and unique to each student. Our hope is that students will think back on their time at Northcote as a memorable piece of their LCS story. They will have fun together, explore real-world problems and potential solutions, plan projects and possibly, events. Equally as important, they will have opportunities to connect with nature and each other, to get to know themselves better and grow through practical, hands-on experiences.”

When we first explored opportunities for our Northcote

fresh produce, they form strong connections with nature

Campus, we knew one thing was certain: our planning must

and develop an understanding of where our food comes

be driven by a focus on student programming. All decisions

from and the gravity of food security and sovereignty

made about Northcote must address our goal of providing

through authentic and fun learning experiences.

memorable and transformative student experiences. Part of our vision is for students to have an opportunity to experience Northcote throughout every season. This includes a goal to provide every student with the first-hand opportunity to experience and contribute to our one-acre vegetable farm. When students tend to crops and harvest

34 | Grove News 2021/22

We know that some of the most transformative experiences we have in our lives are not always the ones we choose for ourselves. For this reason, it’s important that experiences at Northcote Campus are purposefully and thoughtfully integrated into our curricular, co-curricular, service learning and house programs.

The Nine Keystone Experiences of Northcote’s Campus Master Plan Northcote’s unique 160 acre property offers a series of forested trails, 7,000 feet of waterfront, fields, large cedar groves, and a vegetable farm. We have focussed on nine areas, each with the potential for delivering unique student experiences, which we call Keystone Experiences.

At the heart of these Keystone Experiences is the idea to scaffold a program that is diverse, transformative and unique to each student. Our hope is that students will think back on their time at Northcote as a memorable piece of their LCS story. They will have fun together, explore real-world problems and potential solutions, plan projects and possibly, events.

Equally as important, they will have opportunities to connect with nature and each other, to get to know themselves better and grow through practical, hands-on experiences.

02 Parking and Utility Area The parking and utility area is where our students will continue their journey once arriving at Northcote. With a focus on being active, students will travel from the parking area to the rest of campus by walking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing, immersing themselves in the outdoor experience. Our vision for this area includes a program outpost for mountain bikes and winter gear, solar panels and bicycle parking for those traveling without a car.

03 Farm Our one-acre vegetable farm is already well underway and has served both our Dining Hall and local foodbanks and pantries with thousands of pounds of delicious produce. Based on our farm’s success and our students’ desire to be involved first-hand in food production, we have identified several initiatives to improve our ability to generate plentiful yields of produce, including the addition of cold storage, an outdoor covered wash station for vegetables, a water cistern, and a four-season greenhouse.

The Value of Our Keystone Experiences

04 Farmstead The Farmstead will provide the full experience

01 Entrance and Farm Barn We know first impressions are

of living on the farm, complete with multiple barns and an

lasting and can influence what we take away from an

animal husbandry area. It will offer a place for 56 students to

experience. With this in mind, our campus master plan

sleep, prepare food, and learn the stages of farming and food

identifies Northcote’s entrance as an area for consideration. A

preparation so that they can experience our idyllic acreage

new driveway has already been constructed, providing access

through multi-day experiences.

from the highway and framing the view of our historic Farm Barn, upon which many farm operations rely.

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05 Orchard Our five-year regenerative agriculture plan

•

Visiting Northcote throughout the seasons. This fall,

identifies planting fruit trees as a crucial component of the

19 co-curricular teams enjoyed the “Northcote

first stage of development. Our orchard will diversify our

experience”, helping harvest vegetables, clearing

crop harvest by yielding apples, pears, and nuts. It will also

trails, painting our chicken coop, and more

offer opportunities for other future developments, such as a cidery and pond for ice skating. This, in turn, will allow

•

with bees, gardening, dinners and campfires

our students to enhance their understanding of agriculture and agricultural businesses, enabling them to connect

Participating in house events, including workshops

•

Participating in service learning at Northcote,

more deeply with their natural environment and the

harvesting and donating produce to local foodbanks

community.

and pantries, including the Lakefield Foodbank,

06 Recreational Area The recreational area is situated in

Kawartha Food Share, and Nourish Project

the most remote area of the campus and will serve the

The farm at Northcote is quickly becoming a nexus of

important purpose of bringing our community together

learning for us, providing students and staff alike with a

through gatherings and outdoor activities. This area will

myriad of opportunities to gain experience at our one-acre

provide spaces for community gathering of all sizes,

vegetable farm. We harvested an average of 7.000 lbs of

retreats and more, expanding opportunities for our

veggies per growing season, with 50% going to the Winder

students and the school alike.

Smith Dining Hall, and the other 50% going to meal and

07 Camping Area Our Outdoors Every Day philosophy guides every choice we make at LCS and so it only makes sense that there is a protected space for camping at Northcote. The camping area, already loved and used by our outdoor education classes, is located in a lakeside cedar grove that offers both a beautiful waterfront view and shelter (from the forested area surrounding it).

08 Waterfront Northcote features over 7,000 feet of waterfront access, making the campus a prime location for a dock to allow students to travel, easily, to and from the main LCS campus. The dock will allow students to swim, land canoes, and tie off our pontoon boat, creating diversified locations for co-curricular and house activities.

09 Wetlands and Trails Northcote is rich in natural land comprised of forest, wetlands, waterfront and prairies. In

food programs. An example of a day’s harvest sent to the dining hall might include 46 lbs of tomatoes, 42 lbs of beets, 25 lbs of lettuce, 24 lbs of leek, 16 lbs of arugula and 4 lbs of garlic. On the same day, the Lakefield Food Bank might receive 60 lbs of potatoes, 49 lbs of onions, 39 lbs of tomatoes, 18 lbs of spinach, 15 lbs of lettuce and 5 lbs of garlic.

Learning about and experiencing nature and its bounty, first hand, has an impact. It’s the kind of experience that we hope will have a lasting impact as we provide more opportunities to connect with nature, each other, and our planet in more meaningful ways.

The Northcote Campus Master Plan was approved by the Lakefield College

keeping with the sensitivity of these natural areas, our

School Board of Directors on September

trails offer great potential and opportunities to learn about

30, 2022. During the LCS Foundation

the role of each area and species that inhabit them.

Students will explore our network of trails, enjoying

Trustee Meeting in Montreal, the school

outdoor physical activity while also learning about the

gratefully acknowledged LCS Foundation

ecosystem around them.

Chair Emeritus Paul Desmarais Jr. ‘73, P

Our students have already spent ample time exploring at

‘00 ‘03 ‘03 ‘11 for a transformational gift

Northcote, enjoying structured and unstructured activities,

announced in support of the realization of

which include: •

key elements of the farm initiative.

Learning at the farm with environmental programming through garden and site visits

•

Harvesting vegetables in the fall that they planted in the spring and completing a culinary challenge with Chef Evan to learn how to cook with fresh food

OPPOSITE: Top to bottom (L-R) LCS students paddling to Northcote Campus for an Outdoor Education overnight camping experience; working with the bees at the school’s apiary at Northcote; hiking in the cedar grove; and enjoying hot chocolate during their overnight camping experience at Northcote.

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38 | Grove News 2021/22

STRONG RESULTS FOR LCS Highlights from Our Recent Community Surveys

At LCS, we believe that strong schools should

•

constantly be striving to be even better. Toward that end, we engage Lookout Management Surveys Inc. (LMI) roughly every four years to conduct a series of comprehensive surveys of our constituents. LMI is a firm that specializes exclusively in surveys for

community service being well balanced •

Excellence of our faculty

•

Faculty and staff genuinely caring about your child

•

Money spent on education at the school being a good investment

independent schools, and their clients include many of our leading peers in Canada and the US. These

Time spent on academics, arts, athletics and

•

Skills development: self-confidence

•

Skills development: resilience

•

Skills development: self-advocacy

•

Skills development: leadership

•

Skills development: organizing time effectively

employee, and alumni communities were each invited

•

Skills development: living a healthy lifestyle

to participate in our most recent round of LMI surveys.

•

Skills development: test-taking strategies

We extend our gratitude to everyone who took the time

•

Counseling on personal issues

•

Parent social engagement / relations

•

Feeling appreciated for philanthropic support

surveys form an integral part of our commitment to continuous improvement, enabling us to track our performance over time and allowing us to compare ourselves against other top schools.

During the 2021/22 school year, our parent, student,

to participate, and we are pleased to report on our results.

When the President of LMI, Kevin Graham, presented a summary of our survey findings at a recent LCS Board of

Furthermore, the parent survey demonstrated a strong

Directors meeting. He began his remarks by saying:

upward trajectory in the school’s performance as

“Very broadly, the results here are stunning”. Indeed, we

compared to our last LMI survey in 2017. A total of 54

are extremely proud that the survey results affirm our

metrics were up by at least 0.1 on a 5-point scale since

strategic direction and demonstrate a high level of

2017, while zero metrics were down as compared to

satisfaction among our constituents, while at the same

2017.

time help us to identify areas of opportunity for heightened focus and improvement going forward.

Our parent survey performance was also extremely strong as compared to other participating independent

Parent Survey

schools. A total of 50 metrics scored above the average of participating schools by one or more standard

Our parent survey results were so strong, LMI’s

deviation and zero metrics scored below the average.

President confessed to double-checking the results when he first saw them. We set 17 new all-time

When reporting on our parent results to the LCS Board

high scores among the 186 parent surveys LMI has

of Directors, LMI’s President remarked: “I’m not sugar-

conducted at client schools during their history,

coating anything; we didn’t take any slides out because

notably including in the all-important “overall parent

we didn’t want you to see bad results—they’re just not

satisfaction” category.

there”. While our parent survey results were indeed

Our other parent all-time high scores included: •

•

exceptionally strong, the data has also helped us identify specific areas of opportunity for further focus going

Viewing the school as a transformational experience

forward. One such opportunity is with respect to the

for your child

integration of boarding and day students, and in

Interaction between faculty and students

particular, day students’ sense of belonging in their

Grove News 2021/22 |

39

residential houses. Another notable finding was that a

fifteen years, which we surmise is likely being driven in

steadily growing minority of parents (37%) believe that

large part by societal factors affecting teenagers

the demands placed upon their child in a typical school

everywhere as opposed to factors unique to LCS.

day are too much.

Student Survey Our students also reported a very strong and growing level of overall satisfaction with LCS, with a satisfaction rating that was substantially above the average of participating schools. Our student survey results included 18 metrics that were above average among participating schools by one or more standard deviation and zero metrics that were below average. As compared to 2017, 11 student metrics were up by more than 0.1 on a 5-point scale and 6 metrics were down.

In addition to overall student satisfaction, additional specific areas of strength in our student survey results included: •

Encouragement of a love of learning

•

Relationship between faculty and students

•

Respect and caring among students

•

Time being well-balanced across academics, the arts, athletics and community service

•

Enthusiastic involvement in co-curriculars or arts

LMI’s President also reminded us to be cognizant of the fact that these surveys were conducted during the pandemic, when students everywhere were struggling with a range of challenges that could colour their responses and impact like for like comparisons with past survey results.

LCS Staff Survey As compared to 2017, 50 employee survey metrics were up by at least 0.1 on a 5-point scale while 9 were down.

In addition, 10 employee survey metrics were above the average of participating schools by one or more standard deviation and two were below.

Key areas of strength identified in the employee survey included: •

Satisfaction with the quality of students enrolled

•

Quality of academic standards

•

Strong quality of interaction with students

•

Gains in departmental leadership satisfaction

•

Progress with our use of technology and information systems

(new LMI all-time high score) •

Enthusiastic involvement in community service and athletics

•

Overall house experience

•

Academic counseling and support for students’

•

Improvement in summer programming

•

Progress with curriculum review, curriculum development and student assessment methods

•

strategies program

individual learning •

Accessibility of teachers and university guidance

•

Presence of at least one trusted adult a student can talk to

•

•

Strong satisfaction with the benefits of our learning

•

Integration of multicultural perspectives into the classroom

•

Improvement in a broad range of student skills

Teachers knowing students outside of the

development metrics (e.g., embracing outdoor

classroom

activities, leadership skills, artistic expression, self-

Teacher sensitivity to workload in other classes

confidence, living a healthy lifestyle, self-advocacy

(new LMI all-time high score)

skills, development of a personal passion,

The student surveys also identified some areas of opportunity for further focus and improvement. Such opportunities include focussing on supporting our strong school-wide culture as we emerge from the

communications, critical thinking, taking responsibility, commitment to service, coping with peer pressure, organizing time, resilience and others)

pandemic, continued focus on promoting and instilling

There were a number of factors over the last few years

the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and

which have impacted the staff experience. In addition to

further strengthening university counseling. Another

acknowledging the challenges the pandemic has

notable finding was that students’ self-reported level of

imposed, we also know that our staff have been adapting

self-confidence has been declining steadily over the past

to a range of important programmatic changes. It’s

40 | Grove News 2021/22

therefore not surprising that overall employee

education were lower than the average among

satisfaction was down very slightly from 2017 and fell

participating schools. We surmise that this stems from

within the average range of other peer schools.

legacy / historic perceptions that we have worked very

Correspondingly, areas of significant programmatic

hard to address in recent years, and we believe that our

change also received relatively lower ratings from

strong results pertaining to the academic program from

employees, including the house model, schedule and

current parents, students and employees are suggestive

advisor program. We recognize that adapting to

of the fact that we have been successful in ameliorating

significant changes in these areas may be stressful for

this historic perception.

employees, and these results have prompted us to further heighten our focus for this year on supporting our staff in this regard. Employees’ sense of community was also down from our prior survey and our focus this year will also be on nurturing faculty and staff culture as we continue to emerge from the pandemic. Finally, the

Top priorities for future focus and further investment identified by our alumni included financial assistance, environmental sustainability, capital improvements, character and values, leadership, health and wellbeing, and diversity, equity and inclusion.

survey also identified a desire among employees for more regular performance feedback, which we had in many cases deferred during the pandemic. We look forward to reviewing this important feedback, and follow-up actions, with staff.

Alumni Survey Our alumni survey set all-time LMI high scores on several crucial measures, including likelihood to recommend the school to friends and family, quality of interactions with faculty and fellow students, the development of leadership skills, and feeling connected to the school as an alum. LCS performed strongly overall against other participating schools, with 12 metrics coming in above the average of peer schools by more than one standard deviation and with two metrics below average.

Key areas of strength in the alumni survey included: •

Upward trend in the perception that the school is

There is so much to celebrate in our recent Lookout Management Inc. surveys. Our community’s responses demonstrate overall confidence in the direction the school is headed, show substantial improvement since 2017 across a wide variety of important areas, and that we performed very strongly as compared to other leading participating schools. At the same time, the results provide important feedback that enabled the school’s leadership to identify areas of focus to further strengthen our school going forward, as we strive continually to deliver even more fully on our mission, vision and values.

currently an excellent educational institution •

Strong satisfaction with the student experience, the perception that their student experience was transformational, the sense of community, the development of character and values, providing well-rounded preparation for life, and the desire to enroll a child/grandchild; each of these metrics were substantially above the average for participating schools

•

Strong sense of appreciation for philanthropic support and understanding of how donations are used

Our alumni’s assessment of the quality of their experience with the academic program and the degree to which they felt prepared for post-secondary Grove News 2021/22 |

41

ALUMNI Food Businesses

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FOOD FOR LIFE ALUMNI IN FOOD BUSINESSES

Danny McCubbin ’82, harvesting for the community kitchen, Mussomeli in Sicily (p.46)

With Lakefield’s commitment toward sustainability, environmental responsibility, regenerative farming and food education, we expect that many future graduates of Lakefield College School will turn their attention to the food and beverage industry in their chosen careers.

But Lakefield has already produced many entrepreneurs and visionaries who are trend leaders in the food arena. Perhaps it’s because we have always emphasized our love and responsibility for the land and natural environment around us. Also, the direct connection between nutrition and physical activity, between a healthy body and a healthy mindset, has formed a central pillar of our THRIVE philosophy for many years. And our students are encouraged to understand historical exploitation and unfair trade practices, often in food commodities, that have led to global imbalances and environmental degradation.

Our alumni acknowledge these influences. But they also give credit to some factors in Lakefield life that may surprise you. The importance of community ties, for instance, the role of creativity and art that was instilled here, and the curiosity and confidence to pursue their interests—all learned at LCS and all playing fundamental roles in building a life in food.

You may also notice that none of the accomplished foodies that you are about to read about started their journey in the food industry. Their food careers were a culmination of their wider experiences. So whether you are targeting a career in food or not, take note of these alumni and their fascinating stories. One day, you may find your life’s trajectory will lead you to this industry upon which the world depends so much. Like these Lakefield leaders in food, we’re sure you will give it a delicious, community-building future.

Advice for Foodies?

“First, there are many avenues for a career in food aside from training as a chef.

Think about what makes you passionate about food. Is it cooking, teaching or perhaps food styling? Don’t limit yourself. Second, look for opportunities to volunteer as this can often lead to paid work. Look for community-based food projects, foundations and charities to reach out to. Third, remember to give back and help others who want to forge a career in food. Remember what it was like for you and give others a helping hand.” Danny McCubbin ‘82 (p.46) Grove News 2021/22 |

43

Sam Turnbull ’03:

VEGAN BRAND BUILDER For one who never expected to become a vegan, and who

She did a lot of reading early on about veganism’s

didn’t want to become one when she first felt the

contribution to better health and the environmental and

inclination, Sam Turnbull has executed a magnificent

ethical concerns around raising animals for meat. Yet

transformation into a leader and innovator in the vegan

those early days were a familiar experience to anyone who

movement.

has tried traditional veganism: odd-sounding, expensive

It started on an early December evening, “not feeling terrific”, and a decision to watch the documentary Vegucated, about three meat-eating New Yorkers’

and hard-to-find ingredients, complicated recipes that take forever to prepare, and earnest results that leave you craving old comforts.

discovery of the benefits of veganism and the

“I liked the kale and quinoa, the sprouts and avocados, but

uncomfortable truths of animal husbandry. “I thought it

it was a bit boring,” Sam says. “I still wanted pancakes and

was going to be about vegetables,” Sam says, but the next

pasta.” Always one who loved to cook, she began

morning she cleaned her fridge and cupboards of all

experimenting. “With limitation came inspiration,” she

animal products.

says, and it soon became her mission that any meal could

This was a significant decision for a woman raised on a tree farm in Sunderland, ON., on the brink of cottage country in a family of hunters, butchers and chefs with chickens in the yard and animal heads on the walls.

Besides dogs, cats, gerbils and turtles, she had a rabbit named Gravy.

But from that day in 2012, Sam began feeling a lot better, every day, discovering “what it feels like to feel great.” She has not only remained vegan, she’s changed what it means to be one. No, that’s not a cheat. With two cookbooks, a world-renowned blog, virtual cooking classes, subscription meal plans and a sideline as a social media influencer, Sam has made veganism as easy, fun and affordable as

be made vegan. She succeeded. Her repertoire sounds like any roadside diner’s menu, from pasta, burgers, tacos, seafood and breakfast sandwiches to cookies and cupcakes. “My goal was to make every meal hearty, full of flavour and just as easy to make as any other meal.”

That’s when she began her blog, “It Doesn’t Taste Like Chicken,” posting free recipes online each week. “I didn’t promote it,” she says. “It was just consistent quality content. Before long, I was getting questions and comments from all over the world.” Today, itdoesnttastelikechicken.com gets between one and two million visitors a month, attracting advertising that’s now Sam’s main source of revenue.

being an omnivore. She’s not only made veganism her

In turn, her obvious engagement with the online world of

career, she’s made it mainstream.

vegans attracted one of the foremost cookbook publishers,

“My biggest obstacle was that I didn’t really want to be vegan,” Sam says. “But it was better for my health, the environment and, of course, the animals.”

the Appetite imprint of Penguin Random House. First came Fuss Free Vegan: 101 Everyday Comfort Food Favourites, Veganized in 2017, then Fast Easy Cheap Vegan, recipes you can make in 30 minutes or less for $10 or less, in 2021. Both are bestsellers, and a third cookbook is on the way next year.

Advice for Foodies?

“There are a lot of different avenues to build a brand. My advice is to have a lot of forks in the fire. Diversify. Always look for new ways to use your talents to help people and to reach your audience.”

ALUMNI Food Businesses

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Sam Turnbull ‘03 (itdoesnttastelikechicken.com)

Meanwhile, she’s seized every opportunity to offer what

on to a fine arts degree at Concordia University and later

vegans need. For those wanting a daily program, there’s

a Masters in Fine Art at the California Institute of the

a printable weekly subscription plan for three meals a

Arts. Her refined eye for design is evident on her elegant

day from easyveganmealplan.com. For those needing a

but simple and inviting website.

how-to, there are online live cooking classes from the Ultimate Vegan Kitchen at theultimatevegankitchen. com. A recent Masterclass showed how to make five days of breakfasts, lunches and dinners for two in 90 minutes, done in real time. The next will demo a complete vegan Thanksgiving dinner.

“The design of the website is mine, along with all of the photography and even the font I use on the pictures is a font I made from my own handwriting,” says Sam. “But I also work with a team of people including my husband Adam to manage everything, and Adam helped me diversify and build new income streams. That way I’m

Having credibility with a broad audience, Sam’s also in

able to mainly focus on the creative, which is what I’m

demand for sponsored gigs as an online influencer, but

most passionate about. That’s one of the beautiful

she vets these requests carefully. “I’m very picky about

things about building your own business—you can do

the brands I work with, so I only do sponsored stuff

whatever you want!”

occasionally.”

Sam can tell a story, she has on-screen presence, she’s

Such a range of activity takes a commensurate range of

creative—and she’s using all these talents in a fistful of

talents—and also help. She credits her start at Lakefield

ways to build a unique food business brand that’s at

with encouraging her creative streak. “Everyone

once relatable, friendly and expert. All while helping

cherished being smart at Lakefield, and of course I’ve

others to reap the advantages of being vegan that she

always been an environmentalist at heart, and the

herself has achieved.

school emphasized that, too.” From Lakefield, she went

JOHN SOUTHERST Grove News 2021/22 |

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ALUMNI Food Businesses

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Danny with children outside The Good Kitchen, Mussomeli, Sicily (goodforgood.com)

Danny McCubbin ’82:

A FORCE FOR CHANGE Danny McCubbin ’82 describes himself as a food

Born and raised near Brisbane on Australia’s Gold Coast,

campaigner, and he occupies a unique intersection of the

Danny came from a food-oriented family. “My mom was a

culinary sector where art, business, media, social change

great cook,” he says. “We grew our own produce and we

and gastronomy meet.

would pick vegetables and I’d watch her prepare dinner.

You may wonder what that means but it all makes sense when you look at the path he has taken. Start with his longheld belief that food can transform lives—starting with his

My grandparents were dairy farmers not far away and I spent many hours there, too. I always had food at the heart of everything I did.”

own. It’s a fascinating journey that has seen him play a

He first left home to come to Lakefield as an exchange

central role in building the restaurant, publishing,

student for his final year before graduation. “I’d seen the

television and social media empire of one of the original

brochure and it talked about the woods, cross-country

and most renowned of celebrity chefs, Jamie Oliver. At the

skiing, sailing, and camping. I said, ‘I want to do that!’ It

same time, he has helped develop community and

was the polar opposite of the Gold Coast but it was my first

remedial social programs in the UK and Italy that have

foray into seeing the world.”

given hope and improved the lives of countless people, young and old.

46 | Grove News 2021/22

Besides the fun, sports and academics, Lakefield was where Danny first explored his artistic bent. “They revere students

with artistic talents as much as sports and other skills,” he

life through food, and then another two years as culture

says. “It set me on the right path.”

manager in what is now a much larger organization. “My

Danny got involved in theatre at Lakefield, and it brought out the magnetic personality that has become so much his trademark and a useful entree to his many experiences. He later studied at art school back in Australia and did a Masters in ceramics, but food and cookery were always his muses.

The urge to see the world led him to move to the UK. After a few years of temporary jobs, including a six-month stint as a project manager with IBM, he began to look for something permanent. A personal connection got him an interview in 2002 with the nascent organization behind Jamie Oliver, who had only recently broken onto the scene with his Naked Chef series.

“The celebrity was not the draw,” Danny says. “It was his restaurant, Fifteen, where he mortgaged his home and opened it to give jobs to underprivileged young people. I walked in and said, ‘I want to be a part of this.’”

The job was to work with Oliver on his brands, particularly building a website around Fifteen, which was a non-profit project at the time, and the social benefits of Oliver’s work.

He got the job and the door blew wide open.

“I was very fortunate. The company was very small then and everyone got involved in all aspects of the business

job was to take care of the ethos of the business. We had to make sure 150 staff knew about Jamie’s campaigns and projects, bringing in key people from other parts of the organization. I had spent 15 years living and breathing it, so I was the right person for the job.”

Through his work but also on his own initiative, Danny delved more deeply into community work over the years.

He ran events and workshops to help young people enter the hospitality industry and became the UK ambassador to the San Patrignano rehabilitation program in Italy, said to be the world’s most successful drug rehab community where 1,000 young people live and work in a 250-hectare setting to develop skills in winemaking, agriculture and hospitality.

But having thrown down European roots, when the UK voted to leave the European Community, Danny felt it was time to go. “As an Aussie with a British passport that gave me free access to Europe, I didn’t want that taken away. I wanted to be a part of Europe.”

He had set up a couple of community kitchens in churches in London working with food-based organizations to feed about a thousand homeless people a week. In 2020, with the UK transition to Brexit approaching and in the midst of the pandemic, Danny handed the kitchens over to local

and brand-building.”

charities and took his leave.

After working directly with Jamie Oliver for six months on

“I took a leap of faith,” he says with a chuckle. He craved

the launch of a second website, he became Jamie’s personal assistant for four years. The timing couldn’t have been better. Jamie’s career was in full blastoff mode with lucrative contracts for cookbooks, television productions, media opportunities, endorsements, cookware branding, sponsorships, websites and social media all happening at

the pastoral life of rural Italy—“the ocean, the food, the landscape are very much like Australia”—and he chose the small, economically hard-hit town of Mussomeli in Sicily, with fifty percent unemployment. He bought a decaying one-euro house and set up a community kitchen on the town square. He feeds about 200 people each week, setting

once.

down roots in the town and drawing on local produce as

Danny was deeply involved in all of it, but he especially

else to do so they come to help,” says Danny. “The older

relishes the social campaigning experiences, with Jamie’s

people come to watch. We cook for the community.”

School Dinners initiative to get the UK government to spend more and improve the quality of meals served to

much as possible. “A lot of the young people have nothing

He continues to run social media workshops and

school children at the forefront.

consultations for charities, NGOs and community-based

“I definitely started realizing my wider interests—things

continues to speak at international conferences, recently

like community-based food projects, mentoring young

in Brazil, on how food can be a force for change.

people and engaging online with disadvantaged people

projects to help them spread their messages, and he

and the organizations that could help them.”

For now, the best example is what he’s doing in

Danny spent three more years working with the Jamie

Jamie.”

Oliver Food Foundation, promoting the concept of a better

Mussomeli. “It brings together everything I learned with

JOHN SOUTHERST Grove News 2021/22 |

47

Ryan Lee ’12:

THE FREEDOM TO EXPLORE One day, he was filming underwater with Great White

started experimenting, he found the quality benefits

sharks in Mexico for Discovery Channel’s Shark Week.

gave him a distinct competitive edge as well. “It really

Throw in a pandemic full stop and Cinematographer

opened my eyes to the depth, complexity, and flavour

Ryan Lee soon reinvented himself as one of Toronto’s

variations in cocoa,” he says. He chose to focus his

trendiest chocolate makers and founder of Chachalate in

chocolate on the bright, fruity notes that big producers

the exclusive category of bean-to-bar chocolate making.

can’t achieve.

Always a chocolate lover, Ryan first began making his

There was a lot of entrepreneurial grit to getting

ethically sourced Chachalate (pronounced Cha-cha-lit)

Chachalate off the ground. Acquiring equipment,

chocolate in his condo kitchen, but before long he was

designing packaging, making boxes with a cutting and

renting commercial space in a catering kitchen. Bean-

scoring machine, building a website and—a key to

to-bar production means that he does it all—roasting,

success—getting out to farmers’ markets, educating

grinding and tempering (a heating-cooling-heating

customers about ethical chocolate and meeting

process). There are only three others doing it in the city.

customers face to face—all during a pandemic.

The switch from video production to chocolate

Ryan says he owes a lot of his success to curiosity and a

entrepreneur came from a combination of necessity,

willingness to be flexible, something he learned at

curiosity and, of course, passion. “Food was always a big

Lakefield. He was on a medical school track in those

part of our family,” he says. “At home, we hardly ever ate

days, but he also joined clubs and became interested in

at restaurants and vacations were built around finding

video production. He started making videos for the

great places to eat.” Places like Vietnam, Taiwan, Japan

school’s promotions and events, even getting paid for it

and California. Everyone cooked. The eldest of three

in his senior year. “That kicked off my entrepreneurial

boys, Ryan’s specialty was chocolate.

instincts,” he says. When he went to Queen’s University,

“Video is an in-person industry, so it came to a complete halt with COVID,” he says. With more time on his hands,

he always kept film as a major area of study and eventually established his video production agency.

the chocolate beckoned. But as one who reads deeply

“Lakefield encourages you to explore, so it was natural

about his interests and harbours a keen social

for me when COVID hit to explore my other interests. It

conscience, he was aware of problems with large-scale

was an excuse to explore.”

production of commodity chocolate. Pressure to keep prices down creates conditions that have led to child labour, slave labour and over-farming, causing soil degradation, water contamination, and deforestation.

By chance, he’d recently worked on a video promotional project with a spice company that introduced him to “transparent trade”, where producers buy directly from farmers, paying a premium even over fair trade prices but cutting out intermediaries and gaining access to farms where the focus is on quality and not quantity.

Where your ingredients come from is traceable.

Ryan put transparent procurement into practice. He pays three to five times the fair trade price, and as he 48 | Grove News 2021/22

Ryan is in the middle of new plans for Chachalate as it hits its growth spurt. A new co-branding agreement with W Hotel to supply its in-room “mixed bars” as well as the hotel’s cafe marks an entry into retailing. He also wants to add employees and get into a larger facility.

“Paying a premium for ingredients means higher selling prices, but chocolate should not be as cheap as it often is,” he says. “But we’re still very small. With growth we’ll become more efficient. With new equipment and a bigger production facility, you can fill in some of the gap. It’s a balancing act.”

JOHN SOUTHERST Opposite: Ryan Lee ’13 at Chachalate headquarters (lovechachalate.com)

ALUMNI Food Businesses

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Advice for Foodies?

“COVID has made people even more aware of global issues, health and what we put in our bodies. Talk to customers and build direct relationships. There’s a huge educational component to the food and beverage industry, and the more we grow ethical businesses, the more impact we can have.”

ALUMNI Food Businesses

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Advice for foodies?

“Where you end up is not necessarily what you were aiming for at the beginning. But where you end up is enhanced by all those twists and turns.

I would never have thought coming out of high school that this would be what I do, but we’re successful because of those added dimensions.”

Jess (Arsenault) Thoem ’00:

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY Running a bakery is a demanding life. The day starts early

quickly, as an essential provider to consumers and

and it requires precision and attention to detail. It’s a

restaurants, business took off at the same time as the

science where measurements, temperature, food

retrofit struggled through shutdowns and worker

chemistry and biology matter. But it’s also an art, where

availability. “We were run off our feet,” recalls Jess. “Going

creativity, colour, flavours and presentation perform

through rapid growth in a pandemic was not in our plans.”

psychological magic.

Today, with a staff of 14, Hard Winter offers a range of

So it may be an unexpected career for Jess (Arsenault)

sourdough breads and pastries, all baked in-house, with

Thoem ’00, who studied fine arts as an undergrad, holds a

many vegan varieties and some gluten-free. Besides cakes,

Masters in art therapy and counselling from Concordia

pies, and tarts, there are cookies, bars, squares, cinnamon

University and worked several years as a counsellor for the

buns, biscotti and savoury treats including puff pastry

BC government in the northern BC town of Smithers. But

squares, cheddar cheese twists and quiches. In addition to

it’s also a perfect fit.

supplying supplying restaurants, the bakery also caters for

“The creativity is no different than in the fine arts,” says Jess. “It’s just a different medium. And people eat with their eyes.”

Jess and her husband Graham Thoem started the Hard Winter Bakery in Peterborough, ON, in 2014. They met in art school in 2002 then travelled together through Australia and New Zealand before eventually settling in Smithers.

But Jess grew up at Lakefield College School where her father taught for 40 years, and she felt the draw of the Ontario countryside around Lakefield. “The West wasn’t for me and I was feeling burned out,” she says. She had helped out at a friend’s bakery over the years, and she and Graham hatched the idea of running a bakery back home.

“We had a lot of long winters up there, and that’s where we came up with the idea, so we called it the Hard Winter Bakery.”

Baking is both art and science, but a bakery is also a business and the startup was long and hard. “It’s easy to underestimate the work,” Jess says, especially for bakeries where you need to have fresh product available at the first light of dawn. Jess and Graham were working 70 to 80 hours a week at the beginning, building a small-scale commercial kitchen into their home and selling at farmers’ markets.

Hard Winter specializes in sourdough breads, which means overnight refrigeration for large mounds of dough to ferment—amounts that need a refrigerated room.

“Eventually, we needed more space and a bigger oven and more employees. We just needed to make the next step.”

They bought their present building in Peterborough and

corporate lunches, private events and institutions— including Lakefield College School.

“Running a business means learning on the fly, but you also have to hire the right people,” says Jess. “It’s like an orchestra with all these moving parts.” The mother of two young children, Jess doesn’t work in the kitchen anymore, and she hired a business advisor, an MBA who is also the company accountant. “All things are important for me to know but not to do,” Jess says. “Most of my job is around relationships—organizing staff, meeting with clients, overseeing the accounts and administration.”

As much as possible, Hard Winter uses local ingredients. A small, local organic mill supplies the bakery’s flour. “We use local farmers for catering. After years of being at farmers’ markets, we’re in a network of suppliers. It’s a community working together.”

For that, she thinks back to her days at LCS. “That’s for sure where my sense of community comes from,” she says.

“What Lakefield does is teach you about balance. There’s hard work but it’s also important to make connections, make friends, enjoy your work together and use your time off to improve yourself, mentally and physically. As a business owner, I take that to heart.”

Today, being a part of the local community is exactly what is most satisfying to Jess. “Being an employer, giving 14 people a livelihood, is surprisingly important to me. Being part of the local economy and its growth, creating jobs— that’s a dimension to our bakery that makes it especially rewarding.”

JOHN SOUTHERST

gutted it for renovation. Then the pandemic hit. Very Grove News 2021/22 |

Opposite: Jess (Arsenault) Thoem and husband Graham Thoem (hardwinterbreadco.com)

51

LCS ALUMNI

–Class News!

1940s Lieutenant Peter Ward ’49 received The 2021 Admirals’ Medal from the Naval Association of Canada—bestowed upon individual Canadians to recognize the advancement of maritime affairs in Canada. It is awarded annually for outstanding achievement in the areas of maritime-related science, technology, and academic studies, or for the application of practical maritime skills warranting special recognition. “As one of the original five founding members of HAIDA Inc., he is being recognized inter alia for his critical role in the acquisition and the

Peter Ward ’49 pictured in the documentary “The LAST Tribal-Class Destroyer HMCS Haida” produced by the Naval Association of Canada - Ottawa Branch (See https://bit.ly/HCMSHaida)

preservation of HMCS Haida, a famous Second World War Tribal-class destroyer, now a National Historical Site and the ceremonial Flagship for the Royal Canadian Navy, berthed in Hamilton, Ontario” (Naval Association of Canada, 2021). (This message was submitted by Andrew Sparling ’92 with a heartfelt congratulations to Peter).

1960s (L-R) LCS Staff Lee Condon, Matthew Heeney ’87, Rachel Johnston ’09, John Abraham ’76, Goodith Heeney, Michael Heeney ’76, LCS Staff Emma Heeney, former LCS Staff Richard Johnston, Wendy Hepburn ’00 and Tim Heeney ’83 gathered on July 2, 2022 for Henry Heeney’s wedding.

Lois Keller, beloved staff member at LCS for 24 years (1963 to 1987) and volunteer for many years afterward, celebrated her 100th birthday on April 13, 2022.

1970s Michael Heeney ’76 gathered with members of The Grove, John Abraham ’76, Matthew Heeney ’87, Rachel Johnston ’09, Wendy Hepburn ’00, Tim Heeney ’83, Goodith (L-R) LCS staff Liz Whitney ’73 with Lois and daughter Kris Keller ’74 on her 100th birthday.

John Turner ’79 and Anita Mursic were married in September of 2021

Heeney P ’76 ’83 ’87 GP ’00 ’02 ’09, Lee Condon, Richard Johnston P ’00 ’02 ’09, and Emma Heeney for his son’s wedding on July 2, 2022.

John Turner ’79 married Anita Mursic in September 2021 at Pictou Lodge in Nova Scotia. In attendance were former classmates, John Cowan ’79, Steven Morris ’79, Tom Stevenson ’78 and Malcolm Speirs ’79.

Murray Sinclair ’79 and son Austin Sinclair ’11 competed the Mussleman Half Ironman.

52 | Grove News 2021/22

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril ’97 was awarded Top Doc-in-Progress at Cannes Docs.

Murray Sinclair ’79 and Austin Sinclair ’11 completed the Mussleman Half Ironman in

Geneva New York; both achieved

Mark Soder ’00, Serge Kalloghlian ’00,

personal bests with times of six hours

Mark Ambler ’00, Joel McElravy ’00,

and four minutes (6:04) and five hours

Sandy Davies ’00, Tim Bell ’00, Mark

and 47 minutes (5:47), respectively.

Sunderland ’00, and Ian Fung ’00.

1980s

Wendy Hepburn ’00 and her partner, Michael Christensen, welcomed their son, Evan Hepburn-Christensen.

John Cranham ’81 published a book entitled “The Cornell Effect: A Family’s

Sebastian Kern ’01 and his wife,

Journey towards Happiness, Fulfillment

Corinna welcomed their son, Tim

and Peace”.

Sebastian on September 1, 2021 in

Wendy Hepburn ’00 and her partner Michael Christensen welcomed their son Evan.

Boeblingen, Baden-Wuerttemberg,

1990s

Germany.

Malcolm Johnston ’02 was promoted to

Alethea Arnaquq-Baril ’97, who

Editor-in-Chief of Toronto Life. He

co-produced the documentary “Twice

joined the magazine in 2011 as an

Colonized” was awarded the top IEFTA

associate editor. In 2015, Malcolm was

(International Emerging Film Talent

promoted to Senior Editor and since

Association) award for docs-in-progress

then, he has helped craft some of the

at the Cannes Film Market’s

country’s best feature stories, on topics

documentary-focussed industry sidebar

as diverse as the homelessness crisis,

Cannes Docs.

the new world of legal recreational marijuana, and sexism in the halls of

Kalen Ingram ’99 was inducted into the

Sebastian Kern ’01 and Corinna welcomed their son Tim on September 1, 2021.

surgery.

Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame.

Mike Corner ’03 married Sadie Norrad on September 11, 2021 at Wildfire Golf

2000s

Course on Stony Lake. In attendance were several alumni, including Rob Blanchette ’02 (Best Man), Joe Mallette

John Stelzer ’00 married Andrea Gregorio

’03 (Groomsman), Alison Corner ’07

on July 10, 2021 at Evergreen Brickworks

(Bridesmaid), April Corner ’09

in Toronto. In attendence were many

(Bridesmaid), Sean Adey ’02, Claire

alumni from his class including, Justin

Blanchette (Townshend) ’03, and

Thompson ’00, Trevor Johnston ’00,

Andrew Caruso ’10.

Justin Thompson ’00, Trevor Johnston ’00, Mark Soder ’00, Serge Kalloghlian ’00, Mark Ambler ’00, Joel McElravy ’00, Sandy Davies ’00, Tim Bell ’00, Mark Sunderland ’00, and Ian Fung ’00.

Malcom Johnston ’02 was promoted to Editorin-Chief of Toronto Life magazine.

Mike Corner ’03 and Sadie Norrad were married on September 11, 2021 Grove News 2021/22 |

53

54 | Grove News 2021/22

Class News!

Alumni Returned

Home to The Grove May’s Home to the Grove reunion was made even more remarkable by the number of classes we celebrated.

After almost two years of being apart, we gathered to commemorate milestone reunions for classes ending in ’0, ’1, ’2, ’5, ’6, and ’7. As a result, over 700 community members joined us between May 27 and 29 last spring.

The weekend was full of opportunities for our alumni to reconnect with classmates, catch up with their favourite faculty, revisit the best parts of campus, and create new experiences. There were so many memorable moments, from our oldest alumni reuniting for Chapel and watching videos from over 50 years ago (thank you Alan Belcher ‘68 for curating!), and the Honour Guard procession of alumni down to the waterfront—with current students, faculty, and staff cheering—to paddling and sailing, music, alumni socials, and dinners by years, the weekend was filled with opportunities to visit and enjoy all that The Grove has to offer.

We are so grateful to everyone who helped to make this day so special.

Celebrations for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 On June 24 and 25, we gathered together to celebrate a few more times, as we welcomed the Classes of 2020 and 2021 back to campus each for their own unique celebration experiences; a chance to reunite and reminisce together and with their teachers about some of their best times at Lakefield. It was beautiful to see our alumni come together once again at the place where their friendships formed just a few years ago. After a traditional ceremony under the tent, our alumni enjoyed a range of classic Lakefield traditions—Grad Jumps into Lake Katchewanooka, Gladiator Day activities, Regatta Day fun, a formal dinner, candlelight Chapel ceremony, and more.

See more online: • https://bit.ly/LCSClassof2020 • https://bit.ly/LCSClass2021 • https://bit.ly/HTTG2022 OPPOSITE L-R (Top to Bottom): Class of 2021 celebration; HTTG—LCS Old Boys celebrating their 50+ Class Reunion; HTTG—Sailing; HTTG— Classes 1970-1982; HTTG—BBQ lunch; HTTG—Paddling Katchewaooka; HTTG—Students create Honour Guard for alumni procession to the waterfront; Class of 2020 celebration.

LCS ALUMNI

–Class News!

2000s Kristin (Zubrickas) McGrath ’05, and her husband, Mitch and daughter, Adaline welcomed their second daughter, Hallie on July 21, 2022.

Martha Ramsay ’06 and Charlie Bierk ’05 welcomed their son, Jude Alexander Ramsay Bierk on

Kristin ’05 (Zubrickas) and Mitch McGrath welcomed their 2nd child on July 21, 2022

Martha Ramsay ’06 and Charlie Bierk ’05 welcomed their son on November 15, 2021

Daniel Walsh ’06 and Rachel welcomed their daughter on October 22, 2021

Nick Pullen ’07 writing second novel Photo credit: Toronto Star

Sean Muñoz ’07 married Tayler Morencie on August 6, 2022

Melissa Zubrickas ’08 and Mitchell Hayes welcomed baby Henry on November 10, 2021

Ellen Lowry ‘08 and husband Bryce welcomed baby Scottie on September 25, 2022

Melissa Zubrickas ’08 and Mitchell Hayes were married on July 23, 2022

November 15, 2021.

Daniel Walsh ’06 and his wife Rachel welcomed their third daughter, Clara on October 22, 2021.

Nick Pullen ’07 was awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to write his second novel, Famous Blue. He will travel back to Oxford at the beginning of December to continue his writing.

Sean Muñoz ’07 married Tayler Morencie on August 6, 2022 in Lakefield, Ontario. In attendance were several alumni, including Esme Muñoz ’16, Alysia Muñoz ’11, Lindsay Muñoz ’09, Zoe Edwards ’09, Gaelen Murray ’07, Jason Church ’07, Sam Massie ’07, Brent Craswell ’07, Ian Walshe ’07, Jordan Cooper ’08, Keenan Murray ’10, and Kaitlin Keating ’15.

Ellen (Garneys) Lowry ‘08 and husband Bryce welcomed their daughter, Scottie Dixon Lowry on September 25, 2021.

Melissa Zubrickas ’08 and her partner Mitchell Hayes welcomed their son, Henry Andrius Hayes on November 10, 2021. On July 23, 2022, Melissa and Mitchell were married in Cavan Monaghan at her parents’ (Lee-Ann and Arnie Zubrickas P ’05, ’08, ’12) 56 | Grove News 2021/22

home. Carly Zubrickas ’12 and Kara

International Live Music Advancement

20, 2022 in Buckhorn, Ontario. In

York ’03 attended the event.

Award, which recognizes

attendance were numerous alumni,

achievements by an individual who

including Julianne McConkey ’12, Millie

April Corner ’09 and her partner

has made important contributions to

Yates ’13, Kelsey Slobodian ’10, Matt

Martin Mitrik welcomed their

the live music industry by extending

Litwin-Davies ’12, Matt Stevens ’12,

daughter, Savannah Marie Mitrik on

performance opportunities and

Cody McMahon ’12, Stephanie Wilcox

August 15, 2022 in Peterborough, ON.

building live audiences for Country

’03, Jess Fitchette Hart ’97, Jillian Scates

Music outside of the United States.

’13, Jessie Blair ’12, Nora Hickey ’12, Karan Chawla ’12, Grant Roy ’12, Alex

Baillie Allen ’09 was selected from a pool of over 170 applicants to join

Cody McMahon ’12 and Courtney

Procyk ’12, Ryan Lee ’12, and Elliott

Vencapital’s Summer 2022 Fellowship

Wickware were married on August 6,

Exton ’11.

to learn how to scout for startups and

2022 at Lakefield College School’s

have the opportunity to work with

Northcote Campus. In attendance

Congratulations to Sarah Douglas ‘12,

some of the top-tier venture capital

were several alumni, including Matt

named Gallagher Skippers’ Plan Female

firms as analysts and venture scouts.

Stevens ’12, Jacob Slobodian ’12,

Athlete of the Year. This is her third time

Rhiannon Gilbart ’12, Noah Rosen ’12,

winning this award, a testament to

Victoria Campbell ’09 and her partner

Blake Wickware ’20, Marissa

Sarah’s incredible success in the sport.

Geoff Mohtadi welcomed twins Miller

Wickware ’15, Alex Procyk ’12, Jessie

and Wrenly on August 23, 2022.

Blair ’12, Grant Roy ’12, Karan

Lea Hermanns ’13 was acknowledged

Chawla ’12, Matt Litwin-Davies ’12,

on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for

Colleen MacKenzie ’12, Abby Allen

Europe. Recognized for her work as

’12, and Jess Dobson ’09.

Cofounder of POHA House, Germany,

2010s

which provides furnished, flexible

Brooke Dunford ’11 received a

Rhiannon Gilbart ’12 and Jacob

housing or coworking space in

nomination for the CMA’s Rob Potts

Slobodian ’12 were married on August

buildings.

April Corner ’09 and Martin welcomed their daughter August 15, 2022

Victoria Campbell ’09 and Geoff Mohtadi welcomed twins on August 23, 2022

Cody McMahon ’12 and Courtney were married August 6, 2022

Rhiannon Gilbart ’12 and Jacob Slobodian ’12 were married August 20, 2022

Sarah Douglas ‘12 was named the Gallagher Skippers’ Plan Female Athlete of the Year Photo: Sail Canada

Lea Hermanns ’13 made Forbes 30 under 30 list for Europe Photo: Forbes

Grove News 2021/22 |

57

Alumni by the

numbers 17

current alumni employed at The Grove

750+

alumni returned home to The Grove for alumni events

9

alumni participated as guest speakers for Career Day

LCS ALUMNI

–Class News!

2010s Mike MacKenzie ’15 competed at the World Games for Ultimate in July 2022.

Trevor Jones ’15 finished fourth in the men’s single final rowing at the World Cup 3 in Switzerland.

Tristan Walsh ’17 and Taylor Walsh ’17 competed for Team Canada floorball in Birmingham USA during The 2022 World

Alumni with Children at The Grove in 2022/23 Tom ’53 and Barb Ryder (GP)—Harrison Buck ’25 John Alexander Richardson ’69 (GP)—Odinn Young ’25 Sean Quinn ’82—Jenna Quinn ’26 Bruce Boren ’87—Patrick Boren ’23 Zack Kembar ’87—Leyla Kembar ’24 Scott Smith ’87—Alexis Smith ’25 Dave Bennett ’88—Dallin Bennett ’26 Richard McCall ’88—Matt McCall ’23, James McCall ’26

Games.

THANK YOU Thank you Career Day 2022 speakers! Lakefield College School is so grateful to the LCS alumni, families and friends of the school who shared their career paths with our students this past spring, representing their passions and professional fields.

Thank you: Bill Lett ’92 P ’23, ’26, Hilary Bird ’06, Kyle Turk ’03, Laura Seidel, David Stevenson P ’22, Debra La Rush, Geoffrey Rubin P ’20, ’23, Jacqueline Benedetti, Rodney Pinto, Katie Uhlmann ’05, Jonathan Bennett P ’24, Dr. Catherine Hansen

James Bradburn ’89—Noah Bradburn ’23

P’23, ’24, ’24, Theresa Butler-Porter P ’13, Graham Denure ’04,

Geordie Dalglish ’89—Louisa Dalglish ’25

Jenny Andrus, Jason Craighill, Ingrid Kutzner, Ryan Lee ’12,

Joel Finlayson ’89—Oliver Finlayson ’24 Rupel Ruparelia ’89—Jaden Ruparelia ’23

Jennifer Macko ’03, Brent Curtis, Laura Koekkoek RSW, Colin Gallacher ’08, and Kelly Bignell-Asedo ’04.

Stephen Coates ’90—Simon Coates ’23, Charlotte Coates ’24 Chris White ’90—Jane White ’25 John Paul (JP) Brock ’91—Maddie Brock ’23, Emma Brock ’26 Simon Creasy ’91—Rupert Creasy ’26 Ken Douglas ’91, Jackie Douglas ’93—Natalie Douglas ’24 Erika Jones ’92—Hugh Englehart ’23 Andreas Lang ’92—Helena Lang ’25 Bill Lett ’92—Petra Lett ’23, Audrey Lett ’26 Stacey (Morrison) Ambler ’93—Olivia Ambler ’25 Kari Burgis ’95—Shanen Burgis McFadden ’25

Mike MacKenzie ’15 at Ultimate World Games Photo: Brian MacKenzie Photography

Andrew Johnston ’95—Stella Johnston ’26 Rebecca Davies-Farrugia ’96—Kaydn Farrugia ’25 Trevor Burgis ’97—Koen Burgis ’26 Nadia (Cartwright) Sumner ’98—Aidan Sumner ’25 Erin Freeland Ballantyne ’99—Uma Freeland Nardone ’24 Paula Mbonda ’99—Griffin Mbonda ’23, Myers Mbonda ’26 Jennifer Boyko ’00—Kenzie McIntyre ’26 Josselyn Arsenault ’04—Arianna Kennedy ’26 58 | Grove News 2021/22

Trevor Jones ’15 rowed at the World Cup 3 in Switzerland Photo: Rowing Canada

LCS Foundation Update Our Newest Board Members

During the Joint Annual Meeting of the School and Foundation Trustees on October 1, 2022, LCS Foundation Board Chair Andrew Durnford ’85 warmly welcomed our three newest Foundation Trustees and Board members, Johanna Krüger ’97, Sarah McCain Coulson ’05 and Sandra Delisle P ’23, ’24, ’25. We are looking forward to working with Johanna, Sarah and Sandra as they share their leadership skills and expertise in governance, strategic philanthropy, and marketing and communications.

Johanna Krüger ’97 (LCS Foundation Trustee and Board Director) holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the London School of Economics and Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from McGill. She is currently the Director of the United Nations Division of Global Affairs Canada, based in Ottawa. She has represented Canada at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Labour Organization while posted to Canada’s Permanent Mission to the UN in Geneva, and has been posted to Canada’s Mission to the European Union in Brussels. Johanna was a member of the LCS Safety Task Force in 2020 and became a LCS Trustee in 2021.

Johanna, her husband, Carlos, and three children, Madeleine (12), Annaliese (9), and Tristan (9) now live in Ottawa.

Sarah McCain Coulson ’05 (LCS Foundation Trustee and Board Director) graduated from Western University with a BA in Media, Information and Technoculture. Sarah is a seasoned digital and social media marketing professional, having supported brands across industry categories. She is deeply passionate about digital brand storytelling, connecting with and cultivating communities online. Today, Sarah works as a freelance consultant focused on supporting the digital landscape for small- to medium-sized businesses. Sarah sits on the Board of The McCain Foundation and volunteers on two healthcare executive committees: St. Joe’s Young Professionals (St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation) and WCH Development Committee (Women’s College Hospital Foundation). Both committees are committed to fundraising and community activation. Sarah and her husband Mike Coulson reside in Toronto with their two children, Callia and Niles.

Sandra Delisle P ’23, ’24, ’25 (LCS Foundation Trustee and Board Director) is a Palliative Care Physician and Clinical Teaching Professor at the University of Montréal. A family physician by training, Sandra developed an interest in palliative care in the early 2000s and has since dedicated her career to the subject. In 2008, she founded a palliative care service at the Pierre-Boucher Hospital and set up an innovative palliative care outpatient clinic. She also practices at La Maison Victor-Gadbois, where she is a member of the Board of Directors. She is a member of the University of Montreal’s Advanced Competencies Program Committee and founded the CISSS Monteregie-East Prescriptions and Protocols Committee. Sandra and her husband, Jean-Guy, reside in Montreal with their children, Rosalie ’23, Olivia ’24, and Chloe ’25.

Are you interested in learning more about the Lakefield College School Foundation and its current priorities—tuition assistance and our new dining hall? Please contact Katie Pezoulas, Director of Development: 705.652.3324 ext. 331 or kpezoulas@lcs.on.ca Grove News 2021/22 |

59

In Our Memories Robert Gemmell ’67 passed away on September 9, 2021 in

Peter Clarke ’69. Granddaughter to Dr. Alexander

Toronto, ON.

Mackenzie (LCS Headmaster 1894-1938).

Frances White passed away on November 13, 2021 in

Erin Thomson ‘98 passed away on June 3, 2022.

Toronto, ON. Daughter to Gretchen Ross, step-daughter to Donald Ross ’48, sibling to Jamie White ’79, Chris White ’90, and step-sibling to David Ross ’80.

David Ross ’57 passed away on June 7, 2022 in Belleville, ON. Stepson to G. Winder Smith, Class of 1920 (LCS Headmaster 1940-1964). Father of Andrew (Drew)

Ted Byfield ’44 passed away on December 23, 2021 in

Ross ’87, brother to Donald Ross ’48 and Andy Ross ’53

Edmonton, AB.

(deceased), and uncle to David Ross ’80.

Judy Gibson passed away on December 25, 2021 in

Lois Keller (former staff member) passed away on June 8,

Peterborough, ON. Wife of past school board member

2022 in Norwood, ON. Mother to Kris Keller ’73.

Bruce Gibson, mother of Andrew Gibson ’98 and Brad Gibson ’96.

Robert Ketchum ’49 passed away on August 14, 2022 in St. Thomas, ON. Son of Hugh (LCS School Masteer 1938-67)

Bea Eastcott passed away on January 5, 2022 in

and Jean Ketchum (Hostess for Headmaster G. Winder

Peterborough, ON. Mother to David Eastcott ’82.

Smith 1938-1947). Father to John Ketchum ’82 and uncle

Scott Ebenhardt ’82 passed away on January 25, 2022.

Michael Davies passed away on March 22, 2022 in Kingston, ON. Father of Jennifer Tidman ’91 (nee Davies).

Peter Burns ’50 passed away on March 27, 2022 in Australia.

Allen Baines ’71 passed away on April 26, 2022 in Oakville, ON. Gavin Sword ’91 passed away on April 27, 2022 in Estero, Florida. Brother to David Sword ’88 and Ryan Sword ’90.

Katharine (Cubby) Clarke passed away on May 5, 2022 in Peterborough, ON. Mother of Michael Clarke ’63 and

60 | Grove News 2021/22

to Robert Catto ’89.

Ken Sunderland (former staff member) passed away on August 21, 2022 in Peterborough, ON. Father to Mary Sunderland ’97, Mark Sunderland ’00, Laura Sunderland ’01 and Katherine Sunderland ’03.

Karen Fife (former staff member) passed away on August 28, 2022 in Peterborough, ON. Richard (Rik) Diespecker ’48 passed away on September 27, 2022 in BC. Hubert Washington ’43 passed away on October 3, 2022 in Toronto, ON. Hubert was Lakefield College School’s oldest alum. He would have celebrated his 80th reunion in Spring 2023.

Educator, Adventurer and Life-long Learner KEN SUNDERLAND (1955–2022) P ’97 ’00 ’01 ’03 Head of House until 2005, when he and Linda moved to Peterborough. Ken retired in 2012 and the following year, was awarded the prestigious title of Honorary Alumnus for his many years of valued service.

Over the course of his 32-year career, Ken was a highly respected teacher of physics, math, and science in society, and also coached cricket, alpine skiing, sailing, running, and both boys’ and girls’ soccer. In the early 90’s, he served as the school’s Athletic Director and was instrumental in establishing the sports program for girls. Somehow, he also found time to earn a Master of Science degree in Physics from Trent University and later served as Curriculum Leader In August, the Lakefield College School community was deeply saddened to learn of the death of muchloved, former faculty member, Ken Sunderland P ’97 ’00 ’01 ’02. By nature, Ken didn’t always follow convention, or do things in half-measure, so it wasn’t surprising that he remained stoically upbeat, and to all outward appearances, active and in relatively good health for most of the four plus years following his diagnosis with glioblastoma in 2018. In fact, Ken and Linda, his loving wife of 44 years, had just returned from a memorable tour of Newfoundland in late June.

Ken and Linda met during their final year of high school in Brockville, Ontario. They arrived at LCS with their young daughter, Mary ’97, in the summer of 1980 to accept his first teaching position. Although they couldn’t have known it at the time, it would be the only full-time job Ken would ever hold, as his entire career would be spent at the Grove. Over the next 32 years, he would fill a variety of teaching and administrative roles, and the family would grow with the arrival of Mark ’00, Laura ’01, and Katherine ’03.

Along with teaching physics and math, Ken served two years as the Day Boy Housemaster, until 1984 when the family moved to Fort Smith for the beginning of his impressive, 23-year run as a residential Head of House.

In 1991, the Sunderland family became the first occupants of Rashleigh House, for which Ken served as

for the Math/Science Department.

Those who knew Ken admired his athleticism and often ribbed him about his perennially-youthful, good looks. He was as close to ageless as anyone I’ve ever known; in fact, Linda confirmed my suspicion that right up to the time of his death at age 67, he hadn’t acquired a single grey hair. He was also known for his calm, seemingly unflappable demeanour, despite the unforeseen stressors that would inevitably bubble up amidst the busy, sometimes tumultuous flow of boarding school life. It just seemed that Ken “lived slower” than everyone else. Perhaps it was this ability, combined with his quiet, measured demeanour that, early in his career, prompted the boys’ nickname for him, “Cool Ken”. Of course, his habit of donning sunglasses and cruising off campus on sunny, weekend afternoons—or, later on, arriving for work—astride his white Yamaha Road Star 1600 motorcycle, did little to demystify the “Zen of Ken”.

There was also the enduring rumour that Ken was the seventh smartest man in Canada. Started on a whim by one of his student Heads of House to impress the younger boys, it was just believable enough to be true, and quickly became entrenched in Lakefield lore.

It seems great educators harbour an innate, life-long love of learning and this was certainly true of Ken.

Grove News 2021/22 |

61

Even as a boy, his passion for learning and adventure

times), and that he had achieved his goal of reading

was apparent. His early fascination with aviation

the complete works of Ernest Hemingway.

resulted in Ken earning his pilot’s license at 16 years of age, as well as a summer job at the Brockville Airport,

While firmly rooted in science, Ken was the

from which he transported planes for servicing.

quintessential renaissance man, the complete package, as evidenced by the outpouring of heartfelt

Throughout his life, Ken fueled his passion for learning

tributes upon news of his death—from friends, former

and adventure by pursuing (often with Linda) an

colleagues, and the countless students whose lives he

eclectic mix of hobbies, from bird-watching and

had touched. With thanks to those who knew him

beekeeping to ballroom dancing. Equally illustrative

best, his family, I think the first sentence of Ken’s

examples come to mind. About 20 years ago, while on

obituary comes closest to capturing his wonderfully

sabbatical, Ken spent several months in Manas, France

inquisitive spirit; “Kenneth James Sunderland, an

(following a full-immersion course in Quebec) devoted

aspiring astronomer, birder, canoeist, skier,

to learning French. I hadn’t known of this interest

woodworker, ballroom dancer, maple syrup producer,

beforehand, and only heard him speak French on one

beekeeper, mill operator, educator, and endlessly

or two occasions afterwards. Another time, early in

curious learner, died peacefully on August 21, 2022, at

retirement, while on one of our many birding trips

Hospice Peterborough surrounded by love.”

(memories I now treasure more than ever), Ken casually mentioned being enthralled with Homer (having read both The Iliad and The Odyssey multiple

62 | Grove News 2021/22

He will be missed.

GERRY BIRD ’04 ’06 (FRIEND AND FORMER COLLEAGUE)

Join Us on April 26, 2023!

Toronto Annual Alumni Dinner We look forward to an evening of reminiscences and celebration with classmates, staff and friends. We will be recognizing incredible members of our community as Honorary Alumni. Bring your spouse and join in the celebration over a delicious meal.

Watch for R.S.V.P details in January 2023 Questions? Email sleblanc@lcs.on.ca Interested in making an Honorary Alumni nomination?

Visit: bit.ly/HonoraryAlumniNomination Closes December 31, 2022.

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•

Almost 80% of the students who are accepted to Lakefield, are referred to us through members of our community. Each year, our families and friends connect us with great students considering an independent school experience.

•

New students interested in enrolling in 2023/24—Apply Early!

Please help us spread the word.

With demand for an LCS education increasing annually, families are encouraged to apply early each year to avoid possible disappointment.

•

Have your friends inquire today. For more information call our Admissions Team at 705.652.3324 ext.329 or email admissions@lcs.on.ca.

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