S T . M I C H A E L S U N I V E R S I T Y S C H O O L

Celebrating the Opening of the Crothall Centre

for Humanities & the Arts

Create the Future Fall 2003

Visit our web site!www.smus.bc.ca

At St. Michaels University School, we have created an environment thatnurtures the academic, spiritual, andphysical growth of young people, fromkindergarten to grade 12. Inspirationand encouragement motivate ourstudents to reach new heights and to discover their potential.

Create the Future!

St. Michaels University School

St. Michaels University School

Co-educational, from Kindergarten to Grade 12Day • Grades K-12Boarding • Grades 8-12ESL • Grades 8-10

Headmaster • Robert T. Snowden

Admissions (250)370-6170 Toll-free in North America1-800-661-5199admit@smus.bc.ca

Financial aid available.

Creating bright mindsand tomorrow’sleaders…

s c h o o l t i e s — f a l l 2 0 0 3 1

Kindergarten to grade 12 – and beyond!

On a September morning in theSenior School quad, next to SchoolHouse and the newly openedCrothall Centre for Humanities andthe Arts are [l-r] Trent Norris(kindergarten), son of alumna Liane Thomas (SMUS ’82); JessicaQualley (grade 6), daughter ofalumnus Eric Qualley (SMUS ’62);Ellise McCarten (grade 12),daughter of alumnus MurrayMcCarten (SMUS ’74); and JohnMcIntyre (US ’62), alumnus,current parent, and History teacherat the Senior School. SMUS historyand tradition holds that first, second,third, and even fourth generationfamilies are in attendance. Morethan just tradition – these kinds ofschool ties pave the way for thefuture.

SCHOOL TIES is distributed to more than 6,500members of the St. Michaels University Schoolcommunity, including current families, friends,current and past staff and alumni. The goal ofthe publication is to communicate currentactivities and initiatives, along with articles andreports on the alumni community. If you haveany comments or suggestions regarding thispublication, please contact Jenus Friesen at(250) 370-6169 or e-mail: jfriesen@smus.bc.ca.

Published by:The Development Office at

St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Road, Victoria

British Columbia, Canada V8P 4P5 Telephone: (250) 592-2411

Admissions: 1-800-661-5199 E-mail: info@smus.bc.ca Website: www.smus.bc.ca

Editors:Christopher Spicer, Jenus Friesen

Contributors: (in no particular order)Robert Snowden, Peter Bousfield,

Robert Wilson, Ian Hyde-Lay, Brenda Waksel, Archie Ives, John Reid, Rev. June Maffin, Donna Ray, Lindsay Thierry,Heidi Davis, Anna Forbes,

Donna Williams, Cam Culham, Cynthia Mitchell, Rick Johnson, John Crawford, Jim De Goede, Miriam Stanford, Louise Winter, Tony Keble, Margaret Skinner,

Linda Rajotte, Hugh Young, Kathy Roth, Keith Murdoch

Photography:Jenus Friesen, Christopher Spicer,

Craig Farish, Rob Destrubé, school family members & friends

Production & Printing:Reber Creative

Hillside Printing Ltd.Victoria, BC

Lithographed in Canada �

If you are interested in attending school events,

call (250) 592-2411 for further details, or visit

the school’s website Calendar of Events: www.smus.bc.ca

Create the FutureUILT FROM

GREAT IDEAS

and visions –tethered ’round providingan outstanding learningenvironment – SMUScelebrates her newestlandmark, the newlyopened Crothall Centrefor Humanities and theArts. This beautifulbuilding stands proudlyon the Senior Schoolcampus as a reminder ofa great gift, given inconfidence in support ofthe school’s bold visionof the future.

St. Michaels University School is a leader in innovative K-12 education, providing young men andwomen a nurturing learning environment that is both creative and inspiring. These pages of SchoolTies magazine reveal elements of our rich heritage, including great founders from the past and someof the changes that have influenced us today. You will also find stories about people who continue toconnect and contribute to the energy and the fabric of our greater community.

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On the cover: St. Michaels University School celebrated the grand openingof the Crothall Centre for Humanities and the Arts on Friday, October 3,2003. More than 250 invited guests were in attendance.

On the back cover: Though not exactly Abbey Road, we dohave the Senior School Quad at St. Michaels UniversitySchool.

E MAKE A LIVING by what we get, wemake a life by what we give.” As weopen the Crothall Centre, and

anticipate the construction of the Schaffter Hallfor Music, these words of Winston Churchillresonate for us all at SMUS – more than theymight in a community without such freshmemories and promising plans. It is humblingto accept these gifts, and to understand thatthese buildings aren’t given so much to us, as tothe idea that our school represents. It is the ideaof a school that has done great things in thepast, and that will be even greater after we havegone. We are dwarfed next to such dreams, andour proper response is to find our place withinthose dreams, that vision.

These buildings, and the buildings that willcome after them, have quality and permanence.During these fall days, without considering thepast and the future too much, the studentsenjoy the wide walkways of the CrothallCentre. They run and gather in the newquadrangle, they learn – or are distracted – inclassroom spaces of auspicious light. Churchillalso said, “We shape our buildings; thereafterthey shape us.” In a very conscious way, theshape and qualities of School House haveinfluenced generations of students, and haveinfluenced the design of our new structures.We hope that to future generations of students,these new buildings will mean what SchoolHouse has meant to those who have left.

Quality, permanence, access. Our newbuildings evoke these words. Certainly, andobviously, they evoke quality and permanence,at least. More about access in a moment. Thereis great good fortune in our present opportunityat the school. People like Graeme Crothall, and

others who are following his lead, eachaccording to his or her capacity, are deciding tocontribute to a future SMUS that is possiblebecause of a combination of conditions thatnow prevail here. So we continue to plan for thefuture, as we have done for the past few years,keeping the school’s mission first and foremost.We remember our past, we do our best for ourcurrent students, and we plan for futurestudents. A remarkable number of people haveobserved that this recent gift ought not to beviewed as a benefit, but just a stroke of luck tobe enjoyed for the present. This success that weshare is not an ending of our work – it is abeginning.

It is in this spirit that we are undertaking,right now, a look at the future of the schooland its educational programme. This planningis guided by two simple questions: how do weserve the current students of the school as wellas possible, and how do we continue to serveour students in the future? Soon, the schoolwill be celebrating its hundredth birthday. It issignificant that our school has this history. Itmeans that the original mission of the twofounding schools – to pursue academic successin an environment where the character and theself also grow – is valid still today. The art ofchange is to preserve the things that don’tchange, and in our long history, the ties thatbind past students and parents to what is goingon now is a great example of this art.

Where do we look in our planning? To greatschools. We look at any number of institutions,that for one reason or another, would beconsidered great schools in the world – Eton,Harrow, Phillips Exeter, Andover, Groton, andothers both nearer and further. What are the

characteristics that these schools share? Andsince it would be a daydream to duplicate anyof these schools, we then ask ourselves: whatcharacteristics of these schools does it makesense for us to emulate? As we think, talk, plan,examine, and research, three words float to thetop – quality, permanence, and access. Theseare the pillars of our planning.

Quality. Parents and teachers want to makesure that our students have the best and richestopportunities to pursue their potential. Theseyoung men and women are among the beststudents in the world. Our mission seeks, as itsfirst goal, the “excellence in all of us.” It assertsthat our students all have their talents andgifts, and that these gifts are different in eachof them. Our mission also asserts that thequality we seek has to take place within acommunity that shares values, that pursuestruth and goodness, and that prepares studentsfor higher learning and life. When we did ourStrategic Planning exercise four years ago, agroup discussion among parents emphasizedthat the development of character was asimportant as the pursuit of academic success.In fact, it is almost impossible to pursueacademic success without paying attention tocharacter. A student has to learn that the habitsthat make him or her a good student are alsothe habits that will make him or her asuccessful and good adult. Wasted genius – thebright, intelligent student who thrivesacademically, but then leads a life that doesn’tmeasure up to that early promise – is a clichéin education and in the wider world. Noparent wants a son or daughter who succeedsin school but doesn’t succeed in life, and nostudent wants that either; so our search for

Quality,Permanence,Accessby Robert Snowden, Headmaster, SMUS

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Robert Snowden, Headmaster

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quality has to extend beyond the measurableworld of test scores and exam results into therealm of those experiences we believe will effectthe translation of intelligence into usefulness.How do we succeed in bringing forth, from ourstudents, the great potential that is theirs?Certainly we want good measurable results, andthe need to produce good measurable results isimportant wherever it is possible. Quality,permanence, and access have measurablefeatures, but there are also sides of these ideasthat are hard to measure.

What is beauty? What a question. At mycurrent age, I am torn between a temptation toroll my eyes at it and a temptation to nodsolemnly to acknowledge that the question is adeep, but an impossible one. When I was muchyounger than I am now, as an undergraduatestudying philosophy, it was a question we wouldpursue with intensity and a voluminousexpenditure of words. St. Thomas Aquinas saidbeauty was a blend of three things: harmony,wholeness, and radiance. To me, it has alwaysseemed a good definition, partly because there isa practical and concrete side to at least two ofthese three words – harmony and wholeness.One can explain harmony and wholeness in theirapplication to things we call beautiful. It hasalways seemed to me that the things we callbeautiful are radiant, too. How to explain ormeasure radiance? Any reader can see the drift ofthese thoughts. These profound ideas exhaustour vocabularies, and they exhaust the amountof time we can allocate to defining them: classesend, we have to pick up our kids from school,the ordinary appointments of daily life intervene,or we simply have to go to bed becausetomorrow is a practicality we have to be ready toface. So it is with defining qualities that areimportant in education: truth, goodness,excellence – quality, permanence, and access.

Permanence. The reputation of many“permanent” things has suffered in recenthistory, in the media, and in the lives ourstudents see around them. There is disorder,destruction, and grasping at straws everywherethey look. Nevertheless, the ideals we pursue arepermanent. It is preferable for our students ifthey go to school in an environment where thecitizens of that community have shared somevalues and principles for decade after decade.Students live a life of testing boundaries, mainlybecause they are looking for solid, substantialprinciples that will guide their own lives. Theydo, as we all do, see values tested, corrupted,and crumbling in the world around them, ontelevision, and in newspapers. It is normal anddesirable that they should seek permanentvalues. It is only by testing and examination

that young people discover what will resist thestrains and stresses of that testing. At a schoollike ours, where I hope there is healthyexchange and flow of questions and inquiry, weaim to provide a backdrop of enduringprinciples, enduring quality, and enduringbuildings. And when I say “we,” I mean all ofus: parents, teachers, alumni, students, andfriends of the school.

Access. Great schools recognize that theeducation they provide will be superior foreveryone if the student body mirrors thediversity the students will find in the worldoutside the school’s walls. Assuming thestudents at the school are in harmony with theschool’s mission, then the experience of all thestudents will improve increasingly as the rangethat composes that student body becomes wider– range of race, range of culture, and range ofeconomic background. The leaders of tomorrowwill have an international education. By onemeans or another, either formal, in school, orinformal through travel or accidental contactwith other cultures, these young men andwomen who have a sense of the richness ofcultures will be the leaders of tomorrow. Theywill also have an understanding of the entirespectrum of human experience, including theexperience of those with economic advantagesand those with no economic advantages at all.The school has recently undertaken a ratherconscious effort to diversify itself internationally.Five years ago we had three students from theUnited States; we now enrol about twenty-fiveannually. Two years ago we decided that weshould recruit students from Europe who wereseeking our type of education; this year we havetwelve students from Germany, which is wherewe started, and a handful from Finland, Russia,and Holland. It is a plan that will take a numberof years to come to full fruition, but our earlyresults are pleasing. We must also seek to makethe school accessible to studentsfrom all income levels. The timeof history where a class couldchoose to shelter itself from, andpreserve its power over a poorerclass of people vanished long ago.The leaders of tomorrow will beadaptable, understanding, flexible,and confident in the face ofdifferent kinds of diversity.Therefore, we must build astudent body that, as far aspossible, provides a paradigm forthe wider world.

Probably the most importantthing our students learn at SMUSis leadership. It ought to be the

most important thing they learn. Leadership is acomplex thing, and students learn it as they learneverything else – in their own individual ways. Itinvolves comprehending many things: first, theirplace in the world around them and theirrelationship to that world – their place among thepeople in their own families, in theircommunities and in the world; secondly, anunderstanding of themselves and their ownnature and character; and finally, their ability tobe responsible for, and to influence themselvesand those around them. Some leaders make a lotof noise and some are quiet. Some are heroes intheir countries and some, only within their ownfamilies. Is this so modest? For most of us, oursons and daughters, our mothers and fathers, arethe people we want most to respect us and loveus. Many of our students will take places asleaders in their communities, in their businesses,in public life, or their professions. All of them willhave the responsibility of setting the example forthose closest to them.

Over the next few months, we will work onplans for the future of the school, to build the bestpossible place for the boys and girls, the young menand women we are educating. We will havediscussions, and those of us who are professionaleducators will present our best efforts forconsideration, understanding, and feedback. Wehope that this process will be duplicated every yearfrom now on, so that we can all plan, bothteachers and parents. There will be financialconsequences for some of these plans, and it may bethat the benefits of some ideas will seem remote ordifficult to understand or measure. We have nochoice but to work it out, however, and to do ourbest to prepare our students as well as any studentsanywhere. What greater purpose can there be forour time and efforts but for our children? Quality,permanence, access.

Students stop to talk in the breezeway of the new Crothall Centre.

HAT ARE YOUR FUTURE

PLANS?” We ask thisquestion of all of our

applicants to the school. Theirresponses are always personal,thoughtful, and many times,inspirational. It is a pleasure for usin the Admissions Office to be ableto meet so many focused andcapable students who will helpcontinue to build upon the pastand to create the path for thefuture successes of the school.

We have the unique opportunityto provide visitors to the schoolwith the possibility of glimpsinginto their future. We meet manyprospective families and studentsin the course of the Admissionsprocess, and during these visits, weget to know them as individuals.We have the opportunity to showthem through what may be theirfuture school. Naturally, throughoutthe course of their visit, they oftenbegin to see themselves becomingmembers of the SMUS community.

The excellence of St. MichaelsUniversity School is knownaround the world. Our reputationis strengthened by the connectionsthat many of our SMUS extendedfamily make to prospective familiesand students who have expressedan interest in the school. Thesupport we receive from our alumni and families is invaluable in oursearch for outstanding students to attend the school. It is evident that themost effective source of inquiries for our prospective families comes fromboth personal referrals and from visits to our website.

Personal referral is the primary source of inquiry for the school. OurSt. Michaels University School family of alumni is located around theworld. Many of you are living in communities in which we have focusedour efforts for admissions trips and educational fairs. Each of you has thepotential to be an effective ambassador for the school. Please take thetime to identify prospective families and speak with them about learningmore about the school and the future opportunities that are available fortheir son or daughter. Your endorsement of the school and first-handknowledge brings a more tangible and real focus to the discussion.

Please remember that one of the mandates of the Admissions Office isto attract excellent students from a diverse socio-economic background.Our school offers financial assistance to over 60 students each year andwe hope that number will increase in the future. The objective is to beable to provide the opportunity to attend the school to a greater numberof individuals. Please remember as you consider speaking to potential

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Create the Future at SMUSby Susan Saunders, Admissions Director

Boys and girls from kindergarten to grade 5 play with the new playground equipment at the Junior School.

SMUS candidates, that you continue to encourage those who may requirefinancial assistance. The benefits to our school of having a diverse studentpopulation are immeasurable.

Our website is another valuable source of inquiries. Visit our siteregularly to keep up-to-date on the happenings and events of the school.We have added a new face: Kent Leahy-Trill has been appointed as our newWeb Manager. He will be taking on the responsibility of maintaining andredesigning our current site. We welcome him and his energetic input toour communications team here at SMUS.

Please review our schedule and if you have the opportunity to pass ona good word, to direct a prospective family to our office, or to forwardthe name of a future student, we will be delighted to speak to them aboutthe lifelong benefits of a SMUS education.

We are all part of the future at SMUS.

Susan Saunders, Director of Admissions - ssaunder@smus.caGregor Klenz, Associate Director of Admissions - gklenz@smus.caTammy Fowler, Admissions Office Assistant - admit@smus.ca

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Academic ResultsBy Miriam Stanford

HEN I WAS SIX YEARS OLD, I learned toride a bike. I have vivid memories ofcycling down the street feeling I was on

the brink of something new and wonderful: myfuture, as an independent, grown-up person(remember, I was six!) lay ahead of me. It wasexhilarating and at the same time sobering.

That wasn’t the last time in my life I thoughtmy future lay just ahead. The feeling hasaccompanied the most significant markers in mylife: graduations from high school and university,the start of my first teaching job, a move to a newhouse. I am aware of it today in my new role asDirector of Academics, and I feel the same pairedexcitement and sobering sense of responsibility as Ibegin to make my contribution to the continueddevelopment of this exceptional school.

It is easy, as an educator, to think that the future for our students beginswhen they leave us. I imagine we are all guilty of this thought, regardless ofthe grade we teach. But I believe that all of us – teachers and students,parents and alumni – are constantly engaged in the process of creating thefuture. This is a continual process of renewal, re-imagination and re-commitment to the task of creating the school and community we envision. The Crothall Centre is a fine example of this commitment and vision.

As an educator, I have many wishes for our students: for self-confidence, independence of thought, a sense of fulfillment in their chosenwork. But mostly I hope that our students leave us with the knowledgethat they have an active role to play in creating, not only their own future,but that of their communities and the wider world. I hope they leave usfeeling empowered and well equipped for this life-long work, excited bythe possibilities, and aware of the responsibility that lies with them tomake sure the future they are working toward is good for us all.

Walk far from cynics and whiners,They don’t believe, they never have.Uphold those who care, who share.Cheer on those willing to change,Cheer on the renewers, cheer on the new.

–unkown

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Virtual Views on the WebHave you visited the school website? Take a peek sometime! You’llsee virtual view photographs in both Quicktime and Java formats ofdifferent locations around the campuses. With the expertise ofalumnus Scott Baker (SMUS ’91), creative owner of PawPrintProductions, we were able to create this series of interesting andrevealing images, including panoramic views of the Junior, Middleand Senior schools. Just by moving your mouse or arrow keys onyour computer, you can move around and see the details in thesefun and informative images.

www.smus.bc.ca/virviews/

Proposed Admissions Trips 2003-2004Please refer to the Admissions section on our website for furtherdetails and specific locations: www.smus.ca/admissions/

October 1-4 CAIS Conference in TorontoOctober 4 OUR KIDS Education Fair, TorontoOctober 6-10 AlbertaOctober 13-14 Cariboo DistrictOctober 17-23 CaliforniaNovember 1-5 Saudi ArabiaNovember 7-17 Germany, BelgiumNovember 3-5 Interior BCNovember 12-14 Southern CaliforniaNovember 18-21 Washington StateJanuary Vancouver ReceptionJanuary MexicoFebruary 2-4 Vancouver IslandFebruary 11-13 Gulf Islands

Open House at the Junior, Middle & Senior Campuses October 24, 2003February 20, 2004

Local Receptions and Info SessionsJunior School Admissions Calendar 2003-04Oct 24 Open House: all campusesNov 26 Information Evening/Reception at Junior SchoolJanuary Interviews for Kindergarten 2004 by appointmentJan 13 Information Evening/Reception at Junior School Feb 11 4/5 Info SessionFeb 20 Open House: all campusesFeb 28 4/5 Entrance Testing by appointmentMarch 3 4/5 Information Evening / Reception

Middle School Admissions Calendar 2003-04Oct 24 Open House: all campusesNov 15 Entrance testing by appointmentNov 26 Info Evening/ Reception at Middle SchoolDec 6 Entrance Testing by appointmentJan 13 Info Evening / Reception at Middle SchoolJan 17 Entrance Testing (ESL) by appointmentJan 31 Entrance Testing (ESL) by appointmentFeb 20 Open House: all campusesFeb 28 Entrance Testing by appointment

Senior School Admissions Calendar 2003-04Oct 24 Open House: all campusesNov 15 Entrance testing by appointmentNov 25 Info Evening/ Reception at Senior SchoolDec 6 Entrance Testing by appointmentJan 14 Info Evening / Reception at Senior SchoolJan 17 Entrance Testing (ESL) by appointmentJan 31 Entrance Testing (ESL) by appointmentFeb 20 Open House: all campusesFeb 28 Entrance Testing by appointment

New Director of Academics –Miriam Stanford

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School NewsJENNIFER BLUMBERG

Seventeen-year-old JenniferBlumberg (SMUS ’04) spent twoweeks during the summer in Cairo, Egypt, competing in the Junior World SquashChampionships. Jennifer, who is atop national squash player,travelled and competed withSMUS alumna Kristie Tyrrell(SMUS ’02) who was there tostand in as an alternate player.

Jennifer has been playingsquash since she was six years oldand has been training extensivelyever since. She is hoping to get anIvy League scholarship when shegraduates in June of 2004.

Margaret Skinner and the ServiceCouncil members delivered acheque to the Rotary Club last Mayin memory of Colin Skinner. Thefunds were raised by the ServiceCouncil and were donated to theRotary Clean Water Project.(l-r) Dorothy Hawes, MargaretSkinner, Kendall Cutler, ElizabethHumphries, and the president ofthe Rotary Club in Victoria.

MATHEMATICAL

EXCELLENCE

Middle School Mathematicsstudents excelled in the 2003Canadian National MathematicsLeague contest. Each of grades 6,7, and 8 finished third in BritishColumbia and finished in the toptwenty in Canada against over400 competing schools. TheGauss Math Contest results wereequally strong, with each of ourthree teams finishing in the topthree in Victoria.

CHELSEA TIRLING

RECOGNIZED FOR

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT!

Congratulations to recentgraduate Chelsea Tirling (SMUS’03), awarded the prestigiousUniversity of Victoria ExcellenceScholarship, a renewable four-yearaward that recognizes her superbacademic achievements. This fall,Chelsea will attend the Universityof Victoria to study Microbiologyand Biochemistry in the Facultyof Science.

During her final academic yearat SMUS, Chelsea was recognized

Emily Pfeiffer, champion debater

EMILY PFEIFFER –DEBATING CHAMP

As of June 2003, a whole herd ofMiddle School grade 8 studentsbecame grade 9 Senior Schoolnovices – among them, theremarkable Emily Pfeiffer. Notonly was Emily the top debater atthe Ravenhurst InvitationalDebating Championship and theVancouver Island Regionals fortwo years running, but also when competing at the BCChampionships, she came secondin the province. Emily put a greatdeal of time and effort into herdebating. We at St. MichaelsUniversity School are proud ofher accomplishments.

Chelsea Tirling

as a University of TorontoNational Biology Scholar ofDistinction. She has attendedSMUS since fourth grade, andappeared on the Headmaster’sHonour Roll each year. She wasGrade 12 Captain Scholar, DayPrefect, and she won the “Beautyof Music” award at graduation for“First in Music All-Round.”Excelling in Fine Arts, she playeda key role in “The Wiz” schoolmusical, and is a vocal student atthe Victoria Conservatory ofMusic. Chelsea has danced inrecitals with local dancecompanies since pre-school.

FLYING WITH

IAIN FORBES

In only three years, the FlightExperience Weekend has becomean annual fixture. Led by schoolphysician Dr. Iain Forbes, thisexciting programme usually takesplace during the latter half of May.The number of students takingpart has more than doubled, andalready, two students have started acombined business and professionalflight training degree with thegoal of employment with a majorairline.

Three other students arecompleting their degrees shortlyand will start an “ab initio” cadetpilot training scheme within amajor international airline. It willtake a few years for these studentsto realize their goals, but they willbe rewarded eventually withexciting careers in a fast moving,high-tech business.

In Mr. Skinner’s MemoryThe entire SMUS community was shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Mr. Skinner last May. Hiscontributions to the school are numerous; even during the last few months of his life, his presence at the schoolwas evident. He acted as a judge for the Senior School Recitation Evening in February, filled in as a substituteEnglish teacher, and was involved with the Service Council’s efforts to raise money for the Rotary Clean WaterProject. Having only recently become a Rotarian, Mr. Skinner was an ardent advocate for the Clean WaterProject and approached the SMUS Service Council about sponsoring this effort. Students responded generouslyand raised money through a Senior School “grub day” event. Following Mr. Skinner’s death, the Service Councildecided to donate all of the funds raised at the School Spirit Day last May to this same project. In memory ofMr. Skinner, Service Council representatives, Kendall Cutler and Elizabeth Humphries, delivered a cheque for$500 to the Rotary Club in June 2003. We will never forget the passion and compassion that Mr. Skinner shared with us all.

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World Partnership Walk 2003S PART OF AN ON-GOING PROGRAMME of encouraging JuniorSchool students to look for ways to make a positive differencein today’s world, over 150 students and families took part in the

“World Partnership Walk” in Beacon Hill Park on May 25, 2003. Thewalk, an initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation, helps raise awareness andfunds for international projects in health, education, and ruraldevelopment. Our students learned that in some parts of Asia and Africa,it takes as little as $20 a year to educate a child!

Over $7,300 was raised in just over one month through a “toonie tieday,” a “dollar for house point” programme and the Walk’s Pledge Booksystem. With these dollars matched by the Canadian InternationalDevelopment Association in Ottawa, our school’s total contributionturned into $14,600.

With the money raised by the SMUS Junior School, nearly 750children will now stand a better chance of getting an education and helpingall of us make this a better world. Now, that’s making a difference.

The Junior School participated in the Agha Khan Foundation PartnershipWalk. In the photo are grade 5 students Harrison Duncan, Kate Loomer,and Charles Bennett. Also in attendance were school alumnus and FederalMinister David Anderson (SM ’44), Lieutenant Governor Iona Campagnola,MLA Ida Chong, UVic President David Turpin, and Victoria businessman MelCooper (former SMUS Board member).

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Painting in FranceHIS PAST JULY, teachers Anna Forbes and Heidi Davis wereable to carry out further studies in their respective subject areasthanks to a professional development award, which they

received for their combined work in Art, French, and Drama. Anna andHeidi travelled as part of a small group to the Languedoc region of Franceto study painting under the tutelage of Montreal-born artist FelixVincent. A delightful French family ran the accommodation, and Frenchwas spoken at all times, even in the art studio. Personal development ofartistic style was the main focus. In addition to learning new techniquesin oils and acrylics, participants were fortunate to have in the group,Bowen Island watercolour artist Ann Lagasse, who also shared herexpertise. Dr. Emmanuel Herique, a professor of French at the Universityof Victoria, and his brother Dr. Benoit Herique, who is a French teacherat Ashbury College in Ontario and a past teacher from SMUS, weregroup coordinators. Anna and Heidi felt immeasurably enriched by theexperience – such focused concentration – and hope to pass on theirenthusiasm and newly found knowledge to their students.

Double Exposure Draws Interest at Educator’s Seminar

NNA FORBES AND HEIDI DAVIS were asked to give aneducators’ seminar last June at Northfield Mt. Hermon Schoolin Massachusetts. The occasion was Heidi’s alma mater reunion,

a boarding school of 1100 students, where alumni are invited to presenttheir expertise and experience in a wide range of interesting fields duringthe Reunion weekend. Because of her demanding schedule in theboarding house, Anna could be there in spirit only. The seminar, “DoubleExposure,” showcased Anna’s and Heidi’s experiential concept ofcombining Art and French in a dramatic production. It was wellattended, as there were many among the 1000 returning alumni whowere interested or professionally involved in the arts, languages, andeducation. It was an exciting opportunity to exchange ideas and makenew connections with many deeply committed educators!

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Boarders Without BordersOARDERS WITHOUT BORDERS was inaugurated in February2003 by the Parents’ Auxiliary as an opportunity for dayfamilies to host boarding students for a Sunday meal. It hasbeen a wonderful success and deeply appreciated by the

boarding students, many of whom had neither a home-cooked meal norvisited a SMUS family since entering the school. Because of the boarders’desire to become better connected with day families, the programme isexpanding to two dates in the coming year.

On October 19 and January 25, SMUS families will open their homesand hearts to a boarding student or two. The hospitality and comfortsshared, not to mention a traditional Sunday dinner, will mean a lot to thestudents who live far from their own families.

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Boarding and day students (l-r) Shaun Heffernan from Kelowna, BC; HafeezWalji from Coquitlam, BC; Mark Zakus (day - Victoria); Duncan McIntyrefrom Penticton, BC; and Jessie Patrick from Edmonton, AB enjoy Sundaydinner together.

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School NewsMichael Jackson Receives Prime Minister’s Award

OR THE THIRD YEAR in a row, a SMUS teacher has beenrecognized with the presentation of the Prime Minister’s Awardfor Teaching Excellence.

This year, we are pleased to congratulate Michael Jackson. The awardrecognizes the efforts of an outstanding teacher who provides studentswith the tools to become good citizens, to develop and grow asindividuals, and to contribute to Canada’s growth, prosperity, and well-being.

In addition to teaching Geology, Physics, and Environmental Scienceat the Senior School, Michael is Director of Academic Computing and aSenior Houseparent. His contributions to the Outdoor LeadershipProgramme include trips along the West Coast Trail, Della Falls, and sea-kayaking trips in Barkley Sound and the Gulf Islands.

For the past several years, Michael has been the Education Chairpersonof the Pacific section of the Geological Association of Canada. He iscurrently serving as director and Webmaster on the national EDGeoCommittee. He is one of the founding directors of the Charles Darwin

FDuring morning assembly on September 22, 2003, Canada’s Minister of theEnvironment and Victoria MP David Anderson presented Michael Jacksonthe Award for Teaching Excellence. (l-r) Michael Jackson, David Anderson(SMUS alumnus), Bob Snowden, Kevin Cook, and Peter Tongue.

Foundation of Canada, and is the teacher representative for the SouthVancouver Island Climate Change Educators working group.

Michael has led school groups on tours of the Grand Canyon, andtwice to the Galapagos Islands. He has presented talks on the GalapagosIslands to the Victoria Paleontology Society, the University of Victoria,the Royal BC Museum, and the Victoria Naturalists. In addition, he hasled tours and trips on behalf of the University of British Columbia andUniversity of Calgary to the Galapagos and East Africa.

Michael is planning a SMUS trip to the Galapagos Islands in Marchof 2004. Contact him at the school if you are interested in more details.

WORKING the Fringe!ast summer, Kaleidoscope

Theatre, togetherwith the SMUS

Musical Theatre Workshop,took to the stage at theVictoria Fringe Festival. Thehopes, dreams, joys, andconcerns of the average workerwere the focus in this unique,extraordinary musical “Working.” Thethree-week production featured the artistic and production team of CamCulham (director), Donna Williams (musical director), and Ken English(production manager), with the onstage talents of 20-30 studentsbetween the ages of 13-18.

SMUS students who participated in the Summer Musical TheatreWorkshop were Kyra Benloulou, Kiri Cook, Rosanna Harris, CalvinLin, Courtney Mahrt, Dylan Moran, Quintin Stedman, Brin Porter,and Nick Houghton.

Here’s what the reviewers said…

... the script has a lot of guts, and these students bring out the best in it withsome fine solos and even better group numbers.

(Monday Magazine: Aug. 28-Sept. 3, 2003)

... being a summer production, the students only had about 10 days to put theproduction together, and they pulled it off with professionalism.

(Weeklies: Aug. 29, 2003)

LChallenging the future!

NCE AGAIN THIS SUMMER, students from around the worldparticipated in I.S.P.Y. – International Summer Programme forYouth. Although enrollment levels were reduced, given the

world health situation in the spring, the programme was a great success.We hosted a group of wonderful students from eight countries.

This past summer also saw the launch of the new ChallengeProgramme. In its inaugural sessions, twenty-one day programmes wereoffered to students, ages 5-17, over an eight-week period. Given theenrollment response, the Challenge sessions laid a great foundation foradditional programming in the future.

The External Programmes Department will continue to offerworkshops and courses for students throughout the school year. This year,there will be a few new additions, with the launch of a Drivers EducationProgramme in conjunction with Young Drivers of Canada (for bothboarding and day students) and Challenge Programmes over the Christmasand Spring breaks andduring the long weekendholidays (Camp Qwanoes,Mount Washington).

For further information,or if you have suggestions for programme ideas, please contact Mr. LindsayThierry at 250-370-6117,external@smus.ca or visit theschool website.

O

St. Michaels University School

I SPYInternational Summer Programme for Youth

s c h o o l n e w s 9

Recent Post Secondary Acceptances

Canadian Acceptances HighlightsUniversity of Victoria 53University of British Columbia 28University of Toronto 15Queen’s University 22McGill 18

American Acceptances HighlightsArt Institute of Chicago 1Art Institute of Seattle 1Boston University 1Brown University 1California Institute of Arts 1Carleton College 1Carnegie Mellon University 1Claremont McKenna College 1Colgate University 2College of the Desert 1Cornell University 3

Embry Riddle 1Harvard University 1Hobart & William Smith College 1Indiana University 1Ithaca College 1Johns Hopkins University 2Mount Holyoke University 1New York University 1Northwestern University 1Stanford University 1University of Chicago 1University of Florida 1University of Michigan 1University of Pennsylvania 1University of San Diego 1University of Southern California 2University of Washington 2Wesleyan University 1Whitman College 3

Grad Class 2003

“You have brains in your head.You have feet in your shoes.You can steer yourselfAny direction you choose.”

–Dr. Seuss, Dartmouth class of ’25

ROM STANFORD UNIVERSITY to the Glasgow School of Art…SMUS seniors quiteliterally explore the far reaches of the planet in their collective quest for the best post-secondary programmes. This past academic year, over fifty post-secondary institutions

visited our campus, and the list of student acceptances bespeaks a truly internationalperspective. Congratulations, class of 2003!

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Outside North AmericaDe Montfort University (England) 1Glasgow School of Art 1London School of Economics 1Middlesex University (England) 1Queen Margaret University College

(Scotland) 1University of Bristol 1University of Edinburgh 1University of Glasgow 2University of St. Andrews (Scotland) 2

s c h o o l n e w s10

OU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG or too old for mathematics.Mathematics involves play – it is creative and dynamic,allowing people of all levels and ages to experience problem-

solving in action. Last year, SMUS students from kindergarten to grade 12accepted a challenge of discovery in mathematics.

Youngsters have no fear of learning or working through puzzles. Thisyouthful exuberance was demonstrated by Junior School students oneevening when they attended a Math Mania Night in May. The Universityof Victoria Chapter of the Pacific Institute of the Mathematical Sciences(PIMS) organization made this night possible; its participation inmathematics and science appreciation and research at all levels isoutstanding. PIMS sponsors a number of different events that are held inBritish Columbia and Alberta elementary schools focusing on presentingfun methods for doing math and computer science with children andtheir parents. Past SMUS parent Dr. David Leeming, MathematicsProfessor and Site Director of PIMS at the University of Victoria,proposed this event to us. When we accepted his invitation, we didn’tknow what this talented group of educators and students from theuniversity would bring; however, we were soon to discover.

Our students walked into a gym transformed into a mathematicalplayground. Through games and investigations, the children discoveredthe power and the beauty of mathematics. They were excited and activelyinvolved in the different puzzles. The bubble table was immensely

N APRIL 25, the SMUS Arts Council organized a 12-hourmusic marathon to raise money for the “War Child”organization. War Child Canada works with youth in North

America to promote human rights issues and the cause of war-affectedchildren. War Child Canada also works closely with the music industry tohelp raise funds and build awareness for the cause of war-affectedchildren and youth worldwide.

At SMUS, a stunning array of musical performances and events wereorganized. The marathon was conceived and overseen by grade 11student Robyn Plasterer, now Head Girl. Robyn spoke in Chapel aboutthe need to support this cause and her vision of how to do it. Under herguidance, the other members of the Arts Council (grade 12: SamanthaKwok, Katherine Humphries, Evan Willms, Pete Panasupon, WhitneyDorin; grade 11: Mark Bridgeman; grade 10: Tisah Tucknott, NataliaEsling; grade 9: Sabrina Lueck, Brin Porter; and teacher facilitatorDonna Williams) organized the individual components.

The day included live performances in the quadrangle at lunch fromstudents and teachers, a CD of SMUS rock bands that sold for $8 apiece,an “air band” competition, and a two-hour talent show after school,culminating in a school dance. Teachers were encouraged to “dosomething musical” to raise money during the day in their classrooms.

Throughout the day, popcorn, pop, and hotdogs could be purchasedand buckets of coins were collected from students. In the end, just over$2000 was raised for the War Child charity.

(l-r) Chuck Shergold, Pete McLeod, and Kevin Cook perform in theMarathon. Kevin is being cooked in a stewpot by his colleagues while studentonlookers cheer them on!

popular. In this activity, students could investigate how surfaces changeand distort into new shapes. The advanced study of topology was hintedat. One little boy spent the entire evening fascinated with the bubbles.

Arts Council –

“Keep the Beat” Music Marathon

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Mathematics Through the AgesBy Linda Rajotte

One little boy spent the whole evening fascinated with the bubbles.

s c h o o l n e w s 11

Adolescentsby John Crawford, Middle School

EFLECTING ON THIS PHOTO, everyteacher would like to think that thisgaggle of early-adolescent boys is so

excited about their next assignment that theycan’t sit still. And every parent would like tothink that their early-adolescent son and hisfriends are listening attentively to their everyword.

The truth does relate to early adolescencebut, alas, not to our adult power of persuasion.In fact, these boys are exhibiting a classicexample of early-adolescent physical development.All children have knees – but not kneecaps.Compare your adult knee to the knee of a childwho is under ten. Yours will be a bit “knobby,”but the child’s will have a hard surface but nodefinite cap. Kneecaps develop over a period ofmonths during early adolescence. The cartilageand sinew around the knees coalesce and ossifyto form a protective device for this critical joint.More important for parents and teachers, andpoignantly demonstrated in this photo, is thefact that during early adolescence, the tailbonetakes on its final form; three bones fusetogether and harden in the posterior area andform the mature tailbone. As a consequence ofthis physical development, middle schoolchildren often wiggle their way through classesand mealtimes because the wooden chairs anddesks and tables can exacerbate this oftenpainful physical transition.

Mr. Crawford, grade 6 teacher in theMiddle School, has spent the last year carefullyresearching and documenting the early-adolescent development of 10- to14-year-olds.He has compiled the data into a four-sectionbooklet: “Physical Development of EarlyAdolescents”; “Cognitive Development of EarlyAdolescents”; “Emotional Development ofEarly Adolescents”; and “Social Developmentof Early Adolescents.”

Window Theory Yes, Hollywood North (or is it South) took over the Senior and Middleschool campus from July 14–16, as alumnus Corey Large (SMUS ’88-91)acted and directed his latest independent movie, Window Theory.

In this photo, film director Corey Large pauses between sets in thequad with co-star Luke Flynn, grandson of Errol Flynn. Corey wasinvolved in developing this movie as well as in coordinating the supportingcast, a number of whom are members of the SMUS community.

The points under each heading are valuablereading and a useful reference guide as yoursons and daughters grow through the middleschool-age years. The information ranges fromthe curious, such as the kneecap/tailbonephysical development information, to the latestresearch on adolescent brain development. Forexample, brain cell projections called axons arestill undergoing myelination in early puberty.The myelin blanket of fat wrapping around theaxons influences emotion, such as the ability tochoose between gut reactions and intelligentresponses. That myelination might not becomplete – this could explain why yourthirteen-year-old flips out when you politelyask him or her to take out the garbage!

Reflecting upon the data offers insights andreassurance to parents committed to nurturingtheir children through the middle school years.

Crawford’s analysis and succinct informationends on an encouraging note. “Early adolescentsare eager, enthusiastic, curious, and adventuresome.They are a gift. Adolescence is one of the mostnecessary and crucial steps in human developmentand it is not a time for adults to abdicate theircritical roles as parents, teachers, mentors, andcaregivers. And take heart, the feeling is reciprocal.A longitudinal study of adolescent health thatbegan in 1995 regularly surveys ninety thousandteenagers. The most recent review reports that 75per cent of adolescents consider their parentsheroes.”

The booklet “Early Adolescent Development– A Work in Progress” will be available in the fall of 2003. Phone the Middle School at (250) 592-3549 if you would like to reserve a copy.

R

All children have knees – but not kneecaps. Compare your adult knee to the knee of a child who is under ten.

f r o m t h e c h a p l a i n12

createshe said with enthusiasm

i looked at the blank piece of paperand was numb

createcreate what

let it flowput paint on brush brush on papersee what happens

she’s got to be kiddingi murmured to no one in particular i need her to show mewhat to do i’ve nevereverpainted beforebut no one was interested

they were mucking about in their paintsmixing coloursadding waterhaving funone was even humming

and Iwhat was I doinglooking at the others trying to figure out what to “do” looking at the teacher trying to have her tell me in simple, easy, step-by-step instructions in my first-everart coursehow to create

begin – and it will flow echoed the words build it – and they will come

suresurebegincreatei wanted to bring form out of nothing

bringsomething new and incredible into being

birtha unique and extraordinary piece of artthat had not existed before

but here I satimmobile

in the beginningwhen God createdthe heavens and the earthwas God immobile

Create the Future!This summer, I took my first-ever painting course. Thinking about the theme for this“Create the Future” edition of School Ties, SMUS opportunities – to risk – considerpossibilities – create – flowed into my consciousness and out of that, came …

schoenberg created twelve-tone musicbette nesmith graham invented liquid paperpicasso created cubismauden made versesgates created Microsoftgutenberg invented moveable typecartwright invented the game of baseballearle dickson invented bandaidswalter hunt created the safety pinjack st clair kilby created the microchippercy spencer invented the microwave ovenarthur wynne created the crossword puzzle

and then there was einstein, orville and wilbur wright, pasteur, eli whitney, frank zamboni and …

at lastpaint went on brushbrush touched paper

creation!

thoreauwrotego confidentlyin the directionof your dreamslive the lifeyou’ve imagined

sowhat do youhave to lose

riskgo confidentlyin the directionof your dreams

create the future!

– The Reverend Dr. June Maffin

Chaplain, SMUS

www.maffin.ca/june/chaplain’s_corner.htm

r e p o r t s 13

Maintaining Connections –

Transitionto CodgersA letter from Keith Murdoch to School Ties

URTHER TO ROB WILSON’S ARTICLE

in the spring copy of School Ties, Ishould like to provide some

information on the short history of eventsfollowing the retirement of Ron Dyson, SaadKayal, David Peach, Colin Skinner, LynfordSmith and me, Keith Murdoch, in June of2001. We six decided it would be good to keepin touch in order to share common interestsand concerns. And so began regular social get-togethers at our various homes. We calledourselves The Old Farts’ Club.

In 2002, Mary Humphreys and SunnyPollard joined the ranks of the “free,” and withthe addition of feminine refinement, it wasdecided that we needed a more dignified namefor our group, hence The Codgers’ Club. Duringthe course of the last two years, we havecontacted other recently retired members of staffand invited them to join us. The response hasbeen amazing. We now number about fifteen. Itis fun to get together to discuss importantmatters such as recent extended holidays,forthcoming travel plans, as well as the latestgolf scores and fishing stories. It has to beadmitted that the accuracy of the reports on thelatter topics is somewhat dubious. It doesn’tmatter – the company is always congenial, therefreshments excellent; of particular satisfactionis that all this takes place while our erstwhilecolleagues are busy at the chalkface, or evenbetter, at a Staff Meeting. To them, we say, “Begood, and your turn will come.”

Volunteers’ LunchOn June 25, the Development Office held an endof school year lunch for office staff and regularvolunteers. Director of Development, ChristopherSpicer, made presentations of flowers to thevolunteers who come in each week to give theirtime and expertise to the office. The contributionthey make is valuable and much appreciated. Inthis photo are Hugh Young (long-time volunteer),Mervyn Lougher-Goodey (SM ’56), Freda Dewar(past-parent of Andrew (SMUS ’98) and Christian(SMUS ’02), Diane Keighley (current-parent ofMariel Spence (grade 8), and Peter Bousfield(SM ’48) and faculty member (1971-97).

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The Codgers’ Clubby Rob Wilson

The change of name to ‘Codger’ has added some refinement, but it still does not accuratelysuit the feminine contingent. The Shorter Oxford Dictionary’s most suitable definition reads:

Codger (dial. and coll.) “a term applied irreverently to an elderly man – with awhimsical implication, more generally – fellow, chap.”

Maybe a third irreverent title is forthcoming!

The May 14 Codgers’ Gathering was held at the home of Pam and Rob Wilson, and the accompanyingphotograph shows (l-r): Sylvia Greenwell, Peter Bousfield, Barbara Leonard, Lynford Smith, DulcieSnider, Stewart Dunlop, Chris Pollard, Rob Wilson, Sunny Pollard, Keith Murdoch, Pam Wilson, MaryHumphreys, Gaye Stone and Bill Greenwell. Those unable to attend were Ron Dyson, Saad Kayal, CindyMiles, Gary and Lynne Laidlaw, and David Peach. Gaye Stone was a surprise and very welcome visitorfrom Calgary, and was in Victoria to be with her daughter, Samantha (SMUS ’87) and her granddaughter,Elle, born April 28, 2003.

f r o m t h e p a s t14

Bingo Lyttle did get hired byUniversity School, but was notinvited back after his first year.

A Cad and a BounderN RUMMAGING THROUGH the archives, I came across thisdelightful story. It reminded me of the con-man episodes in“Maverick.” Our two heroes were equal to the sleazy antics of

that TV series.In 1929, there burst onto the scene at University School, a cad and a

bounder.Captain Danby-Hunter, a hail-fellow-well-met kind of Englishman,

liked his sherry and the ladies. He had served in World War I – hence themilitary title – and had operated a girls school in the Far East beforecoming to Canada. He applied for a teaching position at UniversitySchool in Victoria but failed to land one.

Around the same time, another Englishman, Bingo Lyttle, was also inVictoria looking for work as a teacher. Bingo did get hired by UniversitySchool, but was not invited back after his first year.

Captain Danby-Hunter and Bingo Lyttle, being kindred spirits,mulled over the idea of starting their own private school, decided theyhad all the qualifications, and lacked only the wherewithal. The duoconvinced a Mr. DC Saunders, who moved in the same circles inVictoria, to come up with the then considerable sum of $10,000.Saunders, displaying some misgivings about the redoubtable CaptainDanby-Hunter, made the loan to Bingo Lyttle.

The $10,000 soon found its way into the Captain’s hands and he usedit to buy a country home, located on ten acres at 3954 West 29 Avenue(then called Buckland Road) and placed a sign on the lawn, “St. George’sSchool for Boys.”

Captain Danby-Hunter had connected with a couple of Vancouverbusinessmen and they formed a joint stock company to actually own theschool. The school opened in Captain Danby-Hunter’s house, asscheduled, on January 4, 1931.

Meanwhile, DC Saunders, who had imagined that he had made just ashort-term loan, started to get disenchanted and demanded his moneyback from Bingo Lyttle. Bingo referred him to the Captain and theCaptain told him that it had gone to buy the house and there was nomoney to pay him. They finally settled on an issue of preferred stock inthe company that owned the school. The preferred stock had no votingrights, but would pay a dividend of 7% per annum. As the school wasbroke, the dividend payments did not always materialize. Saunders

eventually went back to England, minus his $10,000 and was never heardfrom again by the school.

Bingo Lyttle had arrived in Victoria from Shanghai, a 24-year-old all-round athlete and a boxing aficionado. He cut a swath with the ladies,until his wife arrived on the scene and took him in tow.

Not very long after settling in at the school, there was some dirtywork at the crossroads, with the result that Captain Danby-Huntersuffered some facial damage. Bingo Lyttle’s wife did a midnight flit, andsoon after, Bingo left.

The directors of the company decided that it would be better ifCaptain Danby-Hunter also left, which he did, and they asked the bursar,John Harker, to fill in temporarily.

This bizarre vignette of these two soldiers of fortune type confidencemen is both amusing and educational.

Educational, because Woody Allen would most likely divide schoolsinto the same three categories he uses for people – “those who makethings happen, those who watch things happen, and those who wonderwhat happened.” While Bingo Lyttle and his partner Danby-Hunter werecaptive of all three, we are able to draw the following moral:

The only Independent schools that will succeed in the future will bethose that “make things happen.” Those that watch and wonder willstruggle for survival.

Compiled by Peter K. BousfieldFrom – 1. P.R. Kane, ed. “Independent Schools, Independent Thinkers”2. Frank Keane, ed. “Independent Schools of BC”

Captain Danby-Hunter – a hail-fellow-well-met kind ofEnglishman.

I

On May 16, 2003, SMUS took the opportunity toacknowledge the sterling work done by the manytradespeople who took part in the construction ofthe Crothall Centre. A lovely cake was created bythe Sodexho staff, SMUS food services, as wellas coffee, juice, and assorted goodies – just oneway to say thank you for a terrific job. In thisphoto, John Scheeren, Site Supervisor, and BobSnowden, Headmaster, cut the cake.

What a Wonderful Gift!

a r c h i e i v e s 15

HILE DELVING THROUGH archival photos recently, I came uponthis photo of University School teaching staff standing on thefront steps of School House. The back of the photo made only

a brief reference – “P. Howden second from left @ back.” This was notmuch help, but a further search of Black and Red magazines displayed thephoto in the December 1928 issue. It named the staff members and aguest: Mr. P. Williams. A further search, 15 pages later, confirmed myhunch that this was Percy Williams who had briefly attended UniversitySchool some years earlier.

In the summer of 1928, Percy Williams had represented Canada atthe Olympic Games in Amsterdam, and had surprised the sporting worldby winning the gold medal in both the 100 metres and the 200 metres.

Had this Olympic Gold Medal feat been accomplished in the presentage, Percy Williams would be hailed as the “fastest man on earth” and befurther enriched by prodigious endorsements and appearance fees, allcoordinated by a firm of management consultants. Such was not the casein 1928, when the Olympic Games was strictly an event for amateurathletes. So, Mr. Williams was not destined to make any pronouncedfinancial gains as a direct result of his superb athletic achievement. Andfrom the report on his visit to the School, it appears that it was quite a low-key event, confirmed by Benton Mackid (US ’26-32) who recallsthe occasion.

N FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, the staff atthe school invited Ron Dyson torecess in the beautiful new Crothall

Centre staff room. Why? Ron taught at SMUSfrom 1972-1973, and was a tutor from 1985-2001. He was always a quiet, dignified, andgracious gentleman, held in high regard by hiscolleagues. Ron cherished the time he spentworking at the school, and as a gesture of theesteem in which he held his teachingcolleagues, Ron dedicated the earnings he hadmade as a tutor over the final years of his careerto refurbish the staff room in the SeniorSchool. The construction of the CrothallCentre allowed the opportunity to re-assign thismagnificent gift to the development of a newstaff room, rather than to redo an existing one.The results are there for all staff to enjoy – andthey do. This photo of Ron and his sons, schoolalums Peter and Bill, was taken in thiscomfortable new room as the staff applaudedRon’s selfless gift.

Wilson Discovers aSchool Visit by the“Fastest Man on Earth”by Rob Wilson, Investigative Archivist

W

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Ron Dyson and his sons, school alums Bill and Peter, in the comfortable new staff room.

Visit of Distinguished Old Boy– Mr. Percy Williams

The 1928 Black and Red reported the Percy Williams visit

On the steps of University School. (Back row): Mr. E.H. Quainton, Mr. P.F. Howden, Mr. J.I. Simpson, Mr. H.F. Willsher, Mr. W.R.G. Wenman,Mr. R.B.Westmacott, Mr. J.D. Inverarity, (Front row): Mr. G.H. Scarrett, Mr. P. Williams, and Mr. G.M. Billings, Headmaster.

This Term, the School had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. PercyWilliams, the Olympic Champion, who, on the occasion of his visit toVictoria, found time to come to his old School and spend an hourwith us.

Mr. Williams was a pupil of the School in 1919-1920, and fromrecords, we find proof of the early athletic promise which he hasrecently fulfilled so brilliantly. In 1920 he ran in the School 100yards for boys under 13 years and covered the distance in 12 and 4/5seconds, breaking the School record by 2/5 of a second, andestablishing a new record which still remains unbeaten. A report ofthis will be found in Black and Red for June 1920.

t r i b u t e16

“With profound thanks for yourinspiration. You are the absolutemodel of what a teacher is, and Iwill always be your student.”

Atom Egoyan, Toronto Oscar-nominated film director

whom Colin taught at Glenlyon

“Every class was always spontaneousand full of joy.”

Alex Oliver (SMUS ’93) New York, actress

“Every day that I spent with Mr.Skinner, I was aware that I was privyto something very rare. He has been,is, and always will be a cut above therest. He is my greatest role model, thestandard that I continually try toachieve. I am perpetually indebted tohim and will carry him with meevery time I step on stage.”

Michael Wighton, Head Boy(SMUS ’99), graduated in Theatre

from Yale 2003

Through the eyes, hearts and words of Colin’s students, now spreadthroughout the world, we see the love, respect and gratitude they feel forhim, and the depth of their grief at his dying. Among the hundreds ofcards, letters and e-mails received after his death, a recurring theme hasbeen his ability to reach out to all students, not just to the most gifted.

Colin SkinnerThrough the eyes of his studentsCompiled and submitted by Margaret Skinner and Tony Keble

� Colin Skinner (1936-2003)

N 27 YEARS OF TEACHING at St. Michaels University School,Colin directed 16 musicals, presented at the McPhersonTheatre, and over 30 full-length plays at the Belfry Theatre and

at the school. His productions were diverse and always memorable. Themusicals included Jesus Christ Superstar, Cabaret, Gilbert & Sullivan, WestSide Story, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof and the challenging Orpheus in theUnderworld. Shakespearean productions included A Midsummer Night’sDream, The Taming of the Shrew, MacBeth, and As You Like It. TheImportance of Being Earnest, Marat Sade, Canterbury Tales, One Flew Overthe Cuckoo’s Nest, and A Flea in Her Ear featured among his more moderndramas and comedies. In his final year of teaching at SMUS, Colinproduced and directed no fewer than 12 different plays.

Colin wrote several plays, which the students performed, includingThe Black Box which grade 10s toured to local elementary schools. InChapel, biblical stories were brought to life in passion plays and choralreadings that he wrote. “Lunchtime Theatre” called on the creativity ofstudents who wrote and performed their own plays.

This wonderful world of drama emerged, first from a small portableclassroom, then later, from a bare room. Without stage, curtains, lighting,flies, wings, or even a blackout, Colin inspired students’ creativity byfiring their imagination, encouraging them to reach goals of which theynever dreamed. Students have gone on to study theatre in major centresaround the world, many achieving notable success in acting, production,movies, directing, and writing.

I

“Everything I need to know, Ilearned from Colin Skinner: how tolive, what to do and how to be.Creative satisfaction is not found ina Southern California studio or aManhattan boardroom, but in asmall, cheap portable at SMUS.”

Danny Fill (SMUS ’91) Gemini Award Winner

“To me, the soft spoken gentlemanartist Colin Skinner was a mentorand inspiration, as he was to somany whose lives he touched. Hispowers as a teacher, entirely secondnature to him, were unequalled: inthe classroom, as on stage, he alwaysknew how to keep his audiencesattentive and spellbound, right tothe lesson’s end.”

Andrew Sabiston (SMUS ’82)Toronto, co-writer of “Napoleon”

which ran in London

�

“I was an international boardingstudent for three years and they werenot happy times. However, there wasone brilliant light that gave meconfidence and joy, and that wasDrama class with Mr Skinner. Hegave me roles for three years runningin the Shakespeare productions of theschool, this at a time when I was ashy, lonely teenager with littleconnection to my graduating class.These roles connected me with otherstudents and gave a taste of prideand glory to somebody who had noneoutside the theatre. Mr Skinnerbelieved in me and allowed me tobelieve in myself.”

Andreas Berg (SMUS ’93) Sweden

“Colin was a hero to the slightlymarginal odd-balls like myself. Hehad a knack for sniffing us out andputting our idiosyncrasies to work.”

Kirsten Benzon (SMUS ’92)Montreal

“Even those of us that did not havethe privilege of attending his classappreciated his special contributionto the culture and personality of theschool. In an environment thatsometimes seems particularly focusedon academics and athletics, Colinwas the best part of the counter-balance that is represented by themusic, art, and drama departments.”

Graham Robertson (SMUS ’91)

t r i b u t e 17

Many students remember Colin as amasterful teacher of English who broughtlanguage and literature to life.

“I will always remember how he would breakdown complicated academic matters intounderstandable chunks for me, all the whileeliminating my angst with his gentle charm andhis infectious sense of humour. I will miss himand his unique way of injecting his passion for thewritten and spoken word into his students.”

Pete Leekha (SMUS ’89) New York

Colin’s zest for life led him, without eventrying, to exemplify the true Renaissance Man.Artist, musician, athlete, sportsman, traveller,writer, and player of the bagpipes, Colin sharedhis curiosity and enthusiasm, encouragingstudents to love life and its many gifts. Throughbelieving in others, he enabled them to believein themselves.

“Colin taught me how important it is to love notonly what you do in life, but to love life.”

Clemmie Hudson (SMUS ’03)

“As my grade 9 tutor, Mr. Skinner was the veryfirst person I met on my first day at St. Michaels.Little did I know at the time, I was taken underthe wing of an extraordinary man who believed inthe potential of not only his students, but ofhumanity…”

Sarah Hudson (SMUS ’00)

“In Grade 8, I wrote a prize-winningCommonwealth essay about all the things I wasgoing to accomplish as an International criminallawyer. My father was elated...In Grade 9, I metColin Skinner and my father’s dreams werechanged.”

Mairi Babb (SMUS ’94)

“Time brought him here, and in that time heshowed us all what life meant, who we are, andwhat we could do to make this world a joyousplace.”

Pete Panasupon (SMUS ’03) Thailand

“At St. Michaels, where the expectations to excel atacademics and sports seemed to take priority,Colin provided an environment for us to blow offsome steam and also learn much about ourselves.His enthusiasm was infectious, and it wasimpossible not to become caught up in theexcitement of his productions.”

Jason Winters (SMUS ’92) Vancouver

“He was a huge person in my life, not only fordrama, but because he always looked me in the eyewith a sincerity, humour, and integrity that wastrustful as well as inspirational.”

Gillie Easdon (SMUS ’91)

“Things with him were possible that otherwisewere not. He was an extraordinary man.”

Matthieu Boyd (SMUS ’99)

“He was a man who had presence. From the firsttime I set foot in his drama class (an ATCOtrailer), I felt as though I was a Somebody.”Elizabeth Walton (SMUS ’91) Medicine Hat, Alta.

“Despite my highly conflicting views regarding myexperience at SMUS, several individuals standout, not only for their contribution to myeducation, but to my development as a humanbeing. Colin Skinner was such a man.”

Rebecca Goodman (SMUS ’84) California

“I learned from Colin, a level of professionalism,team-work, and dedication that has definitelyshaped me into the person I am today, and whichI apply to my studies to become a ship’s officer."

Geoff Dunlop (SMUS ’01)

“He made a commitment to literature and dramaseem vital and normal, not some rarefied andfancy thing, but, in fact, a necessary part of acivilized life. Our world is diminished by hispassing.”

Edward Nixon (SM ’70-73) Toronto

“I never thought it possible for anyone to force meinto tights and make-up, but Mr. Skinner notonly managed this, he actually made me enjoy it.”

Gethin Jones (SMUS ’95)

“He was one of those teachers you only have once;dedicated, human, strong when he needed to be,and romantic to the last bone.”

Alberto Lazo Corvera (SMUS ’84) Guadalajara

“I feel honoured and privileged to have knownhim and will forever be inspired by his courage,his vitality, his phenomenal talents, his humanity,and his ability always to celebrate the success ofothers with genuine enthusiasm.”

Elizabeth McLeish (SMUS ’86)

“Of all the wonderful things Colin accomplishedduring his life, I think I will remember him mostfondly for his kind and gentle heart.”

Mary McLeish (SMUS ’89)

“He was the stuff thatdreams are made of.”

Michael Wighton, Head Boy (SMUS ’99)

In June 2001, SMUS alumni, past students, and colleagues of Colin Skinner celebrated wonderfulmusical memories with a series of performances and re-enactments of past performances in Brown Hall.

d e v e l o p m e n t n e w s18

NDOWMENT IS MONEY in the bank,invested for the future. In many cases,this money is invested forever at the

request of a donor, to produce an interest streamthat can be used by the school. In some cases,

Andrew Wilson (SMUS ’03) seen with Mr. ErnieHudson. Ernie and his late wife, Frances, havesupported students with exceptional musical talent intheir desire to attend SMUS. The Hudson Awardshave made a SMUS education possible for dozens ofyoung men and women over the years. Andrew playeda 45-minute piano recital for Ernie and other residentsat Sunrise Assisted Living in Victoria and receivedhigh praise for his performance.

INCE THE LAUNCH OF THE SMUS Alumni E-mail Directory in 2000, over 1,300 of our mailable alumni have registered on-line. We arepleased with this progress, and hope our users have found this service useful and informative. For those of you who still haven’t registered,we encourage you to do so. We are offering an incentive prize – a lovely silver-coloured SMUS photo frame (5 x 7) – from the Campus

Shop. We will contact the winner after the prize draw on December 15, 2003.

S

Current Families Can Stay Connected, too!Throughout the school year, we send out information e-mails to ourcurrent parents. We are able to communicate importantannouncements to you, quickly and effectively. To receive thesemessages, please make sure that we have your current e-mail addressand notify the school if there are any changes. Contact Gisele DiIorioin the Data Centre: gdiiorio@smus.ca or (250) 370-6156.

Stay connected! Keep in touch.

How to Register or Update Your Alumni E-mail AddressPlease visit our website (www.smus.bc.ca) and click onDevelopment/Alumni, and from there click on ‘Alumni E-mailDirectory’.

Once your registration is activated, you can search for yourcontemporaries by year, name, or geographical branch. You can alsochoose to add your own biographical information and even upload aphoto of yourself or family. In addition, there is a “class notes” optionwhere you can post interesting tidbits of information regarding you,your family, or other alumni you have seen in your travels.

endowment can be money vested today andmade available at a later date to the school forvery special purposes, again, with the agreementof the donor.

Endowment is an investment in the futureof SMUS. A large portion of SMUSendowment funds has been given and vested asa way to remember members of our schoolfamily – teachers, alumni, or friends. Some ofthese funds are supported by one donor whileothers have a broader appeal to the wider schoolcommunity. They each contribute to theschool’s ability to enrich the learningenvironment at SMUS through teachingexcellence awards, bursaries for deservingstudents, and in other ways. There are over fortynamed funds in the SMUS endowment – thefollowing twenty-four have each been built by anumber of donors, and continue to receivecontributions as they grow. To become a fullyoperational fund, a minimum of $15,000 in theendowment is required to generate sufficientinterest for an annual award.

SMUS encourages all members of the schoolfamily to consider adding their support to anyof these named endowment funds. You can be apart of this long-term legacy.

Endowment –

Creating Opportunity and Stability

Jeffrey Blumberg (SMUS ’94) won the draw (SMUS brass letteropener) for adding his name to the SMUS alumni e-mail directory.Please be sure to keep your directory entry up-to-date!

Are You Connected Yet?

E Endowment Funds held at St. Michaels University Schoolinclude:The SMUS Administration Staff BursaryThe Class of 1970 BursaryThe Class of 1997 BursaryThe Class of 1998 BursaryThe Class of 1999 BursaryThe Class of 2000 BursaryThe Class of 2001 BursaryThe Class of 2002 BursaryThe Class of 2003 BursaryLeonard “Charlie” Cropper BursaryRon Dyson BursaryLiam Hassett Memorial BursaryJohn Finlay Memorial BursaryCarol Lobb Memorial AwardAndrew Middleton Memorial BursaryParents’ Auxiliary BursaryJohn Schaffter BursaryColin Skinner Memorial BursarySymons Family BursaryTimmis Family BursaryMichael Walsh BursaryW.R.G. Wenman Memorial BursaryDouglas Williams Memorial BursaryRob Wilson Bursary

Homecoming 2003!!

h o m e c o m i n g 19

The Michael Walsh Scholar Award – An Update

OR DANIEL WEIDNER and his mother, Rose, an independentschool education was not a possibility they had ever considered– it was completely out of reach. The founding of the Michael

Walsh Bursary changed all that. The fund was initiated this past year by acore group of alumni for whom Michael had been an inspiration as ahouseparent, rugby coach, and mentor. They agreed that the criteria forselection would include financial need, ability to contribute to the SMUSrugby programme, commitment to the school community, and goodscholarship. Daniel was introduced to the school by an alumnus who hadcoached him, knew his history, was one of the sixty contributors to thisfund, and knew the criteria for the award. Daniel was tested andinterviewed, and ultimately joined the school.

Michael Walsh had the opportunity to meet Daniel on one of hisfamous flying trips from England, was extremely impressed with hismaturity and manner, and delighted with the institution of this award. Heremarked that he had been the recipient of similar support during both hisschool and university days, and it had completely changed his life.

very year, alumni return to visit theschool, tell their stories, praise thechanges that have taken place here,

lament for the passing of a golden age (albeitrarely), and reconnect with friends andemotions of their school days. Sometimes thesealums come with their families in the summer.A large contingent arrives at the school early inMay, during the Homecoming Weekend – andthe school pulses with their energy.

May 2, 3, 4, 2003 was a time for membersof the school family from literally every corner

F

Daniel Weidner and Michael Walsh had the opportunity to meet this pastsummer.

First XV rugby team victorious vs Oak Bay.

New grads withTeddy Bears.

Christopher Spicer and Heidi Edgar.

of the globe, to return to their school and bewith good friends. A number of hardworkingalumni encouraged, e-mailed, called, and wroteto their friends to encourage them to return. Asalways, those who made the effort to come forthe weekend returned home full of stories,memories and a renewed sense of the lifetimemembership that is theirs as SMUS alums.

These are extremely special events in ourlives – do plan to make that extra effort to visityour school any time, but particularly duringthe Homecoming Weekend.

E

Class of 1993Back Row from left: Hemsa Nosh, Sarah Longhurst, Kathleen Cook, KevinCook. Front Row from left: Jennifer Duguid, Helen Turner, Barret Hatton,Shannon Valdal. Front: John Cook.

h o m e c o m i n g20

...good friends, great food, more outstanding memories!

Class of 1993 at the Dinner Dance.Class of 1983 – still crazy after all those years.

Visit the SMUS website for more stories/photos

from Homecoming 2003

A grand time was had by all!

May 3 Dinner Dance

Homecoming 2003

f o c u s o n a l u m n i 21

Brad Forth (SMUS ’82) sets a blistering pace!RAD FORTH is a man on amission. As President andCEO of Power Measurement

Ltd., Brad is focused on building thecompany into an organization ofhistorical significance; a lofty goal for a38-year-old corporate leader.

It all started back in school whereyoung Brad was already developingindustry contacts and a profoundinterest in the computer field as a 15-year-old. He was in touch with his earlyheroes – Steven Wozniak and Steve Jobsof Apple Computers – while a schoolstudent. True to his abiding interest in the evolution of technology, Bradraced through his school years and registered as a young student inComputer Science at UVic. By his admission, however, it was the switchto Electrical Engineering in his third year that really engaged andchallenged him. During this time, Brad took a co-op position with PowerMeasurement, a local startup with five employees looking for help indeveloping a monitoring device. After completion of his work term, Bradreturned to university and finished his degree in Electrical Engineering’sfirst grad class (90 students had started, 29 graduated from what Braddescribes as the finest Electrical Engineering faculty on the continent) in1988 – and then it was back to Power Measurement as a design engineer.From there, Brad moved into Sales & Marketing in 1991, and then toVice President in 1996. He now holds the title of President and CEO of acompany which is recognized as a global powerhouse, did over $70million in sales in 2001, and provides him with the opportunity topractice a leadership style which is continuously moving PowerMeasurement into the industry spotlight.

Brad Forth was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” at a Pan PacificHotel ceremony, organized by Ernst & Young and the Bank of Montreal.Over 800 members of the B.C. business community attended. His star iscertainly soaring, but Brad remains a humble, hard-working team player– still using the desk that was his as a co-op student. He is moreinterested in building a learning culture, developing a collegialenvironment, attracting and engaging the best employees from aroundthe world, and empowering them to do great things, than he is in thevisible trappings of power. He is absolutely committed to lifelonglearning for himself and the other 300 members of the team worldwide.He is in constant demand as a speaker in the community and gives histime regularly to the University of Victoria and Royal Roads University,among others. There is time to be protected for family activities with wifeDeanna and son Colton, plus satisfying his competitive basketball urge byplaying fast-paced pickup games with younger players. Brad has a full andvery fulfilling life. He sets a blistering pace in all that he does, yet remainscalm and approachable.

Brad Forth and Power Measurement – remember the names. They areboth rising stars on the international stage.

Focus on Alumni

B

Brad Forth (SMUS ’82)

HOMECOMING 2004 – Set your palm pilots now!!APRIL 30 – MAY 2, 2004A Time to be at SMUSAs alumni of SMUS, you are welcome back whenever you can findthe time to visit the school. We want to see you and hear yourstories. You may want a campus tour to see the many wonderfulchanges transforming your school, perhaps a visit to the archives tofind an old team photo, or a first-rate lunch in Brown Hall – yes, themeals are very good. You are always welcome.

CLASS CELEBRATIONS FOR THE MAY 2004HOMECOMING INCLUDE:Class of 1944Class of 1949Class of 1954Class of 1959Class of 1964

• Class Reps – John Herpers jherpers@aol.com, (503) 525-0891Ro Archibald munroe_a@att.canada.ca, (250) 656-6303

Class of 1969• Class Reps –

Philip Sherwin psherwin@sheldrake.ca, (250) 385-7922 David Avren david.avren@bchydro.com, (604) 261-9541

Class of 1974Class of 1979

• Class Rep – David Achtem dachtem@horizon.bc.ca, (250) 592-2531

Class of 1984• Class Reps –

Susan (Woodland) Irvine susani@mars.ark.com, (250) 339-1761Gillian (Bray) Mayer gmayer@horizon.bc.ca, (250) 478-7433 Colin Gardiner gard_puppy@yahoo.ca, (250) 654-0354

Class of 1989• Class Reps –

Ian Farish ifarish@smus.bc.ca, (250) 598-7199 Sarah Beeston saritab@shaw.ca, (250) 382-0079

Class of 1994• Class Reps –

Cory Lee cory@trieagle.ca, (250) 598-0061Leilani Roberts leilaniroberts@hotmail.com, (250) 544-0092Chris Bateman cbateman@smus.bc.ca, (250) 370-0386

If you would like to help in any way with your class reunion, pleasecontact Christopher Spicer (250) 370-6197 or cspicer@smus.bc.ca.This is not hard work and the rewards really make it worthwhile.

Simon Ibell – an extraordinary man

f o c u s o n a l u m n i22

Simon Ibell (SMUS ’96) is an extraordinary individual. He has lived allof his life with the enzyme deficiency MPS (mucopolysacharridosis), adisorder that results from the body’s inability to create certain enzymes.Therefore, cells do not work properly and can cause harm in the body.

Not only has Ibell studied at the University of Victoria and beeninvolved with several university sports teams, but he recently initiated theBike 4 MPS programme to help raise funds and awareness for hiscondition. He recently completed a 300-kilometre, 10-day biking trip forhis programme.

And so, Simon Ibell was honoured with the Spirit of Sport Story ofthe Year. This award recognizes a Canadian hero who, in the pursuit ofsporting excellence, has demonstrated values such as dedication,perseverance, sportsmanship, respect for others and a true love of sport in2002.

SMUS Golf Tournament, September 18, 2003 – a little blue sky, a littleScottish mist, and a lot of smiles. Another successful event for the over 100people who participated. Special thanks to Tournament Chair Anne Danielsand her cast of Parents’ Auxiliary volunteers for a job well done.

In Search of the Black & RedsResearchers in the School Archive are in search of copies of the

Black and Red, in the 1930s and 1940s, particularly 1943. Having

these magazines will enable volunteers and staff to put names

to faces, dates, and events, and connect some of the missing

puzzle pieces in our school’s history. Contact resident archivist

Brenda Waksel at bwaksel@smus.bc.ca or (250) 370-6159 if

you have an old copy that you wish to donate.

12th Annual Golf ‘Fun’ Raiser

Rugby Alumni on the Canada TeamBruce Kuklinski (SMUS teacher and coach) Rugby Canada referee, EdFairhurst (SMUS ’97) Rugby Canada player, Bob Ross (SMUS ’89)Rugby Canada player, and Mel Jones (SMUS teacher) internationalreferee assessor, gather at the conclusion of the Pan American RugbyChampionships in Argentina in August 2003. Ed and Bob will bemembers of the Canada Rugby Team at the Rugby World Cup inAustralia in October 2003.

In 2002, Simon travelled from one end of Vancouver Island to the other – that'sa 300-kilometre trip over ten days. He is recognized as a Canadian hero.

h e r i t a g e c l u b 23

Ted Balderson (SMUS ’82) Ted Balderson is a big man working with a big company – Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc. He has come to a decision to make a bigcommitment to his old school. Since 1991, Ted has been meeting with both individual and corporate clients, to assist them inestablishing sound financial plans for their future. Many of these clients have become good friends – and many friends havebecome his clients. It’s all about relationships.

Ted came to SMUS when his father left Banff to take up the position as Empress Hotel General Manager. Ted and hisbrother came to SMUS, while Ted’s sister attended Norfolk House School. These schools were quite a change from a smallschool in Lake Louise and Ted loved it. Now Ted is firmly established in Victoria with twelve years in the insurance industry.Ted also delights in his wonderful family – his wife Yolanda, their two children, Ben and Sarah – and their lovely home. It waswhile reflecting recently on his good fortune that Ted began considering ways of doing something for St. Michaels UniversitySchool.

“After 21 years, I am seeing more and more what SMUS meant and means to me…the teachers who inspired and taught so muchmore than just a subject, the good friends who are still my friends today, the character building opportunities, not to mention themany, many pranks!”

Ted acknowledges that the school was a powerful influence on his development. He has linked his profound understandingof the insurance business with his interest in making a contribution to the school. Ted is delighted to be setting up a personalinsurance gift to the school, which will name SMUS as the beneficiary of a policy. His monthly premium payments are taxdeductible, and the eventual gift will be ample for Ted to know that a student bursary will be permanently endowed and willsupport great students every year.

SMUS thanks Mr. Edward Balderson for his vision, compassion, and desire to make a difference!

Leo Caffaro (SMUS ’92)Leo knows that an education at SMUS is the beginning of a lifelong path of learning. As a lawyer at McLennan Ross LLP, hesees value in the education available at SMUS. He has found that many aspirations and habits that he developed in his time atthe school carried him forward into professional life. For students now, with the increasing costs of post-secondary education,those who enroll in degree programmes cannot afford to be under-equipped or lack focus in what they do at university.

Leo feels privileged to have been a part of SMUS, and is grateful for the assistance that he received under a bursary thatmade his attendance at the school possible. During his years here, he formed friendships and participated in activities thatcontinue to enrich his life. He recognizes that the inclusion of SMUS as a beneficiary in his estate plans establishes amechanism by which his bonds to the school can be retained and strengthened with time. For both Leo and Tamara, his wife,charitable donations to educational institutions are high priorities in their estate planning. This is particularly the case whenthey can contribute to students in the most crucial years of their lives. Leo and Tamara have made provision in their estate planto endow a bursary at SMUS to provide tuition support for students in financial need who are resident in Alberta.

SMUS is grateful for this wonderful contribution that will forever change the lives of future students.

Heritage ClubHE SMUS HERITAGE CLUB is composed of philanthropicindividuals of vision who have made provision in theirestate plans for a gift to St. Michaels University School.

These gifts take many forms from a set dollar amount, a lifeinsurance plan, or a percentage of the estate. In most cases, thebenefactor and the school have met and spoken on a number ofoccasions to confirm the nature of the gift and the area within theschool that the benefactor wishes to support. Please contactChristopher Spicer (250-370-6197) if you would like to discuss aplan to make a heritage contribution to SMUS.

T

Heritage Club Profiles

Ted Balderson (SMUS ’82)

Leo Caffaro(SMUS ’92)

The Heritage Club recognizes members of the greaterSMUS community who have named the school as abeneficiary in their estate plans.

5 AnonymousMr. Ted Balderson (’82)Ms. Elizabeth Best (’87)Mr. Peter Bousfield (’48)Mrs. E. BrandtMr. Cecil Branson (’52)Mr. Leo Caffaro (’92)Mr. Robin Dalziel (’58)Mr. Terry Dial (’59)Mr. Nicholas Etheridge (’61)Mr. Brian Graves (’41)Mr. Richard Hawkesworth (’61)

Mr. Lewis Hughes (’38)Mr. Ian Kingham (’51)Mrs. Barbara LeonardMr. Robin MacLeod (’63)Mr. Potter Morrow (’47)Mr. & Mrs. Robert MurphyMr. Frederick MurrayMr. William Redpath (’43)Mr. Charles Roberts (’40)Mr. Harvey ShapiroMr. David Thurman (’55)

What a terrific story! This article was submitted by past SMUS parent Richard Hudson, and the SMUS alum mentioned is Ian Scanlan (’87).

Victoria’s Independent Schools Meet on Everest

a l u m n i n e w s24

N MAY 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary andTenzing Norgay climbed into history bybeing the first confirmed mountaineers atop

Mt. Everest. Fifty years later, the Khumbu Glacier is adifferent place. A reported 22 expeditions are campedin a kaleidoscope of coloured tents on the ice, windgenerators whining, solar panels charging, satellitedishes pointing to the sky.

In the Internet café (yes, there are real-time hook-ups for three laptops plus hot milk tea and sweetbiscuits) there’s a jostle of bodies in down jackets.Chatting to a stranger, I discover he’s from Canada.More than that, he’s from BC. Actually he’s fromVictoria. Wait a minute…he was at SMUS! IanScanlan (SMUS ’87) is an aircraft pilot who has plansto get high on his own two feet. Starting at the Bay ofBengal, he swam ashore, and then WALKED the entireIndian sub-continent to reach Nepal. Now, here he is at 19,000 feet,hoping to make it up Mt. Everest in this, its fiftieth anniversary year.

The weather has been bad for five straight weeks, and Ian has madeCamp 3 on only a couple of occasions. This involves climbing throughthe Khumbu Ice Fall, a 2,000-foot rise, where tottering seracs andplunging crevasses change daily, and more lives are lost than on the SE

Please Plan to Join Us!These receptions are a terrific opportunity to meet friends, enjoy anevening of connection, stories, and school updates in a relaxing, feels-good environment. We look forward to seeing you there. Contact theDevelopment Office if you would like to connect with SMUS alumni inyour area.

Victoria – December 18, 2003 – Christmas Welcome Home AlumniPortland – January 22, 2004Vancouver – January 29, 2004Calgary – February 11, 2004Edmonton – February 12, 2004Toronto – February 26, 2004Seattle – March 4, 2004Hong Kong/Taiwan/Seoul – March 10-20, 2004 London, England Alumni Reception, April 14, 2003

This was the first of these in many years. It was a very happy event attendedby more than 20 SMUS alums and spouses. Special guest Michael Walshtravelled from Somerset to join us.

O Ridge. Higher up, winds of up to 200 kilometres perhour have shredded expedition tents. Ian isphilosophical. After being charged by Indian policewith being a terrorist (anyone slightly out of theordinary is a terrorist these days), there’s not much thatcan faze him.

Accompanying him on this expedition is RobDyke, one-time instructor at Brentwood College. Robstarted that school’s triathlon programme, and hascompeted in many himself. Some years ago, he swamthe ferry route from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay. On thistrip, he’s acting as Ian’s camp manager and cook.Keeping Ian fit and well fed is not trivial, at an altitudethat saps the energy and makes the taste buds languish.But in return, Ian will support Rob’s next project, toswim around Vancouver Island.

In the tent, it transpires that Peter Hudson is fromShawnigan Lake School (1998). He’s trekking in the region, and “justdropped in to get out of the snow,” which is drifting down softly outside.A regular Victoria schools reunion gets underway, with recollections ofrugby matches and other school outings. Outside, an avalanche slides offNuptse and rumbles down onto the glacier. Inside, it could just beanother meal in Brown Hall.

Ian Scanlan at Everest Base Camp...terrorist or alpinist?

Upcoming Alumni Receptions

a l u m n i u p d a t e s 25

MONTY (FLIP) BROWN (US’57) wrote from Louisiana: “Fromthe sound of things, the school is alittle more upscale than it was inthe 1950s. Our rugby teamswould not have toured the BritishIsles, though rugby was certainlythe main game and Reg Wenmanwas our coach. Mr. Wenman wasknown as ‘The Bird’ because hecalled us ‘Birds’.

My wife and I make travel filmsand sing folk music. I havethought about returning to theschool as an Old Boy to entertainthe boys and girls one way oranother. We are showing ourFrance film in California andOregon in November and I’mhoping to visit BC during thetrip.”

Monty is married to Marshaand they have three children:Justine, Zachary, and Philip.

DAVID BUTTERS (SM ’62) isVice President, Public Affairs, withHill & Knowlton Canada, inToronto.

JAMES MOUSEL (US ’63), whowas a boarder in Bolton House,lives in San Diego with his wife,Margaret. Jim works in theaerospace industry as a MechanicalEngineer for Aeronautical Systems– a company that is focused on

Alumni UpdatesWe receive e-mail, snail mail, telephone calls, visits even –

and we love to hear from you! This is what gives us the

stories to build this important section of School Ties. Please

take a moment and tell us what you are doing, keep in touch,

let us know if you are looking for a contact number for a

fellow alumnus, or if you have a question about something at

your old school. The more we hear, the more we can pass on

in this section.

We want your e-mail address, so why not send us

an e-mail update right now!! [cspicer@smus.bc.ca] or

[dray@smus.bc.ca]

the design and production ofunmanned aircraft systems.

COURT MACKID (US ’63) senta more detailed update on hisactivities: “Thanks for the write-upin Alumni Updates (Spring 2003).However, the information isn’tquite accurate. Ziff Energy Groupis a premier consulting group asGlobal Energy Advisors withoffices in Canada and the US. Weconsult in both countries andinternationally. My position is tospearhead our Exploration andProduction oriented consulting inCanada. I now have 30+ yearsworking in the Oil and GasIndustry, both nationally andinternationally. I am a ProfessionalEngineer and have an MBA(Western ’74). Ziff is not anoperating oil and gas company, buta consulting company. I am alsoinvolved in the start-up of a private

oil and gas operating/productioncompany.”

COLIN DYKES (US ’66), whowas a boarder in Barnacle House,lives in Red Deer, Alberta. He ismarried to Lynda and they havetwo sons – Blair and Neal. Colinis a Registered Social Worker andis employed by the AlbertaGovernment as a Court/ChildSupport Services Administrator.

TREVOR CONDUIT (US ’69) isplanning a trip with friends toattend the World Cup of Rugby inAustralia – Trevor still plays a little.After this, he will take some timefor yachting and diving in Tahiti,then return to Alberta.

ALEX WONG (SMUS ’73)returned to SMUS in February2003 for the first time since hisgraduation. Now, eldest son Darylis a grade 10 student at the schooland the family are keen supportersof SMUS. Alex is a businessman inHong Kong.

DAVID HORNE (SMUS ’79)and his daughter visited SMUS thispast August. A school supporterbased in London, England, Davidworks with expanding Anglo-Germanic companies to assist themin planning and managing theirexpansion.

KEVIN CHAN (SMUS ’79)obtained his Marketing degreefrom Carleton University and iscurrently a Marketing Director inthe clothing industry, in Toronto.

NEIL PATERSON (SMUS ’79)is married to Kimberly Isdell. Theylive in Hamilton, Bermuda, whereNeil is the Controller for ColonialMedical Insurance Co. Ltd.

DENNIS PIEDALUE (SMUS’81) is a Certified FinancialPlanner & Financial Consultantwith the Investors Group inVictoria. He and his wife, Anne,have one daughter, Jennifer.

CHRIS BLACK (SMUS ’82)and his wife, Debbie, live inFredericton. They recently openedtheir own restaurant “The BlueDoor.” They have one daughter,Lucy Victoria, now two years old.

ALEX HADDAD (SMUS ’82)dropped in for a visit in April. He spent some time catching upwith his former teacher, TonyKeble (US ’62). Alex attended the University of Texas, Austin,where he met his wife, Lisa. Theyhave two daughters, Ashley andAlexis. Alex is President of anenvironmental firm, Altec Sistema,based in Mexico City.

BEFORE THE ’60s

Alex (SMUS ’73) and Rubi Wong and sons, Daryl (SMUS 2006) and Justin.

FROM THE ’80s

FROM THE ’70s

FROM THE ’60s

David Horne (SMUS ’79) and hisdaughter, Victoria, August 2003.

a l u m n i u p d a t e s26

ANDREW SABISTON (SMUS’82) dropped by the school for avisit with his wife, Stephanie, andson, Oliver, in August 2003. Thefamily have a lovely home inToronto which Andrew is proudlyrenovating. He is moving backinto television work, whileStephanie is a professional singer.

JEFF SHELDRAKE (SMUS ’83)lives in Nanaimo with wifeCatherine and their children,Caroline and Nicholas. Jeff hasbeen very busy as the PropertyNegotiator for the City ofNanaimo. He runs into SMUSalumni from time to time in theHarbour City.

BRENDA LYSHAUG (SMUS’84) earned her PhD in Politicsfrom Princeton and is now anAssistant Professor of PoliticalScience and Gender Studies at theUniversity of Utah in Salt LakeCity.

LEE MATUGA (SMUS ’84) isliving in Vancouver where heteaches ESL classes while pursuinghis passion for music. Lee haspurchased an Omni home-basedrecording unit and continues towrite and record music.

ROBIN PLATTS (SMUS ’84)sent us an update: “I have beenworking as a writer/journalist forthe last decade, penning articlesand columns for such magazines asMojo, Discoveries, The TrackingAngle, and the NME. My secondbook, a biography of the legendarysong-writing team of BurtBacharach and Hal David (entitledBurt Bacharach & Hal David:What the World Needs Now), waspublished in January. I’ve spent thelast year fitting my freelanceschedule around a “day job” asEditor-in-Chief of the Martletnewspaper at UVic, but now thatmy contract at UVic is up, I ambusily plotting my third book.”

CHRIS VUJNOVICH (SMUS’84) has lived in London, England,since 1989. He is currentlyworking for United House, aProperty Development company.His wife, Odile, is an interiordesigner.

GILLIAN DONALD (SMUS’85) works at the University ofToronto Law Faculty as aDevelopment Officer. Gillian is ateacher trying her hand in adifferent role.

DAYMON ENG (SMUS ’86) isa partner in Capital WestMortgage in Vancouver. Hiscompany works with investors andsecures residential and commercialmortgage clients. Daymon ismarried to Joanna, and in October2001, their first child, Hailey, wasborn.

CHRIS WYNTERS (SMUS ’86)attended Grant MacEwan Collegein Edmonton, where his productionof Wynters’ Tale was performed inApril to sell-out audiences. Chrisand playwright Bridget Ryancollaborated to create a new Rock-musical based on Shakespeare’s“The Winter’s Tale.” Taking a lead role in this world premier production was BiancaChristou-Roberts (SMUS ’00).Chris is an actor, songwriter, andmember of the nationallyacclaimed recording artists“Captain Tractor.” He has written

hundreds of songs and threecomplete musicals.

GREG DAY (SMUS ’87)earned his BComm from UBC in1991 and is currently working as amedium business auditor ($3 -$15 million businesses) withCCRA. He has just moved from aone-bedroom apartment inVancouver to a two-bedroomtownhouse in Ladner and is 15minutes closer to work. Greg lovesUltimate Frisbee – his sister was anational player and worldchampion, and it’s where Greg methis wife, Alison.

HEATHER CONRADI (SMUS’87) is a Financial Analyst withGrowthWorks Capital Ltd. inVancouver, with a focus on thehigh-tech sector. She enjoys herrole as Treasurer of ‘Big Sisters’ inVancouver.

SEAN KELCEY (SMUS ’87) hasjust returned from a two and a halfmonth tour of duty in Afghanistan.Sean dropped by the school inSeptember while on leave, andbefore heading back to Burton,New Brunswick. Sean is a medicaltechnician with the 2nd Battalion,Royal Canadian Regiment, basedin Gagetown, NB. He has servedin Croatia, Kingston, Calgary, andAfghanistan. Sean reports that hisbrother, Brian (SMUS ’88) isliving in Toronto and works withthe Ontario Ministry of Transport.

NICK GROVES (SMUS ’88)was an ESU Scholar for the schoolyear 1987/88. He has worked inthe UK for the last ten years in anumber of general managementpositions and currently as aDirector of Workplace Developmentfor a hospital just north ofLondon. Nick is planning toemigrate to Vancouver in early2004.

KOJI NAKASONE (SMUS ’88)lives with his family in Seattle,while taking an executive MBAdegree at the University ofWashington.

ANDREW O’BRIAN (SMUS’88) wrote to Tony Keble (US ’62)from Costa Rica: “Latin America ismy passion, my love, and my life. Irun a private consulting firm andmy Costa Rican partner and Ispecialize in free trade agreementinterpretation, strategic planning,and international exportdevelopment. Our clients rangefrom local SMEs to largerinvestment corporations and theCanadian and US Embassycommercial divisions. Life isexciting and challenging each daywhen one lives overseas.”

TANIA TOMASZEWSKA (SMUS’88) attended McGill where shereceived a BA in EnglishLiterature. She followed with a lawdegree from UBC in 1995, andthen studied at Cambridge,

Chris Wynters (SMUS ’86) andBianca Christou-Roberts (SMUS ’00).

Sean Kelcey (SMUS ’87) visitedthe Development Office.

Alumni Updates - continued

Andrew Sabiston (SMUS ’82),Stephanie and Oliver.

a l u m n i u p d a t e s 27

earning an MPhil in InternationalRelations. She is now working as alawyer with Henry Davis York inSydney, Australia.

ALISDAIR BORASTON (SMUS’89) is an Assistant Professor in theDepartment of Biochemistry andMicrobiology at UVic. Alisdair ismarried to alumna Catherine(Juricic) (SMUS ’89) and theyhave one daughter, Natalie, bornin 2000. Cathy is a physiotherapist,currently working at UVic in theDepartment of OccupationalHealth and Safety.

LARA (GAEDE) JANKE (SMUS’89) lives in Calgary with herhusband, Michael. She works as aSecurities Analyst with the AlbertaSecurities Commission.

VINING WOLFF (SMUS ’89) isworking for AMEC, in Calgary, asa Process Engineer. He and Tanyaannounced the birth of theirsecond son, Karsten, born earlierthis year. He joins big brother,Braden, and sister, Chelanne.

ATUL KHULLAR (SMUS ’91)earned his medical degree from theUniversity of Alberta. He is now aResident in Psychiatry, and lives inDevon, Alberta.

JEFFREY HUNT (SMUS ’91)completed his Masters ofEducation Degree this pastsummer at UVic. He finished atthe top of his class with a GPA of8.0. He is currently enjoying histeaching career in the PhysicalEducation department at SMUS.Jeffrey will also be very busy soon,as he and his wife, Janelle, areexpecting the arrival of their firstchild in November 2003.

JAMES MORLEY (SMUS ’91)received his PhD from theUniversity of Washington in 1999.He specializes in macroeconomics,

applied finance, and time-serieseconometrics. James is married toJennifer Milne and they live in St. Louis, Missouri, where James isAssistant Professor of Economicsat Washington University, St. Louis.

KRISTIN SEMMENS (SMUS’91) and husband, Derek Little,have returned to the West Coastafter a stint in England, whereKristin obtained her PhD in History from CambridgeUniversity. She is now a PostDoctoral Fellow at UBC.

JESSICA WOOLLIAMS (SMUS’91) recently wrote to us fromHarvard: “As the LongwoodCoordinator for Harvard’s GreenCampus Initiative, I coordinatethe design and implementation ofcampus environmental initiativeson Harvard’s Longwood MedicalCampus, home to the MedicalSchool, School of DentalMedicine, and School of PublicHealth. Since February 2002, Ihave overseen a variety of projectswith the overall mission ofestablishing a commitment tobecoming a learning organizationand a living laboratory, in the pursuit of environmentalsustainability.” Visit the Harvardwebsite to see details about Jessica’s projects: http://courses.dce.harvard.edu/~envre117/.

“The core work of the GreenCampus Initiative is to bring theintellectual horsepower of theUniversity to bear on the practicaleveryday problems of reducing theenvironmental impact of theUniversity’s operations (howbuildings are operated, howproducts are purchased, whattransportation options areprovided).” For more informationsee: www.greencampus.harvard.edu.

ANN BEHENNAH (SMUS ’92)received her Diploma inSecondary Education from UVicand is now teaching at BelfairsHigh School, in Essex, UK.

SUSAN CAMPBELL (SMUS’92) earned her Bachelor ofEngineering (Mech), Honours,from UVic in 1997. She is now working as a ProfessionalEngineer/Major Projects for BPCanada Energy, in Calgary.

JOANNA (KISS) SNOW (SMUS’92) writes: “I have completed twodegrees at the University ofVictoria. The first degree is inChild and Youth Care in which Ispecialized and focused onworking with families and childrenwith special needs. With thatdegree, I worked for four years as aspecial student assistant withSchool District #61 as well as in the role of Child and Youth Counsellor with NISIKACommunity Services. NISIKA is acommunity-based organizationwhere I help to set up supportplans and implement services for children with varyingdisabilities including Autism,Down Syndrome, Asperger’sSyndrome, and a variety of otherdevelopmental, behavioural, andemotional disabilities. I alsocurrently work at Jack LedgerHouse as a Child and YouthCounsellor, working with childrenand adolescents in the inpatientprogramme. I recently (Christmas2002) finished my Bachelor ofElementary Education and amcurrently employed as a teacher-on-call with the Victoria SchoolDistrict. My main focus ofspecialization has been withstudents with special needs,particularly Autism. With theteacher-on-call work, NISIKA,and Ledger House, I stay busy!While being in school or workingfull time for the past several years,my husband and I have managedto travel to South East Asia, Cuba,and most recently, Mexico.”

CURTIS LAINCHBURY (SMUS’92) had a “quarter life crisis.” Heretired from project managementto fulfill his dream of flying for

a career. He is now a Pilot for Courtesy Air, based inSaskatchewan.

HARTLAND ROSS (SMUS ’92)earned his BSc in Biology fromUBC. He lives in Vancouver andsent this update about hisactivities: “I run two businesses.The company I started is HartlandCommunications Inc. We areInternet marketing consultantsand brokers of online advertising.The company has been in businessfor about two years and is based inVancouver, serving internationalclients. This business is somewhatautomated, allowing time to workon my passion of corporate trainingand development with a partner. Thecompany is Dynamic AchievementGroup Inc. and our website iswww.dynamicachievement.com. Ihave worked to build this businessfrom a very few clients two yearsago to becoming a leading trainingcompany in Canada. So far, thingsare going very well. We haveearned a very strong and well-recognized client base.

“As I write this, I just had dinner with Tanis Wahl, and frequent visitors BryceDearborn and Leo Caffaro. I'll betaking five weeks off at the end ofthe year and travelling to SouthAmerica with Mark Pospisilik, butnot before visiting Kari Badwi inNew York, all of them – SMUS’92.”

HOWARD ANGLIN (SMUS’93) is a lawyer with Shearman &Sterling of London, England. Heloves London but misses NewYork, where he spent three years atLaw School. He reports that hissister, Tessa (SMUS ’96) hasfinished her first year of a PhDprogramme in English at theUniversity of Toronto and sisterRebecca (SMUS ’98) is attendingMedical School at McMasterUniversity.

FROM THE ’90s

a l u m n i u p d a t e s28

MORGAN BLACK (SMUS ’93)works in the Bahamas at CapeEleuthera Island School, where sheteaches environmental and marinescience as well as scuba diving andrunning sea kayaking trips.Morgan loves her work and theimpact it is having on the students.She is keen to hear from her 1993class, which she enjoyed so much.

BRIAN CALDER (SMUS ’93)studied Hotel Administration atCamosun, and followed that withhis BComm from UVic. He hasmoved back to Victoria fromWhistler and is currently workingwith Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.

JAMES DAVISON (SMUS ’93)sent an update in May: “Igraduated in 1998 from UVicwith a BSc in Geography. Duringmy five years at UVic, I was athree-time CIAU champion withthe Vikes Cross Country team,earning all-Canadian honours in1997. After graduation, I went towork in the geomatics industry, forPCI Geomatics Inc., WesternForest Products Ltd., EcotrustCanada, and now Tecfor TechnologyGroup in Victoria. I have beenaccepted by the Faculty ofEnvironmental Design at theUniversity of Calgary to do amasters degree in Planning startingSeptember 2003. The relationshipwith my current employer willcontinue while I am in Calgary,enabling me to finance myeducation and provide valuableexpertise in return. Furthermore, Iwill continue my athletics while atthe U of C, finishing off my fifthand final year of CIS eligibilitywith the Dinosaurs. I plan ondoing an exchange with theUniversity of Catalunya in Spainfor the fall 2004 term. It was greatto see everyone at my 10-yearreunion at the beginning of May. Iplan to keep in touch with asmany classmates as possible, andwish them all the best for thefuture.”

RAVIND GREWAL (SMUS ’93)earned his degree from HarvardLaw School and is now anAssociate with Keker & Van Nest,in San Francisco. Ravind’s sister,Simran (SMUS ’92) completedher medical degree at UBC and isnow in Edmonton.

STUART KERR (SMUS ’93)lives in Vancouver where he islearning the real estate developmenttrade with Anthem Properties. Stuis currently working to broker leasearrangements with commercial andresidential clients.

ANNA LEONG (SMUS ’93)married Omar Nazif on May 18,2003, in Vancouver, BC. Anna(now Dr. Nazif ) is a PsychiatryResident at St. Paul’s Hospital.

AYNSLEY (WONG) MELDRUM

(SMUS ’93) is married to Daniel.They have two sons: Murray andQuinn. Aynsley is a stay-at-homemom right now and she reports it’sthe hardest job she’s ever had. Shehopes to stay at home with herboys until they start school.Meanwhile, she is doing somevolunteer work and has startedCGA courses.

ANDREW FIELD (SMUS ’94)is off to Australia for a SchoolManager position, setting upoutdoor education programmes.Andrew earned his BEd fromLakehead University and has spentthe past four years as an SMUShouseparent, outdoor educationprogramme assistant, and substituteteacher.

ARTURO MICHEL (SMUS ’94)dropped in for a visit inSeptember, and was impressedwith the wonderful new buildingswe’ve added since he was aboarding student in InternationalHouse. He has just relocated fromGuadalajara to Vancouver. Arturoearned his Business Administrationdegree in Mexico, and is now

looking to get involved with animport fruit/vegetable/fresh flowercompany on the Lower Mainland.He and Trevor Hoskins, a formerclassmate, are sharing anapartment.

SEBASTIAN ELAWNY (SMUS’95) wrote to us in July: “Igraduated from university inDecember 1998 with a 3.76 GPA.Since then, I've acquired several ITcertifications, including MicrosoftCertified Systems Engineer, CiscoCertified Network Associate,Microsoft Office User Specialist,and am about 500 hours awayfrom acquiring status as a ProjectManagement Professional. It seemsthat education has become apassion for me since I've learned tolearn. I'm moving to Winnipeg togo to Law School because, frankly,it sounds like fun. My father and Istarted an IT training company in1999 and have since grown tobecome one of Calgary’s largestContinuing Education andCorporate Training operations. Inthe process, we’ve helped hundredsof people get their lives back on track through our careerprogrammes. Our corporate clientlist is quite extensive.”

Sebastian reports that PatrickMitchell (SMUS ’94) has beensuccessful in completing MedSchool and starting his career as adoctor in Calgary. Patrick plans onworking towards the CanadianSpace Programme.

CHRISTINA HALDANE (SMUS’95) is a classical singer, currentlystudying at the Indiana School ofMusic in Bloomington, IL. She ismoving to London next year tobegin a Masters in MusicPerformance at the GuildhallSchool of Music and Drama.

MARSHALL HATTON (SMUS’95) earned his Engineering degreefrom the University of NewBrunswick in 2001. He iscurrently working in Whitehorseas a Geomatics Engineer.

EUGENE YEUNG (SMUS ’95)earned his Engineering degree fromDuke, and followed that with aMasters in Finance/Math fromColumbia University. He lives inNew York City and works for JPMorgan as a Financial Analyst.

CRAIG KIRK (SMUS ’98)recently wrote to us: “I figuredwith five years coming up since Igraduated, it would be good tosend an update. After a couple ofyears at UVic and summersworking in the Yukon, I finallydecided on my career choice and started the AppliedCommunication Media Programmeat Camosun College. After Ifinished my first year of theprogramme, I found myself inPrince George at PGTV, and thenin Toronto at The Sports Network(TSN) for co-op terms. Theexperiences were great, especiallyworking for TSN and compilinghighlight packs for Sportscentre.(My job was to watch sports, howcool is that?) I decided to return toCamosun to finish my schoolinginstead of staying on at TSN, andgraduated in December 2002.Early this year, I moved back toPrince George to accept a positionat PGTV where I hold severalpositions: Master Control Operator,Production, Directing, ENGCamera Operator, and any otherodd jobs.”

JENNY REED (SMUS ’98)completed her Art History(Honours) degree at the Universityof Toronto in June and is nowstudying Law at Osgoode Hall,York University. She is interestedin pursuing a career in culturalproperty law. Jenny is engaged toChris Franco, a med schoolstudent at U of T. Jenny wasthrilled to see the new additions tothe campus when she visitedVictoria in August.

Alumni Updates - continued

Craig Elder (SMUS ’88) and Donna Diane Maria Dayman, married in Drumheller, Alberta.

a l u m n i u p d a t e s 29

LANCE WEI (SMUS ’98) hasput his artistic talents to goodwork. After graduating fromQueen’s with a Bachelor of FineArt degree, he is working onanother BFA degree in Advertising,from the Academy of Art Collegein San Francisco. He is currentlyArt Director of f lyin’takko studio.

KATHRYN HILL (SMUS ’99)has completed a degree inComparative Government fromGeorgetown and is off to NewYork to study Oriental Medicine.

AYA LARSEN (SMUS ’99)dropped in for a visit in September.She is off to Vancouver, and will bean articling student with PriceWaterhouse Coopers for the nextthree years in their new building indowntown Vancouver. Aya hopesto specialize in tax accounting,with a focus on Japanese clients.

HEATHER ORR (SMUS ’99)graduated this year from Queen’swith a BSc (Honours) inEnvironmental Biology. Heather isnow heading to Oxford to studyfor a MSc in Nature, Society andEnvironmental Policy.

TOM WANG (SMUS ’99) isstudying at the Leonard SternSchool of Business and enjoysliving in New York. He willgraduate in December 2003 with aCPA degree in Accounting &Finance. Tom had the opportunityof working for Goldman Sachsduring the summer.

BIANCA CHRISTOU-ROBERTS

(SMUS ’00) graduated in Aprilfrom the Theatre Arts Programmeat Grant MacEwan College. Sherecently performed at theEdmonton Fringe Festival in theThree Penny Opera. She intendsto pursue a career as an actor/singer/dancer in the Edmontonarea. In April, Bianca played thelead in Chris Wynters’ (SMUS’86) production of Wynters’ Tale.(see photo, page 26).

TADANORI KOKUBUN (SMUS’00) wrote in June: “I am almostthere, working towards a B.E.(Engineering) in geotechnicalengineering.” After one and a halfyears at UBC, Tadanori moved to Australia to complete hisengineering degree at theUniversity of New South Wales.

EDDY COOPER (SMUS ’01) isstudying Chemical Engineering atUBC in the co-op Programme.His summer 2003 co-opplacement was with SNC-Lavalinin Montreal. He is currentlyinvolved in another co-op termwith Canfor Research andDevelopment in Vancouver.

SUSANNA MOSELEY (SMUS’02) wrote in August: “Life isgoing well. I’m at the University ofCape Town, in South Africa,which is fun. A little too far fromCanada, but I’m working ongetting my friends out here! It’swinter right now and cold. It hadbeen a warm (almost summertemperatures) winter until about aweek ago when the wind and rainarrived. And there is snow onTable Mountain and Devil’s Peak!(UCT is right under Devil’s Peak.)It only snows about once every tenyears here. I miss SMUS a lot andI heard from Mrs. Tweedie (shewas my houseparent and was here

visiting family a few weeks ago)that the new building looks great.I can’t wait until I can see theCrothall Centre for myself.”

COLIN GARDINER (SMUS’84) finally got a girl to say “yes!”He married Christine on Kauai onJanuary 30, 2003.

CRAIG ELDER (SMUS ’88)was married on May 17, 2003 to Donna Diane Maria Dayman.The ceremony took place inDrumheller, AB at St. Anthony’sCatholic Church. In attendancewere Dan Duke (SMUS ’88) andhis wife, Sheila, his brother, TomDuke (SMUS ’90), MarkPenaluna (SMUS ’88), and MikeGoodenough (SMUS ’88).

BENJAMIN BUTTERFIELD

(SMUS ’82) and his wife, AnneGrimm, are very pleased toannounce the birth of their babygirl, Robin Jantje Sophia, bornNovember 17, 2002.

MATTHEW ADEY (SMUS ’87)and his wife, Gillian, are pleased toannounce the birth of a baby girl,Olivia, born January 25, 2003.

SAMANTHA NELSON (STONE)(SMUS ’87) and husband, Dr.Charles Nelson, announce thebirth of a baby girl, Elle, bornApril 28, 2003.

JOHN UNDERHILL (SMUS’81) and his wife, SandraWilliams, announce the birth oftheir daughter, Alannah Elizabeth,born August 22, 2002.

TIMOTHY WILLIAMS (SMUS’83) and his wife, Heather,announce the birth of their newbaby boy, Sean Christopher, bornMarch 10, 2003.

FRANK SCHINDLER (SMUS’88) and wife, Mary, are verypleased to announce the birth oftheir new daughter, AinsleyGabrielle, born March 6, 2003.

...there were bells!

SINCE 2000

Colin Gardiner (SMUS ’84) andChristine, married on Kauai.

...new on the scene!

Benjamin Butterfield (SMUS ’82)and Anne Grimm’s daughter, RobinJantje Sophia.

a l u m n i u p d a t e s30

Alumni Updates - continued

SEAN PIHL (SMUS ’87) andwife, Jody, announce the birth oftheir twin sons, Finnegan Davidand Sasha Pattenden, bornOctober 7, 2002.

GREG SOUTHGATE (SMUS’84) and SHANNON HILL (SMUS’85) announce the birth of anotherdaughter, Claire Frances Carol,born April 30, 2003.

KRISTEN (MANT) HARRIS

(SMUS ’87) and husband,Jonathan, announce the birth of another son, Thomas, bornMarch 14, 2003.

LEIGH LARGE (SMUS ’89)and wife, Kari, announce the birthof their son, Torr Richard Large,born April 28, 2003.

WIM VANDERSPEK (SMUS’79) and his wife, Lisa, have a newdaughter, Annika Sophia, bornJune 21 (8 lbs 11 oz).

ANN (GORDON) PATRICK

(SMUS ’89) and husband, Greg,are pleased to announce the birthof their daughter, Erica Leanne,born May 13, 2003.

ANDREW CRAWFORD (SMUS’95) and TARA STRONG (SMUS’95) have a new daughter, KirraChristine, born May 23, 2003.Kirra’s grandfather, Jim Crawford,was an SMUS Board Member1993-96.

ALAN CALDER (SMUS ’87)and wife, Kursti, have a son –Jasper Matthew Dale, born June18, 2003.

BRYAN PULLMAN (SMUS ’86)and his wife, Amber McDermott,now have a second daughter –Fiona Lynn, born June 20, 2003.

CHRIS DENFORD (SMUS ’82)and wife, Anne Leyland, have athird daughter – Londyn Iryssa,born June 26, 2003. Big sisters areBronte and Fallyn.

DAN JOST (SMUS ’84) andwife, Christine Jodoin, announcethe birth of their twin sons,Nicolas and Alexandre, born in2002.

MARGARETHA BURNETT

(SMUS ’84) and MURRAY

BROWNE (SMUS ’82) are pleasedto announce the birth of their son,Hamish Orion Burnett Browne,born on May 29, 2003.

TANJA YARDLEY (SMUS ’88)and husband, Richard, have a newdaughter – Sage, born January 29,2003.

VINING WOLFF (SMUS ’89)and his wife, Tanya, now have asecond son – Karsten Brent, bornJuly 17, 2003.

LAURA (HAMMERSLEY) HARLEY

(SMUS ’89) and husband,Richard, have a second baby boy –Hayden Gabriel, born June 21,2003.

KEVIN YICK (SMUS ’83) andhis wife, Shirley, announce thebirth of Ryan Yick, born April 10,2003.

Frank Schindler (SMUS ’88) andMary’s daughter, Ainsley Gabrielle.

Sean Pihl (SMUS ’87) and Jody’s twin sons, Finnegan David and SashaPattenden.

Greg Southgate (SMUS ’84) and Shannon Hill’s (SMUS ’85) daughters,Laine, Julia, and Claire.

Ann (Gordon) Patrick (SMUS ’89)and Greg’s daughter, Erica Leanne,with big sister, Samantha.

Andrew Crawford (SMUS ’95) andTara Strong’s (SMUS ’95)daughter, Kirra Christine.

Alan Calder (SMUS ’87) andKursti’s son, Jasper Matthew Dale.

s c h o o l n e w s 31

ANDREA MUNRO (SMUS ’84)and her husband Todd Skinnerannounce the birth of twins Felixand Chloe – born September 29,2002.

R. HUGH MCLARTY (US ’46)passed away on April 25, 2003. Hehad been ill for two years withcancer. Hugh was very interestedin the “School” and over the years,on trips to Victoria, a drive-by the School was very important tohim. His son, Doug, recalls his tripto University School in the early1970s when Hugh was achaperone for the Terrace (BC)Caledonia Senior School Band andthe fun it was after “playing fortheir supper,” being able to look atall the pictures hung in the halland finding his dad in some ofthem. Hugh particularly enjoyed aphone conversation with Chris

PASSAGES

Tanja Yardley (SMUS ’88) andRichard’s daughter, Sage.

Kevin Yick (SMUS ’83) andShirley’s son, Ryan.

ERCY WILKINSON, who was ateacher at St. Michael’s Schoolbetween 1924 and 1926, and in

1926 until 1927, continued his role as anassistant at the Victoria Avenue boardinghouse. He celebrated his 100th birthdayon July 1, 2003, Canada Day.

Percy spent his career in education,teaching at schools on Vancouver Island,notably Cowichan Station, Chemainus,and Duncan. During World War II, heserved in the RCAF, and later was atBrentwood College at the time of thegreat fire in August 1947. Percy finishedhis career with the Provincial Departmentof Education in Victoria, BC.

Percy’s 1920s connection with St.Michael’s School has made him a part ofthe SMUS community. With his keenmemory, he has given valuable assistanceto the Archives. On alumni weekends, heregularly attends the Saturday 1st XVRugby Game. During the 2003 game, hetravelled here by local bus service and

totally confounded the spectators aroundhim who did not know that he was twomonths shy of his 100th birthday. Thebirthday celebration, mostly organized byPercy, proved to be a gala event for 100 people.

Ironically, Percy has probably outlivedmany of the boys who came under hiscare at St. Michael’s School. Those whoremain will surely remember him fondlyand be comforted to know that thisremarkable man looks well poised tocontinue life as a centenarian in finefettle, with his accustomed independenceand positive love of life.

Congratulations, Percy!

Percy Wilkinson – CentenarianP

1 0 0

Percy Wilkinson enjoying lunch at Brown Hall.

Alumni Updates - continued

Spicer this past spring, when hewas in Kelowna with SMUS’basketball team, but of coursewould not reveal that he was sovery ill.

DONOVAN HAMMERSLEY

(SMUS ’85) and his wife, NikkiCunningham, just had theirsecond baby on June 19, 2003.His name is Colton Luc.

Crothall Centre for Humanities & the ArtsThere are so many impressive and beautiful components to thismagnificent facility. The smiles on the faces of students, parents, andstaff speak volumes. This truly is a cornerstone facility in theredefinition of the SMUS campus.

Did you know?• Over 110,000 person hours have gone into building, from demolition to completion.• The new centre was built using over 73,000 bricks.• The Crothall Centre contains over 200 custom built windows of BC Fir, manufactured

in Winnipeg.• Close to 50 individual contractors were involved, almost all from Vancouver Island.• The building is 60,000 square feet. It includes underground parking for 54 cars,

21 teaching spaces, a lecture theatre with 140 seats, a staff room, and offices surrounding a grassed quadrangle.

c r o t h a l l r e f l e c t i o n s32

The new Crothall Centre architecturecomplements the Senior School campus.

Listening to the Opening Ceremony remarks, teachers (l-r) Alan Jones, Chuck Shergold, GregMarchand, Laura Keziere, Jean Ives, John McIntyre, and Jennifer McIntyre.

The tower of the old School House is visiblethrough the classic arches of the new CrothallCentre.

Opening ceremony Friday, October 3, 2003. At the Opening Ceremony, (l-r): Clare Copeland, Barbara Copeland, Stephen Martin (Board Chair), PennyMartin, Graeme Crothall, Robert Snowden (Headmaster), Joan Snowden, John Schaffter, Anne Schaffter.

Get ready for anotheraction-packed day at theRichmond Road campus –Saturday, May 8, 2004.

This event returns – withall your favourite

activities and stalls, not to mention a huge array of

delectables!

Help Wanted!We need your help to continue the fabulous success

our Spring Fair has enjoyed. We are looking foreverything. If you are interested in being involved inthis year’s event, contact Ann Cameron at 479-3810.

Volunteer for a position! Everyone who does has fun!• Convener • School Liaison • Other...• Site • Day-of Shift

Donate to one of our Gently-Used Goods sales!• Furniture • Home Furnishings • Books

Sponsor a booth if you live out of town!From large to small, there are many roles that we can all play to bring another amazing Spring Fair

to our school. We are currently looking for STORAGE SPACE FOR USED GOODS – please

contact us if you can help with this.

Let’s make 2004 the best fair ever!

Mark yourcalendar for

Spring Fair 2004!

Mark yourcalendar for

Spring Fair 2004!

Kindergarten to grade 12 – and beyond!

On a September morning in the Senior School quad, next to School House and thenewly opened Crothall Centre for Humanities and the Arts, SMUS sees first, second,third, and even fourth generation families are in attendance. More than justtradition – these kinds of school ties pave the way for the future.

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