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Grove NewsSpring/Summer 2010
Calendar of Events 2010/11 For details please refer to our school calendar at www.lcs.on.ca
SEptEmbEr JANUArY21 Grade 7 & 8 parents’ reception 28 Kingston pub Night
24 Grade 11 & 12 parents’ reception 20 montreal meet & Greet
25 Grade 9 & 10 parents’ reception Fall Fair/ Home to the Grove reunion
FEbrUArY11 London, ON pub Night
OCtObEr 18 peterborough pub Night
7 UK Friends of LCS Dinner (London) AprIL8 London, UK pub Night 6 toronto meet & Greet
13 Grove Society meeting (LCS) 18 Grove Society meeting (LCS)
15 Halifax pub Night 20 LCS parents’ reception (toronto)
23 Admissions Open House mAY30 trustees’ meeting/Dinner 14 trustees’ meeting
NOvEmbEr 27 Grove Society volunteer recognition Event
4 Networking Speaker Event (toronto) 28 regatta Day
6 pre-1950s’ Old boys reunion JUNE19 Guelph/Waterloo pub Night 8 Grove Society pot Luck Luncheon
24 Ottawa meet & Greet 15 Grade 8 Graduation Dinner
DECEmbEr 18 Closing Grade 12 Graduation Dinner3 Grove Society Christmas meeting and Luncheon
22 the Andy Harris Cup Grove Golf tournament
SchoolBoard Chair John Ryder ’77
Past Chair Jock Fleming ‘74
Vice Chair Paul Hickey
Cindy Atkinson-barnettDavid bignellWalter blackwell ’56Doug blakeymarilynn boothAndrew Clarke ’85Stephen Coates ’90Susan DeNurepeter Dunn ’62Signy Eaton-Shier
michael Eatson ’83Stephanie Edwardsbishop George ElliottAnn Farlowromina Fontana ’94bill Gastle ’68Janice GreenNicole Groves ’93Jennifer Gruerterry Guest*tim Heeney ’83Alan IngramWarren Jones ’88Jennifer KotzeffJanet LafortuneKathleen LeonardNicholas Lewis ’77James (Kim) Little ’53Luke macDonald ’10
taylor mackenzie ’10Kevin mako ’03Kevin malone ’77James matthews ’58Andrea mcConnellJim mcGowanJohn mcrae ’70Val McRaetracy morley ’93betty morrisbill morris ’70Anil patel ’93travis price ’85tony pullen ’63vicki pullenSean Quinn ’82Kathleen RamsayDouglas rishor ’57michaele robertson
Gretchen rossJohn Schumachermurray Sinclair ’79Nancy SmithScott Smith ’87Amanda Soder ’98manal StamboulieJohn Stelzer ’00Losel tethong ‘89David thompsonStuart Thompson ’91richard tucker ’77tim Ward ’62Jane WaterousGordon Webb ’72Chris White ’90Jamie White ’79Cathy Wilsonterry Windrem
Erin Yeatman HrH Duke of York ’78
FoundationHonorary Chair Paul Desmarais Jr. ’73
Chair Bill Morris ’70* (as of may, 2010)
Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87marilynn boothbruce boren ’87Jonathan Carroll ’87Brian Carter*michael CooperStan Dunford
Lakefield College trustees 2009/10
(Front Cover) Joel Brennan ’12 practising new white water techniques while out with the LCS Kayaking Team.
Jock Fleming ’74John K. Hepburn ’68Angus macNaughton ’48Jeffrey Marshall Andrea mcConnellrobert mcEwenrosemary phelanKathleen RamsayDonald ross ’48thomas ryder ’53Géza von DiergardtWilliam Wells ’78richard WernhamGraham WorsfoldHrH Duke of York ’78
Directors in Bold* Honorary Alumni
Cameron Ainsworth-vincze ’96
A few years ago, I received a call
from a distant relative who wanted
my impressions on The Grove.
He was considering sending his
daughter to the school and wanted
to know everything before deciding
if it was a good fit for her. He asked
about the academic strengths of
the school, what living away from
home was like, the extracurricular
programs, and concluded by asking
one simple question: “What makes
Lakefield different from other
institutions?” In thinking about my
time at The Grove, I immediately
pointed to the advantages of the
school’s location and the outdoor
activities that I was fortunate
enough to participate in. From
going on canoe trips, taking part
in the Brigantines, to the Irving
Expedition, the extensive Outdoor
Education program and the
waterfront setting, students are
extended a wealth of opportunities
to not only enjoy nature but to
respect and cherish it.
Within the pages of this issue is a
reminder of The Grove’s majestic
setting and how both academic
and non-academic activities are at
the very core of the school’s ability
to inspire students. Lisa Clarke
writes that “if the grove of maple
trees is the school’s heart, the lake
is its belly” (p.17) and that few
independent schools in Canada
are as fortunate to enjoy such a
nature-filled campus. Dr. Heather
Avery examines Mike Arsenault’s
biology class where students spend
time investigating environmental
problems and thinking about
solutions (p.14). Another article
expresses concerns over the
annual Turtle Race at Closing,
demonstrating how the community
places the importance of nature
above tradition (p.11). Imparting
such environmental stewardship
and participating in outdoor
activities is the same sentiment
that I tried to convey to my relative:
that The Grove not only teaches
students about the natural world
but also opens up opportunities
for them to experience and learn
about it in a very intimate, hands-
on manner.
Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 is
a Toronto-based journalist and
writer who has written for such
publications as the Globe and Mail
and Maclean’s.
Our majestic Grove
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | i
From the Head of School
David thompsonFrom his Closing Speech, June 2010
When Sparham Sheldrake founded the school 131 years
ago, there was a large private house, some cow barns
and a square in front of the house where wood was piled
for the furnace.
The students at The Grove adapted to a life of pumping
the water out of the well, heating it on the kitchen
stove, and pouring it into a wooden tub in which three
students would have a Saturday night bath. The toilets
were about a hundred feet outside and as one student
proclaimed, “It was not very pleasant, especially at
night.”
By the 1900s and under the leadership of Dr. Mackenzie,
the school added classrooms, an assembly hall, and
dorms to accommodate up to 40 students. In the mid-
1920s a chapel was built for $5,000 and the following
year a wing was added for an additional $10,000.
After some challenging times, Winder Smith erased the
school’s deficit and debt, purchased the land between
Grove House and the lake and oversaw the construction
of Memorial House, the classroom wing, and the dining
hall.
Since then, there have been many additions and
renovations including a refurbished theatre, residences,
new field space, a new chapel, Duke of York Hall, the
learning centre and, most recently, Hadden Hall and
Cooper House.
Today, we talk less about outdoor plumbing and
more about carbon footprint and environmental
sustainability. In the past two years, the school has
made many strides forward in this area including
ground source heating and air conditioning, tankless
hot water heaters, school-wide energy management
systems, energy efficient lighting, composting of
organic waste, and solar panels in the near future.
During the history of the school, we have seen the
student population grow from 15 boys to 220 boys to a
coeducational school with 365 students. This year, we
celebrated 20 years of coeducation.
We tend to think of established schools as steeped in
tradition and resistant to change. But Lakefield has
always understood that change is important, necessary,
and part of the healthy evolution of the school. Prince
Philip once said, “Change does not change tradition.
It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an
opportunity, not a threat.”
As much as there have been substantial facility
improvements and changes to composition and size, the
emphasis on maintaining the mission and values of the
school by focusing on educating the individual student
in a holistic way has remained paramount.
ii | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
One of the first advertisements for The Grove read:
“Mr. Sheldrake receives a limited number of pupils into
his house for board and tuition and gives his whole
and undivided attention to their instruction in all
the elementary branches of an English and classical
education. Special care is taken to inculcate moral and
gentlemanly principles and every possible attention is
paid to their domestic comfort and happiness.”
Ironically, that decree is not that far off the school’s
current promotional tagline of “the best day ever.”
The mission and values statement of The Grove today
could have been the mission statement and values of
The Grove 131 years ago. I would contend these are even
more relevant and important in today’s society. In many
ways, our faculty strive even harder to emphasize these
goals in their daily interactions with students.
Trust, education of the whole person, and a healthy
caring community represent the foundation upon which
all change at The Grove must stand. Our mission and
values of individuality, citizenship, and learning are the
roots that have allowed The Grove to flourish.
With this backdrop of tradition, a strong foundation,
and highly relevant mission and values, the school has
embarked on a new strategic plan that will guide us to
2017. This is an exciting process in an educational and
economic environment that is dramatically shifting.
For this reason it is important that the values of the
school remain constant. I would like to share some of
the thoughts that are emerging from our preliminary
discussions.
We know that the role of technology will continue
to change the way that we think about and deliver
education.
We also know that critical thinking, synthesizing
information, collaboration, and imagination are skills
that will allow our graduates to excel when they leave
The Grove.
The challenges of sustaining our fragile planet and the
people on it become more profound each year. Our
graduates will play an important role in making sure we
all live in a better world.
The school understands the significant financial
sacrifices made by families to allow their children to
attend The Grove. Our responsibility is to ensure that
our students have a rewarding and enriching
experience and we want to be in a position to allow any
deserving student the opportunity to participate in that
experience.
Today we celebrate and say farewell to a graduating class
that has truly embraced the values of the school and is
part of our evolving change. Farewell may sound like a
permanent word, but it has an overtone that is right for
today. Because saying farewell carries a touch of sadness
for me, as it does for the entire faculty; in the time that
you have spent with us—whether that is one year or six
years—we have all grown very fond of you.
Each of you has strengthened the school in your own
unique way. I am particularly grateful to our head
students, Cam Boland and Marshall Slipp, for their
guidance and boundless enthusiasm.
The graduates have worked hard, experienced much,
and contributed to the betterment, not only of our
community, but many around the world. All of this has
opened the doors of opportunity for them.
This opportunity brings responsibility and I would ask
that you consider the following as you leave us:
N Enhance the well-being of those less educated and
less fortunate than you. Share the good fortune that
you have lived with at The Grove so that you will
make this fragile planet a better place to live.
N Value truth and pursue it in your studies and in your
work days ahead. Look around the world today and
know that it is desperately needed—demand it of
yourself and of others.
N Remember that you, as a group of 99 individuals,
will never be assembled like this again. The
memories of what you have lived and learned
together as a class are your unique bond with each
other. Preserve them and revisit them often.
N Rejoice in the love and support of your family,
friends, and faculty and remember to say thank you.
Look after each other so that for many years to come
you may cherish these friendships.
Remember that your life, like Lakefield College School,
will undergo many evolutions, but that The Grove values
that we have shared with you will serve as a bright
beacon.
We have asked you to leave the school and our world
better than when you arrived—you have done that and
more, and we commend you all.
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | iii
John ryder ’77, Chair of the boardFrom his Closing Speech, June 19, 2010
These last few months have given rise to a different
perspective and appreciation—in this case for
community, friendships, and their support. These are
things that we all benefit from and have been so freely
and generously extended to me. Social structures are
integral features of our community here at The Grove
as they are elsewhere in our lives. They nurture our
growth, they encourage adventure, and they share
in our successes as they support us in our failures or
times of need.
The custom of freedom to explore—a hallmark of
Lakefield College School that has been retained
because of the belief that the results would be worth
the risks—achieves greater results when coupled with
the strength and support of community. “The Grove
Experience,” or perhaps “The Grove Exploration,” is
as much about academic or athletic pursuits as it is
about citizenship, a sense of respect for others, or an
expanded awareness of our role and place in a modern
global environment.
Our community, our friendships, our collaborative
social and professional networks extend further today
than they have in the past. Yet, we know that these
networks will reach even further tomorrow with the
advent of new technologies, lessening influence of
geographical separation bringing with this fewer
accessibility constraints. This expanding reach is
as much a reality of the workplace as it is for us here
at Lakefield College School. The accelerating pace
of technological change and globalization brings
tremendous opportunity to broaden the educational
experience, but at the same time an expectation for
different skills and approaches to careers, to education,
to social interaction, and to the opportunities that
are available to us as we explore and interact in other
regions of the world.
What we learn from this emerging view is that there
is increasing emphasis on mantras surrounding
collaboration, productivity, sustainability, value, and
innovation. In a sense, although we consider some of
these as necessary ingredients for preservation, or for
progress and enhancement, they are a by-product of
the application of knowledge. That is to imply that at
the core of this is perpetual education, and that it has
an ongoing and integral place in our lives to prepare
us to investigate and synthesize information for
application and innovation.
Whether it be in an academic pursuit or an adventure,
the result is undoubtedly greater as a collaborative
activity. The supporting resources of an investigative
and interpretive approach place greater emphasis on
research and communication skills, to some extent
the technology to facilitate access, as the enablers of
experience and of exploration.
The freedom to explore, because the results are worth
the risks in an increasingly collaborative environment,
can only lead to greater achievement and fulfillment.
Our challenge as we leave today, whether as Grads,
or to return next year, is to embrace, to accept the
challenge, experience, and explore with the confidence
that comes from the support of your community. We
are so fortunate to have so much available to us.
Thank you.
From the Chair of the board
iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2008iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
New Interim Head for Lakefield College School 2
Head Students’ Closing Address 4
Closing Awards 6
remember, Life is Constructed, Dan Needles ’69 8
the End of a tradition 11
School Highlights 13
there is No Life Without Water 14
Lessons From the Lake 16
Our very Own Dog Whisperer: Over 20 Years at the Grove and Loving It! 21
David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar 23
the value of Financial Assistance 24
From the Archives 26
Down With Kyle Fairlie ’03 28
Gandhi pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all 30
Class News (Weddings, births) 33
In Our memories 38
Editor: tracey blodgett; Layout & Design and Copy Editor: Christine vogel; Contributing Editor: Cameron Ainsworth-vincze
‘96; Editorial Committee: Heather Avery, Lisa Clarke, richard Johnston, richard Life, Sarah mcmahon, tom milburn, and David
thompson. Contributing photographer: Simon Spivey. please address correspondence to the Communications and Constituent
relations Office: Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 [email protected]
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 1
On June 22, 2010, David Thompson tendered his resignation as Head of Lakefield College School and CEO of the
Lakefield College School Foundation.
David, his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys, John and Matthew enthusiastically immersed themselves in the
LCS campus and community upon their arrival in the summer of 2008. David arrived in time to oversee the final
stages of construction of the student recreation centre followed closely by the start of construction on the Cooper
House Residence. He led the school during the period of economic recession. In addition, David’s passion for the
environment was a driving force in the many sustainable initiatives the school has adopted and in other projects yet
to be implemented.
John Ryder ’77 (Chair, LCS School Board) and Bill Morris ’70 (Chair, LCS Foundation Board) shared in a recent
communication, “We are grateful for David’s leadership of LCS during the past two years of economic challenge.
Both the school and foundation are very well-positioned for continued success. David’s passion and energy in
the areas of environmental leadership, curriculum innovation, and endowment have inspired the Lakefield
community. These initiatives will continue to be priorities as we plan for the future of the school.”
Subsequently, the school and foundation boards jointly announced the appointment of Sarah McMahon, Associate
Head: External & COO of the Lakefield College School Foundation, as the Interim Head of Lakefield College School
for the period August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011.
Their message states, “Sarah joined the LCS team in 1999 as Director of Admissions after holding similar positions
at Wasatch Academy in Utah and Sedbergh School in Québec. Over the past decade she has excelled at a number of
roles and key projects that have been crucial to the success of Lakefield College School … Sarah has been a trusted
friend, advisor, and ear to hundreds of students and parents who have called LCS home during that time … Sarah is
fond of the phrase, “It’s all about the kids” and we expect this will be a prime focus for her year as Interim Head.”
In response to the announcement, Sarah replied, “I am deeply honoured to begin my role as Interim Head of
Lakefield College School … I would like to thank the school and the foundation boards for their confidence and
support. I look forward to working with them during the year ahead and I will rely on their active participation and
wise counsel. Similarly, I will seek the broad support and guidance of the school’s management team, faculty, and
staff—a dedicated group of professionals who love The Grove as much as I do.”
The school and foundation boards are pleased to report that, “Lakefield College School is in a very strong financial
position. Whether you look at the exceptional school year we have just wrapped up for our students, the market-
leading admissions numbers we have earned in a very competitive and challenging environment, or the energy and
innovation at work within the academic program and school life areas, we are very optimistic about the school’s
future. We trust that you will join us in congratulating Sarah on her new role and provide her with that special LCS
support that this community is so famous for.”
The boards have begun the process of a formal search for a new Head/CEO to begin in the 2011/12 academic
year. Paul Hickey, incoming Chair of the Lakefield College School Board, has been selected to chair the search
committee.
New Interim Head for Lakefield College School
2 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 3
Congratulations Grads! There are 99 individuals in our
graduating class and today is our day to remember how
we spent our time and what it is that we learned at this
school. All we really need to know about how to live
and what to do, and how to be, we learned here at The
Grove!
We learned about how important traditions are—
everything from the fun and silly little traditions that
the students have in their last weeks here at The Grove
to the long-standing traditions like the crest that is
emblazoned on all of the students’ jackets—and how
they have a place in life.
The school crest holds the school motto—mens sana
in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body. One
hundred and thirty-one years after Sparham Sheldrake
opened the school, this has remained as the central
way in which the school operates. Participating in
these traditions helps to build and create meaning in
your life.
We have learned to do good things always. At every
turn in life’s path there is often a chance to help
someone else; do not expect anything in return … do it
because it is most rewarding.
We have learned how important it is to always walk
through puddles. It is OK to occasionally get a little bit
dirty as you travel life’s path. You shouldn’t spend too
much time sanitizing every part of your life or you will
wash the colour and character out of yourself.
We have learned how important unicorns are—well,
that’s basically all that many of us learned in Grade
9 outdoor education. But outdoor education was
something different. In that class we learned how
important it is to spend time and learn outside.
We have learned how to build a fire. The first thing you
should do is establish your base. Start with kindling
and continue by strengthening the foundation with
different types, sizes, and shapes of wood. Don’t be
afraid of diversity; just as different types of wood and
different fuels make for a good fire, diversity in the
student population makes for a better school. We
should all celebrate our differences.
We have learned how lucky we really are—there is
a difference between a right and a privilege. Many
of us have travelled to third world countries to help
underprivileged families. We are all members of a
small planet and the only thing separating us from
these families is the privilege of where we were born.
We are all lucky to be attending such an amazing
school.
We have learned to take out our trash. We are not
perfect, however, when we make a mess we have
learned to take ownership.
We have learned the importance of saying “thank
you.” We have the privilege of being here because of
the support and encouragement of our family, friends,
and teachers. We will always continue to support each
other and remember to say “thank you.”
We have learned to be happy in all we do in life—
both good and bad. When you carry a smile it has a
contagious reaction. It will not only make you feel
better, but it will brighten the lives of everyone you
meet.
We have learned the meaning of the True North. You
should always show your true colours in life and be
who you really are. Don’t pretend ... be engaged! It is
the spontaneous moments in life you will remember
and that people will really remember you by. So much
of life can be covered in that oily paint of the polite and
correct—yet it is the unvarnished moments that we will
remember.
You learn a lot of things during your time here at The
Grove, but what really matters is what you take with
you.
Head Students’ Closing Address—June 2010 Cameron boland and marshall Slipp, Class of 2010
4 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
So as we realize what this school has taught us about
how to live and how to be, we also realize that our
graduation isn’t the end, but merely just the beginning
of our lives.
In our time here we also learned that it can be helpful
to throw away your pruning shears. Success is not
always about conforming to what everyone else is
doing, but about creating and ploughing your own path
towards what makes you happy.
All of the graduates standing behind us here today have
had to suffer through the last few months of perpetual
questions by friends, family, and strangers—“Do
you know where you are going to university? Do you
know what you are going to study?” With seemingly
underlying questions, “Are you going to be successful?”
But what is the true meaning of success?
Success in life is having friends. Success is when you
develop depth of character. Success is the feeling
you get when you reach the finish. If you work hard
at something and feel you have contributed, it is your
success. Success is …
Well, success means something different to everyone.
Bring the things you have learned here at The Grove
to help bring about success in your life, and always
remember the quote from Robert Fulghum, “No matter
how old you are—when you go out into the world, it is
best to hold hands and stick together.”
To next year’s graduating class: we learned how to
show respect and be a role model. Be yourselves, lead
by example, and always remember to have fun. Don’t
turn back if you make a mistake, just learn from the
mistake and carry on. Make next year your best year
yet! And remember to always say please and thank
you.
What will our future hold? No one can answer this
question, but we can always look back and remember
our time here at The Grove.
When we look around at all of the graduating students
behind us we see artists, musicians, potential
politicians, athletes, and leaders. Every action of
this class has been informed by spirit, passion, and
a commitment to excellence, but the one thing that
defines our character is our legacy of unity. We lived
by what we said, leading by example and following
through.
So, take what we have learned and run with it, and
always remember what Mr. Spock from Star Trek said,
“Live long and prosper.”
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 5
top of Form Grade 7 Adrien vilcini
Grade 8 richie Lee
Grade 9 millie Yates
Grade 10 Samier Kamar
Grade 11 rebekah Sibbald
Grade 12 Katie Jones (Governor General’s medal)
Closing Awards—June 19, 2010
Academic proficiency Standing
Curriculum Area prizes
Englishthe Grade 7/8 Humanities prize: Devon Cole
the Dela Fosse prize (Junior): teraleigh Stevenson
the Intermediate English prize: rebekah Sibbald
the Senior English prize: Emmy pullen
the I. Norman Smith prize for Studies in English Literature: Katie Jones
the English Writers’ Craft prize: Gabrielle Cormier
Fine Arts
the Hubert Eisdell Award (Junior/Intermediate music): risako tamura
the Junior/Intermediate Fine Arts prize: Christina Chan
Fine Arts the Junior/Intermediate Drama prize: Samier Kamar
the David bierk visual Arts prize: Derek Shin
the Senior music prize: Angela Lee
the Senior Drama prize: megn Walker
modern Languages the Junior modern Languages prize: Christopher Chan
the Intermediate modern Languages prize: robert Selman
the Core French prize: Christine Davidson
the Advanced placement Extended French prize: Gabrielle Cholette
HrH prince of Asturias Spanish prize: maki Ishida
(Below) Back Row L-R: Grade 8 Graduates Tom Chan, Sam Dalton, Elisha Sarkis, Ivraj Cheema, Nik Nemeczek, Jaron Kaller, Alex Hooke-Wood, Scott Garland, Alex Sifton, Graham Andras. Front Row L-R: Nikhil Rajdev, Daniel Zahradnik, Devon Cole, Evie Jenden-Selway, Rachel Grant-Steinkrauss, Joanne McCloskey, Natalie Wagner, Nic Worsfold, Prag Rajdev, Richie Lee. Missing: Jessica Williams
6 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
mathematics the Grade 7/8 mathematics, Science & technology prize: richie Lee
the paterson Junior mathematics prize: Samier Kamar
the Intermediate mathematics prize: teruki tauchi
the mathematics of Data management prize: Angela Lee
the Advanced Functions prize: taylor Joo
professor m. mackenzie prize for Calculus: Kathleen Logie
the Larry Griffiths prize for Advanced placement Calculus: Katie Jones
Science and technology the A.W. mackenzie Environmental Award for Junior Science & technology: Celeste Hutton
the Intermediate Science and technology prize: michael Casson
the biology prize: Ashley patel
the mrs. A.W. mackenzie prize for biology Advanced placement biology: Katie Jones
the Chemistry prize: David Evelyn
the Advanced placement Chemistry prize: Katie Jones
the Advanced placement Computer Science prize:
Harry Lee
Science and technology the physics prize: Katie Jones
the Earth and Space Science prize: megn Walker the Communications technology prize: meggy Chan
the mcLimont Scholarship for Engineering: Harry Lee
Social Sciences and Outdoor Education the Grade 7 & 8 Social Sciences prize: prag rajdev
the Junior Outdoor Education prize: Josh Walker
the t.H.b. Symons Canadian Studies prize (Junior): teraleigh Stevenson
the Intermediate Outdoor Education prize: teraleigh Stevenson
the American History prize: Emmy pullen
the Susan Guest Outdoor Education prize: rebekah Sibbald
the Classical Civilizations prize: Kate Seo
the Economics prize: Ashley patel
the World History prize: Gabrielle Cormier
the Canadian and International Law prize: Dina El-baradie
the Canada & World Issues prize: priya maini
the politics Advanced placement prize: Gabrielle Cormier
Curriculum Area prizes
Character and Achievement Awards
the Harman Award: Jaron Kaller
the Gaby Award: Nik Nemeczek
the Junior Grove Society prize: Lyndsay Armstrong
the Fred page Higgins Award: millie Yates
Junior Edson pease prize: Samier Kamar
the Jean Ketchum prize: rhiannon Gilbart
the Stephen thompson prize: rebekah Sibbald
the Senior Grove Society prize: matt Chi
the milligan Awards: marshall Slipp, Kate Carroll
the King Constantine medal: Dana madill
the Grove Award: Andrew Dupuis, Harry Lee
the Crombie Award: Ashley patel
Senior Edson pease prize: robbie Dickinson
H.m. Silver Jubilee Award: Cameron boland
the Nelles prize: Keenan murray
the J.r. Anderson Award: maki Ishida
John pearman martyn Sibbald prize: bea Chan
the Ondaatje Foundation Award: Gabrielle Cormier
the monty bull Award: Hillie Allen
the Jack matthews Humanitarian Award: priya maini
the Whitney prize: Kelsey Slobodian
Jean and Winder Smith Award: Jamie Cooper
the trustees’ prize: Katie Jones
british Alumni travelling Scholarship: Kate Carroll
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 7
remember, Life is ConstructedKeynote Address by Dan Needles ’69, Closing 2010
I had a pretty rough start here at Lakefield in the fall of 1964. For some
reason, my mother decided I should bring a sheep with me to school.
I had raised an orphan lamb on a bottle that summer at the farm. Her
name was Myrtle and she followed me around like a dog. The day we
left for Lakefield, my mother suddenly ripped the back seat out of our
Volkswagen and shoved Myrtle in beside my big trunk.
The headmaster, Jack Matthews, just shrugged his shoulders when he
saw Myrtle and said maybe she could be the mascot for the football
team. So she moved down to the stable to live with the horses. Maybe
my mother thought Myrtle would be lonely without me. Maybe she
thought that showing up at school with a sheep would help her son
build character. But it took me two years of fistfights before I could
walk down a hallway in this school without hearing someone say,
“baaaaa!”
Sheep have appeared at several turning points in my life. After LCS,
I went off on a tour of the world to find myself. I got all the way to
Australia and found work on a sheep station in Western Queensland.
On the first day, my employers Mick and Dave took me out to an
enormous truck with three decks crammed full of sheep. Mick pointed
to the ladder and said, “Danny, climb up there and throw every sheep
off that has no top front teeth.” I climbed up to the top deck, grabbed
a sheep and pulled up his lip and found, as luck would have it, no top
front teeth. I pitched it down the chute and went looking for another
one. Same thing. This went on for about fifteen minutes until I came
back to the top of the chute, out of breath and sweating and said,
“Mick, none of these sheep has any top front teeth!” And Mick said,
“Hey Dave, that’s 42. I believe the Canadian has set a new record.” For
sheep do not have top front teeth.
That is the oldest joke in Australia. Then they put me to work out in
the fields “dagging.” This is pretty much the worst job in Australia. It
involves taking the crappy dag ends of wool off the rear ends of sheep
with a pair of hand shears. They drove me out into the scrub until we
found a flock of sheep and they dropped me off with two sheepdogs
(also named Mick and Dave), a water bag, and a pair of shears. The two
dogs would run circles around the flock, bunching them together so
tightly that I could wade into the middle of them and grab any sheep I
wanted. I was supposed to find the ones with crap caked on their rear
8 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
that all the good stories had already been told. I started
ends and cut it off with the shears. These were usually
the ones with no top front teeth.
I did this every day for six weeks, in blistering heat with
nothing but Vegemite sandwiches and a quart sealer of
tea for lunch. One stifling afternoon, I remember it was
well over a hundred degrees in the waterbag and a huge
cloud of flies followed me wherever I went. I tipped up
yet another disgusting old ewe and I stared at her for
the longest time. Then suddenly, inspiration struck
me like a thunderbolt. I said to myself, out loud to the
other sheep, as I remember, “Maybe I should go back to
school.”
I also have pleasant associations with sheep. Many
years later I drove out of Toronto one crisp morning
in March to visit with one of the neighbours in the old
farm community where I grew up. The farmer was out
in the barn with his daughter, a very pretty girl with
her long hair tied up in ribbons. I soon found myself
helping with the spring lambing. The young lady dried
off one of the newborn lambs, held it up to her face
and just breathed it in. “They have a wonderful smell,”
she said. “They smell new.” I held it up to my face
and breathed it in. It smelled like poop to me. But six
months later, I married that brown-haired shepherdess
and we’ve been keeping sheep together ever since.
If you are anything like my kids you probably have
some deep concerns about the state of the world. That’s
understandable. When I left these grounds 42 years
ago, I was pretty worried about the world, too. 1968 was
not a very good year for North America. My grandfather
was also deeply worried about the world when he was a
student here at Lakefield in 1896. He was so upset about
the failure of his teachers to grapple with the world’s
problems that he walked down the hill into the village
and hopped on a freight train back to Toronto.
I remember what bothered me more than anything
else was the nagging feeling that the world was full and
there wasn’t really any room left for me. I wasn’t sure if
I would be needed for anything. Then I spent the next
couple of years travelling in Australia and the South
Pacific, and cycling around England and France. At the
University of Toronto I found writers from a hundred,
two hundred, even five hundred years ago who all
thought that the world was in terrible shape. And then I
read playwrights from ancient Greece who complained
that all the good stories had already been told. I started
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 9
making my living with the one gift I knew I had, which
was the ability to put words together on paper. And
I found work as a journalist, later as a speechwriter,
and later still as a public relations executive for a big
insurance company.
Then I found the shepherdess and she helped me to
make a complete leap into the dark. I decided to give up
my secure job at the insurance company, move back to
the farm community where I grew up and try to make a
living as a writer. I look back on it now and it seems like a
crazy decision. But it was the best thing I ever did.
When they asked me to give this address today, I
wondered what on earth I might have to say to a young
person starting out in the world. I have two sons and two
daughters of my own, two in university and two still in
high school. So I’ll say the same thing to you that I say to
them.
The best thing you can do is to make a home; shoulder
your way into a human community, sit in one place and
try to do good work. If you have spent any time at all in
this school you should know what good work is. It could
mean writing plays or keeping sheep or any number
of things. But good work is something that tries not to
cheat or do damage.
Remember that life is a constructed thing. It doesn’t
happen all at once no matter how much you want it
to. You have to build it piece by piece, patiently over a
period of three generations, if you’re lucky. You’ll hear
people say that you need to make plans but in my view,
plans aren’t that important. There is an old Yiddish
proverb that says men make plans and God laughs. What
is really important is to make decisions. Life can be very
unkind to people who won’t make up their minds.
I like farmers. I like the way they talk. I like the way they
think. I have been listening to farmers ever since I was
a kid and they have helped to shape the way that I look
at the world. The thing I admire most about them is that
as soon as they get out of bed in the morning they start
looking after the life around them. They are driven by
a deep affection for the land and its possibilities. That’s
what gives them a sense of purpose and meaning to their
lives.
If you make a habit of looking after the life around you,
doing good work and watching for that moment when
you will be asked to take a terrifying leap into the dark,
believe me, you’re going to do just fine.
Dan Needles is a noted author and playwright best known
for his series of Letters from Wingfield Farm books and
plays.
10 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
There are many memories that Lakefield College
School alumni share—swimming at the waterfront, a
game of outdoor shinny, running through the tunnels,
camping in the outdoors. But one memory that is
shared across the generations is the annual turtle race
—going down to the waterfront, picking their racer and
taking care to ensure it was ready for the annual race
at Closing, and ultimately, the race. It was a natural
fit for a school in such a wonderful natural setting to
include the symbol of The Grove—the turtle—in our
traditional Closing Ceremonies. And each year, at the
end of the race, each turtle was returned to its natural
environment with great care to ensure it was not
harmed.
The school has been challenged to consider the
implications of this race for the health and safety of
our turtle population. In discussions with the Ontario
Ministry of Natural Resources, two issues of legal
concern were raised: the removal of wild animals
from their natural habitat and the risk to endangered
species. As a result, the school has decided to no longer
hold the turtle race.
So the question has become … what will our new
tradition be? How will we replace the turtle race—an
integral part of our Closing traditions for generations?
There were many creative ideas including racing the
Grade 9 students (dressed as turtles) on Andy Harris
Field, a papier maché turtle race zipline from the
dining hall; but in the end, the students and staff
agreed that in reverence to a long-held tradition
and our love for our environment, it cannot truly be
replaced and so it will not be.
The turtle race will forever remain in our history along
with the Spring Trots and the huts in the woods. It
is a beloved part of LCS history that will always be
remembered and cherished.
the End of a tradition
“And the turtles, of course ... All the turtles are free—As turtles and,
maybe, all creatures should be.” Dr. SEUSS
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 11
12 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
Congratulations on Spring Athletic WinsThe Junior Boys’ won their first Rugby Championship
at LCS since 2004, rounding out an incredible
season by hosting the CISAA Junior Boys Division II
Championships on our home pitch on Regatta Day.
The Girls’ Rugby and Boys’ Senior Rugby teams
wrapped up the season with impressive silver
championships.
The LCS Ultimate Team, Supernova, defeated
Greenwood College at the CISAA Division 1 for their
second Division 1 championship in three years,
finishing 11th in the province!
The 1st Softball Team captured its second CISAA
softball championship in as many years and remained
unbeaten, with a perfect 14 - 0 record over the past two
seasons.
Sailing to the Youth OlympicsSarah Douglas ’12 was chosen to represent Canada
at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in August,
2010 in Singapore. Sarah, who recently won the 2009
Ontario Laser Radial Championship and was awarded
the Ontario Sailing 2009 Female Junior Sailor of the
Year, will be competing in the girls’ one person dinghy
class. Sarah was the top female sailor at the regional
qualification regatta in Grand Cayman.
Haiti relief The LCS community successfully raised approximately
$30,000 in support of the Haiti Relief Fund through
a variety of fundraising efforts/events since the
devastating earthquake. With the match of funds by
the Canadian Government, the school contributed
roughly $54,000 to UNICEF. In recognition of raising
the most funds by a school, Bilaal Rajan ’13, Youth
Ambassador for UNICEF Canada, shaved his head for
the cause!
Staging a mysteryThis spring, cast and crew worked together to develop
the spring play, Murdered to Death—a British murder
mystery farce. All three performances, with the final
one on Regatta Day, were well received with standing
ovations for the cast and crew. Director Paul Mason
was pleased with how the group of students, with a
wide range of talents and experiences, came together
so successfully, “I can’t tell you how proud I was of my
cast and crew,” said Mr. Mason. “They’re a lovely group
of young people.”
music triathlonThe weekend of April 16 to 18 will not easily be
forgotten by the 19 LCS musicians who participated
in the annual Conference of Independent Schools
Music Festival (CISMF) at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto.
Three days of rehearsals culminated with an exciting
performance on Sunday afternoon at the home of
the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Our musicians
participated with over 1,400 other student musicians
from 30-plus independent schools from across Canada.
Challenging HistoryMr. John Boyko, Dean of Social Sciences and history
teacher, has recently published his fourth book, a
biography about former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett:
Bennett: The Rebel who Challenged and Changed a
Nation.
Mr. Boyko’s other publications include: Into the
Hurricane: Attacking Socialism and the CCF (2006), Last
Steps to Freedom: The Evolution of Canadian Racism
(1998), and Politics: Conflict and Compromise (1990).
Duke of Edinburgh AwardsOn Monday, July 5, eight LCS alumni received their Gold
Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip at a cere-
mony that was held at the Royal York in Toronto.
(Opposite-Top) L-R: Champion Junior Boys’ Rugby Team; staff, students, and friends gathered to watch Youth Ambassador for UNICEF Canada Bilaal Rajan ’13, shave his head in celebration of funds raised by LCS. (Middle) Cast and crew of the spring play, murdered to Death (Bottom) L-R: Alumni, Bianca Bell ‘06, Erica Allingham ‘07, Alison Corner ‘07, Monica Farlow ‘08, Dominique Murray ‘08, Mackenzie Crawford ‘05, Melissa Zubrickas ‘08, and Andrew Sainsbury ‘02 at the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Ceremony.
to view these and other news stories visit our website at lcs.on.ca (search by date and/ or keyword)
School Highlights
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 13
there is No Life Without Water New ways of teaching senior biology at LCS
“Water is life’s mater and matrix,
mother and medium. There is
no life without water.” So wrote
Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Hungarian
biochemist and winner of the
Nobel Prize for Medicine. And
Mike Arsenault, teacher of
Advanced Placement Preparatory
Biology and AP Biology, would
concur. That’s why he has situated
water as the foundation for study
in both these classes.
Mike has always been a fan of
water as a teaching tool and for
him Lakefield’s waterfront campus
offers a fabulous opportunity for
learning. Flipping rocks to look at
crayfish, understanding the power
of water and weather by handling
waves in a canoe, observing
fish nesting in the spring: all of
these learning experiences are
available to the students Mike
encounters at the waterfront.
Teachable moments abound, and
spontaneous teaching happens
continually while students are
ostensibly learning to sail or
windsurf.
In fact, Lakefield’s waterfront
changes enough, even in the span
of four to six years, that many LCS
students learn firsthand of shifts
in the ecosystem just by observing
the waterfront during their time
at the school. Zebra mussels have
filtered what used to be cloudy
water, and that filtering in turn
has encouraged weed growth.
Witnessing this human impact
on an ecosystem offers students
the opportunity to experience
what is for Mike a primary goal
of education—to “understand
themselves in context”—to see
how the actions of their own
species affect others.
Although he has always been
interested in water, in September
2009 Mike returned from a
sabbatical energized and ready
to tackle his teaching of senior
biology in a new way. He had re-
surveyed the whole subject area
while on leave, and realized that
he wanted to be able to “paint
pictures” for his students, to
inspire them to deeper reflective
thought about the material they
were studying, rather than place
his focus on the factual elements of
the discipline. He also spent some
time investigating environmental
14 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
problems, and thinking about
biology’s connections to the
questions these problems posed.
When fall rolled around, he was
eager to meet the “spectacular kids”
that AP and AP preparatory courses
attract, and to help them move
from memorizing information to
grasping challenging concepts and
to seeing the real-life connections
of the material they were studying
to environmental issues.
To begin this task in the AP
preparatory course, Mike turned to
a familiar subject: water. “Water,”
he acknowledges, “is not really on
the existing curriculum of either
of these courses.” But, he explains,
the difficult concepts that are in
the curriculum are more readily
grasped by students when they
study water first. When students
understand how water—as the
main solvent of all life works—
they have a basis for approaching
complex biological processes such
as transpiration. Accordingly, the
first unit of AP Preparatory Biology
is aptly named “Water and the
Fitness of the Environment” and
students complete a hands-on lab
entitled “Water and Life.”
Understanding the nature of water
also allows students to comprehend
an environmental issue such as acid
rain. Mike sees acid rain not only
as a complex scientific process, but
also as a science story that needs
to be taught because it offers hope.
The acid rain saga demonstrates
for Mike’s students that they can
change the world using what they
study: in the case of acid rain,
environmental catastrophe has
been at least partially averted
through the application of scientific
knowledge. Mike believes that it
is important to offer students that
hope, to give them the intellectual
motivation to work for solutions.
Advanced Placement Biology,
taught to students in their Grade
12 year at LCS, continues the water
theme, exploring topics such as
homeostasis that demonstrate how
organisms adapt to various water-
based environments. Such study,
Mike notes, allows students to think
about how forms of life respond to
harsh environments, and eventually
adapt to their circumstances.
Thoughtful reflection on aquatic-
based organisms pushes students
toward seeing the world from a less
anthropocentric view: they break
away from thinking of water just
in terms of how humans respond
to it, and see the “entirely different
experience” of water for aquatic life
forms.
“If there is magic on this planet,
it is contained in water.” Loran
Eiseley, American anthropologist
and natural science writer made
this observation over sixty years
ago, and it still holds true in Mike
Arsenault’s classes. Mike allows
his students to see the magic in
water—and from that experience,
to see their own role in preserving
and conserving its miraculous
properties.
Dr. HEAtHEr AvErY
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 15
Lessons from the LakeIt is 7:00 am. the sun is barely over the horizon, teasing with the promise of warmth. the
water reflects the dark foliage enveloping us. the echo of a loon dances in the mist. the
chill has seeped beneath layers of sweaters nudging our sleepy bodies towards alertness.
We are hushed by the task of coordinating boats and bones. Yet, with the ripple of the first
canoe disrupting the calm lake water, a rousing energy begins to build. Hearts begin to
race, to pace with the slice of the paddle. the sunlight fans across the tree tops and we are
awakened to the sense of being: being with one another, being with the lake, being with
the earth. We are connected to the world through this sunrise paddle.
16 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
navy-trim and laser-sharp.” Indeed,
the waterfront did transform in
response to Canadian participation
in the Second World War: the
school introduced a cadet program.
In 1948, the land between the
school and Lake Katchewanooka
was purchased. The cadet program
was in full stride at the waterfront,
under the leadership of W.E. (Bill)
Rashleigh, and students would
conduct training exercises in the
school’s whaler, run sail-pasts
in cutters, and even construct a
simulated ship for the annual cadet
inspection. In 1963, Lieutenant
Michael Townsend ’51 took over
the Corps.
“The lakefront was an adjunct to
the school experience,” says Tony
Pullen ’63. “The cadet program
was as integral to the school as the
three big sports—football, hockey,
The shoreline of Lake
Katchewanooka is more than just
an appendage of Lakefield College
School. If the grove of maple trees
is the school’s heart, the lake is
its belly. For it is at the lake that
a student’s sense of curiosity,
exploration, and adventure is fed.
Students ingest the waterfront
experience at the beginning of
each school year during orientation
events, school-wide barbeques,
and campfires by the shore. And
symbolically, they drink in their
last graduating experience during
the annual grad jump after final
exams. A sunset at the waterfront
truly offers nourishment for the
mind, body, and soul.
There are few independent
schools in Canada that have the
good fortune to enjoy a nature-
filled campus environment away
from the distractions of city life.
Fewer still that rest lakeside
with a fully bustling waterfront
culture. Yet, throughout the 131
years of Lakefield College School
history, the waterfront has been
embraced as an extension of the
indoor classroom: a place where
independence, confidence, and
life skills have been fostered for
generations of students in a myriad
of ways.
In the school’s early days, the boys
of Lakefield Preparatory School,
as it was then known, made rafts,
competed in across-the-lake
swims, participated in regattas,
constructed elaborate water wheels
on the spring freshets, and played
shinny hockey out on the winter
ice. The May 24th holiday meant
canoeing on the lake, and the boys
enjoyed many annual boat rides
and regattas. John Morgan Gray ’23
wrote in Lakefield College School:
The First 100 Years of his school
days in the 1920s: “The great days
in the school year had little enough
to do with academic pursuits.
Spring and fall terms usually
included a ‘trip up the lakes,’ when
one of the little lake steamers—
the Islinda, the Manita, or the
Stoney Lake—would be loaded
with boys and their rented canoes
and their food, together with the
headmaster’s family and a few
friends, for a day’s outing.”
I. Norman Smith, who arrived at
The Grove in 1918 as a young boy,
observed years later that: “Our
clothes change, the buildings, fields
and facilities grow Topsy-like, and
the waterfront we shared happily
with turtles and mud has become
(Above) Naval Cadets, Lakefield College School 1951. (Opposite) Sunrise paddle, 2010.
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 17
and cricket—and Chapel. The
primary event of the year was the
Cadet Inspection weekend; it was
bigger than Closing.” For Tony, as
head student and a leader in the
Cadet band, the lake was part of
The Grove’s fabric. “The lake gave
us all the opportunity to learn skills
about sailing. Canoeing was a relic
of the past; there was no kayaking
and no concept yet of Outdoor
Education. We hardly left the
school property—beyond the two
islands seemed like the end of the
earth.” He continues to explain that
during the Vietnam War there was
a shift in ideology and the Cadet
Corp program eventually no longer
resonated with the students.
By the 1970s, the sailing program
had reached new heights under
the leadership of Coach Doug
James. The Independent School
Dinghy Regatta was founded and
teachers including Alex “Doc”
McCubbin, Ken Sunderland, and
Mike Arsenault all offered their
leadership on the water in both
sailing and wind surfing. “In Grade
8,” recalls Tam Matthews ’73,
“Olympic sailor Paul Henderson
visited the school and gave a talk
on sailing.” This experience greatly
influenced him and sparked a
life-long interest in water sports.
For Tam, and many other alumni
including Alan Redfern ’78,
Duncan Lewis ’79, Doug Nugent
’80, and Michael de la Roche ’73,
sailing was a passion and the
facilities at Lake Katchewanooka
supported them in their goals
to accelerate to provincial and
national levels—Michael sailed
with the Canadian Olympic
team in 1976 and Tam in 1980,
1984, and 1996. Tam returned
to Lakefield College School to
work in Admissions and to help
supervise an overwhelmingly
popular waterfront program,
which offered a “learn to sail” and
competitive program, in addition
to windsurfing, with coaching for
a variety of levels on JY15s and
Lasers.
“The school’s long association with
Toronto Brigantine, through the
Lorriman family, saw the launching
of another experimental program
in the mid-seventies. In 1974, a sail
training program was inaugurated
aboard the sailing training vessel
Pathfinder for twenty Grade 10
students. For many boys the
program afforded an extraordinary
introduction, not only to sailing
and teamwork, but also to self-
discovery and self-esteem. In 1978,
the school was able to charter a
second brigantine, T.S. Playfair, to
include all forty Grade 10 students,”
relayed Bryan Jones in The First
100 Years. The Brigantine program
continued at The Grove for over 30
years.
“The reawakening of interest in
nature and the environment which
swept North America in the sixties,
was what those at The Grove had
always known,” continued Bryan
Jones. With the introduction of
the Outdoor Education Program
developed by David Hodgetts and
David Thompson in the mid-1970s,
students in Grades 8 through 10
learned and developed camping,
canoeing, kayaking, and rock
climbing skills, which served
them well when the entire school
travelled to Algonquin Park for a
four-day camping adventure every
September. The graduating class
now continues the tradition of
September’s Algonquin Expedition,
but younger students continue to
learn at the waterfront in a variety
of ways.
Today’s waterfront includes
programming for sailing,
windsurfing, and kayaking;
Outdoor Education; academics
and school life. “Getting kids
to understand the power of
nature and to understand their
boundaries is an important goal
of the waterfront program,”
says Mike Arsenault. “Students
of different nationalities and
cultural backgrounds have the
unique opportunity to understand
themselves in the environment
by learning new vocabulary,
connecting them to the water, and
developing skills they didn’t think
(Above) LCS students of today connect with nature while learning boardsailing
18 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
they had.” The life sports program
continues to offer “learn to sail”
and skill improvement for more
competitive sailors, including Matt
Ryder ’08, Sarah Douglas ’12, and
2008 Olympian, Greg Douglas ’08.
In Outdoor Education, all students
learn how to navigate moving
water with basic canoeing strokes
in Grade 9, and advance to white
water in Grade 10. They have
the opportunity to canoe to
an overnight expedition at the
Northcote Campus, and learn the
skills required for the Irving and
Ondaatje Expeditions. In class,
they experience an ice rescue
simulation, participate in a crisis
management simulation by the
water, and even do a little canoe
ballet. The Ondaatje Challenge, a
“challenge by choice” spring event,
continues the tradition of across-
the-lake swims and a 3 km solo
paddle up Lake Katchewanooka.
In biology classes, teachers Gerry
Bird and Mike Arsenault (p.14) have
used the waterfront to demonstrate
taxonomy of fish and invertebrates
in the water, and the insects on
shore, as well as to discuss the
lake bottom. “It is a wonderfully
unique opportunity to don chest
waders and be immersed in your
learning environment,” says Gerry
Bird. Students examine the cell
structure and photosynthesis
of the Elodea plant found at the
waterfront and keep a keen eye out
for the Bald Eagle family, tracked
by Bird Studies Canada, that nests
on Third Island. “Where else could
you be just steps away from such
a wilderness experience?” asks
Gerry.
“It is important for students to do
something adventuresome,” says
retired teacher Doc McCubbin.
“The calming influence of being
lakeside is there for the students
every day. With supervision, skill
teaching, and empowerment,
students learn tactics, thinking on
their feet, and resiliency.” Garret
Hart, Head of Cooper House and
outdoor enthusiast agrees. “At
LCS, there is a holistic approach
to teaching the students not only
how to paddle a canoe, but what
is involved in building a canoe,
paddle, and even a wannigan
(a storage box). These tools are
practical and useful, but also
artistic and beautiful.”
“The reality is that the world has
shifted away from the natural,”
continues Garret. “Nature Deficit
Disorder,” a recently-coined term
by author Richard Louv, describes
that shift as a disconnection
with nature and environmental
concerns, which coincides with
a global increase of obesity,
connection to technology, and
psychological disorders. Yet at
LCS, students run down to the
waterfront after classes to play a
game of beach volleyball, enjoy
a boat ride or swim in the water,
gather for a barbeque and campfire,
and even to haul maple sap to
the sugar shack in early spring.
Many also participate in the Earth
(Below) LCS students enjoy the waterfront and a game of beach volleyball on Regatta Day
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 19
Day sunrise paddle, the Ondaatje
Challenge, and the annual Regatta
Day races.
Bryan Jones believed 30 years ago
that “All Lakefield headmasters
have had an abiding love of ships
and sailing, and they have shared
the belief that to educate the whole
boy means to expose him to new
experiences outside as well as inside
the classroom.” Through the 1920s
and 30s, eager school boys enjoyed
sailing trips on Dr. Alick Mackenzie’s
boats, Gilpie I and Gilpie II. G. Winder
Smith also shared his love of the
water with his students on the Happy
Return. Bryan also recalled when
Terry Guest came to The Grove as
headmaster: “Terry first arrived at
The Grove for an interview in a van
loaded with a canoe and trailing a
sailboat.” Tam Matthews ’73 spoke
about his father Jack Matthews,
headmaster from 1964-71, during
his memorial service in October
2007, and what inspired Jack as an
educator: “The beauty and wisdom of
his life is there in the trees, in nature,
and when you look out on water
from the Kawartha Lakes, linked
to Canada’s Great Lakes, and to the
oceans—water that touches most
people in the world.” In 2010, the
spirit of learning at the waterfront
is very much the same. “I firmly
believe that 50 percent of a student’s
LCS education comes from outside
the classroom,” says retired teacher
David Walsh. “From interactions
on the field, in residences, and at
the water, we offer education in life,
relationships, personal growth, and
unique experiences.”
LISA CLArKE
(Opposite) LCS Earth Day 2010
20 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
Anyone who has met CONNIE
brOWN in the guidance office
over the past 20 years knows
that she embodies the words of
Immanuel Kant: “We can judge the
heart of a man by his treatment of
animals.” In the same time span
as she has supported our students
in their academic and university
goals here at Lakefield College
School, she has made a significant
contribution to the lives of rescued
dogs across North America.
Before coming to LCS, Connie
worked at the Office of the Solicitor
General in Regina, SK. She then
moved to Peterborough to work
at Trent University. Her daughter
Cheryl, a nurse; wonderful
son-in-law Benny; and three
grandchildren currently live
in Bloomington, Indiana. Neil,
Connie’s son, is a personal trainer
at a health club in Toronto.
She began working in the
guidance office at Lakefield
College School in August 1989,
the first year of co-education.
Her administrative support to
the department includes creating
and co-ordinating transcripts,
administering mark notarization
for international students,
and much of the background
paperwork that follows students
throughout their LCS careers.
Beyond the school, Connie has
been a volunteer and evaluator
for a local therapy dog program,
visiting the residents of Applewood
Retirement Residence and local
hospitals for almost two decades.
She also offers rescued dogs foster
care for both the Canadian Hound
Rescue and the LOYAL Rescue.
Along with her two dogs, Jenny
and Ritchie, and her three cats,
she fosters mill dogs, abused, or
abandoned dogs, helping them
to learn basic skills including
toileting, eating, and socializing
with people and other pets, before
being adopted into new families.
In addition, as a Reiki master and
therapeutic touch practitioner,
Connie offers her limitless
compassion to the community,
including as a palliative volunteer
at Hospice Peterborough.
Connie shares her values of
compassion and community with
the students of LCS. Over the years,
she still admires their camaraderie
and companionship, and how
alumni keep and maintain close
friendships across continents
and oceans. “I think it’s great,”
she says, “when a former student
gets married and LCS friends
from around the world attend the
ceremony.”
It amazes her that in 20 years, the
graduating class has grown from
35 students to approximately 100,
yet the school facilities look and
feel more home-like than ever,
bringing the community closer
together. She has also witnessed
the evolution of students
developing strong social skills
and manners, and raising the bar
scholastically. With governmental
and university experience, Connie
sees the move to co-education, the
constant evolution of the campus
and academics, and the amazing
relationships this community
fosters as the key strengths of the
Lakefield College School of today.
LISA CLArKE
Our very Own Dog Whisperer Over 20 years at the Grove and Loving It!
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 21
22 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
During this year’s Closing Ceremonies, keynote speaker
Dan Needles ’69 said (p.8), “Rather than making plans,
we should be making decisions.” After 20 years at
Lakefield College School, and a 35 year teaching career,
David Walsh takes this statement very much to heart.
On Saturday, June 26, the morning after the last of his
teaching responsibilities were over for the school year,
David had some very big decisions to make about what
to do first during his retirement.
David grew up in Lindsay and studied French and
German at Trent University. After his third year of
university, he had the opportunity to teach English in
France and play in a semi-professional hockey league.
To the French, David was a hockey super-star. Upon
graduating from teacher’s college, David began working
in the independent school system—a big decision that
he and his family truly enjoyed.
David joined the LCS staff after three years at Trinity
College School and a 12-year residential and teaching
career at Appleby College. His wife Margaret and
children Megan ’00, Elise-Marie ’03, and Dan ’06 moved
onto campus, and in addition to teaching, David was a
Head of House for 10 years in Lower Colebrook House,
Lampman House, and Matthews House. He began
teaching French and introduced a German program that
continued for seven years. In 1992, he took over the Duke
of Edinburgh program from fellow teacher Arnie Boyle.
Over the years, LCS has produced more gold award
recipients per capita than any other school in Ontario.
During the Closing Ceremonies in June, David was
recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh program for his
extensive contributions.
Although LCS has undergone many physical
transformations during his tenure—the building of the
Desmarais Academic Wing, Duke of York Hall, the Bryan
Jones Theatre, the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel, Hadden
Hall, Cooper House, and the Bob Armstrong Rink—
for David, the values that the school was founded on
remain constant. “The emphasis on strong relationships
between staff and students is very different from other
places,” reflects David. “It defines this community:
every decision we make, how we deal with issues, and
what best reflects our values. And the most important
value is respect; it is the foundation for all the other
values we hold.”
After moving into the town of Lakefield, David became
involved with the Lakefield Trail committee to develop
and maintain the trail system in the village. In addition
to hiking the trail, he continues to play recreational
hockey every winter, cross country ski, and camp.
Although his travels have taken him across the world,
he is proud to acknowledge that he has explored his
own country—visiting every province, and the Yukon
Territory, in Canada. Always ready for an adventure,
David, along with Marg, also leapt into the sport of
ballroom dancing eight years ago. Together, they have
helped instruct ballroom and swing dancing to staff and
students, and have been featured in the annual Dance
Showcase.
After planning every day of his life for the past 35 years,
David is ready to make decisions about life beyond
academics. “I would like to force myself to grow in new
ways.” One of his first decisive moves will be to “think
pink” and support Marg’s training for her Dragon
Boat team. Although David’s legacy will be as a true
gentleman and scholar inside the classroom, it will be
his quick wit and fast feet that will be missed the most
beyond the classroom.
LISA CLArKE
(Opposite) L-R: Elise-Marie ’03, Dan ’06, Marg, and David Walsh on Closing Day
David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar
“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you
can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is
certain for those who are friends.” ~richard bach
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 23
Each year, Lakefield College School provides more than $1.7 million dollars in bursaries to
deserving students. This financial assistance is funded by income generated by the school’s
endowment and by gifts to the annual fund. The gift of a LCS education has made a dramatic
difference to the lives of thousands of young people who have received bursaries to attend The
Grove. A recent study of the engagement of bursary recipients at the school has demonstrated that
students who receive financial assistance also make a significant contribution to the school in
return for the support they have received.
In order to understand the value of financial assistance to the school as a whole, LCS has
undertaken a quantitative analysis of the academic performance and co-curricular involvement
of bursary recipients. We were interested in learning whether the investment the school makes in
financial assistance has a genuinely positive impact on the academic and co-curricular culture of
the school. Our analysis of data from the 2008/09 school year was very encouraging.
We compared the June 2009 academic results of students who received financial assistance with
the June 2009 academic results of students who did not receive assistance. Bursary recipients,
on average, earned academic grades several points higher than the rest of the student body. We
also compared the co-curricular involvement of students who did and did not receive financial
assistance. The scale awarded points for playing on a school team, being a member of a school
musical ensemble, doing community service, etc. On this measure as well, we found that, on
average, students who received financial assistance were more involved in co-curricular activities
than their classmates who did not receive assistance.
It is very important to emphasize that the data reported in the previous paragraph refers to
averages. Many students who do not receive financial assistance earn very high academic averages
and make extremely strong contributions to the co-curricular program. Students who receive
financial assistance must maintain a minimum level of standing to maintain their bursary, so
the average academic performance of this group is bound to be high. Nonetheless, the analysis
makes it clear that, during the 2008/09 school year, the students who received financial assistance
raised the overall levels of academic performance and co-curricular involvement in the school
community. As a “rising tide lifts all boats,” the entire student body surely benefited from the
enriched academic and co-curricular environment that existed at the school as a result of the
enrolment of students who could not otherwise afford to attend Lakefield College School.
Young people are powerfully influenced by the competencies, attitudes, and behaviour of their
peer group. Although there is much further research to be done (we are now commencing an
analysis of data from the 2009/10 school year), the school’s initial study of the impact of financial
assistance suggests strongly that bursaries at The Grove benefit not only those who receive them,
but they also benefit students whose families are able to fund the full price of their child’s LCS
education. Financial assistance at Lakefield College School makes the school a better place for
students to learn and to grow—whether or not they receive financial assistance.
the value of Financial Assistance
24 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
From The Archivesthis is a photo from our archives from 1971 without a caption.
Do you recognise this group? Can you help us fill in the missing
names? please contact richard Johnston at [email protected]
A student like Kyle Fairlie ’03 does not come along often in a teachers’ career. His fun, witty, and energetic
personality made him a memorable character in my OAC English class and made each discussion about Into the
Wild, Hamlet, or other texts interesting and provocative. Kyle’s quirky and unique interpretation of a creative
writing assignment for our Shakespeare unit created a piece entitled Hamlet–Rap Superstar, a rap he composed
that perfectly encapsulated Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It was this talent that would land him a spot in the group
Down With Webster whose single Your Man is currently in the top 30 on the Canadian radio charts and recently hit
#1 on MuchMusic’s Video Countdown.
Kyle spent only one year at Lakefield College School but in that brief time he made fast friends, lived in Matthews
House and skateboarded around campus. He recalls his time here by saying that his favourite memories were
“the teachers and staff, the students and, believe it or not, the education! I was never a fan of going to school until I
decided to attend LCS and although my current career isn’t of a traditional academic nature I know my time spent
at LCS will be useful throughout the rest of my life.”
Down With Kyle Fairlie ‘03
(Below) Kyle Fairlie, far right, with fellow Down With Webster members. Courtesy of DWW Entertainment Inc/Universal Music Canada
28 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
Like many students, Kyle’s decision to attend private
school was his own and his choice involved looking at a
variety of different schools to see what they had to offer.
Kyle says that he “looked at tons of schools, LCS seemed
for me to be the best fit. With all of the athletic programs
and outdoor activities, I was sold.”
Prior to coming to LCS, during his time here, and after,
Kyle built a successful voice and acting career, including
parts in films: One Week (2008), The Little Bear Movie
(2001), A Holiday to Remember (1995), Look Who’s Talking
Now (1993) and in the television: the Franklin series, Rolie
Polie Ollie, Amazon, The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog
and many more.
Down With Webster is a seven-member group that was
formed for a junior high school talent show (which they
won) and have since gone on to create more than 200
songs and play hundreds of concerts around North
America. Kyle joined the group in what many would call a
chance meeting. Kyle explains “I met a couple of the guys
skateboarding. They told me they had a band and asked if
I wanted to come by their studio. I went down to check it
out, listened to some of their tracks and then I was asked
if I had any musical talents. I wrote a verse for a song and
they later debuted it at the Beaches Jazz Fest where I was
called up as a feature. I continued hanging around with
the guys and we quickly became friends, I suppose the
rest is history as they say!”
Down With Webster’s first album Time to Win vol. I
was released by Universal Motown in October 2009.
Their second album Time to Win vol. II is scheduled
to be released later this year. Unlike many of today’s
performers, Down With Webster writes, produces and
performs all of their music and has gained international
acclaim from many including Timbaland and Gene
Simmons (KISS). When asked what sets Down With
Webster apart from other groups, Kyle says, “I think the
fact that there are so many of us really helps. We all
have varying musical preferences and a lot of different
influences which help us to create a unique sound. We
have always had a hard time describing exactly what our
musical style is and it seems to be ever-evolving.”
The group’s unique composition of musically talented
individuals allows for a variety of roles within the group.
Kyle explains that his “official title is Hypeman although
I wear a few different hats, I sing and rap but most of all I
run around and have fun!”
When asked where his stage name “KapOneOh” comes
from, Kyle explains that is derives from his nickname
Captain, “which, at the time it was decided, the spelling
would be “KAP-10”. I later made the change to “Oneoh” for
the “10” and there you have it”
Down With Webster is halfway through a year in which
they have performed over 100 concerts across North
American, including performances with Timbaland,
Ludacris, Cobra Starship, and many headlining shows.
When asked, Kyle says “Although I like being up-close and
personal with the fans at our shows, the highlight for me
on this tour was opening for the Black Eyed Peas. We had
a great day doing radio performances and interviews and
followed it up with a show for a massive crowd, on a huge
stage. So much fun!”
Follow Kyle and Down With Webster:
www. downwithwebster.com
KErrIE HANSLEr
Alright, yo,
Ok, so there is a dude named Hamlet I say,
And he was walking through his castle one day.
He saw his mom’s kissing some dude,
He quietly said to himself that’s kind of rude.
the dude did turn, and what Hamlet saw was a burn
He did see his uncle’s face looking at him in dismay,
Claudius then blurted, “You got a new father today!”
Hamlet was not really mad,
Even though he just got had,
but he just bottled it up,
He put his anger in a cup
Hamlet-Rap Superstar (2002), Kyle Fairlie ’03
Grove News Spring/Summer 2009 | 29Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 29
It’s 7:30 on a Sunday morning, and Gandhi Pinder has only been in bed
for a couple of hours. Life is very busy for this vibrant and dynamic young
woman—the afternoon voice of GEMS 105.9 FM in the Bahamas. But Gandhi’s
grogginess swiftly dissipates, and it’s soon very clear why she is in radio: she
speaks with wonderful fluency, her voice at once warm and animated.
I ask her what she’s done since graduating from The Grove in 2002. “I went to
Western University for two years,” she replies, “and did some modelling and
some theatre. I also did some travelling, most recently in the Philippines. I
witnessed Obama’s inauguration in living colour! I completed a media touch
course in Winnipeg in 2008, and I’ve been volunteering at a local children’s
home for about five years now—first the Nazareth Centre, and now the
Ranfurly Homes for Children. Oh, and I did some relief work in Haiti, too,
right after the earthquake.
“I’ve been in broadcasting for almost four years. At present I am a radio
announcer (and part time news reporter). I have my own show, “The
Afternoon Drive,” on which I play an eclectic mix of music and talk about
important topics … most weekends I’m booked for a broadcast on a Saturday,
either to cover an event or promote a product or business.
“I get to do a lot of exciting interviews—heightening people’s awareness of
various causes, and telling them how to become involved in making the
world better. I’ve also had a number of speaking engagements at schools
and especially at graduations. I host concerts, I hosted Miss Teen Bahamas
World, I’ve travelled abroad to cover events. I’ve hosted lectures, twice at Fisk
University in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve covered the Turks & Caicos Music
Festival. I’ve interviewed people like Ricky Smiley, Anita Baker, Candy Staton,
Jerry Butler, Muggsy Bogues, and Tyler Perry. It’s pretty exciting!”
What, I wonder, is she most proud of having accomplished?
“Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’
It’s a message I’ve internalized and something I try to live. Everyone is
searching for their purpose, and I am humbled and grateful to be operating
in mine. Connecting with my purpose! I believe that would be my greatest
accomplishment to date.
“I’m glad I’ve been on the airwaves for the last four years. I’ve found my niche.
What makes me really proud is having the opportunity to not only touch
people individually, but to reach large numbers of people and be in a position
to help liberate them from whatever it is that’s holding them back, to help
them realize their full potential and pursue it with the ‘clarity of passion’ so
they can ‘be that change.’ Being an on-air personality has opened so many
Gandhi pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all
doors for me—to speak in very public and in
very intimate settings.”
“Doing a broadcast for a local children’s
home a few years ago opened the door
for me to become more involved there.
Now I’m on the Board of Directors at the
Ranfurly Homes for Children (an institution
that houses children who are orphaned,
or who have been neglected or abandoned
or removed from their home). And a few
other ladies and I have started a mentorship
program there for young girls—SYSTAS. I’m
really passionate about that and dedicated
to seeing them become the best they can
be: … When I meet someone and they say,
‘… something you said two years ago helped
me to leave an abusive relationship’—or,
‘listening to you has changed my life’ …
or when someone calls me in the GEMS
studio to pour out their life story or share a
struggle and breaks down in tears and I say
30 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
“Very soon I will be returning to school to finish my degree—that’s a must for
me. And in the near future I have plans to start my own television show and to
have a syndicated radio program. I believe that the possibilities are endless,
as long as I stay in God’s will for my life.
“At the end of the day I want to impact my generation, and build a better
Bahamas and a better world by ‘being the change I’d like to see.’”
I close by asking what Gandhi learned from her years at Lakefield College
School, and I swiftly realise that I could have spent the whole interview on that
subject alone.
“Going to Chapel every morning and having to be on time: discipline and the
importance of community,” says Gandhi laughing. “Going from having my
own room to living in a dorm with 12 other females was also very interesting.
Learning to deal with different personalities and being able to get along at the
end of the day was sometimes a challenge, but we made it work. May I send a
shout-out to my first roomies ever—Jenna Shelley ’02 and Kathryn Ast ’02 and
the Memorial House girls. And also to my roomie in my second year, Pamela
Ho ’02 from Hong Kong, who taught me some Cantonese!” She laughs again.
“Meeting people from all around the world was wonderful … Having in-
depth conversations with my fellow students exposed me to new cultures and
thought patterns. I’d never been to many of those countries, but I feel like I’ve
just about travelled the entire world.
“I had the choice of going to a boarding school in Florida or Canada. My
brother chose Florida. I had never been to Canada before, but I wanted to
experience a different culture and I’d only been in snow once before then. It
was a bit of a culture shock for me, especially being at that time one of only
three black students at LCS. I learned up close the beauty of diversity and
that even though we are different in so many ways, our desire for friendship,
happiness, and love unites us all.”
I end our conversation with reluctance, sorry to have to detach myself from
such a dynamic personality. But I doubt that Gandhi’s mellifluous and
sympathetic voice will be heard only in the Bahamas for very much longer.
Look out, Oprah! I think to myself, as I move from telephone to keyboard.
Note: You can watch and listen to Gandhi live from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on
www.gemsbahamas.com.
pAUL NICHOLAS mASON
the right thing or I’m just there to listen ...
When I see a smile on a child’s face because
she is confident, maybe for the first time,
that she won’t be left alone … that’s purpose
in motion! I thank God for the opportunity!”
What, I ask, would Gandhi like to achieve in
the future?
“I’m in the process of writing a book, and
I hope to write many more books that will
inspire people all around the world … I’m
thinking about going into full-time ministry,
which would mean I wouldn’t be on the
radio as much—though I still hope to keep
my inspirational hour going. I’m going to
make more time to do the things I’m truly
passionate about and make myself more
available to help develop and serve in the
various ministries at my church, New Life
Fellowship, and work a lot closer with more
charities and causes I believe in and support.
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 31
32 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
the 1950sRod Baker ’58 is proud to say that
his business Baker Cleaners Inc.
is celebrating its 23rd anniversary
(BakerCleaners.com). Rod and his
wife Anne enjoy life in Cobourg
and spending time with their six
grandchildren from 2 years to 21
years old.
Peter Elkerton ’58 and his wife
Helen celebrated their 45th
wedding anniversary this summer.
They have three great kids and
five beautiful grandchildren. After
a career in the finance industry,
Peter tried his hand at hemp
farming and, “found out pretty
quickly why most small farmers
have jobs off the farm so that they
can keep the farm alive. I now
work part-time at Home Depot
so that I can buy all the goodies,
toys, and tools needed to complete
the restoration of the pioneer log
house we live in that was part of
the original farmstead.”
Don “Frenchie” Hosking ’59
enjoyed his career as a driller or
consultant for over 60 years in
38 countries. He slowed down
recently for a knee replacement
and a quadruple open heart
surgery (2009), but he reports he
is feeling great and living in New
Liskeard, Ontario.
the 1960s
Rod Innes ’60 is “mostly retired
and living in Thornbury, ON
with his wife Cathy and their two
cats.” He spends his spare time
volunteering at his local public
school and for the race crew at
Georgian Peaks. He is learning
to read music while singing in a
Collingwood community choir. He
and his wife are still keen sailors
and have two grown sons living in
Hamilton ([email protected]).
Gerry McCready ’60 spent most of
his career teaching at St. Lawrence
and Algonquin Colleges and
Concordia University. He and his
wife Charlotte live in Kingston,
Ontario and have two daughters
and five grandchildren. He was
diagnosed with MS early in his
teaching career, but suffers no
overt symptoms, and so has been
able to continue teaching, writing,
and participating in a variety of
sports. Contact him at
Ratch Wallace ’62 has retired from
BC Ferries and is working on film
production in Toronto for the next
year.
(Opposite) Throughout the year, alumni get together at LCS Pub Nights to catch-up and share memories. (Top) L-R: Enjoying the Kingston Pub Night held in February: Kyla Murphy ’09, Hayley Findlay ’08, Greg Douglas ’08, Emily Farncomb ’08. (Bottom) L-R: Rob Blanchette ’02, Andrew Wells ’02, Kathy Makowchik, Duncan McRae ’03, Kevin Mako ’03, Janice Greenshields ’03 at the Peterborough Pub Night in December.
Class News
(Above) We were pleased to welcome George “paddy” Hall ‘69 this summer to the
Grove for the first time in over 45 years! paddy works as a trapper around Lindsay,
Ontario. He shared, “while I was at Lakefield my love of the outdoors was further
encouraged by the masters I had. From big ben Whitney to Chris Gordon and a few
others, they put up with my love for the outdoors!”
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 33
the 1970sFrom Johnny Wales ’72: “Any
Grove people who are flying Japan
Airlines this year (assuming JAL is
flying that is) might take a look at
their in-flight magazine, Skyward,
because I am doing this year’s
cover illustrations beginning April.
Each month will be a painting of a
different area of Japan.”
Lou Gindl ’78 lives on the West
Coast near Vancouver with his wife
Michele. He still volunteers for ski
patrol on Grouse Mountain when he
is not running his company, West
Coast Safety. Any Grove alumni in
BC who wish to contact him can
email [email protected].
the 1980sDavid U.K. ’81 is the Founder,
Managing Director and Executive
Producer of Digital Percent and
Digital BranZ. Digital Percent is a
Digital Entertainment Company
that develops, produces, and
syndicates Digital Branded
Entertainment/Video Content
for agencies and clients. Digital
BranZ, wholly owned by Digital
Percent, sells online advertising and
partnerships to major advertising
agencies and Fortune 100 brands in
Canada on behalf of established and
high profile U.S. and International
Broadcaster and Publisher Web
Properties.
the 1990sJake Dudas ’90 was married to Sue
Morley on Saturday, August 29,
2009 in the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel.
A small reception followed at his
father’s home on nearby Clear Lake.
Guests included LCS alumni Nik
Rishor ’89 and David Rishor ’89.
Kevin Fung ’90 is an assistant
professor in the Department of
Otolaryngology at the University
of Western Ontario. He is in his
sixth year of practice in London;
previously, he spent two years at
the University of Michigan training
in head and neck reconstructive
microsurgery and laryngology.
He is also the Director of
Undergraduate Medical Education
in his department, Deputy Chair
of the Clinical Clerkship at the
Schulich School of Medicine and
Dentistry, and cross-appointed to
(Left) Stuart thompson ‘91, Kathryn
meehan ‘91, and Sarah mason ‘91
reconnected recently at the back to
the Future event in toronto. they
send a shout out to their classmates
and look forward to reconnecting
with you at your 10 year reunion
(September 24, 2011). mark it on
your calendars!
Jake Dudas ’90 and Sue Morley
34 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
the Department of Oncology and
Don Wright Faculty of Music. He
lives in Arva (north of London) with
his wife Samantha and their two
daughters, Katelyn (5) and Alexa
(2). In their “spare time,” Samantha
and Kevin climbed Mount
Kilimanjaro in 2007.
Nicole Florian ’91 and Seth Adler
had another baby girl! Haven is a
very loving affectionate big sister to
Beau Ahyoka Adler born on January
18th, 2010 just shy of 11lbs! She
is pictured in her Tsitah Threads
(www.tsitah.com)monsoon winter
baby blanket.
Scott Current ’93 and Deborah
Ciuffreda were married on March
22, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The couple resides in West Palm
Beach, Florida.
Kelly Dimitroff ’93 is thrilled to
announce the birth of her twin
boys, Jack and Ben Maiese, on
February 23, 2010. She and her
husband Nick are very excited and
adjusting to their new life.
Cross Country Canada announced
that Davin MacIntosh ’95 was
hired as Executive Director of the
national governing body for the
sport—a key role in ensuring the
continued growth of Canada’s
cross country skiing sport system
well beyond the 2010 Olympic and
Paralympic Winter Games.
Jason and Nicole (Bendaly) Groves
’93 are thrilled to announce the
birth of their son, Jackson, on
February 21, 2010—one week early!
Jackson weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz and
was 22 inches long. His uncle has
visions of a Stanley Cup in Jackson’s
future!
Erica Chellew ’95 and Derek
Doucet welcomed Nigel Baker on
December 22, 2009. She writes,
“Derek and I are thrilled that he is
healthy and pretty happy, and eats
Jack and Ben (Dimitroff) Maiese
Beau Ahyoka (Florian) Adler
Scott Current ’93 and Deborah Ciuffreda
Jackson (Bendaly) Groves Erica Chellew, Derek Doucet, and Nigel
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 35
Mark and Jenny (McRae) Cooper
’99 gave birth to a little girl,
Taylor Helen Cooper on May 13,
2010 in Toronto. Taylor is the first
grandchild for Val and John McRae
’70 who are thrilled, and she is the
niece of Cameron ’01, Duncan ’03,
and Gilly McRae ’06.
the 2000sKatie Hadden ’00 married Jeff
Sands on the grounds of the Sands’
family home in Battersea, north of
Kingston on Saturday, July 10, 2010.
The reception was held afterwards
at the Radisson Hotel, Kingston
Waterfront.
Stella Carlyle Tennant, the new
daughter of Carolyne Mondoux ’00
and Dave Tennant ’99, was born
in Ottawa on December 24, 2009 at
10:07 p.m. Big sister Makenzi loves
the new addition to the family and
enjoys helping with diapers and
baths.
Megan Walsh ’00 was married to
Corin Lohmann on March 20,2010
in Fernie, BC. They were joined
by fellow LCS friends and family:
Katie Hadden ‘00 and Jeff Sands Wedding. (Back Row) L-R: David Hadden, Susan Hazell, Jon Hazell ‘00, Mark Sunderland ‘00, Megan Walsh-Lohmann ’00, Kate Anthony ‘00, Gerry Bird, Sandra Bird. (Middle Row) Susan Hadden, Jessica Arsenault ‘00, Heather Hadden ‘97, Sara Simpson ‘00, Janie Smith. (Front Row), the Bride and Groom.
like he’ll never get another meal
(what more could we really want?).”
Daisy Moores ’96 and Adam Smith
are proud to announce the birth
of Peter and Leo Smith-Moores
on November 2, 2009. Both boys
are doing great, and are happy,
healthy, charming little guys. The
family lives in Hull, QC, where
Daisy is finishing up her residency
in Family Medicine and Adam is a
post-doctoral student at Carleton
University.
Artist Jess Perlitz ’96 recently had
two successful art exhibitions in
NY at The Cue Arts Foundation on
West 25th and David Krut Projects
on West 26th.
Congratulations to Jess Fitchette
’97 and Garret Hart, Head of
Cooper House, on the birth of their
beautiful baby girl Isla Helen Hart
born on Thursday, March 11, 2010.
Carolyne Mondoux with Stella Tennant Jess Fitchette and baby Isla
Peter, Leo and Daisy Moores
Taylor Helen and Jen (McRae) Cooper
36 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
David and Marg Walsh, Elise-Marie
Walsh ’03, Dan Walsh ’06, Kate
Anthony ’00, Paula (Crawford)
Mbonda ’99, AJ Sainsbury ’99, Mark
Ambler ’00, Mark Sunderland ’00,
and Sean Harris.
Allie Caldwell ’03 submitted the
winning entry for her documentary,
Unheralded, in the National Film
Board (NFB)-TVO 2009 Calling Card
Program. Allie and fellow team
member Aaron Hancox received
a cash prize and mentorship from
members of the film community
to take their documentary from
concept to television premiere.
Lianne Schumacher ’05 and Leslie
Schumacher ’06 were honoured
as top athletes by Trent University.
Leslie received a University Athletic
Award and Coach’s Award for her
contribution to the volleyball team
and Lianne was acknowledged for
her outstanding commitment and
dedication to the women’s rugby
program with a MVP Award and
OUA (Ontario University Athletics)
All Star distinction.
Jess Foran ’03 was married to Dan
Roud on August 22, 2009 in Picton,
Ontario. After completing a teaching
placement in Outdoor Education at
LCS in March. Jess joined the staff
at Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby
where she is teaching and in a resi-
dential position as a Head of House.
You never know who you will bump
in to while visiting The Grove! Hatim
Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08,
and Rakesh Rajdev ’08 happened to
reconnect at The Grove while they
were visiting for the day!
Staff News
Social Sciences teacher and Head
of Memorial House Kerrie Hansler
and her husband Martin Carbajal
welcomed their beautiful boys,
Nicolas Santiago Carbajal Hansler
and Noah Martin Carbajal Hansler
on Sunday, March 28, 2010.
Another LCS baby! Science
teacher Vicki Boomgaardt and her
husband Matt Dunkin announced
the arrival of Molly Boomgaardt
Dunkin on Wednesday, April 28,
2010. According to his parents,
Big Brother Griff was convinced
that Molly would be either a girl, a
boy, or a policeman. So they had to
deputize her as soon as she arrived.
Nicolas and Noah Hansler Molly Boomgaardt Dunkin
Hatim Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08, and Rakesh Rajdev ’08
(Above) Megan Walsh ’00 and Corin Lohmann
(Above) Jess Foran ’03 and Dan Roud
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 37
William Buckham ’76 on February 3,
2010 in Cavan, Ontario.
David Gunn ’41 on march 29, 2010 in
London, Ontario. Father of Andrew
Gunn ’73 and John Gunn ’76; brother
of John Gunn ’32 (predeceased), Stuart
Gunn ’34 (predeceased).
Andrew Hull ’82 on may 8, 2010 in
London, England. brother of Geoffrey
Hull ’79.
Stephen Paul Hunter ’56 on march 10,
2009 in tweed, Ontario. Father of Paul
Hunter ’91.
Charles E. Regan ‘55 in march, 2009 in
victoria, bC.
Michael Townsend ’51 on may 26,
2010 at his cottage on Stoney Lake
(p.40).
In Our memories
Rick Hepburn, who passed away in his 93rd year in Oakville, Ontario, will be missed by The Grove community. He
leaves a strong legacy at Lakefield College School.
Rick left his home in Picton, Ontario at the age of 8 and entered LCS in 1924. The school’s 60 boys all lived in
what is now Grove House. Dr. Mackenzie was the Headmaster. Rick’s favourite memories of the school included
playing hockey with mates Tim Dunn ’35, John “Bubs” Macrae ’33, and Ian “Snoop” McLean ’35. Their friendships
continued for over 80 years. Cricket and building huts in the woods also took an important amount of time.
At the age of 16, he and his Grove classmates accompanied Windy Smith to Europe in the summer of 1932 to
broaden their education.
After 10 glorious years at LCS, Rick moved to University of Toronto Schools, and then headed off to Queen’s
University to study engineering. Upon graduation from Queen’s, Rick joined the Royal Canadian Navy and fought in
the North Atlantic during World War II.
The Hepburn tradition continued with Rick’s sons, John Hepburn ’68 and Rob Hepburn ’71 both of whom were
keen hockey players at the school. Two grandsons, Thomas Hepburn ’01 and Rick Hepburn ’03 loved playing
hockey for LCS as well.
Rick served on the board of trustees of the school for many years and helped to champion the transition to co-
education with his friend Tim Dunn. The phone calls from his old buddies were evenly divided on the subject, but
Rick, ever patient, remained calm. He was a man ahead of his time.
The Hepburn Family continues to support Lakefield College School. The B. Rickart Hepburn Bursary and Bob
Armstrong Bursary are major beneficiaries of this support on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Hepburn classroom
and the Bob Armstrong Rink received significant backing from Rick and the Hepburn Family.
Rick will be missed by the entire Grove community and his family. The twinkle in his eye, his quiet determination,
and generosity to the school will be remembered by all.
JOHN HEpbUrN ’68
(Below) L-R: John Hepburn ’68, Helen Hepburn, Rick Hepburn ’35, Janet Hepburn Burt, Rob Hepburn ’71
A man Ahead of His time rickart Hepburn ’35 (1916-2009)
Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 39
He believed in Learning by Doing michael townsend ’51 (1934-2010)
Michael Townsend’s daybook of commitments would
have daunted many a CEO. Even as his vision began
to abandon him completely, Michael was a regular
supporter of community and Grove events. The village
and the school were his axis, as student, teacher, and
community volunteer.
Michael’s independent, upright figure was a familiar
sight as he strode down Queen St. from his home across
from the school, not always keeping to the sidewalk.
With his trusty knapsack, he managed his errands easily
despite the white cane that signaled the hereditary
loss of vision. He might be heading off to post a letter
to the editor, get groceries for his annual Rashleigh
boys’ dinner, or to attend a historical society meeting
or the Literary Festival. Regardless of the season or the
weather, he would decline offers of a lift, insisting that
walking helped maintain his health.
Michael always managed independent transport. As a day boy living in Young’s Point, he either
peddled his bike or paddled down Lake Katchewanooka to get to school. At 70, he would still
gleefully report launching his canoe over precarious ice to the open water, eager to be the first LCS
paddler of the season.
The waterfront was an integral part of Michael’s life at Lakefield College School. After joining the
Sea Cadets at The Grove, he went on to Royal Roads, then a naval training academy. He first joined
the staff at LCS in 1956, then completed a degree at Queen’s and returned as a master in 1958. On
the waterfront, he was “Lieutenant C.M. Townsend” and became Commanding Officer of the Cadet
Corps. The R.C.S.C.C. St. George was disbanded in 1970, but the sailing program Michael helped
build up continues to flourish. In 1967, Canada’s centennial, six boys under Michael’s watch sailed to
Expo in Montreal in a 32-foot cutter.
Michael believed in “learning by doing.” Several years ago he was asked to tutor a student struggling
in a subject he hadn’t taught and didn’t know. Michael invited his pupil to teach him everything
the young man had learned each week, using the text book as a guide. That young man passed that
course with honours. A former board chair remembers Michael’s hands-on approach involving the
scraping of sailboat hulls, and acknowledges he too learned to do that very well!
Michael died suddenly at his island cottage on Stoney Lake on May 26th, 2010. He would have
thought that a very suitable place to take his leave.
KAtE AND ALEX rAmSAY ’53
40 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010
Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2010
Fifth row (back):
(L-r) Andrew ross
Keenan murray
David Hintelmann
Andrew Dupuis
Harry Lee
Jasper Zimmermann
Connor Sullivan
Jamie macklem
Ned burgess
marshall Slipp
brian bunting
phillip Iatridis
Carl Anton Waldeck
Andrew Greenbaum
Campbell bryk
Hillie Allen
taylor mackenzie
matt Chi
Will Lawler
Kyle bennett-Walcott
Alex Ko
Jason Weaver
Dex Campbell
Kevin Healy
Fourth row: (L-r) Leonie van Haeren
Kathleen Logie
Carley macEwen
Kaho Han
Jack Cole
James Deberardine
michael Aben
mathias Dutil
tobias Lengerke
tayub bilwani
philipp Ortmann
Guillermo Costello Oliva
Hamish martin
paulo Engelke
Jamie Cooper
Dianne Li
Lindsay bibbings
Arabella becker
marissa vazquez
Dana madill
Gabrielle Cormier
third row: (L-r) Frances Wang
Emily Keating
Emma Walshe
Ann Lin
victoria Seale
Gabrielle Cholette
Ashley patel
Stephanie Worsfold
Kirsten Neuendorff
Cameron boland
marina Wang
taylor Joo
bea Chan
Laura burns
Christiane Dash
Ashley millward
Kaitlyn Gillis
Katie Jones
Jocelyn Stevens
Katie rice
maki Ishida
Jane Hickey
priya maini
Second row:(L-r) michelle Sung
pauli volz
Sara Fitzsimmons
robin prest
Leanne Scott
melisa Icgoren
Arianne Grimaldi
Haley Kemp
Claire Foster
Kelsey Slobodian
theresa Hogan
Alina Jebens
Kate Carroll
Fiona Cameron
Kate Seo
monica mann
Christine Davidson
Julie trott
First row (Front):
(L-r) John Liu
ryan Kinslow
David Evelyn
riley Garneys
Felipe Castello
Luke macDonald
Earl Sheppard
terry Jeon
robbie Dickinson
Derek Shin
AbSENt: Laura Elcock, Andrew Caruso, and matthew macKenzie
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The Grove News is published twice a year by the Advancement Office. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact Tracey Blodgett at 705.652.3324 or [email protected], or visit our website at www.lcs.on.ca
Lakefield College School, 4391 County road 29, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada K0L 2H0