Hands-On Learning Stories of Experiential Education

WINTER 2015/16 • ST. MICHAELS UNIVERSITY SCHOOL School Hands-On Learning Stories of experiential education

Higher Learning and LIFE Caitlin Farquharson ’10 reflects on the experiential pilot program

Plugged In Dr. Curran Crawford ’96 on renewable energy and cutting-edge engineering

2015 Distinguished Alumnus The Honourable Michael Code ’67 discusses real-world problem solving

How many different articles can you spot in this display created by archivist Brenda Waksel? CONTENTS

7 Indelible Lessons Bob Snowden on the incredible benefits of experiential learning.

8 School News Visual updates from Higher Learning and LIFE our bustling campus. School Ties takes a close look at the new cutting edge experiential program for all Grade 10 students ...... P . 18

16 To Learn, To Lead, To Serve A story of one of the seminal events in school history from Ian Mugridge’s newly published history of the school.

31 The Hyde-Lay/ Ibell Scholarship A remarkable gift pays tribute to a remarkable mentor.

42 Alumni Updates Alumni news from around the world.

Alumni Weekend 2016 Field Guide Your guide to experiencing the best of our largest alumni event ...... P . 26 4 CREDITS School Ties is distributed to more than 5,000 members of the St. Michaels University School community, including current families, friends, and current and past staff and students. The goal of the publication is to communicate current activities and initiatives and provide articles and reports on the alumni community. If you have any comments or suggestions regarding this publication, please email [email protected]

Published by the Advancement Office St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Road Victoria, British Columbia Canada V8P 4P5 Telephone: 250-592-2411 Admissions: 1-800-661-5199 Email: [email protected]

School Ties magazine and archive In Conversation copies can be found at smus.ca/alumni/school_ties From his inspiration to his toughest challenge, Dr . Curran Crawford ’96 talks with If you are interested in attending Head Boy Jasper Johnston ’16 about the future of transportation ...... P . 24 alumni events, visit the online Calendar of Events at smus.ca/alumni

Editorial Team: Laura Authier, Gillian Donald ’85, Peter Gardiner, Kyle Slavin, Kelly Sodtka

Managing Editor: Darin Steinkey

Art Directors: Sandy Reber and Jordan Clarke

Contributors: Laura Authier, Jennifer Bateman, Nicole Edgar ’10, Sarah Hudson ’00, Ian Hyde-Lay, Jasper Johnston ’16, Kyle Slavin, Bob Snowden, Darin Steinkey, Brenda Waksel, Rob Wilson, and SMUS community members. We apologize for any omissions.

Photos: Keith Allison, Gordon Chan, Brady Doland, Kent Leahy-Trill, Kyle Slavin, SMUS Archives, Darin Steinkey

Design and Layout: Reber Creative

Printed in Canada W by Hemlock Printers, Burnaby, BC

This issue of School Ties was printed on Opus 30% post- consumer recycled fibre paper. By selecting this paper, the following resources have been saved: 9 fully grown trees, 15,871 litres of water, 4 million BTUs of energy, 127 kg of solid waste and 351 kg of greenhouse gases.

On the Cover: Sisters Emma (left) and Sarah (right) Loughton ‘15 show off their scientific knowledge during an AP The Honourable Michael Code ‘67 Chemistry science experiment showcase. Lawyer Sarah Hudson ’00 sets up the case for our 2015 Distinguished Alumnus . . P . 36 5 SMUS_9142_SMUS0003_X1a.pdf 1 2015-12-11 10:51 AM

BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS START WITH DREAMS.

A St. Michaels University School education is a dream education — and making that dream a reality always includes you, our valued alumni. By supporting our annual fund, you help SMUS put the ‘icing on the cake’, supporting unique projects, scholarships, programs and learning experiences that push the boundaries of what our students can achieve. Please join us in helping our students do big things in school and in life. Support our Dream Big Fund.

Visit smus.ca/dreambig to make an online donation or for further information.

6 SMUS_9142_SMUS0003_X1a.pdf 1 2015-12-11 10:51 AM

LESSONS WRITTEN BY LIFE ARE INDELIBLE BIG ACCOMPLISHMENTS by Bob Snowden “ Never let schooling interfere with an education ”. These words is simple: students should have a direct experience (rather than START WITH DREAMS. of Mark Twain began the article in which I last wrote about a theoretical, textbook experience), upon which they reflect in a experiential education, in School Ties in 2007 . The fact that this structured way, which then motivates some intentional action on was seven years ago and that the words are more than 100 years their part . They then bring the consequent personal and intellectual A St. Michaels University School education is a dream old conveys that experiential education is far from the novelty it is growth to their next experience, when the cycle begins again . education — and making that dream a reality always includes often made out to be . Experience has always taught deep lessons, you, our valued alumni. By supporting our annual fund, you help usually by accident . How do we SMUS put the ‘icing on the cake’, supporting unique projects, replicate the lessons of experience scholarships, programs and learning experiences that push the in deliberate ways, so that mathematics, biology or history are boundaries of what our students can achieve. Please join us in also the domain of deep lessons? helping our students do big things in school and in life. When I speak to alumni at gatherings (most recently in Support our Dream Big Fund. Toronto, Calgary, London and Hong Kong), I usually provide the predictable updates on athletics, academics and notable retirements . Unpredictably, I have also begun to talk about the most prominent themes driving our pursuit of excellence at SMUS . These days, experiential education is one of these . Since 2007, our exploration of experiential education has developed substantially . The best example is our Grade 10 program . Visit blogs.smus.ca/head For the past eight years, we have implemented and tweaked an “experiential pilot,” which allowed students to sign up for a different approach in the spring term . It is possible to remain true to this pattern with any academic It meant they were free to follow a timetable of academic work in subject . This year, every single Grade 10 course must include a the morning and a diverse menu of service, life skills and outdoor meaningful experiential component . Teachers have been provided activities in the afternoon . The term was capped off with an professional support in developing these components; in every extended outdoor expedition on the West Coast – an expedition discipline, a “champion” of experiential learning has been identified founded on the notion that lessons reinforced by the consequences to support the work of colleagues . The timetable has been of real life are indelible . overhauled to allow students to pursue academic areas of passion The response to the pilot program was consistently positive . and interest outside the classroom . There are two extended sessions These students also performed as well as or better than expected in out of school, one of which is an outdoor experience . the compulsory, external provincial exams in English, Mathematics As you can expect with something that works, teachers in and Science at the end of Grade 10 . So we asked ourselves the the rest of the School are jumping in: the project-based learning question: Why wouldn’t we extend these benefits to the entire we see in the Middle School, and the Reggio-inspired approach Grade 10 class? in the Junior School are entirely consistent with experiential Two years of discussion and planning culminated in the work . Before long, if any of our students go back to former, more adoption this year of a comprehensive implementation of “textbook” styles of teaching, they will find it frustrating, limited experiential education across the entire Grade 10 curriculum . The and unexciting . In fact, the impact of experiential education, which Visit smus.ca/dreambig to make an concept is based on the notion that students will learn better if their is being recognized throughout the educational world, will be such learning is reinforced by the impact of life and the world outside that in 10 years’ time it won’t be described as “experiential” – a online donation or for further information. the classroom . The fundamental pattern of experiential education novel experiment – it will be mainstream . It will just be “education ”.

7 School News Meanwhile, back on campus… The following pages are highlights from The SMUS Review, the St . Michaels University School official blog page where we capture the energy that is our school and give voice to the community . Hundreds of posts, videos, photos and social media streams are all just a click away at smus .ca/join-in . Bree lends a helping hand during a pop-up apothecary at the Middle School. Dr. John Lee from Camosun College led the science experiments as part of SMUS Reads week.9 SCHOOL NEWS

01 02

01 Rower extraordinaire Liz Fenje ‘09 05 (From left) Ben Edwards, Jamison (left) returns to campus in the fall Schulz-Franco and Amrit Saini with her Pan Am Games gold medal, represented BC at this summer’s to speak with this year’s SMUS Crew National U16 Cricket Championships. and to catch up with coach and friend All three performed exceptionally Susanne Walker Curry (right). well, with Jamison being named team captain and leading Team 02 Puroshini Pather ‘15 conducts her BC scoring through the entire classmates in a performance of her tournament. 06 piece, “Quicksilver,” which she wrote as an homage to her time at SMUS. 06 Swiss boarder Dennis Siegrist She and the 60-piece string orchestra celebrates a goal in the annual performed the piece at the spring pumpkin shootout at the boarding Concerto Concert. Thanksgiving dinner. 03 Garry Gu and his fellow Bolton 07 Retired astronaut Col. Chris Penguins give it their all during a Hadfield digitally visits SMUS in May tug-of-war competition during the to chat with students about space final House Olympics of the 2014-15 travel, music and the importance of school year. education. 04 Andrea Chan ‘15 holds up a 08 The Senior Boys 1st XV rugby 3D-printed prosthetic hand, which team completes the Triple Crown of was part of her award-winning provincial victories with a win in the project for the Canada-Wide Science AA finals. As noted in the fall issue of Fair. Her project focused on creating School Ties, the Senior boys’ soccer an affordable and efficient way to and basketball teams also brought significantly improve the gripping home provincial titles in a historic ability of the 3D-printed prosthetic year in senior athletics. limbs. 10 SCHOOL NEWS

11 08 SCHOOL NEWS

12 05 SCHOOL NEWS

01 Lizzy rolls a bocce ball down 04 Allistair barges down the field the cricket pitch as Jenna and during a rugby game in the spring. Mr. Danskin ‘98 watch during an 05 Markus (left) and Stefan exploratory class. (right) perform during the Middle 02 Students react to a messy School Talent Show at the end of the egg-drop challenge during Brain school year. Awareness Week. 06 Louis looks at the shell of a sea 03 Georgia (left) and Anna (right) urchin, without its spines, under organized a fundraiser by selling a microscope. prayer flags to support relief efforts in Nepal following the devastating earthquake on April 25.

13 SCHOOL NEWS

01 (From left) Sienna, Bryn and 03 Patrick flies through the air during Maggie show off the fruits of their the long jump at a fun Track & Field labour – cupcakes. The trio of Grade 4 event at UVic. students organized a cupcake sale at 04 Sara uses a magnifying glass the Junior School to raise money for to explore the natural world at the the BC Children’s Hospital. Junior School. 02 Lachlan shows his mom the night 05 Daniel gives an inspiring talk vision goggles he made in art class during the Grade 5 Leadership during Kindergarten student-led assembly at the start of the school conferences. year.

14 05 SCHOOL NEWS

15 To Learn, To Lead, To Serve To Learn, To Lead, To Serve is the history of three Victoria schools, University School established in 1906 by its three founders, J.C. Barnacle, W.W. Bolton and R.V. Harvey, St. Michael’s School founded by K.C. Symons in 1910 and St. Michaels University School formed by merging the two founding schools in 1971. To Learn University School, University School was set up to be primarily a boys’ boarding school educating the sons of the gentry of British Columbia and imitating the English public schools where its St. Michael’s School, three founders had been educated. St. Michael’s, established by a single headmaster who To Lead remained in charge of the school from the beginning until his retirement almost forty years and the Creation of later, was also intended to perpetuate the traditions of the English public schools. St. Michaels University School Through a series of internal and external crises, both schools maintained these traditions To Serve from their foundation until they were combined in 1971. Both schools came close to failure and dissolution but, with strong guidance from a variety of people – headmasters, staff, board members – and with growing support from alumni, parents and friends, they survived and sometimes even prospered through their early and middle years.

It was, however, a final crisis that brought them together when, in the late 1960s, a major, almost fatal crisis engulfed University School. This brought an approach to the St. Michael’s board that, after lengthy negotiation, resulted in amalgamation.

At the end of its first hundred years, it has become an institution of major importance and one of the most prestigious of Canada’s independent schools. Ian Mugridge

16 This fall saw the publication of Ian Mugridge’s history of SMUS.

In this excerpt, Ian tells the story of one of the seminal events Right: Putting the finishing touches to the chapel interior shortly before Right: Putting the finishing touches its dedication by the Archbishop of in the school’s history, the building of the chapel. to the chapel interior shortly before BC on 20 May 1962. its dedication by the Archbishop of BC on 20 May 1962. Below: The chapel was dedicated by the Archbishop of British Below : The chapel was dedicated Columbia, the Right Rev. Harold by the Archbishop of British Sexton, on 20 May 1962. This Columbia, the Right Rev. Harold picture shows him with staff and To Learn, To Lead, To ServeSexton, on 20 May 1962. This boys of the Chapel Committee. picture shows him with staff and boys of the Chapel Committee. Until the chapel was built, on the committee – Carey Creek, Nicholas Prowse morning assembly was held in and Ian Mugridge – tried to do so, too; but it has to be said that the chapelRight: wouldPutting the finishing have touches been neither the assembly hall at the top of to the chapel interior shortly before conceived nor built withoutits dedication the by the leadership Archbishop of of Peter BC on 20 May 1962. the then existing half of the Caleb, who was relentlessly brilliant in carrying Below: The chapel was dedicated by the Archbishop of British Challenor building and boarders often trailed off most of the project’s managementColumbia, the Right Rev. . Nonetheless, Harold Sexton, on 20 May 1962. This to St . Luke’s Anglican Church at Cedar Hill Cross throughout, it truly waspicture a schoolshows him with project staff and in which boys of the Chapel Committee. Road for Sunday services . The idea that emerged almost everyone participated . It figures in a major in 1961 was that a chapel should be built with way in the recollections of the students who took funds raised by the boys and using primarily their part; and, if a new ethos was emerging in the labour . A committee of staff and senior boys was school, the construction of the chapel provided established to direct the project, and J .J . Timmis, the primary example of this . one of whose characteristics was that he was There can be little doubt that the school was management. Nonetheless, throughout, it truly was a school project in which almost everyone participated. It figures in a major way in the recollections of willing to consider projects – even apparently improving in these years . Both students andmanagement. Nonetheless, throughout, it truly wasthe a school students project who in took which part; and, if a new ethos was emerging in the school, almost everyone participated. It figures in a major theway constructionin the recollections of the chapel of provided the primary example of this. fanciful ones like this – put forward by his staff, staff have attested that, as numbers and perhapsthe students who took part; and, if a new ethos was emerging in the school, the construction of the chapel provided the primary Thereexample can of be this. little doubt that the school was improving in these years. Both particularly those he referred to, with a mixture quality increased, so too did the atmosphere and students and staff have attested that, as numbers and perhaps quality increased, school spirit improve . Students commentedThere on can be little doubt that the school was improving in these years. Both of pride and patronage, as “the young masters,” students and staff have attested that, as numbers and perhaps quality increased, agreed to let it go ahead . Its completion by the the importance of resident staff staying longer, 68 University School, 1948–1970 68 University School, 1948–1970 summer of 1962 was a triumph and provided the providing consistent role models, showing a more school with a building that still endures (though human face, a more caring attitude . This, added I, for one, on coming into the driveway will to the fact that the school was smallmanagement. enough Nonetheless, so throughout, it truly was a school project in which almost everyone participated. It figures in a major way in the recollections of never be surprised to see that it has fallen down) . that everybody knew everybody, hadthe studentsits effect who took part; and, if a new ethos was emerging in the school, The boys raised almost $50,000, a great amount on the boys . In the words of one interviewee,the construction of the chapel provided the primary example of this. There can be little doubt that the school was improving in these years. Both for the early sixties, and very few failed to take University School – having never reallystudents madeand staff haveit attested that, as numbers and perhaps quality increased, part in the fundraising effort . The art master, into the major leagues – was showing distinct Adrian Greenbank, produced a design which was signs of becoming a good68 University school School, . In 1948–1970 many ways, stamped by an engineer; and, upon approval by the chapel was indeed the manifestation of all the municipality, building began with two long- this; but, at the same time, as one observer has suffering professionals, Ed Logan and Harry Jay, noted, there is a sense in which the chapel, to guide the work of student labourers . Many boys extraordinary project though it was, was “both the making and the breaking of the school ”. helped to lead the project, and the staffTop: Beforemembers building could begin, the site for the chapel near the western end of Brown Hall had to be cleared and prepared. These two pictures show boys at work on the site.

Below: University School boys at work on the interior of the chapel in 1961. Two professional builders supervised work on the chapel and carried out many of the skilled tasks; but most work as well as most of the fundraising was undertaken by the boys themselves. The chapel was first used for Mounting the chapel tower, Fall 1961. the Christmas carol service in 1961. The interior was unfinished Until the chapel was built, morning and unheated, requiring the assembly was held in the assembly congregation to be well insulated against the sub-zero temperature. hall at the top of the then existing provided the school with a building that still endures (though half of the Challenor building I, for one, on coming into the driveway will never be surprised and boarders often trailed off to see that it has fallen down). The boys raised almost $50,000, to St. Luke’s Anglican church at a great amount for the early sixties, and very few failed to take Cedar Hill Cross Road for Sunday part in the fundraising effort. The art master, Adrian Greenbank, services. The idea that emerged in produced a design which was stamped by an engineer; and, 1961 was that a chapel should be upon approval by the municipality, building began with two built with funds raised by the boys long-suffering professionals, Ed Logan and Harry Jay, to guide and using primarily their labour. the work of student labourers. Many boys helped to lead A committee of staff and senior the project, and the staff members on the committee – Carey boys was established to direct the Creek, Nicholas Prowse and Ian Mugridge – tried to do so, too; project, and Timmis, one of whose but it has to be said that the chapel would have been neither characteristics was that he was conceived nor built without the leadership of Peter Caleb, willing to consider projects – even Top: Before building could begin, the site for the chapel near the western end of Brown Hall had to be cleared and who was relentlessly brilliant in carrying most of the project’s prepared. These two pictures show boys at work on the site. apparently fanciful ones like this – put forward by his staff, particularly Chapter 5. The Timmis Years 67 67 University School, 1948–1970 Below: University School boys at work on the interior of the chapel in 1961. Two professional builders supervised those he referred to, with a mixture work on the chapel and carried out many of the skilled tasks; but most work as well as most of the fundraising of pride and patronage, as “the was undertaken by the boys themselves. UntilTop: the Before chapel building was built,could begin,morning the site for the chapel nearyoung the western masters,” end of agreed Brown Hall to let had it to be cleared and prepared. These two pictures show boys at work on the site. assembly was held in the assembly go ahead. Its completion by the hallBelow: at the University top of the School then boys existing at work on the interior of the summerchapel in 1961.of 1962 Two was professional a triumph builders and supervised Mounting the chapel tower, Fall 1961. halfwork of the on Challenorthe chapel and building carried out many of the skilled tasks; but most work as well as most of the fundraising was undertaken by the boys themselves. The chapel was first used for 66 Universityand boardersSchool, 1948–1970 often trailed off Until the chapel was built, morning the Christmas carol service in to St. Luke’s Anglican church at assembly was held in the assembly 1961. The interior was unfinished ExcerptedCedar Hill Cross from Road for Ian Sunday Mugridge’s newlyprovided thepublished schoolhall withat the a top buildingbook, of the that thenTo still existingLearn, endures (thoughTo Lead, Toand unheated, Serve: requiring University the School, services. The idea that emerged in I, for one, on cominghalf ofinto the the Challenor driveway building will never be surprised congregation to be well insulated against the sub-zero temperature. St. Michael's School,1961 and was thatthe a chapelCreation should beof St. Michaelsto see University that it has fallenand boarders Schooldown). Theoften . Youboys trailed raised can off almost order $50,000, the book online at Amazon .com . built with funds raised by the boys a great amount forto the St. earlyLuke’s sixties, Anglican and churchvery few at failed to take and using primarily their labour. part in the fundraisingCedar effort. Hill Cross The art Road master, for Sunday Adrian Greenbank, A committee of staff and senior produced a designservices. which was The stamped idea that by emerged an engineer; in and, 17 boys was established to direct the upon approval by the1961 municipality, was that a chapel building should began be with two project, and Timmis, one of whose long-suffering professionals,built with Edfunds Logan raised and by Harry the boys Jay, to guide characteristics was that he was the work of studentand labourers. using primarily Many boys their helped labour. to lead willing to consider projects – even the project, and the Astaff committee members of on staff the and committee senior – Carey apparently fanciful ones like this – Creek, Nicholas Prowseboys and was Ian established Mugridge to – direct tried tothe do so, too; put forward by his staff, particularly but it has to be said thatproject, the chapeland Timmis, would one have of beenwhose neither those he referred to, with a mixture conceived nor built withoutcharacteristics the leadership was that of he Peter was Caleb, of pride and patronage, as “the who was relentlessly willingbrilliant to in consider carrying projects most of – the even project’s young masters,” agreed to let it apparently fanciful ones like this – go ahead. Its completion by the put forward by his staff, particularly

summer of 1962 was a triumph and those he67 referred University to, School,with a 1948–1970mixture of pride and patronage, as “the Chapter 5. The Timmis Years 67 young masters,” agreed to let it go ahead. Its completion by the 66 University School, 1948–1970 summer of 1962 was a triumph and

66 University School, 1948–1970 18 Higher Learning and LIFE

This September the school took a big step forward in offering a Grade 10 experiential program that blends into everyday classes, applies the lessons in real situations and challenges students to try something new.

Kyle Slavin takes a close look at the student- driven evolution of a landmark program.

Grade 10 math and pre-calculus students applied only their math skills to solve a forensic mystery.19 Grade 10 students take a break from hiking the West Coast Trail during the pilot year of the Grade 10 experiential program in 2007.

When Caitlin Farquharson ’10 thinks back the opportunity to expedite their in-class opportunity in Victoria with the school to her time at SMUS, there’s one highlight learning to make way for some unique was pretty enticing,” says Caitlin, who that really stands out: her Grade 10 year . experiences, like hiking the West Coast Trail, graduated in 2010 . “I liked the different That was the year, 2007 to be exact, learning how to repair a bicycle and writing experiences you’d get to have, while still that the school launched a pilot experiential songs to perform as part of a rock band . being in an academic environment . Also, program . Taking a group of Grade 10 “The outdoor element was what the timing of that program was pretty students out of the regular curriculum for attracted me to it . I came to SMUS from interesting: you’re right on the cusp of ten weeks in the spring, the pilot’s first Banff, and I really enjoyed that part of my really having to buckle down for academics group of 20-or-so student participants had education there, so to be able to have that for university, but you’re still academically

Building a go-kart using principles of physics, math and creative thinking was one of the afternoon expeditions offered in the fall. 20 advanced enough that taking a semester of in a couple of years that guide them into an experiential program isn’t detrimental ”. possible future careers, but they haven’t “I’m definitely trying The pilot program was deemed a really had too much exposure beyond their to use this year as success and continued to attract a capacity academic experience ”. group of students in subsequent years . While the original Grade 10 program, an opportunity to While the outdoor element was just one which ran until the 2014-15 school year, piece of the experiential program, feedback became known for its outdoor education experience as much as from students who didn’t sign up indicated offerings, its scope reached far beyond they, too, wanted out-of-the-classroom that . Students participated in experiential I can so that I better learning, but there was a misconception afternoons to gain hands-on skills, such as that outdoor education was the focus and bike mechanics, sewing, organic gardening understand what I they didn’t want to spend so much time and painting . The outdoor expeditions enjoy, what I’m skilled learning in nature . were another part of that experiential Becky Anderson, Director of Leadership learning piece, as students gained firsthand at and what I want Development, recalls those students telling leadership, teamwork, perseverance and her, “I like the idea of getting out of the goal-setting skills . to keep doing.” classroom and exploring different areas, “I didn’t take away a huge academic and I really like the idea of being with my benefit from it, but the educational value in – Saje Griffith classmates in a different environment,” but terms of being a human being, and getting not everyone gets excited at the prospect of life experience, and learning how to problem spending a week sleeping in the wilderness . solve, and learning life skills that aren’t centres on providing students with a “So we asked, ‘What are you interested easily taught in a classroom far outweighed variety of opportunities to get outside of in then?’” Becky says . “We learned there are what I may have missed in a math unit,” the classroom to learn and to apply what kids who really know what they’re interested says Caitlin, now 23 and working for an they’ve learned in a classroom setting to in and they would just like to spend more investment firm in Vancouver . real-life experiences (and vice-versa) . time out of the classroom getting to focus This September the school took a big “It’s about exposure to interest areas on that . And there are lots of kids who step forward by offering an experiential and making real-world connections with have no idea what they’re interested in, and program to all Grade 10 students . The the academic foundation that students have they’re having to make pretty big decisions new Grade 10 Experiential Program been given,” Becky says .

Victoria counsellor Chris Coleman talks about governing, compromise, how City Hall operates and several other politics-focused topics on the Campaign School afternoon expedition to the council chambers.

21 physics to look at the strength of the wood . Now all of sudden going back to Math class and Physics class creates an additional level of meaning for them because of that experience,” Becky says . “The way a guitar makes music is all about the properties of physics put into practice . The students learning how to build a guitar are going to be kids interested in music and physics . They’re not just building a guitar, they’re learning the science behind it, too ”. The concept of experiential education is not new to SMUS, and it’s certainly not new to the teaching world . In fact, experiential learning has been going on in some capacity at the school for more than a century . Former Biology teacher Peter Gardiner recalls a time in the early ’70s when University School informally offered some experiential opportunities . “One year we built kayaks – we had the use of a mold and we taught the students who were interested Macy Weymar learns how to create a garment beginning at the design stage at the Pacific how to make fiberglass white water kayaks . Design Academy. They really enjoyed that,” Peter says . What that means is students can choose The highlight of the program, however, is From a pedagogical perspective, the to pursue opportunities that are based on the 16 afternoon expeditions and a weeklong benefits of experiential education have their interests or curiosities . Experiential trip in June, when students get to leave been well researched over the last 40 years, learning is being applied in myriad ways, campus to immerse themselves in real-world much of which has been documented in the from a weeklong outdoor trip earlier this activities and environments to learn by academic Journal of Experiential Education . year to integrating an experiential unit into doing . These experiences – from living and Robert Kolb, an educational theorist all the Grade 10 subjects . working on an organic farm to spending a deemed one of the fathers of experiential “We’ve had math teachers taking kids week at the Gulf Islands Film and Television learning, emphasized in his writings the outside to learn trigonometry by applying School to learning how to build an electric benefits of experiencing something firsthand their skills in real-world situations,” says guitar – are designed to be multidisciplinary versus an education solely focused on Math teacher Steve Bates . “All the Grade and to impact students in a meaningful way . content and outcomes . 10 science teachers are collaborating on “A student might choose a woodworking “Learning is the major process of creating an experiential forensics unit in experience, which brings in the geometry human adaptation . This concept of June . They will set up crime scenes around they’ve been studying in math, and uses learning is considerably broader than campus, and students will be tasked with solving these crimes using the skills they’ve learned throughout the year in Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry and Biology . The students will have the academic background to solve these crimes, but they’ll be expected to build upon their communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills ”.

Building a biosands water filter destined for a community that has no clean water applies math, physics, social entrepreneurship and service.

22 that commonly associated with the While the formalized grade-wide school classroom . It occurs in all human experiential program is still in its infancy “Our goal is to give settings, from schools to the workplace, at SMUS, Becky believes that the benefits our students a time-out from the research laboratory to the of the program will pay off for Grade 10 management board room, in personal students in the coming years . from what can be an relationships and the aisles of the local “Our goal is to give our students a time- grocery . It encompasses all life stages, from out from what can be an all-consuming all-consuming march childhood to adolescence, to middle and march toward university so that they can old age . Therefore it encompasses other, get to know themselves and the world that toward university more limited adaptive concepts such much better . By exposing them to a wide as creativity, problem solving, decision variety of experiences at this important so that they can get making, and attitude change…,” he wrote . juncture in their lives, we’re giving them a to know themselves As the University of Waterloo’s Centre strong foundation on which to make the for Teaching Excellence succinctly explains: important decisions that are coming their and the world experiential education is “learning that is way,” she says . based on students being directly involved in Already, only a few months in, feedback that much better.” a learning experience rather than their being from Grade 10 students participating in recipients of ready-made content in the this pilot year is positively pointing in – Becky Anderson form of lectures ”. that direction .

“I’m definitely trying to use this year as an opportunity to experience as much as I can so I better understand what I enjoy, what I’m skilled at and what I want to keep doing,” says Saje Griffith . “It’s easy to see the point of the program is to help us experience things . Even if it doesn’t explicitly fuel my career choices, at least I’ll have more life experiences and I’ll know more about myself and my passions when I’m making decisions after high school ”. Reflecting on her Grade 10 experience, Caitlin agrees entirely . She says it was during the experiential program when she forged some of her closest high school friendships and when she learned the most about herself as an individual . “I think it allowed people who normally wouldn’t have had the opportunity to become close to develop really meaningful relationships in an environment where that’s really possible because people were discovering who they were; it was a very genuine experience,” she says . “Really take advantage of the opportunity the school’s giving you,” Caitlin offers as advice to the current and upcoming Grade 10 students . “Use it as an opportunity to do something that is your passion or something you wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to do . Look at options to broaden your horizons . Appreciate the fact that you’re still learning and you’re still learning about yourself ”.

Tayte Gossling presents her TED-style talk. 23 In Conversation In each issue of School Ties, a soon-to-be grad interviews a member of our alumni community to gain insight on what may lay ahead both in life and their career . Below, Head Boy Jasper Johnston ’16 talks to University of Victoria Mechanical Engineer Dr . Curran Crawford ’96 .

BY JASPER JOHNSTON

JJ  What were you most passionate about during your time at right time and help buffer that renewable generation . There SMUS? are big opportunities for plug-in vehicles to lower our overall CC  I was almost a lifer at SMUS, joining in Grade 2, so my focus emissions though, so it’s worth the effort . throughout those 11 years certainly evolved . The constant JJ  What do you love most about your job? throughout was art – especially sculptural work – starting CC  The best part about being a professor is the freedom I have to with clay pieces in Middle School and progressing through work on interesting problems with smart and eager students . to wood, metal and concrete pieces through my final years . Undergraduate to graduate students always come into their I took up photography for the yearbook in Senior School and work with fresh, new perspectives . We strive to develop still continue to some degree with these media today when solutions to challenging problems around avoiding climate I get the time . I also really enjoyed the non-standard sports change, and the output of our research has real impact . available like sailing, archery and biking . Moreover, as students graduate, they go out into the world JJ  What or who inspired you to enter the field of engineering? to make a difference in a whole range of different jobs, from CC  For many years I thought I’d go into naval architecture, as I engineering to management and policy, continuing to tackle did quite a bit of sailing growing up and loved jury rigging what I think is one of the key challenges of this century . boats . I don’t think I was really aware of engineering as a JJ  What is the toughest challenge you face in your work? career until I met a few family friends who introduced me to CC  My biggest challenge is keeping on top of all the different the field . In my upper years I also really enjoyed physics and projects I have going on . There are so many exciting topics to applications of math . Combined with the shop work I’d done work on it’s hard to say no to opportunities . That means I get with my dad, I realized engineering used all my interests, involved in a wide range of application areas, with a bunch from functional form and design through to detailed of students involved, on top of the regular teaching and quantitative analysis . I picked mechanical engineering administration roles I’ve got . At the same time, it’s also what because it covered a huge, exciting range of applications, but makes the job rewarding, in that I’m always learning and it really took me right through my graduate student days to working on new things . realize the sub-areas of most interest to me . JJ  Do you have any advice for students looking to enter the JJ  You are currently working on powering plug-in electric field of engineering? vehicles in BC with renewable energy. Why is this work CC  First of all, you have to push through the hard math and important to you? science, but keep in mind the end goal of being able to apply CC  The overarching objective in my group’s research is to those analytic skills to solving real-world problems and doing decarbonize our energy system . Here in BC, passenger design . Don’t specialize too early; it’s probably a bad idea to vehicles account for around 15 percent of BC’s greenhouse pigeon-hole yourself before you figure out the sub-area that gas emissions (GHG) . The goal of this project is to look really interests you . Look carefully at the programs you’re at how plug-in vehicles, which travel at least partially on applying to and make sure they teach you how to learn electricity stored from the grid, can potentially reduce these throughout your life, not just get you a degree in a sub-area . emissions . The key is that the extra electricity must come Co-op is a great opportunity to try out different fields . Get from low or zero GHG sources to have maximum benefit . involved in a team project or research project as they’re both What makes BC really interesting is that we trade with great outlets for applying what you learn and for opening Alberta and the US, so we have to develop quite complicated doors to future opportunities . Finally, realize that getting an models to tease out the true GHGs associated with plug- engineering degree is more than just a technical qualification . in vehicle operation in BC . We also know that the new Engineers move into careers ranging from design to generation of plug-in stations will be required to serve management, law, medicine, policy, and a whole host of other increasingly large vehicle fleets, so we want to look at how areas; they’re sought after because an engineering education renewable generation (e .g . wind, tidal, wave) could be built . ultimately teaches you how to tackle ill-defined challenging In addition, incentives are needed to queue charging at the problems in a systematic way .

24 The best part about being a professor is the freedom I have to work on interesting problems with smart Photo ServicesUVic and eager students.

25 26 ALUMNI WEEKEND April 29You won’t– May want to1, miss 2016 our largest alumni event of the year. The following pages are a field guide to experiencing all the fun!

27 ALUMNI WEEKEND

Grad Bear Toss On Saturday, come help hand out Grad Bears and meet students of the Class of 2016 . Don’t leave before the annual Bear Toss photo op!

The official Class of 2015 Grad Bear sits atop the classic SMUS scarf and wears a US Boys prefect tie from 1967.

Members of the Class of ’65 enjoy their 50-year celebrations at the Union Club. Class Reunions Come join the party for the weekend and meet up with classmates from many different years . Special celebrations are held for classes ending in ’1 or ’6, and we’d love to see alumni, friends and family from all grad years! 28 ALUMNI WEEKEND

A well-used cricket bat donated by the Greenwood family, students at St. Michael's School 1955 - 1960; an official SMUS rugby ball; a field hockey stick and ball from the 2015 season.

Sports Alumni Weekend is a great chance to catch numerous sporting events . It’s also your chance to play against the current Senior teams in field hockey, rugby, cricket and soccer . Email gillian .donald@smus .ca if you want to join one of the teams!

Board of Governors Pancake Breakfast Come fuel up on Saturday with a hearty pancake breakfast served by the Board of Governors . There is lots for the kids to do and cultural entertainment happens around Christine Duke Theatre!

29 ALUMNI WEEKEND

Traditional Korean masks brought back from Seoul and tiny tinkling bells from the Caribbean.

Cultural Marketplace It has become a lively and fun tradition at Alumni Weekend for the school to host a cultural marketplace . There are lots of souvenirs donated by boarders up for sale, or you can sample some of the amazing array of foods, take a whack at the piñata or get your hair braided!

The Harvey Rifle was presented by brothers and sisters of Captain RV Harvey Archives for the best shot at University School from 1923 - 1969; this amazing sports sweater One of the great treasures of campus is the Rob Wilson Archives . was worn by Charles HW Helgesen ’21; Walk through more than 100 years of rare artifacts and have one of the famous bugles used to rouse a chat with our archivists, Rob Wilson and Brenda Waksel . the boys of boarding was donated You’ll be amazed at what the school has on display . by Wilf Lund ’59.

30 Hyde-Lay/Ibell Scholarship A Fitting Tribute to a Remarkable Friendship During a moving ceremony at the Alumni Celebration of Basketball, Simon Ibell ’96 and his family announced an extraordinary gift that pays tribute to an inspiring teacher and coach .

BY LAURA AUTHIER

It all began with a mother’s simple pledge: Ian first appeared in Simon’s Grade 8 year, “my son is going to live a life of inclusion ”. when he became the target of peer bullying . Marie Ibell was under no illusion that It was an agonizing period that whittled this would be easy . Her son, Simon, had away at his sense of belonging . But one been diagnosed with a rare genetic disease day, Simon found himself on the receiving called Mucopolysaccharidosis II (MPS end of a friendly greeting and an extended II) . The disease was interfering with the conversation with two of the school’s most development and functions of Simon’s respected senior athletes – Milan Uzelac skeletal and cardio-pulmonary systems, ’92 and Steve Nash ’92 . What Simon didn’t stunting his growth, restricting movement learn until much later was that Ian, playing in his joints and causing respiratory deus ex machina, encouraged his two star problems . As Simon approached his teens, basketball players to show Simon support . the physical differences from other boys his Despite a four-grade difference, that age became more evident . Marie looked first meeting with Milan and Steve turned for a school that would give Simon the into a camaraderie that helped Simon make space to be who he was while helping him a confident transition to Senior School develop the skills he would need to live his the following year . At Senior School, Ian challenging life to its fullest . St . Michaels became a regular part of Simon’s school life, University School became that place . starting with Phys . Ed . classes in Grade 9 . Now more than 20 years later, Simon is Marie remembers one occasion when his uniform but assuming the same pose as back at the school, with Marie by his side she was watching her son’s class do laps the rest of his row: backs straight, elbows at and sister Olivia ’99 cheering on from her around the field as she waited to pick the side and palms resting on knees . A few home in Toronto . Simon has returned many Simon up at the end of the day . She could pages later, he appears again, this time as times since graduating in 1996 but this see that Ian was challenging Simon, calling manager of the Colts rugby team . occasion is special . Tonight he is bringing out to him repeatedly: “You can do it!” Simon looks happy and proud in his SMUS experience full circle . He starts by She could also see that Simon’s respiratory these photos but above all, he looks like acknowledging the people whose attention issues were making it a struggle for him to he belongs . That is the incredible gift he and care in those SMUS years made all the keep going . But he kept going . Later, he received from Ian Hyde-Lay, he says . Now, difference . Then he makes an announcement: would tell her about the class and about on an evening in November, in front of an Simon, Marie and Olivia are funding a Ian, saying with elation, “Mom, he believes enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, staff scholarship that will make his experience I can do anything!” and alumni, Simon presents his own gift to available to the students who need it . Having What he wanted to do more than Ian: the new scholarship is called the Hyde- lived a life of inclusion at SMUS, Simon and anything was to be part of team sports at Lay/Ibell Endowed Scholarship Fund and his family are now making the school more SMUS . At first Simon couldn’t see a way the basketball court in the large gym will inclusive for future students . for that to happen, but something Ian told be called the Hyde Lay Court . For Simon, These two stories bookend a library’s him made him think about the problem these represent a fitting legacy for the man worth of narratives, telling a tale of differently . Ian had said: “If you believe who has given him and others so much . perseverance, determination and of playing happens only on the court, you “Not everyone is going to be a Steve friendship – the lasting bonds built with need to change your attitude ”. Nash, but the values that Ian instilled the people who made a life of inclusion Flipping through the 1993-94 yearbook are the ones I take most to heart: at SMUS real for Simon . Although there will show you how that particular story determination, respect, enthusiasm, attitude are many characters in Simon’s story, the ended . In the team photo of the Junior boys and motivation . Taken together they spell one who appears most often is teacher and basketball team, first row, far right, you’ll ‘dream ’. We can all dream big – Hydes coach Ian Hyde-Lay . see Simon, the team manager, dressed in taught us that ”.

31 Images from the Alumni Basketball Celebration NOVEMBER 21, 2015 WATCH THE SENIOR GIRLS AND BOYS VS. YOUR ALUMNI TEAMS ON SMUSTUBE youtube.com/SMUSTube

32 33 Sui Generis: Steve Nash ’92 Retires From Professional Basketball by Ian Hyde-Lay

On October 20, 2014 I found myself in Toronto, ready to attend the Canada Sports Hall of Fame induction for Gareth Rees . Still, my thoughts that evening were with another SMUS sporting legend, Steve Nash . He had just replied to my text message, one which wished him well as he readied for an 18th NBA season . Instead, I learned that there was to be no triumphant return from the nerve damage that had seriously impaired his two previous years with the Los Angeles Lakers . While his official retirement was not announced until a few months later, his basketball career was over . For me, the disappointing news sparked a kaleidoscope of memories, of a young boy from Victoria who chased his dream with remarkable passion . First picking up a basketball in Grade 8, he embarked on a simply magical journey, claiming – against overwhelming odds – a staggering list of accomplishments and leaving an inspiring legacy . Steve attended SMUS from 1990-92, leading what many hoop aficionados still regard as the best BC high school team of all time . Superbly skilled and blessed with an unparalleled work ethic, he was named the province’s Most Outstanding Player . He was an equally key piece of the school’s championship 1st XV, as an elusive runner and ridiculously accurate place kicker . Most people know what subsequently followed, as Steve went on to graduate in sociology from Santa Clara University while directing the Broncos to three National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) basketball tournament appearances . A two-time West Coast Conference Player of the Year, he crowned an excellent college career by becoming a National Basketball Association (NBA) first-round draft pick in 1996, selected 15th overall by the Phoenix Suns . Two years in Phoenix were followed by five with the Dallas Mavericks . Then, in 2004, Steve returned to the Suns, proceeding to resurrect a moribund franchise and, even more significantly, the sport itself thanks to his combination of leadership, talent, humility and selflessness . If not the greatest player of his generation, he was certainly the most influential, as he redefined point guard play . Sick of slow, stodgy, isolation-based basketball, fans worldwide embraced the new style with

“I simply want people to remember me as a competitor and a great teammate.” — Steve Nash ’92

34 Allison, Baltimore Keith Photo by its emphasis on tempo, teamwork and ball and instead looked to laud his teammates Ventures include Steve Nash Youth movement . In Canada, thousands of young for their support and achievements . But two Basketball, neo-natal care and pre-cancer men and women looked to follow Steve’s NBA Most Valuable Player awards, eight screening treatment in Paraguay, and example, as the game exploded in popularity All-Star selections, third all-time in assists, the Gulu Walk Youth Centre for Sport, across the country . and four times a member of the “50-40-90” Culture and Reconciliation in Uganda . In typical self-effacing fashion, Steve club* tell their own story . Even if he had to Other examples are Educare Arizona, which made light of any individual recognition endure more than his share of Olympic and teaches early childhood education best NBA playoff heartbreak, he could and can practices, and the Centre for Youth Assists, point proudly to multiple provincial and a Toronto-based after-school initiative national Athlete of the Year awards, as well building hope through hoops . as other distinctions, including the Order of Steve has also branched into the Canada . Furthermore, he was a torch bearer film industry, through his independent at the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 and company Meathawk . His ESPN “30 for 30” recently named to the Phoenix Suns Ring of documentary titled “Into the Wind,” about Honor . He will, without question, be a first his childhood hero Terry Fox, received ballot Basketball Hall of Fame inductee . particular acclaim . Of course, a true superstar also makes Steve has also never been afraid to take a massive impact off the court . Though a strong political stance, as evidenced by his recognized in many quarters for his service opposition to both the 2003 US war in Iraq and philanthropy, his greatest contribution and the 2010 Arizona Bill 1070, which at the remains the Steve Nash Foundation . time of passage in 2010 was said to be the Founded in 2001, the charity focuses broadest and strictest anti-illegal immigration on under-served children affected by measure in a long time . A committed family poverty, illness, abuse or neglect . Creating man, he dotes on twin daughters Lola and opportunities for education, play and Bella, as well as son Matteo . empowerment, the Foundation has raised Competitor and a great teammate? and distributed millions of dollars to charities Absolutely, in addition to so much more . all over North America and the world . Sui Generis! Steve high-fives his son Matteo after an event at Educare Arizona, one of the many charities * 50-40-90 indicates a great all-around shooting performance in a single NBA season . Some consider it to be the the Steve Nash Foundation supports. ultimate standard for shooting . Nash has the most at four, two more than any other player .

The 1991/92 “AAA” BC Champion Blue Devils. The team was possibly the best high school basketball team in BC history. Back Row: Stuart Kerr; Ryan Van Roade; Edward Crothall; Mark Grist; Mr. Ian Hyde-Lay; Jeremy Harris; Mr. Bill Greenwell; Yan Schmidt; Jamie Miller; Brendan Barry; Ryan Green; Aaron Clark; Renton Leversedge; Matthew Franklin (Geddes). Front Row: Hywel Jones; Martin Nash; Milan Uzelac; Chris Isherwood; Steve Nash; Damian Grant; Brent McLay. 35 Real-World Problem Solver: In a classic story of humble beginnings, human potential and hard work, lawyer Sarah Hudson ’00 uncovers the passion that fuels our 2015 Distinguished Alumnus in Law, the Honourable Michael Code ’67.

36 37 Now a sitting judge of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice in Toronto, the Honourable Mr . Justice Michael Code ’67 has had a career as rich as any lawyer could hope for . Although he had no premonition or inkling of a legal career during his school days, the foundation for his success was established early on . The young boy who studied hard and gave 100 percent at sports became a law student who articled twice (with the Defence and the Crown) because he wasn’t satisfied he was ready for practice after just one set . In time, he became a lawyer, law professor, and judge defined by his tireless work ethic and dedication to the law . For these reasons the SMUS Alumni Association selected him as the 2015 recipient of the Distinguished Alumni award . Michael Code, second from right, as part of the chapel officials in 1966/67. Michael came from the prairies to University School with his brother in 1958 . He was 8 years old – the youngest in the school . School patriarch Reg Wenman had school SMUS is today and who, as Michael of Law includes two degrees (Bachelor of helped piece together bursary support for recounts, made their impression on him as Laws in 1976 and Master of Laws in 1991) the brothers to attend as boarders – an well . With their arrival, the environment and two decades of teaching . It was his last opportunity Michael has not forgotten or transformed from a militaristic boys’ school post before his appointment to the bench . squandered . Although the school suffered (complete with rifle practice in the quad In 2005, Michael left private practice and hard times after the war – with too few and rounds in the boxing ring!) into a was appointed Assistant Professor of Law, students and too little money – Michael dynamic place of learning, strong in both spending a number of years teaching, remembers the leadership of J .J . Timmis academics and athletics . Today SMUS is a conducting research, writing, and focusing and the advent of wonderful teachers, in much larger school, with greater resources, on policy work . particular Rob Wilson, Carey Creek, Nick diverse courses and more plentiful extra- I was fortunate enough to be one of Prowse, Ian Mugridge and Peter Caleb . curricular offerings than existed in Michael’s Professor Code’s students at the U of T These familiar figures have shaped the time, but he says that “the same emphasis from 2005 to 2007 . He was a hugely on good character, loyalty and hard work in popular professor and was nominated by sports and in studies remains ”. our graduating class to receive the 2007 After graduating from University Mewett Award for Teaching Excellence . His School in 1967, Michael attended Atlantic lectures on criminal law, criminal procedure, College in Wales to take his A levels before evidence and ethics were always packed, returning to Toronto to take the first of often spilling over into hallways or office three degrees at the University of Toronto hours . As students, we came to him to (U of T) . Following three years of an discuss coursework, but also for coaching undergraduate English literature degree, tips in advance of moot competitions, for Michael remembers feeling the urge to have advice about a client at the students’ legal aid a greater connection with the day-to-day clinic, or for career guidance . He took a keen workings of the world and people’s lives . It and genuine interest in it all . His connection was ultimately this instinct that drove him with his students was evidenced by several to law . He applied to only one law school – nominations to deliver the faculty Hail and U of T – and was accepted . He fell in love Farewell speech at convocation – more of a with the subject and the place he studied it . “so long” than “farewell” in Professor Code’s Michael’s connection to the U of T Faculty case, because he still keeps in touch with

Prize Day 1961: Michael receives an award for Lower School Arithmetic from Lt. Gov. George Pearkes. 38 many of his students . When word trickles a policy review of the problems associated out that work commitments have brought with long and complex criminal trial him to Vancouver, a group of alumni procedure and to make recommendations descend on his hotel lobby bar to catch up . for change . The resulting report proposed A self-described “junkie for the law,” various ways to make the criminal trial Justice Code’s passion for his subject ignites process more effective and efficient, placing the same in others . He also speaks from emphasis on the need for high standards of experience – lots of it . As a lawyer, Justice ethics and professionalism among lawyers . Code worked in private practice with In 2009, Justice Code was appointed to leading criminal defence and constitutional a courtroom of his own and yet another litigation firms, as Crown counsel, and perspective on his profession . in public service . From 1991 to 1996 he “This is where I always wanted to end was Assistant Deputy Attorney-General my career,” he says . The human interest of Ontario, managing the province’s 500 stories before him daily are a reminder of prosecutors . He has argued some of the why he chose the law as his life’s work, leading criminal and constitutional law which he now carries out from its highest cases in the Supreme Court of Canada and post . “The law takes you out of yourself,” appellate courts across the country . Close he says, “and into a problem-solving world to home, he acted as defence counsel in that’s important to people’s lives ”. the Air India terrorism trial in Vancouver . This past October, Justice Code visited He has also served as counsel to various the school as the honoured guest at the public entities, such as the RCMP, Ontario Founders’ Day Scholars Dinner . He also Securities Commission, the Ontario Judges’ had the opportunity to meet with students Association, the BC, Ontario, Manitoba and talk to four Senior School classes on the and federal ministries of the Attorney- impact of history on the law . A theme of his General, and the Driskell Inquiry into a remarks was the importance of continuing Justice Code chats with 2015 Best School wrongful conviction in Manitoba . to hire great teachers and providing Year Ever winner Lizzie Watson. Just prior to his appointment to financial support to qualified students who the bench, Michael was selected by the could not otherwise afford tuition – both of Attorney-General of Ontario to conduct which, he says, were key to his success .

“The law takes you out of yourself and into a problem- solving world that’s important to people’s lives.” – Michael Code

In 2016, we will recognize one of our alumni who has done remarkable work as an entrepreneur in the field of information technology. Nominees should demonstrate vision and innovation, dedication, achievement and accomplishment, as well as Michael (back row, third from the right), credits sport among the elements that helped him community involvement. Email succeed. This team photo is from the 1961/62 school year. nominations to Gillian Donald ‘86: [email protected]

41 live in Vancouver and plan on coming to my 20-year reunion next year . I am looking ALUMNI UPDATES forward to seeing everyone ”. Multi-instrumentalist Lucas Lee ’97 is proud Canadian chanteuse Cari Burdett ’92 brings as Best World Music Album in the 2015 to announce his new record Business Brunch a timeless blend of dramatic gypsy cabaret to West Canadian Music Awards . Specials: Uranium Omelet (with GMO-Free the stage, taking listeners around the world Jonathon Liang ’96 writes that he was Brown Sauce) has been released . The album through song and stories of the heart . Her married to Sibel in Istanbul, Turkey on features renowned virtuoso Tobias Ralph first studio album, Magnolia, was nominated September 19, 2015 . “We both currently (The Crimson ProjeKCT, Adrian Belew Power Trio, ToPaRaMa) on drums, and Lucas on guitars, bass and keys . Megan Taylor (Volk) ’98 writes: “Michael and I, along with our daughters Nola and

Cari Burdett ’92 (photo by Kim Yanick Portraits) James Robert Taylor

Jonathon Liang ’96 and wife Sibel The new album from Lucas Lee ’97

42 Anna, welcomed a baby boy, James Robert Aleksa Mrdjenovich ’02, Milica Jelena Mrdjenovich ’00 was voted Canada’s Taylor, into our family on September 8, Mrdjenovich ’03, Steven Lobb ’96 (bride’s favourite female pro boxer by fans of 2015 . He weighed in at 10 pounds and man), Amy Lobb ’03 (maid of honour), Canadian Boxiana! 1/4 of an ounce and 22 inches long . Elliana Lobb (flower girl and in Grade 2 Corrina Vos (Mick) ’01 gave birth to a baby Everyone is doing wonderfully and we at SMUS), Krystal O’Byrne ’99, and girl, Maeve, in June 2015 . “She joined her are adjusting to life as a family of five ”. Donna Lee ’98 . big brother Calum to make us a family of Kim Lobb ’98 married Jordan Tessarolo Stephan Chapheau ’99 writes that he and his four . We are currently living in Calgary in Whistler on July 13, 2015 . SMUS wife, Samantha Welscheid, welcomed Arthur where my husband Keith and I both work alumni at the wedding included Milan Pierre Antoine Chapheau to the crew on as engineers ”. Mrdjenovich ’99, Jelena Mrdjenovich ’00, April 25, 2015 .

(From left to right): Milan Mrdjenovich ’99, Amy Lobb ’03, Jelena Mrdjenovich ’00, Ellie Lobb (Grade 2), Kim Lobb ’98, Jordan Tessarolo (he taught in the SMUS summer ISPY program this year), Donna Lee ‘98, Krystal Cullen ’99, Milica Mrdjenovich ’03, Aleksa Mrdjenovich ’02, Steven Lobb ’96 Jelena Mrdjenovich ’00

Stephan Chapheau ’99, wife Samantha and son Arthur Pierre Antoine Corrina Vos (Mick) ’01 and daughter Maeve 43 Mike Pyke ’02 announced he was hanging begun working as a campaign organizer We recently received a photo of David up the boots, literally, over Twitter with a with Impact . We are a non-profit that runs Cunningham ’15 and Richard Cunningham photo of his boots hanging in his locker grassroots campaigns for progressive social ’13 showing their SMUS colours at Western (below) . Ending his career as a Sydney Swan change on issues from climate change to University where David is in his first year in the Australian Football League (AFL), public health to protecting democracy . In of engineering . Richard is close by at the Pyke is the first Canadian national and the my first two weeks working on the NY solar University of Waterloo, where he is studying first former rugby union professional to play energy campaign, I’ve already organized a environmental engineering . on an AFL premiership team . He also played press conference, helped canvas for more pro for the French club US Montauban than 600 letters urging a governor to support and represented the Canadian national side, the Clean Power Plan, and have begun hiring famously scoring a try against the All Blacks . and training my own interns!” Priya says that Impact is running a recruitment drive for Steven and Emma (Brownlee) Shelford ’03 new campaign organizers and interns in 25 are pleased to announce the birth of their son states across the US . “I highly recommend Oliver Graeme Shelford on June 6, 2015 . anyone currently living in the US with an Claire Battershill ’04 is the winner of the interest in engaging professionally in KOBO Emerging Writers Literary Fiction politics to apply ”. Details can be found prize for Circus . She is a former CBC at: weareimpact .org Literary Award winner, having won in We recently heard from Remy Furrer ’13 2008 for the title story in this collection . who is at Hampshire College in Judge Miriam Toews found Battershill’s Massachusetts: “This semester has been stories to be incredibly artful: “She writes extremely busy . I am taking 8 courses in a plain-spoken way, with precision and and applying to graduate early . I’ve been such economy, while at the very same time studying social and cognitive psychology . expertly weaving layers and more layers of From my first year, I got involved in depth and detail and comedy and pathos ”. research and since then I’ve been working Circus was excerpted in the Spring issue of in many different labs . Currently, I’m doing School Ties . research in the social cognition lab and the Priya Mulgaonkar ’11 tells School Ties that morality lab at UMass . The social cognition she’s “currently living in New York City, lab looks at research on how emotions where I just graduated from NYU and have influence information processing . I run subjects and help design studies . I am also running my own neuroscience ERP research study at Hampshire College that looks at how the brain can process subconscious David Cunningham ’15 and Richard affective (positive/negative) images ”. Cunningham ’13

How Mike Pyke ’02 announced his retirement on Twitter Oliver Graeme Shelford

44 Zachary Klein ’14 checked in with this Middle School teacher and current parent update: “I worked in Washington DC this Nancy Mollenhauer was inducted into the summer for the political organization the newly established Field Hockey Canada Junior State of America . I had the privilege Hall of Fame in July . She competed in two to sit in the House of Representatives of Olympic Games (1984 and 1988) and won the United States Congress, visited the silver and bronze at the 1983 and 1986 Supreme Court and was also invited to World Cups respectively . “It’s a tremendous the European Union, Iranian, Israeli and honour and one that I am deeply grateful for . Saudi embassies . I attended a live session in It represents a tremendous amount of hard the House Committee on Foreign Affairs work and commitment, not just on my part, when the Iranian Nuclear Accord was but on the part of my family, my teammates, announced and had the honour of meeting coaches and supporters . Without all of these presidential candidate Bernie Sanders . people, I wouldn’t be in a position to be I enjoyed meeting former United States celebrated for this honour,” Nancy said . “It Ambassador Tony Quainton ’46 as well . feels really great to represent the sport and I am currently attending the University all of these individuals who helped me . My of Victoria majoring in political science success is as much theirs as it is mine ”. with a minor in Spanish . I am a member of the Model United Nations Club and International Relations and Diplomacy Middle School teacher Nancy Mollenhauer Club . Working in Washington DC was a remarkable experience . I am very grateful for the opportunities St . Michaels gave me and plan to return to SMUS for a visit ”. Past parent and current Admissions Associate Alexis Lang Lunn sent us a photo (right) she snapped in her back yard this summer, saying “I thought I’d share this photo with you as I think it’s so cool that these SMUS alumni make an effort to get together each summer, even though they now find themselves spread around the globe . All were boarders, except for my daughter, and are doing very well . They spent the night at the house and it was like a mini United Nations, the beauty of SMUS . They speak highly of SMUS and loved their boarding experience ”.

A photo from Alexis Lang Lunn’s back yard. From left to right: Ssanyu Sematimba (from Uganda studying in South Africa), Tori Lunn ’13 (from Victoria studying in London, ON), Lihani Du Plessis ’13 (from Canmore studying in Oregon), Judy Beestermoeller ’12 (from Germany studying in Victoria), Kali Salmas ’13 (from Hinton studying in Victoria), Ethel Kiggundu ’13 Zachary Klein ’14 (from Edmonton studying in London, England).

45 PASSAGES Carey Creek (1928-2015) An excerpt from the eulogy, delivered by Rob Wilson

I am privileged to pay tribute to Carey . the chapel . It is one of the highlights of I feel that I can call him an old friend our history that this chapel was built and and colleague, for I first met him here at funded in 1961 and 1962 by the enterprise what was then University School in 1959 . and efforts of students, who were led by We go back a long way to the days when a group of young teachers . Carey was young resident teachers (or masters) were not only one of those teachers, he was involved in classroom teaching, daily sports, the Chairman . He took an active role in dormitory life and shared meals in Brown construction work and developed skills that Hall . We got to know each other and were put to very good effect a few years later back to school . The effects of the blow boarding students very well . when he assisted in the building of his own persisted and indeed for the second time that Carey was born and raised in England lovely home on Ardmore Drive . day Carey was felled again – this time by the and, after two years of service in the British What is probably not known is that attractive young lady who had just arrived to Army at the end of World War II, he Carey was a fine athlete and one with good begin work as the school nurse! Her name went on to Cambridge University . After genes . His father was a distinguished soccer was Kixi Ferguson and the rest is history . Ian graduation in 1951 he spent a career of player for Triplow as an amateur on a team also insists that Carey never recovered from 42 years in education . It was a good choice which was almost entirely “professional ”. the second “felling”! for a fine teacher and role model . Carey’s best sports were field hockey and Carey and Kixi were married in the From 1951-59 he taught at his alma cricket . He also enjoyed skiing and sailing . summer of 1963 and everyone here knows mater, Dauntsey’s School, before emigrating Unfortunately, his athletic career was that they were a devoted couple . They to Canada and University School . He was curtailed by hip problems, which led to were long-time residents (1964-2002) here for eight years and in 1967 he became hip replacement surgery, then in its early of Ardmore where the family grew up: Head of Athlone School in Vancouver . He and less effective stage . This was certainly a children Hamish, Ben, Nicola and Kanina . returned to St . Michaels University School loss for Incogs Cricket and Victoria’s field They have provided nine grandchildren for in 1973 and 20 years later took his well- hockey community . Carey and Kixi . deserved retirement with a memorable party I don’t know if parachuting comes This is a particularly sad time for the to celebrate the occasion . During those 20 under athletic achievement, but for the Creek family and I know that our sympathy years he was Head of the Junior School and record, Carey did a parachute course during goes out to them all at the loss of their later the Middle School before finishing his his army career! husband, father and grandfather . I visited career as a Middle School teacher . Carey I have yet to touch upon the highlight of Carey in hospital three weeks ago and had a long daily commute from Sidney to Carey’s life and to do so I must paraphrase was amazed at his cheerful and upbeat Victoria – so what vehicle did he drive? It the great story usually told by Ian Mugridge . demeanour . Life is all about attitude and was very large, had over sixty seats and was This pivotal day was in later summer 1961 Carey always had a positive one . yellow . Yes – Carey drove one of the school and Incogs were playing cricket against Oak He will be fondly remembered by so buses . He was a versatile and enterprising Bay at Windsor Park . Carey was our wicket many: family, former students, teaching man . He gave this school long and loyal keeper, which can be a hazardous position, colleagues, neighbours and friends, as a service and was well-respected by everyone . and on this day it was so . Carey was felled by pillar of our school community, a man of One very appropriate feature of today’s a blow to the head from an errant cricket bat . integrity and, to quote from his obituary gathering is that it is being held here in He was taken to hospital and later brought “always a gentleman ”.

An excerpt from a post on our Alumni start . He taught me geography but more I got 100% . To be honest this took many Facebook page by Rob Potter ’89 important than the rivers in Germany was more times than I care to admit . He knows the lesson he taught me about not giving up . and I know . What is impressive to me is the Upon learning of Mr . Creek’s passing I have You see, without Mr . Creek, I would never fact that he gave up his time to help a child sat for many days reflecting on my memories have graduated . He taught me the value learn the value of hard work and keeping at of him and the gifts he gave so willingly to of perseverance . He never let me give up something until you get it . He was a great myself and the other students at SMUS . I on the task at hand or on myself . I wrote a man and he had a profound impact on my was a boarder from Calgary, thrust halfway test on the geography of Germany . I failed life both at SMUS and after . He will live through Grade 9 into a new and confusing miserably . He made me write that same test forever in my memories and I cherish the world . Mr . Creek was there right from the over and over every day at lunchtime until gift he gave to me . 46 Christopher Collins ’63 (1944-2015) by Rob Wilson

Chris passed away June 10, 2015 in Reg Wenman; complete with voice, facial the Seattle Friends of University School Bellevue, Washington . He thoroughly expressions, body language and Reg’s special and from 1974-76 he was president of the enjoyed his four years at the School and choice of words . Fortunately, Reg especially SMUS Alumni Association and a member as an alumnus remained loyal and enjoyed these performances . of the Board of Governors . In 1980, he supportive – with a passion . He will Seattle alumni reunions were always was the featured guest speaker at the be particularly remembered for his well attended, particularly by Chris and graduation ceremony and also in 1980 at involvement in the chapel building, for his contemporaries of the 1960s . On many the Chapel ceremony when the Sabiston his keen sense of humour and for his occasions he hosted the event, either at tapestry above the altar was dedicated to involvement with the school . his home or at the University Club . As an the memory of John Timmis . Chris graduated from the University of alumnus he was a longtime president of Personally, I spent a lot of time with Puget Sound and spent a career in banking Chris in both Seattle and Whidbey Island and asset management, as well as being where he had a family farm with beach . involved in a variety of other Seattle-area It was there that Chris, family and friends civic and historical organizations . He was enjoyed boating in the summer and duck also a man with a strong and unwavering hunting in the fall . passion for this school, the University Many of Chris’ friends were SMUS of Washington Huskies, duck hunting, alumni, and at the celebration of his life black Labradors, Ford Mustangs and the there was a strong alumni presence, some Republican Party . of whom travelled a long way to pay their Chris’ sense of humour was legendary: respects to one of the real characters of the he was a natural mimic . Life, people and SMUS community . events of his time at the school were relived “Being an alumnus is a lifetime whenever the right audience was available . Chris Collins ’63 speaks at the 1980 dedication membership ”. Chris Collins was a living The top of Chris’ bill was his mimicry of of the Sabiston Tapestry to J.J. Timmis. testament to that statement .

Doug Park (1956-2015)

Doug Park, our Manager of Buildings operation of the school day-to-day as well “Doug Park personified the culture of and Grounds for almost 25 years, passed as our many special events . gracious service and wonderful competency away suddenly on August 18, 2015 . at our school. The many parents who make The following are excerpts from During his time at SMUS, he earned up the Parents Auxiliary will miss him remembrances posted to the SMUS universal affection and appreciation for very much.” – Teresa Pryce Facebook page: his hard work and commitment to his job “Doug was a pillar of calm and strength and to the school . He never sought reward “Doug was one of many fabulous people at amongst the incredibly long list of events or recognition, and while he avoided the SMUS. He taught us generosity and reality. His and tasks.He was a master and will limelight, he deserved credit for the smooth job was unsung but through it he demonstrated truly be missed.” – Janet Morrice to us the importance of humanity. He knew us and made us feel a part of a greater community “Doug was the heart and soul of SMUS.” simply by being true to himself. Thank you Mr. – Too many people to count Park, I am honoured to have been able to call “Doug: You were the keeper of the keys in so you Doug and to have had your support. Your many ways…with your quiet, smiling and next honeybun is on me.” – Humbly, a helpful ways. A key player and great leader student that learned from your example who kept everything going. You will be “I remember Doug starting from Grade 7 terribly missed.” – Lindsay Lewis at the Racquet Club. He made a huge impact “Yes, Doug was one of the good ones. I on all of us kids, throwing change into the remember him from the days at Racquet Club. pool to dive for, challenging us to half-court He was great with all of us rink rats and put shots for coins, teaching us how to work. up with our crazy antics, always with a smile He always got the job done. We miss on his face.” – Christina Weidenmaier you already Doug.” – Mathew Geddes ’93

This photo of Doug in his element is from our Centennial celebrations in 2006. 47 If undeliverable, return to Publications St. Michaels University School 3400 Richmond Road Mail Agreement Victoria, BC, CANADA V8P 4P5 #40063624

2016 Events Vancouver, January 28, the Terminal City Club Seattle, February 26, Location TBA Alumni RECEPTIONS New York, April 20, Location TBA Alumni Weekend, April 29 and 30

Are you interested in attending an alumni reception? Stay informed about upcoming events at the SMUS Alumni Facebook Page: facebook.com/smusalumni. You can also contact Gillian Donald ’85 to find out how to arrange a reception in your city.