Making Positive Impacts ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 QMS CONNECTIONS ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 2016
Back from the Brink IN THIS ISSUE The Wonder Wagon An Idea Takes Root 33 STUDENTS 2016 QMS Grad Class
2016GRAD CLASS
Which CANADIAN UNIVERSITY WAS MOST POPULAR for the Class of 2016 to attend? UVIC THE UNIVERSITY OF VICTORIA SENIOR SCHOOL Lifers’ Awards This year, four students received a Lifer’s Award for attending QMS for six or more years: Sydney McCrae, Isabelle Pumple, Lalaine Gower and Christine Coels
83 ACCEPTANCES to CANADIAN 11 Universities/Colleges ACCEPTANCES to 13 UK University/Colleges ACCEPTANCES to 1 AMERICAN ACCEPTANCE Universities/Colleges to an ASIAN UNIVERSITY
Top programs
of study Which a tie between Psychology (4) US UNIVERSITY and the Fine Arts (4) was MOST POPULAR for the Class of 2016 to attend? FIT FASHION INSTITUTE OF 108 TECHNOLOGY POST-SECONDARY ACCEPTANCES to educational institutions around the world Head’s Message BY WILMA JAMIESON
Currently I am reading Originals: How Non-Conformists Move the World. Described as one of this generation’s most compelling and provocative thought leaders, author Adam Grant addresses the challenge of how do we improve the world around us.
in open and mutually beneficial ways, sharing knowledge, offering viewpoints and differing opinions. We invest time and energy in not what is, but what can be, striving to know more through inquiry and research. We get to the root of an issue, understanding contributing factors and arriving at new solutions. We provide inspiration to others; the overflow of positive energy within our community is uplifting, enriching the lives of others. We don’t settle for conformity or complacency. We are courageous. We take action and push the boundaries of what is Using stories and studies span- were confronted with a constant accepted. We are making positive ning the worlds of business, politics, demonstration that we were all impacts in the world. sports, entertainment and education, capable of certain achievement, all I encourage you to reflect on Grant suggests we must become capable of service and all capable this year’s theme, “making positive trailblazers—innovators who choose of realizing ourselves as complete impacts,” as it is explored in this to go against the grain and battle individuals.” It is this dedication and magazine, with articles highlighting conformity. Grant defines “Originals” determination, demonstrated by the great variety of activities and as people who take the initiative to our Founders and those who have educational pursuits through which make their visions a reality, people followed in their footsteps—our our students, staff, alumni and our who take the road less travelled, alumni, past and present staff and parent community are making a dif- championing a set of ideas that current students—that has allowed ference. Like me, I’m sure you will ultimately make things better. They QMS to garner its excellent reputa- also be proud of our school com- have the same fears and doubts as tion both locally and globally. munity. We are “Originals”—inspired, the rest of us, but what sets “Origi- We are accomplished lifelong innovative and courageous agents of nals” apart is that they don’t step learners. We dedicate ourselves to change, ready to be the difference back in the face of challenge. They what gives our lives meaning and we want to see in our world. take action. purpose, being open to see, learn Sound familiar? I believe that the and experience new things along insights offered by Grant reflect the the way. We are curious. We use ideals and daily life of our Founders, what we have learned to continually Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan. better ourselves and be of service As one former student wrote, “We to others. We engage with people
2 CONNECTIONS Contents
4 Making Positive Impacts for 28 Letter from the 95 Years…And Counting! President of OOMA
6 Service Highlights 29 Founders’ Day 7 Building Foundations–QMS 30 Alumni Updates 2016 Service Trip to Ecuador 34 Reunions 8 Back From the Brink 35 Letter from the 10 Academics Highlights Director of Development and Achievements & Alumni Relations
12 The Wonder Wagon 36 Gala 2016 14 An Idea Takes Root 37 Why We Give 16 Making Art Work 38 Annual Giving Report 17 Fine Arts Highlights 40 Message from the QMS Parents’ Association 18 Finding My Voice 41 Financial Report 19 Breaking Down Barriers to Communication
20 Making Connections 21 Boarding Life Highlights 22 Equestrian Highlights
Creating Opportunities Chief Photographer: Hayley Picard 24 to Make an Impact Contributing photographers: in the World Kurt Knock, Cealey Tetley, Me to We Canada, Leanne Schultz, 25 My Dear Children… Heather Bartfai and QMS staff and students 26 Coming Full Circle
Design, Art Direction: shortcreative 27 Three Little Letters
Editor: Leanne Schultz Assistant Editor: Hayley Picard
QMS Staff and students are identified by their 2015-16 grade and position/title.
The compilation of this issue was a team effort and we thank all contributors.
Articles may be reproduced with written consent from Leanne Schultz at [email protected]. ON MARCH 17, 1921, THE COWICHAN LEADER ANNOUNCED, “Miss Denny and Miss Dorothy Geoghegan, B.A., beg to announce that they will open on April 4th next a Boarding and Day School for Girls…” So began the history of Queen Margaret’s School, which celebrated its 95th anniversary in 2016. Making Positive Impacts for 95 Years…And Counting!
Over five generations of students have graduated and gone forth to take their places in the world, spreading the influence of Queen Margaret’s School and our vision of creating lifelong learners making positive impacts in the world.
Did you know that every time you made an impact in the world of show Canada is a shining reflection of the touch a Canadian coin, you touch jumping. School. Prior to being appointed a piece of QMS history? Renowned In the beginning, our beloved to the Senate in 1999, she was a portrait artist Susanna Blunt gradu- Shirley Burr, the founding director trailblazer, serving as the Yukon’s ated from Queen Margaret’s School of our Equestrian Program, brought first female Justice of the Peace, the in 1958 and has enjoyed an interna- her own experience to the School, first woman to be elected Mayor of tionally successful career, capturing having been a trainer/groom for the Whitehorse, where she served two the likenesses of many heads of British Olympic Team in 1965 prior terms. In 1994, she was appointed states and celebrities. In 2003, she to coming to QMS, where she con- a Member of the Order of Canada completed a Jubilee Portrait of H.M. tinued to make positive impacts on for her accomplishments. After retir- Queen Elizabeth II, which was used students’ lives here. ing from public service in 2006, she on all Canadian coins from that year The influence of Miss Burr is felt continues to be an advocate for onwards. For another positive artis- strongly at the school. One of her northern development, children’s tic impact, one need look no further students, Judith Bisiker went on to literacy, and families struggling with than downtown Duncan, where mu- successfully compete for Canada at fetal alcohol syndrome. rals completed by past and current an international level after graduat- Over the years, Queen Margaret’s Queen Margaret’s School students ing in 1981. She has since opened School has produced a number of grace the buildings and contribute her own world-class facility in Ontario artists, athletes, singers, politicians to the unique character of the city. and is training young students in and business leaders who right- In the world of international busi- the sport she grew to love at QMS. fully take their place in the history ness, QMS is represented by many Each year, our field of elite eques- books—but what we can be most graduates whose experience at an trian athletes continues to grow. Just proud of are the thousands of stu- international boarding school has this year, Grade 12 student Kassidy dents, staff and alumni who make paved the way for global success. Keith capped her riding career at the a positive impact on the world by Beverly Koo Schmidt (’95) is just school with two national titles and a consistently living their values and one example. After she graduated Rider of the Year award. being their best selves every day. from the School, she went onto to Service remains a foundational They take pride in their actions, receive a Commerce Degree from aspect of a Queen Margaret’s School sharing their passions with the McGill University, and then became education and its impact on our stu- world and inspire others to do the a lawyer in her home city of Hong dents can be demonstrated best in same, without regard for fanfare or Kong. When she is not working with our alumni who have dedicated their acknowledgement. her clients on capital markets and lives to being of service to others. This edition of Connections maga- acquisitions, she helps her family Retired Senator Ione Christensen, zine celebrates all members of the with their award-winning winery in O.C., is one such example. Though Queen Margaret’s community whose France, Chateau la Bourguette. she attended QMS for only three actions and influence, whether loud As a renowned equestrian school, years, from 1945-1949, her passion or quiet, continue to make the world Queen Margaret’s has had its share for advocacy on behalf of her con- a better place. of equestrian athletes who have stituents in the Yukon and all across
CONNECTIONS 5 Where we volunteered our time $ Big Brothers, Big Sisters 5,696 of Cowichan Valley FUNDS RAISED BC Forest Discovery Centre by QMS students, Clement’s Centre Society in 2015-16 Cowichan Community for service organizations Land Trust Society Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre Cowichan Green Community Society Cowichan Therapeutic Riding Association CVRD – Bright Angel Park Duncan Business Improvement Association (DBIA) Duncan Manor Glenora Farm MS Society Pacific Northwest Raptors Providence Farm Run for the Cure 5415 Shoreline Clean Up SERVICE HOURS ACCUMULATED SPCA by QMS Senior School students St. Peter’s Church, Quamichan during the 2015-16 school year Terry Fox Run
SERVICE Highlights
Organizations we supported this year Primary Class Helper Award Cohen Bartfai (Kindergarten) BC Children’s Cowichan Valley Hospital Basket Society Intermediate Helper Award (Foodbank) Canadian Stephanie Meade (Grade 7) Cancer Society Free the Children Megan Kruger (Grade 7) Canadian Red Cross Me to We – Ft. McMurray Fire Plan Canada Senior Graduating Relief Fund SPCA Class of 1986 CKNW Helping Hand Award Orphan’s Fund Terry Fox Foundation Jimin Lee (Grade 11) Cowichan Tribes (Coats for Kids Tour de Rock Drive)
Murdoch Service Award Wei (Connie) Wei (’16) Bruce Hicks Award Emma Kiedyk (‘16) Servite Fortieter Cup Jody Hender (’16) Building Foundations QMS 2016 Service Trip to Ecuador KELLY DENG (GRADE 10)
Over the 2016 Spring Break, Kelly Deng and 15 of her fellow QMS students travelled with teach- ers Sue Stone and Jane Richmond to Quito, Ecuador on a service learning trip, facilitated by Me to We. Below, Grade 10 student Kelly Deng describes her experience and how it impacted her.
When I first heard about the service most memorable part was when we him. He was always following his trip to Ecuador, I was so interested were in Chimborazo. That was where father and helping him. He could do because at QMS, I’ve learned that we were building a school for the all the work we did, but even better many people all over the globe are local community. and faster. I couldn’t stop question- suffering, and young women have I was shocked when I found out that ing myself: as a 15-year-old girl, the ability to make real changes. there was only one school to serve what had I done to help my parents In the past, I had made videos and several communities in Chimborazo, back home in Shenzhen, where I am posters to raise awareness, and also and that the school consisted of from? There were also two young participated in several bake sales to only two or three classrooms. We, ladies our age who came to visit us collect money to make others’ lives members of the service team, were and told us that they were so happy easier. I thought if I can actually go so excited to dig holes for the foun- to have a school because they could to a place and help build schools dation of the school, build structural now study. This made me feel that for children, it would be much more columns, and make bricks from a coming to Ecuador was such a good effective, so I was eager to join the mixture of sand and soil. We met a choice. service trip. few kids who were so cute, but there This experience taught me to cher- In Ecuador, we visited Quito, was one boy who made me feel so ish things I have and helped me Chimborazo, and the Amazon rain- sorry. He was eight years old, but he to realize that making meaningful forest. We learned about Ecuador’s was so short that I thought he was changes to other people’s lives is history and culture in Quito, but the only five or six the first time I met easy and creates joy.
ME TO WE is a social enterprise founded in 2008 by Canadian brothers Craig and Mark Kielburger. It was created to offer leadership training and volunteer trips to developing communities served by their charity, Free the Children. In association with Me to We and Free the Children, Queen Margaret’s School is proud to be a We School that challenges young people to identify the local and global issues that spark their passion and then empowers them with the tools to take action. Queen Margaret’s School takes part in several initiatives that support Me to We and Free the Children every school year. More information about Me to We can be found on their website. www.metowe.com < Kelly Deng with a new friend in Chimborazo CONNECTIONS 7 Back From the Brink
A SMALL FOX, approximately the size of a domestic cat, seems an unlikely symbol of the health of wildlife in Canada. Weighing only 5-7 pounds, they are opportunistic feeders, eating rabbits, mice, birds, berries and seeds. They pose no threat to humans.
Native to the Great Plains region of of five until she was 14 (1946-55). Fox. They brought in animals from North America, their territory used Her parents withdrew her from the Montana, where there was still a via- to range from as far north as cen- school in 1950 after they bought a ble population, and raised them on tral Alberta to as far south as central yacht in the UK (the Tzu Hang) and their ranch in large dens designed to Texas. However, in 1928, the last re- the three of them sailed to Victoria, mimic conditions in the wild. Mature corded Swift Fox in Canada was killed B.C. Her family loved sailing so much animals were then rereleased back in Saskatchewan, and the species was that Clio was taken out of the school into the wild in family groups. declared extirpated, or extinct. again in 1955 to sail the Tzu Hang The Smeetons created partner- Swift foxes are among the oldest to Australia. She eventually gradu- ships with the University of Calgary, of canid species in North America, ated from St. Martin’s School of Art federal and provincial agencies, and able to cope with weather extremes in London, putting herself through local First Nations tribes; between for over a 1,000 years. Trapping, inci- school by modeling. She also joined 1983 and 1997, they released 942 dental poisoning from farmers intent her adventure-seeking parents as Swift Foxes back into the wild in on getting rid of prairie dogs and they explored the world on their southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. ground squirrels who ate their crops, yacht. She settled back in Canada in They have also developed a number and the conversion of native grass- the 1960s, joining the Calgary Zoo as of non-invasive wildlife survey tech- lands to agricultural lands across the curator for the Children’s Zoo. niques to track the success of their the Prairies all contributed to the In 1973, Clio bought a large ranch re-introduction work. Now, the Swift destruction of the Swift Fox species in Cochrane, Alberta in partnership Fox is the only species in the world in Canada. But now, thanks in large with her parents, Miles and Beryl to have successfully been recov- part to the foresight and dedication Smeeton. Together, they established ered from extirpation status. As Clio of a QMS alumna and her family, the what would become the Cochrane states, “We proved that you can put Swift Fox has been down listed from Ecological Institute and set out on it back.” extirpated to endangered in 1999, an ambitious plan to re-introduce Today, Clio Smeeton continues to and recently from endangered to the Swift Fox thorough a captive run the Cochrane Ecological Institute threatened. breeding program. Working first by and the Swift Fox Breeding program. Clio Smeeton attended QMS as themselves, they started the world’s The Institute is also a shelter for a five-day boarder from the age only breeding facility for the Swift other indigenous wildlife to reha-
8 CONNECTIONS
To Canada, With Love INTRO: LEANNE SHULTZ, QMS FACULTY STORY: KATHRYN HOLOPAINEN, QMS FACULTY
At Queen Margaret’s School, many of our staff and faculty lead by example, demonstrating to our students on a regular basis what it means to be generous and of service to others. Like our Founders, they do it without fanfare or acknowledgement. This past year, international news headlines were dominat- ed by the Syrian Refugee Crisis. The School hosted fundraising events to support Red Cross efforts, but for one of our faculty members, it was a call to make a bigger impact. Like many other Canadians last September, I was shocked and bilitate before being released back saddened by the image of a small into the wild. At their Educational boy, lying dead on a beach in Turkey. Institute, they host school children Quickly learning more about the from all over Canada and offer Syrian refugee situation, I realized practicums and internships to uni- that I had traveled the path of many versity students from all over the of them into Europe just a month world. The Institute receives no gov- before, during my summer vacation. ernment funding for its work, relying I had seen refugees, the first trickle of solely on income brought in from a what would soon became a flood, but dog and cat boarding program and in my cocoon of privilege, I had been donations from the public. so oblivious to what was going on. What is amazing about the That very night, I started researching sponsoring a Syrian family. I went Smeeton’s accomplishments is to local meetings and started speaking to friends, and I met a Syrian- that Clio and her parents were not Canadian woman who gave me information about family members who trained biologists or environmental- had fled Syria to surrounding countries. We chose a couple with three ists. Their work was inspired by a young children who were living in Turkey. Then we found out that the desire to give back to the beauty of wife’s mother and younger sister were also living with them, which made the land and the enjoyment that it it a family of seven. Friends of friends were asked and we eventually gave them. found enough people who were willing to make the commitment to be part of a “Group of Five” to privately sponsor this family, fully funding their first year in Canada. We filed the application, almost two inches thick, in mid-December. I think that the experience of sponsorship, with all its ups and downs, has been both challenging and rewarding. When we started out, many of us in the group didn’t know each other well; now we feel like a team. Our diverse viewpoints have led to thoughtful discussions that have contributed to solid decision making. The generosity of people in our community has been amazing and wonderful. And the feeling of doing something concrete about a terrible situation in another part of the world is deeply satisfying. We can’t help everyone, but we can do this, here, now.
If you’d like updates on our Syrian family, visit: www.cowichansyriasponsorshipgroup.weebly.com
CONNECTIONS 9 12 Scholastic competitions entered William Gibbs won 1st in BC in the Canadian Scholastic11 Achievement STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-12 League’sRECEIVED Challenge. HONOURS The third time in five yearsWITH a QMS DISTINCTION student has won the provincial title. (92% or higher average in core academic subjects)
42 PERCENTAGE OF GRADE 11 AND 12 STUDENTS (combined) taking two or more Science courses
ACADEMICS Highlights
88 PERCENTAGE OF GRADE 12 STUDENTS taking two or more Humanities courses
48 PERCENTAGE OF SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS enrolled in one or more modern language classes (French, Japanese) This year, four male students in Grade 7 received a LIFER’S AWARD for attending QMS for six or more years: Quinn Ransom Stephen Igbinosa William Gibbs Kristopher Bonney-Seed
Senior School First in Class Grade 8 Jasleen Grewal 95% average Grade 9 Leah Kriegler 94% average Grade 10 Yuhan (Claire) Li 94% Grade 11 Gabriela Delgado Pardo 96.8%
and Achievements
JUNIOR SCHOOL STRAIGHT “A’S” AWARD 36 Shaylee Martin (Grade 4) PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS Logan Rademaker (Grade 4) achieving Honour Roll Grades 6-12 (86% or higher) Cadan Ritter (Grade 4) Maggie Mycroft (Grade 4) Lucy Lavigne (Grade 5) FIRST IN CLASS 38 Megan Tuck (Grade 6) PERCENTAGE OF STUDENTS Rohin Arun (Grade 7) achieving Merit Roll Grades 6-12
100 PERCENTAGE OF JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS (Kindergarten to Grade 7) offered French DEBORAH COOK, SENIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL The Wonder Wagon SUSAN CRUIKSHANK, JUNIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
A wagon emerges out of the hallway, is pulled gently through the Primary entrance and out into the big, wide world. The pullers of the wagon are 15 Kindergarten students bursting with excitement as they look for objects they want to know more about.
Today’s treasures include rocks, them carefully and place them rever- wondering. We now have the tools leaves, a purple hair tie, and a ently in their wonder wagon. When to access more information than we feather. Where did they come from? they return to their classroom, each could ever possibly use. Knowledge What can they do? Why do they look of these objects will become a cata- is growing at exponential rates in so shiny? These are the questions lyst—a catalyst for deep thinking and many domains, creating new infor- that prompt these students to carry conversation. mation and possibilities. This is the Across Queen Margaret’s School, world our students are entering. fostering a sense of wonder is British Columbia’s curriculum is paramount. Whether a student is being redesigned to respond to learning how to dissect a horse’s this demanding world of the future. hoof, build a sandbox or create a Less emphasis will be placed on just unique song, each student is learn- knowing facts and much more will ing about their world supported be placed on knowing how to access by teachers who understand that information and to evaluate its success comes when children are worth. Creativity, collaboration, com- allowed to wonder. munication and critical thinking—the The redesigned BC curriculum competencies we know our students understands the importance of will need in order to succeed—will
< Ongoing visits with Mr. Organic helped our primary students learn about food production, the need to care for the environment and plant growth.
12 CONNECTIONS be developed systematically across nizes what we value at QMS and is have generated some unique prod- all grade levels. More time will be providing additional time within the ucts. One project, the development dedicated to in-depth study of curriculum for children to focus on of an LED umbrella that will provide important concepts, and students their creativity. light when opened, showcases how will be able to take their wonderings, Our Grades 6-9 students will creativity, knowledge and skills can develop hypotheses and test them. be introduced to an exploratory be harnessed when students have At QMS, our students already work program that will allow them to meaningful opportunities to wonder in this way. Experiential learning that investigate the world of app pro- and explore. allows students to learn through duction, culinary arts, fair trade, Next year, we will be introducing doing, questioning and testing their and eco fashion as part of the new AP courses in Senior School. ideas happens across the school. An career education component of The new curriculum will allow teach- example from the Primary School the new curriculum. Exposing stu- ers and students more time to focus involved ongoing visits with Mr. dents to new experiential learning on concepts, skill development and Organic this year. Mr. Organic helped fosters a sense of wonder and pos- the application of learning so that our primary students to learn about sibility as well as a sense of personal student engagement, creativity and food production, the need to care for engagement. entrepreneurship can be fostered the environment and plant growth. In Grades 8 and 9, a dedicated across disciplines. Our K-5 students have a robust and teaching team will work closely Our QMS community is a vibrant exciting arts program that taps into with the Senior School’s youngest hub for learning. The new cur- their creativity and encourages self- students to continue to integrate riculum sits perfectly with what we expression. Next year, they will have the new curriculum and support know our students need to flourish. more opportunities to explore the students in finding connections Thoughtful teaching, parent partner- visual and performing arts through between their class-based learning ships and students who can grow in the inclusion of drama and dance in and the real world. wonder are the mix that will guaran- their program. We are delighted that Our design thinking courses intro- tee our continued success. the redesigned BC curriculum recog- duced in Grades 9 and 11 this year
CONNECTIONS 13 An Idea TAKES ROOT
When Grade 3 Teacher Patti Small sent out her annual letter to her new students with a challenge to design a new garden space near the Primary Centre in August 2010, she had no idea of the seeds of change that she had planted at Queen Margaret’s School.
Students arrived for the first day of and created individual landscape to learn how to grow healthy food, school with intricate maps of raised design proposals “to scale,” and then and set the foundation for sustain- beds, mazes, elaborate fountains worked together to come up with a able agriculture. David approached and twisting paths. The idea of a final design to present to Mr. Stuart Queen Margaret’s School to see if school garden was not new to QMS. Hall, the Junior School Principal at there was interest in participating in Former Primary teacher Lynn Daniel the time, and Mr. Bruce McPherson, the GYF School Program. Today, the had worked hard to start a small gar- the Facilities Manager. With permis- program is thriving with 12 weeks of den for students in another area of sion to proceed, they organized gardening programming, scheduled the school. But when Ms. Daniel re- work parties to clear the site, and into the planting (spring) and harvest tired from the School, interest in the a gardening blitz with parents and (fall) months of the year, integrated fledgling gardening program waned. School staff to create the plant beds. into regular school days. To succeed in this new gardening As enthusiastic as the students were, “What is amazing about the gar- initiative, Patti knew that it would though, it was still difficult to main- dening program,” notes Junior have to be student-led right from tain the excitement for the garden School Principal Susan Cruikshank, the beginning. throughout the school year. For “is how its benefits spread into every In the second week of school the program to really succeed, it aspect of our students’ learning.” in 2010, the Grade 3 students had to become integrated into the Patti Small agrees, “When students announced their service/leader- curriculum. garden, they’re learning so much ship project for the year would be That’s when David Friend of more than growing food and sus- to create a new Primary Garden. Growing Young Farmers entered the tainability. Reading a seed chart They embarked on field trips to local picture. The Growing Young Farmers or dividing a potato for seeding gardens to gather ideas, and also Society is a non-profit registered reinforces their reading and math canvassed the younger students society whose aim is to educate skills; growing food increases self- on what they would like to see. youth about food security, provide understanding and self-esteem, and They measured the proposed site youth with hands-on opportunities working together in the garden rein-
14 CONNECTIONS GARDENING TECHNIQUES Explored in Geography 12
AQUAPONICS—growing food from kitchen scraps by creating a closed nutrient system using goldfish waste as a nitrogen source to fertilize the growing plants (which in turn, filter the water for the goldfish)
COMPANION PLANTING— permaculture growing techniques to increase food productivity by growing plants that support one another by reducing pests or increasing production
HUGELKULTUR—a gardening technique that increases surface area of forces teamwork and relationships. I’ve try, Nicole led her students on tours of growing, nutrient density also noticed that when our students see different local farms to study agrarian of soil (through layer the results of their labours, it reinforces techniques, including the Ts’uts’siimt construction), and reduces water consumption to meet their nutrition lessons and makes them Restoration Nursery run by Kenneth agricultural demands in areas more adventurous to try new vegeta- Elliott and the Cowichan Tribes. Then, experiencing drought bles at lunchtime in the cafeteria.” groups of students were assigned one STEM Department Head and Grade of seven techniques to grow their own POLLINATOR/LOCAL PLANT 12 Biology/Geography teacher Nicole food, working closely with Tom Nowlin, COMPANION PLANTING— Lorusso couldn’t agree more. Her per- a QMS Groundskeeper. Weaving in biol- using local pollinator-attracting sonal love of gardening began at a very ogy, geography, environmental studies plants to support threatened early age, when she helped her grand- and history, students came away with pollinator species (like bees) father plant and harvest the tomatoes an enriched understanding and appre- and increase quality of food that he had grown from seeds he had ciation of just where their food came production without pesticides brought with him from his native Italy. from and the significance of sustainable But when she brought in the harvest agricultural practices and food security SQUARE FOOT GARDENING— from her own garden, it was the first around the world. dividing a growing area into small square sections to exposure to fresh garden vegetables Head of School Wilma Jamieson increase productivity in small and fruit for many of her Senior stu- observes that more and more teach- growing spaces dents, who came from urbanized cities ers are adding gardening to their around the world. programming. “With the addition of VERTICAL GARDENING— Recognizing an opportunity for a raised beds behind our TLC building, growing plants up a wall or unique program, and inspired by her now the Intermediate students also out of a wall as a solution to interest in global food security issues have an opportunity to continue their limited space and urban food and passion for gardening, Nicole cre- gardening from Primary. A natural K-12 security ated a Sustainable Agriculture and Food sequence of learning has emerged Security course for her Geography 12 over the years that has, quite literally, WINDOW SILL GARDENING— class, receiving a Stewards of the Future enhanced the nature of education at growing food on windowsills grant from the Lieutenant Governor of Queen Margaret’s School, and we are all for urban food production, BC in the fall of 2015 for her work. reaping the benefits.” where there are no outdoor spaces to grow Taking advantage of the Cowichan Valley’s phenomenal agricultural indus-
CONNECTIONS 15 Making Art Work
This year, a team of 45 young artists from Queen Margaret’s School and 13 adult artists from Duncan combined forces to create a public mural which promotes the understanding of local eco- systems from a First Nations perspective while beautifying a main corridor in the City of Duncan.
The 64’ x 4’ mural, entitled “What the overall composition of the mural share a commitment to protect- Salmon Say,” includes renderings of concept. Her scaled drawings were ing biodiversity along the Cowichan salmon styled after traditional Pacific pitched to the building owner, the River.” After finishing their research Northwest Coast art and is situated DBIA and an art review panel who and sketching the mural outline, across from Joe’s Tire Hospital in suggested and facilitated the inclu- local artists joined the QMS team to Duncan. “Children’s motivation to sion of local artists before the project add their talent and complete the learn and communicate their pas- was sent to City Council for approval. community circle. sion for our natural environment QMS Grade 5 students joined the The large-scale project required is supported when they have the Grade 8-12 art class in gathering the support and involvement of opportunity to make a visible contri- research for the project and painting numerous community groups. The bution in their community,” explains the mural. Students learned details hope is that the mural will serve as a Angela Andersen, Department Head about First Nations art through visits visual reminder to respect and hon- of Fine Arts at QMS. “The building from artist Lambert Goldsmith and our our relationship with nature and owner, the Duncan Business Im- explored the historical use of native each other. “Public art projects such provement Association (DBIA) and plant species on field trips to the as this are a perfect vehicle to com- the City Council of Duncan gave the Cowichan River, engaging with First municate values, share knowledge students of QMS a goal to work for; Nations ethno-botanist Ken Elliott. and bring a diverse group of people something to be accountable for and “QMS students were passionate together in a shared purpose,” says not surprisingly, they joyfully rose to about learning in part due to their Andersen. “Like the salmon depicted the challenge.” role as educators on the impor- in the mural, heading downstream In collaboration with Angela tance of respecting riparian land and to the ocean, the teachings, rela- Andersen, Grade 12 QMS student waterways,” continues Andersen. tionships formed and experiences Emily Zhang studied form line style “Our youth aspire to make a differ- gained here will spread around the and consulted with local carver, ence in the world and art is a natural globe in the minds and hearts of our Lambert Goldsmith, to establish the way to learn about, celebrate and young people.”
16 CONNECTIONS 4 SPECIALIST TEACHERS IN JUNIOR SCHOOL 94 Visual Arts (Grades 4-7) PERCENTAGE OF Media Arts (Grade 7) SENIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS enrolled in one or more Music (Kindergarten-Grade 5) Fine Arts course Band (Grades 5-7)
MAYNARD CUP for All-Round Musicianship Rohin Arun (Grade 7)
MCLEAN FINE ARTS TROPHY Emily Pease (Grade 6)
HOWARD DIXON PUBLIC SPEAKING CUP Callum McAllister (Grade 7)
FINE ARTS Highlights 45 STUDENTS IN GRADES 5-12 who were members of the ALICE: TALES OF A CURIOUS GIRL production 4 sold out shows
VISUAL ARTS TROPHY Meng Yu (Emily) Zhang (‘16)
CHALLENGE TROPHY for Outstanding Contribution in Drama Sydney McCrae (‘16)
ST. CECILIA’S CUP for All-Round Musicianship India Hounsome (Grade 11) When Yuki first arrived at QMS, she was a quiet young student who put attention to her studies, had a small group of friends she spent time with, and seemed quietly content with life at the School. Then, last year, Yuki was encouraged to try something new and auditioned for the School’s production of Fame. She opened her mouth and surprised everyone with a hidden talent that even she didn’t know that she had. Since then, her self-confidence has exploded. She has grown into a poised leader who uses her voice, encourages others, and is willing to take calculated risks, knowing that these risks will only support her personal growth and skills. Yuki has transformed into a solid student leader who is a positive role model to others.
CELINA MASON DIRECTOR OF RESIDENTIAL LIFE & HEALTH SERVICES
Finding My Voice YUKI WATANABE (GRADE 11)
I used to think that I was shy; I never spoke up to express my opinions to others. Whenever I met new people, I wondered whether they liked me or not because I did not have confi- dence in myself.
My mom has given me many op- heart-to-heart connection with QMS. portunities to grow and mature as QMS has become my second a human being, and even coming to family where I can truly be myself. QMS was her suggestion. With a little I value sharing a living space, having bit of curiosity, I set off on what has diversity, independence, and the become my first great adventure. welcoming atmosphere that grows Being away from home was not as empathy towards others. The gen- tough as I thought it would be. I had erous support of the residence lots of support from house moms, community eventually led me to teachers, and people around me success and confidence in myself. in many ways, but one of my big- Next year, I will be a Residence gest challenges was to live without Assistant and a member of the my mom who has always been a Student Council. compass to point me in the right Having such a supportive environ- direction. I saw students showing ment at QMS and the opportunity to their leadership skills in many ways, participate in great leadership pro- and I finally realized that I must be grams in Residence and in School the one to decide which path to has taught me how satisfying it is to take. So, I began by auditioning for take action to build my confidence the school musical, Fame, to put —there are always people to sup- myself out there, and I landed one port me, just like my mom. I’ve gone of the prominent roles in the show. from being the girl who didn’t use The recognition from everyone in her voice to being the lead singer of Residence, including the house the QMS Rock Band. My journey still moms, made a big impact on me, continues at QMS, and I can’t wait to and at that moment I truly felt my see where it will take me.
18 CONNECTIONS Belinda Chen (left) with two QMS mothers
Breaking Down Barriers to Communication
When Senior School Principal Deborah Cook and Director of Residential Life & Health Services Celina Mason decided to trial a new position of Chinese/English Interpreter at Queen Margaret’s School, they were thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive impact the new role had in enriching the School.
Although the School has a Spanish and respected member of the QMS lies and teachers, as well as in speaking staff member in Residence community by students, families, virtual environments.” In addition and makes use of WeChat to facilitate and colleagues alike. Senior Principal to working with the academic and translations, an onsite translator was Deborah Cook notes, “Belinda has residential life programs, Belinda has key to breaking down some of the built a caring relationship with our also lent her expertise to the School’s communication barriers still in place. students, particularly our students Development and Equestrian offices, Belinda Chen, a lecturer in the from China, both in the School and both of which have benefited greatly Mandarin and Asian Studies in Residence. She is very adept at from this new communication chan- Certificate Program at Vancouver feeding back to relevant staff when nel with families. Island University, was hired in clarification or concerns are noted With the addition of the Chinese September 2015 to provide transla- so that proactive action can be taken Interpreter role at QMS, commu- tion services and help the School to maximize each student’s learning nication at the school has been provide consistent and accessible experience.” strengthened, with greater clarity communication for our Chinese Celina Mason, Director of and understanding around cultural students and their parents. With a Residential Life & Health Services, expectations. The result has been background in both education and observes that “Belinda has been a giant step forward in the School’s clinical psychotherapy counselling, invaluable as a translator, both in goal to create a truly globally- Belinda quickly became a very valued face to face meetings with fami- minded, inclusive community.
CONNECTIONS 19 Making Connections Living within an international community like a school boarding program is a wonderful opportu- nity to promote global understanding and broaden our world view.
Yet, in order for our differences to In 2016-17, QMS will be introduc- • Activities to foster friendships and be celebrated to the fullest, a com- ing a new Residential Life program strengthen relationships between mon language of respect and a called Connect. Led by Residence Boarding and Day students, such willingness to open oneself to new Wellness & Activity Coordinator as outings to local activity centres experiences is essential. The Resi- Stephanie Jean-Paul, this innovative such as paintball, swimming, rock dential Life curriculum aims to build program is designed to include a mix climbing, etc. character through meaningful expe- of practical life skills sessions, service • Service learning opportunities riences embedded in programming. opportunities, and events focussed throughout the Cowichan Valley, This year’s focus, the cultivation of on building relationships. such as the Cowichan Therapeutic ongoing and meaningful mentorship For 14 afternoons throughout the Riding Association, Big Brothers & opportunities between students, was 2016-17 school year, the Connect Big Sisters, etc. achieved through the implementa- program will offer residence stu- • Technology-free connection tion of a Young Boarders Program dents activities to enhance life times, to help students practice for Grades 6-8, the creation of outside of the classroom through a disconnecting from their online eleven multi-grade “Family Groups” variety of formats. Typically, these community and build stronger lead by our Resident Assistants could include: communities with the people they (RA’s), and the addition of a Junior RA • Sessions led by the School’s Nurse live with Position. With these new strategies and Counsellor offering lessons What is exciting about the new in place, boarding students had and strategies on healthy living, Connect program is how it will more opportunities to connect with such as the importance of sleep, complement and enhance the each other through formal, informal personal hygiene, and nutrition total learning experience at Queen and impromptu activities. Student • Workshops to help students Margaret’s School. It will not only feedback has been positive with stu- understand social media and per- provide students an opportunity dent leaders keen to take on even sonal responsibility when using to connect with each other, but will greater responsibility. the Internet serve as a new and exciting way for girls to gain knowledge and under- standing about themselves.
20 CONNECTIONS 15 5 Countries visited for recruitment RESIDENCE TRIPS Victoria, Vancouver, Edmonton, Whistler, Mt. Washington 128 66 Travel days for Admissions team PLANNED WEEKEND ACTIVITIES 130 Campus tours/family visits
88 TOTAL NUMBER OF BOARDING STUDENTS 14 Domestic Boarders 74 International Boarders
BOARDING LIFE Highlights
ACTIVITIES OFFERED 27 Local theatre performances STUDENT LEADERSHIP (ballet, drama, opera) OPPORTUNITIES IN RESIDENCE Hockey Games • Football Games Swimming • Bowling • Skating Wild Play Adventure Courses 13 (ziplines and high ropes) RESIDENCE ASSISTANTS Hiking • Rock Wall Climbing Cooking classes • Arts & Crafts classes Sightseeing • Movies 2 JUNIOR RESIDENCE ASSISTANTS
7 COUNTRIES OF ORIGIN 6 CULTURAL DINNERS (North America, China, Japan, Korea, First Nations, Mexico) 98 STUDENTS IN LTR / TTR / TTC (Learn to Ride, Train to Ride and Train to Compete programs)
Grade 4-7 students: 12 LTR, 3 TTR Grade 8-12: 16 LTR, 56 TTR, 11 TTC
ERICKSON TROPHY for Outstanding Achievement in Equestrian Hannah Anderson (Grade 5)
GLIDE TROPHY for All-Round Equestrian Excellence Kassidy Keith (‘16)
CHRIS WILLIAMS SPURS TROPHY for Equestrian Citizenship Yu Han (Claire) Li (Grade 10)
EQUESTRIAN LIFE Highlights
KASSIDY KEITH (‘16) enjoyed her most successful year of competition to date in 2015-16. In addition to winning the Jump Canada and CET medal finals, she was named to the U18 Junior Canada Equestrian Team. She was also named Junior Rider of the Year by Equine Canada. 409 AVERAGE NUMBER of lessons per month (at peak)
QMS Head Coach CHERYL KEITH named 2015 COACH OF THE YEAR by the BC Hunter Jumper Association (BCHJA)
and Achievements
15 COMPETITIONS 9 in BC 1 in Alberta 1 in Ontario 3 in the USA 1 on campus
8 CLINICS / SYMPOSIUMS OFFERED Jodine Buydens Lindy Townley Richard Keller Bill Ulmer Nick Karzassis Gina Allen Sam Reid Kristen Johnston Dola Boas (Mitchell, ‘57) knows firsthand the value of attending Queen Margaret’s School. She attended the School with her cousins in the 1950s, and sent her own daughter to attend from 1977 to 1982. Dola’s Creating Opportunities loyalty to Queen Margaret’s to Make an School is inspired by her in the World belief in the importance of IMPACT what the School imparts to its students—a lesson that Since opening its doors in 1921, Queen Margaret’s School has oper- has not altered much with ated on the belief that every child has unique gifts and talents that the passage of time: You they bring into the world. must leave the world a better place than you found it. “The The fundamental reason our School when their families were unable to education that students get exists is to help our students hone take them back home. In addition, as from Queen Margaret’s School these gifts and talents to become ac- Miss Denny notes in Beyond All Dreams, now is second-to-none, but complished lifelong learners who go on “There were summer holidays when what must be experienced to make positive impacts in the world. we invited children whose names we at the School is the exposure Making a Queen Margaret’s School edu- obtained from the Welfare Department. to international friendships, cation accessible with financial support They were city children who enjoyed the sense of belonging in a for exceptional young students who the country.” global community, and the could not otherwise attend is an inte- For students like Trudy Byers, opportunity to live the values gral component to realizing our vision. Elisabeth Ruiter and Kira Keir, financial that the School holds dear.” Since the days of our Founders, Miss assistance to attend Queen Margaret’s Dola has lent her support in Denny and Miss Geoghegan, the School School has been life-altering. (See their numerous ways with over 50 has offered some form of financial stories on the next pages.) They have years of involvement at Queen Margaret’s School, and she assistance to make attending Queen all made a positive impact at Queen is very excited for the future. Margaret’s School a possibility for chil- Margaret’s School and the world, and As a sitting Governor on the dren who could not otherwise attend. the School is a better place for their QMS Board, she knows that This was a natural extension from the being here. Unfortunately, the school’s the continued vibrancy and exceptional generosity and commit- ability to offer financial aid to deserving vitality of the School she loves ment to service that the Founders’ students is limited by the availability of depends on making it available consistently demonstrated (despite funds. Queen Margaret’s School does and accessible to a diverse the fact that they themselves received not have an established endowment group students. For that no formal pay for their work). In the (yet) and continues to depend on dona- reason, she and her husband early days of the School, financial sup- tions in the form of planned gifts and Charlie recently committed port often took the form of delayed annual fund donations to augment its to leave a planned gift to the school. Although the gift is payment plans and caring for children operational bursary program. unrestricted, Dola is counting over Christmas and summer holidays on some of the proceeds being directed to deserving future students, giving them the same opportunities experienced by her and her family.
24 CONNECTIONS My Dear Children… TRUDY BYERS (CONIBEAR, ’56)
In April 1949, my sister and I were deposited at Queen Margaret’s School in Duncan, keeping us thankfully together after a series of foster homes. I thought the School was another place for homeless children.
Miss Denny could never say no to family (including a great-great-grand- of QMS.” And I feel strongly that pro- anyone, from war children sent niece). I have been very involved with viding families with assistance for “from overseas to the safety of the the QMS Alumni, having served on their children to stay at QMS is para- Cowichan Valley to children from the OOMA Board of Directors every mount to attaining the true value of struggling families like ours. There decade since 1965, and consecutively a QMS education. was always room for more. Those of since 1997. I have also had the privi- There are buzzwords like “pay it us who could not go home for school lege of editing the reprint of Beyond forward” and “give back,” but I have breaks were well cared for, either at All Dreams (2006) and the Alumni never thought in those terms. To the School, parcelled out to friends newsletter, The Link, since 2010. me QMS is truly a family, and I know with kindly parent(s), or in a house I know that it is still often difficult from experience that a family helps by the ocean rented by Miss Denny for parents to keep their children each other. I still feel the presence and Miss Geoghegan to give us the at QMS. Miss Denny often stressed of Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan experience of a vacation. Being at in her Speech Day addresses that across the years, and always in my School was fine with me—I could “progress through school life, with mind resonate Miss Denny’s words read my way through the library! increasing responsibility and leader- on Speech Day and in her annual let- When my family began to come ship roles, provided the full benefit ter to Old Girls: “My Dear Children…” back together in Victoria in the mid- ’50s, I was torn between desperately wanting to be with my family, and Our School thrives because of the diversity of our students. When wanting to be at School with my we can admit children with a wide range of interests, backgrounds friends. I did stay at QMS, and am most grateful that it was possible. I and talents, we are so much better for it. We try hard to remove learned later from my sister that our most aspects of socio-economic status within our community so father continued paying our bill long that all of our students are equally empowered to realize their after I had graduated. potential. Each student and their family enriches our school Since graduation in 1956, life has community in so many ways. We are a stronger school when been busy with an interesting job in we are able to explore and celebrate our differences. the UVic Library (until retirement),
and with my daughter and extended SUSAN CRUIKSHANK, JUNIOR SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
CONNECTIONS 25 Coming Full Circle ELISABETH RUITER (CHRISTENSEN, ‘97)
During the summer before Grade 7, my mom sat me down at the kitchen table and asked me if I’d like to go to Queen Margaret’s School. Although I was hesitant, my mom asked me to try it for a year. Next thing I knew, I was being fitted for my own kilt.
When I reached Grade 10, I decided transplant when I was in Grade 2. gle, the staff at Queen Margaret’s that I wanted to try public school. My Somehow, she made it work with approached our family, offering step-father had just been laid off, so the assistance of the school’s bur- Megan a fully paid spot in residence. my parents easily agreed. During that sary program. I know Mom was so Because of this generosity, Megan one year at another school, I realized thankful to QMS for what they did was not only able to successfully I had made a mistake; I missed the for me and were doing for my sister, graduate, but more importantly, she opportunities I had been given when she wanted to give back, so she vol- was given a stable, caring environ- attending QMS. I approached my par- unteered for five years and ran the ment to help her cope with her loss. ents about returning for my last two uniform shop and organized many I am overwhelmed with gratitude years, and understanding the value different fundraising events. when I think about what Queen of education, my mom did everything Towards the end of my sister’s Margaret’s has done for my family. I she could so that I would be able to Grade 11 year, in May of 1999, Mom am so proud to see my daughter in be back at QMS. She approached the passed away. After thirteen years of her tunic, and my nieces wearing the School and thankfully, was able to se- anti-rejection drugs, her body simply same St. Hugh’s tie as Megan and I. cure a bursary for my last two years. shut down. Reluctantly, I returned to Above all, I am delighted that I now Once I graduated, my sister Megan university that fall and Megan started have my opportunity to give back to was enrolled in Grade 8. Shortly out her Grade 12 year on her own, the School community. Twenty-five after, my mom and step-father living in Mom’s downtown condo. years after walking into the Grade 7 separated, leaving the remaining She managed for several months, but classroom as a new student, I have tuition cost for Mom to pay on her Megan was a 16-year-old girl living the honour of being back in the own. We were living off her small dis- on her own, coping with the loss of Grade 7 classroom, but this time as ability income as Mom had a heart her only parent. Seeing Megan strug- the teacher.
It would probably surprise many people to know that approximately 30% of our families receive some form of financial support. Having a robust and consistent source of funding for scholarships and bursaries would allow our School to provide even more opportunities for students and their families without impacting our operational budget. We value diversity and believe that the gifts each student brings adds value and strengthens our community.
WILMA JAMIESON, HEAD OF SCHOOL 26 CONNECTIONS HEAD QMS
Three Little Letters BY KIRA KEIR (GRADE 10)
Ever since I was little, I dreamed of going to Queen Margaret’s School. Whenever my school work seemed too easy and I found myself staring out the window, picturing a challenge, three little letters always came to mind: “Q.M.S.”
I had never wanted anything as overjoyed there was finally a way for Throughout my time at QMS, I have much as I wanted to go to this me to go to QMS and nothing could been given more opportunities than school, and yet my dream appeared stop me. I can count and have made amazing to be unattainable; we simply could I sent my applications and resumes friends. At QMS, I am receiving an not afford it. for financial aid, then I hoped for the excellent education, and I participate As time passed I clung to my undy- best. I knew in my heart that QMS in clubs, sports, and events that I ing wish to go to QMS. I felt if I were would be the best fit for me. Over my may not have been involved with to continue along my present path, I years of education, I had maintained elsewhere. I’ve discovered a passion could never reach my full potential. high grades and had appropriate for drama, and at QMS I’ve had a Shortly after a class trip to my soon- references who supported my chance to compete in Improv events, to-be high school, my mother sat me character; this helped in the process perform spoken word poetry, and down and asked me where I wanted immensely. Soon after, I got the even travel to New York City. I now to go and why, so I told her about my news that I had received a scholar- have friends from all over the world dream. “Mom, I want to go to QMS. ship, a bursary, and a spot in the who teach me about their culture It has always been appealing to me Grade 8 class. I had now been given and share a connection with me. and I feel like it is where I belong,” the opportunity—I knew it was up to QMS has given me a world of possi- I simply said. Unknown to me, my me to make the most of it. bilities to choose from. mom had observed my struggles My experience at Queen Margaret’s Due to the financial help I receive, and had done some research. She School has been incredible so far, I am able to live my dream and it all told me about scholarships and bur- and it is all thanks to the financial aid started with three little letters that saries offered by the School. I was I received and still receive to this day. have changed my life!
QMS Scholarships & Bursaries Inspired to Learn. Guided by Character. Empowered to Lead.
Connect with our Development Office for details on how your gift will ensure that Queen Margaret’s School continues a tradition of excellence and innovation that has characterized our rich academic history for more than 95 years. T 250.746.4185 | www.qms.bc.ca | [email protected] CONNECTIONS 27 Message from Shelagh Boggs (Randel, ’56) President OOMA (Old Overseas Margaretian Association)
This has been a successful year for both the School and the OOMA, and I want to thank everyone who made it possible.
Making a positive impact is the Wilma Jamieson reading from one Here is what they said: theme of this year’s edition of Con- of Miss Denny’s special addresses. It Dawn Fox: “To me, this means to nections magazine, and this year really felt like we had gone back in lead by example and help inspire the there were many opportunities time and were attending chapel as next generation.” for our alumni to make an impact schoolgirls again! on the School and vice versa. On a We had a wonderful Founders’ Nicole Bond: “Offering bursaries to personal note, the highlight of my Day, featuring Eve Savory (’65) as students of OOMA members to carry year was the Class of ’56 Reunion, our guest speaker. Instead of giving on a family tradition of students at held on Old Girls’ Weekend on May my usual speech about the history QMS.” 7-8. It had been 60 years since we of this important celebration of the Chris Compton: “Keeping history graduated under the watchful eyes School’s history, I led an interactive and traditions alive.” of Miss Denny and Miss Geoghegan. question and answer session with Elizabeth Abercrombie: “Keeping We had a glorious time, reconnect- students. It was a lot of fun, and connections alive between past, ing in person, and attending the everyone enjoyed it. present and future.” weekend’s events. Chapel was espe- In April, we celebrated the School’s cially poignant, with Head of School 95th anniversary with an intimate Trudy Byers: “Life is very busy at all tea with this year’s Prefect Council. stages, but making time to partici- It was lovely to sit and visit with this pate in Old Girls/Old Boys affairs is most rewarding and being welcomed PRESIDENT: Shelagh Boggs year’s Grade 12 leaders and learn (Randel, ’56; Parent of 3 Old Girls; more about them. As future Old by the School at school events is former Board of Governors member) Girls, they are one of the links that most gratifying.” 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT: Dola Boas continues bind us all together. (Mitchell, ’59; Parent of 1 Old Girl; Melissa Montgomery: “By connec- Cousin of 3 Old Girls; Board of At Speech Day this year, I was hon- tion between all students, past and Governors member) oured to give the OOMA Scholaship present of QMS.” 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT: Rita Mayer-Webb (’88) in memory of Lea Buburuz this year. In keeping with Lea’s wishes, we Lilly Anne Miller: “The OOMA TREASURER: Dawn Fox provides a bursary each year to (Lesiuk, ’96; Parent of 2 QMS Students) awarded it to a student who dem- ensure that a deserving student is SECRETARY: Nicole Bond (MacDonald, ’88) onstrated a love and aptitude for studies in biology, to honor her par- able to stay at QMS and continue DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Abercrombie their education.” (’88; Parent of 2 QMS Students and 1 Old Boy) ents’ medical backgrounds. This year, DIRECTOR, SCHOOL LIAISON: Chris Compton it went to a very deserving Grade As for me, I think that the best (Parent of 1 Old Girl; Staff, 1978-present) 11 student from Duncan, Gabriela way to make a positive impact as DIRECTOR: Kirsty Grant (’ 85; Co-Chair, QMS Delgado Pardo, who achieved the an alumna is to give back for the Parents’ Association; Former Board of top mark in Biology 12. amazing opportunity I was given to Governors member; Parent of 2 QMS Students) At our last OOMA Director’s meet- attend QMS. DIRECTOR: Sarah Wilson (’05) ing, I asked the members for their I look forward to working with all GRADE 12 REPS: Jelly Pei, Connie Wei thoughts on what “making a positive of you over the next year as we con- EDITOR, THE LINK: Trudy Byers (Conibear, ’56) impact” means, from their perspec- tinue to make our school stronger. FACEBOOK MANAGER: Melissa Spencer tive as QMS alumni. May it forever go forward! Servite Montgomery (’84) Fortiter.
28 CONNECTIONS This year, nine students received Heritage Pins on Founders’ Day, representing their families’ legacies at Queen Margaret’s School Arrington Bricker (Grade 10) | Alexandra Berry-Dillen (Grade 8) | Andrea Benavides De Alba (Grade 8) | Taylor Kropp (Grade 10) | Teegan Kropp (Grade 7) | Ana Suarez Crespo Huerta (Grade 6) | Supriya Parhar (Kindergarten) | Jessana Parmar (Kindergarten) | Katia Bannister (Grade 7) – not photographed A special Heritage Pin was awarded to speaker Eve Savory (‘65) in recognition of her own mother, Dorothea, who attended the School from 1926 to 1927.
Founders’ Day
Each October, Queen 2015Margaret’s School celebrates its Found- ers by inviting a distinguished alumnae to speak to students, staff and special guests about their passion and their path from the School to where they are now in their lives.
On October 28, 2015, Ms. Eve Savory Being in the public eye as a was the school’s featured speaker. reporter for The National, Ms. After graduating from QMS in 1965, Savory’s impact in the world has Ms. Savory went on to study at UBC, been highly visible and celebrated. graduating in 1969 with a degree Through her work as a science astating effects of global warming, in Asian Studies. She entered radio journalist, she was instrumental in including the impact of receding ice journalism as a general reporter for bringing the world’s attention to in the north, on the polar bear popu- a private radio station in Vancouver, the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and the lation. Students were awed—not and then went on to enjoy an illus- global warming crisis in the 1990s. only by the footage of Ms. Savory trious career with the CBC, where At Founders’ Day, to underscore her touching a huge mother polar bear, she worked her way up from being talk, Ms. Savory brought some video but also by the extent of the global a general reporter in Vancouver to from a story she did in Churchill, warming crisis and a QMS alumnae’s achieving national prominence as an Manitoba in 1999, showing her help- efforts to spread the word about the award-winning medical, science, en- ing to move baby polar bear cubs urgency of the situation long before vironment and technology specialist around for tagging and speaking to they were born. for the network. research scientists about the dev-
CONNECTIONS 29 Alumni WHERE ARE THEY NOW? updates
BY YEAR (earliest to latest) sculpture in the Royal Academy (London) Karin Rasmussen (1973-1974) Is summer exhibition in June, in case any- thinking fondly of her QMS days. Wishing I Shelagh Boggs (Randel, 1949-1953) one is going to be there! staff, students and fellow alumnae all the have been up to everything and am lov- best for a successful year and enjoyable ing life! I was so excited to celebrate our Stacy Mae Hardy (Susan Gibson, ’61) homecoming! (St. Michael’s house, Gr 8A, 60th reunion in May 2016! I moved to Australia in 1972 and worked 1973-74) in Home Management until 1981. I have Signe Jurcic (Lang, ’56) I received my two grown children. Due to complex Gillian Charpentier (Lawrence 1975 BScN in 1961 and nursed in Montreal for chronic conditions, I have moved into an 1978) After I left QMS I went to England 3 years. I married in 1970 and now live in aged care facility where I’m known as the from 1979-1989. Upon my return I got a West Vancouver. local artist in residence. My sisters who job at St. John’s Ambulance and then got Jill Alexander (Diespecker, ’56) I re- also attended QMS are Diana Stephens married in 2013. In 2007 I had my first as- ceived my BScN in 1961. I was a business and Cathie Reynolds. sistance dog and since then I have been educating the public about how and what owner of the Runaway Bay Day Spa from Mary Wallace Poole (’61) I am the to do when you see an assistance or guide 1982-2008. proud owner of Braveheart Consulting in dog. In Sept 2015 I joined a Lion’s Club. Sue Boulton (March, ’56) I am still Vancouver which offers professional or- farming and have been a 4-H leader for ganization and concierge services. I also Elaine Smith (’76) is currently working 35 years. enjoy travelling and life itself! in the Oil and Gas Industry. Mary Farris (Larsen, ’56) My two pas- Helen Worley (Lamont, Patterson, Belinda Hillier (Bickford 1967-1974) sions are Painting and Gardening... and a ’64) Former member of the Board of Is married with children, 6 dogs, a cat third any chance I get - TRAVEL! Governors and OOMA board member. I and 3 chickens. I work at a Dental Lab in now live in Washington State and came Victoria and have a part time foot care Susanna Blunt (’58) As many already up to visit QMS in September 2015. I am business. know, my portrait of The Queen is on all a retired Cleric with the Anglican faith, of our coins (mine is the one without the formerly of Christ Church Cathedral in Erna Austin (’76) I have been a school crown). I am still painting portraits (there Victoria. I am also a published author and teacher for 30 years and am married and is one at QMS) and have started doing photographer: http://helenworley.com/ have a son. I now live in Cancun, Mexico newborn baby drawings for people, it and work at a marina. makes a fabulous gift. I also have a stu- Donna Goett (Beresford ’69) I am liv- Linda Jacobsen (’76) I am recently re- dio gallery which is open by appointment ing in the Okanagan with my husband tired, planning travel and the next phase in North Vancouver. 604-987-5078. My Keith. I confess that I abandoned English of life! news for those who might be interest- riding and now ride Western. ed is that I will be exhibiting a piece of
30 CONNECTIONS Cathy Wilkins (Hunt, ’76) I have been a Melissa Montgomery Spencer (’84) I Leanne (Li Fan) Hsu (’00) I came up nurse in the Lower Mainland for the past have been working in film and TV. I shot to visit QMS with my husband Peter in 26 years and have my own business as a roles in the feature film Colossal and the September 2015. After QMS, I moved to footcare nurse. I have been married for TV show Supernatural. I also manage Toronto to study at the U of T and now 38 years and have a son and daughter in Dania Stables in Southbends Vancouver. live in Atlanta, GA and work at State Farm their twenties. I also ride an 1800cc Honda Insurance. Liz visited Beijing, Gold Wing motorcycle with my husband. Liz Abercrombie (’88) China in the summer to teach English. Georgia Hunt (’03) After graduating Sheila Coogan (Casswell, 1971-73) She owns a home school tutoring busi- from QMS, I pursued my degree in Equine I am working, travelling, raising a family ness and also teaches at a local public Science at the University of Guelph. I and enjoying life! school. She has three children: Thomas, married Chris Kaelble and worked for Sarah & Peter. Foxstone Stables after graduation from After gradua- Sarah King-D’Souza (’76) post-secondary. In April 2016 I purchased tion I moved to Calgary, met my husband Attended Lisa Beaupre (Abernethy, ’90) Foxstone Stables and am eager to share Nick and practiced Law. I have 3 daugh- OOMA Weekend with her mother Sallie my knowledge with the next generation ters. Abernethy, former QMS nurse, and chil- of equestrian rider! I am also an Equine dren. Lisa married Bryan Beaupre and After leaving QMS Canada Certified Level 2 Coach. Michelle Gurney (’81) has two daughters Sarah (3 yrs) and Amy I went on to Queens University where I (5mths). Lisa now lives in Victoria and Sandy Ting (’09) I graduated from Uni- studied Political Science, and from there works in extended care facility. versity of Guelph in 2013, majoring in went into banking. After my son was born Tourism Management. During the school in 1991 I took 6 years off to be a stay-at- I am now practicing Sheree Wong (’92) years, I took Beverage Management and home mum, and then did a post-graduate architectural design in Hong Kong where Wine Oenology classes which created my degree in Computer Science and started I live with my family of four. interest in wine. I achieved WSET Level working in software. I have lived here in I’m 2, the internationally recognized Wine London with my husband and son since Elizabeth Wolfe (Hargreaves, ’94) working as an associate consultant for Certification before graduation. After 2002 and currently work for a German Fujitsu Canada in Victoria. I’m a proud moving back to Asia, I started my career business software company—SAP. I don’t mother of a 10 year old boy, Maxwell in the wine industry as a Sales Represen- make it back to Canada very much my Keawe a Mahi. I’m also completing an tative in Singapore, then Taipei, and I’m family seems to be more than happy to off-the-grid cottage on an acreage in now working for Dr. Loosen, a popular come visit me here! My sister Nadine Shawnigan Lake, along with self-publish- German sweet wine brand as a Brand Gallant (now Nadine Savoury) graduated ing a book of poems. I’m still very active Ambassador-Asia. from QMS in 1987 and now lives in Nova and enjoy the gym, swimming, biking, Scotia with her husband and 8 year old running, etc. Would love to reconnect on daughter (my goddaughter). FB with fellow classmates. :)
CONNECTIONS 31 Rii Fujii (’10) I went on to the Interna- Anna Keussen (2012-2013) I’m study- journeyed to Australia where I completed tional University of Health and Welfare in ing Law at the University of Heidelberg. my professional diving certification. Since Japan to obtain my Nursing Degree. In between classes I am taking ballet and that time, I worked in Thailand and now yoga, and studying Arabic! I wish to send reside in Puerto Rico where I work for I am excited to an- Kate Slade (’10) back hellos to everyone but special wish- Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines as a profes- nounce that I am now a doula! Currently, es to Martje and to the house mothers. sional diving instructor. I am trained in birth work but will be pur- suing my full spectrum qualifications and Karla Garcia Villa Lobos (2012-2013) Jeeny Park (’12) I have just graduated actively working towards certification. I will graduate from Grade 12 in 2016. I from FIT (Fashion Institute of Technology) have been doing great but miss my time at with a BFA major in Visual Presentation Lives and studies in the Ashley Li (’11) QMS. I really enjoyed being there and am and Exhibition Design. UK and married Roland Mandoki on really grateful of every moment I spent at August 10, 2015 Sophie Stroink (‘12) I’m in my 4th year the school. I learned a lot of things which of Computer Science Visual Arts degree have really helped me over the past few Neve Leem (’11) I am finally done with at UVic. my undergraduate degree in Bachelor of years. I hope I can come visit QMS soon! Science in Aerospace Engineering! Can- Ethan Milne (2013-2014) Ethan is in Clarissa Pui (‘12) I am in my final year of not wait to see what the future holds for Grade 10 at SLS and his favourite activity studies at the University of Nottingham. me and my friends. is white water kayaking. I will graduate in June 2017 with a degree Cindy Monroy Morana (’11) I just in Pharmacy and plan to remain in Lon- Cindy Ng (’13) I am studying at the Uni- graduated from the University of Miami don after graduating to gain experience versity of Victoria. I will graduate in June with a double major in accounting and in- in the field. 2017 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts ma- ternational finance and marketing. joring in Visual Art, with a minor in Art Crystal Tse (’12) I am living in London, History. Christina (Tina) Lemke (2011-2012) UK. I have finished my undergrad at the I attended QMS grade 10 in 2011-2012 University of London last June in Business Allana Gerke (’13) just completed her for half a year and after returning to Ham- and will be finishing my Masters in Event 3rd Year in Chemical Engineering. Her burg I graduated last year with a perfect Management at the University of Surrey parents are very proud of her and fre- average. I took a year off to explore Korea this September. quently reflect on how QMS is the reason and study Korean and I will start to study for where she is now. Kara Pearson (’12) I have graduated law in Hamburg in October 2015. My time from Dalhousie University with a Bache- Wan Xian Koh (’13) I have just finished at QMS has really taught me some valu- lors of Science in Environmental Science. my 3rd year at U of T. I’m doing a double able lessons and has led to what I hope major in pharmacology and neurosci- to be lifelong friendships. Olivia Bailey (’12) Following graduation ence. I will be applying to medical school from QMS, I attended UVic for one year this fall. studying Pre-Veterinary Medicine. I then
32 CONNECTIONS Brooke Reynolds (’14) I’ve moved to Marlene Donaldson, Senior Athletics October 07, 2015 QMS House Mother Perth, Western Australia, where I have Director, was inducted into the University Stella Sarah Hopkins passed away. bought an apartment with my partner. I of Toronto Sports Hall of Fame in June Mr. Konopczynski, currently am attending the University of 2016 for her contributions to the sport of November 18, 2015 grandfather of former student Ben Coull Western Australia to complete my degree women’s rugby. and father of former staff Kate (& David) (Bachelor of Arts English and History) then Coull passed away. my Masters of Teaching. BIRTHS December 02, 2015 Kenneth Lawrence, Emma Major (’14) I am currently in my Alyssa Dzhevelekyan (former Grade father of staff member Candice Smith and third year of a BAH in History at Queen’s 1 teacher) welcomed twin girls Edyn Ma- grandfather of Ella Smith in Preschool. University in Kingston, after spending my rie and Clara Avery on August 10, 2015. first year in England. We have quite the December 03, 2015 Margaret Williams, little QMS community here in Kingston Andrew Young (former Jr. Athletic great grandmother of students Kate & and I often meet up with former peers. I Director) and his wife Stephanie wel- Madeleine Schultz and grandmother of plan to return to Victoria after I graduate comed Bailey William Ross Young on July staff member Leanne Schultz. to pursue a diploma as a paralegal. 28, 2015. April 01, 2016 Karen Anne Smart (Petta- Ivy Zhao (’15) I am completing my first Vivan Kilvert (’91) welcomed daughter piece, ‘79) Class of ’79 passed away from year of studies majoring in Linguistics at Helena on July 22, 2015. Future class of a brief illness. Queens University in Ontario. Next year I 2033! April 17, 2016 Sydney Elizabeth ‘Fifi’ plan to pursue a double major in Linguis- Jackie Harrison (Grade 5 teacher) tics & World Language Studies. Russ (formerly MacDonald, Woodward). welcomed daughter Anna Lillian on Janu- Mother of Beckie Stewart (’62) & Rusty ary 20, 2016. Petzing (’63) MacDonald. STAFF May 06, 2016 Nancy Casswell, mother Carrie Craig and Alison O’Marra- DEATHS of Sheila Coogan (Casswell, ’76). Armstrong successfully completed their September 02, 2015 Liana Rossouw Master’s Degrees in Education. (mother of Maria & Ben) passed away June 25, 2016 Dr. Peter Postuk, father of Jayne Postuk (‘74), Morley Postuk (’76) and Tricia Barnes (Faculty 1963-65) I am a from cancer. grandfather of former students Jayne and grannie, a stage manager and I sing with September 03, 2015 Tomasz Jedrysiak, Alison Alexander. a Dixie Land jazz band. father of Hannah Jedrysiak (’15) passed July 14, 2016 Ross Wristen, son of QMS Lily Anne Millar (Staff 1994-2000) I away from cancer. Residence Staff Karen Wristen passed am retired and busy with volunteering, September 08, 2015 Shirley Garriock away at home, surrounded by his family. gardening and my grandson! (Gooding, ’37) passed away.
CONNECTIONS 33 The Graduating Classes of 1956 and 1976 Reunions celebrated their reunions in May.
Class of‘56 BACK: Susan Boulton (March), Sherrill MacLaren (McBean), June Stoebner (White), Luella Donk, Mary Farris (Larsen), Trudy Byers (Conibear), Signe Jurcic (Lang). FRONT: Maureen Wallace, Marion Massey (Petter), Miss Dorothy Geoghegan, Shirley Brewer (Grey), Jillion Alexander (Diespecker).
Class of‘76 BACK: Cecilia Chin, Diane de Tuberville, Cathy Hunt, Joanne MacIssac, Jermaine Furness, Janet Fok, Maja Fransten, Cindy Chan MIDDLE: Linda Jacobsen, Cindy Barekman, Kathy Martin, Mary Ann Harvie, Sarah King, Teresa Barber, Elaine Smith, Alix Love, Liz Fahrig FRONT: Jennifer Littleboy, Alice Mah, Helene Long, Mary Hammond, Erna Austin, Morley Postuk, Maureen Dyson
Alice Mah Mary Hammond Elaine Smith, Erna Austin
QMS apologizes for any incorrect identification; students are identified by their maiden names.
Letter from the Director of Development & Alumni Relations
BELONG was the school theme chosen by the 2015-16 Prefect Council. It is a fitting one as we celebrate the 95th birthday of Queen Margaret’s School.
In October, I travelled to eight cities in China, where I had the good fortune of meeting and spending time with alumni, past parents, and current families. Our friends in China were fantastic hosts—I felt welcomed into their homes and learned so much about the rich Chinese culture and history. On February 13, 2016, QMS hosted its Annual Gala, and an outstanding $89,500 was raised. This year, the funds raised will support upgrades to the Shirley Burr Equestrian Centre as well as the future Phase II expansion of the Learning Centre (TLC). In April, I had a wonderful time connecting with alumni at receptions in Vancouver and Kelowna. For me, the best part of meeting alumni are the fabu- lous stories and memories that are shared, as they reinforce how powerful the influence of a QMS education was on these men and women. Thank you! This year’s OOMA Weekend took place on May 7-8, with the Development 2015-16Alumni Office celebrating milestone reunions with the Class of ’56 (60 years) and ’76 (40 Events years). For some of these ladies, it had been many years since they had visited Shanghai, China QMS. They enjoyed reconnecting with old friends, classmates and reminisced October 10, 2015 about the days they walked the campus as a student. Vancouver For those alumni who have not returned to campus since their time at QMS, it April 2, 2016 is truly a must-see. The positive changes and growth are remarkable. Although there has been expansion and change, the traditions of QMS remain steadfast. Kelowna April 28, 2016 I invite all QMS alumni to stay in touch and share their story of how the School impacted their lives. OOMA Weekend May 7-8, 2016 I encourage alumni to visit our website for upcoming events in a location near you, or send updated information to [email protected] to receive emails and invitations from our office. I would like to thank our donors, who each year generously support bursaries, 2016-17Upcoming programming enhancements, facilities upgrades, and help enrich a variety of opportunities for our students through the Annual Fund and directed gifts to The Development & Alumni the School. The many gifts we receive from alumni, families and friends help to Office will be hosting events in Victoria, Nanaimo, and ensure our students have access to additional valuable resources to help them Vancouver, as well as on achieve their goals and realize their dreams. Donors, we thank you for believing campus at QMS. in a Queen Margaret’s School education, for your ongoing generosity and com- Connect with us at mitment to our students, present and future. [email protected]
CONNECTIONS 35 Gala
2016 Held at the Arbutus Ridge Golf Club THE 2016 ANNUAL GALA raised an astounding $89,500 for Queen Margaret’s School. Funds raised will be directed towards continued Equestrian Centre upgrades and future expansion of The Learning Centre. The School thanks everyone for their support of this annual event.
Mark your calendars for
May 13, 2017! Linda Li, Richard Dong THE ANNUAL GALA and Belinda Chen will move back to the QMS campus for another exciting Gurdeep Dale, Olivia Boudreau, community fundraiser. and Nina Knock
The 2016 Gala Committee
BACK Jennifer Elliot, Jennifer Pelton, Wendy Leach, Olivia Boudreau, Lori Johansen, Ann Buttner-Danyliw
FRONT Mary DeLury, Tracy Arden, Heather Bartfai 36 CONNECTIONS Why We Give QI (RICHARD) DONG , QMS BOARD MEMBER
In Shanghai, I own an engineering and investment consulting company, provid- ing consulting services to foreign-funded and private enterprises. I also work closely with the local Shanghai municipal government as a purchasing expert.
Being so involved in international new Strategic Plan, and embark on Italian linguistics, literature, history, business, I knew that I wanted my a number of initiatives that will help and art. She is becoming a true citi- daughter to attend a boarding the School grow now and into the zen of the world, which is what my school in Canada, where she could future. I joined the QMS Board of wife and I had hoped for when we learn English, make friends from Governors in 2015 to help be a part enrolled her at QMS. around the world, and graduate with of that change for the School which My wife and I are passionate about many choices to continue her post- has done so much for my daughter. education and are proud to support secondary education wherever she I am proud that my role has helped Queen Margaret’s School through wanted to in the world. to open up communication channels our financial donations, as well as My wife and I arrived in Duncan in between our Chinese parents and encourage others to do so. We are 2013 after touring many indepen- QMS, leading to a greater under- devoted to Queen Margaret’s School dent schools on Vancouver Island. standing and enriched relationships. now, and into the future. We chose Queen Margaret’s School This past June, my wife and I for our daughter because of the watched with pride as our daughter immediate feeling we had when we walked across the stage to accept came onto campus. We knew that it her diploma from Mrs. Jamieson, our was an environment that was safe, Head of School. Over the past three PLANNED quiet, and conducive for Ruby to years, Ruby has become much more GIVING learn and focus on her academics. independent. She has chosen to con- legacy gifts For the last three years, I have tinue her studies at the University to enhance the future of QMS split my time between Shanghai College London, where she will study and Duncan, where I have a second Italian in a BA program that includes home. In this relatively short time learning to speak Italian and study MAJOR GIFTS/ SPECIAL PROJECTS frame, I have watched as the QMS to enhance our campus community has come together to and facilities development build the Learning Centre, adopt a
ANNUAL FUND to enrich educational programming at Queen Margaret’s School Giving at Queen Margaret’s School
Like many independent schools, Queen staff and faculty, enroll the most qualified students Margaret’s School depends on fundraising as a regardless of financial need, and uphold our School’s strategic area of focus to ensure the continued success traditions and keep them moving forward. and viability of our organization. Tuition, our largest We invite you to explore the Giving section of our revenue generator, only covers the day-to-day costs of website and connect with us today at [email protected] providing educational programming for our students. to find out how you can support QMS. You can make a Queen Margaret’s School aims to be a school of difference for our students now and into the future. choice, where we can attract and retain the finest
CONNECTIONS 37 Annual Giving Report
QUEEN MARGARET’S SCHOOL is grateful to the many families, alumni, individuals, and com- munity partners who have made financial contributions and gifts in kind to our School in 2015-16, including the Annual Fund. These gifts play a vital role in enriching the educational experiences and unique program- ming that Queen Margaret’s School is able to offer all of its students. Thank you for your contributions. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this report. We apologize for any errors or omissions that may have occurred. Please advise our Development & Alumni Relations Office to correct any errors.
QMS SUPPORTERS Denise Campbell Gymnastics * Jillian & David Hutchison * UP TO $499 Leanne Campbell Duncan Lanes Imagine That * 4 Cats Art Studio * & Darren Kiedyk Kelly Eakins Ingram Pharmacy * Liz Abercrombie ‘88 Campbell & Fairweather Encore Limousine Service - Isherwood Body & John Dryden * Psychology Group Douglas McLean * & Fender Ltd. * Michelle Adams * Cardinos * End of the Roll * Island Pharmacy - Hon. Suzanne Anton ‘70 * Carreiro Studio Enrico Winery Erica & Sean Lucas * Aphrodites Armour Paul Ceyssens * Equine Emporium Island Savings Credit Union & Adornments - Chemainus Theatre * Jody Fairweather Insurance Cowichan Nicole Paras-Charlton * Commons * Sally Chen Jennifer Ferguson ‘59 Ellen Arndt * Liegh-Ann & Dave Jerome Will Clinging Ferris Fencing Annaliese & Dennis Atkins * Colleen & Surjinder Johel * Coastline Consulting Inc. Nicole Folkes Linda Bain * Maria & Cam Jones * Cobble Hill Dental * Four Star Waterworks Kirstin Bains * JR FM * Cobblestone Pub Dawn Fox (1989-94) Marilyn Baldwin ‘59 Coffee on the Moon * & Shawn Fox * Signe Jurcic ‘56 * Patricia Barnes Carol & Clive Coels Prudence France ‘49 * Just Jakes * Heather & Darren Bartfai * Christine Compton * Rod Garbutt Cheryl Keith * Bartfai’s Marine Services Ltd. - Country Club Grooming Alison & Lance Gascoigne Elise Ketch Darren Bartfai Cowichan Aquatics Centre * Stephanie & Dr. Mark Gibbs * Kevin Westwick, Chartered BC Forest Discovery Centre * Professional Accountant Cowichan Capitals * Donna Goett ‘69 * Best Western CVI * Andrea & Jason Kiwaluk * Cowichan Collision * Peter Gosling * Beverly Corners Yume Kohno & Erik Saettler Liquor Store * Cowichan Golf Kirsty Grant ‘85 & Country Club * & Devon Munro * Serena Kolida ‘01 * Judith Bisiker ‘81 Cowichan Valley Citizen * Nita Grant Kurt Knock Photography Black Sheep Quilt Shop/ Craigdarroch Castle * Jan Green * Lakes Marine Supply Fabricland * Bickie & Jason Lam * Shelagh Boggs (1949-53) * Lourdes Crespo Greg’s RV Place * Gurdeep & Manjit Dale * H&M Auto Repair * Alice & Ken Lavigne Kathleen (Christine) Wendy Leach Bone ‘50 * Dr. Alexis David * Laura & Dr. Paul Hagen * Victoria & Peter Davidson * Carmel & Owen Haley Leaf & Petal Flower Anna Bonney Studio Ltd. * Tamasine Davies Q.C. ‘87 * Alexandra Hamilton * Shannon Booth Shannon & Claude Lebeuf * Andrea Davis Solveig Hanson ‘15 Boston Pizza * Cheryl Lewis & Greg Gerke Jean Davis Roger Hart Olivia Boudreau (1987-90) Vanita & Ryan Lindsay & Andrew Boudreau * Rachel Devlin * Susanne & Stefan Hedler * Brenda Lockhart France Bournazel * Kim Devonshire Mandy & Tyler Heisterman Loft Hair Salon * Bridgemans Bistro * & Andrew Barry Penny & Rodney Hender Lordco * Buckerfields Joanie Diebel Lucie Herzig * Erica & Sean Lucas * Ann Buttner-Danyliw Cynthia & Bernie Dinter HollisWealth - Chris Schultz Linda & Rick Love * & Brian Danyliw Dinter Nursery Ltd. * David Howe * Jodine Buydens Duncan Dynamics Ginny Lowrie ‘58 Leanne Hsu ‘00 & Ronnie Lowrie *
38 CONNECTIONS Ashley McKay ‘14 * Patricia Rowantree Cheers Cowichan Tours * Tammy & Chad Gurski * Pat McLellan ‘59 Tannis Royal * Ying Chen & Xiaowo Zhan * Yumei Han & Wen Deng Sherrill MacLaren ‘56 * Royal BC Museum * Cowichan Sound & Cellular * Dr. Christine & Yukari & Masayuki Machida Sandpiper Gardens & Glass * Susan Cruikshank * Dr. Osayuwame Igbinosa Madill, The Office Company * Natasha & Conrad Scharteau Catherine Dunik ‘84 * Wilma & Andy Jamieson * Renata Manchak ‘91 Leanne & Chris Schultz * Jennifer & Garrett Elliott Keela Mountainwear Int’l Ltd. Maple Bay Yacht Club Dr. Susan Scott ‘59 Dr. Danielle Fritz ‘98 - Frank Gordon * Heather Matson ‘64 * Sherwin Williams Paint & Peter Holmes * Jing (Jane) Liu & Zhaodong (Jeff) Li Sarah Mellings * Elise Shorting ‘02 Daphne Goode * Rebecca & Scott McKay * Menchies * Isobel Simons ‘59 Hi-Point Hay Li Na Ma & Zhong Li Cui Dean Miller Patti Small * Coco Jones * Jennifer Pelton & Gord Tuck * Monkey Bar Gym Alana Smith & Allen Corby K-Jack RV Rentals Hayley & David Picard * Norris Morgan Candice & Ryan Smith * Lauzon Consulting Inc. Danna Lu * Purtzki & Associates Morris & Rosalind Goodman Charlene Smith ‘58 Chartered Accountants * Family Foundation Karen & Ian McAllister DarylAnn Smith Yan Qu & Weibing Deng * Gail Morris ‘55 * Teresa & Grant McKinnon * Dominic Smith * Scott Rigby * Fiona Morrison * Celina & Dexter Mason * Yvonne Snow * Shur Power Electric Ltd. * Mrs. Freemans Scott Newman * Deborah & Tobias Staley * Rose & Neil Tanner * Enchanted Garden M. Ann North ‘46 * Starbucks - Trunk Road Valley Carpet One Floor Municipality of Kim & Cory Stinka Thomas Nowlin * North Cowichan * & Home * Sushi Harbour * Marilyn Palmer Rachel & Bruce Munra * Dong Wang & Wumin Wei * Trina Sxwithul’txw * Liz Robinson Carol Newington * Hongmei & Xinmin Wu Bob Tara & Bruce McPherson * Outbound Hounds Zhifang Zhao & Xiao Jiang * Elizabeth Tarkowski * Julie Scurr * Outlooks for Men * Yiming Zu & Quan Han ** Nancy & Leigh Taylor * The Inland Group * Overseas Old The Window Viper - Marie & Stanley Teitge QMS BENEFACTORS Margaretians Association * Chris Jackson * The Ginger Room $5,000 - 9,999 P&R Truck Centre Ltd. * Derek Thomas * The Red Balloon Toy Store * Amber Blair & David Smith Raisa Papish-David Tuck Brothers Celia & Karl Meade & Dr. Alexis David * The Third Edition * Contracting Ltd. * Smith Fuel Services Ltd. - Maria de Lordes The Tire Exchange - Uplands Golf Course * Smith/Corby Family Amber Blair & David Smith & Iqbal Parekh * Aude Volstad True Grain Bakery * Meiyu Song & Tao Ji Judith Parsons * Kristen & Shane Watt Stacy & Jason Paton * United Floors * Janet Woollam - Erding/ Fitznar Family Peninsula Co-op * Wall Street Clothing * QMS PATRONS Feiya Zeng & Yu He Diane & Allen Pennington Zhifang (Amy) Wang $1,000 - 4,999 Petrocan * Karen Webber * 89.7 Juice FM * Andrea Weir & Zak Cohen HEADS’ CIRCLE David Polack Tracy & Glenn Arden * $10,000 -19,999 Laura & Kevin Westwick Dr. Megan Polack ‘04 Randy Bach Ellen & Mark Brown WideGlide Entertainment * Sandra & Mike Potter * Dola Boas ‘59 Shuai Feng & Qi Dong * Lynne Willetts ‘67 & Charles Boas * Precious Metal Works Maureen Howe & John Reid Nancy Wilson Helen Buck Sheila Prins ‘59 & John Prins Jun Lu & Jing Xi & Juan Becerra * Trudy Byers ‘56 * Prudence Natural Beauty * Wenhua Ma & Litai Wang Wolseley Mechanical * Cinnabar Valley Farms Ltd. - Lihong Qi & Zhiqiang Pei * Hongna & Xiaohong Zhong Ying Wong ‘87 Heisterman Family * Susan & Erik Quackenbush & Jinan Yu Nicola & Craig Rademaker Woodshop Recording Studios Deborah Cook * - Cohen/Weir Family * RAM Appliances * Dan Duta Medical Corp. * FOUNDERS’ CIRCLE Maureen & Bill Young Peggy Ransom & Alan Maybee Dana Hospitality * $20,000 - 49,000 Stephanie & Andrew Young * Red Arrow Brewery Mary DeLury & Don Bahen * Yanming Li & Reviews Garden Art * Xuehua Duan Yanming Xiao * QMS FRIENDS & Weiwen Zhang * Catherine Reynolds ‘62 * Yeping (Linda) Li * $500 - $999 William Dustow Jane Richmond * Adagé Studio - Olivia Akemi & Daisuke Endo Ridgeway & Company * Boudreau Engel & Völkers Real Estate - Sarah Rigby ‘16 & Emily Clements * *repeat donors Brian Danyliw Roc-Tech Contracting Ltd. - Angela Andersen * Hon. R. Allan Gould * Bruce Munro * Arbutus Ridge Golf Course * Michelle Gurney ‘81 Rock Cod Café * Carmen & Guy Carpentier *
CONNECTIONS 39 Dina Holbrook (Co-Chair), Jennifer Pelton (Vice-Chair), Kirsty Grant (Co-Chair)
MESSAGE from the QMS Parents’ Association CO-CHAIRS KIRSTY GRANT & DINA HOLBROOK
This year, the QMS PAC raised over $37,000 in directed fundraising for our school.
The 2015-2016 QMS school year has stand, assisting with movie night set are available to order in time for proven to be a busy one for students up and clean up and all the energetic Mother’s Day. A Menchies Day took and parents alike. The QMS PAC is families who support our events. place in May and coincided with very proud to have been success- A QMS tradition which the PAC man- the Primary Fun Day. At the annual ful in purchasing a large selection of ages each year is the QMS Christmas PAC year-end BBQ, parents and stu- items from the QMS Wish List this Bazaar, the last Saturday in November. dents enjoy meeting new families year. We are also very happy to have The Bazaar brings together parents and friends as well as renewing old purchased an electronic sign for the and students from all grades of the friendships for the upcoming new School, which greets all guests enter- school as well as OOMA members. school year. ing campus through the main gates. Poinsettia and Epicure orders were On behalf of the QMS PAC, we As is tradition, the PAC hosted two also offered in advance of the event sincerely thank the QMS school welcome events at the beginning for pick-up on the day of the Bazaar. community for its generous support of term: The Bazaar is always well attended by of our events and fundraisers. • A Social following the Parent Infor- the general public and school commu- mation Evening gives parents the nity and is a Cowichan Valley tradition. opportunity to network with QMS One of the PAC’s ongoing projects Faculty and other parents. is the Unicycler Shop, where parents • The Welcome BBQ offers families can shop for gently used uniform the opportunity to socialize with items consigned or donated by fami- each other as well as with staff and lies. We are very fortunate to have faculty. The children especially en- two dedicated parents who take joyed the opportunity to swim in responsibility for the Unicycler on an the pool and participate in other ongoing basis. outdoor activities. The Annual Easter Event is always October saw PAC hosting one of its popular with the Primary students ever popular Dinner & Movie Nights, and we appreciate the Intermediate which included a Zumba session School students who take a leader- prior to the movie. We are always ship role with this event. Bulb orders grateful to the parents who par- add to our spring fundraising, as do ticipate by baking for the concession beautiful hanging baskets, which
40 CONNECTIONS Financial Report
Each year, the Audited Financial Statements are presented to the QMS Society at the November Annual General Meeting. The Audited Financial Statements ending June 30, 2015, show contin- ued growth and overall stable financial performance.
2015 Revenue $8,217,908 2015 Expenses $8,115,088
Fundraising Government 5% ($417,990) Grants Salaries & Benefits 8% ($688,872) Other 58% ($4,741,584) 3% ($243,650) Debt Servicing 3% ($241,856)
Facilities 12% ($976,458) Tuition & Boarding Fees 84% ($6,867,396) General & Administrative School 11% ($852,960) Operations 16% ($1,302,230)
2015-16 ANNUAL FUND CAMPAIGN
Thank you for your generous support of our Annual Head’s Fund Fund campaign. Your donations surpassed our original 75% ($46,375) goal, helping us reach a grand total of $61,839!
Your Annual Fund donations will be directed towards: • New loft beds for our Young Boarding Educational Student Program Technology • Upgraded paddocks and run-in stalls for our Equestrian Program 8% ($4,972) • Discovery Afternoons/Guest Speakers Equestrian • Musical Instruments for our Music Program Residence QMS Scholarships & Program $ • Cameras and tripods for Media Arts $ Bursaries 6% ( 3,426) 3% ($1,996) 8% ( 5,070) • Drawing tablets for our Fine Arts program
For more information on the QMS Annual Fund and how your support enriches the experiences of QMS students, please visit our website at www.qms.bc.ca. QMS CONNECTIONS ISSUE 4 SEPTEMBER 2016
660 Brownsey Avenue Duncan, British Columbia V9L 1C2 CANADA 250.746.4185 www.qms.bc.ca