spring/summer 2010

Grove NewsSpring/Summer 2010

Calendar of Events 2010/11 For details please refer to our school calendar at www.lcs.on.ca

SEptEmbEr JANUArY21 Grade 7 & 8 parents’ reception 28 Kingston pub Night

24 Grade 11 & 12 parents’ reception 20 montreal meet & Greet

25 Grade 9 & 10 parents’ reception Fall Fair/ Home to the Grove reunion

FEbrUArY11 London, ON pub Night

OCtObEr 18 peterborough pub Night

7 UK Friends of LCS Dinner (London) AprIL8 London, UK pub Night 6 toronto meet & Greet

13 Grove Society meeting (LCS) 18 Grove Society meeting (LCS)

15 Halifax pub Night 20 LCS parents’ reception (toronto)

23 Admissions Open House mAY30 trustees’ meeting/Dinner 14 trustees’ meeting

NOvEmbEr 27 Grove Society volunteer recognition Event

4 Networking Speaker Event (toronto) 28 regatta Day

6 pre-1950s’ Old boys reunion JUNE19 Guelph/Waterloo pub Night 8 Grove Society pot Luck Luncheon

24 Ottawa meet & Greet 15 Grade 8 Graduation Dinner

DECEmbEr 18 Closing Grade 12 Graduation Dinner3 Grove Society Christmas meeting and Luncheon

22 the Andy Harris Cup Grove Golf tournament

SchoolBoard Chair John Ryder ’77

Past Chair Jock Fleming ‘74

Vice Chair Paul Hickey

Cindy Atkinson-barnettDavid bignellWalter blackwell ’56Doug blakeymarilynn boothAndrew Clarke ’85Stephen Coates ’90Susan DeNurepeter Dunn ’62Signy Eaton-Shier

michael Eatson ’83Stephanie Edwardsbishop George ElliottAnn Farlowromina Fontana ’94bill Gastle ’68Janice GreenNicole Groves ’93Jennifer Gruerterry Guest*tim Heeney ’83Alan IngramWarren Jones ’88Jennifer KotzeffJanet LafortuneKathleen LeonardNicholas Lewis ’77James (Kim) Little ’53Luke macDonald ’10

taylor mackenzie ’10Kevin mako ’03Kevin malone ’77James matthews ’58Andrea mcConnellJim mcGowanJohn mcrae ’70Val McRaetracy morley ’93betty morrisbill morris ’70Anil patel ’93travis price ’85tony pullen ’63vicki pullenSean Quinn ’82Kathleen RamsayDouglas rishor ’57michaele robertson

Gretchen rossJohn Schumachermurray Sinclair ’79Nancy SmithScott Smith ’87Amanda Soder ’98manal StamboulieJohn Stelzer ’00Losel tethong ‘89David thompsonStuart Thompson ’91richard tucker ’77tim Ward ’62Jane WaterousGordon Webb ’72Chris White ’90Jamie White ’79Cathy Wilsonterry Windrem

Erin Yeatman HrH Duke of York ’78

FoundationHonorary Chair Paul Desmarais Jr. ’73

Chair Bill Morris ’70* (as of may, 2010)

Emilio Azcarraga Jean ’87marilynn boothbruce boren ’87Jonathan Carroll ’87Brian Carter*michael CooperStan Dunford

Lakefield College trustees 2009/10

(Front Cover) Joel Brennan ’12 practising new white water techniques while out with the LCS Kayaking Team.

Jock Fleming ’74John K. Hepburn ’68Angus macNaughton ’48Jeffrey Marshall Andrea mcConnellrobert mcEwenrosemary phelanKathleen RamsayDonald ross ’48thomas ryder ’53Géza von DiergardtWilliam Wells ’78richard WernhamGraham WorsfoldHrH Duke of York ’78

Directors in Bold* Honorary Alumni

Cameron Ainsworth-vincze ’96

A few years ago, I received a call

from a distant relative who wanted

my impressions on The Grove.

He was considering sending his

daughter to the school and wanted

to know everything before deciding

if it was a good fit for her. He asked

about the academic strengths of

the school, what living away from

home was like, the extracurricular

programs, and concluded by asking

one simple question: “What makes

Lakefield different from other

institutions?” In thinking about my

time at The Grove, I immediately

pointed to the advantages of the

school’s location and the outdoor

activities that I was fortunate

enough to participate in. From

going on canoe trips, taking part

in the Brigantines, to the Irving

Expedition, the extensive Outdoor

Education program and the

waterfront setting, students are

extended a wealth of opportunities

to not only enjoy nature but to

respect and cherish it.

Within the pages of this issue is a

reminder of The Grove’s majestic

setting and how both academic

and non-academic activities are at

the very core of the school’s ability

to inspire students. Lisa Clarke

writes that “if the grove of maple

trees is the school’s heart, the lake

is its belly” (p.17) and that few

independent schools in Canada

are as fortunate to enjoy such a

nature-filled campus. Dr. Heather

Avery examines Mike Arsenault’s

biology class where students spend

time investigating environmental

problems and thinking about

solutions (p.14). Another article

expresses concerns over the

annual Turtle Race at Closing,

demonstrating how the community

places the importance of nature

above tradition (p.11). Imparting

such environmental stewardship

and participating in outdoor

activities is the same sentiment

that I tried to convey to my relative:

that The Grove not only teaches

students about the natural world

but also opens up opportunities

for them to experience and learn

about it in a very intimate, hands-

on manner.

Cameron Ainsworth-Vincze ’96 is

a Toronto-based journalist and

writer who has written for such

publications as the Globe and Mail

and Maclean’s.

Our majestic Grove

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | i

From the Head of School

David thompsonFrom his Closing Speech, June 2010

When Sparham Sheldrake founded the school 131 years

ago, there was a large private house, some cow barns

and a square in front of the house where wood was piled

for the furnace.

The students at The Grove adapted to a life of pumping

the water out of the well, heating it on the kitchen

stove, and pouring it into a wooden tub in which three

students would have a Saturday night bath. The toilets

were about a hundred feet outside and as one student

proclaimed, “It was not very pleasant, especially at

night.”

By the 1900s and under the leadership of Dr. Mackenzie,

the school added classrooms, an assembly hall, and

dorms to accommodate up to 40 students. In the mid-

1920s a chapel was built for $5,000 and the following

year a wing was added for an additional $10,000.

After some challenging times, Winder Smith erased the

school’s deficit and debt, purchased the land between

Grove House and the lake and oversaw the construction

of Memorial House, the classroom wing, and the dining

hall.

Since then, there have been many additions and

renovations including a refurbished theatre, residences,

new field space, a new chapel, Duke of York Hall, the

learning centre and, most recently, Hadden Hall and

Cooper House.

Today, we talk less about outdoor plumbing and

more about carbon footprint and environmental

sustainability. In the past two years, the school has

made many strides forward in this area including

ground source heating and air conditioning, tankless

hot water heaters, school-wide energy management

systems, energy efficient lighting, composting of

organic waste, and solar panels in the near future.

During the history of the school, we have seen the

student population grow from 15 boys to 220 boys to a

coeducational school with 365 students. This year, we

celebrated 20 years of coeducation.

We tend to think of established schools as steeped in

tradition and resistant to change. But Lakefield has

always understood that change is important, necessary,

and part of the healthy evolution of the school. Prince

Philip once said, “Change does not change tradition.

It strengthens it. Change is a challenge and an

opportunity, not a threat.”

As much as there have been substantial facility

improvements and changes to composition and size, the

emphasis on maintaining the mission and values of the

school by focusing on educating the individual student

in a holistic way has remained paramount.

ii | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

One of the first advertisements for The Grove read:

“Mr. Sheldrake receives a limited number of pupils into

his house for board and tuition and gives his whole

and undivided attention to their instruction in all

the elementary branches of an English and classical

education. Special care is taken to inculcate moral and

gentlemanly principles and every possible attention is

paid to their domestic comfort and happiness.”

Ironically, that decree is not that far off the school’s

current promotional tagline of “the best day ever.”

The mission and values statement of The Grove today

could have been the mission statement and values of

The Grove 131 years ago. I would contend these are even

more relevant and important in today’s society. In many

ways, our faculty strive even harder to emphasize these

goals in their daily interactions with students.

Trust, education of the whole person, and a healthy

caring community represent the foundation upon which

all change at The Grove must stand. Our mission and

values of individuality, citizenship, and learning are the

roots that have allowed The Grove to flourish.

With this backdrop of tradition, a strong foundation,

and highly relevant mission and values, the school has

embarked on a new strategic plan that will guide us to

2017. This is an exciting process in an educational and

economic environment that is dramatically shifting.

For this reason it is important that the values of the

school remain constant. I would like to share some of

the thoughts that are emerging from our preliminary

discussions.

We know that the role of technology will continue

to change the way that we think about and deliver

education.

We also know that critical thinking, synthesizing

information, collaboration, and imagination are skills

that will allow our graduates to excel when they leave

The Grove.

The challenges of sustaining our fragile planet and the

people on it become more profound each year. Our

graduates will play an important role in making sure we

all live in a better world.

The school understands the significant financial

sacrifices made by families to allow their children to

attend The Grove. Our responsibility is to ensure that

our students have a rewarding and enriching

experience and we want to be in a position to allow any

deserving student the opportunity to participate in that

experience.

Today we celebrate and say farewell to a graduating class

that has truly embraced the values of the school and is

part of our evolving change. Farewell may sound like a

permanent word, but it has an overtone that is right for

today. Because saying farewell carries a touch of sadness

for me, as it does for the entire faculty; in the time that

you have spent with us—whether that is one year or six

years—we have all grown very fond of you.

Each of you has strengthened the school in your own

unique way. I am particularly grateful to our head

students, Cam Boland and Marshall Slipp, for their

guidance and boundless enthusiasm.

The graduates have worked hard, experienced much,

and contributed to the betterment, not only of our

community, but many around the world. All of this has

opened the doors of opportunity for them.

This opportunity brings responsibility and I would ask

that you consider the following as you leave us:

N Enhance the well-being of those less educated and

less fortunate than you. Share the good fortune that

you have lived with at The Grove so that you will

make this fragile planet a better place to live.

N Value truth and pursue it in your studies and in your

work days ahead. Look around the world today and

know that it is desperately needed—demand it of

yourself and of others.

N Remember that you, as a group of 99 individuals,

will never be assembled like this again. The

memories of what you have lived and learned

together as a class are your unique bond with each

other. Preserve them and revisit them often.

N Rejoice in the love and support of your family,

friends, and faculty and remember to say thank you.

Look after each other so that for many years to come

you may cherish these friendships.

Remember that your life, like Lakefield College School,

will undergo many evolutions, but that The Grove values

that we have shared with you will serve as a bright

beacon.

We have asked you to leave the school and our world

better than when you arrived—you have done that and

more, and we commend you all.

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | iii

John ryder ’77, Chair of the boardFrom his Closing Speech, June 19, 2010

These last few months have given rise to a different

perspective and appreciation—in this case for

community, friendships, and their support. These are

things that we all benefit from and have been so freely

and generously extended to me. Social structures are

integral features of our community here at The Grove

as they are elsewhere in our lives. They nurture our

growth, they encourage adventure, and they share

in our successes as they support us in our failures or

times of need.

The custom of freedom to explore—a hallmark of

Lakefield College School that has been retained

because of the belief that the results would be worth

the risks—achieves greater results when coupled with

the strength and support of community. “The Grove

Experience,” or perhaps “The Grove Exploration,” is

as much about academic or athletic pursuits as it is

about citizenship, a sense of respect for others, or an

expanded awareness of our role and place in a modern

global environment.

Our community, our friendships, our collaborative

social and professional networks extend further today

than they have in the past. Yet, we know that these

networks will reach even further tomorrow with the

advent of new technologies, lessening influence of

geographical separation bringing with this fewer

accessibility constraints. This expanding reach is

as much a reality of the workplace as it is for us here

at Lakefield College School. The accelerating pace

of technological change and globalization brings

tremendous opportunity to broaden the educational

experience, but at the same time an expectation for

different skills and approaches to careers, to education,

to social interaction, and to the opportunities that

are available to us as we explore and interact in other

regions of the world.

What we learn from this emerging view is that there

is increasing emphasis on mantras surrounding

collaboration, productivity, sustainability, value, and

innovation. In a sense, although we consider some of

these as necessary ingredients for preservation, or for

progress and enhancement, they are a by-product of

the application of knowledge. That is to imply that at

the core of this is perpetual education, and that it has

an ongoing and integral place in our lives to prepare

us to investigate and synthesize information for

application and innovation.

Whether it be in an academic pursuit or an adventure,

the result is undoubtedly greater as a collaborative

activity. The supporting resources of an investigative

and interpretive approach place greater emphasis on

research and communication skills, to some extent

the technology to facilitate access, as the enablers of

experience and of exploration.

The freedom to explore, because the results are worth

the risks in an increasingly collaborative environment,

can only lead to greater achievement and fulfillment.

Our challenge as we leave today, whether as Grads,

or to return next year, is to embrace, to accept the

challenge, experience, and explore with the confidence

that comes from the support of your community. We

are so fortunate to have so much available to us.

Thank you.

From the Chair of the board

iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2008iv | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

New Interim Head for Lakefield College School 2

Head Students’ Closing Address 4

Closing Awards 6

remember, Life is Constructed, Dan Needles ’69 8

the End of a tradition 11

School Highlights 13

there is No Life Without Water 14

Lessons From the Lake 16

Our very Own Dog Whisperer: Over 20 Years at the Grove and Loving It! 21

David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar 23

the value of Financial Assistance 24

From the Archives 26

Down With Kyle Fairlie ’03 28

Gandhi pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all 30

Class News (Weddings, births) 33

In Our memories 38

Editor: tracey blodgett; Layout & Design and Copy Editor: Christine vogel; Contributing Editor: Cameron Ainsworth-vincze

‘96; Editorial Committee: Heather Avery, Lisa Clarke, richard Johnston, richard Life, Sarah mcmahon, tom milburn, and David

thompson. Contributing photographer: Simon Spivey. please address correspondence to the Communications and Constituent

relations Office: Lakefield College School, Lakefield, ON, K0L 2H0 705.652.3324 [email protected]

Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 1

On June 22, 2010, David Thompson tendered his resignation as Head of Lakefield College School and CEO of the

Lakefield College School Foundation.

David, his wife, Jennifer, and their two boys, John and Matthew enthusiastically immersed themselves in the

LCS campus and community upon their arrival in the summer of 2008. David arrived in time to oversee the final

stages of construction of the student recreation centre followed closely by the start of construction on the Cooper

House Residence. He led the school during the period of economic recession. In addition, David’s passion for the

environment was a driving force in the many sustainable initiatives the school has adopted and in other projects yet

to be implemented.

John Ryder ’77 (Chair, LCS School Board) and Bill Morris ’70 (Chair, LCS Foundation Board) shared in a recent

communication, “We are grateful for David’s leadership of LCS during the past two years of economic challenge.

Both the school and foundation are very well-positioned for continued success. David’s passion and energy in

the areas of environmental leadership, curriculum innovation, and endowment have inspired the Lakefield

community. These initiatives will continue to be priorities as we plan for the future of the school.”

Subsequently, the school and foundation boards jointly announced the appointment of Sarah McMahon, Associate

Head: External & COO of the Lakefield College School Foundation, as the Interim Head of Lakefield College School

for the period August 1, 2010 to July 31, 2011.

Their message states, “Sarah joined the LCS team in 1999 as Director of Admissions after holding similar positions

at Wasatch Academy in Utah and Sedbergh School in Québec. Over the past decade she has excelled at a number of

roles and key projects that have been crucial to the success of Lakefield College School … Sarah has been a trusted

friend, advisor, and ear to hundreds of students and parents who have called LCS home during that time … Sarah is

fond of the phrase, “It’s all about the kids” and we expect this will be a prime focus for her year as Interim Head.”

In response to the announcement, Sarah replied, “I am deeply honoured to begin my role as Interim Head of

Lakefield College School … I would like to thank the school and the foundation boards for their confidence and

support. I look forward to working with them during the year ahead and I will rely on their active participation and

wise counsel. Similarly, I will seek the broad support and guidance of the school’s management team, faculty, and

staff—a dedicated group of professionals who love The Grove as much as I do.”

The school and foundation boards are pleased to report that, “Lakefield College School is in a very strong financial

position. Whether you look at the exceptional school year we have just wrapped up for our students, the market-

leading admissions numbers we have earned in a very competitive and challenging environment, or the energy and

innovation at work within the academic program and school life areas, we are very optimistic about the school’s

future. We trust that you will join us in congratulating Sarah on her new role and provide her with that special LCS

support that this community is so famous for.”

The boards have begun the process of a formal search for a new Head/CEO to begin in the 2011/12 academic

year. Paul Hickey, incoming Chair of the Lakefield College School Board, has been selected to chair the search

committee.

New Interim Head for Lakefield College School

2 | Grove News Spring/Summer 2010

Congratulations Grads! There are 99 individuals in our

graduating class and today is our day to remember how

we spent our time and what it is that we learned at this

school. All we really need to know about how to live

and what to do, and how to be, we learned here at The

Grove!

We learned about how important traditions are—

everything from the fun and silly little traditions that

the students have in their last weeks here at The Grove

to the long-standing traditions like the crest that is

emblazoned on all of the students’ jackets—and how

they have a place in life.

The school crest holds the school motto—mens sana

in corpore sano—a sound mind in a sound body. One

hundred and thirty-one years after Sparham Sheldrake

opened the school, this has remained as the central

way in which the school operates. Participating in

these traditions helps to build and create meaning in

your life.

We have learned to do good things always. At every

turn in life’s path there is often a chance to help

someone else; do not expect anything in return … do it

because it is most rewarding.

We have learned how important it is to always walk

through puddles. It is OK to occasionally get a little bit

dirty as you travel life’s path. You shouldn’t spend too

much time sanitizing every part of your life or you will

wash the colour and character out of yourself.

We have learned how important unicorns are—well,

that’s basically all that many of us learned in Grade

9 outdoor education. But outdoor education was

something different. In that class we learned how

important it is to spend time and learn outside.

We have learned how to build a fire. The first thing you

should do is establish your base. Start with kindling

and continue by strengthening the foundation with

different types, sizes, and shapes of wood. Don’t be

afraid of diversity; just as different types of wood and

different fuels make for a good fire, diversity in the

student population makes for a better school. We

should all celebrate our differences.

We have learned how lucky we really are—there is

a difference between a right and a privilege. Many

of us have travelled to third world countries to help

underprivileged families. We are all members of a

small planet and the only thing separating us from

these families is the privilege of where we were born.

We are all lucky to be attending such an amazing

school.

We have learned to take out our trash. We are not

perfect, however, when we make a mess we have

learned to take ownership.

We have learned the importance of saying “thank

you.” We have the privilege of being here because of

the support and encouragement of our family, friends,

and teachers. We will always continue to support each

other and remember to say “thank you.”

We have learned to be happy in all we do in life—

both good and bad. When you carry a smile it has a

contagious reaction. It will not only make you feel

better, but it will brighten the lives of everyone you

meet.

We have learned the meaning of the True North. You

should always show your true colours in life and be

who you really are. Don’t pretend ... be engaged! It is

the spontaneous moments in life you will remember

and that people will really remember you by. So much

of life can be covered in that oily paint of the polite and

correct—yet it is the unvarnished moments that we will

remember.

You learn a lot of things during your time here at The

Grove, but what really matters is what you take with

you.

Head Students’ Closing Address—June 2010 Cameron boland and marshall Slipp, Class of 2010


So as we realize what this school has taught us about

how to live and how to be, we also realize that our

graduation isn’t the end, but merely just the beginning

of our lives.

In our time here we also learned that it can be helpful

to throw away your pruning shears. Success is not

always about conforming to what everyone else is

doing, but about creating and ploughing your own path

towards what makes you happy.

All of the graduates standing behind us here today have

had to suffer through the last few months of perpetual

questions by friends, family, and strangers—“Do

you know where you are going to university? Do you

know what you are going to study?” With seemingly

underlying questions, “Are you going to be successful?”

But what is the true meaning of success?

Success in life is having friends. Success is when you

develop depth of character. Success is the feeling

you get when you reach the finish. If you work hard

at something and feel you have contributed, it is your

success. Success is …

Well, success means something different to everyone.

Bring the things you have learned here at The Grove

to help bring about success in your life, and always

remember the quote from Robert Fulghum, “No matter

how old you are—when you go out into the world, it is

best to hold hands and stick together.”

To next year’s graduating class: we learned how to

show respect and be a role model. Be yourselves, lead

by example, and always remember to have fun. Don’t

turn back if you make a mistake, just learn from the

mistake and carry on. Make next year your best year

yet! And remember to always say please and thank

you.

What will our future hold? No one can answer this

question, but we can always look back and remember

our time here at The Grove.

When we look around at all of the graduating students

behind us we see artists, musicians, potential

politicians, athletes, and leaders. Every action of

this class has been informed by spirit, passion, and

a commitment to excellence, but the one thing that

defines our character is our legacy of unity. We lived

by what we said, leading by example and following

through.

So, take what we have learned and run with it, and

always remember what Mr. Spock from Star Trek said,

“Live long and prosper.”


top of Form Grade 7 Adrien vilcini

Grade 8 richie Lee

Grade 9 millie Yates

Grade 10 Samier Kamar

Grade 11 rebekah Sibbald

Grade 12 Katie Jones (Governor General’s medal)

Closing Awards—June 19, 2010

Academic proficiency Standing

Curriculum Area prizes

Englishthe Grade 7/8 Humanities prize: Devon Cole

the Dela Fosse prize (Junior): teraleigh Stevenson

the Intermediate English prize: rebekah Sibbald

the Senior English prize: Emmy pullen

the I. Norman Smith prize for Studies in English Literature: Katie Jones

the English Writers’ Craft prize: Gabrielle Cormier

Fine Arts

the Hubert Eisdell Award (Junior/Intermediate music): risako tamura

the Junior/Intermediate Fine Arts prize: Christina Chan

Fine Arts the Junior/Intermediate Drama prize: Samier Kamar

the David bierk visual Arts prize: Derek Shin

the Senior music prize: Angela Lee

the Senior Drama prize: megn Walker

modern Languages the Junior modern Languages prize: Christopher Chan

the Intermediate modern Languages prize: robert Selman

the Core French prize: Christine Davidson

the Advanced placement Extended French prize: Gabrielle Cholette

HrH prince of Asturias Spanish prize: maki Ishida

(Below) Back Row L-R: Grade 8 Graduates Tom Chan, Sam Dalton, Elisha Sarkis, Ivraj Cheema, Nik Nemeczek, Jaron Kaller, Alex Hooke-Wood, Scott Garland, Alex Sifton, Graham Andras. Front Row L-R: Nikhil Rajdev, Daniel Zahradnik, Devon Cole, Evie Jenden-Selway, Rachel Grant-Steinkrauss, Joanne McCloskey, Natalie Wagner, Nic Worsfold, Prag Rajdev, Richie Lee. Missing: Jessica Williams


mathematics the Grade 7/8 mathematics, Science & technology prize: richie Lee

the paterson Junior mathematics prize: Samier Kamar

the Intermediate mathematics prize: teruki tauchi

the mathematics of Data management prize: Angela Lee

the Advanced Functions prize: taylor Joo

professor m. mackenzie prize for Calculus: Kathleen Logie

the Larry Griffiths prize for Advanced placement Calculus: Katie Jones

Science and technology the A.W. mackenzie Environmental Award for Junior Science & technology: Celeste Hutton

the Intermediate Science and technology prize: michael Casson

the biology prize: Ashley patel

the mrs. A.W. mackenzie prize for biology Advanced placement biology: Katie Jones

the Chemistry prize: David Evelyn

the Advanced placement Chemistry prize: Katie Jones

the Advanced placement Computer Science prize:

Harry Lee

Science and technology the physics prize: Katie Jones

the Earth and Space Science prize: megn Walker the Communications technology prize: meggy Chan

the mcLimont Scholarship for Engineering: Harry Lee

Social Sciences and Outdoor Education the Grade 7 & 8 Social Sciences prize: prag rajdev

the Junior Outdoor Education prize: Josh Walker

the t.H.b. Symons Canadian Studies prize (Junior): teraleigh Stevenson

the Intermediate Outdoor Education prize: teraleigh Stevenson

the American History prize: Emmy pullen

the Susan Guest Outdoor Education prize: rebekah Sibbald

the Classical Civilizations prize: Kate Seo

the Economics prize: Ashley patel

the World History prize: Gabrielle Cormier

the Canadian and International Law prize: Dina El-baradie

the Canada & World Issues prize: priya maini

the politics Advanced placement prize: Gabrielle Cormier

Curriculum Area prizes

Character and Achievement Awards

the Harman Award: Jaron Kaller

the Gaby Award: Nik Nemeczek

the Junior Grove Society prize: Lyndsay Armstrong

the Fred page Higgins Award: millie Yates

Junior Edson pease prize: Samier Kamar

the Jean Ketchum prize: rhiannon Gilbart

the Stephen thompson prize: rebekah Sibbald

the Senior Grove Society prize: matt Chi

the milligan Awards: marshall Slipp, Kate Carroll

the King Constantine medal: Dana madill

the Grove Award: Andrew Dupuis, Harry Lee

the Crombie Award: Ashley patel

Senior Edson pease prize: robbie Dickinson

H.m. Silver Jubilee Award: Cameron boland

the Nelles prize: Keenan murray

the J.r. Anderson Award: maki Ishida

John pearman martyn Sibbald prize: bea Chan

the Ondaatje Foundation Award: Gabrielle Cormier

the monty bull Award: Hillie Allen

the Jack matthews Humanitarian Award: priya maini

the Whitney prize: Kelsey Slobodian

Jean and Winder Smith Award: Jamie Cooper

the trustees’ prize: Katie Jones

british Alumni travelling Scholarship: Kate Carroll


remember, Life is ConstructedKeynote Address by Dan Needles ’69, Closing 2010

I had a pretty rough start here at Lakefield in the fall of 1964. For some

reason, my mother decided I should bring a sheep with me to school.

I had raised an orphan lamb on a bottle that summer at the farm. Her

name was Myrtle and she followed me around like a dog. The day we

left for Lakefield, my mother suddenly ripped the back seat out of our

Volkswagen and shoved Myrtle in beside my big trunk.

The headmaster, Jack Matthews, just shrugged his shoulders when he

saw Myrtle and said maybe she could be the mascot for the football

team. So she moved down to the stable to live with the horses. Maybe

my mother thought Myrtle would be lonely without me. Maybe she

thought that showing up at school with a sheep would help her son

build character. But it took me two years of fistfights before I could

walk down a hallway in this school without hearing someone say,

“baaaaa!”

Sheep have appeared at several turning points in my life. After LCS,

I went off on a tour of the world to find myself. I got all the way to

Australia and found work on a sheep station in Western Queensland.

On the first day, my employers Mick and Dave took me out to an

enormous truck with three decks crammed full of sheep. Mick pointed

to the ladder and said, “Danny, climb up there and throw every sheep

off that has no top front teeth.” I climbed up to the top deck, grabbed

a sheep and pulled up his lip and found, as luck would have it, no top

front teeth. I pitched it down the chute and went looking for another

one. Same thing. This went on for about fifteen minutes until I came

back to the top of the chute, out of breath and sweating and said,

“Mick, none of these sheep has any top front teeth!” And Mick said,

“Hey Dave, that’s 42. I believe the Canadian has set a new record.” For

sheep do not have top front teeth.

That is the oldest joke in Australia. Then they put me to work out in

the fields “dagging.” This is pretty much the worst job in Australia. It

involves taking the crappy dag ends of wool off the rear ends of sheep

with a pair of hand shears. They drove me out into the scrub until we

found a flock of sheep and they dropped me off with two sheepdogs

(also named Mick and Dave), a water bag, and a pair of shears. The two

dogs would run circles around the flock, bunching them together so

tightly that I could wade into the middle of them and grab any sheep I

wanted. I was supposed to find the ones with crap caked on their rear


that all the good stories had already been told. I started

ends and cut it off with the shears. These were usually

the ones with no top front teeth.

I did this every day for six weeks, in blistering heat with

nothing but Vegemite sandwiches and a quart sealer of

tea for lunch. One stifling afternoon, I remember it was

well over a hundred degrees in the waterbag and a huge

cloud of flies followed me wherever I went. I tipped up

yet another disgusting old ewe and I stared at her for

the longest time. Then suddenly, inspiration struck

me like a thunderbolt. I said to myself, out loud to the

other sheep, as I remember, “Maybe I should go back to

school.”

I also have pleasant associations with sheep. Many

years later I drove out of Toronto one crisp morning

in March to visit with one of the neighbours in the old

farm community where I grew up. The farmer was out

in the barn with his daughter, a very pretty girl with

her long hair tied up in ribbons. I soon found myself

helping with the spring lambing. The young lady dried

off one of the newborn lambs, held it up to her face

and just breathed it in. “They have a wonderful smell,”

she said. “They smell new.” I held it up to my face

and breathed it in. It smelled like poop to me. But six

months later, I married that brown-haired shepherdess

and we’ve been keeping sheep together ever since.

If you are anything like my kids you probably have

some deep concerns about the state of the world. That’s

understandable. When I left these grounds 42 years

ago, I was pretty worried about the world, too. 1968 was

not a very good year for North America. My grandfather

was also deeply worried about the world when he was a

student here at Lakefield in 1896. He was so upset about

the failure of his teachers to grapple with the world’s

problems that he walked down the hill into the village

and hopped on a freight train back to Toronto.

I remember what bothered me more than anything

else was the nagging feeling that the world was full and

there wasn’t really any room left for me. I wasn’t sure if

I would be needed for anything. Then I spent the next

couple of years travelling in Australia and the South

Pacific, and cycling around England and France. At the

University of Toronto I found writers from a hundred,

two hundred, even five hundred years ago who all

thought that the world was in terrible shape. And then I

read playwrights from ancient Greece who complained

that all the good stories had already been told. I started


making my living with the one gift I knew I had, which

was the ability to put words together on paper. And

I found work as a journalist, later as a speechwriter,

and later still as a public relations executive for a big

insurance company.

Then I found the shepherdess and she helped me to

make a complete leap into the dark. I decided to give up

my secure job at the insurance company, move back to

the farm community where I grew up and try to make a

living as a writer. I look back on it now and it seems like a

crazy decision. But it was the best thing I ever did.

When they asked me to give this address today, I

wondered what on earth I might have to say to a young

person starting out in the world. I have two sons and two

daughters of my own, two in university and two still in

high school. So I’ll say the same thing to you that I say to

them.

The best thing you can do is to make a home; shoulder

your way into a human community, sit in one place and

try to do good work. If you have spent any time at all in

this school you should know what good work is. It could

mean writing plays or keeping sheep or any number

of things. But good work is something that tries not to

cheat or do damage.

Remember that life is a constructed thing. It doesn’t

happen all at once no matter how much you want it

to. You have to build it piece by piece, patiently over a

period of three generations, if you’re lucky. You’ll hear

people say that you need to make plans but in my view,

plans aren’t that important. There is an old Yiddish

proverb that says men make plans and God laughs. What

is really important is to make decisions. Life can be very

unkind to people who won’t make up their minds.

I like farmers. I like the way they talk. I like the way they

think. I have been listening to farmers ever since I was

a kid and they have helped to shape the way that I look

at the world. The thing I admire most about them is that

as soon as they get out of bed in the morning they start

looking after the life around them. They are driven by

a deep affection for the land and its possibilities. That’s

what gives them a sense of purpose and meaning to their

lives.

If you make a habit of looking after the life around you,

doing good work and watching for that moment when

you will be asked to take a terrifying leap into the dark,

believe me, you’re going to do just fine.

Dan Needles is a noted author and playwright best known

for his series of Letters from Wingfield Farm books and

plays.


There are many memories that Lakefield College

School alumni share—swimming at the waterfront, a

game of outdoor shinny, running through the tunnels,

camping in the outdoors. But one memory that is

shared across the generations is the annual turtle race

—going down to the waterfront, picking their racer and

taking care to ensure it was ready for the annual race

at Closing, and ultimately, the race. It was a natural

fit for a school in such a wonderful natural setting to

include the symbol of The Grove—the turtle—in our

traditional Closing Ceremonies. And each year, at the

end of the race, each turtle was returned to its natural

environment with great care to ensure it was not

harmed.

The school has been challenged to consider the

implications of this race for the health and safety of

our turtle population. In discussions with the Ontario

Ministry of Natural Resources, two issues of legal

concern were raised: the removal of wild animals

from their natural habitat and the risk to endangered

species. As a result, the school has decided to no longer

hold the turtle race.

So the question has become … what will our new

tradition be? How will we replace the turtle race—an

integral part of our Closing traditions for generations?

There were many creative ideas including racing the

Grade 9 students (dressed as turtles) on Andy Harris

Field, a papier maché turtle race zipline from the

dining hall; but in the end, the students and staff

agreed that in reverence to a long-held tradition

and our love for our environment, it cannot truly be

replaced and so it will not be.

The turtle race will forever remain in our history along

with the Spring Trots and the huts in the woods. It

is a beloved part of LCS history that will always be

remembered and cherished.

the End of a tradition

“And the turtles, of course ... All the turtles are free—As turtles and,

maybe, all creatures should be.” Dr. SEUSS


Congratulations on Spring Athletic WinsThe Junior Boys’ won their first Rugby Championship

at LCS since 2004, rounding out an incredible

season by hosting the CISAA Junior Boys Division II

Championships on our home pitch on Regatta Day.

The Girls’ Rugby and Boys’ Senior Rugby teams

wrapped up the season with impressive silver

championships.

The LCS Ultimate Team, Supernova, defeated

Greenwood College at the CISAA Division 1 for their

second Division 1 championship in three years,

finishing 11th in the province!

The 1st Softball Team captured its second CISAA

softball championship in as many years and remained

unbeaten, with a perfect 14 - 0 record over the past two

seasons.

Sailing to the Youth OlympicsSarah Douglas ’12 was chosen to represent Canada

at the inaugural Youth Olympic Games in August,

2010 in Singapore. Sarah, who recently won the 2009

Ontario Laser Radial Championship and was awarded

the Ontario Sailing 2009 Female Junior Sailor of the

Year, will be competing in the girls’ one person dinghy

class. Sarah was the top female sailor at the regional

qualification regatta in Grand Cayman.

Haiti relief The LCS community successfully raised approximately

$30,000 in support of the Haiti Relief Fund through

a variety of fundraising efforts/events since the

devastating earthquake. With the match of funds by

the Canadian Government, the school contributed

roughly $54,000 to UNICEF. In recognition of raising

the most funds by a school, Bilaal Rajan ’13, Youth

Ambassador for UNICEF Canada, shaved his head for

the cause!

Staging a mysteryThis spring, cast and crew worked together to develop

the spring play, Murdered to Death—a British murder

mystery farce. All three performances, with the final

one on Regatta Day, were well received with standing

ovations for the cast and crew. Director Paul Mason

was pleased with how the group of students, with a

wide range of talents and experiences, came together

so successfully, “I can’t tell you how proud I was of my

cast and crew,” said Mr. Mason. “They’re a lovely group

of young people.”

music triathlonThe weekend of April 16 to 18 will not easily be

forgotten by the 19 LCS musicians who participated

in the annual Conference of Independent Schools

Music Festival (CISMF) at Roy Thomson Hall, Toronto.

Three days of rehearsals culminated with an exciting

performance on Sunday afternoon at the home of

the Toronto Symphony Orchestra. Our musicians

participated with over 1,400 other student musicians

from 30-plus independent schools from across Canada.

Challenging HistoryMr. John Boyko, Dean of Social Sciences and history

teacher, has recently published his fourth book, a

biography about former Prime Minister R.B. Bennett:

Bennett: The Rebel who Challenged and Changed a

Nation.

Mr. Boyko’s other publications include: Into the

Hurricane: Attacking Socialism and the CCF (2006), Last

Steps to Freedom: The Evolution of Canadian Racism

(1998), and Politics: Conflict and Compromise (1990).

Duke of Edinburgh AwardsOn Monday, July 5, eight LCS alumni received their Gold

Duke of Edinburgh Award from Prince Philip at a cere-

mony that was held at the Royal York in Toronto.

(Opposite-Top) L-R: Champion Junior Boys’ Rugby Team; staff, students, and friends gathered to watch Youth Ambassador for UNICEF Canada Bilaal Rajan ’13, shave his head in celebration of funds raised by LCS. (Middle) Cast and crew of the spring play, murdered to Death (Bottom) L-R: Alumni, Bianca Bell ‘06, Erica Allingham ‘07, Alison Corner ‘07, Monica Farlow ‘08, Dominique Murray ‘08, Mackenzie Crawford ‘05, Melissa Zubrickas ‘08, and Andrew Sainsbury ‘02 at the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award Ceremony.

to view these and other news stories visit our website at lcs.on.ca (search by date and/ or keyword)

School Highlights


there is No Life Without Water New ways of teaching senior biology at LCS

“Water is life’s mater and matrix,

mother and medium. There is

no life without water.” So wrote

Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, Hungarian

biochemist and winner of the

Nobel Prize for Medicine. And

Mike Arsenault, teacher of

Advanced Placement Preparatory

Biology and AP Biology, would

concur. That’s why he has situated

water as the foundation for study

in both these classes.

Mike has always been a fan of

water as a teaching tool and for

him Lakefield’s waterfront campus

offers a fabulous opportunity for

learning. Flipping rocks to look at

crayfish, understanding the power

of water and weather by handling

waves in a canoe, observing

fish nesting in the spring: all of

these learning experiences are

available to the students Mike

encounters at the waterfront.

Teachable moments abound, and

spontaneous teaching happens

continually while students are

ostensibly learning to sail or

windsurf.

In fact, Lakefield’s waterfront

changes enough, even in the span

of four to six years, that many LCS

students learn firsthand of shifts

in the ecosystem just by observing

the waterfront during their time

at the school. Zebra mussels have

filtered what used to be cloudy

water, and that filtering in turn

has encouraged weed growth.

Witnessing this human impact

on an ecosystem offers students

the opportunity to experience

what is for Mike a primary goal

of education—to “understand

themselves in context”—to see

how the actions of their own

species affect others.

Although he has always been

interested in water, in September

2009 Mike returned from a

sabbatical energized and ready

to tackle his teaching of senior

biology in a new way. He had re-

surveyed the whole subject area

while on leave, and realized that

he wanted to be able to “paint

pictures” for his students, to

inspire them to deeper reflective

thought about the material they

were studying, rather than place

his focus on the factual elements of

the discipline. He also spent some

time investigating environmental


problems, and thinking about

biology’s connections to the

questions these problems posed.

When fall rolled around, he was

eager to meet the “spectacular kids”

that AP and AP preparatory courses

attract, and to help them move

from memorizing information to

grasping challenging concepts and

to seeing the real-life connections

of the material they were studying

to environmental issues.

To begin this task in the AP

preparatory course, Mike turned to

a familiar subject: water. “Water,”

he acknowledges, “is not really on

the existing curriculum of either

of these courses.” But, he explains,

the difficult concepts that are in

the curriculum are more readily

grasped by students when they

study water first. When students

understand how water—as the

main solvent of all life works—

they have a basis for approaching

complex biological processes such

as transpiration. Accordingly, the

first unit of AP Preparatory Biology

is aptly named “Water and the

Fitness of the Environment” and

students complete a hands-on lab

entitled “Water and Life.”

Understanding the nature of water

also allows students to comprehend

an environmental issue such as acid

rain. Mike sees acid rain not only

as a complex scientific process, but

also as a science story that needs

to be taught because it offers hope.

The acid rain saga demonstrates

for Mike’s students that they can

change the world using what they

study: in the case of acid rain,

environmental catastrophe has

been at least partially averted

through the application of scientific

knowledge. Mike believes that it

is important to offer students that

hope, to give them the intellectual

motivation to work for solutions.

Advanced Placement Biology,

taught to students in their Grade

12 year at LCS, continues the water

theme, exploring topics such as

homeostasis that demonstrate how

organisms adapt to various water-

based environments. Such study,

Mike notes, allows students to think

about how forms of life respond to

harsh environments, and eventually

adapt to their circumstances.

Thoughtful reflection on aquatic-

based organisms pushes students

toward seeing the world from a less

anthropocentric view: they break

away from thinking of water just

in terms of how humans respond

to it, and see the “entirely different

experience” of water for aquatic life

forms.

“If there is magic on this planet,

it is contained in water.” Loran

Eiseley, American anthropologist

and natural science writer made

this observation over sixty years

ago, and it still holds true in Mike

Arsenault’s classes. Mike allows

his students to see the magic in

water—and from that experience,

to see their own role in preserving

and conserving its miraculous

properties.

Dr. HEAtHEr AvErY


Lessons from the LakeIt is 7:00 am. the sun is barely over the horizon, teasing with the promise of warmth. the

water reflects the dark foliage enveloping us. the echo of a loon dances in the mist. the

chill has seeped beneath layers of sweaters nudging our sleepy bodies towards alertness.

We are hushed by the task of coordinating boats and bones. Yet, with the ripple of the first

canoe disrupting the calm lake water, a rousing energy begins to build. Hearts begin to

race, to pace with the slice of the paddle. the sunlight fans across the tree tops and we are

awakened to the sense of being: being with one another, being with the lake, being with

the earth. We are connected to the world through this sunrise paddle.


navy-trim and laser-sharp.” Indeed,

the waterfront did transform in

response to Canadian participation

in the Second World War: the

school introduced a cadet program.

In 1948, the land between the

school and Lake Katchewanooka

was purchased. The cadet program

was in full stride at the waterfront,

under the leadership of W.E. (Bill)

Rashleigh, and students would

conduct training exercises in the

school’s whaler, run sail-pasts

in cutters, and even construct a

simulated ship for the annual cadet

inspection. In 1963, Lieutenant

Michael Townsend ’51 took over

the Corps.

“The lakefront was an adjunct to

the school experience,” says Tony

Pullen ’63. “The cadet program

was as integral to the school as the

three big sports—football, hockey,

The shoreline of Lake

Katchewanooka is more than just

an appendage of Lakefield College

School. If the grove of maple trees

is the school’s heart, the lake is

its belly. For it is at the lake that

a student’s sense of curiosity,

exploration, and adventure is fed.

Students ingest the waterfront

experience at the beginning of

each school year during orientation

events, school-wide barbeques,

and campfires by the shore. And

symbolically, they drink in their

last graduating experience during

the annual grad jump after final

exams. A sunset at the waterfront

truly offers nourishment for the

mind, body, and soul.

There are few independent

schools in Canada that have the

good fortune to enjoy a nature-

filled campus environment away

from the distractions of city life.

Fewer still that rest lakeside

with a fully bustling waterfront

culture. Yet, throughout the 131

years of Lakefield College School

history, the waterfront has been

embraced as an extension of the

indoor classroom: a place where

independence, confidence, and

life skills have been fostered for

generations of students in a myriad

of ways.

In the school’s early days, the boys

of Lakefield Preparatory School,

as it was then known, made rafts,

competed in across-the-lake

swims, participated in regattas,

constructed elaborate water wheels

on the spring freshets, and played

shinny hockey out on the winter

ice. The May 24th holiday meant

canoeing on the lake, and the boys

enjoyed many annual boat rides

and regattas. John Morgan Gray ’23

wrote in Lakefield College School:

The First 100 Years of his school

days in the 1920s: “The great days

in the school year had little enough

to do with academic pursuits.

Spring and fall terms usually

included a ‘trip up the lakes,’ when

one of the little lake steamers—

the Islinda, the Manita, or the

Stoney Lake—would be loaded

with boys and their rented canoes

and their food, together with the

headmaster’s family and a few

friends, for a day’s outing.”

I. Norman Smith, who arrived at

The Grove in 1918 as a young boy,

observed years later that: “Our

clothes change, the buildings, fields

and facilities grow Topsy-like, and

the waterfront we shared happily

with turtles and mud has become

(Above) Naval Cadets, Lakefield College School 1951. (Opposite) Sunrise paddle, 2010.


and cricket—and Chapel. The

primary event of the year was the

Cadet Inspection weekend; it was

bigger than Closing.” For Tony, as

head student and a leader in the

Cadet band, the lake was part of

The Grove’s fabric. “The lake gave

us all the opportunity to learn skills

about sailing. Canoeing was a relic

of the past; there was no kayaking

and no concept yet of Outdoor

Education. We hardly left the

school property—beyond the two

islands seemed like the end of the

earth.” He continues to explain that

during the Vietnam War there was

a shift in ideology and the Cadet

Corp program eventually no longer

resonated with the students.

By the 1970s, the sailing program

had reached new heights under

the leadership of Coach Doug

James. The Independent School

Dinghy Regatta was founded and

teachers including Alex “Doc”

McCubbin, Ken Sunderland, and

Mike Arsenault all offered their

leadership on the water in both

sailing and wind surfing. “In Grade

8,” recalls Tam Matthews ’73,

“Olympic sailor Paul Henderson

visited the school and gave a talk

on sailing.” This experience greatly

influenced him and sparked a

life-long interest in water sports.

For Tam, and many other alumni

including Alan Redfern ’78,

Duncan Lewis ’79, Doug Nugent

’80, and Michael de la Roche ’73,

sailing was a passion and the

facilities at Lake Katchewanooka

supported them in their goals

to accelerate to provincial and

national levels—Michael sailed

with the Canadian Olympic

team in 1976 and Tam in 1980,

1984, and 1996. Tam returned

to Lakefield College School to

work in Admissions and to help

supervise an overwhelmingly

popular waterfront program,

which offered a “learn to sail” and

competitive program, in addition

to windsurfing, with coaching for

a variety of levels on JY15s and

Lasers.

“The school’s long association with

Toronto Brigantine, through the

Lorriman family, saw the launching

of another experimental program

in the mid-seventies. In 1974, a sail

training program was inaugurated

aboard the sailing training vessel

Pathfinder for twenty Grade 10

students. For many boys the

program afforded an extraordinary

introduction, not only to sailing

and teamwork, but also to self-

discovery and self-esteem. In 1978,

the school was able to charter a

second brigantine, T.S. Playfair, to

include all forty Grade 10 students,”

relayed Bryan Jones in The First

100 Years. The Brigantine program

continued at The Grove for over 30

years.

“The reawakening of interest in

nature and the environment which

swept North America in the sixties,

was what those at The Grove had

always known,” continued Bryan

Jones. With the introduction of

the Outdoor Education Program

developed by David Hodgetts and

David Thompson in the mid-1970s,

students in Grades 8 through 10

learned and developed camping,

canoeing, kayaking, and rock

climbing skills, which served

them well when the entire school

travelled to Algonquin Park for a

four-day camping adventure every

September. The graduating class

now continues the tradition of

September’s Algonquin Expedition,

but younger students continue to

learn at the waterfront in a variety

of ways.

Today’s waterfront includes

programming for sailing,

windsurfing, and kayaking;

Outdoor Education; academics

and school life. “Getting kids

to understand the power of

nature and to understand their

boundaries is an important goal

of the waterfront program,”

says Mike Arsenault. “Students

of different nationalities and

cultural backgrounds have the

unique opportunity to understand

themselves in the environment

by learning new vocabulary,

connecting them to the water, and

developing skills they didn’t think

(Above) LCS students of today connect with nature while learning boardsailing


they had.” The life sports program

continues to offer “learn to sail”

and skill improvement for more

competitive sailors, including Matt

Ryder ’08, Sarah Douglas ’12, and

2008 Olympian, Greg Douglas ’08.

In Outdoor Education, all students

learn how to navigate moving

water with basic canoeing strokes

in Grade 9, and advance to white

water in Grade 10. They have

the opportunity to canoe to

an overnight expedition at the

Northcote Campus, and learn the

skills required for the Irving and

Ondaatje Expeditions. In class,

they experience an ice rescue

simulation, participate in a crisis

management simulation by the

water, and even do a little canoe

ballet. The Ondaatje Challenge, a

“challenge by choice” spring event,

continues the tradition of across-

the-lake swims and a 3 km solo

paddle up Lake Katchewanooka.

In biology classes, teachers Gerry

Bird and Mike Arsenault (p.14) have

used the waterfront to demonstrate

taxonomy of fish and invertebrates

in the water, and the insects on

shore, as well as to discuss the

lake bottom. “It is a wonderfully

unique opportunity to don chest

waders and be immersed in your

learning environment,” says Gerry

Bird. Students examine the cell

structure and photosynthesis

of the Elodea plant found at the

waterfront and keep a keen eye out

for the Bald Eagle family, tracked

by Bird Studies Canada, that nests

on Third Island. “Where else could

you be just steps away from such

a wilderness experience?” asks

Gerry.

“It is important for students to do

something adventuresome,” says

retired teacher Doc McCubbin.

“The calming influence of being

lakeside is there for the students

every day. With supervision, skill

teaching, and empowerment,

students learn tactics, thinking on

their feet, and resiliency.” Garret

Hart, Head of Cooper House and

outdoor enthusiast agrees. “At

LCS, there is a holistic approach

to teaching the students not only

how to paddle a canoe, but what

is involved in building a canoe,

paddle, and even a wannigan

(a storage box). These tools are

practical and useful, but also

artistic and beautiful.”

“The reality is that the world has

shifted away from the natural,”

continues Garret. “Nature Deficit

Disorder,” a recently-coined term

by author Richard Louv, describes

that shift as a disconnection

with nature and environmental

concerns, which coincides with

a global increase of obesity,

connection to technology, and

psychological disorders. Yet at

LCS, students run down to the

waterfront after classes to play a

game of beach volleyball, enjoy

a boat ride or swim in the water,

gather for a barbeque and campfire,

and even to haul maple sap to

the sugar shack in early spring.

Many also participate in the Earth

(Below) LCS students enjoy the waterfront and a game of beach volleyball on Regatta Day


Day sunrise paddle, the Ondaatje

Challenge, and the annual Regatta

Day races.

Bryan Jones believed 30 years ago

that “All Lakefield headmasters

have had an abiding love of ships

and sailing, and they have shared

the belief that to educate the whole

boy means to expose him to new

experiences outside as well as inside

the classroom.” Through the 1920s

and 30s, eager school boys enjoyed

sailing trips on Dr. Alick Mackenzie’s

boats, Gilpie I and Gilpie II. G. Winder

Smith also shared his love of the

water with his students on the Happy

Return. Bryan also recalled when

Terry Guest came to The Grove as

headmaster: “Terry first arrived at

The Grove for an interview in a van

loaded with a canoe and trailing a

sailboat.” Tam Matthews ’73 spoke

about his father Jack Matthews,

headmaster from 1964-71, during

his memorial service in October

2007, and what inspired Jack as an

educator: “The beauty and wisdom of

his life is there in the trees, in nature,

and when you look out on water

from the Kawartha Lakes, linked

to Canada’s Great Lakes, and to the

oceans—water that touches most

people in the world.” In 2010, the

spirit of learning at the waterfront

is very much the same. “I firmly

believe that 50 percent of a student’s

LCS education comes from outside

the classroom,” says retired teacher

David Walsh. “From interactions

on the field, in residences, and at

the water, we offer education in life,

relationships, personal growth, and

unique experiences.”

LISA CLArKE

(Opposite) LCS Earth Day 2010


Anyone who has met CONNIE

brOWN in the guidance office

over the past 20 years knows

that she embodies the words of

Immanuel Kant: “We can judge the

heart of a man by his treatment of

animals.” In the same time span

as she has supported our students

in their academic and university

goals here at Lakefield College

School, she has made a significant

contribution to the lives of rescued

dogs across North America.

Before coming to LCS, Connie

worked at the Office of the Solicitor

General in Regina, SK. She then

moved to Peterborough to work

at Trent University. Her daughter

Cheryl, a nurse; wonderful

son-in-law Benny; and three

grandchildren currently live

in Bloomington, Indiana. Neil,

Connie’s son, is a personal trainer

at a health club in Toronto.

She began working in the

guidance office at Lakefield

College School in August 1989,

the first year of co-education.

Her administrative support to

the department includes creating

and co-ordinating transcripts,

administering mark notarization

for international students,

and much of the background

paperwork that follows students

throughout their LCS careers.

Beyond the school, Connie has

been a volunteer and evaluator

for a local therapy dog program,

visiting the residents of Applewood

Retirement Residence and local

hospitals for almost two decades.

She also offers rescued dogs foster

care for both the Canadian Hound

Rescue and the LOYAL Rescue.

Along with her two dogs, Jenny

and Ritchie, and her three cats,

she fosters mill dogs, abused, or

abandoned dogs, helping them

to learn basic skills including

toileting, eating, and socializing

with people and other pets, before

being adopted into new families.

In addition, as a Reiki master and

therapeutic touch practitioner,

Connie offers her limitless

compassion to the community,

including as a palliative volunteer

at Hospice Peterborough.

Connie shares her values of

compassion and community with

the students of LCS. Over the years,

she still admires their camaraderie

and companionship, and how

alumni keep and maintain close

friendships across continents

and oceans. “I think it’s great,”

she says, “when a former student

gets married and LCS friends

from around the world attend the

ceremony.”

It amazes her that in 20 years, the

graduating class has grown from

35 students to approximately 100,

yet the school facilities look and

feel more home-like than ever,

bringing the community closer

together. She has also witnessed

the evolution of students

developing strong social skills

and manners, and raising the bar

scholastically. With governmental

and university experience, Connie

sees the move to co-education, the

constant evolution of the campus

and academics, and the amazing

relationships this community

fosters as the key strengths of the

Lakefield College School of today.

LISA CLArKE

Our very Own Dog Whisperer Over 20 years at the Grove and Loving It!


During this year’s Closing Ceremonies, keynote speaker

Dan Needles ’69 said (p.8), “Rather than making plans,

we should be making decisions.” After 20 years at

Lakefield College School, and a 35 year teaching career,

David Walsh takes this statement very much to heart.

On Saturday, June 26, the morning after the last of his

teaching responsibilities were over for the school year,

David had some very big decisions to make about what

to do first during his retirement.

David grew up in Lindsay and studied French and

German at Trent University. After his third year of

university, he had the opportunity to teach English in

France and play in a semi-professional hockey league.

To the French, David was a hockey super-star. Upon

graduating from teacher’s college, David began working

in the independent school system—a big decision that

he and his family truly enjoyed.

David joined the LCS staff after three years at Trinity

College School and a 12-year residential and teaching

career at Appleby College. His wife Margaret and

children Megan ’00, Elise-Marie ’03, and Dan ’06 moved

onto campus, and in addition to teaching, David was a

Head of House for 10 years in Lower Colebrook House,

Lampman House, and Matthews House. He began

teaching French and introduced a German program that

continued for seven years. In 1992, he took over the Duke

of Edinburgh program from fellow teacher Arnie Boyle.

Over the years, LCS has produced more gold award

recipients per capita than any other school in Ontario.

During the Closing Ceremonies in June, David was

recognized by the Duke of Edinburgh program for his

extensive contributions.

Although LCS has undergone many physical

transformations during his tenure—the building of the

Desmarais Academic Wing, Duke of York Hall, the Bryan

Jones Theatre, the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel, Hadden

Hall, Cooper House, and the Bob Armstrong Rink—

for David, the values that the school was founded on

remain constant. “The emphasis on strong relationships

between staff and students is very different from other

places,” reflects David. “It defines this community:

every decision we make, how we deal with issues, and

what best reflects our values. And the most important

value is respect; it is the foundation for all the other

values we hold.”

After moving into the town of Lakefield, David became

involved with the Lakefield Trail committee to develop

and maintain the trail system in the village. In addition

to hiking the trail, he continues to play recreational

hockey every winter, cross country ski, and camp.

Although his travels have taken him across the world,

he is proud to acknowledge that he has explored his

own country—visiting every province, and the Yukon

Territory, in Canada. Always ready for an adventure,

David, along with Marg, also leapt into the sport of

ballroom dancing eight years ago. Together, they have

helped instruct ballroom and swing dancing to staff and

students, and have been featured in the annual Dance

Showcase.

After planning every day of his life for the past 35 years,

David is ready to make decisions about life beyond

academics. “I would like to force myself to grow in new

ways.” One of his first decisive moves will be to “think

pink” and support Marg’s training for her Dragon

Boat team. Although David’s legacy will be as a true

gentleman and scholar inside the classroom, it will be

his quick wit and fast feet that will be missed the most

beyond the classroom.

LISA CLArKE

(Opposite) L-R: Elise-Marie ’03, Dan ’06, Marg, and David Walsh on Closing Day

David Walsh: A Gentleman and Scholar

“Don’t be dismayed at goodbyes, a farewell is necessary before you

can meet again and meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is

certain for those who are friends.” ~richard bach


Each year, Lakefield College School provides more than $1.7 million dollars in bursaries to

deserving students. This financial assistance is funded by income generated by the school’s

endowment and by gifts to the annual fund. The gift of a LCS education has made a dramatic

difference to the lives of thousands of young people who have received bursaries to attend The

Grove. A recent study of the engagement of bursary recipients at the school has demonstrated that

students who receive financial assistance also make a significant contribution to the school in

return for the support they have received.

In order to understand the value of financial assistance to the school as a whole, LCS has

undertaken a quantitative analysis of the academic performance and co-curricular involvement

of bursary recipients. We were interested in learning whether the investment the school makes in

financial assistance has a genuinely positive impact on the academic and co-curricular culture of

the school. Our analysis of data from the 2008/09 school year was very encouraging.

We compared the June 2009 academic results of students who received financial assistance with

the June 2009 academic results of students who did not receive assistance. Bursary recipients,

on average, earned academic grades several points higher than the rest of the student body. We

also compared the co-curricular involvement of students who did and did not receive financial

assistance. The scale awarded points for playing on a school team, being a member of a school

musical ensemble, doing community service, etc. On this measure as well, we found that, on

average, students who received financial assistance were more involved in co-curricular activities

than their classmates who did not receive assistance.

It is very important to emphasize that the data reported in the previous paragraph refers to

averages. Many students who do not receive financial assistance earn very high academic averages

and make extremely strong contributions to the co-curricular program. Students who receive

financial assistance must maintain a minimum level of standing to maintain their bursary, so

the average academic performance of this group is bound to be high. Nonetheless, the analysis

makes it clear that, during the 2008/09 school year, the students who received financial assistance

raised the overall levels of academic performance and co-curricular involvement in the school

community. As a “rising tide lifts all boats,” the entire student body surely benefited from the

enriched academic and co-curricular environment that existed at the school as a result of the

enrolment of students who could not otherwise afford to attend Lakefield College School.

Young people are powerfully influenced by the competencies, attitudes, and behaviour of their

peer group. Although there is much further research to be done (we are now commencing an

analysis of data from the 2009/10 school year), the school’s initial study of the impact of financial

assistance suggests strongly that bursaries at The Grove benefit not only those who receive them,

but they also benefit students whose families are able to fund the full price of their child’s LCS

education. Financial assistance at Lakefield College School makes the school a better place for

students to learn and to grow—whether or not they receive financial assistance.

the value of Financial Assistance


From The Archivesthis is a photo from our archives from 1971 without a caption.

Do you recognise this group? Can you help us fill in the missing

names? please contact richard Johnston at [email protected]

A student like Kyle Fairlie ’03 does not come along often in a teachers’ career. His fun, witty, and energetic

personality made him a memorable character in my OAC English class and made each discussion about Into the

Wild, Hamlet, or other texts interesting and provocative. Kyle’s quirky and unique interpretation of a creative

writing assignment for our Shakespeare unit created a piece entitled Hamlet–Rap Superstar, a rap he composed

that perfectly encapsulated Shakespeare’s masterpiece. It was this talent that would land him a spot in the group

Down With Webster whose single Your Man is currently in the top 30 on the Canadian radio charts and recently hit

#1 on MuchMusic’s Video Countdown.

Kyle spent only one year at Lakefield College School but in that brief time he made fast friends, lived in Matthews

House and skateboarded around campus. He recalls his time here by saying that his favourite memories were

“the teachers and staff, the students and, believe it or not, the education! I was never a fan of going to school until I

decided to attend LCS and although my current career isn’t of a traditional academic nature I know my time spent

at LCS will be useful throughout the rest of my life.”

Down With Kyle Fairlie ‘03

(Below) Kyle Fairlie, far right, with fellow Down With Webster members. Courtesy of DWW Entertainment Inc/Universal Music Canada


Like many students, Kyle’s decision to attend private

school was his own and his choice involved looking at a

variety of different schools to see what they had to offer.

Kyle says that he “looked at tons of schools, LCS seemed

for me to be the best fit. With all of the athletic programs

and outdoor activities, I was sold.”

Prior to coming to LCS, during his time here, and after,

Kyle built a successful voice and acting career, including

parts in films: One Week (2008), The Little Bear Movie

(2001), A Holiday to Remember (1995), Look Who’s Talking

Now (1993) and in the television: the Franklin series, Rolie

Polie Ollie, Amazon, The Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog

and many more.

Down With Webster is a seven-member group that was

formed for a junior high school talent show (which they

won) and have since gone on to create more than 200

songs and play hundreds of concerts around North

America. Kyle joined the group in what many would call a

chance meeting. Kyle explains “I met a couple of the guys

skateboarding. They told me they had a band and asked if

I wanted to come by their studio. I went down to check it

out, listened to some of their tracks and then I was asked

if I had any musical talents. I wrote a verse for a song and

they later debuted it at the Beaches Jazz Fest where I was

called up as a feature. I continued hanging around with

the guys and we quickly became friends, I suppose the

rest is history as they say!”

Down With Webster’s first album Time to Win vol. I

was released by Universal Motown in October 2009.

Their second album Time to Win vol. II is scheduled

to be released later this year. Unlike many of today’s

performers, Down With Webster writes, produces and

performs all of their music and has gained international

acclaim from many including Timbaland and Gene

Simmons (KISS). When asked what sets Down With

Webster apart from other groups, Kyle says, “I think the

fact that there are so many of us really helps. We all

have varying musical preferences and a lot of different

influences which help us to create a unique sound. We

have always had a hard time describing exactly what our

musical style is and it seems to be ever-evolving.”

The group’s unique composition of musically talented

individuals allows for a variety of roles within the group.

Kyle explains that his “official title is Hypeman although

I wear a few different hats, I sing and rap but most of all I

run around and have fun!”

When asked where his stage name “KapOneOh” comes

from, Kyle explains that is derives from his nickname

Captain, “which, at the time it was decided, the spelling

would be “KAP-10”. I later made the change to “Oneoh” for

the “10” and there you have it”

Down With Webster is halfway through a year in which

they have performed over 100 concerts across North

American, including performances with Timbaland,

Ludacris, Cobra Starship, and many headlining shows.

When asked, Kyle says “Although I like being up-close and

personal with the fans at our shows, the highlight for me

on this tour was opening for the Black Eyed Peas. We had

a great day doing radio performances and interviews and

followed it up with a show for a massive crowd, on a huge

stage. So much fun!”

Follow Kyle and Down With Webster:

www. downwithwebster.com

KErrIE HANSLEr

Alright, yo,

Ok, so there is a dude named Hamlet I say,

And he was walking through his castle one day.

He saw his mom’s kissing some dude,

He quietly said to himself that’s kind of rude.

the dude did turn, and what Hamlet saw was a burn

He did see his uncle’s face looking at him in dismay,

Claudius then blurted, “You got a new father today!”

Hamlet was not really mad,

Even though he just got had,

but he just bottled it up,

He put his anger in a cup

Hamlet-Rap Superstar (2002), Kyle Fairlie ’03

Grove News Spring/Summer 2009 | 29Grove News Spring/Summer 2010 | 29

It’s 7:30 on a Sunday morning, and Gandhi Pinder has only been in bed

for a couple of hours. Life is very busy for this vibrant and dynamic young

woman—the afternoon voice of GEMS 105.9 FM in the Bahamas. But Gandhi’s

grogginess swiftly dissipates, and it’s soon very clear why she is in radio: she

speaks with wonderful fluency, her voice at once warm and animated.

I ask her what she’s done since graduating from The Grove in 2002. “I went to

Western University for two years,” she replies, “and did some modelling and

some theatre. I also did some travelling, most recently in the Philippines. I

witnessed Obama’s inauguration in living colour! I completed a media touch

course in Winnipeg in 2008, and I’ve been volunteering at a local children’s

home for about five years now—first the Nazareth Centre, and now the

Ranfurly Homes for Children. Oh, and I did some relief work in Haiti, too,

right after the earthquake.

“I’ve been in broadcasting for almost four years. At present I am a radio

announcer (and part time news reporter). I have my own show, “The

Afternoon Drive,” on which I play an eclectic mix of music and talk about

important topics … most weekends I’m booked for a broadcast on a Saturday,

either to cover an event or promote a product or business.

“I get to do a lot of exciting interviews—heightening people’s awareness of

various causes, and telling them how to become involved in making the

world better. I’ve also had a number of speaking engagements at schools

and especially at graduations. I host concerts, I hosted Miss Teen Bahamas

World, I’ve travelled abroad to cover events. I’ve hosted lectures, twice at Fisk

University in Nashville, Tennessee. I’ve covered the Turks & Caicos Music

Festival. I’ve interviewed people like Ricky Smiley, Anita Baker, Candy Staton,

Jerry Butler, Muggsy Bogues, and Tyler Perry. It’s pretty exciting!”

What, I wonder, is she most proud of having accomplished?

“Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be the change you want to see in the world.’

It’s a message I’ve internalized and something I try to live. Everyone is

searching for their purpose, and I am humbled and grateful to be operating

in mine. Connecting with my purpose! I believe that would be my greatest

accomplishment to date.

“I’m glad I’ve been on the airwaves for the last four years. I’ve found my niche.

What makes me really proud is having the opportunity to not only touch

people individually, but to reach large numbers of people and be in a position

to help liberate them from whatever it is that’s holding them back, to help

them realize their full potential and pursue it with the ‘clarity of passion’ so

they can ‘be that change.’ Being an on-air personality has opened so many

Gandhi pinder ’02: Our desire for friendship, happiness, and love unites us all

doors for me—to speak in very public and in

very intimate settings.”

“Doing a broadcast for a local children’s

home a few years ago opened the door

for me to become more involved there.

Now I’m on the Board of Directors at the

Ranfurly Homes for Children (an institution

that houses children who are orphaned,

or who have been neglected or abandoned

or removed from their home). And a few

other ladies and I have started a mentorship

program there for young girls—SYSTAS. I’m

really passionate about that and dedicated

to seeing them become the best they can

be: … When I meet someone and they say,

‘… something you said two years ago helped

me to leave an abusive relationship’—or,

‘listening to you has changed my life’ …

or when someone calls me in the GEMS

studio to pour out their life story or share a

struggle and breaks down in tears and I say


“Very soon I will be returning to school to finish my degree—that’s a must for

me. And in the near future I have plans to start my own television show and to

have a syndicated radio program. I believe that the possibilities are endless,

as long as I stay in God’s will for my life.

“At the end of the day I want to impact my generation, and build a better

Bahamas and a better world by ‘being the change I’d like to see.’”

I close by asking what Gandhi learned from her years at Lakefield College

School, and I swiftly realise that I could have spent the whole interview on that

subject alone.

“Going to Chapel every morning and having to be on time: discipline and the

importance of community,” says Gandhi laughing. “Going from having my

own room to living in a dorm with 12 other females was also very interesting.

Learning to deal with different personalities and being able to get along at the

end of the day was sometimes a challenge, but we made it work. May I send a

shout-out to my first roomies ever—Jenna Shelley ’02 and Kathryn Ast ’02 and

the Memorial House girls. And also to my roomie in my second year, Pamela

Ho ’02 from Hong Kong, who taught me some Cantonese!” She laughs again.

“Meeting people from all around the world was wonderful … Having in-

depth conversations with my fellow students exposed me to new cultures and

thought patterns. I’d never been to many of those countries, but I feel like I’ve

just about travelled the entire world.

“I had the choice of going to a boarding school in Florida or Canada. My

brother chose Florida. I had never been to Canada before, but I wanted to

experience a different culture and I’d only been in snow once before then. It

was a bit of a culture shock for me, especially being at that time one of only

three black students at LCS. I learned up close the beauty of diversity and

that even though we are different in so many ways, our desire for friendship,

happiness, and love unites us all.”

I end our conversation with reluctance, sorry to have to detach myself from

such a dynamic personality. But I doubt that Gandhi’s mellifluous and

sympathetic voice will be heard only in the Bahamas for very much longer.

Look out, Oprah! I think to myself, as I move from telephone to keyboard.

Note: You can watch and listen to Gandhi live from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. on

www.gemsbahamas.com.

pAUL NICHOLAS mASON

the right thing or I’m just there to listen ...

When I see a smile on a child’s face because

she is confident, maybe for the first time,

that she won’t be left alone … that’s purpose

in motion! I thank God for the opportunity!”

What, I ask, would Gandhi like to achieve in

the future?

“I’m in the process of writing a book, and

I hope to write many more books that will

inspire people all around the world … I’m

thinking about going into full-time ministry,

which would mean I wouldn’t be on the

radio as much—though I still hope to keep

my inspirational hour going. I’m going to

make more time to do the things I’m truly

passionate about and make myself more

available to help develop and serve in the

various ministries at my church, New Life

Fellowship, and work a lot closer with more

charities and causes I believe in and support.


the 1950sRod Baker ’58 is proud to say that

his business Baker Cleaners Inc.

is celebrating its 23rd anniversary

(BakerCleaners.com). Rod and his

wife Anne enjoy life in Cobourg

and spending time with their six

grandchildren from 2 years to 21

years old.

Peter Elkerton ’58 and his wife

Helen celebrated their 45th

wedding anniversary this summer.

They have three great kids and

five beautiful grandchildren. After

a career in the finance industry,

Peter tried his hand at hemp

farming and, “found out pretty

quickly why most small farmers

have jobs off the farm so that they

can keep the farm alive. I now

work part-time at Home Depot

so that I can buy all the goodies,

toys, and tools needed to complete

the restoration of the pioneer log

house we live in that was part of

the original farmstead.”

Don “Frenchie” Hosking ’59

enjoyed his career as a driller or

consultant for over 60 years in

38 countries. He slowed down

recently for a knee replacement

and a quadruple open heart

surgery (2009), but he reports he

is feeling great and living in New

Liskeard, Ontario.

the 1960s

Rod Innes ’60 is “mostly retired

and living in Thornbury, ON

with his wife Cathy and their two

cats.” He spends his spare time

volunteering at his local public

school and for the race crew at

Georgian Peaks. He is learning

to read music while singing in a

Collingwood community choir. He

and his wife are still keen sailors

and have two grown sons living in

Hamilton ([email protected]).

Gerry McCready ’60 spent most of

his career teaching at St. Lawrence

and Algonquin Colleges and

Concordia University. He and his

wife Charlotte live in Kingston,

Ontario and have two daughters

and five grandchildren. He was

diagnosed with MS early in his

teaching career, but suffers no

overt symptoms, and so has been

able to continue teaching, writing,

and participating in a variety of

sports. Contact him at

[email protected].

Ratch Wallace ’62 has retired from

BC Ferries and is working on film

production in Toronto for the next

year.

(Opposite) Throughout the year, alumni get together at LCS Pub Nights to catch-up and share memories. (Top) L-R: Enjoying the Kingston Pub Night held in February: Kyla Murphy ’09, Hayley Findlay ’08, Greg Douglas ’08, Emily Farncomb ’08. (Bottom) L-R: Rob Blanchette ’02, Andrew Wells ’02, Kathy Makowchik, Duncan McRae ’03, Kevin Mako ’03, Janice Greenshields ’03 at the Peterborough Pub Night in December.

Class News

(Above) We were pleased to welcome George “paddy” Hall ‘69 this summer to the

Grove for the first time in over 45 years! paddy works as a trapper around Lindsay,

Ontario. He shared, “while I was at Lakefield my love of the outdoors was further

encouraged by the masters I had. From big ben Whitney to Chris Gordon and a few

others, they put up with my love for the outdoors!”


the 1970sFrom Johnny Wales ’72: “Any

Grove people who are flying Japan

Airlines this year (assuming JAL is

flying that is) might take a look at

their in-flight magazine, Skyward,

because I am doing this year’s

cover illustrations beginning April.

Each month will be a painting of a

different area of Japan.”

Lou Gindl ’78 lives on the West

Coast near Vancouver with his wife

Michele. He still volunteers for ski

patrol on Grouse Mountain when he

is not running his company, West

Coast Safety. Any Grove alumni in

BC who wish to contact him can

email [email protected].

the 1980sDavid U.K. ’81 is the Founder,

Managing Director and Executive

Producer of Digital Percent and

Digital BranZ. Digital Percent is a

Digital Entertainment Company

that develops, produces, and

syndicates Digital Branded

Entertainment/Video Content

for agencies and clients. Digital

BranZ, wholly owned by Digital

Percent, sells online advertising and

partnerships to major advertising

agencies and Fortune 100 brands in

Canada on behalf of established and

high profile U.S. and International

Broadcaster and Publisher Web

Properties.

the 1990sJake Dudas ’90 was married to Sue

Morley on Saturday, August 29,

2009 in the A.W. Mackenzie Chapel.

A small reception followed at his

father’s home on nearby Clear Lake.

Guests included LCS alumni Nik

Rishor ’89 and David Rishor ’89.

Kevin Fung ’90 is an assistant

professor in the Department of

Otolaryngology at the University

of Western Ontario. He is in his

sixth year of practice in London;

previously, he spent two years at

the University of Michigan training

in head and neck reconstructive

microsurgery and laryngology.

He is also the Director of

Undergraduate Medical Education

in his department, Deputy Chair

of the Clinical Clerkship at the

Schulich School of Medicine and

Dentistry, and cross-appointed to

(Left) Stuart thompson ‘91, Kathryn

meehan ‘91, and Sarah mason ‘91

reconnected recently at the back to

the Future event in toronto. they

send a shout out to their classmates

and look forward to reconnecting

with you at your 10 year reunion

(September 24, 2011). mark it on

your calendars!

Jake Dudas ’90 and Sue Morley


the Department of Oncology and

Don Wright Faculty of Music. He

lives in Arva (north of London) with

his wife Samantha and their two

daughters, Katelyn (5) and Alexa

(2). In their “spare time,” Samantha

and Kevin climbed Mount

Kilimanjaro in 2007.

Nicole Florian ’91 and Seth Adler

had another baby girl! Haven is a

very loving affectionate big sister to

Beau Ahyoka Adler born on January

18th, 2010 just shy of 11lbs! She

is pictured in her Tsitah Threads

(www.tsitah.com)monsoon winter

baby blanket.

Scott Current ’93 and Deborah

Ciuffreda were married on March

22, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The couple resides in West Palm

Beach, Florida.

Kelly Dimitroff ’93 is thrilled to

announce the birth of her twin

boys, Jack and Ben Maiese, on

February 23, 2010. She and her

husband Nick are very excited and

adjusting to their new life.

Cross Country Canada announced

that Davin MacIntosh ’95 was

hired as Executive Director of the

national governing body for the

sport—a key role in ensuring the

continued growth of Canada’s

cross country skiing sport system

well beyond the 2010 Olympic and

Paralympic Winter Games.

Jason and Nicole (Bendaly) Groves

’93 are thrilled to announce the

birth of their son, Jackson, on

February 21, 2010—one week early!

Jackson weighed 7 lbs, 15 oz and

was 22 inches long. His uncle has

visions of a Stanley Cup in Jackson’s

future!

Erica Chellew ’95 and Derek

Doucet welcomed Nigel Baker on

December 22, 2009. She writes,

“Derek and I are thrilled that he is

healthy and pretty happy, and eats

Jack and Ben (Dimitroff) Maiese

Beau Ahyoka (Florian) Adler

Scott Current ’93 and Deborah Ciuffreda

Jackson (Bendaly) Groves Erica Chellew, Derek Doucet, and Nigel


Mark and Jenny (McRae) Cooper

’99 gave birth to a little girl,

Taylor Helen Cooper on May 13,

2010 in Toronto. Taylor is the first

grandchild for Val and John McRae

’70 who are thrilled, and she is the

niece of Cameron ’01, Duncan ’03,

and Gilly McRae ’06.

the 2000sKatie Hadden ’00 married Jeff

Sands on the grounds of the Sands’

family home in Battersea, north of

Kingston on Saturday, July 10, 2010.

The reception was held afterwards

at the Radisson Hotel, Kingston

Waterfront.

Stella Carlyle Tennant, the new

daughter of Carolyne Mondoux ’00

and Dave Tennant ’99, was born

in Ottawa on December 24, 2009 at

10:07 p.m. Big sister Makenzi loves

the new addition to the family and

enjoys helping with diapers and

baths.

Megan Walsh ’00 was married to

Corin Lohmann on March 20,2010

in Fernie, BC. They were joined

by fellow LCS friends and family:

Katie Hadden ‘00 and Jeff Sands Wedding. (Back Row) L-R: David Hadden, Susan Hazell, Jon Hazell ‘00, Mark Sunderland ‘00, Megan Walsh-Lohmann ’00, Kate Anthony ‘00, Gerry Bird, Sandra Bird. (Middle Row) Susan Hadden, Jessica Arsenault ‘00, Heather Hadden ‘97, Sara Simpson ‘00, Janie Smith. (Front Row), the Bride and Groom.

like he’ll never get another meal

(what more could we really want?).”

Daisy Moores ’96 and Adam Smith

are proud to announce the birth

of Peter and Leo Smith-Moores

on November 2, 2009. Both boys

are doing great, and are happy,

healthy, charming little guys. The

family lives in Hull, QC, where

Daisy is finishing up her residency

in Family Medicine and Adam is a

post-doctoral student at Carleton

University.

Artist Jess Perlitz ’96 recently had

two successful art exhibitions in

NY at The Cue Arts Foundation on

West 25th and David Krut Projects

on West 26th.

Congratulations to Jess Fitchette

’97 and Garret Hart, Head of

Cooper House, on the birth of their

beautiful baby girl Isla Helen Hart

born on Thursday, March 11, 2010.

Carolyne Mondoux with Stella Tennant Jess Fitchette and baby Isla

Peter, Leo and Daisy Moores

Taylor Helen and Jen (McRae) Cooper


David and Marg Walsh, Elise-Marie

Walsh ’03, Dan Walsh ’06, Kate

Anthony ’00, Paula (Crawford)

Mbonda ’99, AJ Sainsbury ’99, Mark

Ambler ’00, Mark Sunderland ’00,

and Sean Harris.

Allie Caldwell ’03 submitted the

winning entry for her documentary,

Unheralded, in the National Film

Board (NFB)-TVO 2009 Calling Card

Program. Allie and fellow team

member Aaron Hancox received

a cash prize and mentorship from

members of the film community

to take their documentary from

concept to television premiere.

Lianne Schumacher ’05 and Leslie

Schumacher ’06 were honoured

as top athletes by Trent University.

Leslie received a University Athletic

Award and Coach’s Award for her

contribution to the volleyball team

and Lianne was acknowledged for

her outstanding commitment and

dedication to the women’s rugby

program with a MVP Award and

OUA (Ontario University Athletics)

All Star distinction.

Jess Foran ’03 was married to Dan

Roud on August 22, 2009 in Picton,

Ontario. After completing a teaching

placement in Outdoor Education at

LCS in March. Jess joined the staff

at Trafalgar Castle School in Whitby

where she is teaching and in a resi-

dential position as a Head of House.

You never know who you will bump

in to while visiting The Grove! Hatim

Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08,

and Rakesh Rajdev ’08 happened to

reconnect at The Grove while they

were visiting for the day!

Staff News

Social Sciences teacher and Head

of Memorial House Kerrie Hansler

and her husband Martin Carbajal

welcomed their beautiful boys,

Nicolas Santiago Carbajal Hansler

and Noah Martin Carbajal Hansler

on Sunday, March 28, 2010.

Another LCS baby! Science

teacher Vicki Boomgaardt and her

husband Matt Dunkin announced

the arrival of Molly Boomgaardt

Dunkin on Wednesday, April 28,

2010. According to his parents,

Big Brother Griff was convinced

that Molly would be either a girl, a

boy, or a policeman. So they had to

deputize her as soon as she arrived.

Nicolas and Noah Hansler Molly Boomgaardt Dunkin

Hatim Zavery ’08, Patricia Gabilondo ’08, and Rakesh Rajdev ’08

(Above) Megan Walsh ’00 and Corin Lohmann

(Above) Jess Foran ’03 and Dan Roud


William Buckham ’76 on February 3,

2010 in Cavan, Ontario.

David Gunn ’41 on march 29, 2010 in

London, Ontario. Father of Andrew

Gunn ’73 and John Gunn ’76; brother

of John Gunn ’32 (predeceased), Stuart

Gunn ’34 (predeceased).

Andrew Hull ’82 on may 8, 2010 in

London, England. brother of Geoffrey

Hull ’79.

Stephen Paul Hunter ’56 on march 10,

2009 in tweed, Ontario. Father of Paul

Hunter ’91.

Charles E. Regan ‘55 in march, 2009 in

victoria, bC.

Michael Townsend ’51 on may 26,

2010 at his cottage on Stoney Lake

(p.40).

In Our memories

Rick Hepburn, who passed away in his 93rd year in Oakville, Ontario, will be missed by The Grove community. He

leaves a strong legacy at Lakefield College School.

Rick left his home in Picton, Ontario at the age of 8 and entered LCS in 1924. The school’s 60 boys all lived in

what is now Grove House. Dr. Mackenzie was the Headmaster. Rick’s favourite memories of the school included

playing hockey with mates Tim Dunn ’35, John “Bubs” Macrae ’33, and Ian “Snoop” McLean ’35. Their friendships

continued for over 80 years. Cricket and building huts in the woods also took an important amount of time.

At the age of 16, he and his Grove classmates accompanied Windy Smith to Europe in the summer of 1932 to

broaden their education.

After 10 glorious years at LCS, Rick moved to University of Toronto Schools, and then headed off to Queen’s

University to study engineering. Upon graduation from Queen’s, Rick joined the Royal Canadian Navy and fought in

the North Atlantic during World War II.

The Hepburn tradition continued with Rick’s sons, John Hepburn ’68 and Rob Hepburn ’71 both of whom were

keen hockey players at the school. Two grandsons, Thomas Hepburn ’01 and Rick Hepburn ’03 loved playing

hockey for LCS as well.

Rick served on the board of trustees of the school for many years and helped to champion the transition to co-

education with his friend Tim Dunn. The phone calls from his old buddies were evenly divided on the subject, but

Rick, ever patient, remained calm. He was a man ahead of his time.

The Hepburn Family continues to support Lakefield College School. The B. Rickart Hepburn Bursary and Bob

Armstrong Bursary are major beneficiaries of this support on an ongoing basis. In addition, the Hepburn classroom

and the Bob Armstrong Rink received significant backing from Rick and the Hepburn Family.

Rick will be missed by the entire Grove community and his family. The twinkle in his eye, his quiet determination,

and generosity to the school will be remembered by all.

JOHN HEpbUrN ’68

(Below) L-R: John Hepburn ’68, Helen Hepburn, Rick Hepburn ’35, Janet Hepburn Burt, Rob Hepburn ’71

A man Ahead of His time rickart Hepburn ’35 (1916-2009)


He believed in Learning by Doing michael townsend ’51 (1934-2010)

Michael Townsend’s daybook of commitments would

have daunted many a CEO. Even as his vision began

to abandon him completely, Michael was a regular

supporter of community and Grove events. The village

and the school were his axis, as student, teacher, and

community volunteer.

Michael’s independent, upright figure was a familiar

sight as he strode down Queen St. from his home across

from the school, not always keeping to the sidewalk.

With his trusty knapsack, he managed his errands easily

despite the white cane that signaled the hereditary

loss of vision. He might be heading off to post a letter

to the editor, get groceries for his annual Rashleigh

boys’ dinner, or to attend a historical society meeting

or the Literary Festival. Regardless of the season or the

weather, he would decline offers of a lift, insisting that

walking helped maintain his health.

Michael always managed independent transport. As a day boy living in Young’s Point, he either

peddled his bike or paddled down Lake Katchewanooka to get to school. At 70, he would still

gleefully report launching his canoe over precarious ice to the open water, eager to be the first LCS

paddler of the season.

The waterfront was an integral part of Michael’s life at Lakefield College School. After joining the

Sea Cadets at The Grove, he went on to Royal Roads, then a naval training academy. He first joined

the staff at LCS in 1956, then completed a degree at Queen’s and returned as a master in 1958. On

the waterfront, he was “Lieutenant C.M. Townsend” and became Commanding Officer of the Cadet

Corps. The R.C.S.C.C. St. George was disbanded in 1970, but the sailing program Michael helped

build up continues to flourish. In 1967, Canada’s centennial, six boys under Michael’s watch sailed to

Expo in Montreal in a 32-foot cutter.

Michael believed in “learning by doing.” Several years ago he was asked to tutor a student struggling

in a subject he hadn’t taught and didn’t know. Michael invited his pupil to teach him everything

the young man had learned each week, using the text book as a guide. That young man passed that

course with honours. A former board chair remembers Michael’s hands-on approach involving the

scraping of sailboat hulls, and acknowledges he too learned to do that very well!

Michael died suddenly at his island cottage on Stoney Lake on May 26th, 2010. He would have

thought that a very suitable place to take his leave.

KAtE AND ALEX rAmSAY ’53


Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2010

Fifth row (back):

(L-r) Andrew ross

Keenan murray

David Hintelmann

Andrew Dupuis

Harry Lee

Jasper Zimmermann

Connor Sullivan

Jamie macklem

Ned burgess

marshall Slipp

brian bunting

phillip Iatridis

Carl Anton Waldeck

Andrew Greenbaum

Campbell bryk

Hillie Allen

taylor mackenzie

matt Chi

Will Lawler

Kyle bennett-Walcott

Alex Ko

Jason Weaver

Dex Campbell

Kevin Healy

Fourth row: (L-r) Leonie van Haeren

Kathleen Logie

Carley macEwen

Kaho Han

Jack Cole

James Deberardine

michael Aben

mathias Dutil

tobias Lengerke

tayub bilwani

philipp Ortmann

Guillermo Costello Oliva

Hamish martin

paulo Engelke

Jamie Cooper

Dianne Li

Lindsay bibbings

Arabella becker

marissa vazquez

Dana madill

Gabrielle Cormier

third row: (L-r) Frances Wang

Emily Keating

Emma Walshe

Ann Lin

victoria Seale

Gabrielle Cholette

Ashley patel

Stephanie Worsfold

Kirsten Neuendorff

Cameron boland

marina Wang

taylor Joo

bea Chan

Laura burns

Christiane Dash

Ashley millward

Kaitlyn Gillis

Katie Jones

Jocelyn Stevens

Katie rice

maki Ishida

Jane Hickey

priya maini

Second row:(L-r) michelle Sung

pauli volz

Sara Fitzsimmons

robin prest

Leanne Scott

melisa Icgoren

Arianne Grimaldi

Haley Kemp

Claire Foster

Kelsey Slobodian

theresa Hogan

Alina Jebens

Kate Carroll

Fiona Cameron

Kate Seo

monica mann

Christine Davidson

Julie trott

First row (Front):

(L-r) John Liu

ryan Kinslow

David Evelyn

riley Garneys

Felipe Castello

Luke macDonald

Earl Sheppard

terry Jeon

robbie Dickinson

Derek Shin

AbSENt: Laura Elcock, Andrew Caruso, and matthew macKenzie

Lakefield College School is committed to the environment. We use Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified paper in all school publications. For more information on FSC, visit www.fsc.org

If addressee has moved, DO NOt forward. return with present address if known. mailed under Canada post publication Agreement #40025808

The Grove News is published twice a year by the Advancement Office. We welcome your comments and suggestions. Please contact Tracey Blodgett at 705.652.3324 or [email protected], or visit our website at www.lcs.on.ca

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

spring/summer 2010

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