Welcome to the 2004-2005 edition
Fun and Games
The Terry Fox Run
Biology 12 Field Trip to Bamfield
Summer Work on Campus
How to Survive Leaving Home
New Staff on Campus
Mackenzie House Barbecue
Summer Rowing

THIS WEEK 2004-2005

Welcome to the Brentwood "This Week" web page for the 2004-2005 school year.

The School begins the year with 421 students -- 339 boarders and 82 day students. The students hail from 21 different countries, approximately 67% from Canada and the remainder from diverse points around the globe: Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Japan, to name but a few. Given the unique constitution of the student body and the diverse geographical locations of families, the purpose of these pages is to provide parents, friends, and prospective students with a window on the school through an account of the many activities that take place each week. Judging from the many e-mails received (and thank you Brock Harris, Class of 93, for the latest words of encouragement!) and the number of weekly hits on the site, there are many regular viewers worldwide. Indeed, the school system is able to track the geographic location of visitors to the site, and on one occasion we were very puzzled as to why the US military were interested in the 'This Week' page. After carefully examining the content of the page for state secrets, we realised that the browser was an Old Brentonian who was now a member of the US Armed Forces!

With the technology Gods' divine blessing, publication is usually accomplished by 5 p.m. each Wednesday while the school is in session. A list of the specific dates of publication appears on the 'This Week' homepage.

Following the tradition of recent years, many articles each week are written by the student webpage team. This year's regular photojournalists are Sydney Black (from Calgary), Nick Chesterley (Comox), Jennalee Desjardins (Sumbawa, Indonesia), Ellen Kutscher (Vashon Island, Washington), Andrea Norlund (Sequim, Washington), and Amy Weinberg (Cowichan Bay). Each week, the members of the team must generate an idea for a story, do background research, write a report, take photographs as necessary, assemble both text and pictures as a component of a web page, then suffer from the vagaries of the editor in the publication of their work. Their first efforts appear below.

FUN AND GAMES NIGHT

The last night before returning students flood back into Brentwood, the first Interhouse event of the year is held. This chance for new students to compete for gold, glory, and — above all — for their House is Fun and Games Night. Of course, the gold may only be the wrapper on the chocolate bars, but the other prizes are certainly as valuable as any Olympian’s rewards. Avoiding traditional sports, the games are such that everyone can play and enjoy. These games included the chanting of house songs, Simon Says, a modified form of indoor skiing, stories in mime, a scavenger hunt, musical chairs, dress-up, and the human knot.

Mr. Norman led the most challenging game of all, challenging everyone to remember the nursery rhymes of their youth. Each house had to remember and chant a nursery rhyme, and as each house failed to remember a new one quickly enough, they were

Ellis House prepares to do battle.

knocked out. Nursery rhymes had to be acceptable: the ABC’s were rejected, dismissed as unacceptable. Mr. Cowie, as usual, submitted his rather unusual list of demands for the scavenger hunt. These ranged from stuffed animals and swim wear to matches and a scarf, all of which had to be obtained without leaving the gym. Fortunately, old students familiar with the antics of Mr. Cowie had brought along many uncommon items in an effort to anticipate his needs. Though not all of his whims were met, most were satisfied, much to his surprise.

In the end, Rogers came in first, Ellis second, Whittall third, and Privett last. Those scores come second, however, to the energy shown by the new students in their quest for success: each of the competitors rapidly realised the undiluted undesirability of the other houses, at least for that evening, and were prepared to struggle for the primacy of their own. Fortunately, the main requirement was not skill or dedication, but rather sheer enthusiasm, something that rang off the gym walls in abundance. The new students quickly grasped the good spirit in which each game was played, and all enjoyed themselves, teachers and students alike.

Story by: Nick Chesterley (Grade 11)

Walking around Brentwood
Knocked on Rogers door
Went inside the entrance
Found it was a bore

I walked on down to Whittall
The smell gave me a pain
Looked around the hallways
Decided it was lame

Next I went to Ellis
It was a scary sight
All dressed up in glitter
They said it was alright

Finally came to Privett
I looked all about
Realised I belong there
Best house without a doubt

The Ram’s our symbol of strength
Which no one can surpass
Unicorns, bulls nor pirates
We’ll beat them on their........ butts!

THE TERRY FOX RUN

During last Friday’s assembly, all eyes were on Mr. Garvey as he stepped up to the podium to begin his annual speech announcing the Terry Fox Run. To old students this is an familiar experience, but never a repetitive one. Mr. Garvey generated a respectful silence as he gave statistics of cancer cases. Every year the student body is reawakened to the reality of cancer, and the high numbers of those affected. Motivated to enjoy their fortunate lives, the student body left the auditorium with a renewed sense of appreciation. All they could do was to wait.

Sunday morning managed to escape the trend of dismal clouds, wind and rain. The sun beat down keeping everyone

fresh and the volunteers at the water stations managed to get hold of garden hoses to wake everyone up. Most impressive was
many of the students (and teachers) attempt to run as far possible, which was difficult due to their ‘out-of-shape-summer-bodies’. For many, this enthusiasm and desire, surprisingly, carried them right over the finish line. For the others, their effort was more than enough. What other way could Brentwood begin the year other than with a charitable bang?

Story by: Jennalee Desjardins (Grade 12)

BIOLOGY 12AP FIELD TRIP TO BAMFIELD

The usual hubbub of Brentwood students returning to classes was interrupted for twenty-four Grade 12 students early Saturday morning when the AP Biology class set out on its annual migration to Bamfield Marine Science Center, an educational research facility on the West Coast of Vancouver Island. Despite a four hour bladder-rattling drive over puddle-laden washboard dirt roads, the group arrived safely and proceeded to saturate themselves with marine biology. Students spent the next three days studying the inter-specific relationships of the local aquatic flora and fauna from a first-hand point of view through personal observation, data collection, lab work and much analysis of their own experimental results and study findings.

Despite a packed schedule and an extremely early beach survey Monday morning, students seemed to enjoy the trip, and the general consensus was that it provided an excellent opportunity to converse with other students in a way not generally possible in the more rigid structure of a classroom. The universally acclaimed highlights of the trip were a late night boat ride through inlet waters sparkling with bioluminescent plankton and

the omnipresence of damp rubber boots and fluorescent life jackets throughout the three days. Even the chaperones of the outing seemed to enjoy themselves. As Ms. Peters enthusiastically declared, “Being the official timer of one of the student charged explorations of invertebrate life was the most fun I’ve had in years.” The trip was an immense success and students were delighted to discover that learning and fun really can walk hand in hand.

Story by: Berit Anderson (Grade 12)
Pictures by: Gerry Pennells

SUMMER PROJECTS ON CAMPUS

Destruction, demolition, devastation. Yes, the Brentwood College School maintenance team has been very busy indeed this summer! While students scattered to the far corners of the globe to enjoy their summer holidays, the maintenance crew worked hard all summer long, upgrading houses and buildings, and improving the school’s safety. The largest project, which stimulated the question pondered by the residents of Mill Bay and Brentwood’s returning teachers and students was, “Where have all the trees gone?” Yes, the trees that lined Solarium Road are missing. Although the trees were extremely beautiful and historic to the school, they were in fact proving to be a safety hazard and an inconvenience. The roots, which spread in all directions far beneath the ground, were “daylighting.” The term daylighting is self explanatory: they were searching for light… but they were also infiltrating the drain system and causing injury to athletes who played on the field next to the trees. Solarium Road was also adorned with new sidewalks for

The site of the former Patterson/Ogilvie House

pedestrian safety. And what about the end of Solarium, next to the tennis courts? It’s hard to believe that the green, grassy oasis that was once there, is now a filthy, brown wasteland, patrolled by a yellow bulldozer. Well, it won’t be a wasteland for long. It is the site for Brentwood’s new playing field, which will prevent students from having to journey to the 'B' field over the highway.

Various buildings on campus have also experienced renovation and renewal this summer. Some of the most important changes was the seismic upgrade to the old academic block, the kitchen and dining room, the auditorium and the art and pottery studios. This will ensure that everyone on campus will be safe if and when “the big quake” hits the island. A new water line was also installed on campus to bring a new fire protection sprinkler system to Mackenzie house. The goal is to eventually install sprinkler systems in all the houses. In addition, an extension to the house will provide accommodation for house staff.

Privett House also experienced a major renovation, with a bathroom upgrade, new floors and a new roof, matching that of Rogers House, the most modern house on campus. Mr. William's abode (the old matron’s cottage) benefited from a new roof.

Along with many other miscellaneous jobs too numerous to mention, our dedicated maintenance team worked incredibly hard this summer. Their efforts were considerable and, once the landscape scars heal, will be appreciated by all.

Story and Pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)

NEW STAFF ON CAMPUS: Mr. Don Armitage

Working with groups like Bruce Cockburn, The Crash Test Dummies, Toronto Dance Theatre, Ballet BC, Blue Rodeo, African Children’s Choir and James Murdoch and WarParty is only a small part of Mr. Don Armitage’s work experience in the twenty-plus years he has been involved with the performing arts. With a range of theatre background including acting and performing himself, working as a technician, stage manager, sound designer, studio recording engineer, producer, lighting designer, technical director and facility manager, one could easily imagine how pleased Brentwood College School is to welcome him to the school and the T. Gil Bunch Theatre as its new Technical Director. Recently having moved south from Whitehorse, “Where one can feel very isolated in this industry,” Mr. Armitage dedicated eight years to the local theatre, involved in some capacity in every single show that was produced.

Beginning his experience in the technical area “more or less by default”, he taught himself

to set up the equipment of his own bands through trial and error for lack of better technical support. Since then he has supplemented those learning experiences with courses and master classes in audio engineering and lighting design. He also cites the many exceptional people in the industry with whom he has had the privilege to work.

Out of the many groups that travelled to Whitehorse, or those he encountered elsewhere, his favourite was the aboriginal Russian drum and dance group that performed in the town a few summers ago. “Their spirit, energy, costumes and vitality on stage was inspirational,” and although “They did not have the benefit of western acting classes or dance classes, they easily drew their audience into the spirit of their culture through their polyrhythmic drumming and the choreography of the pieces.”

While at Brentwood, Mr. Armitage will be in charge of the lighting and design of all theatre productions, including the annual school musical and the variety of instrumental and vocal concerts, in addition to teaching three Theatre Production classes (already filled by enthusiastic students). He is very pleased to be at the T. Gil Bunch Theatre and is truly appreciative of the support that he has been shown by the staff and particularly the students of the school. Mr. Armitage states that “The number of students enrolled in Theatre Production is thoroughly exciting! I am looking forward most to the opportunity of sharing my knowledge and experience with students in this magical world of the theatre and sharing in the artistic visions of the fine performing artists at this school.”

Story and picture by: Ellen Kutscher (Grade 12)

MACKENZIE HOUSE BARBECUE

On a sunny Sunday afternoon, it was Mackenzie ladies only at the House’s annual ‘Get to Know the New Girls’ barbeque. The first challenge for the 50 or so young ladies was to carry themselves with decorum as they sprinted back and forth across the sloshy field hockey pitch trying to Capture the Flag (cleverly disguised as a white plastic lawn chair). The wet conditions frequently left the girls flat on their backs in the muck when a well-planned dodge failed miserably. Shortly thereafter, the host with the most, Mr. Flynn, announced that his hour at the grill had paid off and all could gorge themselves to their heart’s content on assorted gourmet hot dogs, hamburgers, and – naturally – veggie burgers. The main course was followed by cake celebrating Mrs Flynn’s belated -– very belated – 21st birthday.

SUMMER ROWING

2004 was an Olympic year for the world with Athens, Greece playing host to the Games. In Athens, there were four Old Brentonians competing for Canada, three in rowing and one in the three-day equestrian event (Ian Roberts, Class of 1977). The three rowers, David Calder (1996) in the straight pair, Scott Frandsen (1998) in the eight and Tom Herschmiller (1996) in the straight four. All three of these athletes have incredible stories outlining all the trials and tribulations they went through in the last three months.

David Calder and his partner were poised to make it into the finals, but a mistake -- running into the South Africa lane -- in the last five strokes of the semifinal cost them dearly. The International Rowing Federation disqualified the Canadian pair and left them on the sidelines to watch the final. The South African pair later went on to win the bronze medal, a medal that should have been Dave Calder’s.

In the men’s eight Scott Frandsen replaced Dave Calder as the only new member of the crew. One month before the team left for Europe, Darren Barber (1987) was in the eight only to lose his seat in the very last series of seat racing. It was a devastating blow to Darren who had put his medical career on hold for a year to try to make it back to the Olympic Games. Scott’s eight in the heat beat the world best time by two seconds but the American eight beat the record by two and a half seconds! Losing the heat meant that the Canadian eight had to go through the reps to qualify for the finals. Beating the Germans in the reps put Canada in a position to challenge for gold. In the finals everything was going according to plan until the last 750 meters where the Americans, Dutch and Australians took off and Canada did not respond. In the end the Canadians were 5th. Most of the rowing fraternity in Canada were shocked that they did not win a medal. On any given day at this level there were five crews who could have won the gold. It just was not Canada’s day. In an email from Scott to the School he stated that Canada tried everything to get the boat in a position to win and that there is no explanation or excuses for the outcome.

Canada went into the Olympic regatta with high hopes to win a minimum of four medals and possibly six. To come away with only one was not what was expected. The lone medal came from the men’s straight four. Tom Herschmiller (1996) sat in two seat and was the tactician during the race. He is the one member of the team to call the race and decide when and where to do the pushes. The race between Canada and Great Britain was expected to be a barn burner but no one expected the race to be declared the race of the century and one of the greatest races in the history of Olympic sports. Canada and Great Britain went head to head for the entire 2000 meters crossing the finish line together. For some minutes they then sat exhausted slumped over their oars waiting to find out who won. The results were posted on the large screen and Great Britain had beaten the Canadians by 0.08 of a second, the length of a clenched fist. Canada, as the defending World Champions showed so much class in defeat that the story was broadcast all over the world. In every media interview, Tom and his team mates praised Matt Pinsant and the British crew and expressed their delight at being part of such an incredible race. Tom will be coming to the School this fall to talk to the student body about his experiences in Athens.

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