Week 8 : 17th November 2004
Next Edition: Wednesday 24th November
This Week:

Remembrance Service
The Brentwood Chapel

Old Brentonians Day

Ellis House Open House

Parent-Teacher-Student Meetings
The Also-Ran Hockey Tournament
The T. Gil Bunch Theatre: Upcoming Events

Sydney Black
Amy Weinberg
Andrea Norlund
Nicholas Chesterley

Jennalee Desjardins

REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE

Row upon row of students filed into the T. Gil Bunch centre last Saturday instead of attending their normal classes. While this would normally be an event for monumental applause and celebration, each student entered in silence, a poppy over the left breast of every blazer. Row upon row of the theatre was filled with students, parents, old Brentonians; everyone coming together in the remembrance of those lives lost during the wars of the last century.

Students filed on and off stage, paying tribute through their instruments, songs and speeches. Mr. Robert McLean described his visit to France, standing on the soil where the Newfoundland regiment lost so many lives in the battle of the Somme. Amy Weinberg shared


Sarah Rosen pays tribute

Amy Weinberg looks to the future

a dream of a peaceful future, while Sam and David Yeon described their efforts to help make peace in Palestine. A very vivid message was given throughout the ceremony: not to solely grieve the loss of life but to honour those that did not survive by living our own lives to their full potential.

“Their dreams were as big and important as ours are now,” Madeleine McPherson said before reading the roll of honour, the names of past Brentonians who fought in both World Wars but who were not among the fortunate and the few who came back. A math test, a field hockey game, a daunting amount of prep; these problems that face us day to day would have been a relief to such boys as from the Gillespie family or Pip Holmes who were facing no man's land and endless artillery shells and machine gun shrapnel. How welcome two hours of silence every night would have been for them and every man around them.


Brothers David and Sam Yeon retelling
their experience in Palestine


Readers Laura McLean, Sydney Black,
Corey Ranger and Jennalee Desjardins

The tradition in every family is different, but almost all stand in silence every November 11th to honour grandparents, great-grandparents, or to honour the fact, to quote Winston Churchill, that “never in the history of mankind has so much been owed by so many to so few."

Others in the audience, hailing from south, east, west, even from north of our border, had never heard of Remembrance Day; many did not know the significance of the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. Despite this difference in geography and tradition, on Saturday people from all countries stood in silent contemplation, all feeling the weight of loss and the significance of what we have now, and what those who did not return will never have.

We will remember them.

Story by: Sydney Black (Grade 12)

Chopin Prelude Op. 28
Kat Holland   Future Journey

Amy Weinberg

The Swan, Saint-Sans Ji Yeon Baek, Grace Fok How Can I Keep From Singing Ellen Kutscher, Marguerite Thompson
Gymnopédie No. 1, Erik Satie Joy Liu Anthem for Doomed Youth Readers
Revolutionary Etude, F. Chopin Christine Yam O Vos Omnes. Music, Tomas Luis de Victoria Vocal Jazz Ensemble
Violin Concerto, 2nd movement Sarah Rosen, Grace Fok Past Journey

Mr. Robert MacLean

Opening Prayer Andrea Pennells Roll of Honour Readers
National Anthem

Nicholle Charette

Laying of the Wreath  
We Will Remember Them Readers Last Post, Silence Graham Gilbert
Dona Nobis Pacem Senior Chamber Choir, Junior Choir Reveille  
Present Journey David & Sam Yeon Closing: Call to Peace Readers
Impromptu Op. 90 #3, Schubert Grace Fok Kyrie from Memorial Senior Chamber Choir

Readers:

Jennalee Desjardins, Sydney Black,
Laura McLean
, Corey Ranger


Roll of Honour Readers
:

Stephen Pointon, Head Prefect;
Madeleine McPherson
Assistant Head Prefect;
Stephanie McClellan
, Assistant Head Prefect.


Nicholle Charette

Ellen Kutscher

REMEMBRANCE DAY CHAPEL SERVICE

A Remembrance Day service was held at 9 o'clock on Sunday morning, November 14th in the Brentwood Bay Anglican Chapel. The congregation was made up chiefly of old Brentonians and their families, Brentwood College students and teachers, and the members of the school choirs, as well as a few members of the Brentwood Bay community. Brentwood Bay is about an hour's bus ride away from the actual school. The church, with its stained glass windows, creaky wooden pews, and warm, cozy atmosphere, is the perfect place to hold an annual Remembrance Day service, especially since it has such sentimental and unique ties with the school and its history. The Anglican chapel was built by former students of Brentwood in the 1920's. The
original college was located just east of the chapel until it was destroyed by a fire in 1947. A large wooden plaque at the back right of the church lists the names of all the old Brentonians who served in the two world wars.

The service itself was beautifully executed. The Reverend Mark Davidson spoke and offered prayers of remembrance to the congregation. Speakers at the occasion were: Mrs. Andrea Pennells, Head of School; Head Prefect Steve Pointon, who read the Roll of Honour; Mr. Geoff Houghton, Mr. Victor Lironi, who, with Mr. Steve Wynne laid the wreath; and Old Brentonians Rebecca Reynolds and Towner Menefee.

The service was inspirational and uplifting, reminding us all that there is still hope for a peaceful world. The school wishes to thank the Emeritus Faculty, Steve Wynne and Victor Lironi for preparing and hosting the service.

Story and pictures by: Amy Weinberg (Grade 12)


The 2004 Service

The exterior of the Chapel

The 1926 interior

OLD BRENTONIANS DAY: A MULTI-GENERATION AFFAIR

As Katie Pointon (Grad of 2002), Sarah McShane (Grad of 2004), Alexandra McCarthy (Grad of 2003), and Katherine O'Brien-Bell (Grad of 1977), stroll confidently through Alex House, each carrying the mythical ‘white glove’, their mission has more to do with indulging in nostalgia and greeting familiar faces and areas than finding fault in the pristine rooms.
Old Brentonians Day has long been an occasion of reunion with family and friends and a return to the ‘Brentwood bubble’. This theme is evident in the way Katie Pointon greets siblings Rebecca and Steve, Sarah McShane embraces sister Katie, Al McCarthy hails her cousin Jenny, and Katherine O'Brien-Bell catches up with her daughter Sarah. It is moments like these that make the day a success and keep Brentwood campus in tune with its past.


Guest Inspectors Katherine O'Brien-Bell, Katie Pointon, Sarah McShane and Alexandra McCarthy


Katherine O'Brien-Bell finds yet another organised drawer.


Alex House Prefects Sarah Williams, Caroline Philippson and Barclay Martin show a clean white glove.

Katherine O'Brien-Bell adds to this note as, even as she remarks on such changes as the T. Gil Bunch Theatre (a tribute to her old English teacher), the movement of the tennis courts, and the replacement of the pool with Rogers House, she states that the biggest testament to the school’s success is the enrollment of new generations. She recognises the children of friends, classmates turned teachers (Mr. Felix and Mr. Carr), and most of all, the feeling of community, the soul of Brentwood.


Team Alumni with Esther Beauregard and Stephanie Kral


Alumni players: Brooke Philips and Alison Fraser


Sam Choi and coach, Mrs. Alanna Martin face off.

Old Brentonians Day as a family event becomes more pronounced on Gillespie field where the alumni games took place. Grads of past years challenged this year's 1st XI in a fast-paced game showing the skill of youth and adult alike. The game involves more than just the players, though, as cheering parents fill the stands. Mr. and Mrs. Sage stand with their son talking to Mr. Martin and watching Mr. Martin’s daughter hit the ball up the field. Delaney and Briley, Mrs. Martin’s two daughters, squeal with delight as ‘Mommy’ races after a pass. At the final whistle, after brilliant plays by both teams, the result comes down to strokes. The 1st XI accept defeat, but the loss has no affect on the spirit of exuberance that embodies all present. Once more Old Brentonians Day ends, kept in the back corner of all students' minds for the future day that they themselves march back through their own old house door to conduct Saturday inspection.


Mrs. Martin's daughters, Briley and Delaney support both teams.


Mrs. Sue Candy with the 'Moms'.

Story and pictures by: Andrea Norlund (Grade 11)
with the help of Delaney Martin


I'LL RAISE YOU ONE OPEN HOUSE...

In most places, Saturday night is a party night, and Brentwood is no exception. Fortunately, despite the “sprawling metropolis” of Mill Bay that surrounds them, Brentwood students often attempt to make their own fun, instead of scaring the local townsfolk. In order to find this fun, last Saturday the boys of Ellis house decided to emulate the entertainment capital of the world.

Though some Brentwood students would have preferred a real trip to Vegas, for those still too young to enter casinos, a substitute was more than welcome. In the Ellis Casino Night, everyone was made to feel welcome, if only in the hope that betting would increase. Roulette, blackjack, poker, and craps tables were all set up, with smiling dealers eager to play. Before the night was over, thousands of dollars were won and lost, and people were in both tears and smiles.


Gambling fever sweeps every culture

Before terror sets in, as parents begin to wonder where, exactly, these thousands of dollars lost by their dear children came from, reassurances must be made. The Bank of Ellis, risking tremendous inflation, printed off bills for use by the gamblers. Seed money was given to each student, and Brentwood was set loose on the tables, ready to make their fortune. After the adrenaline rush of the evening was over, winners could submit their names for a raffle, one ticket for every thousand dollars won.

Though most people leaped at the chance to bet when provided with free money, some few restrained individuals looked for other things to do. Of course, as bankrolls became thinner and thinner, more and more people became interested in other pursuits. Fortunately, diversions included a dance, food, or simply talking with friends in one of the rooms, normally forbidden to members of the opposite gender. A good time seemed to be had by everyone who attended, and those who entered the raffle can only wait until the winner is declared this Thursday.

Story and Pictures by: Nicholas Chesterley (Grade 11)

Does a hat really increase the likelihood of winning?

Sure, she looks innocent, but watch it!
She'll take your money and giggle while she's doing it.

PARENT-TEACHER-STUDENT INTERVIEWS

On Friday of last week in two sessions during the afternoon and evening, parents from — literally — around the globe travelled to the school to meet with teachers. No fewer than 138 families made the journey, which was for some a considerable distance. Winner of the dedication award were Mrs. Fumiko Kurosawa and Mrs. Tsai-Lien Lin Huang, who both arrived from Japan, closely followed by the Dickens, Seemann, D'Souza families from Saudi Arabia, and the Angle, Bloch, and Kuhns families who made the trip from California. Special mention must also be made of Dr. Jayne Fortson who, as a paraplegic, braved the discomforts of travel from Anchorage, Alaska. Such family dedication is both inspiring and humbling to the faculty of the school.


David, Deborah, and Dr. Steven Sommer
from Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

Kazuto and Mrs. Fumiko Kurosawa

Dan, Victoria (Grad of 2017?), Jenny, and Dr. Dan Bester
The second opportunity to meet the teachers will be on Friday 25th/Saturday 26th November. Parents wishing to arrange for times on these dates should contact Mrs. Liz Rodford as soon as possible. Please note that the Friday evening sessions are rapidly becoming booked up, and parents are encouraged to plan for the Saturday alternative.

2nd XI SUPREMACY

Last week, Brentwood hosted the Also-Ran field hockey tournament. Several local teams came to the school for the day-long tournament in hopes of achieving supremacy. While our elite 1st XI sides were off competing in the provincial championships, the rats came out to play. Who would have suspected that the Brentwood 2nd XI, who hardly have a win to their name, would come out on top?

The first game of the morning was against the strong hitting team of Chemainus. As in most games the seconds have played this year, they were ahead, but just not on the score board. Even though both teams were itching for goals, the game ended in a brutal 0-0 tie.

Next up were the familiar Nanaimo team. It looked bleak for Brentwood, who are frequently unable to score.


Nicholle Charette, Amy Van Vliet, Jessa Salkeldand Stephanie Kral ready for battle

It was not until the inspiring goal of Sonya Rokosh did the team finally get together. A three-goal lead was needed to make it to the semi-finals, and Coach Sean had faith. With many more shots, the team managed to score two more goals, just enough to squeeze by. But that is the 2nd XI way!

The third game against Brentwood's very own Junior A’s was one of familiarity and laughter. Only in the final five minutes did tension rise, with the realisation of the imminent final round. The game ended in a 0-0 tie and went to penalty strokes. The goalies of both teams, Esther Beauregard and Andrea Allan, spared their teams no suspense. It was almost too close to call but the Seniors pulled it off (barely) by a technicality and were off to forge their destiny.

The final game was against the feared Reynolds team. They were a saucy team; loud, proud and confident. This hard-fought game, was full of whistles, whining and fierce aggression. It, too, ended in a 0-0 tie and went to strokes. Once again, with a lot of chanting and a little bit of luck the seconds came out on top and were rewarded with the glory and some candy.

Story and pictures by: Jennalee Desjardins (Grade 12)


Two unsung heroes:
Sonya Rokosh and Esther Beauregard

The mighty 2nd XI with the smiles of victory

T. GIL BUNCH CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Future presentations:

November 21st 2:00 p.m. Cowichan Valley Music Teachers' Concert
December 3rd 7:30 p.m. Christmas by Candlelight
December 11th 2:30 p.m. Victoria Chamber Orchestra, a Children's Christmas Concert
March 8th-12th 7:30 p.m. Guys and Dolls, Brentwood's Spring Musical
April 11th-16th 7:30 p.m. Week of Rep - Senior Acting Class
May 6th 7:30 p.m. Evening of Dance
May 22nd 2:30 p.m. Palm Court Tea Party
June 4th 2:30 & 7:30 p.m. Steps Ahead Dance Show
June 5th 7:30 p.m. Sooke Philharmonic Orchestra
June 10th-12th A weekend of concerts featuring students from the Brentwood Music Programme

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