Week 31: 28th June 2002          (Final Edition for the year: 'This Week' will resume in September) 

PRESTIGIOUS HARDWARE

"For the student in the graduating class who displays… excellence." The opening lines to the T. Gil Bunch Cup and the Yarrow Shield invite each grade 12 to strive for the best and receive the highest level of recognition. Upon closer inspection, it is detailed that both of the awards look for scholastic expedition, "stability and strength of character together with a willingness to serve" in addition to specific skill in either the fine arts or athletics.

The Yarrow Shield has been the most prominent award given to a Brentwood senior since the inception of the school. It identifies those students who excel in academics, athletics and display quality leadership

skills. Tony Carr, the long-standing senior mens head rowing coach, explains: "It was originally the school's major award. Everyone sought to be the best — the top student, athlete and citizen." The qualities seen in a recipient of the Yarrow Shield are closely equated with those witnessed in future Rhodes Scholars. "It's a lifestyle choice," Mr. Carr reflects. "Those who want to reach the top live the lifestyles conducive to good citizenship, study habits and athletic endeavours."

The Yarrow Shield, however, did not leave room for the students inclined more towards the arts. The T. Gil Bunch Cup was initiated into the Brentwood trophy case in 1993, to distinguish those exceptional individuals in regards to academics and fine arts. Created to honour Brentwood pioneer T. Gil Bunch and donated by the Holmes family in memory of one of the school's cofounders, the T. Gil Bunch Cup has reached a position as prestigious as the Yarrow Shield. Jim Burrows, Director of Studies has seen all of the Cup recipients. He comments, "The T. Gil Bunch Cup recognised other people. The Rhodes Scholarship identifies leadership in a different context than school; academics and leadership don't reflect all Brentwood has been about for the last 30 years in relation to fine arts."

The special students whose names appear on these awards will receive permanent recognition. Future generations of Brentwood students will undoubtedly follow the careers of the recipients as they flourish in academics, athletics and the arts.

Mara Cowan (Grade 11)

INTER-HOUSE TROPHY

The final standings in the
2001-2002 Inter-House competition
are shown at right.

T. GIL BUNCH THEATRE

The periodic explosions that have shattered the calm of Mill Bay this past week indicate that work is progressing full pace on the new theatre. As the images show, the foundations are about to be poured. The excavated rock and fill generated by the aforementioned explosions is being used to lay the foundation of an extension of the Millennium Trail -- a route along the waterfront. To satisfy curiosity and keen interest shown by numerous people, photographs will be taken of the site as it is developed and posted on our Web gallery.

Both images taken 26th June

OLD BRENTONIANS

For all Old Brentonians who have been using the Gradfinder program, a new on-line e-mail directory is now available.

The system enables Brentonians to search the directory for their friends by name, year or geographic region, click on e-mail addresses and send an e-mail direct, add and edit their own information, and read and post messages by grad year. The directory is secure — only those from the school community are able to access it. Members of the directory can also receive periodic updates and news of upcoming events from the school.

The new system is a great way to locate and communicate with Brentonians around the globe, and is accessible from the Brentwood website homepage, the Old Brentonians page, and the 'This Week' homepage.

Check it out at Brentwood On-line Directory

Lara McDonald

There will be several staff leaving this year, with eight faculty members retiring or relocating to various parts of the world. From Howard Martin, with 33 years service at Brentwood to Gregor Klenz and Sarah Beeston who have been here two years, we will miss them all.

HOWARD MARTIN

What kept me at Brentwood for 33 years was the feeling that I was part of a building process. I came to a raw, enthusiastic institution that was 8 years old with 220 boys in August 1969. There was no auditorium. We had a primitive dining room, classrooms that leaked in rainy weather and residential houses that were still under construction. We drove teams around in the "Hunky", a vehicle that was condemned by the policy in 1972.

I taught here under all three heads, David Mackenzie, Bill Ross and Andrea Pennells. Two of them permitted, or persuaded, me to teach math, English, consumer education and business studies, as well as social studies and geography. I have long been associated with coaching field hockey, but the records show that I have also been let loose with groups playing badminton, rugby, soccer, curling, ice hockey and running cross-country. My involvement in sports teams took me on nine overseas tours to England, Netherlands, Germany, Bermuda and Barbados.

Probably my proudest boast is that I have taught more classes and more students at Brentwood College School than any other teacher since the school opened in 1923. The most significant single event I experienced was the arrival of girls to the school in 1972. On the sports field, the highlight has to be the girls winning the B.C. Field Hockey Championship in 1985. And, like any teacher, I have experienced enormous pleasure and satisfaction in helping strong students excel and weaker students succeed beyond expectation.

I have taught with some wonderful colleagues, made some lifelong friends and have been paid enough to eliminate the mortgage!

Howard Martin

The Grad Queen (a.k.a. Mrs. Sarah Mais) arrived at Brentwood in 1984, after relocating from Trail, British Columbia, in order to be closer to her twin sons, who were Brentwood students. Her first professional encounter with the school was as a chemistry tutor for the rowers who were in danger of failing the provincial exam and ruining Brentwood's lofty reputation. She saved the day and was formally recognized the following year with a job offer. Quickly becoming an integral part of the school's network, she worked closely in her first year with the architects of the Ross Building to develop the design of the chemistry and biology labs. Perhaps her most memorable contributions to Brentwood, however, will be her work with the Grad Committee. As the reigning Grad Queen, Mrs. Mais has never failed, year after year, to sponsor and organise extraordinary and dazzling events for the student body with the aid of the grad class. Her best memories of her work include dinners with such themes as medieval, Greek or Mardi Gras. She will dearly miss her work with the senior class, with whom she has invested so much time and effort, both through the Grad Committee and as an advisor in Alex House. She finds much well-earned pride in each graduating class and the close rapport she has developed with many of the lifers. The view of the sun rising over the mountains out in the ocean as she walks from the car park will be her lasting memory, and she is sure to find equally stunning views in her planned travels in the next few years. Her throne will be difficult to fill and we wish her well in her future endeavours.

Kelsey Norlund (Grade 12)

BRENDA LAURIE

Brenda Laurie is off to an "early retirement" after 33 years of professional development, 19 of which have been spent at Brentwood. All of Brenda's work has been involved with learning style differences that affect student performance in the classroom. She has always been stimulated by new research in the field of the brain and learning, and particularly enjoyed imparting the same knowledge to students. Brenda is looking forward to travel next year and spending time with family and friends. Beyond that, new projects, further education and new adventures beckon.

Brenda's best memories at Brentwood include the best view in the world, the most challenging learning style issues with the most cooperative students, and working with the most dedicated staff ever assembled in one place!

IAN HENRY

Ah, the enigma that is Mr. Henry. For those students who have not yet solved this particular puzzle (or broken this particular code, as it were), you are running out of time; Mr. Henry is leaving Brentwood this year, after over a decade of teaching mathematics and entertaining students with his antics. But before he leaves, let's see if I can fill you in on a few details about him.

First, the basics. Mr. Ian Henry has worked at Brentwood for the past eleven years; seven of those years were spent as the assistant house-master of Ellis House. He teaches math and has coached numerous sports teams — rugby, basketball, and ultimate Frisbee, to name a few.

What are his best memories of Brentwood? He mentioned taking the rugby team to South America in 1998, and coaching the grade eight mice rugby team. But what he

really seems to take pleasure — and pride — in are the special moments in the classroom. The moments that, presumably, every true teacher loves, when students — confused, bewildered, befuddled — by a math problem (as so many of them so often are) suddenly see the light, and understand.

So what does the future hold for Mr. Henry? Nobody knows — including him! Perhaps a winter learning French in sunny, tropical Martinique, perhaps moving back home to eastern Canada, perhaps more travelling. He seems content to wait and see what happens — to fly by the seat of his pants, so-to-speak. But two things are certain: that he will teach again someday, and also, that if he had the chance do it all again differently, he would not change a thing. There are not many people who can say that. And so, to Mr. Henry, we say good-bye, have fun, and good luck.

Jill Gregory (Grade 11)

PETER SMITH

What I can only term an accidental career in secondary teaching began in 1994 when, after introducing myself to the school as a translator of Chinese, I emerged from a marathon interview with Bill Ross as a teacher of French. There have ensued eight years of hard labour at the chalkface, enlivened periodically by changes of subject — such as when I undertook four years ago to spice up a wholly Eurocentric humanities programme by drenching successive waves of Grade 9's in a masala of facts and figures concerning Asia and the coming Chinese Century — and made always tolerable by the personalities and achievements of some remarkable students.

With grey appearing at the temples, however, and palsy in the hand that throws the chalk, it has come time to start thinking seriously about a career. To this end, I have enrolled at the University of Leeds in the UK to undertake a Master's degree in applied translation, in the expectation that I can finish out my days in a profession I have dabbled in for years, and which I find most rewarding. I therefore bid farewell to my colleagues and friends here at the school and to all the wonderful students and their families who have made my time here a memorable experience. Thank-you one and all, and au revoir.

Peter Smith

MILES ALLKINS

Over the last four years I have worked as a chemistry teacher, a sports coach, a coordinator (of many things), and last, but by all means not least, an assistant Houseparent. From all of these experiences, I have learned something and will take away memories that will last a lifetime.

The most important event in the lives of both my wife Anne-Marie and myself has been something that is totally separate from the school, and that is the birth of our son Thomas. He has brought something to our lives that has changed us more than we could have imagined.

My immediate future lies in Bermuda, as Director of Educational Technology at Saltus Grammar School in terms of my career. I will also be enjoying the extra freedom that I will have to be able to spend time with my family and enjoy the sunshine and the golf courses on Friday nights and Saturday mornings (as one former member of staff put it – the Telus plan; free evenings and weekends).

Miles Allkins

GREGOR KLENZ

It is not without a sense of regret that I leave the school where I began my teaching career. Even at my tender age, I am a man given to nostalgia and I know that I will always cherish my memories of Brentwood. First and foremost I will remember the people: students, faculty and support staff. Brentwood is a very special community, almost always united in purpose and spirit. I have always felt part of a team here and have truly enjoyed all of my dealings with the students, be it daily duty, prep duty (sounds crazy, doesn't it!) or teaching. I will also remember my two years living by the sea, deeply inhaling the deliciously pungent odours of beached kelp mixed with the unmistakable and subtle smell of salt water. My wife and I depart to begin a new adventure in Victoria with our little Annika Lily. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people I did not get a chance to thank in person for making my tenure at Brentwood such a rich and warm experience.

Cheers and auf Wiedersehen!

Gregor Klenz

SARAH BEESTON

The last two years have certainly been memorable for me, both on a personal and on a professional level. From our first day we felt very warmly embraced by this small community on the coast, and we have both really enjoyed the atmosphere of the school and the friendly and outgoing group of colleagues and students. It is the relationships that we have formed with all the people here over the last two years that we will miss the most. When I think of my best memories, they tend not to be the big events but rather the small ones that took place everyday; lunch with my colleagues and the interesting conversations that would ensue, duty nights with the girls and conversations with students in the cafeteria, break in the staff room, classroom discussions..... it is the time spent with all the people of Brentwood that I loved so much.

Undoubtedly we have never felt more busy at any other time in our lives as when working at Brentwood. The students and
staff seem to all be rushing about with different agendas but similar goals. We look forward to living in Victoria next year with our little girl and spending time together as a family, but we will greatly miss the school, for it is the place where we lived when we got engaged, married and had our first baby, and also where we were lucky enough to begin our teaching careers.

I would like to thank the teaching, the support, the administrative and the maintenance staff for being such wonderful teammates and all the students for keeping us on our toes! I will miss Brentwood, but I know we will be up to visit on numerous occasions.

Best wishes to all!

Sarah Beeston

This year the faculty was enriched by the presence of four (subsequently increased to five) interns. Fresh from university, eager to explore the education world with a view to career decisions, Peter, Darcy, Meaghan, David, and Matt assisted with a variety of duties in the classroom, fine arts programmes, in the sports arena, and administration of the residential houses. Judging from the rousing standing ovation given them by the student body on Awards Day, their contributions were much appreciated, and we wish them well in the future careers.

PETER INGLIS

This year, Ellis House had the privilege of having intern Peter Inglis in residence. From North Vancouver, Peter came to Brentwood with a B.Sc. from the University of British Columbia and five years worth of rowing experience. He came to Brentwood to learn about the teaching profession and to provide students some guidance with his own experiences in rowing and academics. Throughout the year, Peter provided stability in Ellis House and in the process made lots of close friends. Outside of the house, Peter taught Math 9 for part of the year and occasionally was a substitute teacher for Mr. Curry's Physics 11 class and Mr. Henry's Math 8 class. On the water he coached women's rowing and assisted students in preparing for the St Catharines National High School Rowing Championships.

Peter will be greatly missed both in the House and throughout the school. He plans to return to competitive rowing and will pursue his Dip.Ed. at Brock University. His last words to the students and faculty are "Don't get too low on your bad days, don't get too high on your good days" Thanks for everything Peter!

Jamie Lynch (Grade 11)

DARCY SCOTT

I have thoroughly enjoyed my year as an intern at Brentwood. Despite some less than enjoyable nights of library and house duty, my overall experience was great. I have made many friends with both the staff and students at the school, particularly with the boys of Privett House. I will miss everybody and I encourage anybody to send me an e-mail to let me know what you are up to (darcy.scott@brentwood.bc.ca). I have had many highlights this year, including working with Mr. Digby and Cynthia on 7 Stories and 12 Angry People, becoming a "real" teacher for a couple of weeks when Mrs. Mais and Ms. Walker were away, teaching the Math 9 Set 3 class, and all of the time I spent with the Privett boys, on house outings, on duty, and just hanging out.
While I have enjoyed the teaching experience, my future lies elsewhere. In the upcoming year I plan to work, hopefully overseas, and do a bit of travelling. After next year I will be gearing up to head off to medical school. I am not sure where it will lead me but I will certainly remember my year at Brentwood for many years to come.

Darcy Scott

MEAGHAN RENNER

"Ms. Renner is teaching today!" exclaim Art History 12 AP students, as they sit eager to discuss the essential eras of Art History. In her own time, Meaghan Renner prepared Powerpoint slide shows for the class on various subjects ranging from Greek art to Futurism. Through interesting discussions, students learned about Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Rococo, Impressionism, Expressionism, Fauvism, and Futurism. In preparation for the advance placement exam, Ms. Renner held study sessions twice a week for three weeks to help AP students. Art History student, Claire Theaker Brown, says, "I couldn't have done the AP without her."

In addition to her time given to the Art History class, Meaghan has been an important asset to the Brentwood community through her temporary position as Assistant Houseparent in

Michaelangelo, sorting of tattered blouses, washing of stained dresses, and organizing the costumes in a way in which they could be easily accessible for future productions.

After graduating from Queen's with a degree in drama, being an intern at Brentwood College, Meaghan will be traveling to Scotland to Saint Andrews University. At Saint Andrews, Meaghan is going to further her education and work toward completing a degree in Art History. "I think it was her teaching of Art History that influenced her decision," comments fellow intern Darcy Scott.

Lauren Selman (Grade 11)

DAVID PROVAN

David Caldwell Provan, born and raised in Toronto, arrived on the front lines of Brentwood in September. Graduating from Princeton University, David then completed his Masters degree in Higher Education Policy from the University of Toronto. At Brentwood, David taught history and coached both the Junior Boys rowing and sailing, and also helped out in Whittall House. Brentwood proved to be a good proving ground for David who is moving to San Francisco this summer, in pursuit of being a grade two teacher.

Mr. Johnson allowed David to virtually take over the History 11 class for much of the third term which was an incredibly valuable teaching experience. Topics covered in this class included the depression, World War Two, and the Cold War, although David, maybe took the class theme a little too literally in his attempt to teach World War Two in a two period "Blitzkrieg".

David claims that his best experience over the year was his organisation of the rowing club's Cake Race - a 3 km head race of nine eights that he tried to arrange so that the crews were mixed with girls and boys of all abilities. Everyone dressed up in crew costumes ranging from Harry Potter to a pregnant coxswain and her eight babies. A lot of fun!

Meshach Heenatigala (Grade 11)

MATT TOON

I left Brisbane, Australia on October 30th 2001. After a month spent trekking in Nepal, I arrived in Vancouver in early December armed with little more than a few e-mail addresses. One of which was that of Mr. Tony Carr. I had heard of Brentwood College before my arrival and was eager to be a part of a school with such a proud rowing tradition. However, my rowing experience was only a fraction of the fond memories I will take home with me.

As I reflect on my time here, my thoughts continually drift to the interaction I have had with staff and students. From chatting with the Whittall residents after prep to 'geek ball' on the plaza I can honest say that I have enjoyed every moment. Yes, parking patrol during the Brentwood regatta at times did test my patience, however, I survived it all.

I leave to complete my Masters of Environmental Management at the University of Queensland.

To Mrs. Pennells and staff, thank you for your hospitality and allowing me to be apart of the Brentwood community. To the students of Brentwood College, may the best of your past be the worst of your future.

Matt Toon.

THE WEB PAGE PRODUCTION TEAM

This year, in an effort to broaden the scope of the webpage and to create a greater diversity of topics covered, three students were invited to join the production team. Judging from the many complimentary e-mails received, their work has been much appreciated, and their byline signatures will undoubtedly be seen in many professional journals in the years to come. Their final assignment for the year was a reflection and farewell theme ...

Erica Zacharias

This assignment is on my list of "lasts" — my last exam, my last Brentwood sleep, my last Brentwood meal. I don't want the word "last" to resonate any feeling of obligation. As I put down my pencil at 3:30 this afternoon, knowing this act signified the end of my high school career, the feeling, I admit, was elating. However, as I sat on the grass soon after, trying to take in the immensity of the ocean and the beauty of our campus, I knew there were some "lasts" for which I was very sad. And so, as I reflect on web page this year, please excuse me for filling the occasion with the weight of graduation.

At the internal awards ceremony, Claire, Katie and I were all given coloured reproductions of the

entire year's work. My first reaction was in response to the weight of the binder, which carries this capsule of a year in Brentwood's history and in my own. Like so many things in life, the collection grew so slowly, week by week that I did not realize how much we had written, how many pictures we had snapped, and most importantly how much had happened in one year. On a second survey I read pieces I had forgotten I wrote, about events that, likewise, had been shuffled into the recesses of my memory. The thoughts that had accompanied an emotional Remembrance Day, were some of the strongest to re-strike chords in my brain. Perhaps this work more than any other reminded, me of why anyone writes and records — lest we forget. In the bustle of school and life, we forget about that one performance where someone shone or that one perfect day where a house hosted a barbecue. In fact, we often forget the last moment we lived or the moment we are living now, for the sake of some moment in the future we are constantly seeking. To sit and reflect every week, therefore, on an event or a person in our midst, has been a pleasure.
I admit that I have had very little to do with the technical production of the web page, but I have enjoyed what contribution I did make. I have enjoyed writing pieces on some amazing people and their summers (Kristal Larsen and Tricia Persson), I have enjoyed recalling past joys in some also rather amazing classrooms (see: Colliseum). I have enjoyed most of all, saying something every week, no matter how small and feeling part of this school and yet so much in awe of it. To belong to such a community will always have its pros and cons. Although no one can exist without giving up some individual privileges, the collective group is stronger than the sum of the parts and in such an atmosphere people are pushed to new levels. Thank-you to the staff of this school for allowing me to belong to this place; thank-you to Mr. Crossley for giving me the opportunity to step back from this place and look at it from new angles.
As I approach my last words, it is with the knowledge that like any multi-people organism, the school will replace my silence with a newer voice. I wish all the best to the web page team and to the students and staff next year. Thank-you for the opportunity to reflect a little, to say a little, even if only for a little while. It is all anyone can ask for.

Erica Zacharias (Grad of 2002)

Claire Theaker-Brown

So, the end of the year is finally reality. After writing in my journal “eighty-six days left,” “twenty-two days left,” and finally, “last night at Brentwood,” I sit at home, at my own little i-Mac, reflecting on what the past ten months have left me. Clicking back to previous editions of “This Week”, the Halloween Dance, the holiday Children’s Party, and the opening of the new Health Centre all seem distant, and I realize that though one year passes quickly, it is indeed full. Certainly there were struggles — for me, math, under the gracious tutelage of tolerant Mr. Henry; the desperate search for a university with the patience of Mr. Pennells; and learning to Charleston on a hatbox from Mrs. Widenmaier — but in the end, the good times are what matter. And because of the friends we

met, because of all the times we trekked to Thrifty’s (sadly) for fun, because of all those evenings we spent sprawled on the grass enjoying the sun and ignoring our homework, it’s hard to let those difficult times matter as much as they once did.
I know I’m not the only one who hates to be asked what she wants to “be.” Even as graduates, none of us should have to surrender our names to become anything, be it a doctor, a homemaker, or a businessperson. Brentwood gives us the opportunities we need to go anywhere, do anything, and to explore our strengths — to not take advantage of these gifts would be criminal. But now that I’ve graduated (given, of course, that I passed that Math provincial), I know that I’m not going to “be” anything different than what I already am. I am still the same person I was when I drove through Brentwood’s gates, and that person will be with me through Journalism school, through travelling, and through whatever comes after that.

So I’ll take what Brentwood has given me — a work ethic, for one, and the mentorship of amazing faculty members, for another — and take them through whatever changes come my way, hoping that I’ll have the grace and dignity needed not to change myself. Thank you, then, to all the friends and teachers who guided me through my two years at BCS, especially Mr. Crossley, who let me write despite all those pushed deadlines. To all those who will continue to inspire others: you won’t be forgotten.

Claire Theaker-Brown (Graduate of 2002)

Katie Lin

Once there lived a little girl who went by Katie Lin.
With back-combed hair, a brace face, and as skinny as a pin,
She took up rowing, a committed sport despite her tiny frame.
Even made a few friends, maybe two of three,
Or so that she could claim.
Not quite a grommet, but not quite a Grade 10,
She hid under the wings of the mother hen.
"Next year," she exclaimed, "things will be different -
I shall grow out my bangs and be less of an introvert!"

And she did precisely that.

II

With a smile on her face and appearance somewhat altered,
At making new friends she would not be haltered.
She accompanied the rowing club to have fun once more,
But this time voiced herself as a coxswain offshore.
Throughout the year, her voice became clear
Both on land and on the sea.
As her confidence grew, she became more involved
And she realized, "This is ME!"
Her grins turned to smiles, her thoughts into words;
There was more to this school than the mere eye could see -
It was at this island in the sun that this ME could truly BE.

And she did precisely that.

III

She wondered if she was more capable than what she was aware of?
She did not know, but she did NOT want to row,
So, she'd just have to try things that she might come and learn to love.
"I'll try dance, I'll try sculpture, I'll try photography!"
And with that she left behind the art of Art 2D.
Moving up in the world by seniority,
She found it no trouble to maintain her immaturity
And did this by joining the SAC - a perfect place for her ME to BE.
She found herself mingling at charity events galore;
For these interactions, her heart no longer need implore.
Her social life was thriving, she'd tried field hockey at last,
Academics were well, and her health at its best.
She had been awfully busy, but it'd been all fun and play
And as for the next year, she planned to keep it that way.

And she did precisely that.

IV

Her calendar filled up as she took on various roles,
But as House Captain of Mackenzie was where her soul did roll.
It was made very clear that this final year
Would be one full to the top, from the brim she would peer.
Provincials were creeping in her mind, sometimes peeping,
But other commitments, such as friendships in keeping,
Caused her to suffer in the area of sleeping.
Nevertheless, she promised she'd make her time here worth wild,
Through SAC, Mackenzie, and her ME which still smiled,
She expressed herself in many ways that were hardly mild.
As the year came to its peak, it signified the end,
But this time she left with more than two friends.
She left with more confidence, an open mind, and more pride.
From under those wings, she emerged;
She would no longer need to hide.

Katie Lin (Graduate of 2002)

THAT WAS 'THIS WEEK' THAT WAS

And thus, 31 editions later, the 'This Week' component of the website comes to a close for the 2001-2002 year. Working on this site provides a unique insight into the frenetic activity and plethora of events that are a daily feature of life on campus. Brentwood is a unique school in terms of the positive energy, the creativity, and the scale of student achievement.

As ever, it is a pleasure and privilege to observe and participate.

Tony Crossley