THE WEAKEST LINK

“You think that Thailand is a men’s clothing store?” The game show host’s tone was both energetic and offhand. He smiled at his victim, “I’m sorry, but you are the weakest link!” Mr. Collis was ‘the man’ at last Saturday’s imitation of ‘The Weakest Link’; his witty comments mimicking Anne Robinson and evoking general lightheartedness in the auditorium. President of the SAC Robin MacDaniel (and the whole of the audience) extend a vote of thanks to Mr. Collis, especially for his comic rants.

In recent years, the SAC has put on mock episodes of "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” This year, MacDaniel and Adam Schneider, the Head Prefect, decided that they were tired of reruns. Instead, they set a casual atmosphere in the auditorium, with a sturdy podium and collapsible chairs that encouraged a good ol’ win-one-for-the-home team spirit. Yes, they thought of everything; even to complete the stage with two able assistants. Ms. Mayer and Miss Gale, two of Brentwood’s new interns, manned the microphones from eight to ten with admirable charm. Adam topped off the effort by keeping precise account of scores on an overhead projector.

The contestants were as entertaining as anyone else that night. When Meshach Heenatigala was asked: “In which film did you hear the word supercalafragilisticexpialidocious?” he paused for a minute, then guessed: “I don’t know… ‘Austin Powers’?” Still, he came in second place in the first round. I am not permitted to divulge what one participant thought 'love apples' are in science. Throughout the night, the audience laughed, howled, and gave ‘lifelines’ to the contestants on stage.

The viewers were so laid-back that, by the looks of their chairs, they were about to fall flat on their backs. Zander Mackie (Grade 12) displayed a veritable explosion of emotion when he won the first round (see picture). An hour later, Riley the “Cafeteria Guy” won the second. “He’s really smart,” commented Robin, “Next year, we should play Riley against Zander.”
If we could coax the latter back from university for an evening next year, it would be a real event!

Fred Zenker (Grade 10)

MACKENZIE HOUSE CAMPING TRIP

Last weekend, the girls of Mackenzie House disappeared into the wilderness in search of an experience with nature. The full blow by blow account written by Gillian Gregory, too long to appear here, but too well written to abbreviate, can be enjoyed at Camping Trip.

Summertime! All students look forward to this long holiday. Yet, as the school year ends, it is upon each student to arrange for exciting and fulfilling activities to spend the long days. Brentwood's tripartite schooling encourages well rounding in academic, athletics and the fine arts, thus students learn to pursue these endeavours well beyond the school day. This week, we spotlight two special students who took their education beyond the campus and made their summers rather adventurous.

Training long and hard all year, grade 12 student Brendan Hodge took his sport efforts seriously; his attempts were well rewarded, as he managed to secure a spot on the Canadian Junior National Team. Brendan came to Brentwood last year from near-by Vancouver College where he had already earned a reputation as a strong-spirited and qualified oarsman, albeit physically small. Over the summer, he raced at the Canada Games and trained with some of the Under-19 national team rowers.

He also grew. At 6' 1" he stroked (sat in the stern-most position in the boat) the school's Senior Men's First VIII and brought victory as the team won Canadian Scholastic Nationals in both the eights event and overall. Brendan's training didn't end after St. Catherines like most of the rowers; he continued to train each day with former Brentonian Russell McShane (Grad of 2002) in a double (two-man boat). With the help of Mr. Tony Carr, Brendan got to work with "what made up probably the best coaching team in all of Canada." Working hard all summer, Russell and Brendan made the long journey to Trakai, Lithuania where the FISA 2002 Junior World Championships were held. Throughout pomp and much ceremony, which included a traditional sword fight at the royal castle, the rowers experienced a modicum of international communion. Teams from all over gathered together, and each contributed some of their own culture.

Brendan spoke somewhat downheartedly about the 18th place overall finish in the mens double event, but still notes that it was an unbelievable experience. "Despite the loss, which was a disappointment, I know that I gained tremendously, making it more than worthwhile," he said. "It wasn't just learning about rowing, but about international relations and appreciating Canada's regard in the world." Brendan returned to Brentwood this fall with determination, on the water and in the classroom, to achieve even further.

Mrs. Andrea Felix, known to all Whittall guys as their house-mother, and to her two children Ben and Tessa as their actual mother, will now be known to the whole school as the Health and Wellness counselor. Mrs. Felix was born in Montreal, where she lived until she was nine years of age. “I don’t speak French any more,” she was quick to point out. She went to University at U.Vic. where she rowed and sailed on their competitive teams. She received her B.A. in Child and Youth Development Care. She later continued her schooling and completed all of her prerequisites for her Masters in Counseling, but the birth of her daughter put further schooling on hold. Prior to coming to Brentwood last year with her husband Marius, Andrea was a House-parent at Shawnigan Lake School with 13 years experience in the position. Previous job experience at the Pacific Center for Human Development and her efforts spearheading a Youth At Risk program at the local community center have prepared her well for her job. Mrs. Felix states that her goals as a counselor are “To make a difference. I am inspired by people meeting their human potential. I hope that I can spark and support the students here in doing just that.”

Alexander Mackie (Grade 12)

Besides being known as a beautiful maritime province with high and low tides differing by as much as forty-five feet (in one day), New Brunswick is also known for producing fine, young men. This year, Brentwood has been treated to one such man: Mr. Ryan Griffith. Born in Fredericton, and later growing up in Woodstock, Mr. Griffith has spent much of his life in the Maritimes. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts with a major in Anthropology from St. Thomas University, he decided to come to Brentwood to work as an intern. When asked about how the geography and landscape of the West compares to that of the East, he noted that although the East is beautiful, being in the West is like “being on vacation,” with the collage of mountains and water. While enjoying the landscape, Ryan helps coach the Junior Colts rugby team, and also helps teach Drama on Fine Arts afternoons. The boys of Whittall are well acquainted with Mr. Griffith, as he is a duty-master in the House. The Brentwood community is very pleased to welcome Mr. Griffith; a welcome addition to our school.

Meshach Heenatigala (Grade 12)

Born in Harrogate, England, Mr. Nicholas John Mackaness joins the Brentwood faculty this year as a Gap Student working as an intern. Coming straight from Shrewsbury School in Shropshire, Nick has already proved to be a success with the students. His credentials feed his reputation, being Captain of his school’s 1st XV and also the Head of his House last year.

Mr. Mackaness' pleasant personality, coupled with his impressive record, has made him an ideal member of the Brentwood community. Nick coaches grade eight and senior rugby in addition to performing duties for the school and in Whittall House. And, as Whittall Grade 12 student Luc Francis put it, “He’s a good guy who’s there for you all the time (except, of course, when it’s tea-time).”

Meshach Heenatigala (Grade 12)

ART CLASSES

The drawing and painting class (part of the afternoon Fine Arts programme) took full advantage of the recent fine weather on Monday by holding a session outdoors. In maybe the perfect location, the class were engaged in sketching the view of the bay from the central grassy area near the plaza.

On Friday and Saturday, September 13 -14, the girls 1st XI Field Hockey team traveled to Vancouver to participate in the season's first tournament, their first games that the girls had played together as a team.

Friday Four pool games were played. results were:

Brentwood 4, Howe Sound 0
Brentwood 1, Rutland 1
Brentwood 2, Fleetwood 1
Brentwood 3, Killarney 0

Saturday Pool play was completed with a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crofton House. Another subsequent 1-0 loss to Little Flower Academy meant that only 7th or 8th could be achieved, and after a satisfying 3-0 victory over

Collingwood, Brentwood earned a final ranking of 7th out of 24 teams. An exhausting, but enjoyable weekend was had by all, and the team would like to extend its congratulations to the top goal scorer, Alison Fraser, with 4 goals, and to its rookie goalie, Jane Griffel, who achieved 3 shutouts.

Kelsey Norlund (Grade 12)

Duathlon

This past weekend, four Brentwood students participated in the Juan de Fuca Duathlon in Victoria. The event consisted of running and biking (4.5 K Run/18 K Bike/4.5 K Run).

In the Mens 15-19 group: Byron Dawson finished with the Silver Medal (time, 1:10:35), Brendan Hodge earned the Bronze Medal (1:11:54), and Jan Tize finished fifth (1:14:26). In the Female 15-19 group, Lauren Selman won the Gold Medal (time, 1:25:01). Overall, out of the 83 athletes competing, Byron placed 8th, Brendan 10th, Jan 15th and Lauren, 34th (4th female).

Lauren also placed third in the Ironman qualifying Half Ironman event in California, Vineman, this summer, an event consisting of a 1.2 mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1 mile
run.

The students' dedication and commitment to multi-sport events serves to stimulate interest in a triathlon/multi sport team for second or third term.

Rugby Practice:
Rodrigo Barrera, Daniel Bester, Nicholas Lub

Junior A Field Hockey

The team are off to a good start with two recent wins of 2-1 and 3-0. Among the scorers were Julia Robinson, Chelsea Altice and Tonia Medina.

Soccer

The Brentwood Soccer Club were very pleased to host a team from Brisbane, Australia last week. The visitors were in the middle of a Canadian tour which will take them from West to East, from Mill Bay to Montreal. The game against the Brentwood seniors ended in a 0-0 tie. As always, the school is incredibly grateful to the generosity and hospitality of the Brentwood Day Students' parents who host overseas touring sides.

Golf

Steve Pointon had a successful summer 'on tour' in Canada and the USA. The highlight has to be holing out from a bunker in front of a large crowd on the 18th green at the World Junior Championships in Scotland. Steven finished 18th at this event, a remarkable performance.

Walking

Head Nurse Donna Decker completed the "Round the Lake" challenge walk last Sunday, making a circuit of Lake Cowichan (58 kilometers). Since Sunday, there has been a drop in students visiting the Health Center complaining of minor aches and pains.

Tennis

Two Grade 11 students did rather well at the 4th annual Royal West-shore Junior Tennis Tournament held last weekend.
Mariko Constable was the winner of the under-16 Girls Singles and Jim Kim was the runner up.

Outdoor Adventure

The Outdoor Adventure group enjoyed a hike up Mount Finlayson on Tuesday, a scenic route close to Goldstream Park 25 kilometers south of Mill Bay. The journey up the mountain took between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the fitness level of the students. Those with the shorter climb time had longer to enjoy the magnificent views from the summit.

Warren Daynes examining some of the wildlife encountered

At the summit

FRAN MORSE (1907 – 2002)

“Ex Sentectute Ad Juventalem” – “From the Oldest to the Youngest.” In 1999, Fran Morse initiated the tradition of a union of educational community between himself (the oldest living Brentonian) and the youngest boy and girl in the school. Last week at the age of 95, this outstanding and resolute citizen passed away – well worn and universally loved (within the community of the school and beyond). As a member of the very first graduating class of Brentwood (1923), Fran participated in all parts of Brentwood’s then-bipartite program. He attacked the field in rugby as a member of the first XV, swung his stick in first XI cricket team, and battled the rough seas for the Rowing Club.
Through last year, Fran spread his wealth of community through his gifts to the youngest students enrolled in the school. Grad class members Brian Baker and Michelle Furbacher recall their admiration for the generous geriatric who made note of their own precocious importance. “He was the most friendly alumni I have met so far,” said Michelle who has made her own presence known in the school and surrounding community. “As a younger [and smaller] grade 8, he made me feel especially glad about being a recognized part of the school.” Michelle made

this appreciation known at the funeral service held in Victoria this past weekend. Speaking eloquently to a following of friends and family, Michelle truly exemplified the spirit of such strong community ties.
Fran will be forever remembered for his contributions to Brentwood. We send out our deepest regrets to his family and hope to perpetuate his memory through the dedication plate in one of the new books in the Brentwood College library (Ships of Steel: A British Columbia Shipbuilder's Story).