the shield - spring 2014

SHIELDTHE A MAGAZINE FOR THE ROYAL

ST. GEORGE’S COLLEGE COMMUNITY Spring 2014

Giving BACKThe Power of the Georgian Community

RSGC parent Brian Culbert, part of a rich tradition of outreach

Sharron Mollenhauer's Gift of Giving

RSGC Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest

The Value of a Mentor

Alumni spotlight: Fraser Phillips '78

Together we make a difference.

Annual Giving 2013-14Whether your association with RSGC is as a current parent, an alumnus, a parent of an alumnus, a grandparent, a member of the faculty and staff, or a friend, we can all agree that RSGC is a truly special place. More than just a school, RSGC is a community in which everyone strives to give the students opportu-nities to thrive, take risks, grow and succeed. At RSGC, all of our boys are known and loved. Please consider a gift in support of Scholar-ships and Bursaries, Headmaster’s Initiatives or Campus Redevelopment.

To make a donation or for more information, visit

rsgc.on.ca.

The Shield Spring 2014 • Royal St. George’s College 3

The Shield Spring 2014Email: [email protected]

General Inquiries: 416.533.9481

Alumni Inquiries: 416.516.5202

Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86

Editor: Laurie Mandarino

Copy Editor: Dave Mitchell

Designer: Jonathan Cresswell-Jones

Photography: Tom Stevens, Tim Hutton, Laurie MandarinoEditorial Committee: Stephen Beatty ’86, Kimberly Cudney, Gail Graham, Maria Jordan, David Lee, Laurie Mandarino, Colin Watson

RSGC Board of Directors

Officers

Chair: Paul Clark '85

Treasurer, Audit and Finance Committee Chair: Cathy Bateman

Headmaster: Stephen Beatty ’86

Chief Financial Officer, Board Secretary: Jane Nyman

Board Members

Michael Barker, Facility Committee Chair

Bruce Chapple ’87, Nomination and Governance Committee Chair

James Crossland, Vice Chair

Peter Furnish, Advancement Committee Chair

Ruth Woods, Past Chair

Carolyn Cullen, Guild Representative

Sandy Gibson ’01, Alumni Representative

Dorothy Byers

Ryan Cookson ’03

Molly Johnson

Jennifer KeenanAdrian C. LangBruce MacLarenCaroline NewallJesse Parker '01, Clergy

The Shield is the official magazine

of Royal St. George’s College. Serving

RSGC’s alumni and community, it

strives to engage, inform and connect

all audiences.

Contents

FEATURES

16 Alumni Spotlight BY LAURIE MANDARINO

Fraser Phillips ’78 has more than just being Georgian in common with his sons.

18 Student Spotlight BY LAURIE MANDARINO

Thomas Latimer, Class of 2017, is well on his way to living up to his name.

20 Parent Spotlight BY LAURIE MANDARINO

Sharron Mollenhauer sees no bounds when it comes to giving back to the community.

22 Giving Back BY SUMNER & LANG

We take a look at four different members of the Georgian community who have an impassioned commitment to giving back.

26 Behind the Scenes of the Guild BY KATHY FLAXMAN

Learn a little bit more about The Georgian Parents’ Guild.

29 RSGC's Cuckoo's Nest BY MARILYN LAZAR

English teacher Paul Darvasi finds a captivating way to teach One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

26 296

DEPARTMENTS

5 Message from the RSGCAA

6 Connections: The Value of a Mentor

8 Prefect's Corner

10 Homecoming Weekend

14 Events

33 Our Changing Lives

34 Time Capsule FPO

4 The Shield Spring 2014 • Royal St. George’s College

…And something to look back on with pride

And something to look forward to with hope

Those introductory lines are, of course, inspired by Robert Frost’s poem “The Death of the Hired Man”. In the poem, Frost’s words reflect the tragedy of Silas, who, near the end of his life, returns to “the place where, when you go there/ They have to take you in”. Silas’s tragedy stems from the fact that he has neither pride nor hope.

The concept of something to look back on with pride and something to look forward to with hope is something I reflect on often as an educator. I believe that all the learners at RSGC, whether adults or students, should walk out the door at the end of the day with this sentiment. I hold myself to this test as I close my office door at the end of each day.

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the opening of St. George’s College in September 1964, I think we can consider the same for the College.

This past September, the Board of Governors ratified a new five-year strategic plan for the College. Central to this plan is the primary goal to prepare our boys to thrive and lead in a changing world and our new mission statement: To challenge and inspire each boy to become the best version of himself.

Education is in a period of disruption. Universal access to information and knowledge, social connectivity, the globalization of the economy, shifts in consumer needs, and customization have changed the game. As Tony Wagner says in The Global Achievement Gap, “The world doesn’t care about what you know.

What the world cares about is what you do with what you know.”

Our strategic plan sets a course that will seek to engender in each boy creative thinking and collabora-tive skills, confidence and resilience, meaningful mentorships and out-of-school experiences both local and global. It embraces our autonomy and flexibility as a small, independ-ent school, and reinforces the focus on manners and moral character upon which our school is founded. This is, I believe, truly a vision of RSGC that we can look forward to with hope and a sense of promise.

At the same time as we are implementing the first year of the strategic plan, the College has taken on another exciting and important project: the publication of a history book covering our first 50 years. Author Larry Krotz is conducting dozens of interviews to capture the stories and events that are the mosaic of our remarkable school. The book, which draws extensively on our archives, will provide the first real opportunity we’ve had to share the photographs, letters, playbills, team logos and images of our history in one place. This coffee table book will have a limited print run and will be published in June 2015. It is a must-have for all Georgians.

As we approach the 50th anniversary of the College, we find ourselves at the intersection of what was and what can be. I invite all Georgians, past and present, to be part of the celebration.

Stephen Beatty ’86Headmaster

LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER

A Note from the Editor

As we put The Shield’s Spring 2014 issue to bed, it dawns on me that my maternity leave is coming

close to ending as well. It’s been an enjoyable nine months so far, though I’m really looking forward to going back to work. I’ll have to learn how to balance mother-hood and career, but doing the magazine while on mat leave has been good practice! I thought it would be more difficult to put together a great magazine since I’m not really around campus much, but the RSGC com-munity has been doing so many amazing things – as always – that it has really been quite simple. A lot of the people I have written about send me praise for doing such a great job on the articles, but the truth is, it’s easy when the subjects are so inspiring. As always, please contact me if you have a story you think would be of interest to our community. I always look forward to your feedback. Have a wonderful summer.

Laurie [email protected]

Dear Fellow Georgians,


My mother gets up at 5:00 am on Sundays during the most miserable five months of

the year to attend the Out of the Cold program at Blythwood Road Baptist Church. It’s not our church – we’re neither Baptists nor Lawrence Park resi-dents – yet she’s been going there steadily to help prepare meals for the homeless for 12 years. The reason she does it is simple enough: she knows that it’s a job no one else is willing to do. It’s an act of extraordinary selflessness and reflects the way my mother has led her life.

So it may come as a surprise to some that I had to be dragged to community service when I joined the RSGC com-munity in Grade 8. At the time, RSGC and other independent schools were ahead of the curve, requiring all boys to complete community service hours every year. I made my choice lazily, picking Baycrest Hospital, a palliative care centre right around the corner from my house. I earned my 30 hours a year there for every one of my six years at RSGC. And I learned a lot.

The most remarkable moment from my time volunteering there involved becoming friends with a lovely old fellow named Mr. Shapiro. Some of the residents at Baycrest were a little tough, but he was a gem. He treated all of the volunteers like his grandchildren. One night, I zipped up to his room to claim him for a night of board games and found him asleep in his bed. I have no recollection of my motive, but I recall creeping closer to his bed and seeing his bare outstretched arm. On his wrist were tattooed a series of numbers and I knew immediately what they were. It was a watershed moment in my childhood.

Growing up a gentile in 1980s North Toronto, attending Catholic school and later RSGC, I was rarely exposed to other faiths and cultures, nor did I have many

Jewish friends. However, in that brief moment in a darkened room in a North York hospital in 1992, I was exposed to the darkest chapter of the entire Jewish experi-ence. It changed me. Up to that point in my life, war was something you learned about in school and saw pictures of in books. I had never met a survivor before. My greatest boyhood insight from this experience was to see a man so full of joy in his twilight years who had endured so much horror in his younger years. I hoped then, as I do now, that I will live out the rest of my life with Mr. Shapiro’s grace.

At Baycrest, I learned the transforma-tive power of service. I discovered how I could be changed as I helped change the lives of others. The happiness of this discovery has lingered with me. As I leave the post of president of the RSGC Alumni Association in June 2014, I will certainly be dwelling on how the role has changed me. I know that it has been my pleasure to serve the school and our community. I also know that I will miss meeting our community members the most, whether it is at open houses,

MESSAGE FROM THE RSGCAA PRESIDENT RSGCAA Executive Committee

Alumni Association PresidentColin Watson ’94

Vice PresidentAlex Edmison ’02

Representative to the Board of Governors & Past President Sandy Gibson ’01

Mentoring & Networking Event ChairsGeoff Osborne ’08

Jamie Peters ’90

Faculty RepDrew Blanchette ’96

Alumni Ball Hockey & Recent Grads BBQ Event ChairTim Clark ’03

Alumni Co-chairs of the 50th Anniversary Steering CommitteeGraham Hunt ’85

Stewart Istvan ’84

Alumni StewardsAdrian Mahjour ’14

Ryan Mahjour ’14

Members–at-LargePeter Antonoff ’82

Michael Fountain ’99

Dave McCarthy ’04

Jay Murray ’79

James Patava ’03

The Power of Community Service

new parent nights or graduating parents receptions. I will certainly miss my many encounters with our boys.

To RSGC parents: I understand why you are so proud of your boys. They are the most outstanding young men I have met in my life.

To the RSGC staff, including the Advancement and Alumni Office, and Headmaster Steve Beatty: thank you for your unending support of the Alumni Association and our mission, and for your support of me personally. I am forever indebted for this opportunity.

Fondly yours,

Colin Watson ’94 Alumni Association President 2012-2014


CONNECTIONS

The online Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a mentor as

“someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person”. Royal St. George’s College firmly believes in the importance of mentors – so much so that a mentorship program is part of the 2013-2018 Strategic Plan.

Even without a formal program, Georgians are already connecting with alumni and/or parents as they look toward their futures. For James Tremayne ’12 and Adam Newton, Class of 2014, their mentors – Robert Eng ’88 and Andrew Sabiston (parent to Oliver, Class of 2018) respectively – have been instrumental.

“Seeing such an experi-enced guy at work, so engaged when he’s talking about the subjects you want to go into is really special,” said Adam, who is looking to pursue a career in voice acting. “Without him, I wouldn’t have any idea how to go about getting into the entertainment industry.”

Andrew, who has had a successful career in acting, voice acting and script writing going as far back as his lead role on The Edison Twins from 1982-1986, saw Adam perform in the Senior School’s rendition of The Tempest a few years ago and recognized something special in the RSGC Lifer.

“He had a big role in the play, so I went up to him and told him he did a great job,” recalled Andrew. “I thought right away that he had a really great announcer voice. We got talking and he asked me what I do.”

And that’s when their special relationship began.

“He was particularly interested in animation, so I invited him to come see a recording session,” said Andrew, who brought Adam along to the recording of an episode of Babar. “It was a fun episode – I was playing a bird who was a pirate! Adam saw that in action and said he’d be

interested in discussing how I got into it. So we sat down and talked about the process.”

Since then, the pair gets together every once in a while to play around with voices and create a voice reel that Adam can use to send out to agents.

Adam is still looking for an agent, but is hugely apprecia-tive of Andrew’s help and the access to his vast network.

“He’s a great guy – an open book and a great resource,” said Adam. “I’ll email him, call him and visit him. We talk, do funny voices, write, share ideas and he tells me everything I want to know about the entertainment industry.”

For Andrew, it’s a pleasure to help out an aspiring young

actor – especially one with as much drive as Adam.

“I think he has great potential,” said Andrew. “He’s very attracted to the profes-sion and he’s driven. That means he’s open to learning and new experiences – that’s the best combination.”

The relationship between James and Robert, who met during an RSGC Speed Mentoring session, is slightly different, though also significant. After their session, James was interested in hearing more from Robert, who is an experienced Oral and Maxillofacial surgeon and a part-time teacher at both the University of Toronto and Tufts University.

BY LAURIE MANDARINO

THE VALUE OF A MENTOR

Speed mentoring is a hugely

successful RSGC alumni event

Andrew Sabiston uses his expertise to help out Adam Newton

Andrew and Adam get together and, among other things, practice doing funny voices


“We discussed the relationship between basic sciences and clinical sci-ences,” said Robert. “Then, in conjunction with the school, we arranged for James to come spend a morning shadowing me at my office to watch some cases and see what the day-to-day func-tions of an oral surgeon in a private office setting can be like.”

For James, who has just finished his second year of Medical School at the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, it was a great experience.

“It was really helpful,” he remembered. “I was in for the full day and was in scrubs in the operating room. It was really exciting to shadow someone who is the best in his field.”

Regardless of the overall impact that single day ends up having on James’ career, Robert will continue to offer himself as a mentor to other students, Georgian or not.

“If there is a defined interest from someone who is serious, I’d have no hesitation in having someone

come by to spend some time with me,” said Robert, who attended what was then St. George’s College from 1982-1988. “That’s how I got my first exposure to oral surgery, through my uncle, Dr. Howard Chung (father of Timothy ’03).

“If anything, I would feel an obligation, not just to any future mentoring student prospects, but also to my uncle, who was extremely generous and patient with his time and knowledge. I owe it to my uncle to continue the tradition of passing along the same time to others.”

In addition to his uncle,

Robert also names fellow Georgian alumnus Cameron Clokie ’82 as a mentor of his. Both he and Andrew acknowledge the importance of having a mentor in their careers and are more than happy to pay it forward.

“I certainly relied on it during my career,” said Andrew, who also runs an animation workshop with Brian Robinson’s Grade 6 class. “Seeing a live session is very different than being in the classroom and being exposed to it really helped me when I was starting out in my teens. While I was growing up I had a few actors

I could turn to with questions or work on scenes with.”

But Robert knows that it’s more than just professionals who can act as mentors.

“The best mentors will always be family. My parents always encouraged me to continue to be who I wanted to be,” he said. “SGC, in many ways, has always felt like an extension of the family.”

Robert Eng and his wife

Andrew and Adam get together and, among other things, practice doing funny voices

James Tremayne is currently in medical school in Ireland


Thom Robson: How did being the Head Prefect impact your last year at RSGC?Chris Armstrong: I really enjoyed it. It kept me busy doing a lot of interest-ing things. I was still involved in sports and other extracurricular activities; it just meant I was doing more. It got me even more involved in what was going on at the school and more knowledge-able about what was going on with the administration. In high school, you tend to focus on your own classes and your own grade, but being a Prefect gets you more involved in the rest of the school and helps you understand what’s going on with other kids.

TR: Did being more connected to other people in the school ever make you feel like you were losing touch with the kids in your actual graduating class? CA: No, I don’t think so. I think in your graduating year, everyone is trying to sort his own way through. As a Prefect, people come to you for help and support. So in that sense, I think it keeps you more connected. Plus, you also have a responsibility to be aware of what people are doing and help them as best you can.

TR: What was the election process like when you were elected? CA: When the elections were happen-ing, I was in Switzerland on an exchange! A Swiss student lived with my family and went to St. George’s for three months

and I was in Neuchâtel at their local high school. I wasn’t around for the elections, so I don’t have any memory of it at all. I don’t know how it happened or why I got elected, but I was certainly very excited. It was a pretty simple election process for me – I just learned the result!TR: I’m sure a lot of politicians wish it were that easy!CA: Yeah! I guess if I ever went into politics, it would never be that easy…

TR: So, do you think that being Head Prefect had any impact on you getting into university? CA: When we applied back in the day, we were allowed to apply to three schools in Ontario. There was a standard form and it was very grades-based. But I could apply to a few schools outside of Ontario and I definitely put down the experience I had as Head Prefect as an example of the type of person I was. I got into McGill, so I’m sure it had an impact. Yale too. Schools in the Ivy League look at all the things you do in terms of extracurricular and the leadership roles that you play, so it was definitely to my advantage.

TR: What did you study at McGill and Yale? CA: At McGill, I did a Bachelor’s Degree in

Science and at Yale, I did a Master’s in Public Health with a focus on International Health and Development.

TR: Nice! Looking back, would you have done anything differently during your time at RSGC? CA: You know, this process has allowed me to think more about St. George’s than I have in a while and flash back to

Thom Robson ’14 and Chris Armstrong ’89In what is becoming an annual tradition, The Shield brought back the Head Prefect from 25 years ago to sit down with the current Head Boy for an informal chat. This time, tracking down Chris Armstrong ’89 was slightly more difficult, though we did find him – living in Fiji! So while he and Thom Robson ’14 were unable to connect in person, they did have a great chat over Skype.

PREFECT’S CORNER

Chris during a focus group with Seafarers in Kribati

Chris in 1989


the time that I had there. It was a great experience for me; it got me a great education and got me involved in a lot of extracurricular activities. If there were one thing I could have done differently, I would have spent less time on sports and more on extracurricular. I know you’re the Community Service Prefect. We did what we could in terms of community service, but we were young and didn’t have a great sense of things. In retrospect, there’s a lot more we could have offered. That’s always easy to say looking back, but it’s not necessarily the decisions you make when you’re that age. TR: You’re kind of engaging in com-munity service now, though, so I think you’ve evened out!CA: I’m making up for it, for sure!

TR: So you studied sciences in undergrad and did your Master’s in International Development. What do you do for a living now? CA: I’ve worked for the branch of the Canadian government that does inter-national development. It has taken me all over the world to work in developing countries and provide support to govern-ments and civil society organizations, primarily in the field of health and HIV/AIDS. I recently took up a position within the United Nations working for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) based in Fiji and covering all of the Pacific islands.

TR: How else has being Head Boy helped you in your life?

CA: Being Head Prefect gave me a lot of the skills I’d need later and helped me become who I am. It builds the confidence to do what you want and to understand who you are. It helped me learn how to deal with adversity and different situations – both my own and others’. And it didn’t hurt that I was forced into a lot of public speaking! I do a lot of that in my work now, so getting that training early was good for me. Most importantly, it helped me relate to and work with other people – peers, staff and administration. A very big part of what I do now is doing things as part of teams. So it was great – it helped me in a lot of aspects of my life.

TR: When you were Head Prefect 25 years ago, did you imagine yourself living in Fiji and working for the UN? CA: I don’t know about Fiji – I probably hadn’t even heard of it then! I think it was an evolution that got me here. I’ve always had an appreciation for the world, for working with people and contributing to society. After I finished undergrad at McGill, I knew I wanted to go explore the world a little bit, work in a different culture and help as much as I could. I ended up in Thailand and then India, which led me to my education at Yale in international health and development. I think St. George’s instilled in me a lot of the values that led me to where I am, but I can’t absolutely say that I had it as a career plan!

TR: Was it former Headmaster John Latimer who helped you figure it out? CA: When I graduated from McGill and was looking for oppor-tunities overseas, I ran into John Latimer. I told him what I wanted to do and he put me in touch with Street Kids International. That led to an opportunity to work overseas in the slums of Bangkok, Thailand. So St. George’s played a really big role in that aspect of my life. I’m really thankful for that. That’s one of the really great things about St. George’s – the network and ongoing relationships that alumni and staff develop over time.

TR: What are your biggest takeaways from your experience both as a Prefect and at RSGC in general? CA: My biggest takeaway was really the sense of belonging, the sense of family. I should also say, of course, that I took away an excellent education – that was definitely at the forefront for me. I got a great education and was very well prepared for my courses at university. As Head Prefect, I think it’s all those things I mentioned before, most importantly the ability to work as a team and work in instances of diversity – diversity of opinion, views and knowledge.

TR: Do you have any questions for me?

CA: I do! When did you start at RSGC and what do you think of it? TR: Like you, I started in Grade 7. I’ve been at RSGC for six years and it’s going to be a fond six years to look back on. I like to use the word “brotherhood”. That camaraderie is one of my favourite things about RSGC. The “known and loved” motto isn’t made up – you are known and you are loved. All the teachers know who you are.

CA: What are your plans for next year? TR: I’m off to Trinity College, part of University of Toronto. I will probably sing in the choir there and play on the rugby team.

CA: Do you know what you want to do after that? TR: Like you, I want to end up somewhere I can help out, representing Canada in other countries. I’m also thinking about going to Yale for grad school. I’ve always wanted to help people and I think a great way of doing that is through international relations and politics, though who knows how I’ll change after the next four years!

CA: If you’re interested in international relations, we should keep in touch, and if I’m ever in Toronto, we could connect. But as you go down your career path, if you remain interested in international relations, please do know that I’m here and you can always contact me. TR: Thank you so much.

Thom has been getting a lot of public speaking practice

GEORGIAN SINCE 1964

Royal St. George’s College is celebrating its 50th anniversary by preserving the College’s history for generations to come with a commemorative book of our 50-year legacy and vision for the future.

You can be part of the history book by becoming a sponsor and having your name, or that of a loved one, listed on the Sponsor page. You will also receive a copy once the book is printed in 2015. This opportunity is only available until October 31, 2014 — space is limited so we encourage you to become a sponsor today!

Please fill out the form enclosed in this publication and send it back to us in the envelope provided. Each sponsorship is $500. You can also contact the Advancement Office at 416.533.9481 x 298 or email [email protected] for more information. Proceeds benefit RSGC scholarships and bursaries.

Get your sponsorship in before October 31, 2014!


BY PAUL CLARK ’85, RSGC BOARD CHAIR

Over the years, Royal St. George’s College has made investing in our facilities a priority to ensure

an optimal learning and community experience for our boys and teachers. Enhancements have been made to the Chapel, the Senior School and most recently, a new theatre, artificial turf and outdoor play area, state-of-the-art classrooms and a Junior School art room.

The Board is focusing on Ketchum Hall as the cornerstone of a Junior School Master Facilities Plan. This space has emotional ties for both our current students and the boys who came before them. Ketchum Hall will become a place where Junior and Senior boys can spend time together, creating a greater bond amongst students. The Junior School Master Facilities Plan will also work toward maximizing classroom, meeting and collaborative group workspace. Although Ketchum will be transformed, our goal is to preserve its historic significance.

In order to develop the vision for this plan, the Board has contracted the services and expertise of Tye Farrow and Farrow Partnership Architects, Inc. Tye’s firm has worked on projects for Country Day School, Pickering College and Bishop Strachan School. As an alumni parent of Conor ’10 and Brendan ’12, and a past

member of the Board, Tye has the ability to transform the College’s vision of this project into a truly remarkable facility.

The first step the Board has taken is to ensure that we take the time needed to engage all stakeholders – parents, students, teachers, alumni and alumni parents – in the creation of the vision.

Once the vision has been established, we will launch an integrated fundraising initiative that takes into consideration the College’s current financial position. We will ensure that the College has the appropriate financial backing before commencing any construction and are committed to minimal disruption on the

ongoing operation of the school. On behalf of the RSGC Board of

Governors, I would like to thank all of you for your support of the past projects and encourage your continued support as we plan for the next phase of develop-ment. This project will require the support of the entire community.

We will continue to communicate with you regarding the project and look forward to creating an even better environment for our boys.

FUNDRAISING

A Fresh Lookat KETCHUM HALL

“At the end of the day, students are the ones using the new spaces. It is important to get all students’ perspec-tives on what the space should look like. Ketchum Hall needs to be used for everything.” — Ethan, Grade 8

Students and staff participate in a design charette with the team from Farrow Partners. The charette process brings together many voices answering the question, "How might we best use this space?"


EVENTS

In the History Books

RSGC ReadsOn April 8, RSGC hosted RSGC Reads in the Chapel with Shelagh Rogers, host of CBC’s The Next Chapter. Shelagh interviewed local author Ray Robertson about his newest book, I Was There the Night He Died. Ray was incredibly engaging and answered many questions from the audience. The week before the event, the Guild hosted a book group – a great opportunity to introduce RSGC parents to Ray’s work and meet other parents. Sharron Mollenhauer and Nancy Taylor researched Ray’s works and facilitated the lively discussion of 30 parents and staff. If you missed RSGC Reads, visit www.cbc.ca/thenextchapter to find out when it will air on CBC Radio. Special thanks to our event organizers Kimberly Cudney and Natalie Kirsh (pictured above with Ray and Shelagh).

RSGC Hockey and Community NightThis year’s RSGC Hockey and Community Night on January 24 was another big success. It kicked off with a spirited game between the U14 Knights and RSGC parents, followed by a game between sister schools, Branksome Hall and St. Clement’s. The community skate saw friends of all ages enjoy their time on the ice while our Junior School band played hits in the stands. Next up were our two varsity teams facing off against two alumni teams. The night was capped off by an alumni reception, during which many Old Boys remarked that it was great to be back in an RSGC hockey jersey even if they were sore and tired after battling their younger counterparts! Many thanks to Director of Advancement and Alumni Development David Lee, parent volunteers Elizabeth Lawler and Heather McGowan, RSGCAA Stewards Adrian and Ryan Mahjour and the numerous faculty and staff who helped organize this great event. Go Knights!

Relive the night in pictures! http://bit.ly/1kr9xaj

Hidden GemsThe incredible talent of our Georgian community members wowed audience members at the annual Hidden Gems concert on February 11. Emceed by Dean of Students David Fitzpatrick and headlined by renowned jazz singer and RSGC parent Molly Johnson and the incredible Stephanie Martin, the night included a total of 27 acts ranging from jazz singing, piano solos and smooth acous-tic guitar pieces to choirs belting out the hits of Bon Jovi and Barenaked Ladies, band and string performances, spoken word and even a little acting! It was a truly magical night of perfor-mances. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Georgian Scholarship for the Arts. A special thank you to all volunteers and sponsors.

Pictures don’t do the evening justice but they’re still great! http://bit.ly/1fVM3sL

June 11Graduation

September 850th Anniversary Celebration and BBQ

September 18Grad-Alumni Speed Mentoring & Alumni Mentor Reception

September 26House Spirit Day & Terry Fox Run

Alumni Welcome Back Reception

September 27Golden Jubilee Service

RSGCAA Annual Old Boys’ Dinner Shhh we’re 50

September 28Knights Fayre and Tournament

October 72015 Grad Parent Reception

December 16Alumni Legends Ball Hockey & Basketball

Don’t forget to add these exciting events to your calendar:

The Shield Spring 2014 15


ALL IN THE FAMILYALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Back in 1973, when Fraser Phillips ’78 started Grade 8 at St. George’s College,

what’s now known as the Senior School had just opened. There was no “Royal” in the name, nor was the school well known – unless you were involved with the Anglican Church and choral music in Toronto. Luckily for Fraser, his parents were involved with Grace Church on-the-Hill, and he was in the choir. St. George’s, it seemed, was a perfect fit.

“When my parents turned their attention to the indepen-dent school system, it didn’t take them long to find St. George’s,” remembered Fraser. “I had a let-ter of recommendation from my Choirmaster at Grace Church, St. George’s looked at my marks, we had an interview with Jack Wright, I auditioned for John Bradley, and joined the school on a choral scholarship.”

And the rest, as they say, is history.

Three more Phillips boys have since walked the halls of RSGC – Fraser’s brother, Hugh ’83, and Fraser’s sons Will ’12 and Fielding, Class of 2014. Fraser’s wife, Kimberly Cudney, has also been an instrumental part of RSGC for over a decade.

BY LAURIE MANDARINO


ALL IN THE FAMILY

So when Fielding graduates this spring, it will be the end of an era.

“This is a traumatic year when our formal involve-ment is over,” said Fraser, who knows the school ties will never truly be severed. “Kimberly will definitely have some pangs of regret in terms of active involvement, but it’s hard to imagine she’ll be out of the school completely.”

The Phillips-Cudney duo has many years of RSGC service to their name. Fraser was at one point the President of the RSGC Alumni Association and a member of the College’s Board of Directors, while Kimberly was the President of the Parents’ Guild and a member of the Board of Directors.

But despite the high standards set by their parents, Will and Fielding have been able to enjoy RSGC on their own terms, while appreciat-ing the fact that their father and uncle once roamed the same halls.

“They can see both their uncle’s and my name around on the odd board. And while I think they like that connec-tion, they don’t dwell on it,” said Fraser. “They certainly didn’t live in any shadows in terms of their careers at St. George’s.”

Fielding shared the same sentiment.

“I don’t feel any pressure from my Dad – it definitely feels like my school,” said Fielding. “I know that once we graduate, we’ll just be entering a new phase of being Georgian and that we aren’t leaving the school or our friends.”

Being Georgian is not the only thing that Fraser has in common with his sons. It seems a love of mining engineering also runs in the family. Fraser’s grandfather was in the mining business, as is Kimberly’s family. Fraser, who did a degree in mining engineering at Queen’s and then got his MBA, has spent almost three decades as the Managing Director, Global Mining Research at RBC Capital Markets. Now, Will has just finished his second year in mineral engineering at the University of Toronto and Fielding has applied for the same program at a few different schools.

“I hope to be able to work all over the globe at different mine sites,” said Fielding. “I’ve grown up listening to my grandpa and uncles telling mining stories. Whether it’s about erecting a head frame for Nickel Rim, water issues at Cameco or the diamonds at Ekati, I never get tired of listening.”

As for Fraser, he knew as early as Grade 7 that he

wanted to get into mining. He spent his summers in the bush with his grandfather and liked examining rocks and collecting minerals. As part of his job with RBC Capital Markets, he travels around the world to discover mines worthy of investment and then advises clients.

Close friend and fellow Georgian alumnus James Tasker ’78 remembers Fraser’s interest in mining when they were at school together. But he says his friend has changed since his Georgian days.

“He’s somewhat of a dif-ferent person now than he was then – he was a bit of a clown back in the day,” said James with a smile. “He’s much more calm and deliberate now. He’s a quiet guy – thoughtful, measured, steady and very loyal.”

Fielding, of course, also had only good things to say about his father.

“He values his friends and will always be there for them,” he said. “My Dad is a great man.”

Whether or not RSGC made any contribution to that greatness is a hard thing to prove, but there is no doubt that Fraser feels strongly about the school and all that it has done for him and his boys.

“The education and devel-opment Will and Fielding received at St. George’s is everything that we had hoped and expected it would be,” he said. “They’re set up for tremendous success. We’ve been able to be a part of an amazing institution for all this time. The boys and Kimberly fell in love with it.”

Fraser, first yellow helmet on the left, on one of his many

mining tours

As part of his job with RBC Capital Markets, Fraser travels the world to discover mines worthy of investment


THOMAS LATIMERBEING GEORGIAN IS IN HIS BLOOD

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Thomas and Michael with Prime Minister Stephen Harper

For many boys, Royal St. George’s College feels like a second home. They say it feels right the second they step foot on the property. For those boys, it is likely a match

between the College’s values and their personalities. But for Thomas Latimer, Class of 2017, it goes just a little bit deeper – he has Georgian blood.

John Latimer, Thomas’ grandfather, was the College’s third Headmaster from 1988-1996, during which time he led the Silver Jubilee celebrations and secured the College’s “Royal” designation in 1989. And while Thomas’ father, Michael, spent his high school years at Northern Secondary School, his uncle


Far right: Thomas and Michael at a Pittsburgh Steelers game. Right: Peggy with Thomas, Michael, Tori with Uncle Jeffrey and John Latimer.

BY LAURIE MANDARINO

Jeffrey is a Georgian alumnus, having attended the College from 1980-1983.

“I definitely feel like I had a little bit of Georgian blood before I got here, but now I’m all Georgian,” said Thomas, who started at the school in Grade 9 this past September. “As soon as my mom told me I could go to private school for high school, I had my eyes set on this place. I didn’t even apply anywhere else.”

Thomas was too young to remember his grandfather, who passed away in April 2003, but he is very close with his uncle Jeffrey.

“We go on vacations with him and have dinner together all the time,” said Thomas.

Jeffrey is no doubt proud that his nephew is officially a Georgian, but it’s Thomas’ grandmother, Peggy Latimer, who is beaming from ear to ear.

“It’s meaningful for me – especially since he chose the school on his own,” said Peggy. “I never would have talked him into going there and I’m very pleased that he’s there.”

His mother, Kelly Whitelock, is also happy about her son’s school choice.

“We are thrilled that Thomas is a Georgian,” she said. “As you know there is a history of Latimers at RSGC and we are happy that Thomas gets to experience being a part of that. He loves it there!”

But no one is more pleased that Thomas is an official Georgian than Thomas himself.

“I love it here. The teachers and facilities are great and they have all of the courses I would ever want to take,” he said.

“Everyone is really nice and supportive. It’s a bit intimidating to come into a class of 80 boys and not know anyone, but the outdoor education trip at the beginning of the year did a great job of helping everyone get to know each other. I’ve made a lot of good friends already.”

In typical Georgian fashion, Thomas has already become an active part of the community. He is involved in the Academic Council with Instructional Leader Mike Ruscitti, participates in Reach for the Top, belongs to the Ping Pong club and plays intramural basketball and volleyball.

He has also made a mark with his teachers, who have nothing but praise for the latest Georgian Latimer.

“In some ways, he’s a typical Georgian in that he’s very, very polite and he understands that manners are a major part of our community,” said Geography teacher John Lambersky. “He’s exception-ally curious and diligent and is incredibly successful as a result of that diligence. He’s at the top of the crowd.”

And while John Lambersky never had the pleasure of working with John Latimer, he can tell that Thomas carries the family legacy well.

“Given what a strong year Thomas has had in Grade 9, I’m sure he lives up to his name,” said John. “With the leadership he has shown, I’m sure his grandfather would have been proud.”

Michael Latimer certainly knows his father would be touched that Thomas loves the College so much.

“Dad felt as natural at that school as Thomas. He loved every minute of it and

was so passionate about it,” said Michael. “It would have been a dream come true to have his grandson there – he would be weepy! I know he’s still there in a spiritual way.”

Michael says that Thomas felt at home at RSGC the very first time he walked through the doors during the application process.

“I’m so proud of the way that Thomas has embraced this new experience and the entire community of St. George’s,” said Michael. “He’s engaged in after-school programs, he made the volleyball team, he has grown in such a short period of time and I can see his confidence growing daily. It’s a perfect fit.”

So was there ever really any doubt that Thomas would one day walk the halls of RSGC?

“We went through the entire process – looking at both the public and private systems,” said Michael. “There is no question we made the right decision, and knowing the family history makes it feel even more natural. I’m sure it’s a blanket of comfort that his grandfather was a prominent figure there, but I know Thomas will grow and create his own identity on his terms. I am so proud and happy for Thomas.”

Despite not even having a full year of the College under his belt, Thomas is already a true Georgian.

“RSGC has already had a big impact on me, considering the friends I’ve made and the education I’ve gotten already,” said Thomas. “I’m already well on the way to becoming the best version of myself.”


PARENT SPOTLIGHT

BY LAURIE MANDARINO

Sharron Mollenhauer is a well-known and much-loved RSGC mother, but sadly for RSGC, her

time as a current parent is just about to come to an end. For the first time since her son David started at the College six years ago, Sharron will no longer be a Georgian mom – and therefore, no longer an active player in the Georgian Parents’ Guild.

“It’s going to be hard because I’ve done a lot of work at RSGC for the last six years, while my daughter was at Branksome Hall, and before that when the kids were at Mentor College,” said Sharron. “Next year will be difficult because a lot of my life has been doing volunteer work for their schools.”

Sharron has been a mainstay when it comes to running events and fundraising for RSGC. Sharron and Sarah Hillyer have been running Mistletoe Market for the past three years, after first lending a

hand with the event back in 2008. A member of the Guild’s High Five since David was in Grade 8, Sharron served as President in 2010-11. And despite no longer being a part of the High Five, she still helps with the Hidden Gems concert, the Used Book Sale, the Staff Appreciation Lunch and sponsor-ship for the College’s upcoming 50th Anniversary celebrations.

Sharron has also been on the committee for RSGC’s Day of Service right from the beginning – an event she supports and believes in wholeheartedly.

“I think that the Day of Service is fabulous – it’s a huge feather in RSGC’s cap,” said Sharron. “A lot of schools don’t do it, and even if they do, they’re not doing it as well as RSGC. Volunteering is an important part of being at the school and I think it’s fostered very well.”

Volunteering is, in fact, a huge part of Sharron’s life – and not only at RSGC. She is actively involved in fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Canada, helping run the

silent auction, live auction and raffle for their “Love Her” event. Last year, they raised over $200,000 in Toronto alone.

Sharron doesn’t have a direct connec-tion to the cause, yet still feels strongly about it since ovarian cancer is so difficult to detect and the majority of women diagnosed don’t survive.

“There are lots of illnesses out there, but this is one we need to spend more time and money on,” she said. “Breast cancer, which is of course important too, seems to get a lot more air time.”

In addition to her work with Ovarian Cancer Canada, Sharron also volunteers

A mainstay when it comes to running events and fundraising for RSGC, Sharron's time as a current parent is coming to an end.

SharronMollenhauer


frequently for the St. Felix Centre, a small outreach organization in downtown Toronto that feeds lunch to over 100 homeless people every day. The organization recently opened a women’s shelter, the St. Felix House, for which Sharron and her daughter decorated two rooms. Sharron also recently joined the Board of the Centre.

“I have a really good feel-ing about it there – it’s kind of serendipitous,” she said. “It’s become somewhere that means a lot to me. And if you really believe it in, you’re going to want to work to make it better.”

Her son David spent a month volunteering there one summer, preparing and serving meals.

“I realized how good it was for him to be exposed to that,” said Sharron. “It’s one thing to fund-raise, but it’s another to be there and volunteer.”

David agrees.“I didn’t do it for the hours,” he

said. “I really liked helping out and actually seeing what I was doing make a difference.”

Sharron’s good friend, Susie Belton, introduced her to the shelter. She isn’t surprised about the amount of time and effort Sharron puts into her work there.

“She doesn’t just dabble – she gets right in there,” said Susie. “She

literally rolls up her sleeves and does whatever is needed. I quite admire her for that. And it doesn’t matter how busy she is – she’ll never say no to a request for help.”

According to Susie, who describes her friend as a “joy to be around,” helping people comes naturally to Sharron.

“I think it’s this really innate goodness that she has. She just wants to make things better for people,” said Susie. “She’s very giving and would do anything for anybody. She has always been super helpful and super involved – and it’s always with a smile on her face.”

As for Sharron, she believes it’s important to give back in anything

you do. Besides, volunteering does have its perks.

“Being involved at RSGC is a great way to meet other families, meet other interesting women and give back to the school,” said Sharron. “As a parent, it’s important to help out.”

It is parents like Sharron who add to the sense of community

at RSGC, which makes it a very special place for the boys.

“The boys are very lucky to be going to that school, and having such an amazing group of teachers and support staff helping them,” said Sharron. “RSGC is unique. It’s a very special place. The boys who go there should feel very lucky.”

Sharron's children, Heather

and David, also spend some time

volunteering.

“Being involved at RSGC is a great way to meet other families, meet other interesting women and give back to the school.”


F*&!ed UpFEATURES

Scientia Pietate is not a lifeless motto on the RSGC crest. It is a call to action. Georgians are known for their belief that success comes “Through Knowledge and Duty,” and today, this idea is as much a part of an RSGC education as it was in 1964.

Matthew Hope, Class of 2016, Daniel Neysmith ’94, art teacher Myles Vivares and RSGC parent Brian Culbert all take the school’s motto to heart in their impassioned commitment to giving back.

FEATURE

GIVINGBACK:The Heartbeat of the Georgian CommunityBY SUMNER & LANG


F*&!ed Up

Matthew Hope, Class of 2016 – Everyone BelongsWhen Matthew Hope is preparing food in the kitchen of his local church, he is well aware that the people he is serving live differently than he does. Matthew volunteers for Out Of The Cold, a chari-table coalition that offers food and refuge to homeless members of the community.

“I’m mostly in the kitchen,” Matthew said. “But over the winter, I get to know the regulars. You know, I am very privileged. So while I’m helping people

who struggle to find food, I know my life is very different. I know my experience is far from theirs.”

The theme of community building is a constant topic for Matthew. In his world, everyone belongs.

Matthew also volunteers at Community Living Toronto, which offers programs and support to people living with intellectual disabilities, and Right To Play, which uses sport to empower children living in disadvantaged com-munities. Like Out Of The Cold, these organizations are focused on bringing people together into a united and caring environment.

Matthew feels connected to the causes he supports. His work with Out Of The Cold happens in his own neighbourhood. His cousin, who has Down’s Syndrome, has benefited from the programs at Community Living Toronto. And Right To Play is all about helping Grade 1 and 2 students at a local public school. Matthew also loves the work.

Asked about the time he spends with Right to Play, Matthew said, “It’s fun putting smiles on kids’ faces. We play all kinds of games. They like it a lot.”

He then added, with a laugh, “I probably like it even more!”

GIVINGBACK:The Heartbeat of the Georgian Community

“You know, I am very privileged. So while I’m helping people

who struggle to find food, I know my life is very different. I know my experience is far

from theirs.” — Matthew Hope

Matthew, far right, helped win some money for Community Living Toronto.

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“Cadets earn community service

hours in our program, but it

doesn’t feel like an add-on. It’s just

what we do.” — Myles Vivares

“I couldn’t end wars. But I could help people. ” — Daniel Neysmith

24 The Shield Spring 2014

Daniel Neysmith ’94 – International CooperationSometime in the intense whirlwind of his service with the United Nations, Daniel Neysmith hit the jackpot. He already had trucks. He already had boats. And he had just gotten his hands on an entire train. His task? Organize the movement of internal refugees from the Darfur region in north-western Sudan to the south, including many who had been away from their homes for 25 years because of the ongoing conflict in Sudan.

“When I worked for the United Nations, I knew I couldn’t solve the conflict,” Daniel explained. “I couldn’t end wars. But I could help people. I could find a train and go into the camps and offer a way for people to get back to where they lived before the conflict began. I could take people home.”

Daniel began as a field officer for the U.N. He was living on the road, sleeping in his car and sending reports in from various locations in Afghanistan and Africa. Eventually, he headed up humani-tarian operations and was responsible for bringing water, food, security and sanitation into regions in conflict or just coming out of a war.

“The work was intense,” said Daniel. “We were at it 24/7. But the energy from colleagues and local people who were passionate and driven… that is what I took away from my experience. There weren’t a lot of us. But we were involved. We really cared.”

Citing his politics course at RSGC as the spark for his international interests, Daniel credits the school for nurturing his passion.

“The two key lessons I took away from my time at RSGC were, first, being true to yourself and pursuing your passions and, second, the importance of service and dedication to the wider community,” he said. “These core values shaped my career and helped me navigate some challenging times overseas. For that, I am forever grateful to the school.”

Myles Vivares – Community and CountryImagine an art teacher who is also a Lieutenant – soon to be Captain – in the Reserves of the Canadian Forces. Myles Vivares is such a person. A teacher at RSGC, Myles has spent the last four years as a training officer in the Air Cadets and he is about to take over command of his squadron.

“The focus in Cadets is on physical fitness, leadership and citizenship,” Myles explained. “The kids love the activities and learn a tremendous amount along the way. They grow as people, they acquire skills and they develop a leadership mentality.”


Cadets – boys and girls between 12- and 18-years-old – regularly engage in volunteer and service activities and develop a deep sense of community and country.

“The Cadets are involved in all kinds of service,” said Myles. “It’s one reason why I care so much about what I do. One of our core values is volunteerism. Cadets earn community service hours in our program, but it doesn’t feel like an add-on. It’s just what we do.”

The Air Cadets motto is “To learn. To serve. To advance.” The similarity between the values of the Cadets and RSGC is not lost on Myles.

“Cadets take care of each other,” he said. “They look out for each other and they look out for the world. They speak up when someone needs help. And they believe in giving back. For RSGC boys who join Cadets, it’s a great fit because these values are woven into the school’s fabric.”

Brian Culbert – Children Are the FutureRSGC parent Brian Culbert knows all about achieving feats that seem impossible.

As a distance cyclist who competed in the 24-hour Mountain Bike National Championships in the USA and now an ultra-marathoner who recently ran the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, Brian can tell you stories about damaged knees, torn-up feet, hallucinations and passing out cold on the trail.

Why does he put himself through the ordeal of mountain biking for 24 hours straight, running 650 kilometres of the rugged Bruce Trail or participating in a 168-kilometre marathon with a 9,000-metre ascent through France, Italy and Switzerland?

“It all started with the birth of my son,” he said. “He has a genetic skin disorder and the doctors weren’t sure that he would survive. Everyone at SickKids battled night and day for this boy. I made a promise at the time that I would find a way to give back.”

Years passed before Brian made good on that promise. Then he did so with a determination even he didn’t know he had.

Connecting with various organiza-tions – such as SickKids Hospital, SickKids International and Free the Children – Brian has raised close to $600,000 for children’s charities through his racing. Recently, his efforts have been directed toward a nursing program in Ghana focused on pediatric healthcare, which is now fully funded thanks to his efforts.

“Every dollar I raise goes to children’s healthcare,” he said. “I fund all of my own expenses, including my coaching. Our children, worldwide, are our greatest asset.”

Brian recognizes the same spirit at RSGC. So does his son, Matthew Culbert, Class of 2018.

“We visited all kinds of schools before coming here for a tour,” Brian said. “Matthew walked into the school and said, ‘whatever it takes, I have to go here.’ This is his family. This is where he belongs. The sense of community means everything to us.”

“Our children, worldwide, are our

greatest asset.”— Brian Culbert


FEATURE

The Georgian Parents’ Guild has an extraordinary track record. In addition to forging lifelong

friendships, the Guild raises funds for Royal St. George’s College, often eclipsing the five-figure mark annually; helps the community and its causes; assists the school and staff with volunteer support; and stages major events. Established in 1965 as The Ladies’ Guild, the Guild is an integral part of Royal St. George’s College.

“We are entirely volunteer run and are blessed with a wealth of talented and dedicated volunteers,” said Gail Graham, the Guild’s current President, who has been a parent at RSGC since 2006. “It’s due to their efforts that we have continu-ally raised thousands of dollars for the College, including $200,000 to the

Honouring Our Past | Building Our Future Capital Campaign.”

Gail has a hard act to follow, with many Georgian mothers having held the role since 1965. But she handles the work with efficiency and aplomb, all while raising three children: George ’13; Will, Class of 2017; and Polly, age 14.

Her role as President means that many days, she is involved in everything from meetings and fundraisers to send-ing missives to her vast team of fellow volunteers. But no matter how much time and energy she dedicates to the cause,

Established in 1965 as The Ladies’ Guild, the group is an integral part of Royal St. George’s College.

Behind the Scenes of the Guild

BY KATHY FLAXMAN

The Guild High Five in 2012-13


it doesn’t feel like work for her and her fellow volunteers.

“All of the parent volunteers are energetic, enthusiastic and 100 per cent dedicated to coming together to support the school they love,” said Gail, who started out as a Grade Parent and Social Convenor. “The parent community is very special at RSGC. It’s a small environ-ment, which helps bring people together, so everyone is really close and attached to the College. The Guild helps build that community through its friend-building and fundraising activities.”

While every parent at RSGC is automatically a member, there is a core group that oversees the Guild’s functions. The “High Five” (President, Past President, First Vice President, Second Vice President and Treasurer) set agendas, arrange meet-ings, manage the convenors and provide the main interface for the school and staff. There are also an additional 30 Convenors, each with specific roles, Members-at-Large and Grade Parents.

“I don’t even know what a High Five is, so I guess we didn’t have one when I was around!” said Charlene Enfield, who was the Guild President in 1999. “I do know that we had Grade Reps, though. It was very mom-and-pop back then, but we still had a lot of fun.”

Charlene, whose sons Jeff ’97 and Timothy ’02 went to the Senior School, is still enthusiastic about her involvement with RSGC over 20 years later.

“I love everything about that place,” said Charlene, whose son Jeff remains at the College as a science teacher in the Senior School. “Our most important event was the Mistletoe Market, which we started when I was on the Guild. In addition to the money raised, it was a very special day spent with all the parents and vendors. There were so many vibrant and wonderful people involved. There was a large social component that made it extra special, and at that pre-Christmas time of year, it was beautiful.”

For Charlene, serving as Guild President was a way of giving back.

“A lot of us were not able to donate large amounts of money to the school,” she said. “Instead, we gave of our time. We all thoroughly enjoyed our involvement.”

1981

1978

1965


A Busy CalendarEach year, there are over 20 events in which the Guild is involved or organizes. Events like the Mistletoe Market, the Used Book Sale, the Used Uniform Sale, the Staff Appreciation Lunch, Hidden Gems and the Cheese Sale are calendar regulars.

Some of those events have been around for decades – and, like today, volunteers are pivotal.

“Volunteers did everything – our budget was usually zero,” said Charlene. “The Staff Appreciation lunch wasn’t anything fancy – we all cooked and brought food in. I do remember one year, we raised $120,000, which was rather exciting!”

When Eleanor Ellies was President in 1972, a highlight of her tenure was a fashion show, put on with the help of Order of Canada winner, Toronto fashion designer Claire Haddad.

“The show was thoroughly enjoyed by our audience, including the men and boys of the school,” said Eleanor, whose son John was part of the Class of 1973. “I had previously done some modelling and in the show, I wore a garment hand painted in striking shades of blue. The fashions were ‘at home’ wear, which

included nightgowns and peignoirs. We did everything including setting up the ramps and painting the backdrops. My son John, now the CEO of a plastics company, did very well at St. George’s, and we all made lifelong friends.”

Not to mention creating lifelong memories.

Win Burry, who served as what was called “Choir Mother” in the early ’70’s, accompanied the boys on trips to Westminster Abbey and to Holland, to name only two. And while the singing was thrilling, there are some other things she will never forget.

“There were some things that made my hair go grey,” said Win, whose sons Guy ’77, Don ’79 and John ’81, were all in the Choir. “But I will never forget attending evensong and hearing the whole school belt out the hymn “The Lord of the Dance”, with a little boot stomping to add to the resonance. I was transported!”

Forty years later, the “Choir Mother” role is called “Choir Convenor” and is filled by Leona Greene. Her two sons, Brennan Chiu, Class of 2015, and Aidan Chiu, Class of 2017, are both choir members and are fine with her involve-ment, as long as she maintains a low profile while going about the daunting tasks that include making sure all choir

garments are in perfect condition and worn properly.

Keeping track of the choir performances and maintaining commu-nications with parents can be a detailed and complex assignment at times, yet Leona credits the Guild’s approach and structure which enables a new volunteer to readily step into a role.

“The Guild is very inclusive and the focus on bringing in new volunteers each year is very positive for the parent community,” said Leona. “Also, my predecessor, Kelly Ord, laid excellent groundwork for me to follow.”

Not Just the Ladies’ GuildWhile the Guild is now called the Parents’ Guild, males are scarce. Ken Ellis, Co-Convenor of the Saucer Debate, decided along with his wife Heather that he would be the active participant in order to add a man’s perspective and encourage others.

“I started in the fall of 2010, when my son Carter was in Grade 9,” said Ken. “He had just started at RSGC and I had heard about the Guild at the New Parents’ Reception. I began by signing up to volunteer at various ad-hoc events, and the following year, I was asked to become Co-Convenor of the Saucer Debate.

“I thought it was important the boys understand that commitment to being active in your community is a job for everyone,” he said.

It helps that the work goes smoothly. But just how does one recruit 35 debate judges?

“We reach out in the communications tools that go home to parents,” said Ken. “We also have access to the names of judges from previous years. I had thank-you letters after the debates telling me how much they enjoyed being involved and how amazing and impressive the kids were.”

Of course, like many parents, Ken is strongly motivated by his love of RSGC.

“I like feeling that I am contributing, even in some small way, to the absolutely wonderful environment we all enjoy at RSGC,” said Ken.

Choir Mother Win Burry accompanied the boys on overseas choir trips

Ken Ellis, left, is one of very few men active in The Guild


RSGC’SCUCKOO’s NEST

BY MARILYN LAZAR

Boys burst boisterously through the school exit into the afternoon

sunshine, overseen by smiling teachers and greeted by caring parents. Idyllic scene. Yet, on the other side of these doors, I’m listening to a teacher discuss the similarities between schools and mental asylums.

He has my attention.Rapt attention is not

uncommon in his classroom. This teacher is reputed to have worn the same outfit to work every day for a month; just one tool in his arsenal to enhance his students’ novel study experi-ence of Ken Kesey’s 1962 novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Paul Darvasi has been teaching English and media studies at RSGC since 2001. He feels that there is ample room to innovate at a school like RSGC.

Sitting across from Paul, I learn that for 30 days, he did indeed daily don a dark suit, light shirt and identical tie in order to bring this novel to life in his classroom. But

that wardrobe quirk pales in comparison with another costume worn in his quest to captivate students: a nurse’s uniform, complete with cap and wig, misaligned lipstick

FEATURE

Photo: Leana Satim


not quite offsetting his five o’clock shadow. To recall One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is to shudder at the memory of Nurse Ratched. Multiply that by 100 and it still can’t evoke the creepiness of Paul’s alter ego in the video he shares with me, voice manipulated to growl like Darth Vader in drag. The video is but one of the mediums he used to teach the novel.

This is an educator determined to engage his Grade 12 class in the final stretch of high school, a challenging phase between early acceptance to university and final exams, sometimes dubbed “senioritis”. His recipe marries novel study to the format of a video game, creating a consummate, immersive reality, punctuated by perks and incorpo-rating social media.

“Mr. Darvasi purposefully chose One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as last to study in hopes of keeping our class inter-ested and avoiding the senior slide,” said Wyllie Malcolm ’12. “As usual, he created an excellent way of approaching it. He modeled the unit as a video game, with the objective being scoring points. Like most video games, the further you went along, the harder it got. It was unlike any academic experience I had ever had.”

So it was different and caught students’ attention. Can a game contrib-ute to success beyond the classroom? A report released by the Council of Ontario Universities suggests that 46 per cent of Canadian postsecondary students want to start a business after graduation – a path that calls for resilience, creativity and

openness. How to impart these traits? “This is a game that invites resource-

fulness and creativity,” Paul explained. “I have the bird’s eye view, but each of the 55 players get to enjoy a unique experience. The game provides students with choice and agency – key elements to foster engagement.”

Furthermore, Paul’s approach is inter-disciplinary. He imbues literature class with subjects ranging from social justice to economics. For example, participants developed their own language, like “pixie sticks” or “carrot sticks” for the in-game currency. In fact, students created their own monetary system, produced works of art, learned about privacy and surveillance and even visited CAMH, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

“I was most definitely not excited about One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest at the outset, but I actually learned a lot more than just reading it would have allowed me to,” said Reid Kerr-Keller ‘12. “I really do feel passionately about the whole thing; it was easily the best academic experience of my life. And it definitely raised my expectations for university.”

The novel’s hero is a brawling, defiant, authority-challenging rebel. The flyleaf states that he “promotes gambling in the ward, smuggles in wine and women, and openly defies the rules at every turn”. Can this compelling story translate into a game? How does it impact classroom decorum and student motivation?

“It was easily the most respect I ever felt from a teacher,” said Reid. “There’s

more to it though. Mr. Darvasi showed that he legitimately thought of us as smart, creative and mature enough to handle a project way outside of the ordinary. Something like that showed an insane amount of faith, and faith is the kind of thing that makes students excel.”

There were games within games, deployed according to the narrative. In the first run, Paul introduced the unit with no prior warning, in a curt, domineering authoritarian guise – far from his usual passionate persona. It was his way of bringing the structure of Nurse Ratched’s asylum ward into the classroom. He also played with the illusion of control.

“He created a totalitarian state in the classroom,” said Wyllie. “I was amused at how seriously some of my classmates took it.”

The game became dynamic, interactive and unpredictable. Paul gave the students wide berth, as long as they proceeded in the spirit of the novel and there was legitimacy to their choice.

“Realizing how easy it would be to sabotage the game, I roped together a group of buddies and formed The Committee,” said Wyllie. “I had to make sure that I had the right guys for the job; people who were bold enough to risk their mark in order to create something. We made fake Facebook and email accounts,

These fun images are all part of the One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest game. Credit for two graphic images on right: Jane Duhart


and basically infiltrated the game. I made sure that whatever the group did somehow reflected the book.”

Whereas another teacher might have felt threatened or frustrated by the complication, Paul describes The Committee as a “beautiful element” whose intelligence he refused to restrain.

“They inserted themselves into the game, doing extra work during their busiest time of year,” said Paul. “These guys didn’t succumb to the system, but rather came alive and produced incredible results. They challenged my Ratched-like mock authority; much like McMurphy and the patients did in the novel. It was a genuine embodiment of the narrative.”

When the unit study was over, Paul received an anonymous email from The Committee, offering to reveal their identities.

“I showed up at the appointed time and place,” Paul said, “and each of the boys arrived from a different direction to sit down and join me. They trusted me and I was really moved.”

“I wasn’t really sure how Mr. Darvasi would react,” Wyllie admitted. “I hoped that he would realize what we were doing wasn’t meant to be just a malicious attack. He ended up giving me 100 per cent on the unit for my effort, which I greatly appreciated. It was a fun couple of months.”

The experience embodied the very themes the book they were studying explores. This creative teacher pushed the boundaries and encouraged his students to do the same. In its second run a year later, a pre-game poll of interests enabled Paul to tailor missions to the individual. He created an atmosphere that promoted critical thinking under pressure.

“If the game didn’t teach me to think differently, it reinforced my belief that the most important thing you can bring to the table in any situation is a unique point of view and fresh ideas,” said Reid. “That applies both to what it was, which was a bold departure from the usual learning atmosphere, to what we did, which was to take the project as a jumping-off point and do our own thing.”

But as fun and clever as the project was, Paul still inserted a safety feature to ensure that his students actually read the novel. For the final exam, all eight questions involved comparisons to One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Asked about the scalability, Paul responded that the game is actually a critique of mass production.

“I strongly believe that school cultures differ from one another and therefore, educational experi-ences shouldn’t be uniformly mass produced,” said Paul. “Schools should develop individual dynam-ics. Individuation is an important feature of 21st Century education.”

Not every school can incorporate this yet, but luckily for RSGC, one teacher already has.

Q & A with Game participant Bradley Walker ’13, currently studying Engineering at McMaster University in Hamilton.

How did you feel at the outset of novel study with One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest?

Nobody actually knew that Mr. Darvasi was going to be starting The Game until a couple days before we started reading the novel. I remember reading the yearbook from the Grads of 2012 and numerous students mentioned The Game as a highlight. There was something mysterious about it; people seemed to deviate from conversations about it and there seemed to be great secrecy with respect to how it worked before we started.

What was the best part of the experience?I absolutely loved the in-class portion of The Game where

Mr. Darvasi would re-enact the doctor and stay in character all class. He created an environment that I feel really created an alternate reality when you walked into class — you felt like you were in a ward; with the same song playing each class, repeating over and over. His calm, but authoritative persona really captured the environment in the book.

What did you learn most?There were two skills I took away: critical reading and

learning to use applications. Assignments and classes were more based on facts, details and the “what is” as opposed to the “why” or the “how”. So instead of understanding the themes and learning the book the traditional way, we had games around the book. They emphasized details and knowledge of the book.

Did you actually read the book?The Game really forced you to read the book. The games

in class were competitive and if you didn’t know your stuff, you’d be out. So knowing your stuff kept you in it longer, which was much more fun.

How did the experience fit into your academics at RSGC?

I feel very special to have been able to partake in Mr. Darvasi’s game. I learned a lot more than just about the book. It helped develop different skills that you normally wouldn’t get out of any ordinary class. On a larger scale, I find education and classes to sometimes be taught in ways that don’t grab you. I believe that trying to make educa-tion fun, interactive and have visible application to the real world for the student like this game is better for everyone.

How do you think it prepared you for life beyond RSGC?

If there is one valuable lesson I’ve taken from Mr. Darvasi’s game, it’s to make learning fun. When you hit university, learning is completely independent. Nobody’s checking – it’s all you. You’ve got to want to learn the material even if you’re not 100 per cent interested. So what’s better than making a game? I feel really lucky that I had the opportuni-ty to experience The Game because it prepared me to be independent at university.


I was on the 1970 choir tour to England, Scotland and the Netherlands. Fun times on the whole, especially singing in Westminster Abby! As for funny stories, the first day we were in Edinburgh, a bunch of us went to an arcade. Two memories stick with me today. First, the currency was just shifting, so I had no idea if 6p meant a sixpence piece or six new pence. I used the latter on a machine when it should have been the former, and ended up causing the machine to empty its cash box into the return slot. Felt like a casino! The second one that sticks in my mind was my friend, Doug, who cracked the algo-rithm on an electronic horse race game and proceeded to help us win several hundred pounds before the manage-ment kicked us out for winning too much. Since the choir mums had us on a pound a day, the money was welcome! — Marc Tyrrell ’78

I was music head in 2009, and head of the string ensemble at the time, as well as jazz band. In Japan in 2008, most of the boys, after spending the night at a traditional Japanese hotel and finding out that breakfast con-sisted of cold leftover grilled salmon, relegated themselves to eating bowls of white rice drenched in soy sauce. Tasty. At the Prince Takamawa Hotel, we found that they had four breakfast buffets: American, Chinese, Italian and Japanese. The first three had more or less exactly the same items (pancakes, syrup, cereal, etc.) except the Americans had breakfast sausage, the Chinese had large buns and the Italians had prosciutto! I also remember that once, it started to pour rain and we didn’t have any umbrellas. The mall we were at lent us umbrellas on the condition that we bring them back the next day! — Paolo Griffin ’09

The big choir trips of the late 1960s — to Vancouver, Washington and London — all seem to run together now: pre-teen kid camaraderie on epic long train and bus rides,

playing a lot of cards (hearts),

buying corny joke store tricks and strumming ukuleles in between sight-seeing and hours of practicing for services in a suc-cession of majestic cathedrals. The great highlight was Great Britain in 1968, with

services in such historic cathedrals as those of York and Ripon serv-ing as warm-ups for evensong in Westminster Abbey. We were all awed by what felt like an outsized honour singing in such places, as we were by extravagances like our chartered Wardair transportation. What remains most vivid, though,

was simply the contagious excite-ment that infused the choir practices and fundraising over many preliminary months, all culminating in our filing into that renowned great Abbey behind the banner of what was then a very young school from the colonies. How massive it all seemed, taking our places in the dark, elegant carved choir stalls. — Terry Collins ’73

RSGC Senior Band Tour 2012 to Italy: We were in Naples on the first day. We had a meeting spot for lunch and were supposed to be back at a certain time. Luckily, everyone arrived on time except Mr. Martin and the rest of the teachers, who arrived five minutes late! We were clapping when they finally arrived, but at the same time, a wedding entourage arrived and they assumed we were clapping for them on their special day. Before continuing our exploration, we took pictures with the entourage and I even got an invitation to the wedding reception. Unfortunately, Mr. Martin intervened and I had to play a show that same night. — Anthony Mariano ’12

ALUMNI

Memories From Band CampWe asked alumni what some of their best memories were from school trips, either athletic, band or choir. Here were some of the responses:


John Cimba ’85Currently living in

Chicago with his wife,

Tracy, and their sons,

Michael, 19, and Ryan, 17,

John has come a long

way since he began his

career as an entrepre-

neur with a business-to-

business import and export marketing company. He

is now the President and CEO of a custom content

and media agency called GLC. In his spare time, he

coaches Tier 1 AAA girls’ hockey for the Chicago

Young Americans – a top-5 team in the US. Michael,

a recipient of the President’s Scholarship for

academics, must have picked up a thing or two from

his Dad – he will be playing NCAA hockey for St.

Mary’s University of Minnesota in September.

William “Bil” Harmer III ’87Bil, Dawn and Ronan relocated to San Carlos,

California in 2013 after Bil’s company was acquired by

SAP AG in 2012. Bil has taken over Risk Management

and R&D for SAP’s Cloud Security & Privacy depart-

ment. Bil’s wife, Dawn, is continuing with her photog-

raphy career. They also have rescued a dog named

Luna. She is part whippet and part pit bull – other-

wise known as a pippet.

Chris Armstrong ’89Chris, his wife, Tanya and their children, Abigail, 7,

Aidan, 5, and Kaleigh, 1, are living in Fiji. He works

for the Pacific Sub-Regional Office of the United

Population Fund as a Youth and HIV Technical

Adviser. The office provides financial and technical

support to 15 Pacific Island countries in the areas

of Sexual and Reproductive Health, Population

and Development, Gender Equality and Young

People. Prior to that, Chris worked for the Canadian

International Development Agency and most recently

spent four years in Tanzania as the Team Leader for

the Health and HIV Programme.

Hal Bosher ’95 Hal is living in Yangon, Myanmar, with his Spanish

wife, Virginia Alzina, and their three children, Keira,

Sienna and Aidan. He is the Chief Executive Officer of

Yoma Bank, a full service retail bank founded in 1993.

Andrew von Teichman ’96Andrew and Natalie

became the very proud

parents of twins. Dax

and Holden were born in

Toronto on February 20,

2014. Will, 4, and Hudson,

2, are excited about their

younger brothers. No

doubt it’s a busy house-

hold with four boys under

the age of five!

Drew Blanchette ’96Drew and his fiancée

Kelly Anthony-Brown are

over the moon about the

arrival of their first child,

Ava Margaret Elizabeth

Blanchette. Ava entered

the world at 6:30 am

on April 25, weighing a

healthy 7 lbs. 4 oz.

BIRTHS

Our Changing Lives

John and his family

AvaDax and Holden

DEATHS

UPDATES

William “Bill” Christie Barclay ’74On March 18, 2014, Bill passed away

peacefully, leaving behind his loving

wife Stephanie, mother Ann, brother

John ’77 (Debbie), niece Mackenzie

and nephew Graydon. Bill touched

everyone in different ways, whether

it was sharing his passion for

Georgian Bay or his love of books

and history. Bill’s love of cooking and entertaining

was evident in the way he ran his country inn. Bill’s

most recent passion was performing in the local

theatre in Collingwood and writing plays. He will be

remembered fondly. A memorial service was held

in Collingwood on March 31, 2014. In lieu of flowers,

donations to the Collingwood Gaslight Community

Theatre would be appreciated.

www.gaslight-productions.com.


Then & Now: Tom Wade-West

TIME CAPSULE

Tom Wade-West has been a familiar face around the halls of RSGC since September

of 1982. While his role has evolved over the last 32 years, ranging from teaching

C Band and recorder, to teaching Grade 4 Science, Grade 6 History and French, and

now leading the Junior School’s music program, he is still one smiley face around

campus! Notorious for his French horn skills and playing music on a garden hose, Tom

continues to ride his bike to school, rain or shine. With many happy memories and plenty of awards won over the years, Tom continues to influence Georgians with his

talent and dedication.

Blink and you

could miss giving

your son the

best education

of his life.You could walk right past Royal St. George’s College and never even know it’s there. Tucked behind some trees on a residential street in Toronto’s Annex, it looks more like a home than a school. And in many ways, it is.

Look a little closer, however, and you’ll discover what’s missing from most boys’ schools: the kind of camaraderie that comes from a small student body; a more creative learning environment; and a genuine love of the school.

It’s the one school you and your son don’t want to miss.

rsgc.on.ca

IF YOU WANT YOUR SON TO THINK BIG, THINK

SMALL.

Stewart was a “lifer” at RSGC spending 10 years at the school (’74-’84) while both David and Chuck spent the balance of their high school years there (’78/’79-’84 respectively). We all look back fondly on those formidable years remembering the wonderful teachers, classmates and of course good ’ol Tony’s popcorn wagon, our “cafeteria” (a.k.a. the lunch truck) and many after school games and tournaments played on the asphalt “field”.

30 years after graduation, the three of us have remained not only friends but have joined together as partners, taking over the Forest Hill Branch at HollisWealth (formerly DundeeWealth) in May of 2005. Since then, we continue to help clients with their wealth management needs. We provide solutions to concerns about estate planning, mitigating tax, insurance needs and overall life planning objectives and strategies.

Most institutions want you to come in for a second opinion; we would like you to come in for a better one… a personal approach, from one Georgian to another.

HollisWealth, Forest Hill Branch980 Eglinton Avenue West Toronto, Ontario M6C 2C5416.785.0513www.watermark-wealth-management.com

Charles Magyar, CIM, FCSI David Lyon Stewart IstvanPortfolio Manager, Director: Private Client Group Financial Advisor Licensed AssistantHollisWealth (a division of Scotia Capital Inc.) HollisWealth Advisory Servies Inc. Marketing and Client [email protected] Insurance Advisor HollisWealth (a division of Scotia Capital Inc.) HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd. [email protected] [email protected]

Fellow Class of ’84 GeorgiansChuck Magyar, David Lyon and Stewart Istvan

Working together, using a holistic approach to managing clients’ wealth management needs…

Watermark Wealth Management is a personal trade name of Chuck Magyar.

HollisWealth and the Scotiabank companies do not provide income tax preparation services nor do they supervise or review other persons who may provide such services. Insurance products provided

by HollisWealth are provided through HollisWealth Insurance Agency Ltd.

™ Trademark of The Bank of Nova Scotia, used under license.

the shield - spring 2014

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