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Welcome Home!
A warm welcome awaited over 180 Old Boys, friends and staff at the 45th Annual Reunion and Homecoming Weekend on September 29-30. Old Boys from classes ending in 3 and 8, as well as years in between, had a lot to celebrate. It is clear that friendships and school ties have remained strong throughout the years, from the most senior Old Boy, William Daly ’52, to the youngest, Jacky Sun ’23.
Back
Newly-minted OBA President Sean McKinnon ’98 acted as emcee for the evening welcoming back eight decades of alumni who travelled from India (Zubin Mirchandani ’98), the USA (New York, Oklahoma, Illinois, Connecticut, Virginia, Washington, California) and BC, Ontario and Quebec. He recognized Headmaster Mike Downey and wife Laura, and current and former staff at the party, including Geoffrey Dowd, Kathy McKnight, Andy Lumsden, Tom Nicoll, Patrick Shannon, Barry Stevens, and Barry Williams, who said grace prior to a delicious dinner.
The Class of ’53, celebrating 70 years, was represented by then Head Prefect Anthony Le Moine, Assistant Head Prefect Stanley Winton, and Prefects Peter Hyde and Tony Wait. Anthony, one of three generations of his Selwyn House family, gave the toast to the School noting that “friendships first formed at Selwyn House have endured for years.”
Headmaster Mike Downey described how exciting a time it is at Selwyn House, largely as a result of going private and being able to grow. In August, the school officially opened our Grade 12 with 20 students. Mr. Downey reflected on 2023 also being an anniversary year for past milestones of the school–the 30th anniversary of the Maternelle class that began in 1993, and the 60th anniversary of Selwyn’s opening of a Grade 11 class in 1963. “We are currently in negotiations with St. Matthias Church so that we can expand our footprint”, he said. “This would allow us to increase the size of our Grade 12, and it would give us space to add an additional class of twenty students to our Grade 7 year. Over time, these numbers would expand into the upper grades.” Headmaster Downey also recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation explaining how our students spent the week learning more about Indigenous Peoples across the country and their communities, and the shared history that we have together.
Chair of the SHA Board, Michael Avedesian ’88, celebrating his own 35th reunion with the Class of 1988, thanked Mr. Downey and the board for their hard work. “All eyes are on the future!,” he said. We are looking to expand our campus, hopefully buying and renovating a church. We’re always looking out for other ways to expand and offer the best programs possible.”
Jason Tsadilas ’88, member of the Path Forward Campaign cabinet, took a moment to update everyone on the fundraising that is helping the school to bridge the gap due to the Board’s decision to refuse government funding. “I'm really excited to announce that the campaign has raised $9.5M towards our $12M goal for privatization and endowment.” He thanked those who have supported it thus far and encouraged others to give back to the school, saying, “I believe that all of us can agree that attending SHS contributed in some way to our life today and/or to our success.”
Sean McKinnon ’98 called Past President Josh Wisenthal ’99 to the stage to present him with a parting gift for his four years of service as President of the OBA Board. OBA Board member Justin Kuzmicki ’05 spoke about the “Tales of Perseverance” project.
During dessert, OBA Board member EJ Boffey ’12 introduced the anniversary year speakers. Mark Roper ’73, celebrating 50 years with the Class of 1973, shared an entertaining anecdote about school life “back in the day,” complete with stories of shenanigans of those who “shall not be named.” Sean McKinnon ’98 travelled back in time with the Class of ’98, celebrating 25 years. Anecdotes, inside jokes and comparisons of technology, then and now, drew laughs from the crowd.
Evan Sequeira ’08 ran an octane-charged raffle, with Carl Brabander ’88 winning the big prize, a limited edition print initiated by the Class of 2021. Proceeds from the raffle supported their bursary and the Rob Wearing Bursary Fund.
So many wonderful stories were told at the Pub which closed out the night. Malcolm Nobbs ’88, Charles Porteous ’84 and Peter Hyde ’53 found commonality in their family trees. Malcolm and Charles’ being one of three generations of Selwyn Old Boys. All three gentlemen have a family connection to the original founders of the Selwyn House Association. Malcolm even brought his tie from Grade 2 which is still in good shape. Ian Ratzer ’98, from San Francisco, gave an impromptu piano concert while group photos were taken.
Saturday’s Homecoming football games gave Old Boys another opportunity to connect and meet teachers and current families at a full-on tailgate party. Our Cadet and Juvenile teams won their games vs Collège Ste-Anne capping off an amazing weekend!
A big thank you to everyone who made this event possible and thanks to all those who were able to come back for the festivities!
Watch the Highlight video here.
Watch the Highlight video here.
See all Homecoming Football Game photos:
