Tcs news spring2019 I volume64 I no.1 - Trinity College School
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tcs news spring 2019 I volume 64 I no. 1 from the archives tribute tribute TCS Prisoners of War Ken Scott '43 John de Pencier '49
Contents 2 feature Hallowed Halls Curl up by the campfire to hear some of our TCS ghost stories. 2 6 10 alumni spotlights The mission of The TCS News is Sarah Brascoupé to serve as a means of communi- 6 From The Archives Funnell ’93 cation between the School and its alumni, parents and friends. TCS Prisoners of War Pushing for change in The TCS News is published twice The story of Robert “The Penguin” McBride ’36 Indigenous health care annually by the philanthropy & illuminates the lives of WWII POWs. alumni office. Circulation: 6,500 worldwide Claudia Sanchez ’07 Contributing Writers Engineering a rewarding Vikki Armstrong, Renée Hillier, career path Avery Quantrill ’19, Adam de Pencier ’78, staff of the TCS philanthropy & alumni office and others as credited. in every issue: 12 A Letter from The Lodge 1 Contributing Photographers Vikki Armtrong, Ashleigh Class Notes 15 McGill, Trinity College Milestones 32 Archives, the family of Robert McBride ’36, staff of the TCS 12 tcs alumni association news Save the Date 37 philanthropy & alumni office and others as credited. U.K. Travel Award Launched Please forward all Find out about the U.K. Alumni Branch’s efforts to submissions to: help TCS students learn abroad. TCS Philanthropy & Alumni Office 55 Deblaquire Street North Port Hope, ON L1A 4K7 Email: alumni@tcs.on.ca Telephone: 905-885-1295 All submissions will be published at the discretion of the editor. Editor Vikki Armstrong 14 Publications Officer 905-885-3192 varmstrong@tcs.on.ca Class Notes & 14 Photo Gallery Milestones Editor Tricia Mandryk Alumni Events Director of Philanthropy & Alumni 905-885-1295 alumni@tcs.on.ca Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement 40050087
A Letter from The Lodge The 2018-2019 school year has marked my 15th year at Trinity College School. This has prompted some reflection on my part about the School’s past and, naturally, its future. one thing i have learned during my time at TCS is that, despite a were “sent” to TCS, today students are making the decision long history steeped in tradition, our school is certainly not resistant themselves to come to our school. Young people are doing the to change. The School on the Hill has, over the course of its nearly research on which school will best meet their needs, and when they 155 years, been transformed, sometimes out of necessity and often choose TCS it is because they are keen to embrace the academic by design. The TCS Governing Body, headmasters, senior admin- rigour, the many co-curricular opportunities and the supportive, istrators, faculty and staff have, not surprisingly, made significant caring learning community here. decisions that altered the direction and culture of the School at At first glance, we might take this distribution of responsibility various points. At the risk of sounding obvious, most decisions in to young people as a sign that parenting is not what it used to be, the past were made by adults. Today, however, I note that in many or should be. But, I beg to differ when it involves education. Think cases the impetus for and embracement of change is coming from of the impact on school culture in an environment where most our students. And, we are a better school for it. students have chosen to be here. Let us take a step back in time. The decision to incorporate the In many cases, our students could go to any school in the world School on May 1, 1865 by our founder, Revd. William A. Johnson, and they chose to attend TCS. When you combine this commitment and, three years later, the move to Port Hope, were clearly the on the part of students with the dedication of our faculty and staff biggest decisions in our history. These were followed by significant and the partnership of parents eager to provide the best possible changes over the years: setbacks due to the two fires (1895 and 1928); education for their children, the potential is limitless. the shift from clergy to laymen headmasters with the hiring of So, on that note, I look to the future with great confidence. As Dr. Philip Ketchum ’16; increases in our day student population; witnessed through our current strategic planning process, our the development of our international community, which now sees community has demonstrated wonderful support for the School and us drawing students from close to 40 countries; the introduction keen insight into how we might evolve moving forward, building on of co-education; enrolment growth; and the expansion of our the solid foundation of our past. facilities, staff and endowment to meet this growth. All of these were significant “game changers” for TCS. But these changes were largely driven by the adults in our Stuart Grainger community. In my time at TCS, one of the most significant changes Headmaster sgrainger@tcs.on.ca I’ve noticed is the increase in decision-making power which young www.tcs.on.ca/headlines people have within their families. While many years ago students spring 2019 I tcs news I 1
feature While we often speak of the beauty of our Trinity College School campus, with its historic buildings set amongst a rolling green campus overlooking the town, those who have lived and learned on this campus also know of the many myths that have shaped our school history. Among the favourite legends passed down from generation to generation are our ghost stories. We have selected a trio of the most popular TCS tales of things that go bump in the night. revd. dr. charles j.s. bethune One thing that is clear when we speak of the ghosts of TCS is that our spectres seem to generally be of the friendly variety, more akin to angels on our shoulders. This includes the ghost of the late Revd. Dr. Charles J.S. Bethune, headmaster of TCS from 1870 to 1891 and 1893 to 1899 (split by a two-year period in which he served as school warden). Known as “The Goat” due to his impressive white beard, Dr. Bethune lived well into his nineties. But he had suffered great loss in his life, with three of his children dying at young ages (Herbert Charles in 1872 as a newborn; Edith Alice in 1874 at age 6; Agnes Emily in 1891 at the age of 21). And his wife Alice was also killed tragically. In 1898, she was travelling in a horse-drawn cab on Mill Street, Port Hope ( just down the hill from the School). When the animals bolted, Mrs. Bethune, thinking the animals were headed for the river, jumped from the cab. She was killed almost instantly. The cab driver was able to get the horses under control before they reached the water; had Mrs. Bethune stayed in the cab, she likely would have escaped injury. A year after her death, a heartbroken Dr. Bethune decided to leave TCS. But folklore tells that the spirit of Dr. Bethune returned sometime after his death in 1932, and now sits above his portrait on the wall of Osler Hall, watching over the students. Dr. Bethune was regarded as a man of high moral character and sense of duty, so it is perhaps not surprising to imagine him making sure students through the generations have stuck to the straight and narrow. Dr. Bethune is buried in Cobourg, at St. Peter’s Anglican Cemetery, near his wife and children; his gravestone reads “Blessed are the Pure in Heart.” The portrait of Headmaster Bethune in Osler Hall
revd. charles howard boulden Boulden House also has its share of ghosts, but most prominent is that of its namesake, the Revd. Charles Howard Boulden. Having joined the faculty of the School in 1913, shortly thereafter he was ordained. He left the School in 1916 at the age of 25 to join the war effort as an Army Chaplain, serving with the 18th and 170th Battalions at the rank of Captain. In 1919, he returned to the School and five years later he became the first housemaster of the newly constructed Junior School. Affectionately called “Sister” due to his happy, kind nature, Revd. Boulden loved teaching and athletics, and was often coaxed into joining the students in a game. He was also remembered for always wearing his clerical robes, and this is how his ghost has been described by those who have seen it in the halls of Boulden House, happily checking in on Junior School students to this day. In one account from the 1990s, he was heard of an evening “bashing away” on a piano in the Junior School. Howard Boulden served as head of the Junior School until 1932, when he left to take over as headmaster of Lake Lodge School. Revd. Charles Howard Boulden at TCS during the 1913-1914 school year Following his death, on Christmas Eve 1961, the Right Honourable Vincent Massey, Governor-General of Canada, said of Canon Boulden that he was “beloved by his students, revered by his parishioners and respected by all men.” ellen patteson rigby One of the saddest deaths to shape the School was the untimely passing of Ellen Rigby, wife of headmaster Oswald Rigby, on Palm Sunday 1913. She died in The Lodge, having been ill for about a year and wanting to be at home when doctors could do no more for her. Her body was taken out of the coffin window (located on the upper floor), as was the practice of the day. But her spirit is believed to have stayed in her home, and more than one headmaster who has since resided in The Lodge claims to have witnessed her presence there. Born Ellen Patteson in London, England in 1855, she went on to become the first principal of St. Hilda’s College in Toronto and a leader in expanding post-secondary education for women. St. Hilda’s was established by Trinity College (now part of University of Toronto) as a separate residence for female students, located on Euclid Avenue; it boasted just four students when it opened in 1888. As Trinity College expanded its “experiment” of offering courses to women, St. Hilda’s grew and a new residence was constructed on the main college campus in 1899. It was at Trinity College that Ellen met Oswald Rigby, then the college’s dean of residence. They married in 1896 and Ellen Patteson Rigby St. Hilda’s College at its Shaw Street, Toronto she joined him in his move location (1892-1899) to TCS in 1903. To the Continued on page 5 spring 2019 I tcs news I 3
“I have often wondered what it is an old building can do to you when you happen to know a little about things that went on long ago in that building.” – Carl Sandburg, Ever the Winds of Chance 2 1 3 We’ve all heard the stories, the ones about secret tunnels travelling under the campus to walk into but gets smaller and smaller of Trinity College School; passageways dotting the campus that would allow someone, for as it heads southwest. Its starting point is example, to walk from the main classroom block to Boulden House. To assess the veracity of the boiler room, located on the east side this claim, we went to the expert: Marcel Jauvin, assistant director of the property depart- basement of the classroom block. In this ment. When we heard the short answer – that there are no such secret tunnels – we thought little seen space are visible remnants of the the story had ended. Instead, we learned, there is an amazing world underneath our campus old coal system on which the School used to buildings. From Trinity House to the W.A. Johnson Classroom Block there is a “tunnel” of rely. Coal was dumped down into massive sorts, which carries the School’s heating and water pipes. The tunnel begins large enough bins to feed the furnaces; the rounded 4 I spring 2019 I tcs news
4 5 6 (Continued from page 3) doorways of this system can still be seen main area of campus was constructed boys of TCS, she became an adored mother today, as can the black iron door to the old in 1930, its footprint goes back to 1900 figure. She was particularly devoted to the chimney that still juts out the top of the (following the first major fire). This has TCS chapel, and during her illness, the boys boiler room. led to some wonderful discoveries in of the choir would come to sing for her at Mr. Jauvin enjoys taking groups of recent years, including the uncovering of her bedside. The boys served as pallbearers students around the campus to point out the old TCS rink footings during construc- for her funeral, escorting her body during how the buildings are tied into school tion of Cirne Hall. So while our tunnel the service, then on to the train station, and history, including presenting to our system myth may be busted (it is perhaps accompanying it on its journey to Toronto French classes en français. While the a relief to know that students cannot and its final resting place at St. James tunnel is certainly a favourite feature, covertly travel across the campus under- Cemetery. Dr. Rigby never really recovered students are also impressed by the ground), our buildings nonetheless have from the death of his wife, and chose to 90-year-old individual slate tiles that some wonderful stories to tell. retire that same spring after 10 years as cover the roofs of the main campus headmaster, although he and his children buildings constructed after the 1928 fire. 1 A ssistant Director of Property Marcel Jauvin were involved in the life of the School for With a lifespan of 100 years, the tiles will presents a lecture on campus history, en français, many years thereafter. soon be replaced, but with a plan that to a French class In Ellen Rigby’s obituary in The Record, respects the heritage value of these iconic 2 The door to the chimney stack above the boiler it is written: “Mrs. Rigby was a woman of room features. Similarly, recent work on the singular sweetness of disposition combined 3 Remnants of the old coal furnace system etched old wooden doors has taken into account with force of character and initiative, in the brick of the current boiler room the vivid carvings that distinguish them. of a kind charity, of cheerful outlook, of 4 Cornices above the door to the W.A. Johnson The wild boar and deer on the doors of Classroom Block remarkable patience and steadfast endur- Osler Hall were hand-carved in England, 5 The TCS rink destroyed by the 1928 fire ance under suffering, and of unassuming for example. The stone cornices above 6 Artefacts uncovered from the old rink during piety. The silence that fell upon the school the Johnson Block doors, which are both construction of Cirne Hall in 2014 on the Monday morning, and which beautiful and structural, were in need of prevailed until the boys left on Tuesday, repair and one had to be replaced entirely. spoke eloquently of the love and esteem in This work was completed in a way that which Mrs. Rigby was held by all connected makes it difficult to tell which are the with Trinity College School.” If one is to be original three cornices and which is the visited by a spirit from the afterlife, there is replica (hint: it’s the pears!). As Mr. Jauvin likely no finer ghost than that of Ellen Rigby. reminds the students, while much of the spring 2019 I tcs news I 5
from the archives “The Penguin” Robert McBride ’36 As school archivist I am often privy to unique stories of Trinity College School’s history; connections within our TCS community bestow on us the legacies of stories untold. It is a privilege to learn about these connections and to share them with our students and the greater school community. this story begins with a short email sent to my good friend, highlight the crucial role Canadians played in building the tunnels David Fisher ’93, who works in the School’s philanthropy & alumni and in the escape itself. office. One day last April he heard from David Sutton ’57 about I shared this new story with my students and it became the basis Flying Officer Robert “Bob” Frederick McBride ’36, a survivor of the for a project for a few Grade 12 history students. The article that Great Escape, including information prepared by Bob’s son Peter follows is based on the summative project by Grade 12 student Avery and shared by Bob’s daughter, Joan. Quantrill ’19. Avery writes about Robert McBride’s role at Stalag This exchange revealed a new story of TCS war history, of the Luft III as a “penguin” and how he narrowly escaped death and, Great Escape and Bob McBride’s role in this important event of World also, the broader context of the legacy of TCS prisoners of war. She War II. The Great Escape was a blockbuster American film starring researched archival files, Headmaster Philip Ketchum’s correspon- Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough. The film dence during the war, external sources and many other materials diverges from reality in several respects, but in 2014, journalist and online. Thank you, Avery, for your perseverance, dedication and historian Ted Barris wrote The Great Escape: The Untold Story to interest in history. 6 I spring 2019 I tcs news
who was robert mcbride ’36? Robert McBride had two great years at Trinity College School, from 1934-1936. He was one of the boys to start TCS’s first orchestra, called “The Troubadours.” He was known for being “charismatic,” full of energy and for his participation in competi- tive sports. He played Middleside football, scoring many touchdowns leading to a victory versus St. Andrew’s and a tie against Port Hope High School. After a successful season, he was rewarded with Colours for football. McBride also participated on the Middleside basketball team. He was a valuable player on the tennis team, winning the School’s doubles tournament. Bob enlisted in the Canadian military upon graduating Trinity College School. He earned his “wings” on May 27, 1941 then was sent to RCAF Station Char- Sketch by Bob McBride of life in the POW camp lottetown to attend a celestial navigation course. In September 1941, he was sent The crew was unfortunately captured vehicle and eventually make their way home. overseas where he continued his training during an anti-shipping operation. During They made it back to Montreal on May 30, before being assigned to 415 Squadron on the mission, McBride’s engine was struck 1945, in time for McBride’s fourth wedding November 4. After being struck down in one and caught fire, forcing the crew to land anniversary. of his missions, McBride was sent to Stalag on the nearby French coast. Little did they While at the camp, McBride kept a Luft III by train. He was part of the “X team” know the beach was occupied by German detailed wartime journal that held many that planned the well-known “Great Escape.” soldiers who would take them to Stalag Luft sketches and poems created by himself III, prisoner of war camp. and the other POWs. This is one of Robert mcbride and his crew McBride’s poems: Bob’s all-Canadian crew included Sergeant Alexander Morris Henning Robertson, the PRISON CAMP observer/navigator, as well as Sergeants Paul R. Ramage and Gordon W. Clubb, who Day follows day in dull monotony; were the wireless operators/air gunners. The sun hangs heavy in the changeless sky, They were a tight knit crew. One of his crew Dust devils eddy down the sandy road, members was quoted saying, “McBride The long drab rows of huts lie mute within could make toasted Spam taste like ham at The shadow of the encircling wire – Dinty Moore’s on Ste. Catherine Street.” McBride and crew at Stalag Luft III They flew from many RAF Stations And this is life. including: Thorney Island, Leuchars, St. Eval, prison life and the great Abbotsinch, North Coates and Tain. Their escape The hours slip silent to eternity. first mission was flown on April 28, 1942. After a short stay in the hospital, Bob was The days stretch into weeks, the weeks to years… The crew completed 16 missions over the sent by train to Stalag Luft III, located in Time ages, yet its features do not change; next six months and Bob was commissioned Sagan, Poland. Time sweeps along on feet that never move – and promoted to Flying Officer. McBride was quickly integrated into the Feet fettered by the wires weightless bond. “X team” that planned the Great Escape. Bob played the role of a “penguin,” meaning he would carry the soil from digging With night comes sleep. elsewhere in the camp to avoid suspicion. During the escape, Bob was captured And sleep brings dreams to flaunt these and sent back to camp. Thankfully, the timeless days commander of Stalag Luft III refused to And life runs sweetly as it did before – execute McBride and the three other men Bright eyes, sweet lips, cool drinks, good food, captured and he continued to live in the soft beds – camp. A short while later, Bob and another The thousand fantasies of vanished peace Robert McBride (second from right) and his crew prisoner had the chance to steal a German Till morning light returns with hopeless hope. spring 2019 I tcs news I 7
TCS POWs in World War II the list The list at right shows the 14 Old Boys who were prisoners of war. This list was most likely created by the headmaster’s office or the Old Boys’ Association. The dates down the left side are the years the Old Boys served in the Second World War. It is important to note that Canadian soldiers brought to Oflag VII B would have been captured in the battle of Dieppe and brought directly to the camp. And, the Old Boys who were detained at Oflag 79 were most likely to have been captured in the North African Campaign and flown back to the camp in Germany. the camps The POW camps the prisoners stayed at would have been less than ideal. However, prisoners were provided with clothing, water, beds and minimal food. List of TCS POWs during World War II the pow letter regulations There were many rules and regulations for letters and parcels being sent or received by prisoners of war, set out by the Canadian government. Family members and close family friends of the prisoners were the only ones allowed to send them letters. To send a package the family would require special pink or blue tags in order for the prisoner to receive his package. All letters would be reviewed and approved by the Department of National War Services. Friends of the Archives We thank the following for their generous donations to the John D. Burns Archives at TCS: • Bill Bowen ’62: Notebook of the Pat Moss Club Special note of remembrance: On behalf of the John D. Burns Archives, we would like to express • Helen Meredith: TCS ephemera related to her father R. Clive our deep appreciation for the late Ken Scott ’43 and his service to the Meredith ’51 School’s history and archives. We are forever grateful for all of his • Heather McClure (current staff ): Photo album commemo- contributions over the years, including the memories he shared of TCS history and traditions, as well as his personal stories of World rating the retirement of Head of Junior School Barbara Piccini War II. We will always remember the special relationship he had • Nick Ketchum ’60: Diaries and correspondence belonging to with Ms. Heather McClure and her Grade 5 class, and his work to his father, Dr. Philip Ketchum, headmaster of TCS, 1933-1962 preserve the memory of TCS Old Boys who served in the war for our current students. He was a true friend of the archives and he will be • Michelle Bishop ’05 (current staff ): Antique tea cup and saucer greatly missed. 8 I spring 2019 I tcs news
ralph johnson on life at stalag luft iii… Ralph M. Johnson ’39 attended Trinity College School from 1933-1939 and went on to serve in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He was unfortunately captured by the Germans and brought to Stalag Luft III. Johnson was released from the camp in April of 1945. This is a letter he had sent to his worried parents where he mentions Bob McBride. His review of camp life is reflective of the stories, photographs and illustrations in Barris’ book about the Great Escape. Dearest Mother & Dad, Another change of camps, but I hope it will be the last. Have had quite a jaunt around the country, but am glad to be getting once more settled down. We are far better off than we were, as we have a large room for eight people, and we are now in the process of trying to make it into a home. Many Canadians are here, but most of the Montrealers are in another compound, and we do not get a chance to mix. But Bob McBride is close by, and he has been kind enough to supply me with cigarettes until my own begin to come again. Pete Roper is in the same room with me, and the other Canadians who were with me in Italy are also near by. We have no communal messing as we did in Italy, so we spend much of our time cooking meals from Red Cross food parcels. Peter has served us some exceptional dinners. We have big playing fields and are hoping to play hockey this winter. It is a well organized camp, and some of the POWs have had lots of experience. I managed to salvage one chemistry book when I left Italy (we were not allowed to bring our books and athletic equipment with us, in fact very little else), and have been working hard at it. I am also trying to do some classic reading. There is a fair library here and many facilities for study. I hope soon to be digging into an engineering course, as I have decided that a degree is essential to my post-war plan of life. I saw my first movie yesterday, since I was taken prisoner, and although it was all in German, I enjoyed it thoroughly. We also Flight Lieutenant Ralph Johnson saw a play last night which surpassed any acting I have yet seen on a Kriegie stage. Christmas is approaching, the season when there is no substitute for home, but let’s hope this one will be the last spent away from you. Our festivities are, as you can well imagine, limited, but I can foresee a far better Christmas this year than last. Best wishes for the season to you and all my friends. Best love, Ralph Researched and written by Avery Quantrill ’19 Edited and with an introduction by Renée Hillier, history teacher and archivist, John D. Burns Archives at TCS rhillier@tcs.on.ca Ralph Johnson at TCS To learn more about Peter McBride’s research, visit the Robert McBride section of the 415 Squadron Association website at www.415sqn.com/mcbride.html. You can learn more about the history of TCS by visiting the John D. Burns Archives online at www.tcs.on.ca in either the “who we are” or “alumni” sections. Memorial to the 50 POWs killed in the escape from Stalag Luft III in 1945 spring 2019 I tcs news I 9
alumni spotlight Sarah Brascoupé Funnell ’93 on many health and social issues.” Her interest in politics and its social impact was also sparked here by faculty member Chris Robert, she says. Sarah headed west to pursue a science degree, but struggled academically after her mother passed away from cancer while Sarah was a student at the University of British Columbia. Her hopes of becoming a doctor appeared to be dashed, but she did enter the health care field as an x-ray technologist, first in Vancouver and then at Stanford University. “It was there that my dream of pursuing medicine was resurrected. I worked alongside some amazing radiologists and cardiologists who, along with my husband (Scott), really encouraged me to apply to medicine.” When she didn’t get into medical school on her first try, she decided to pursue an honours degree in Canadian studies and law at Carleton. It was a watershed moment for her as a young Indig- enous woman. “I was awoken to the history of our country in a way that had never been explained to me before. This was when I found the words to describe the many instances of racism that I had experienced in my life. This was where I made the connec- tions between socioeconomic status and health.” While a student, she and her husband started their family and her drive to improve the health care experience became even more intense. “I grew to the realization that my future career in medicine was about more than me pursuing my own dreams for my own benefit. It became Pushing for change in Indigenous health care more of a calling to make Canada a better place for my children and for Indigenous people as a whole.” In 2009 Sarah was accepted into the medicine program at growing up in nearby Alderville First Nation, Sarah Brascoupé the University of Ottawa and never looked back. Now married Funnell’s first experience of TCS was competing in a public for 15 years and with three daughters – Ruby (11), Grace (10) and speaking event at the then all-boys school (where she won an Joanna (8) – Sarah wears many hats professionally. In addition to award for her dramatic reading of Edgar Allen Poe’s The Raven). being a family physician, she was named director of Indigenous The beauty of the historic campus immediately drew her in. health in the Department of Family Medicine at Queen’s University “Dead Poets Society was a huge cinematic success at that time,” last fall, at the same time becoming associate medical officer of she recalls, “and I fell in love with the School the moment I saw it.” health at Ottawa Public Health; she is co-chair of the College of She would have to wait for the School to make the transition Family Physicians of Canada’s Indigenous Health Working Group to co-education before joining the first class of girls to attend and a member of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons TCS. It was an eye-opening experience. “Growing up in a small of Canada’s Indigenous Health Advisory Committee. These First Nations community, I didn’t know many people from other roles allow her to effect change on multiple levels: she provides provinces and countries – TCS introduced me to many people primary care one day per week at Akwesasne First Nation; she from many walks of life.” The School also led her to try new is an award-winning teacher and works on curriculum through things, including sports like swimming and tennis, where she her positions with the colleges; and, she has the ability to effect had fun partnering with Arundel (Strathy) Gibson ’93. And she change at the systemic level through her public health work. became the first ever girl to represent TCS in debating when she “I see my role as a physician being to improve medical participated in the fall Fulford League debate, where she had education, push for better social conditions, address racism and the team’s highest score of the tournament. The public speaking encourage appropriate and respectful research and engagement skills she learned through debating have helped her throughout with Indigenous groups/communities,” Sarah explains. “In order her career, she notes. “As a public health specialist and a leader in Indigenous health, I am often called upon to speak publicly Continued on page 12 10 I spring 2019 I tcs news
alumni spotlight Claudia Sanchez ’07 classmates of claudia Sanchez ’07 might have imagined her pursuing a career on the stage. After all, she admits some of her best memories of the School are of her involvement in theatre, where she was a cast member in productions as varied as the musical Nunsense and the military drama A Few Good Men. “I loved how the shows would slowly come together as everyone learned their lines and we figured out the staging,” she recalls. “There really isn’t anything like opening night. We used to have these wild dance parties to pump up for the shows… I still can’t hear (the song) Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger without being right back in LeVan Hall.” Her commitment to the drama program, as well as the vocal music program, earned her Distinction in the arts as well as the Stevenson Award for Best Actor and the 1970 Trophy for Special Contribution to the Arts. But Claudia’s life at the School went well beyond the arts. Having visited her “impossibly smart and cool” older brother, Julian ’01 during his time here, she was excited to take on the rigour of a TCS education. She was a consistently outstanding academic, a Distinction recipient in community service, winner of the Tom Lawson Senior House Debate Trophy on behalf of Wright House, and in her final year was appointed a school prefect. In the classroom, she was drawn to the science curriculum, building on a foundation created by her parents: her mother studied chemistry and her father is a civil engineer. So, when she graduated she headed to New York’s Columbia Engineering a rewarding career path University to pursue her degree in civil engineering, with a concentration in structures. “I loved learning about beautiful that is effective.” She uses the example of a well-worn path, one bridges and tall buildings,” she says, which made the Big Apple that has been created by the footprints of users and shows the a perfect place to study. “I would make any family visiting walk way people truly move through a space. Good design anticipates across the Brooklyn Bridge with me to look at the skyline.” That and builds on this kind of movement. Another gratifying aspect of said, the city was a big adjustment for a girl from Cobourg, and her work is that the results are tangible. “My proudest moments classes were challenging. “Eventually, I accepted that I needed to are seeing one of my designs being built and used,” Claudia notes. ask for help in managing school and my stress. Once I did, there “The first time I got to experience it was when I was in a town- were so many people that were willing and happy to support me ship north of the city and drove down the main street that I had because they wanted me to succeed. I’ve had to learn this lesson a designed. It wasn’t a very big project, but it was still thrilling.” few more times – in life and at work – and I’m always so grateful.” And while she still loves the arts – she currently sings in a One particular course at Columbia, in transportation engi- band with several of her colleagues – she is very happy to be neering, sparked an interest and, after graduating in 2011, she working in a STEM-based career. To young women pursuing a moved into this field with her first job. Having worked and trained profession in science, technology, engineering or math, she gives at large multi-disciplinary engineering firms, she was excited this advice: “You deserve to be here and we need your voice in the to join the transportation focused BA Group as a transportation room. I would never say that it’s easy to be in a male-dominated engineer in 2016. “I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects profession, and we owe a great debt to the women that paved the of all sizes and good design always comes back to improving the way before us, but I find a lot of hope in the many ways that I’ve movement of people, whether they are travelling by cars, transit, seen women supporting other women in this field; whether it’s at or active modes of transportation,” she says. “I think one of the networking events or casual get-togethers where we remind each most important skills for a transportation engineer is the ability other of the value we bring to the table.” to anticipate how users will interact with your design. It’s the difference between a design that is technically accurate and one spring 2019 I tcs news I 11
tcs alumni association news Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Brascoupé Funnell ’93 U.K. Travel Award launched! (Continued from page 10) the tcs u.k. foundation and U.K. Branch of alumni have created a new award to support to improve the health of Indigenous people, student travel. The U.K. Travel Award benefited from a lead donation by U.K. Foundation there needs to be changes at multiple chair and TCS trustee, Geoff Cannon ’69, and his wife, Jill. Formally launched in December levels – beginning with the education and 2018, the first awards have been presented in the 2018-2019 school year to assist students training of health professionals.” Specifi- with the cost of academic or co-curricular travel to the U.K. or Europe. Initially, the new cally, she stresses the importance of health award will focus on two annual travel opportunities: the March Break Grade 10 Travel care providers understanding the colonial History/English tour of Europe and the Grade 12 English summer course at Cambridge history of Indigenous people and its impact University. Each year, the School will receive applications and designate the award based on their socioeconomic conditions, which on several factors, including financial need, good standing in the School and keenness to are connected to their health. “Racism is participate. We thank the Cannons for their lead donation, and the U.K. Branch for its ingrained in a lot of our systems and we support of this new travel award program. don’t even realize it, including the health care system. These types of efforts promote culturally safe care where Indigenous people experience health care services free of racism and discrimination – sadly, many Indigenous people continue to experience unacceptable care.” And this 1 L ead donors Jill and Geoff Cannon ’69 racism must not just be talked about on a 2 London, U.K. Pub Night in March 2019 personal level, but also as a systemic issue 3 October 2018 London, U.K. Branch Reception that is addressed at an organizational level, she adds. One key is to approach relation- ships and interactions with Indigenous people with cultural humility – this means reflecting on bias, building trust, main- taining respect, and listening and learning about others’ experiences. Of Algonquin and Tuscarora ancestry, Sarah has come to understand how fortu- nate she is to have grown up surrounded 1 2 by Indigenous culture. Her father, Simon, is a prominent First Nations artist; in fact, it was the money he received for a mural commissioned by Ottawa’s Heart Institute, funds which her mother had saved, that paid for Sarah’s TCS education. And her stepfather is a former Chief of Alderville First Nation who was an avid hunter, fisherman and gatherer of rice. “I grew up never having to pay for fresh food and wild rice. As a teenager, I didn’t realize how lucky I was to have access to traditional foods.” As she settles into her new roles with Ottawa Public Health and Queen’s University, Sarah reflects that, while her path to becoming a doctor and a voice for Indigenous people within the health care community was not a straightforward one, she is richer for the many bends in the road. 3 12 I spring 2019 I tcs news
YOUTUBE LOGO SPECS Stay ConnectedPRINT www. tcs.on.ca standard Visit the Alumni on light backgrounds section for news, events and links to on dark backgrounds as the Alumni Directory. And don’t forget to services suchstandard check out Headmaster Stuart Grainger’s weekly blog at with TCS Alumni Online! main red gradient bottom PMS 1795C PMS 1815C C0 M96 Y90 K2 C13 M96 Y81 K54 www.tcs.on.ca/headlines white WHITE C0 M0 Y0 K0 black BLACK C100 M100 Y100 K100 no gradients “Like” us at our main page: www.facebook.com/TCSBears and no gradients the alumni page: www.facebook.com/TrinityCollegeSchool watermark Join us at www.linkedin.com/school/Trinity-College-School watermark Follow us at www.twitter.com/TCSBears stacked logo (for sharing only) stacked logo (for sharing only) Watch us at www.youtube.com/TCSBears Pin our photos at www.pinterest.com/TCSBears Share our images at www.instagram.com/TCSBears Or follow our *new* TCS alumni account, www.instagram.com/TCSBearsAlumni Look What We Have “In Store” For You! Our online TCS Merchandise Store offers athletic apparel, classic house t-shirts, school ties, 150th anniversary history books and other great gift ideas! Visit us today at trinity-college-school.myshopify.com Or click on the shopping cart icon on our website at www.tcs.on.ca spring 2019 I tcs news I 13
photo gallery Alumni Events Around the World Alumni Games January 18 to 19, TCS welcomed dozens of alumni and guests to campus for a weekend of fun sporting events, culminating with the 11th Annual Collin Cureatz ’02 Memorial Shinny Tournament. This much-anticipated event raises funds for the bursary in Collin’s name, while uniting family, friends and fellow alumni through the game he loved. Old Boys vs Bigside Basketball TCS Squash Tournament with, from left: Headmaster Grainger, Thomas Blecher ’14 (winner), David Pitcairn ’20 (runner-up) and squash coach Sasha Vojnov Clockwise from top left: Vancouver Branch Reception (September) Halifax Alumni Social (October) Antigonish Alumni Social (October) Boston Branch Reception (October) Faculty member Blair Keiser ’90 receives the Collin Germany Alumni Reception (October) Cureatz ’02 Memorial Shinny Tournament trophy, on Bermuda Branch Reception (January) behalf of the Poppa Bears, from Rick Traugott, manager of alumni programs Cayman Branch Reception (January) London, Ontario Alumni Social (March) 14 I spring 2019 I tcs news
Why not consider TCS for your child? Last fall, the children of eight alumni began their TCS journey. 91% of alumni say that they were satisfied with their overall TCS experience 89% of alumni believe that TCS cared about them as a student Bursary and scholarship opportunities available. tcs.on.ca/ReadyForMore >
Kenneth A.C. Scott ’43 july 15, 1924 – march 20, 2019 her classes, visiting with them often and even surprising them with a Christmas party. In 2008, the Junior School produced a Remembrance Day play that honoured the life of Andrew Duncan and Ken spoke movingly about his cousin, his war memories and the importance of working towards peace. This past November, knowing Ken would be unable to attend Remembrance Day at the School, the Grade 5 students placed poppies around the white cross bearing Andrew Duncan’s name. Outside of TCS, Ken was a committed supporter of the Navy In March, the School learned of the passing of a truly devoted Old League and Sea Cadets, and was chair of the Navy Centennial Committee for Boy, Ken Scott ’43. An honorary trustee and year chair, in 2018 Northumberland. He was an active Ken was presented with one of the School’s highest honours, the member of Probus and other business Colin T. Brown ’75 Leadership Medal, in recognition of his service and charitable organizations. When he moved to nearby Rose Glen Village to the School. residence, he maintained his connection with the School, including providing Born in India, Ken grew up in England who had already headed overseas and stories for the 150th anniversary history and was attending Repton when the was serving with the Grenadier Guards. book project and serving as honorary war forced his evacuation to Canada. Joining the Royal Canadian Navy, Ken captain of the 150th anniversary cricket He came to TCS in 1940, along with started his training at Cornwallis, match between Upper Canada College his brother, Colin Scott ’45, and cousin, graduating as a Sub Lieutenant. He later and TCS. In November 2017, Ken moved Andrew Duncan ’42. As a war guest, Ken served on the HMCS Crescent, where to a retirement residence in Goderich, embraced all facets of life at the School he wrote to Headmaster Philip Ketchum closer to his family. The Junior School on the Hill. He was a gifted athlete who of his crewmates, Old Boys Jim Parr ’41 hosted a special chapel service to mark was captain and earned First Team and D.M. “Bim” Waters ’39. In 1945, Ken this occasion, paying tribute to Ken and Colours in soccer, and was a co-captain was devastated to learn of Andrew’s his contributions to the School. of the Little Big Four championship death, at the age of 20, on Good Friday Ken has left a legacy at the School on cricket team, earning Colours and a at Aalten, Netherlands. the Hill that will live on in future genera- Distinction Cap. Ken was awarded the Following the war, Ken returned to tions of students, particularly through his trophy as best batsman and, as noted in Canada, graduating from McGill Univer- devotion to preserving and sharing our The Record: “R.W.V. Robins, the noted sity and shortly thereafter meeting his school history. We will miss him greatly. English Test Match Captain and Player, wife of 47 years, Caroyl. Ken enjoyed Our thoughts are with Ken’s children, called Scott one of the best school boy a long and successful career with Nancy Zurbrigg (Gil), Michael Scott bats he had seen.” Ken sang in the choir Dominion Life in Kitchener. In 1997, (Arden), Susan Good (Brian) and Jamie and served as head sacristan; he played he moved back to Port Hope, a return Scott (Heather), and his grandchildren, Captain Corcoran in a production of that benefited the School greatly. Ken Terri Zurbrigg (Michael), Sandra Castle H.M.S. Pinafore, was an assistant on attended Remembrance Day services, (Shane), Jennifer Good, Cameron Scott The Record and, in his graduating year, providing students with a direct and and Phaedra Scott. We also send sympa- was named a prefect of the School. personal link to Canada’s war history. thies to Ken’s godson, John Wheeler ’72, Ken was eager to do his part for the He developed a special relationship with son of the late Alden Wheeler ’43. war effort, following his cousin Andrew, Grade 5 teacher Heather McClure and Beati Mundo Corde 34 I spring 2019 I tcs news
John Dumaresq de Pencier ’49 may 5, 1930 – december 18, 2018 the PM; no such mistake today, Blest Are those two imposters – triumph and the Pure in Heart was a fixture, and there disaster – in an even-handed way, but he could be no better epitaph for dad than was so patient of the latter and rejoiced “Beati Mundo Corde.” so much in the former that I can never My earliest recollections of Dad were forget his characteristic open smile and around allowance where he wrote out laughter when something went well. And each of mine, Jose’s, Jan’s and Michelle’s by well, this meant finishing in the top amount on cardboard. Amounts were half of the class not the bottom, passing measured in nickels, dimes, and the my driver’s test on the third go, or finally E.P. Taylor amount of a quarter which I figuring out how to play the bagpiper’s never quite imagined I’d get. Cardboard dreaded movement of the taorluath. was also used for a far less pleasant Dad loved the pipes and if not for memory, that of learning times tables. him I’d never have taken them up. He Poor Dad. Somewhere along the way he bought me my first practice chanter drew the conclusion that he had to drill and indeed pipes themselves, a magical his untalented son in the fundamentals Christmas present and it would be harder to imagine who was the happier, In December 2018, Trinity of arithmetic. This was but a prelude to presenting he or me. College School learned of the Simply put, it took very little to him with some fairly disgraceful report passing of one of its most cards, a bracing tonic with no euphemism please dad. Dad was preternaturally good dedicated Old Boys, John de whatsoever: some bon mots included: “Grammar slides off of Adam like water tempered. Pencier ’49. Former chair of the I hardly even saw him become angry off a duck,” “knows nothing, cares less,” TCS Board of Governors, John and “Adam is incapable of rational – ever, and he had more than enough reason to be. I never heard him swear; served as a trustee and, most thought”; this last one even got my atten- once, anytime, anywhere. recently, honorary trustee of tion, as even I could surmise that the total However, I now grasp that dad’s lack of any rational faculty would not be the School. conducive to enjoying the holidays. outward good disposition and character was not always matched by a requisite And I didn’t really want to test dad’s His son, Adam de Pencier ’78, equanimity. Yes, he seldom brooded, patience any more than I already had; former dean of faculty at and I think always slept well. But being or my mother’s; if Dad was the salt of a husband, father of four, and managing TCS and past head of four the earth, Mum was the pepper. a busy business and service career At all events, I accrued said different North American certainly carried a strain. It has taken reportage by the end of Grade 6, and the independent schools, spoke me a long time to grasp just how much next fall presented my credentials to pressure he was actually under, and how at John’s memorial service. TCS where my father endured several he worried on all our behalves. Below is an expanded version more years of these ripostes, and then In Dad’s case this concern was some. Dad was very proud of his TCS of that tribute. refracted into practical plans of action association, and as board chair steered to help us remedy whatever the problem the School through several changes, was. He never enabled us, but he was Four years ago, when we had mom’s including the building of Burns House. ready to recommend a strategy for funeral I was aghast to realize that Both he and the head of the day, Angus deployment, and if the cost of this was somehow Praise My Soul the King of Scott, saw that co-education should be a mortified teenaged response, well, he Heaven made it on to the program; no in the School’s future given the nature had already accounted for that and was one would dispute that it’s a lovely of the contemporary classroom and prepared accordingly. piece, but it has the doubtful associa- changing views on boarding. However, Dad was graceful; a natty dresser, a tion of being the school hymn of Upper Dad also grasped the community wasn’t neat trim figure, the proverbial tall dark, Canada College, and therefore as there yet, but ever the strategist he was and handsome. appropriate at a service involving my instrumental in bringing Rodger Wright He loved, along with brother Michael, father as, say, Jeremy Corbyn showing to the School as Angus’ successor, thus watching Wayne Gretzky play hockey up on Christmas morning at #10 to go a ushering in a bright, fresh new era. wassailing over a glass of the nog with Dad treated what Kipling called Continued on page 36 spring 2019 I tcs news I 35
Tribute: John Dumaresq de Pencier ’49 (Continued from page 35) because “The Great One” was grace personified. Ditto for On behalf of the TCS community, our deepest condolences go Jean Beliveau; Dad told me that the Canadiens’ captain was a to John’s family, including his children Joseph (Veronica Nunn), gentleman who happened to play hockey. Jan (Geoffrey Seaborn), Adam ’78 (Jane LaMantia) and Michèle Dad bestowed grace on others, and that was his genius. Grace, (Michael Eastmure), his brother Michael de Pencier ’53 (Honor), his if I understand it, is a gift from God that he wants us to have, grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Part of a three-generation TCS whether we deserve it or not, and usually we don’t. So throughout legacy family, John’s father Joseph was a member of the class of 1916 Dad’s entire life, he was endlessly generous of his time, his and, most recently, his nephews Christopher Rodgers ’79 and Mark de energy, his talent, to help others. From TCS to Trent University Pencier ’89 graduated from the School, as did Adam and Jane’s niece, to the some dozen organizations he championed. Dad’s grace was Ava Grier ’16. A fourth generation will arrive at TCS in September when his art. And art does not come easy. Our family was the canvas he Mark’s daughter, Jasmine de Pencier ’23, joins the School. loved best, and it’s we who are his greatest beneficiaries. Beati Mundo Corde milestones Deaths Adam, G. Stuart ’58 on December 26, Giffen, Aileen “Mike” on December 2, Mitchell, Douglas Robert Stratton, James B. ’61 on January 21, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario. 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. Mother of Maclaine ’83 on October 23, 2018 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. Son of the James Giffen ’83. in Devonshire, Bermuda. Son of Iain late Wilfrid Stratton ’13. Nephew of Atyeo, Kelly Marie on March 5, 2019 Mitchell ’56. Nephew of Douglas C. the late James Stratton ’26. in Toronto, Ontario. Daughter of Holton, William Ellsworth ’58 Mitchell ’56. Richard Atyeo ’73. on November 12, 2018 in Ancaster, Tanner, W.H. Reginald ’47 on Ontario. Son of the late William Nobbs, Peter Francis ’60 on March 22, 2019 in Calgary, Alberta. Baker, Melissa on January 20, 2019 Holton ’32. Nephew of the late Luther October 23, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. in Barrie, Ontario. Mother of Mark Holton ’41. Brother of Alen Holton ’67. Thom, A. David ’61 in October 2018 Son of the late Francis J. Hobbs ’29. Baker ’82. in Victoria, BC. Uncle of Christopher Holton ’05. Paterson, Blair R.B. ’44 on Beeson, John David on January 14, Hubicki, Amy Dorothy Eva on Thompson, Nigel Firbank ’49 December 7, 2018 in Nerja, Spain. on March 21, 2019 in Qualicum 2019 in Cobourg, Ontario. Grandfather November 20, 2018 in Cobourg, Brother of Norman Paterson ’43, Beach, BC. Brother of the late James of Alex Beeson ’10, Katy Beeson ’14, Ontario. Mother of Michael Hubicki ’80. and the late Hugh Paterson ’43 and Thompson ’42. Juliana Beeson ’15 and Max Beeson ’17. Grandmother of Hannah Hubicki ’11. Christopher Paterson ’45. Uncle of Irwin, Stephen Van Egmond ’56 on Norman Paterson ’77 and Douglas Turcot, Peter A. ’43 on October 29, Board, John Anthony ’53 on Paterson ’78. 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. Brother of December 2, 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. March 5, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. C.S. Elliott Turcot ’39 and the late Father of Simon Board ’86. Father of Julian Irwin ’97. Payne, Mary (McDerment) on April John P. Turcot ’38. Uncle of John Jamieson, John B. ’59 on August 4, 21, 2018 in Mexico City. Wife of the Turcot ’67. Bowen, Walter M. on March 12, 2019 late Gordon Payne ’47. Sister of the in Toronto, Ontario. Father of Staunton 2018 in Brookline, Massachusetts. late Robert McDerment ’52. Mother Vallance, George Victor ’48 on Bowen ’93. Joyner, L. Mackenzie on January 18, of Christopher Payne ’80 and Robert February 11, 2019 in Burlington, 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. Father of Payne ’77. Grandmother of Robert Ontario. Brother of the late John Bruce, Stuart B. ’48 on December 26, Geoffrey Joyner ’77. Payne ’08. Vallance ’39. 2018 in London, Ontario. Lake, Claudette Marie Lisette on Pidgeon, Edward L. ’60 on February 8, Wallace, Michael John on Callum, Norma Jean on November 11, March 1, 2019 in Victoria, Ontario. 2019. November 27, 2018. Brother-in-law 2018 in Toronto, Ontario. Mother of Mother of Scott Lake ’87. of Clive Grandfield ’73 and the late N. John Callum ’63 and Bruce Callum ’67. Sayers, Roger on February 8, 2019 Bruce Grandfield ’70. Michael was, for Livingstone, David ’47 on December in Fort Myers, Florida. Father of Peter many years, our TCS photographer, and Clifford, Ann on December 12, 2018 17, 2017 in Ottawa, Ontario. Sayers ’75 and the late Clinton Sayers will be well remembered for taking the in London, Ontario. Mother of Jake Martin, Douglas Ross ’63 on ’80. full school portrait each spring. Clifford ’92. December 31, 2018 in Calgary, Alberta. Scott, Kenneth A.C. ’43 on March 20, Costello, Jacqueline on January 26, Waters, William “Bill” Ernest ’46 Maynard, Lady Zoe on December 10, 2019 in Goderich, Ontario. See tribute on March 18, 2019 in Williamsville, 2019 in Hamilton, Ontario. Mother 2018 in Nassau, Bahamas. Mother on page 34. New York. of Joseph Costello ’97 and Daniel Costello ’93. of David Maynard ’81 and Clement Scott, Kenneth G. ’58 on January 6, Wells, Bruce G. ’56 on November 19, Maynard ’86. Grandmother of 2019 in Switzerland. Brother of Charles 2018 in Toronto. Father of Thomas De La Cour, John ’56 on November 17, Christopher Maynard ’91, Julian Scott ’54. Wells ’85. 2018 in Warkworth, Ontario. Maynard ’92, Jason Maynard ’94, Joseph Maynard ’95, Justin Maynard Scott, Lily Hudoneil on February 19, Wilder, William Price on March 23, de Pencier, John Dumaresq ’49 ’97 and Tatyanna Maynard ’16. 2019 in Orangeville, Ontario. Mother 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. Father of on December 18, 2018 in Toronto, of Hugh Scott ’82. William Wilder ’75. Ontario. See tribute on page 35. McLaren, William Stewart Cunliffe ’51 on January 30, 2019 in Spaidal, Silvia Naismith on February 1, Wilson, Michael H. on February 10, Dillon, Murray Clifford on December Kingston, Ontario. Son of the late 2019. Mother of Joseph Naismith ’71 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. Father of the 16, 2018. Father of Thomas Dillon ’88. Henry McLaren ’22. and David Spaidal ’80. late Cameron Wilson ’85. Frew, Bonnie on April 7, 2019 in Melloy, Stanley Frank on February 7, Stirling, David on March 11, 2019 in Winfield, Barbara Ann on March 26, Peterborough, Ontario. Mother of J.B. 2019 in Toronto, Ontario. Father of Toronto, Ontario. Brother of Alison 2019 in Port Hope, Ontario. Mother of Lee Frew ’96. David Melloy ’71. Stirling ’02. Scott Winfield ’94. 36 I spring 2019 I tcs news
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