The Harper Legacy @ LCC

harperIndependent schools are nurtured and supported by many different groups: current students, parents, alumni, faculty, staff, board members, volunteers and members of the local community. However, one of the most important constituent groups is legacy families whose contribution over several generations is one of the strongest ties that bind us together. Perhaps the most notable legacy family at LCC is the Harper family who were recognized at our school assembly yesterday for decades of support and involvement at LCC.

The patriarch of the Harper family was Ralph Harper. He, graduated from LCC in 1947 and eventually sent all five of his sons to the school. Mr. Harper was a Board member and eventually rose to become Chairman of the Board, overseeing a major capital campaign that built our Junior School. Harper House was named after him with the re-launch of the House system in 2002.

Yesterday, at our school assembly we celebrated the contributions of Ralph’s eldest son, Gary Harper from the class of 1973. Gary picked up where his father left off, and within a decade of graduating from LCC, he was active as an alumnus volunteer. Since the early 1980s, Gary Harper has been a selfless volunteer for our school – a true leader. He worked as a fundraiser on two major capital campaigns, chairing the recent initiative that built the new arena/athletic complex in 2008.

Gary was a member of the Board of Governors for a decade, from 1994-2004 and like his father, Chairman of the Board during his final term. Gary also sent his four children to LCC, with the youngest graduating in 2007. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Gary’s photo is being placed beside his father’s in our historic dining hall, so that all will know that Harper House is named after these two dedicated community builders. Also in attendance at the assembly were Gary’s mother, his wife, three of his four brothers and his four children.

Gary Harper and the extended Harper family live and breath LCC’s ethos of Non Nobis Solum – Not for Ourselves Alone. We are fortunate to have in our midst legacy families such as the Harpers for they bring us strength, dedication and continuity.—Chris Shannon, Headmaster

Community Pride

CommunitySpiritI was recently at an education conference in New York City and had the opportunity to meet with two LCC graduates from the class of 1982. Along with two other classmates, two years ago they initiated a significant fundraising drive with members of their graduating class for the creation of an endowed student bursary at LCC. These men are supportive of our programs and vision for the future and feel proud that their donations to LCC will have a significant impact on future students. After two years they have gathered close to $200,000, with an objective of raising a total of $400,000 so an endowed bursary will cover the cost of a full tuition forever. As the first class to band together to initiate such a bursary at LCC, these gentlemen are now challenging all graduating classes to match them—to create more endowed bursaries that will pave the way for students of merit from all walks of life to come to LCC. It was so great to meet with them and feel their excitement and desire to give back to their school. When they asked me to present a short update on life at LCC, one story immediately came to mind—Haiti relief.

I explained that last week we decided to dedicate our monthly free dress day funds to Haiti relief—usually an amount of about $800. Noting the extreme devastation of the earthquake and its terrible aftermath on people in Haiti, students were urged by administrators, teachers and peers to dig deeper into their pockets, to demonstrate true compassion and care in a special way beyond our borders. I had confidence in our student and staff response, but I was truly shocked by the outpouring of concern demonstrated. Parents even got into the mix with several individuals offering to match funds raised by specific groups in the school. Across the school everyone dug deeply into their pockets, raising an astonishing $18,000 for the people of Haiti. Moreover, student leaders have not stopped and continue to discuss ways to support the relief initiatives even further.

So it warms my heart to know that a deep spirit of generosity and empathy is alive at LCC. I am so proud of our community!

Non Nobis Solum,
Christopher Shannon, Headmaster

Heroic Tales of War Come to Life

VeteranBlog_13Nov2009Grade 6 students were honoured to welcome two World War II veterans, Mr. Alan Canavan ’39 and Dr. Peter Roper, to their classrooms during Remembrance Week. Their contributions to our curriculum have enriched the children’s experiences in a way no textbook ever could.

VeteranBlog2_13Nov2009Mr. Alan Canavan, an LCC “old boy,” has been sharing his war-time stories with LCC grade 6 students for many years. He selflessly devotes his time to educate youngsters with his first-hand experiences. Mr. Canavan held his audience captive as he regaled the children with his exploits in Europe. He also took the time to reinforce the need to immortalize the fallen with the continued support of the memorials in Vimy Ridge and Juno Beach. Mr. Canavan has become an integral part of our Remembrance Day observances. His presence is greatly appreciated.

Dr. Peter Roper’s recount of his experiences in the Air Force resulted in wide-eyed curiosity and thoughtful questioning by his audience. Having been shot down at the young age of 18, he was first rescued by a French farmer then later captured by the Germans. After spending two months in a prisoner-of-war camp, he managed a daring escape with the aid of a young boy who hid him in a straw-filled cart. You can well imagine the children’s interest when they learned that this same cart had to make it past enemy sentries!
Part of the grade 6 curriculum allows the students to explore the meaning of the word “hero.” Without a doubt, these two brave warriors, Mr. Alan Canavan and Dr. Peter Roper, definitely classify in the eyes of our youngsters.

— Belinda Rother, Grade 6 Language Arts and Social Studies

Boyle – An Inspiration to Young Scientists

LCC_WillardBoyle_BlogMany schools can boast producing Rhodes Scholars or Olympic athletes. But it is not often that a school has the distinction of including a Nobel laureate among the ranks of its alumni.

It’s incredible to think that someone who was once in my place, studying in the same classrooms as I am right now, could go on to make such an impact on our everyday lives. Willard Boyle, LCC’s first Nobel Prize winner, is certainly an inspiration and an indication of the immeasurable possibilities awaiting each of us in our future.

This all just solidifies in my mind the strength of the education that LCC offers its students. In my six years at the school, I have realized the wealth of opportunities available to foster curiosity and creativity, leaving me feeling prepared for life “after LCC.”  One never knows what the future holds, but it never hurts to hope that I will someday follow Willard Boyle’s example and do my school proud. 

FraserBlog_Boyle

 

— Jordy Fraser ’09 (Pre-U ’10)

LCC Alumnus Awarded Nobel Prize in Physics

WillardBoyleThe Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced today that LCC’s Willard Boyle ’41 has been awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his work in developing the sensor used in digital cameras. Dr. Boyle shares this award with George E. Smith & Charles Kao.

LCC is fortunate to count Dr. Boyle among its alumni.and is an inspiration to young scientists.

Congratulations!

Read more.

Montreal Gazette article:  October 7, 2009