From Student to Mentor: Steve King’s Enduring Bond with GNS

One of Steve King’s most vivid memories from his time at GNS was in 1986, a pivotal year marked by the amalgamation of Glenlyon and Norfolk House. At the time, he was about to enter Grade 6, and his parents were considering a switch to another school. Steve had already been accepted to that school, but in the middle of the night, he woke up with a strong feeling that it wasn’t the right fit for him.

His parents, valuing his intuition, decided to honour his decision and he stayed at GNS. Steve is a GNS lifer and alumnus. He began his educational journey at Glenlyon Preparatory School in Grade 1 and graduated from GNS in 1994.

Reflecting on his Junior School years at Glenlyon, Steve reminisced about the Beach Drive Campus, describing it as a magical place that remains special to him to this day. He fondly remembers being bussed up to the Senior School to see the construction of the Gudewill building, a significant event for the Junior School students at that time.

He also recalled the annual Seaside Fair, a beloved community event that connected the school with the surrounding neighbourhood.

In those days at the Junior School there was an after school program that all students participated in. “We had a neat program back then that Stuart Brambley will remember. It was called Extra Learning Opportunities (ELO) and you had to sign up twice a week.”

The ELO program offered a wide range of activities beyond sports—activities like weaving, orienteering, sailing, drama and art. These opportunities allowed every student to explore personal interests and passions, which provided an excellent complement to their academic education. 

In addition, every student had to participate in the school track meet and swim meet, even if they weren’t comfortable with the activities. For example, Steve once ran scores on the deck during a swim meet because he wasn’t comfortable in the water.

“Mr. Auld would also say, every kid knows how to run. It doesn’t matter how fast you run but that you run. So, anyone could be a participant at the school track meet as well,” said Steve.  

After GNS, Steve attended Western University in London, Ontario. After spending a year there, he returned to Victoria to attend the University of Victoria. After completing a couple of school years at UVic, he was fortunate to enter dental school at UBC a year early. 

Knowing he was headed towards a healthcare career, he focused on science during his undergrad. 

When asked if anything from his time at GNS contributed to his career path, Steve credited his excellent high school science teachers, like Margaret McCullough and Rick Calderwood for nurturing his interest in the field. 

Former Senior School Vice Principal Harvey Thorau inspired his current involvement with GNS. After staying in touch throughout his post-secondary education, Steve reached out to Harvey upon returning to Victoria and expressed his desire to help out. Initially envisioning a casual involvement, Steve soon found himself immersed in coaching basketball, leading to a journey spanning 23 years. 

“One thing led to another, and I’m on the bus and on road trips, and then one year in 2001/02 turned into 23 years in 2023/24,” he said. 

His close partnership with Harvey was an effortless collaboration and has been an impactful part of his involvement as a coach.

Steve loves to mentor young student-athletes, finding their achievements inspiring and feeling he gained as much from the experience as they did. He also helps with the golf program, applying the same philosophy that the lessons learned through sports extend far beyond the field and into their future lives.

“What Harvey and I did and what I continue to try to do, exceeds the wins and losses, which are just a part of it. We certainly like the wins because they indicate that the student-athletes are succeeding in the roles they’ve set out for themselves. However, what they learn in the process is the real reason we do it. This focus on learning sets us apart from other athletic programs and makes the victories even more special.”

Steve said it was a natural choice for him and his wife to send their daughter to GNS. His passion for the school played a big part, and although Steve’s wife had a great education elsewhere, she understood Steve’s connection to GNS, and they were grateful when their daughter was accepted. 

“What resonates most is the sense of family here. Each child is truly known, their individuality nurtured and accepted.”  

Steve believes that community involvement is crucial for success. “We’re always looking forward and focusing on where we want to go, ensuring our goals are clear and everyone is on board,” he said. 

He holds a deep appreciation for the faculty, whether they are on the academic or administrative side of the institution. “It takes a lot to run a community like this.” He also values the diversity of expertise and the sense of accountability that permeates GNS. “We’re proud of our individual as well as our group accountability,” he added.