This year we welcomed seven new girls to our boarding family, who arrived on a very hot Australia Day for their orientation. They were warmly greeted by their buddies and our Boarding House Captains, Mimi and Bea.
Our Captains prepared beautiful welcome packs, complete with the ever-popular Jellycat as a special surprise. The new girls have settled in wonderfully and taken to boarding with confidence and enthusiasm. They have been supported by the entire house, especially their buddies, Big Sisters and House Leadership Team.
Returning boarders were delighted to discover the complete refurbishment of the 23 Corridor. With new bedroom furniture, fresh carpet, built-in wardrobes and gorgeous artwork and furnishings, the transformation was met with plenty of excitement and positive feedback.
The first two weeks have been full of connection and activity. Our new girls enjoyed ten-pin bowling and arcade games with their buddies, along with a city orientation led by their Big Sisters, where they explored key locations, completed fun challenges and enjoyed a few edible treats along the way.
Thursday Family Dinners have also begun, with activities designed to help each boarding family get to know one another. Led by our House Captains and Big Sisters, families decorated photo boards featuring all their members, strengthening that important sense of belonging.
Our first weekend in was just as lively. The younger girls enjoyed a pamper night with face masks, Cold Rock ice cream and a movie, while Saturday evening saw enthusiastic rounds of bingo with mystery prizes that were a big hit. It has been wonderful to see camaraderie already forming across the house, with shared activities playing such an important role.
A highlight of the social calendar, the Year 11 and 12 Formal, took place on a very warm first Friday. We enjoyed traditional drinks and canapés with parents before group photographs were taken. The excitement and joy surrounding this event made for a memorable start to the year. While the girls attended the formal, parents enjoyed dinner together at the Kent Town Hotel, making it a special evening for all.
Last weekend was equally busy, with many girls attending a pool party at Pembroke, followed by a whole-house trip to Middleton Beach for a beach day and learn-to-surf session. A picnic lunch, plenty of singing and a generous amount of lollies made for a joyful day out.
Despite the full schedule, we have also settled comfortably into our regular routines of Preptime, Sport, Techtime hand-ups and daily house life. With a non-compulsory exeat this weekend, the girls will have a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge after such a busy and positive start to the year.
