New School Year Opens

Ms. McDonald then asked for a show of hands on who was feeling a variety of emotions, finally asking how many put up their hands more than once.

“We are all going to have lots of emotions,” she said. “We can be happy and sad at the same time, excited and nervous at the same time. That’s normal. Over the course of the year, you’re going to have your ups and downs. We just hope that most of your days are more on the upside than the downside.”

She also reminded students of the most important of rules to follow this year – do your best and be kind.

Classes then got under way after two full days of orientation and preparation for new and returning students.

The school welcomed 309 students during opening week. Of these, 222 are full-time, seven-day boarders. Canadian and American students make up 65% of our student body. In all, our international students represent 22 different countries. Our girl/boy ratio is almost exactly 50/50!

New students arrived on Wednesday and, after taking care of registration and moving into their residences, participated in orientation field games in the afternoon, followed by house meetings and activities in the evening.

Returning students arrived on Thursday, with more ice-breaker activities in the afternoon. Thursday concluded with games in and outside the student centre. Activities continue through the weekend, including an opening dance.