An action-packed in weekend for the Hazlegrove boarders

What a fabulous start to the boarding year...

On Saturday afternoon, the girls played their first hockey match of the year whilst the boys enjoyed a myriad of activities on offer, around the school. Smoke was seen floating above the woods as children made fires and dens, and the DT was abuzz with children making Angry Birds Catapults! The swimming pool was a hot spot too.

The Boarders’ Common Room has been a focal point with Mr and Mrs Forbes organising wall art for the main wall – each and every member of the boarding community has designed a picture or quote about boarding in a framed sticker which will make up a collage of sorts. Banksy beware!

Supper was a real treat: we enjoyed a BBQ but not just any BBQ – one that was run by our Year 8s. The children cooked all of the food for the boarders and staff. It was delicious. And the weather improved too. We were clearly rewarded for our determination.

Sunday breakfast was scrumptious. One of our new boarders said, “This is the BEST breakfast I’ve ever had”. (I agree!) This was followed by Chapel, run by Mr Shaw. It was truly inspiring and has set the bar very high for following sermons. After letter writing, the children were spoilt for choice. Mr White, in his first weekend, manned the pit lane as the go-karts raced around the track; cookies were being baked; an off road bike safari was seen whizzing by and the sports hall was full of children taking part in Gymboree. And those who opted for old school games, played a game of stool ball on the Bastion.

After refuelling on roast beef, the children took to completing Mr O’Neill’s The Knowledge quiz game all about getting to know Hazlegrove better. The Year 8s went on a 6 mile walk, exploring the beautiful Somerset countryside while the others enjoyed go-karting, football, boomerang throwing, magic ball, swimming and art. Those who didn’t get their full dose of woodland smoke, returned for damper bread making!

Special mention must be made of the new children and staff who have joined us this week – they have all settled in so well and already feel part of the family!

What a terrific weekend; it all bodes well for a most enjoyable and happy year ahead.

Regan Schreiber

Click here to see the photos from the boarders' in weekend in Flickr