BOARDERS Celebrating re-union after the pandemic

The Boarding Viewpoint

Despite the pandemic still very much upon us at the start of the scholastic year, a wonderful new group of boarders arrived in the boarding house. This multicultural group, made up of seven different nationalities between them, joined the community and settled in nicely together with the returnees from the previous year.

With each passing year, it becomes more apparent that most boarders tend to prefer to focus on their studies rather than do anything leisurely. Despite it being largely important concentrate on their schoolwork it is also important for the boarders to have an activity where they can take a mental break, and also bond as a group.

We started the year off with the annual icebreaker activity. This fun activity allows the boarders to learn more about one another – old and new - and for me to get to know everyone on a more personal level. There were lots of laughs and fantastic food cooked by our boarding chef, Mr Shaun Cefai.

This year we managed to organize an activity outside of college for the boarders. Unfortunately, this had not been a possibility over the previous two years. Together with their supervisor, they all enjoyed an afternoon bowling, some shopping, and a tasty dinner at the popular, Planet Hollywood Malta.

As Halloween came around, the boarders got to enjoy, or should I say – conquer – a paranormal ghost tour of the college. It is well known that the College has a substantial history, and this certainly shone through during their spooky evening with Ramon, paranormal expert, and member of the knights templars of Malta! Furthermore, they designed and carved some fantastic pumpkins to mark the occasion.

The first term of college flew by, and it was December before you could say Bah Humbug! And with that, the boarders erected the St Edward’s tree. They also baked and decorated gingerbread men. Yum!

The second term naturally comes with some anxieties due to the mid-term examinations taking place. With this, the boarders are often sparse, closed away studying in their rooms respectively. I was delighted to find out that one fine day a small group took themselves to the College bastions to watch the sunrise over Malta’s skyline, before resuming their studies.

As the evenings get brighter and the weather improve, the bastions are also the perfect location for a sunset bonfire. And that’s just what we did! By the end of the evening there were marshmallows coming out of their ears. In the figurative sense that is.

It has been another challenging year, but we triumphed as we do year in and year out! Once again, we say goodbye to our year 13 boarders as they head off on their next big venture. Wishing them all the best on the new opportunities and achievements to come.

Boarders

Boarders