It has been a week now since the first of the new boarders arrived here at St Mary’s Hall and I thought that it is time to write to you all and let you know a little about what they have been up to in their time with us so far.  They are a fantastic group of children, who have settled down quickly and are already showing their friendly, caring natures, and Mark and I feel very privileged to be looking after them.

As I sit here, in the boarding office, I can hear the sound of the children playing in afternoon rec, and, seeing them happily running about together in the greenery of the playground (yes, it’s not raining, and they’re all outside!), it is hard to imagine that they are the same slightly nervous young people who walked together into the Centeneries Theatre for their first meeting such a short time ago.

There were, it is true, a few tears over the first couple of nights, as children missed their parents and familiar routines, but I can genuinely say that it has been a very happy and busy week for this boarding family, and that tears tend to come only in the first few evenings.  We are lucky to have a great boarding team of Gap Tutors who have supported them, cared for them and helped them to feel at home quickly.  Mark and I believe that being able to make contact with parents and family is also very important, and have seen that most children settle down quickly and happily to sleep after a chat with those at home, even if they seemed rather homesick earlier in the evening.

The first day was very busy meeting new friends, as returning boarders joined the boarding community.  We enjoyed a lovely walk down to the Hodder River  and went for a swim in the afternoon.  We also chose our evening activities and had some time in the ICT suite, being issued with new e-mail addresses and learning how to send messages home.  In the evening we were given our first tuck allocation which is always popular, and watched a movie together in the boys’ sitting room.

Thursday was again busy with lots of new things to learn about as children joined their classes and experienced their first proper day of school work.  Again, despite a few anxieties about some delays in uniform arriving from being labelled at the sewing room (it is all back and labelled now!) it was a happy and interesting day for our new people.  We began our programme of after school activities and, following cereals and prayers, the children could enjoy a game of football in the sports hall, some creative picture making, relaxing in the dormitories and sitting rooms, or some time in the ICT suite e-mailing home.

As we all got to know each other a little better, feelings of anxiety and homesickness changed to excitement and anticipation of each new day.  We had a great weekend.  The older boys started off a little tired from their rugby practice on Saturday afternoon but Saturday gave the opportunity for free time and a choice of boys’ or girls’ evening movies with tuck.  The girls all disappeared up to their sitting room to sit together wrapped in duvets and munching chocolate as they watched their soppy film, while the boys all roared with laughter downstairs at A Night at the Museum! There were also the usual activities which were still on offer to those not wishing to veg out.

Sunday was particularly enjoyed by the sleepy heads, as we had a lie in before breakfast and those who wanted to stay in pyjamas to eat, were allowed to do so.  After Mass, we had one of Mr Winkley’s superb roast dinners, served to the children by the staff all seated together around one big table.  This really brought home a sense of family coming together.  At two o’clock we all set off towards Preston, where we had a fantastic time at the Bowling Alley, really getting to know each other as different age groups mixed for some bowling fun.

I am sure you’ll agree we have had a busy and fun-packed time.  The children began their new academic week with a real sense of anticipation and enjoyment.  We will keep you regularly updated about the main events in their boarding lives.

Mrs Ruth Hughes

Director of Boarding