Boardington Bear Adventures: Snowflakes, Studies and Settling Back

Hello Everyone,

It’s me, Boardington Bear, padding back in to say Happy New Year and bring on 2026. A brand new year, a fresh term and plenty more adventures ahead. The boarding house has slowly woken up again after the Christmas break and it has been lovely to see it come back to life.

The week began quietly with INSET day on Monday, while teachers and staff prepared for the term ahead. In the boarding house, the boarding staff were just as busy, getting everything ready for the return of our boarders. The Christmas tree was carefully taken down, decorations packed away and fairy lights gently untangled. It always feels a little strange saying goodbye to the festive sparkle, but it also makes space for new beginnings. I supervised closely, of course, to make sure no tinsel was left behind.

Before long, it was time to welcome the boarders back. Suitcases rolled in, familiar voices filled the corridors and the boarding house felt warm and lively once again. There were plenty of smiles, stories from the holidays and happy reunions. I stood proudly at the door, doing my best welcoming pose and making sure everyone felt at home.

For our Year 11 students, the return to school meant something very important. They began their GCSE mock exams this week. The atmosphere was calm and focused, with revision notes spread out, quiet determination in the air and lots of encouragement from staff. The boarding staff also ran revision sessions, offering extra support in the evenings, helping with questions, organising quiet study spaces and making sure everyone felt confident and prepared. I hovered nearby, offering moral support and the occasional encouraging nod.

As if to gently welcome us back, a little snow fell during the week. I couldn’t resist, so I went outside to look at the snow resting on the ground. I had great fun with my friends, enjoying the crisp air and the wintry scene, before sensibly returning to the boarding house to warm up again. A perfect balance, if you ask me.

Now, as routines settle back into place and everyone gets back into the swing of school life, the boarding house feels just right again. A new year, a new term and many more memories waiting to be made.

Here’s to 2026 and all the adventures ahead.

Until the next adventure,

Paws on the ground, news all around