Hello everyone, Boardington Bear here!
Well, I have survived another week in Boarding.
And when I say survived, I mean I have coloured, baked, celebrated three birthdays, evacuated the Boarding House, waved goodbye to our Year 11 geographers, blown up balloons and thrown myself down a giant inflatable.
Being Head Bear is exhausting work.
I thought Week 3 might be a little quieter.
I really should know better by now.
Boardington Bear Gets Creative
We started the week by celebrating National Colouring Day, and finally somebody planned an activity that involved sitting down!
Pens and pencils came out, everyone gathered around and we spent some time colouring, chatting and generally enjoying a much calmer evening in the Boarding House.
I obviously suggested a bear-themed colour palette. Browns, creams, perhaps a sophisticated splash of gold…
The students ignored me and used every colour imaginable.
Still, it was lovely to see everyone sitting together and taking a little time out from lessons, Prep and the general busyness of school life. Sometimes the simplest Boarding activities are the nicest – a table full of students, lots of conversation and absolutely no need to go anywhere.
I could get used to this.
Something Smells AMAZING…
I was minding my own business when suddenly an extremely important smell drifted through the Boarding House.
OREO BROWNIES.
Obviously, as Head Bear, I had to investigate immediately.
The students had taken over the kitchen and were busy mixing, crushing, stirring and creating some rather spectacular Oreo brownies.
I positioned myself nearby in case assistance was required.
Nobody asked.
So I moved a little closer.
Still nothing.
Eventually, I explained that every good Boarding House needs a Chief Brownie Quality Controller, and I was prepared to take on the role.
Apparently, this isn’t a real job.
The brownies were a huge success and disappeared remarkably quickly. I can confirm that there were very few crumbs left behind.
Not that I was looking for crumbs.
Obviously.
THREE Birthdays?!
Just when I thought this week couldn’t contain any more opportunities for cake, I discovered that we had THREE birthdays to celebrate!
Three!
I immediately cleared my diary.
Birthdays in Boarding are always special. Being away from home on your birthday can feel a little different, so we make sure there are plenty of people around to wish you a Happy Birthday and help you celebrate.
And, of course, where there are birthdays, there is usually cake.
I stationed myself strategically nearby on all three occasions.
I would like to wish all three of our birthday students a very Happy Birthday from me and everyone in Boarding!
I would also like to formally request that next week we have another three birthdays.
Preferably with cake.
NOT AGAIN!
Just as I was beginning to relax one evening…
BEEEEEEP!
The fire alarm.
Again.
This time it was our evening Boarding House fire drill, which is really important because being asleep, in pyjamas or halfway through relaxing does not mean you can ignore a fire alarm.
Everyone needs to know exactly what to do, where to go and how to leave the building safely, whatever time of day the alarm sounds.
Out we all went, making our way to the assembly point and making sure everyone was accounted for.
I am pleased to report that our students did really well.
I am also pleased to report that I remembered to evacuate myself.
With my little legs, I think my fire-drill performance is becoming quite impressive.
Off Go the Year 11s!
Next to disappear from my Boarding House were some of our Year 11s, who headed off to Juniper Hall for their Geography trip.
Apparently, Geography isn’t just sitting in a classroom looking at maps. Who knew?
They headed out for some proper fieldwork, putting what they have been learning into practice, collecting information and experiencing Geography away from their desks.
I considered joining them.
Then I remembered there would probably be walking.
I stayed home.
Someone had to guard the Boarding House and check whether there were any Oreo brownies left.
Boardington Bear Reporting for Family Fun Day Duty!
By Saturday, the school fields had been completely transformed for Family Fun Day.
There were people everywhere, activities everywhere, balloons everywhere…
And, naturally, Bears everywhere.
My boarders were brilliant. Instead of simply turning up and enjoying the day, they rolled up their sleeves and helped.
They blew up balloons, welcomed families, showed visitors around the school and helped make sure everyone who came along knew where they were going and had a fantastic time.
I was a very proud Bear.
Boarding is our home, so there was something really lovely about watching our students welcome other people into it. They chatted to visitors, helped people find their way around and showed everyone what being part of St Francis’ is all about.
I supervised, obviously.
Very important Head Bear business.
Although my attention may have been slightly distracted by something enormous appearing on the school field…
WAIT… ARE THOSE GIANT INFLATABLES?!
GIANT. INFLATABLES.
Now we’re talking.
I decided that it would be completely irresponsible to allow students and families onto them without a full inspection from the Head Bear.
So I climbed aboard.
For safety purposes.
Then I bounced.
For safety purposes.
Then I went down the slide.
Again, purely for safety purposes.
I particularly enjoyed the giant inflatables and may have spent slightly longer testing them than was strictly necessary.
There was bouncing, sliding, climbing and a lot of laughter.
At one point I did wonder whether Head Bear should maintain slightly more dignity.
Then I went down the inflatable again.
Best. Job. Ever.
Another Week in the Bear House
And somehow, that’s Week 3 finished!
My Boarding House is really beginning to feel like home now. Our new students are settling in, friendships are growing, routines are becoming familiar and there is always someone chatting, laughing, studying, cooking or appearing in the Games Room looking for food.
This week I’ve coloured for National Colouring Day, investigated Oreo brownies, helped celebrate three birthdays, survived another fire drill, waved our Year 11 geographers off to Juniper Hall and watched my boarders do a fantastic job helping at Family Fun Day.
And I discovered giant inflatables.
I think we all know which bit I’ll remember.
I’m now going to conduct one final inspection of the kitchen.
There must be one tiny piece of Oreo brownie or birthday cake left somewhere.
Surely?
Until next week!
Boardington Bear
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