Boarding: Termly Reflection
Trading Lie-Ins for Brisk Winter days
The transition from holiday relaxation to the brisk pace of a new term was immediate. We officially traded our slow-motion holiday lie-ins for a busy schedule. A biting winter chill accompanied our first week back, yet it failed to dampen our momentum. From the classrooms to the sports grounds, the school’s routine resumed its full cadence. The boys and girls settled into their daily schedules with impressive focus, balancing academic work with afternoon play. To ease the transition into the colder season, we gathered for a magnificent Easter feast in the dining hall. The warmth of the room, enhanced by a crackling fire and a selection of delicious treats, made for an exceptionally memorable evening.
Navigating the winter season demands real physical resilience. Bitter temperatures and sudden downpours frequently turned our trek to the Indoor Centre into a direct battle against the elements. However, the mood always shifted, the moment we stepped across the threshold, instantly greeted by the sharp squeak of trainers on polished flooring and the vibrant echo of young voices. There was an equally striking quality in watching the children conquer the cross-country trail winding through the forest. When the weather abruptly pivoted to mist and howling winds, the race transformed into a pure exhibition of fortitude, raw toughness, and immense heart.
The next few weeks offered an extraordinary study in weather contrasts. A glorious, sun-drenched Saturday morning found the campus buzzing with energy. We hosted the weekend's rugby fixtures on home turf, while our hockey girls split forces between local and distant fields. Reflecting on the preceding week, the girls had contested their hockey matches on Friday afternoon. We assumed they would want a lie-in on Saturday morning since no sport was scheduled for them, but their dedication surprised us. They bypassed the extra rest to stand on the side-lines, vociferously cheering the boys as they battled Cordwalles on the rugby pitch.
When Saturday afternoon finally rolled around, the collective agenda shifted to hard-earned relaxation. The enthusiasm was unmistakable when the children were invited to attend the major rugby derby between long-standing rivals Hilton and MHS.
The subsequent weekend mirrored this immense team spirit. It kicked off early on Thursday evening with an exclusive sneak peek of the football opening ceremony, which served as an excellent reward directly after an intensive study session. Come Saturday morning, the boys departed on excursions to MHS to rally behind a fellow boarder competing for the MHS C hockey squad. As the day progressed, our boarders converged on the MHS grounds to witness the highly anticipated afternoon encounters against Maritzburg College.
Back on campus, the girls engaged in ingenious traditional pastimes, demonstrating superb coordination at ukushaya amathini (hit the tin) and iqhathu (skipping rope). Following the competitive thrill of the weekend fixtures, a tranquil interlude was welcomed by all. Bundled in thick blankets with tuck shop treats in hand, the girls joined the boys in the library to enjoy a football match on screen.
True to form, unpredictable Sunday weather disrupted a large portion of our outdoor itinerary. However, this atmospheric twist provided a silver lining, offering vital downtime for the children to recuperate following an exhausting and illness-laden week. Forced indoors by gale-force winds that sent trees crashing down in Top Woods, coupled with relentless rain, everyone scrambled for shelter. Consequently, our ambitious project to construct a massive insect hotel at the Lapa was largely abandoned. In its stead, the boys braved the elements on the field for a spontaneous game of rugby, interspersed with casual television viewing. Simultaneously, the girls created a cosy sanctuary under a mountain of blankets to watch films, utilising the time to finish the intricate beadwork—including custom necklaces, bracelets, and wind chimes—they had commenced the previous day.
Once the skies cleared, Sunday transformed into a kaleidoscope of high-energy pursuits, diverse pastimes, and a delightful picnic at the Junction, complete with a few exuberant bounces on a jumping castle. Following a sumptuous brunch, the girls ‘converted’ the walkway around the bell into a high-fashion runway, embracing a "creative and funky" wardrobe theme with their signature flair for dressing up. Nearby on the sports fields, the boys concentrated on perfecting their golfing strokes before migrating to the golf club to drive a few competitive balls.
The Indoor Centre buzzed with fierce energy from the boys, while the girls opted for a spot of retail therapy amidst the shops at the Junction. Later, the boys were treated to their own excursion to the Junction, prompting a bit of playful negotiation with the girls, who were swiftly appeased with extra tuck and a lively round of Imposter.
The boys enjoyed an indulgent session of well-deserved Xbox gaming, while the girls channeled their artistic talents into stitching and upcycling old Woolies bags. Naturally, academic responsibilities could not be ignored indefinitely. Children were later seen sprawled across the lawn, heads bowed over textbooks while absorbing the winter sunshine, for a period of quiet, disciplined study.
The weekend drew to a profoundly meaningful close with an inspiring Sunday devotion. The boarding community deeply appreciated this moment of reflection, carrying the powerful message of "Faith over Fear" into the school week ahead.
Our evenings this term have wrapped up in the coziest way: blankets, snacks, and TV time. It has proved to be an impeccable, joy-filled chapter, defined by a perfect harmony of high-octane energy, academic dedication, and rest. Immense gratitude is extended to our dedicated staff whose tireless efforts orchestrated these unforgettable experiences and safeguarded these precious memories.
