Boarding
The hum of chatter returned to the corridors, laughter spilled from the dorms, and the campus came alive again. Our Grade 7s had only been with us for two nights before heading to Botswana, yet their absence was already felt and that was boarding life: when one part of the family was away, the rhythm shifted.
Weekends were buzzing with activity. Hockey and soccer fixtures filled fields across the Midlands, followed by a shared outing to the Hilton Arts Festival. Back on campus, the boys ran a tennis tournament while the girls dived into games of skittles to balloon challenges mixed in with laughter and teamwork at every turn. Sundays slowed the pace with cycling, cards, dancing, and the ever-popular ice-cream trip to the village. Even the chill wind that sent everyone indoors for movies became its own shared memory.
The weeks were brimmed with creativity and connection. Literature Week sparked imaginations, rugby on the big screen brought everyone together, and trips to Platform Art and the Junction gave space for fun and friendship. Fort-building, fires, marshmallows, walks to Cliff’s Dam, and even a lunar eclipse under blankets reminded us how simple moments became unforgettable.
The Spring Dinner was a highlight and our Grade 7 girls transformed the hall with a Chinese theme, and the evening was filled with colour, flavour, and joy. Of course, no term was complete without surprises like the fiery “hot sauce challenge” that had milk flying off the shelves!
We are reminded that boarding is more than a place to stay. It is shared laughter, meals, games, and stories. To our parents, Clifton thanks you for trusting us with your children. And to our boarders thank you for filling this space with kindness, resilience, and joy.
X-Factor Weekend
The long-awaited X-Factor Weekend finally arrived – and what a whirlwind of excitement it proved to be. “Busy” didn’t quite capture it – this was Clifton life in full swing, and the visiting prospective boarders were immersed right at the heart of it all.
From the moment they stepped onto campus, the guests were swept up in the energy, warmth, and camaraderie that define the Clifton experience. The weekend began with high spirits and even higher speeds as boys and girls launched into bobsleighing, their laughter echoing across the track. This thrilling start set the tone for what was to follow: a lively and action-packed itinerary featuring friendly football matches, imaginative fort building, and a challenging obstacle course that brought out both determination and teamwork.
On Saturday afternoon, the group ventured into the woods for a rustic picnic, where the ever-popular build-a-snack rolls gave everyone a chance to get creative with their lunch. As the sun began to set, the unmistakable aroma of a traditional Clifton braai filled the air, signalling an evening of relaxed enjoyment and connection. Toasting marshmallows over the fire in the dining hall added a sweet end to the meal – and to the day.
However, the evening's festivities were far from over. The EAC soon came alive with war-cries, singing, and dancing, as children and guests alike embraced the joyful spirit of Clifton. The atmosphere was electric – full of shared laughter, rhythm, and the unmistakable feeling of belonging.
Sunday morning brought with it a slightly sleepy but spirited walk to Cliffs Dam. The peaceful surroundings provided the perfect backdrop to reflect on the weekend’s adventures – the challenges overcome, the fun had, and the friendships newly formed.
The weekend concluded with a final chapel service, where the community gathered to give thanks for the time spent together. It was a fitting farewell, filled with gratitude and warm wishes as the guests were bid goodbye and wished a safe journey home.
X-Factor Weekend was far more than just a series of activities – it was a celebration of everything that makes Clifton unique: connection, character, and community.
All at Clifton look forward to welcoming these familiar faces back again – perhaps next time, as part of the Clifton family.
