Weekends in boarding are a special time. When our boarders are with us, we like to keep them active, engaged, and connected to one another. Our goal is for every weekend to offer something to look forward to, whether it is a chance to try something new, get outdoors, explore the region, or simply enjoy time with friends while in a controlled setting.
To make sure the experience is something that would interest them, we are working with student voice. In the coming weeks, we will send out a survey to all students so we can hear their feedback and find out what they liked and didn’t like. It will also give them a chance to share their own suggestions for what they would like to do. We also aim to include a memorable moment in every outing, something the students will come back to tell their friends and family about. And while fun is at the heart of what we do, we don’t want to forget the educational side. Many of our trips are chances to learn about the culture, history, and community around us.
A Look Back at September
The month began with a trip to IKEA, where the boarders picked out items to make their rooms feel more like home. On September 13th, they took on Operation Mindfall, an outdoor escape room in Treviso, where teamwork and problem-solving were key. On September 19th, we headed out kayaking in a beautiful area on the Sile river, where the students challenged their strength paddling against the current and then enjoyed the ride back to shore. Kayaking had our biggest turnout of the month! On September 25th, our boarders will be bringing their spirit and excitement to the Treviso Rugby game, our first sports outing of the year, with many more to come.
In addition, boarders have two mall trips a week to pick up any essentials and enjoy some time with friends.
Looking Ahead to October
October is shaping up to be a great month, with a mix of culture, sport, and seasonal fun. The month kicks off on October 3rd with an experience on the Venice Lagoon, where the boarders will visit the islands of Murano and Burano and take in their colourful streets and rich traditions. On October 11th, we will head to Treviso to cheer on the local football team, and on October 18th we will enjoy a relaxed cinema day together.
We are already planning for the break! While most students will be heading home, some will be staying with us, and the boarding team plans to keep them entertained and busy so the week off flies by. We will be visiting Nonno Andrea Farm for a fall adventure with pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and more, enjoying a hands-on animal experience in the local area, going paintballing, and bringing plenty of Halloween spooky vibes to end the week.
We are looking forward to the coming months and keeping boarders engaged while they are here for the weekend.
Seairra Stapleton – Boarding trip lead
