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Boarders Newsletter Term 1 |
Within boarding there are times and experiences that are
truly special to us, your daughters. We can’t always share these things with
our families, but through this newsletter we hope to let you know more of
what is going on.
At the end of each term the Grade 11s will put together a newsletter, which
will hopefully give you an insight into the lives of the boarders during the
term. They will share their thoughts, feelings and experiences as boarders.
With this term having been an exam term we have all been extremely busy, but
thank you to those girls who contributed to this first edition. Special
recognition is owed to Toni Clayton for her much needed help as co-editor.
I hope this will be the first of many, and I
 know
that there is always room for improvement and new ideas in the future. With
this as the first newsletter, it does not yet have a name. I think it would
be best if the girls themselves named this newsletter, suggestions can be
put forward and hopefully we will choose a name in that manner.
Any feed back is of course welcome and I hope this is going to be a success!
Pictured right: Toni Clayton and Lynne Fraser |
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A Day in the Life of a Boarder |
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By Caroline Thirsk- Grade 11
 When
given the assignment to write about a day in the life of a boarder I was
some what at a loss. What could I say really? We wake up, we have breakfast,
brush our teeth, go to school, come back again and eventually find our way
to bed. This happens over and over again like a monotonous Ferris wheel. I
don’t know about you but the word fascinating sure doesn’t come to mind.
And then I realized that you’re really not that interested in what we do,
because, let’s face it, our lives really aren’t that much different to any
one else’s. You might however, be interested in how we do it.
How do we live with over a hundred other girls who are all so different to
us? Even the simple task of waking up is made complicated by these very
differences. You get the early birds who rise with infuriating cheerfulness
and head for the shower or just get an early jump on the day. Some, and I
name no names, even go so far as to sing catchy commercials first thing in
the morning. Others, with saner constitutions, pull the pillows over their
heads in the hopes of 10 minutes extra sleep and think wistfully to
themselves that singing canneries should be shot for the good of all
humanity.
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However we get up, we are all out of the house by 6:45, making our way up to
breakfast. Some with a bounce in their step and some… well let’s be polite
and say not so bright-eyed.
After the initial grumbling over the table that tries to go first, again,
and the scramble to get the last All Gold tomato sauce sachets before
they’ve run out, we all settle down, table by table, to eat our breakfast.
We’ll grumble over the work we have that day or bemoan the test that looms
ahead of us and generally just find pleasure in futile complaints.
Occasionally one of the Grade 8’s will attempt to claim that they are laden
down with work, but such announcements are ruthlessly squashed by the older
grades who state firmly that they don’t know what they’re talking about.
Don’t get me wrong, complaining is by no means all we do. But let’s face it;
none of us are at our best in the morning. Well, apart from those few I
described earlier.
When the bell rings we all trail back to the boarding houses and prepare to
battle over the bathroom sinks… only kidding. Really, we’re really quite
civilized about it.
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Then it’s off to school where we join the day girls for classes. As
boarders, we are slightly set apart from the rest of the girls. Living
together the way we do we tend to develop stronger bonds with each other and
become a separate group within the school.
During the afternoons we all scatter to our various extramural activities
and sports. We join again in the evening to shower before supper. There’s
always a scramble for the showers, as, the unlucky ones who find themselves
without hot water are never happy about it.
At 6:00 the bell rings and it’s off to supper. After supper, back in the
boarding houses, another bell rings to tell us it’s time for prep. Talk
about your life being ruled by the bel l! After the bells for the end of prep
and beginning of quiet time there is the last minute rush before the bell
for lights out ends our day.
You see, as I said before, the pattern of our day really isn’t that
different from anyone else’s. So, getting back to my previous question about
how such different personalities can live together without killing each
other… the answer is, I really don’t know, we just do!
Left: Mrs Pratt, St Elizabeth's House Mistress |
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Matrics |
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The Boarder Matrics of 2009 have been such
an awesome bunch, they have disciplined us well. They are a grade that
not only we, as grade11’s, have respect for, but the younger grades as
well. We will definitely miss them when they leave at the end of the
year. I was really touched that the heads of boarding have especially
made the time to chat with the girls this year. It has really made us
feel more comfortable, and given us that feeling of being at home.
They’ve made boarding great!
Luanne de Fortier- Grade 11
“I’ve always enjoyed having people there to laugh with and I know that I
will have so many memories from this year that will never fade. Matrics
of 2009, this is your year to shine”
Keitu Mabe (Head of Boarding)
“My favourite was the time when the Matrics fooled the gorgeous grade
8’s into thinking we were going to check their panties”
Chane’ de Fortier
“I’ve enjoyed my Matric year the most as it has been a year of growth
with one another. We always have each other to laugh with”
Camilla Harris
”I’ve enjoyed being able to watch Tyra Banks at nine o’clock, other than
that, it’s been fabulous, fun times, great people.”
Desiree Mkize |
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Grade 11s |
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Sandhya Sukdeo- Grade 11
For the grade 11s the second term has been one
of exam stresses and a lot of hard work. Many of the boarders
have said that being in the boarding houses has helped them
tremendously. It has given them the ability to focus and keep
things in perspective. The girls have said that they’ve really
felt the benefit of the having the other boarders around them
for support and encouragement. Ms. Bosch and Mrs. Pratt have
also given the girls the support they have needed.
 The
grade 11s have also managed to fit in some “chill time” in
between their studies. Now we are looking forward to the up
coming three week holiday after a busy term!
As a grade we have really enjoyed this year so far. We enjoyed
our position of authority in the boarding house while the
matrics were writing exams and it was our responsibility then to
take the lower grades for prep. We are treasuring each week and
looking forward to taking over from the matrics in the fourth
term. |
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Bongiwe Nhlangulela – Grade
11
SHUMPU (shoo. mpu) is an old African Game that
has been played in many different African cultures through out
South Africa! In the past, when children who did not know each
other found them selves in situations where they had to interact
with one another, they would all play this game.
SHUMPU is considered by many to be a ‘common language’ amongst
people of different cultures, much like any other sport today.
It unifies the girls as one. This game of SHUMPU has recently
been introduced to St Mary’s through an invitation to the school
from another school in Inanda.
Miss Kee (St Mary’s Sports Coach) has taken responsibility of
the team. The girls are very excited and hope to take this game
to great heights. The majority of the girls involved are
boarders. There are a few day girls taking part. We’ve found
that the interest so far has come only from the black girls at
St Mary’s, so we plan on trying to involve everybody as soon as
possible. We recently taught the 1st Hockey team how to play and
by the looks of things, they thoroughly enjoyed it!
SHUMPU is played with a hand made ball. It takes about 5 minutes
to put it together using newspaper, a plastic bag and one leg of
a pair of pantyhose. It has been great fun to be a part of it
and I’m praying that plans to involve more St Mary’s girls will
be successful.
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Grade 10s |
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Jenna Conway- Grade 10
On behalf of the Grade 10 boarders of 2009
At the beginning of the year there was great excitement among us
as we would be receiving the privilege of keeping our phones
until 21:15! This is just a trivial privilege, but it gave us
REAL “liberation” and proof that we were seniors.
This year our grade is alone on the bottom floor of St.
Elizabeth’s. This opened a door to new activities and a whole
new level of volume… Until we realised how close Mrs. Pratt
really was, for some a mere wall apart. And so the door got
slammed in our face as we got banned from our roommates’
passages as a result of this volume increase. But we never let
it stop us.
We continued to grow as a family and this years new additions
were soon adopted as our sisters and to date we could not
imagine our family without them. We are all very excited for the
holidays, but come the first night back next term, and the buzz
of excitement will be just as great as we meet and share our
exciting holiday expeditions with our dear Saints Sisters. |
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Story of the Term |
Kate Coulson and Niquita Jacobz-
Grade 11
Dorm 16 – Caris Zwane, Nadia Marengo and Bonginkosi Kati
I was getting ready for bed on Sunday evening, at about 8:30,
which is the same time that Sister Miller does her rounds.
As I was puffing my pillows and chatting to my roommate Caris,
there was a knock on the door.
“Come in you sexy beast!” was my immediate response, saying it
loud and clear making sure the person could hear. When I heard
no reply, I turned to see which of my friends had just entered,
only to find Sister Miller with a confused expression and a
packet of medicine!!
Letting out a little laugh, Sister then responded with a simple,
“Have any medicine, Sexy beast?” |
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Grade 9s |
 By
Zama Nhlangulela
On behalf of the Grade 9 boarders 2009
Grade 9 is one of the toughest years in high school and I would
definitely say that boarding makes it much better in terms of
making life-time friends.
Coming to St Liz (St Elizabeth’s) has been a very big step
because this is the year all us Grade 9’s get put in the same
house as the older grades. This can be difficult at times, due
to being the youngest in the house. It is a year of growth for
us. We don't get many of the privileges that we had in Grade 8,
but it does give us the opportunity to grow as young girls.
Having older grades also helps us because we get to know them on
a different level. This also helps us build a sisterly bond with
one another and improves our social skills.
What I have also discovered is that St. Elizabeth's is more
comfortable and more homely. You get bigger rooms, bigger desks,
bigger showers and a lot more space. As Grade 9s, we consider
ourselves lucky to have a wonderful environment provided for us.
We are all privileged to be in such an amazing place and we are
all very grateful. |
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New Girls in Boarding... |
 Sibabalwe
Mona Grade 11
It was the 19th of January 2009 when I arrived at St Mary's (two
hours late, no surprises there.) I was taken aback by how big
and green the school premises were. This was a huge change for
someone who had attended a school which was comprised of one
tall building and a few trees scattered here and there the year
before!
My mother and I walked into a school hall full of buzzing girls
dressed in white and blue dresses, and their equally excited
parents. The scene was overwhelming, and I felt like I was all
alone, regardless of the fact that I was surrounded by many
other girls who were in the exact same situation as I was in. At
that moment, I regretted making the decision to come to boarding
school. I mean, what was I thinking? Could I really handle being
away from home for long periods of time? These thoughts
continuously bombarded my brain for the rest of that day and the
next. And even the next. By the end of two weeks, however, my
opinions had changed drastically.
Being a new girl in a boarding school is extremely intimidating.
It definitely takes a long time to get used to some things, like
waking up at 6am, being away from your parents, and adhering to
the many rules. All the new girls quickly learnt that the
age-old saying, ‘rules are made to be broken,’ does not apply in
hostel! Some rules, however, were easier to abide by than
others. Some girls struggled with handing in cell phones at
specific times, some battled with never EVER being allowed to
walk around barefoot, and some just couldn’t (and still can’t)
grasp the concept of not being allowed in other peoples rooms.
But it didn’t take long for us ‘newbies’ to abide by the laws,
especially after we realized that laundry duty is a (harsh)
reality!
All Rules and Regulations handbooks aside, it really was easy to
make the transition into St. Mary’s boarding life. Making new
friends was not a difficult task at all, as all the girls were
extremely welcoming and not at all shunning. Initiation ceases
to exist at St Mary's, but having lots of tuck to share does
work to your advantage!
Being a new boarder is like joining one, big family. There’s
hardly ever a dull moment, and when there is you can always
count on one of your new “sisters” to be your shoulder. Boarding
is like one long sleepover party that never ends, and I
personally am quite happy with it carrying on and on and on.
I hope that all the new girls are enjoying boarding as much as I
am, and are all now full members of the Saints family.
Lisa Rossi Grade 11
At first I was extremely scared as a new boarder. I was scared
of being away from mom and dad. It has been difficult at times,
but I have definitely settled in. I do still miss my mother’s
tea by my bed side in the mornings before school, but I have
found that it really is true that you are able to appreciate
your parents a lot more when you are in boarding.
It is a lot of fun to have your friends around you 24/7! I have
really felt the benefit of the strict rules in boarding. I am
proud to say that I am a boarder.
Toni Clayton (Vice Editor) Grade 11
As a new girl in grade eleven, it was a big challenge to get
used to a new school, new faces and especially being a
first-time boarder and at a new school over all. There are
strict rules to abide by and you learn not to be so picky about
your personal space.
The first day I arrived at boarding, I was welcomed by Mrs.
Pratt with a friendly smile. Everyone in boarding was extremely
friendly and helpful. I felt like a pack horse holding tons of
bags and boxes, oh maybe I’m exaggerating but that’s how it
felt! I was allocated a room upstairs. I started sorting out all
my belongings, making my bed, and meeting my fellow boarders. It
was all so exciting for me. I was going to live away from home
for weeks at a time, not just as a weekly boarder, but a termly
boarder!
The first week was interesting, getting used to the routine of
wake up, breakfast at 06:15, mess around until 07:25 then go to
school. But there was also compulsory boarders’ chapel services,
handing in cell phones, signing out the house. Little petty
things, that if you were not told about in the beginning, would
get you into a lot of trouble. Don’t worry, I learnt the hard
way!
When you are in boarding, you are able to make friends far more
easily then when you are a day girl as you live, eat, sleep and
breathe together all the time. Boarding has helped me
concentrate more on my school day. I have more time to do my
homework, as we have allocated prep time set aside for us. I am
able to attend all my sports without the worry of getting home
late.
I realise you might be thinking, “Why did she only move in grade
11?! That’s so late!” Well, my reason is this: when you know you
have 18 months left of school and want a new adventure, boarding
is a fabulous one to take on! You learn to be more independent,
stick to deadlines and plan ahead. Respect is a huge lesson in
boarding. Respect for your peers, teachers (mothers) and
yourself. Attitude and disrespect is not tolerated. Our two
heads of boarding were first intimidating when I arrived but
know they are like sisters to me. They set out the boundaries so
that you know where you stand.
Living in boarding for exactly 6 months, I feel like I am a part
of the family. Everyone in boarding is loving, and easily
approachable, so I can chat to them if I need help with work or
problems. The best thing is that from our fantastic heads all
the way down to the youngest Grade 8’s, we are all so close. If
someone had to break us up, it would be catastrophic. |
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Grade 8s |
A year of difficult adjustments,
huge emotions and life changing experiences, expressed by the
2009 boarders:
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| B |
est friends, best times,
best decision |
| O |
utrageous experience! |
| A |
ways know that your
friends are by your side |
| R |
esponsibilities |
| D |
ecision I will never
regret |
| I |
ncredible memories that
will last a lifetime |
| N |
ever ending sleepover |
| G |
reat opportunities to
make close friends that you will never forget and who you
have a close sisterly bond with |
Boarding is like a roller coaster, it has its
ups and downs, but in the end, it was worth the ride. I have
made the most amazing friends that I know I can turn to when I
need them. There have been times when we have cried on each
others shoulders, wetted our pants with laughter and it’s only
the beginning of a new chapter.
Kimberlie Hansmeyer
My time in the boarding house has been great! I’ve made many new
friends and have formed close relationships with the girls in
Winder. Everything about boarding is great, including the food.
We have had many funny moments in Winder, always entertaining
Ms. Swart and keeping her on her feet. Boarding is great and I
love each day of it!
Tarryn d’Offay
Boarding at St Mary's has been the best experience so far.
Living in a house with so many different characters has been
fun, exciting and very life changing. I enjoy being a boarder a
lot.
Love, Peace and Joy
Tima
I like boarding very much .Boarding is very fun especially the
intense mxit sessions. In boarding I have made lots of friends.
Nelisa
Boarding is the life
It is a shame to live without ever experiencing it. Boarding has
been the highlight of my Grade 8 year. The relationships we have
all formed could never be broken. I love boarding.
Belinda
Boarding is the life! Home away from home! Friends which are
always here to support you. A life time experiences, whether you
are clenching your stomach from laughter or comforting a friend.
Life’s good in boarding.
Tebo
Boarding is a great experience that I have had. I have made many
friends that I will have for the rest of my life. The best
friends I have made have always been there for me. I have had
the best times of my life with my St Mary's boarding sisters;
they are always there when I need a shoulder to cry on. I do
nothing but laugh with my saints sisters.
Micayla Harris
A funny moment in boarding was when Kate Bell. (I know you going
to kill me for this, Kate) had the flu with a bit of a blocked
nose. The dorm all wanted to go to bed , as we were all tired.
Kate being a deep sleeper, was the first to go to sleep. Being
nice is saying that she snored like a chainsaw, it was so
disturbing and no one could go to bed. We eventually got
extremely fed up and went to Mrs Swart to ask her to give
something to Kate to keep her from snoring. However, Mrs Swart
said she is not allowed to wake someone up and snoring is a part
of boarding lifestyle. After half an hour, we were planning to
sleep in the passage way and close the door so we could not hear
her. But at that moment, Kate was probably having a bad dream,
as she was vigorously moving around in her bed and suddenly fell
face first off of her bed . Not knowing what had happened she
fell asleep straight away. I have never been as tired as we were
the next morning!
Bex and Cally |
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Weekends in Boarding... |
Caris Zwane and Nadia
 Marengo
Boarding on weekends is loads of fun!
It’s like a huge sleepover, with all the essentials:
People. . .
Entertainment. . .
Good food. . .
Special entertainment is always provided for us over the
weekend. This could be anything and differs from week to week.
We are often taken on trips to the Pavilion or Gateway. Ice
skating and youth are some of the options. Then there is our
favourite: MOVIE NIGHTS!
On this special occasion Ms. Holton gets us tons of pizza and
junk food and a couple of good movies from blockbusters. We then
spend the night watching movies and chatting.
Our week ends in boarding consist mostly of movies, music,
mischief and mayhem. If you get bored, make your own fun, go for
a swim, have a photo shoot or a fashion show, perhaps a dance
off between grades. You might write a song:
”We are the saints (yeah)…..” Sound familiar?
Weekend boarding is just like the ultimate chill session!
The kitchen prepared an amazing American themed dinner for us on
Tuesday the 23 June, which all the girls thoroughly enjoyed.
Well done to Lucy Beningfield, who won the best dressed! |
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Above: Bongiwe Nhlangulela, Siba
Mona, Thobeka Majozi,
Nadia Marego, Caris Zwane and Bongi Kati |
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Boarders' Fellowship |
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Emma Pons and Nozipho
Kweyamo- Grade 11s
I’m so happy about how this term has gone! I’m
happy that so many girls had the opportunity to get to know each
other better through Boarders’ Fellowship. The atmosphere in
Boarders’ is so chilled, it feels like we are a part of a family
and that one never has to be alone.
Boarders Fellowship has been an incredible experience this term.
God has really been growing and strengthening girls in His love.
He has worked amazingly through Nozi and Khanyi, drawing them
closer together as well as the rest of the Boarders’ Fellowship
family.
 Girls
have enjoyed sharing problems with each other, worshipping
together, watching inspiring videos and so much more!
PA ROCKS!!! (BFs know what we mean!!!)
Some comments from the BFs…
“I like Boarders Fellowship because it is lots of fun and it’s a
time where we can all come together to praise and worship God.”
– Caitlin (Grade 9)
“Boarders Fellowship is an amazing experience every week; we
always learn new things about God. We go through it together and
form great friendships. Every week I look forward to going to
Boarders and learning more about God.” – Micayla (Grade 8)
“Boarders fellowship is such a fun, new experience where you can
grow and expand your relationship with God. We learn how to
bring God into our lives and walk in His footsteps. It is really
fun and open; being able to make new friends and learn more
about God is really special. I encourage other girls to join.”
–Caroline (Grade 8)
“Boarder’s fellowship is an amazing way to have fun, hang up
with the other boarders and get to know God at the same time.
Boarders have brought me closer to other boarders and also to
God!” –Tima (Grade 8)
“In boarders fellowship we worship and learn more about God in
fun and entertaining ways. It is a place where you can reconnect
or find God. –
Thuto (Grade 8)
Thanks guys for all your lovely comments! We hope you all have a
great holiday!
God bless. |
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