“Two weeks in and it's full steam ahead!”
The
year started off with the matrics arriving back early to allow them time to
refresh themselves on the role they will be playing in their leadership
positions. This is always a useful exercise and allows us, the Housemasters, to
spend some time running through the procedures and responsibilities that the
matrics will have during the year. It is also an opportunity, during the
relative “calm before the storm”, to have some time to interact and socialize
before the Term starts. The weekend finished with a House braai and an
opportunity for the matrics to swap their holiday stories and catch up on all
that’s been happening. It’s always interesting to note how quickly they get back
into the swing of things and the camaraderie that exists been them. Monday morning was the turn of the new boys to arrive full of anticipation and with at least a twinge of anxiety about this new and exciting chapter in their lives. It is always daunting when you take on something new and it’s natural to have a feeling of apprehension initially. It, however, didn’t take long for the new boys to settle into their routine and to start adapting to the boarding environment that is Hilton College. It’s obviously easier for those boys that have had the opportunity to board before and for those boys that have an older brother in the system but I have been greatly encouraged by the attitude of all the new boys. Their willingness to get involved and the general manner in which they have conducted themselves is pleasing to note. They will continue to forge friendships and as most Hilton boys will allude to these are friendships that may well last a lifetime. I did, however, stress to them that they don’t have to be friends with everyone but at least they need to be friendly towards each other and learn to respect each other’s space. Theirs is a unique environment by virtue of the fact that they live side by side and although this allows for little private time in the dormitory it does create bonds that only a Hilton boy will be able to experience. I have urged all the new boys to keep a positive outlook and to immerse themselves in school life. I have reminded them that they have been given a wonderful opportunity and that they should take every advantage of what is on offer.
After the relative peacefulness of the matrics and new boys arrival the rest of the House descended on Tuesday and the sense of calm that had prevail was shattered. I say this with tongue in cheek as the boys are what give each House its soul and vibrancy. The number of boys that were not unhappy that the holiday had ended was evident in the excitement of seeing mates and the volume of noise that emanated from the Dorms. Most just picked up were they had left off last year and easily slipped back into the routine of boarding life. There is, however, always the excitement of moving into a new Dorm or having the privilege to set up a study. The anticipation of a new year filled with new goals and aspirations is evident in the enthusiasm of the boys and the start of a new year is always an exhilarating time.
I hope that each and every one of the boys in Churchill House will rise to the challenges that lie ahead and make 2008 a great year.