Retreats Provide a Warm Welcome for New Upper School Students
Posted September 24, 2012
On Friday, September 14th, Hun School students in grades 9 – 12 participated in four grade-level retreats off campus. Designed by the class deans and implemented through the School’s Advisory Program, the retreats engaged students in relaxed activities intended to introduce them to their new classmates and further the School’s community values. Additionally, each class was provided intentional development learning opportunities and activities specific to their age group.
Representing the largest number of new students, the freshman class headed to Great Wolf Lodge in the Pocono Mountains on an overnight trip. It was the goal of the freshman advisors to provide students with an opportunity to form relationships with faculty, with one another and within their advisory groups.
Tali Weinstein ’16, a new student of The Hun School enjoyed meeting other freshmen, particularly those he hasn’t already met in the classroom. “I met so many students on the freshman trip,” said Tali. “We spent a lot of time getting to know one another, because we had the time to do that. In school, I’ve met classmates, but on the retreat, I was able to meet my class.”
Former Hun Middle School student and current freshman Alexandra Coleman ’16 also enjoyed the trip. She said, “I met so many new students on the trip. Having friends from the Middle School helps as we move together to the Upper School, but it was great to get to know all of our new classmates. The activities at Great Wolf Lodge made it easy for all of us to spend time together and get to know one another. It was easy to move around from group to group and make new friends.”
One such activity asked each student to write their personal goals for the year on colorful fabric flags. The flags were strung together and hung in the School’s hall as a reminder of the hopes of the Class of 2016. The freshman class and new students of the School have demonstrated they are a group of creative and enthusiastic individuals who are eager for and open to new experiences.
