From the Principal’s Desk – 09 May, 2019

Dear Parents,

It was encouraging to read the very positive feedback from our High School students on their ‘Week without Walls” camps last week; that the students found the camps worthwhile and enjoyable.

This past week in one of their English classes, they wrote about their camp experiences:

BONAMANZI

“Week without Walls was an amazing experience, it taught me to believe in myself no matter what. I got the chance to get to know other people and their opinions. One of my biggest memories I won’t forget is on the last day we had to say something we would like to change about the world. That taught me that, yes, the world isn’t always amazing, but that our generation has the power to change it”. (MYP 1)

“Our Grade bonded more because we were always together. This was interesting, because I became friends with people I don’t usually talk to. This camp brought the whole Grade closer”. (MYP 1)

“This camp was fun because it was a small group … because it was only our grade, we already knew each other. Another good thing was that our teachers did all the activities with us – even played rugby with us – so it was also fun for them.” (MYP 1)

“I really enjoyed this year’s camp. I think it had a good balance of outdoor activities and sitting down and writing activities … There was something for everyone: whether that was singing, drama, art, sport, quizzes, cooking, river rafting. The activities all were amazing and I personally enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you very much!!” (MYP 1)

XAMA SWELLENDAM

“This year’s camp was probably the best camp we’ve had at this school. Most camps we have had were either so packed full of activities that eventually it just becomes overwhelming, or there’s so much free time that it’s just boring. This one had a great balance.” (MYP 2)

“I thought that the camp was amazing. The guides were really nice and I really got to bond with the MYP 3s. It was full of activities and the swimming was awesome. Overall I had a great time and would 100% do it again!” (MYP 2)

“I really enjoyed this camp, I think I really grew as a human and I learnt a lot from my fellow students” (MYP 3)

“I can’t wait for the next camp to come and hope for even more thrilling experiences” (MYP 3)

“Before I start analyzing the camp, let me just start off by saying that out of all my ISHB camps (3) this was by far the best! … So we had a lot of team activities – the whole concept was very exciting as you get put into groups of people you may not have talked to at school. Honestly, I think this camp gives a bigger sense of community than our own school … at camp, everyone talks to everyone.” (MYP 3)

XAMA ORANGE RIVER (IGSCE 1 & 2)

“I thoroughly enjoyed my camp experience. While it was hard on us all physically (and mentally), I loved spending time with my friends and getting a break from my phone and the challenges of our day-to-day lives in ‘civilisation’. I learnt a lot about myself (specifically how scared I am or scorpions and cockroaches) and gained many life skills”.

“The experience was amazing – our guides were very kind and knowledgeable. It was a good idea but I was very tired and sore on Friday on our way home. Our bus experience was … interesting and held us up a bit, but all in all it was fun. Thank you”.

“The HBIS camp was one to remember … the only complaint I would have was the bus ride. Honestly, I am actually glad that I went on the camp. I made new friends and got closer with my current ones.”

“I loved paddling up the river, camping in the wild and most of the food provided. I also enjoyed bonding with people from both grades, and made some new friends from the experience.”

“I also liked the more relaxed vibe of the last day back at base camp and the chance to sleep under the stars with my friends. I appreciate the fact that we were not treated like incapable children and were given the responsibility to take care of ourselves.”

Wishing you an enjoyable weekend.

Kind regards,

Gavin Budd