There’s something magical about getting away from campus and heading into the mountains — especially when you’re surrounded by friends, fresh air, and a whole lot of adventure. This past weekend, our embarked on our annual Mountain Weekend, and it couldn’t have come at a better time.

Rope Course: Testing Limits, Building Trust

One of the highlights of the weekend was the high ropes course, where students had the chance to face their fears, step outside their comfort zones, and support each other through every step — and climb. Whether they were navigating swinging bridges high above the ground or zipping through the trees, students encouraged one another with cheers, laughter, and high-fives.

More than just an adrenaline rush, the rope course was a powerful reminder of the strength of teamwork and trust. Many students left the course not only feeling proud of their accomplishments, but also closer to classmates they hadn’t really connected with before.

Olympic Games

One of the most exciting moments of the weekend was the Olympic Games, a spirited competition that brought out the best in every team — but it was the girls’ team that stole the show.  When the final scores were announced and they were crowned champions, the cheers echoed through the mountains — a moment of pride and pure joy that wrapped up the weekend perfectly.

Coming Back Recharged

Mountain Weekend wasn’t just about physical activity — it was a chance to recharge, reconnect, and remind ourselves why community matters. Whether students returned with sore muscles, new friendships, or just a little more confidence, everyone came back with memories they’ll hold onto long after the semester picks up speed again.

This week in the house we struck a great balance between enjoying the moment and preparing for the future. Emma, Valentina, and I rolled up our sleeves in the kitchen and made a Dubai chocolate cheesecake completely from scratch. It was rich, indulgent, and the perfect reward for a busy week.

Our house meeting was equally rich in substance. Valentina and Paria prepared and delivered an engaging presentation on budgeting. They explained why it’s important to track spending, how to set priorities, and even shared some of their own strategies. The discussion was lively, with lots of questions and real-life examples, and it really highlighted how relevant these skills are, especially for our Grade 12s as they begin to think about life beyond boarding.

Our vision this year is to shape our house meetings into more than just updates and announcements. We want them to be a space where the girls can learn valuable life skills, grow in confidence, and prepare for independence. Whether it’s through budgeting, learning to cook, or simply practicing how to support one another, every little step helps.

As we often say, our house is more than just a place to live, it’s a space to grow. And if growth happens alongside a slice of homemade cheesecake, then we know we’re doing something right.