This week felt like the start of the holidays in the best possible way.

Yesterday we had our Out Boarding Awards, and it was honestly such a proud moment. Aurora and Valentina both won academic awards for having some of the top grades in Grade 12, they’ve worked so hard, and seeing their faces light up was amazing. Paria took home the Boarding Life Award for really living out our RISE values: Respect, Internationalism, School Spirit, and Excellence. If anyone embodies all of that day-to-day, it’s her. And Gergana won the Activities Award, which just felt so right, she’s everywhere, involved in everything, and always brings such a good attitude.

Before all the award excitement, we started the week by baking sugar cookies Gergana and I made sugar cookies then Paria and Rochelle helped decorate them. We all leaned into the Christmas spirit and decorated the house together. There were lights, ornaments, and a lot of “wait, does this look straight?” moments. The cookies definitely helped with morale (and snacking). We blasted Christmas music, made a mess, laughed a ton, and just enjoyed being together. It was one of those simple evenings that reminds you why community matters.

Feeling grateful, festive, and a little bit covered in cookie crumbs. 🎄✨

Lots of Love,

Aida & Yewande