In our ongoing effort to cultivate a nurturing and inclusive environment, Week 3 of Pillar 3 was dedicated to exploring the complexities and joys of international friendships. These friendships, rich in diversity, open our eyes to new cultures, traditions, and perspectives, contributing immensely to our school’s vibrant community. However, with this diversity comes the responsibility of navigating cultural differences sensitively.

Addressing Microaggressions

Despite the best intentions, cultural misunderstandings can lead to microaggressions – subtle, often unintentional acts of discrimination or insults towards marginalised groups. These can stem from ingrained stereotypes or simply a lack of awareness. Recognising and addressing these microaggressions is crucial for maintaining the integrity and health of international friendships.

Nikolai and Andre gave brilliant definitions of Microaggression and some examples of how we may be guilty of this in our interactions with each other without ill intent.

To deepen understanding and self-awareness, students completed a questionnaire, with the central question being, “What microaggressions have you personally dealt with or witnessed?” This exercise encouraged our boys to reflect on their experiences, share them with their peers, and contribute to a more empathetic and inclusive environment.

Continuing our journey on Pillar 3, this week we looked into what makes a good friend.

In our journey through life, the friends we make are not just companions, but mirrors reflecting our own selves. But what exactly makes a good friend? What traits do we seek in these important people who walk alongside us in our lives? To delve deeper into this question, we conducted an exercise focusing on the key qualities people value in friendships.

We played a game with the students for them to identify what quality they felt their friends had – and to stick it on them!

The top qualities were brotherhood, loyalty, trust, honour, company, help, and honesty, each embodying a critical aspect of what it means to be a good friend.

After a challenging first week of classes, the boarders were eager to make the most of the first weekend back on campus. With assignments and tests before and after the break, they took a break from their academic routines and embarked on a weekend filled with thrilling activities, pure enjoyment, snow, and an epic laser tag showdown that would set the tone for the new semester.

The snow and cold didn’t scare the students off having fun, maybe it being our first snowy week made them more excited.

We continue on the path of our Wellbeing Programme and now begin Pillar 3: Building Positive Friendships.

Undoubtedly, friendships stand as a cornerstone of the Boarding Experience, profoundly influencing and enriching a student’s daily life. In this Pillar, we are dedicated to guiding students in appreciating the value of these relationships, emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive outlook. Adolescents frequently face the challenges of peer pressure, which can have both beneficial and detrimental effects. It’s a crucial life skill to discern whether these friendships are exerting the right kind of influence and contributing positively to their personal growth.

A Friend

By Gillian Jones

A person who listens and not condemn

Someone on whom you can depend

They will not flee when bad times are here

Instead, they will be there to lend an ear

They will think of ways to make you smile

So you can be happy for a while

When times are good and happy thereafter

They will be there to share the laughter

Do not forget your friends at all

For they pick you up when you fall

Do not expect to just take and hold

Give friendship back, it is pure gold.

To make our first week back together special yesterday we hosted our first house dinner in Olympus eating curry, having fun, and getting to catch up with one another as the students had so many stories to share from their wonderful holidays.

The food was naan bread, chicken curry, rice, vegetable samosas, and kheer for dessert.

The CDL campus buzzed with renewed energy as the Olympus boarders made a triumphant return after the winter break, marking the start of a promising new term. Laughter echoed through the halls as friends reunited, sharing tales of their holiday adventures while eagerly anticipating the semester ahead. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable as students settled back into their dorms and caught up on missed moments and shared aspirations for the upcoming academic challenges. With a palpable sense of camaraderie and determination, the Olympus boarders at CDL set the stage for a spirited and successful new term.

Continuing our actions on Pillar 2, we at Olympus have taken a closer look at what respect means in our community. We asked each of our boys to share their views on respect. To emphasise the diversity within Olympus, we encouraged them to express themselves in their native languages.

The responses were varied and insightful, reflecting different cultural understandings of respect. We selected a few of these to display in our lobby. This not only highlights the diversity of our group but also offers a glimpse into how respect is perceived differently by each individual.

This initiative is part of our effort to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives within Olympus.

At CDL, we believe in fostering an environment where every student feels valued and respected. This half-semester, we’ve taken significant steps under the second Pillar of our Well-being Programme, focusing on ‘Protecting against Bullying and Respecting Diversity.’

Celebrating Race and Ethnicity

We kicked off with an insightful challenge centered on Race and Ethnicity. Understanding that diversity is our strength, we asked our boys to explore and celebrate the similarities they share with their roommates. This exercise went beyond mere discussions – students recorded videos and audio clips, sharing their reflections and insights. It was heartening to see how this activity brought them closer, highlighting that beneath the surface, we have more in common than what might separate us.

Addressing Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The following week, we delved into a more sensitive yet equally important topic: sexual orientation and gender identity. Recognising the complexities and personal nature of these subjects, we introduced an innovative approach. Our advocates set up a platform for anonymous inquiries, allowing students to express their doubts, fears, or questions without any embarrassment or judgment. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering an environment of understanding and empathy.

Fostering Inclusivity for People with Disabilities

We turned our focus to inclusivity for people with disabilities. The boys were challenged to think about how they could make our boarding house more accessible for a disabled peer. Their innovative ideas addressed various needs, including enhancements for individuals with reduced mobility, visual impairments, and hearing difficulties. This exercise not only sparked creativity but also deepened our understanding of the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities. It was inspiring to see our students engage so thoughtfully with this important issue.