Every came back onto the SMUS campus feeling relaxed after the May Long Weekend. With AP Exams done, our Grade 12’s are now more focused on Graduation on their futures, which are both right around the corner.
Sports are wrapping up, and we had some good action on the rugby field. Here is a photo of Diego with Mr. Danskin.
Unfortunately, sometimes sports come with injuries. Grade 12 student Laurent was playing rugby last week, when he was tackled and landed poorly on the ground. He dislocated his hip and had to go to the hospital. However, he was in good spirits – especially when he got his pizza!
Tomorrow evening, we will host the SMOscars event at our school, which is our end of the year Boarding Celebration that follows our Final House Games. Bolton House is currently in the lead in front of Harvey and Barnacle and they will be fighting hard tomorrow to “keep the cup”. Hopefully we can raise the trophy high once again at the SMOscars tomorrow night. Here are some pics from the set-up of the event that took place this morning. Lots of Bolton Boys volunteered to help out!
Also today, I (Mr. Fryer) organized an activity for outdoor volleyball on the SMUS field because the weather has been so nice recently. However, it started pouring rain! That didn’t stop us though, and we went out onto the SMUS field anyways. It was so much fun. Here are some pictures (notice some boys in their swim trunks!):
Since it is nearing the end of the year, our school has also been busy with Leadership Elections for our Grade 11 Students. Jack from our house was successful as a School Prefect for next year, and Logan was voted in as the Bolton Head of House. Here are a few photos from speeches made (including Logan’s first Head of House speech):
I thought it would be a perfect time to sit down with our outgoing Head of House, Antonio for an interview. Here it is – I hope you enjoy!
Mr. Fryer: Hi Antonio, thank you so much for agreeing to sit down with me this afternoon. You have had quite a successful year as Head of House in Bolton. Can you tell me about one of your favourite moments?
Antonio: One of my favourite moments in Bolton House was the Penguin Swim. In Grade 8, I didn’t really like it too much as I thought it was quite strange and different from what we would do for a tradition in China – why would someone want to jump into cold water?? This was my first impression of the swim, and I remember in Grade 8 only dipping my toe, while everyone else was swimming. But then, gradually, after getting to know the Bolton brothers better and blending into the community, I now see it as more of a challenge and experience than something that would make me sick. So, every year, I got a bit more committed to this activity and tradition, moving from dipping my toes, to going to my knees, and then full-out swimming this year in Grade 12. I even tried to stay as long as possible in the water. I heard from other Bolton boys that this was also a favourite moment of them, so this is definitely a highlight for me. It is really neat that I am now the person encouraging those Grade 8’s to take a chance and do more than dip their toes in the water.
Mr. Fryer: Wow! Thanks for that response Antonio – it is a very Canadian thing to do, to swim in the ocean! I love how your story is quite symbolic as well, about taking risks and supporting each other in Bolton House. Very cool. You have exactly one month left of school, Antonio. How are you feeling as the end of the school year approaches?
Antonio: It feels very different. My first formal graduation is around the corner, and I am going to University. I have heard about the freedom ahead, and the choices I need to make, including the discipline I want to study. I am excited for this, but it is also quite nerve-wracking. It is hard to leave the friends I have here at SMUS and try to make new ones in a new place and new community. Of course, I want to remain connected with the Bolton Boys after graduation. I think we have such a strong community that we will stay in touch.
Mr. Fryer: Yes, after 5 years it must be crazy to have graduation in only a few more weeks. Where are you planning on going to school?
Antonio: I am going to UBC for their Business and Computer Science combined major. I actually had quite a hard time selecting from all of the undergraduate options around North America. I am looking forward to the cross-discipline approach of my program. To be honest, this is what I have been working on in Bolton House and here at SMUS – bringing together different perspectives and experiences to reach common goals. I look forward to learning about these two different domains at university and apply different thinking techniques to solve problems in the Real World.
Mr. Fryer: Exciting! It is so good to hear that you will be close to SMUS as well – you will only be a ferry ride away so you will have to come and visit! As you know, Logan in Grade 11 has just been voted in as Head of House for Bolton for the 2019-2020 school year. Do you have any advice for him based on your experience in this role?
Antonio: I think Logan is very ambitious and already a distinct leader in the house. I think it is just trying not to take on too much and put too much pressure on himself. Sharing responsibilities will be important. It is okay to make mistakes and you should feel okay to ask others for help. If you feel down about anything, or any decisions, there is the support of house parents and all of the other Grade 12 students to support you. I believe Logan is really capable and will have a great year with the boys.
Mr. Fryer: Good advice Antonio. I know you still have a few more weeks as current Head of House, but is there anything else you want to reflect on before you leave?
Antonio: I think Bolton House is one of the best houses in boarding because we have a very embracing community. Everyone knows each other, not on the surface, but deeply. We celebrate every birthday, and it is easy to lead and to serve in this community. People have great respect for each other. I hope in the next month that I can spend lots of time with the Bolton boys and have a great goodbye.
Mr. Fryer: You have done a wonderful job this year, Antonio. In particular, the way you interact with the individual boys in the house is admirable. You should be very proud and we will definitely miss you next year!
