Boarders’ Christmas trip
The Boarding House celebrated the end of term this weekend with a trip to the Winter Wonderland at York. After a successful shopping trip the Boarders took to the ice, exhibiting a few priceless moments as they struggled to stay upright on the ice! This was followed by a welcome hot chocolate and a snack and rounded off with a few rides on the fun fair. Mr Coates and Mrs Conway would like to wish all of the Boarders and their families a very happy Christmas and look forward to welcoming them back in the New Year.
The Christmas cakes are ready!
The full boarders have certainly been kept busy this half term. They have not only baked their own Christmas cake but they have decorated them too! Last weekend they marked the end of the Christmas cake competition with a tasting ceremony. Prizes were awarded for each cake. The winning cake, by a landslide victory went to the boys- Tim and Michael.
‘Boro-mad Boarders
Three lucky boarders received a special treat this weekend which placed them in the prestigious Directors’ Box at the Riverside Stadium, for Middlesbrough’s match against Blackburn Rovers. The whole experience was just as exciting as the action on the pitch which sadly finished a draw. Mrs Conway, Uxua, Iranzu and Michael all had an amazing time and would like to say a very big thank you to a very special Cundall family who made it happen for them.
Christmas preparations in the Boarding House
The weekend boarders had a great time making their Christmas cakes this weekend. They were picked at random to work in pairs or small groups and each team tried really hard to produce something special. They all agreed that it was hard work but fun! The proof really is in the eating though and the winner will be announced nearer to Christmas.
An Oriental Treat in the Boarding House
This weekend the Chinese boarders were set a challenge. They had to plan and prepare a Chinese meal for eight people. They started the challenge by speaking to their parents and asking for traditional recipes that they could cook here. They then set off to York and their favourite Chinese Supermarket, Chi Yip, to gather all of the ingredients needed. Gabriella, Tim and Lucy then had two hours to prepare their food in the school classroom kitchen. They made a delicious Chinese Hot Pot accompanied by a divine egg fried rice. It was wonderful and very spicy, too spicy for some! We are very much now looking forward to the Nigerian challenge even though Michael Jimmy is not!
Super Sunday in the Boarding House
Super Sunday boarding was a great success which saw thirteen boarders enjoy a trip to the Laser Quest and Ten Pin bowling in York. The red team thrashed the green team in the laser arena whilst the winning team for the bowling included Joseph Barker, Rex Worthington and Harry Turner who each stacked up a high score. The bowling was followed by a hearty supper of burger, chips and lashings of Pepsi, then back to the Boarding House for movies and popcorn. All of the boarders said they had a great afternoon and would love to do it again.
New Pool Table
The boys and girls of the Boarding House would also like to say a huge thank you to Mr and Mrs Black for their very kind donation of a proper slate bed pool table to replace the wonky table top version they have put up with for the last 12 months!
Boarders by the Sea
After working so hard all week the Boarders were rewarded with a trip to Whitby where they enjoyed a hearty lunch of traditional fish and chips. They all said they had a good time exploring Whitby.
A taste of Spain… and a tune from China
The boarding house welcomed a day of international flavours on Sunday! First we were treated to an authentic Spanish lunch of Plato Tortilla Tapa (tapas and Spanish omelette) prepared, cooked and served by Uxua and Iranzu. Everyone agreed it was delicious! Then after lunch we enjoyed listening to Gabriella playing her Guzheng in the library. It is a beautiful traditional Chinese instrument which she plays so well. Gabriella looks forward to introducing her Guzheng to the whole school soon.
It’s smiles all round as the boarders return
Who would have thought there would be such delight and excitement on the first night back of a new term in the boarding house! Given the wonderful welcome they received from Mr Coates and Mrs Conway, and the remarkable transformation of the Boarding House, perhaps it’s not so surprising. Before coming down to enjoy a wonderful barbecue on the lawn with boarding staff and parents, the boarders enjoyed settling into their newly appointed and decorated dorms. All the dormitories have been given a total revamp, with new furniture comprising study beds or bed and separate desks. The new arrangements guarantees that every boarder has their own wardrobe and their own private study area – and a lot more space! The boys’ top floor also has a new common room area, whilst the Form 6 girls have an extra ensuite shower. The rearrangement of the dormitories also means that all boarders can now enjoy a larger, bright common room. We look forward to bringing you more news and pictures of the Boarding House refurbishment shortly.