From putt-putt golf to movies, trampolining to footraces – boarding and students from The Armidale School forged friendships new and old, at the annual Coast Weekend.
Held on the second weekend of Term 1, the annual long-held event is much-anticipated by those attending and part of the school’s pastoral care program.
As a way of building positive relationships between students who live, work and play together, each boarding house is based at a different location, coming together at times through the weekend for special activities. Abbott House were at Darlington Beach, Croft House at Woolgoolga, Tyrrell House were in familiar surrounds at Sawtell, Middle School boy boarders got to know one another at Park Beach, senior day boys were at Sapphire Beach, and 40 of our inaugural senior girls, both boarders and day girls, stayed at Nambucca.
Various staff members accompanied the students, including the school’s Director of Boarding Mr Michael Holland and Girls’ Education Director Miss Alex Pollitt.
Activities included a movie outing, putt-putt golf, visit to the indoor trampoline arena Flip Out and beach relays. The highlight for many was coming together for the traditional leap from the Coffs Harbour jetty into the clear water below.
“It was really fun. I made some good connections with some of the day students who I really didn’t know before and we all got to know the new Middle School boy boarders and they got to know us,” said Year 8 student Nav Higgins from Muswellbrook.
“Flip Out was just great, the surf was good, and it was just awesome jumping off the jetty into the water below.”
Headmaster Murray Guest said the weekend was an opportunity for students, particularly new boarders, to get to know and re-connect with each other in a positive way at the start of the school year.
“Many lifelong friendships and memories are forged over the three days, and it was wonderful to witness so much positive engagement between students across the year groups, whether they be day students and boarders, or boys and girls.
“The School extends its special thanks to all those staff and their families who accompanied the students and ensured a fantastic time was had by all.”
