The opening week of the academic year at Trinity College School started on a high note as we welcomed back our Grade 12 students – the future “Class of 2024” – on Tuesday, September 5th. A day full of activities gave our most senior students the opportunity to reconnect with classmates and get ready to lead school-wide events planned for later in the week.
Each of the Senior School’s 10 houses was emblazoned with a sign to welcome back the Grade 12 students, with boarders starting the day by moving into their dorm rooms, and day students meeting with their heads of house in advance of the full grade enjoying lunch in Osler Hall.
A special service for these students, who are embarking on their final year of study at TCS, was held in the Memorial Chapel. Then they began planning for Ruckus, the Senior School’s traditional afternoon of fun & games, set to take place on Friday, September 8th. The afternoon closed with a short meeting with guidance counsellors, to get students thinking ahead to a busy year of post-secondary preparation.
“It brings such joy to welcome students to campus this week!” said Jennifer Paziuk, head of Senior School - student support. “Their excitement and energy enliven our entire community and there is a palpable keenness to start the school year. We are fortunate to have an extraordinary group of thoughtful student leaders who, along with the 2024 graduating class, are planning and engaging our new and returning students in various community-building activities. It is truly a pleasure and privilege to witness such care, compassion, discovery and growth in these early days (and always!) as our community comes together.”
In the evening, the Grade 12 students donned their finest attire for a “Summer Soirée Social” in Cirne Commons, followed by dinner in Osler Hall. It was a wonderful way to cap off a day filled with friendship that laid the foundation for a successful year ahead. Our Grade 12 students are clearly eager to play a leadership role as the School continues to welcome back their Grade 9-11 peers over the coming days.
Our staff members are equally keen to begin the year. “This is one of the best times of the year – receiving students back on campus,” noted Kristopher Churchill, head of Senior School - academics & student life. “Opening days let us set the stage for learning – building professional relationships with our students is foundational to the teaching and learning to follow. Part of the excitement, too, is that September is an opportunity for students to reinvent themselves – to try a new sport, audition for a part in a play, explore a new service opportunity, or simply welcome a new student into the community. The opportunities are vast.”
Over at Boulden House, staff got the chance to meet new students during a “drop-in” session on Tuesday afternoon. This allowed the incoming Grade 5-8 students to get familiar with their classroom and locker locations before the start of Junior School classes on Wednesday, September 6th.
