A warm and thoughtful welcome
Boarders at St George’s, Ascot began returning to school on Tuesday evening, and the school was alive with energy and a sense of anticipation as pupils connected once again.
As a thriving boarding and day school for home and international pupils ranging in ages from 11-18 years old, St George’s offers a broad range of boarding options. Some girls choose to board full time, only leaving for home during the holidays or exeat weekends. Others choose to board weekly, some take the tailored option of two - three days per week boarding, whilst for those who may need the occasional room for the night, should there be availability, this option is open to day girls too.
This comprehensive and inclusive boarding provision provides a perfect balance of stable, regular boarders, with additional friends staying on occasion.
St George’s has three boarding houses - Markham House (Years 7-10), Knatchbull House (Year 11 and Lower Sixth), and Loveday House (Upper Sixth).
As well as a very buoyant pupil roll this year, the school also has an enhanced number of boarders. The Housemistress Team, led by Deputy Head (Pastoral) Mrs Helen Simpson, were determined to establish the warmth of a home from home from the outset, knowing how important it is for boarders to feel settled as soon as possible. In conjunction with the Admissions Team, Mrs Simpson spearheaded the gifting of some home from home wellbeing bags. Contents included a sachet of hot chocolate, fairy lights to decorate the dorm, some warm and fluffy socks, as well as a fidget toy and clips to help the girls to put up photos or pictures of loved ones from home.
Not only was the bag a welcome surprise, but boarders were greeted by a weekend activity timetable for the term, which promises to be full of activities to keep them busy, whilst still allowing down time for rest and play. Zorbing, glow karting, Thorpe Park and Christmas shopping are all popular features.
When Head, Mrs Liz Hewer welcomed the new intake of Year 7 pupils and their parents yesterday, she was keen to impress that some girls may settle easily, whilst some may find it more difficult, or “have a little wobble… That is perfectly fine,” she went on to say.
“We are here to help and would encourage you to find a member of staff, perhaps your tutor, housemistress, assistant housemistress, or any member of staff to help you. The quicker you can talk to us, the sooner we are able to help resolve any worries.”
Mrs Liz Hewer, Head
Indeed she commented that a number of new day girl Year 7’s were already considering some form of flexible boarding.
This thoughtful approach ranging from the gift bags for boarders to Mrs Hewer setting all pupils (all of whom she visited yesterday) are hallmarks of the culture of connectedness and openness at St George’s. As a close-knit community, every girl is known, and supported through their time at school.
We are so pleased today, to see so many happy faces, and whilst we expect most pupils to encounter some challenges throughout the year we are also confident in the wonderful capabilities of all staff - be they teaching, pastoral or support staff - to provide the care, understanding and resourcefulness needed to balance out nurture and growth, enabling the girls to grow their own independence, personal confidence and sense of self.
To find out more about this simple act of kindness, follow our YouTube video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMk-B84Vd88
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