0-1-3. EXCELSIOR!

The current 9th grade class, who are the Class of 2013, got an opportunity to carve out their identity and build class unity as they step into High School - the Grade 9 Retreat was held at the Hanifl Centre on the 4th and 5th of September. Students of the class, their advisors, and residence staff were present for the two days full of activity.

The 9th graders put up more than a dozen proposals for their class name soon after arrival at the Hanifl on Friday evening. After dinner, they took part in a 'Desert Survival' game, where as individuals and teams, they had to decide and rank the importance of certain objects (such as a mirror, water, parachute, etc.) if they were to be hypothetically stranded on a desert in the southern USA. This activity helped the students realize the importance of discussion and communication when making important decisions, as well as taught them certain crucial survival skills.

During their free time, students played indoor and outdoor games, such as cops and robbers, piggy-back races, and card games. Some of the most popular games were 'Jenga' and 'Twister', with several students ardently participating whenever they could over the course of the retreat.

On Saturday, the 9th Graders were divided into groups and were given small items - their mission was to collect a few more listed items on the hillside and design a piece of art that to them communicated 'Unity'. After an hour of brainstorming and creativity, the students came up with several different ideas, including a 'Unity Tree', a 'Yin and Yang of Togetherness', a 'Football Peace Game', and many others. In the afternoon, they were again divided in small groups and set across on a great Orienteering adventure around the hillside.

Finally, on Saturday evening, the students gathered again to vote and decide on their class name and colours. After much debate and discussion, the 9th graders came to a consensus on the name 'Excelsior'. They celebrated by screaming out "0-1-3. EXCELSIOR" several times, and later chose their class colours as Red and White.

As the evening rounded up, the kids gathered together for a bonfire at the Burgoyne Camp Ground, where Mr. Ben Lall led them to sing along to several tunes and staff and students shared spooky stories with each other.

After an entertaining and informative two days, the students returned back to their residences on Saturday night.