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I quickly began to feel part of the GHS family

The BE is the place to BE!

I can clearly remember the daunting thought of having to leave my home, my comfortable and secure haven, as well as my family to become a boarder at an unfamiliar new school! On arriving, thoughts of home-sickness and making new friends dominated my mind. Having experienced these things myself, as well as watching other Grade 8’s experience them year after year, it is clear that these thought fly out of the window after spending just two weeks at what becomes a home-away-from-home.

Having all been new boarders at some point in their lives, girls in the more senior grades often go out of their way in order to make the new boarders feel welcome, showing them understanding and support. As a new boarder, you are appointed a matric mentor who is there to show you the ropes during your first couple of weeks. The general cheerful and friendly atmosphere about the BE is contagious and a girl cannot help but feel a strong sense of belonging straight away.

After becoming accustomed to the daily routine of waking up early, attending meals, role call, prep and finally crawling into bed after a busy day, the years quickly slip through your fingers like grains of sand. It is said that the years of high school are the best years of someone’s life. I can honestly declare that statement to be true because of my experiences of being a boarder at such a special place.

The BE caters for the needs of every individual! Boarding allows you to take part in any sport you wish, without having to worry about time restrictions. When the time of day comes to sit down and conquer your homework, the BE remains totally silent during prep, which creates the perfect environment to work. We have a tranquil park, perfect for lazy days, fun and laughter with friends, or as a study venue. The games room, equipped with a pool table, provides hours of entertainment and girls also have access to computers and televisions at certain times. BE life is so enjoyable, fun and exciting. What gives it that unique flair is that you partake in many of these activities with friends in all grades who will be friends for life!

I cannot help but laugh at the situation I stand in today, four years after arriving as a wide-eyed Grade 8. The girls I have built the strongest of friendships with over the years are no longer only my friends: they are now my sisters. The Boarding Establishment, once so strange and foreign, has become my second home.

So, standing on the threshold of life after school, I experience the very same emotions I encountered on my first day a boarder in Grade 8: the terrifying thought of having to leave my ‘home’, accompanied by the sadness of having to leave my acquired sisters, feels all too familiar.

However, on the horizon, no matter how intimidating, is a new adventure to embark on called LIFE! Of all the emotions that flutter around my heart at that thought, the most prevalent are excitement and confidence. My experience of being a boarder has taught me the ever important lesson of independence, self-discipline and respect for others.

Both the GHS BE and the school will equip each of you with all you need to spread your wings and fly!