Arrivals Weekend at St Clare’s is always a special time, filled with energy, anticipation, and the start of lasting friendships. Here, two of our students share their reflections on how this year’s Orientation and the St Clare’s Olympics set the tone for their journey ahead.
João:
The arrival of new students at St Clare’s this year was filled with excitement, anticipation, and the buzz of fresh beginnings. As dozens of young people stepped onto campus, they brought with them not only their luggage, but also dreams and ambitions that will shape their academic journey. The atmosphere was one of curiosity and energy, setting the stage for what promised to be an unforgettable start.
The Orientation Weekend played a central role in easing students into this new environment. Ice-breaking activities and team-building exercises helped transform strangers into friends. “At first I thought it would be difficult to connect,” said one student, “but every activity made me feel more at home.” The program highlighted the importance of collaboration, inclusion, and respect, values that lie at the core of the St Clare’s community.
If Orientation opened the doors, the St Clare’s Olympics flung them wide. The annual event combined sports, arts, and spirited competitions, uniting students across different backgrounds. Whether sprinting on the track, cheering from the side lines, or showcasing creativity in cultural challenges, participants displayed remarkable enthusiasm. The Olympics were less about victory and more about fostering unity and pride.
Observers noted how quickly the new cohort embraced the school’s spirit. Teachers and senior students agreed that the combination of Orientation and the Olympics provided an extraordinary foundation for the academic year.
Together, these events demonstrated that life at St Clare’s is not just about study. It is about community, resilience, and celebrating every achievement along the way.
Building on João’s reflections, Yelyzaveta shares her personal experience of the St Clare’s Olympics and how it became a memorable and meaningful part of her first days at school.
Yelyzaveta:
The St Clare’s Olympics served as the final event of Orientation Weekend at St Clare’s College where students participated in various competitions that combined physical challenges with creative elements.
The sack race competition brought out the most laughter from participants during the St Clare’s Olympics. Students inside large sacks attempted to sprint as quickly as possible which resulted in numerous falls and uncontrollable bursts of laughter. The event brought such happiness to the atmosphere that everyone present could not help but smile, during the entire competition.
The tug of war competition brought out intense competition between teams who used their collective strength to pull the rope while cheering each other on. The teams demonstrated their complete dedication by pulling the rope, while motivating each other through loud cheers. The competition required students to demonstrate both teamwork and determination to succeed. All teams maintained their happiness as the primary objective was to focus on sharing this experience with their peers. The St Clare’s community became a new home through the Olympics which centred on building friendships instead of competition. The event displayed the unique combination of diversity and energetic spirit which usually defines the first days of school.
Also, the event became a perfect way to support mental health after I arrived at school. It provided me with relaxation and stress reduction while allowing me to concentrate on happy moments instead of concerns.
The St Clare’s Olympic Games created enduring memories which set up a positive atmosphere for the upcoming academic period.
Written by João and Yelyzaveta – IB27 students