Community Building at Orientation

During our first week of classes, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on a wonderful orientation week full of fun, laughter, and community-building activities. Significant changes were made to our orientation week schedule to ensure that new and returning students had the opportunity to strengthen connections, develop connections, and understand expectations for the upcoming school year.

“Intentional building of community for nearly a full week for most students was top of mind when implementing changes to the orientation week schedule. The theme of community building carried through the entire week’s programming, from giving more time than usual for students to bond with advisory groups, to participate in meaningful service projects together, and to build community within grades during Unity Day,” said Dean of Students Erin Davey in response to the changes that were made to the orientation week schedule.

When international students arrived on campus, international student orientation (ISO) leaders were on campus to greet them along with International Student Coordinator Jade Qian P’13,’15, Academic Dean Karen Gold P’11,’17, and Dean of Students Erin Davey. That weekend, new international students participated in activities to familiarize themselves with the campus, surrounding areas such as Newburyport and Boston, and each other. Activities included a campus tour, a trip to nearby Plum Island, a trip to Newburyport for dinner at a student-favorite restaurant, a boat tour of Newburyport’s harbor, pickleball and kickball games, a trip to Boston, and an evening at Mansion House with Head of School Peter Quimby ‘85, P’14 and his wife, Dr. Laurie. International students also had the opportunity to hear from members of the administration about what to expect academically, support resources available on campus, and the college process.

On Monday, senior leaders arrived in the morning and took part in leadership training with Grit ‘N Wit— team-building activities that challenge people physically and mentally. Grit ‘N Wit’s activities foster teamwork, a growth mindset, and perseverance so students are better prepared to take the world head-on. On Monday afternoon, the rest of the senior class arrived for registration just in time for their first senior class dinner.

 

 

Tuesday brought the remainder of our student body to campus, with all ninth, tenth, and eleventh graders registering, moving into their dorm rooms, meeting with advisors, attending the first all-school meeting, jumping into their fall afternoon program, enjoying dinner with their advisory group, and relaxing at an ice cream social.

Our first annual Non Sibi Day on Wednesday was a huge hit with students and faculty alike. Students traveled with their faculty advisors and fellow advisees to a variety of local nonprofit organizations to volunteer. Locations included Plum Island and Crane Beach for beach cleanups, Bread & Roses Community Kitchen and Food Pantry, Our Neighbors Table, NEER North Horse Rescue, and Community Giving Tree. Day and boarding students bonded that evening by making banners for the upcoming Dummer Cup competition!
 

On Thursday and Friday, students attended shortened versions of their classes to get a feel for each class’s expectations and location before the first academic day that next Monday. Our new students joined Dr. Quimby in the iconic Little Red Schoolhouse on Thursday, per tradition, to sign their names in the book, which holds the names of all students who have attended The Governor’s Academy.

Saturday was Unity Day, with each grade level taking part in a different activity together, and this year, with matching t-shirts! Ninth graders headed to Camp Lincoln, tenth graders were on campus with Outback Team Building, eleventh graders went to Take Flight, and seniors went canoeing on the Ipswich River. Community-building was top of mind during these carefully planned activities, encouraging students to solve problems and work together as a team. We closed orientation week with a school wide square dance and live band, which had students, and faculty, participating with joy!

 

The thoughtful changes to our registration and orientation week have prepared our students well as they wrap up their first week in classes this week. We are looking forward to a wonderful year ahead with many more opportunities for community building, connection, and joy.