Allard BBQ 2018

14 September 2018Amelia H, Allard ‘20; Photo by Paul Fletcher

When you picture a boarding house full of girls, what naturally comes to mind is probably akin to the happenings of the Allard barbeque. Think hoodies and leggings dazzled up with hoops and braids, and you basically get my Sunday evening. Unfortunately, the plan for this night of bonding was much more elegant than the actual execution, but so is life when one bases one’s plans around an expectation for autumnal sunshine in Mill Bay. Alas, rain kept all 70 of us inside the Allard common room. Although at face value this turn of the weather may seem much less than ideal, it actually turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Nothing acts as a better catalyst for bonding than close proximity and comfortable couches. Even more so, sometimes the less regal the event (i.e. couch party rather than garden party), the more natural and genuine the proceedings. So in the end, the ‘cozy’ circumstances with which we were presented worked in our favour. As per tradition, the Allard leadership team used the barbeque to debut our Big/Little sister pairings. Similar to the systems in most houses on campus, a senior girl is paired with a junior girl, and she acts as a mentor/friendly face throughout the school year. This concept is a great opportunity for mutual support and leadership. “I like the idea of having a little sister because I feel like we can both be there for each other and support each other throughout the year,” says new Grade 11 student, Suzanna G. Naturally, discovering your pairing is a very exciting event, and, of course, one can count on at least a few shrieks of excitement and eager embraces to start the night off right. The night proceeded with delicious burgers, cooked graciously by the Allard House staff, and a wonderful surplus of card games and icebreaker questions. As Allard has a large of number of new students this year, the barbeque was a great way to get to know our fellow mermaids (Allard girls), and I am sure the memories we made will be cherished throughout this year. Amelia H, Allard ‘20

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