The Final Push of Winter Term

14 February 2023Novella R, Hope ‘25; Photo by Jim Ganley

Since the first day on campus, the students and staff have worked hard. It did not take long to realize that being a Brentwood student requires considerable dedication and determination. Right when we began to adjust to Brentwood’s demanding schedule came the most challenging time of the year: winter term.  From early-January to early March, second term tests the perseverance and grit of each student.

The aesthetic autumn days slowly transition into months under rain clouds, making the walk across campus damp. Classes seem never-ending, and we were all counting down the days until Wednesday sleep-in when we could stay warm, dry, and relieved from academic stress for at least a few hours. Mrs Jacqueline Albinati, Hope Advisor and French teacher, reflects, “The most struggling piece of winter term is the grey skies. It causes the students to start to lose their stride.”

There is an absence of a key component in the winter term that gives the perception of somber days. “The students don’t get that sunlight to give them that extra energy … they need something to look forward to” claims Mrs Albinati.

The Brentwood community works hard to create those happy occasions – more on that later.

Alongside the gloomy weather, winter term reveals a new level of academic pressure. Addison C, Allard ‘25 observed, “The expectations are higher now that everyone has gotten used to school. I feel due dates are a lot stricter, and there is less sympathy from teachers if you don’t get something done.” Likewise, Teagan K, Allard ‘25 reports, “I constantly find myself stressed and overwhelmed with assignments.” Every minute of spare time is consumed with homework, attempting to prevent a stressful evening. Unlike the rest of the school, the Grade 12s have more stress added into their lives with college applications being due. Mr John Luna, a Drawing and Painting and AP Art History teacher, explains, “My art students often have to submit portfolios with their college applications. It calls for students to stop what they are doing, look back, and reflect.”

Overall, winter term feels never-ending, and everyone is filled with the anticipation of spring flowers and the hot summer weather. Academic stress and pressures settle in, leaving many struggling to manage all their courses. Mr Luna observes, “I think winter is when the student is no longer in the sense of forward mentality where they communicate ‘this is what I am struggling with, and this is what I am fighting my way through.’ It is hard to be present. The novelty has worn off, and we are all worried about what comes next.”

Despite the difficulties winter term brings, many events help keep the energy high and renewed.

Four Basketball and Hockey Showcase games bring the Brentwood community together sharing high spirits and excitement. Over the term, students and staff also enjoy in Spirit Week and Kindness Week. These events allow students and staff to be creative in each day’s theme and give students something to look forward to.

Since the start of the term, anticipation has been building for the annual musical, Mamma Mia and Java Hut. Java Hut is tBrentwood’s Talent Show where students and staff can perform for the school. There can be anything from singing and dancing to comedy and magic shows. A few days after there will be the Mamma Mia musical. The cast has been working tirelessly to prepare the musical at the beginning of March. All are events that contribute to raising the spirits of Winter Term.

And let’s not forget about the Kraken Erg Regatta that saw dozens of Brentwood rowers achieve personal bests. And Winterlude where the school headed to Mount Washington. And the Sunday Ski trips.

At the start, Winter Term can feel unmanageable, but eventually, it allows students to adapt to a more stressful environment and explore more management techniques that will only benefit them in the future.

Novella R, Hope ‘25