Fun and Games

8 September 2012Mollie G

Orientation is a time of joy, nerves and excitement. The campus, left in isolation for the valued days of summer, is now buzzing with the footsteps and laughter of both new and old Brentonians.

On Wednesday night, however, not a sound was to be heard on the striking Brentwood campus but a slight hum that grows louder as the night approaches. Cheering, clapping, and stomping grow within and the houses are exploding with spirit as the boys and girls of “McEllis”, “Privett”, “Rad” and “Whittall” practice cheers and emphasize team unity and dignity in the hopes of getting a head start in this year’s interhouse competition.

Watching the teams flood into the gymnasium with as much pride as any Olympian at an opening ceremony is both thrilling and heart-warming. Decked out in green, blue, red and orange, there is no doubt as to which house any passing Brentonian belongs.

Sparkles and face paint and feathers, oh my! 

As the teachers and house-parents watch safely from the bleachers, there is nothing to be said from the kids who are screaming and yelling in anticipation of participating in every activity available in “Fun and Games”.

The unusual events of the night included a danceoff entitled “Strut your Stuff”, a contest designed to reach for the silliest, craziest and most original dance moves. It also contained an unusually large partaking in “Musical Chairs” and a Brentwood classic match of “Huckle Buckle”.

Bonus points were awarded to teams who displayed extra encouraging words to teammates and opponents, and those who stayed the quietest while the evening’s excellent host, Mr. Rodrigues, explained the instructions.  

Fun and Games has always been one of my favorite Brentwood activities. Having been a new kid to Brentwood in Grade 11 and a returning Grade 12, it has been interesting to compare my sentiments towards Orientation. Nerves and anxiety are a component of anything new and a guaranteed constituent in partaking in a new school, yet the people at Brentwood ensure that the “good times keep on rolling”.

“Fun and Games” is and always will be an event where the difference between old students and new students is abolished. The aim of the night is to work together with teammates to win some events and have a huge amount of fun!

Privett/Hope took the glory and title of the “Fun and Games” champions and were closely followed by Rogers/Allard, Whittall/Alex and finally Mack/Ellis. Although “Fun and Games” was strictly for fun, the activities of the night fired up the best type of excitement and competitive spirits within the houses.

It sparked an excellent beginning to a fabulous new year at Brentwood.

Mollie G