Allard House Adios

Dear Allard House, 

You are more than just a house, you are family, a home where laughter echoes through the halls and tears are wiped away by friends. Everyone here has embodied our core values of being kind, caring, and accepting. Allard is where we are celebrated for who we are and loved even more for who we are becoming. 

This year, 25 fearless new mermaids joined our coral reef. You lit up our home with your laughter and kindness. I was so excited to welcome you and watch you find your place among us. You have completed our home. Now, we are a house of 64.

Grade 9s, you are the spark of this house. Your energy and humour radiate through the halls. I’ve laughed with you during moments when I needed it most. You are the future, and it is so bright. My advice to you is to not be that serious in grade 10, try new things, do everything, cause I promise you are gonna regret not trying these things when you hit grade 12. 

10s, you are stepping into your senior status. You’ve become loyal, supportive leaders, and it’s been a joy watching you grow closer. As cliche as it sounds, I remember sitting in these chairs exactly three years ago, but I also remember not remembering what was said. Grade 11 is going to be the hardest year but it will be the most fun. You’re in between being a Prefect but also immature (sometimes), so enjoy it even through the hard moments. And those moments are what makes the good moments at Brentwood so much better. 

11s, you’re almost there. I know this year wasn’t always easy, but you pushed through. You will be an incredible group of Prefects. Allard is lucky to have you. You're going into grade 12, now you can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Trust me when I say this year will go by fast even though you’ll hear this a million times. Don't take this for granted and spend time with your friends. Not the boyfriends. Make GOOD choice:, there's only 13 of you but don't forget to have fun. 

12s, I couldn’t have done this without you. You held me up, made me laugh through tears, and stood beside me through it all. I’ll never forget the memories we made. I’m so grateful to spend these final moments with such amazing friends. I know each and every one of you will do amazing things in uni and I wish you all the best of luck. Freedom has come. And you should all be proud of yourselves. 

To our incredible staff, Ms Backlund, Mrs Reynolds, Ms Coull, Mrs Stevens, Mr McPherson, Ms Bashizi, and Ms McLellan, thank you for your unwavering support. You are the pillars of Allard. 

Ms Rogers and Mr Smith, you are more than our Houseparents; you are family. Mr Smith, your legacy will live on in these walls. Ms Rogers, you have been our second mother, our advocate, and our constant: thank you for everything.

Allard House, you are truly my second home. I’m endlessly grateful to be part of this house, surrounded by people I now call family. I am who I am because of you. No matter where we go…

Mermaids never swim alone. And to the Grade 12s, swim free mermaids, and I better see you swimming back in the Mill Bay waters at our 10-year reunion. 2035 with free drinks and a time capsule.

Basma Jama, Allard House Captain ‘25, Queen Mermaid