Orientation – The Busy, Yet Wonderful Introduction to Brentwood

24 September 2022Novella R, Hope '25

For every term, assignment, practice, or artwork, there is change and improvement to be made. At Brentwood, students learn how to push and improve themselves by going outside of their comfort zones, whether it is by making new friends or adding AP courses to their schedules. In this spirit, each year a small group of returning students end their summer early to welcome the 200-plus new students to the Brentwood lifestyle.

A handful of activities, such as speed dating and Duck, Duck, Goose are held by Interhouse Captains to ignite bonding in each of the competitive houses. Ms Murtland, Deputy Head of Academics, states “I hope that it makes them feel like part of the family, as quickly as possible. It also gives the new students a chance to feel like they have a home”.

Unfortunately, it is not just about Fun & Games. Orientation is a difficult time for some students, especially while adapting to a new living environment along with so much else going on. “Orientation is a very busy time for assistants and new students alike,” states Cleo F, Hope ‘24. Meeting new people all day, every day and always having somewhere to be can become exhausting, but it keeps some minds away from home. The first week may be one of the liveliest in the whole school year. Cleo relates: "If you can make it through Orientation, you can make it through Brentwood."

Orientation gives different experiences to everyone. To some people, it is the highlight of the year – and for others it is overwhelming. In just one week, every new student of Brentwood gets to experience everything we have to offer, including the swarming seas of the house colours during Fun & Games and Eco-Challenge. It is the first page of many stories and the marvels that they may accomplish.

Novella R, Hope ’25

Where Students Choose To Be