Purring, Plunging, and Painting: Brentwood’s 2026 Break for Space

Like a seed breaking through soil after a long winter, Break for Space sprouted in late April. 

While the lingering scent of fresh-baked cookies drifted through Allard thanks to M. Coull, Ms Wolinsky’s two cats (and her third hiding behind the washer) charmed students in Privett. Meanwhile, down at the docks, there was a siren call from the ocean where far braver – and far crazier – students heards it’s cold-plumge call. Brentwood, it turned out, knows how to recharge.

On the trail near the water, Mr. Ganley took a crew into battle, but it wasn’t with humans: it was an invasive English Ivy threatening the roots of indigenous trees. Armed with gloves, clippers, chiselled abs, and determination, the group tore back ivy strangling the base of trees. “I was thrilled with the work that the students got done removing English Ivy from more than a dozen indigenous trees, and I think they enjoyed the satisfaction of overcoming the vines with their enthusiasm and strength”, said Mr Ganley.

Over in the Hope Kitchen, Mr. Hacker-Teper channelled his inner Gordon Ramsay, gathering a group of mostly Grade 12 Privett Boys for something altogether warmer: making apple pie from scratch using Ms Stewart’s recipe. “With music in the background, the group peeled, rolled dough, and got a little goofy”, said Mr. HT. Some days, a little bit of apple sauce and flour on your shirt is the only credential that matters.

Back on Campbell Commons, the Grade 11 members of BWELL and some adult volunteers transformed cookie break into a mini festival, hosting a wellness fair. It featured slime-making, dog therapy, and rock painting. Marie M, Allard ‘27 stationed herself nearby with a sign pointing the way. “It was so fun seeing everyone stop and actually take a moment to pick one of the activities at the fair, that’s exactly what this day should feel like”, she said. 

Leading behind the scenes was Zoe G, Alex ‘26, BWELL Captain, who put significant effort into making the fair a reality: “We put a lot of work into planning the fair, and it was so rewarding to see students genuinely enjoying themselves. That’s what BWELL is all about!” Aurelia P, Hope ‘26, added “I loved the rock painting, and so many people brought their dogs. Everyone kind of tried to be relaxed, and it worked”, said 

Thanks to Ms Scheck and Ms Folk for organizing the whole event, the numerous Brentwood staff who managed and led the variety of activities, Zoe, and the Grade 11 members of BWELL for bringing the fair to life during cookie break. 

The smiles that flourished around campus remind us that a break for space, sometimes, is all we need to blossom.

Kate M, Alex ‘26