By Flora Lepage, Year 10
Many wonderful traditions have been adopted by La Grande Boissière over the years. These enjoyable activities lighten up the students’ academic year as well as their days at school. In addition, the school’s traditions are an important part of our community building and cohesiveness. Even though many events have been occurring for a long time, they are still as enjoyable as ever and new to the students experiencing them for the first time. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic that shut down schools all around the world put a stop to many traditions even after the lockdown ended. In the two years since the lockdown in 2020, everything has changed in school as well as in our day-to-day lives. The covid measures did not get taken down until the first few months of 2022 making it almost two years without these events or traditions. When students graduate and are followed by cohorts who do not experience a school’s tradition, the risk is that they get forgotten. Luckily, at LGB the memory is still strong and the wish to restart events and traditions is clearly a strong driver. Since many activities were last held in 2019, this 2022-2023 school year will be the first time the school will have them again.
Many gatherings have taken place since August, with the Winter Market held in December being one of the most successful. A variety of handmade products were sold, including candles, paintings, pastries, and bags all made by students and their parents or by local artisans and small businesses. In addition to the amazing stands, there were food trucks and a small concert. With something for everyone and a positive atmosphere, the market was a great success.
During the new year, there are even more events scheduled for both elementary and secondary students. On February 3rd and 4th, the Hôtel Intercontinental will be the venue for the Bal de Neiges for the Secondary students. The evening of the 3rd will be for the students of Year 9, 10, and 11, and the evening of the 4th will be for the Year 11, 12, and 13 students. This party will be even larger than many had expected, as all three Ecolint campuses will attend at the same time, allowing students to mix together and meet new people. Another event that is currently in the planning and that will take place on Saturday, May 6th is the Kermesse. The event will include dozens of rides and stands and even a second-hand flea market to entertain everyone of all ages. This will not only be a fair or a fundraiser but also a celebration of all of the different cultures and ethnic diversity present at school. Each stand will have its own cultural theme where specialties from different countries will be sold, in order for people to experience and appreciate the diversity of our world.
On the educational front, the students are delighted that language trips and other voyages are happening again. And, we hear rumors that school trips and ski trips might be in the organizational stages as well. There is much to look forward to in the months ahead!
