Opening Days Traditions
"We make this effort to come together as a community of learners to celebrate the promise and the opportunity of a new school year," said Headmaster Drew Casertano when addressing students, faculty, and staff at Convocation on Thursday, September, 15.
The launch of the 2016-2017 academic year has truly been exciting, as our annual Opening Days traditions have brought enjoyment and shared memories to everyone on campus.
The community welcomed new students at the First Night ceremony on Thursday, September, 8. Chaplain Hardy addressed students and faculty, and traditional hymns were sung.
On the following Saturday, III formers participated in the wet and wild marsh mucking tradition. Students journeyed chest-deep into the murky marsh waters to explore the ecosystem, and gather specimens to examine in the laboratory. While to an outsider the tradition of romping through a marsh may not seem enjoyable, Millbrook students all agree that this tradition not only provides an opportunity to get close to nature and bring it back to the classroom, but also creates unforgettable shared Millbrook memories in the process.
While III formers were in the marsh, IV formers traveled to Camp Jewell in Colebrook, CT, for shared memories, trust-building activities, and adventure. As Millbrook's IV form grows considerably each year, the Camp Jewell tradition allows this mixed group of new and returning students to get to know each other through group activities, small group work, and challenging physical activities including high ropes courses and a climbing wall.
Opening Days traditions culminated with Convocation, and students and faculty gathered at the Flagler Memorial Chapel to celebrate and reflect upon the beginning of a new school year. "We stand on the edge of possibility," said Headmaster Casertano in his address to students, and he encouraged them to challenge themselves to grow academically, socially, and emotionally during the coming months.
Traditions like these provide a link between current students and alumni, a connection that is unique to Millbrook students--past and present.
Get a glimpse of all of these events in our photo gallery or on our Millbrook in Motion page.
Get a glimpse of all of these events in our photo gallery or on our Millbrook in Motion page.
